Find the Best Cruise Line for You
Looking for the best cruise line for your next vacation? This ultimate guide compares top cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity and Viking. Discover pros and cons, best ships, and which cruise line fits your travel style- whether you're cruising solo, with family or for the first time.
Steven
5/8/2024
Choosing a cruise line shouldn’t feel like a blind date with the open ocean. And yet—with so many options—it can be confusing to figure out which one will give you dreamy sunsets and which one will leave you wanting to swim back ashore by day 3.
Whether you’re cruising for the first time or you're practically a crew member, this guide will help you find the cruise line that fits your travel personality like a perfectly packed carry-on. So let's dive in!
🎯 Step 1: Know Your Cruise Personality
Start here:
Are you looking for nonstop adventure, ultimate relaxation, or cultural deep dives?
Do you want to bring the kids, ditch the kids, or travel solo like a boss?
Do you like your vacations with water slides, wine tastings, or childless bliss?
Take some time to think about it? Ready? Do you know what you're after? Good. Now let’s break down the biggest names in cruising—so you can find your floating soulmate.
🚢 Royal Caribbean International
Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, and cruisers who believe bigger is better
Vibe: Floating theme park meets world-class entertainment
🌟 Standout Ships:
* Icon of the Seas – The biggest cruise ship in the world
Key features:
Largest Cruise Ship in the World: At almost 250 000 gross tons, 20 decks, and nearly 1200 feet long (365m), it accommodates up to 7600 guests with 2350 onboard. That's more than some towns in America! (Sitka, Alaska has a population of 8500)
Neighborhoods for Days: Icon doesn't just have decks- it has districts. From the splashy thrills of Thrill Island to the family-focused Surfside, and the chill-out bliss of The Hideaway, this ship is basically a floating resort with a better ocean view.
Seven Pools, One Epic Swim-Up Bar: Want Variety? There's a pool for every mood, including the largest one at sea (Royal Bay) & Swim & Tonic, a bar that lets you sip your cocktail without having to leave the water. Hydration = handled.
Biggest Waterpark afloat: Six Slides. One free-fall drop. heart-pounding adrenaline mixed with a sea breeze and sunshine. Category 6 waterpark is the place to scream, laugh, and maybe question your life choices-in the best way possible.
The Pearl: A striking architectural feature located in the Royal Promenade. According to Royal Caribbean Blog, the structure is a 16-meter diameter sphere of steel, taller than the Hollywood Sign, & is designed to connect guests with the light & water, offering a unique experience throughout their voyage. Talk about a WOW factor! Instagram post worthy? Check!
The AquaDome: Part AquaTheater, part Solarium, it offers a distinct experience, featuring the largest waterfall at sea, live high-diving acts, and a variety of exceptional performances that provide guests with excitement and unforgettable memories.
40+ Dining & Bar venues: Because the 7600 people need to eat & drink somewhere! Whether you're craving sushi, steak, tacos or a milkshake the size of your head-Icon has you covered! Fancy? Casual? Vegan? Gluten Free? They've got all the options for you and your picky cousin.
Quantum of the Seas – Futuristic features and tech-savvy fun
Key features:
Lead vessel of the Quantum-Class ships, delivered in 2014, weighing roughly 169 000 GT & 1141 ft long. Up to 4905 guests at full capacity with 1550 crew. The perfect balance between size, fun & class.
North Star = Skyline Selfies on Steroids: Strap in & rise 300 feet above sea level in a glass capsule. It's like the London Eye... if it floated through Alaska! Insta-worthy? Yup!
RipCord & SeaPlex = Action Central: Want to skydive without jumping from a perfectly working plane?! Do it here onboard at the indoor skydiving simulator. How about bumper cars? got that. Trapeze school? Yup. Laser tag, roller skating, Xbox tournaments? All in the SeaPlex. The Ultimate indoor playground at sea.
Solarium Zen Zone: Glass-covered, adults only & totally serene. If the hot tubs & loungers don't chill you out, the waterfall soundscape will. Bliss in every bubble.
Two70 lounge: The Two70 is a venue that spans two decks at the back of the ship, named for its panoramic 270-degree views of the sea, accessible through its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. By day, a relaxing place to read a book & enjoy the view. By night, expect incredible performances by cast members & musicians. Pro-Tip: Get the roast beef sandwich at The Cafe @ Two70!
Full Quantum of the Seas review coming soon!
Symphony of the Seas – Massive, family-friendly, and loaded with activities
Key features:
Massive Oasis-Class Flagship- Spans 1188 ft (362m), has 18 total decks & can carry 5734 guests with roughly 2300 crew onboard.
7 Neighborhoods = One Giant Playground: Themed zones include Central Park (yes, real plants on a cruise ship!), Boardwalk, Royal Promenade & more, each offering unique attractions.
Epic activities: A 10-Deck Ultimate Abyss dry slide, ziplining, rock climbing, mini-golf, sports courts, a carousel, surf simulator & more!
Incredible Entertainment: From world-class theatre production shows in the main theatre to ice-skating shows in Studio-B to death defying high divers at the AquaShow, Symphony has something for everyone!
Royal Suite Class: Go all-in on luxury with two-story staterooms, private dining lounges & your own concierge. if you're going bougie, go Symphony-Suite level bougie.
Full Symphony of the Seas review coming soon!
✅ Pros:
Incredible onboard activities (surf simulators, skydiving simulators, ice skating)
Excellent kids’ clubs and family options
Broadway-caliber shows like Grease* and Mamma Mia!
Huge selection of dining, including specialty restaurants
❌ Cons:
Can feel crowded (especially on mega-ships)
Extra costs for specialty dining and activities add up
Not ideal if you want peace and quiet
👉 Curious about the latest Royal Caribbean Deals? Explore them here!
🛳️ Celebrity Cruises
Best for: Couples, foodies, and luxury seekers who still enjoy a good laugh
Vibe: Modern luxury without the snobbery
🌟 Standout Ships:
* Celebrity Beyond – Style. Sophistication. Luxury.
📷 Credit: Pexels
Key features:
Rooftop Garden & Resort Deck: A lush open-air escape featuring live music, sculptural seating, an infinity-edge rooftop garden pool with panoramic views- perfect for relaxation or cocktails under the stars.
Magic Carpet = Champagne with Altitude: It's a moving lounge that glides up & down the ships side. Sometimes it's a bar. Sometimes a restaurant. Always amazing.
The Retreat (Suite Guests Only): An exclusive resort-within-a-ship with a private sun deck, pool, restaurant (Luminae) and lounge, reserved for suite-class guests looking for privacy, a quite place to relax & elevated service (you'll find me here most of the cruise 🤭).
Eden-Multi-Sensory Lounge: A breathtaking three-deck lounge space combining ocean views, performance art, immersive entertainment from the Eden Cast, cocktails in a garden-inspired atmosphere & arguably the best restaurant onboard.
Sea Thermal Suite (Spa Access): No cruise is complete without at least one good spa session. Onboard the Beyond you'll find a luxurious spa with a thermal area which includes eight wellness experiences ranging from saunas & rainfall water therapy to a salt room & heated loungers for ultimate relaxation.
Outstanding Dining: Enjoy 32 dining venues- including haute cuisine at Le Voyage, Fine Cut, Eden, Rooftop Garden, 4 main dining rooms & Ocean View Cafe (main buffet). Celebrity has some of the best food at sea & you will leave your cruise a few pounds heavier 🤷♂️
Full Celebrity Beyond review coming soon!
Celebrity Eclipse – Chill Sophistication with a Spark!
📷 Credit: cruisingjournal.com
Key features:
Hollywood Hot Glass Studio: Watch molten art happen (or create your own) while secretly planning where it'll look best on your mantel.
Sky Observation Lounge: Sip cocktails with panoramic views so good, you'll briefly consider deleting Instagram just to live in the moment.
The Lawn: Yes folks, real grass on a cruise ship. Practice your putting, play bocce, have a picnic & brag about it later.
Food & Design: Think Murano (French flair), Tuscan Grille (Italian indulgence) & a ship design that says "chic" not "cheap".
Full Celebrity Eclipse review coming soon!
✅ Pros:
Award-winning dining and mixology
Elegant, contemporary décor (think boutique hotel vibes)
Amazing spa options and wellness programs
Fewer kids, more adult serenity
❌ Cons:
Higher price point (but often worth it)
Limited thrills for kids or families
Slightly less “lively” nightlife compared to other lines
👉 Is a Celebrity Cruise in your future? Find the best deal here!
🎡 Carnival Cruise Line
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, party lovers, and first-timers
Vibe: Loud, fun, and always up for a good time
🌟 Standout Ships:
Mardi Gras – First rollercoaster at sea, themed zones, and tons of dining
📷 Credit: cruisefever.net
Key features:
BOLT Roller Coaster: The first-ever coaster at sea. Strap in, scream & wave at confused dolphins below.
Six Themed Zones: Whether you're family-first, bar-hopping, or water-sliding, there's a neighborhood that matches your energy.
WaterWorks Waterpark: Epic slides, splash zones & "am I too old for this?" vibes that vanish once you dive in. Take that tie off, let your hair down & have fun, you're on vacation!
Excel Suites & Loft 19: Think private cabanas, priority boarding & VIP service. Basically, you're a big deal 😎
Food & Design: Guy Fieri's burgers, Shaq's Big Chicken & 20+ dining spots because one plate is never enough
Full Carnival Mardi Gras review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Carnival Mardi Gras? Look here for the best deal!
* Carnival Celebration – Newer flagship with mega-amenities. Everything from the Mardi Gras, but BIGGER.
📷 Credit: cruisehive.com
Key features:
BOLT 2.0: The Carnival coaster is back and better than ever. You'll get bragging rights & windblown selfies.
Family Feud & Live Game Shows: Why watch TV when you can watch your uncle crash & burn on stage?
Water fun for all ages: Slides, pools, and splash pads that keep kids busy while you sip a margarita.
Full Carnival Celebration review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Carnival Celebration?
✅ Pros:
Affordable pricing and tons of frequent deals
Lively entertainment (think comedy clubs and karaoke)
Tons of included food options (hello, Guy Fieri burgers!)
Great for groups and celebrations
❌ Cons:
Not the most refined experience
Some ships can feel dated
Very high-energy—introverts, beware
👉 See Carnival's Current Offers Here
⚓ Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Best for: Freestyle cruisers, solo travelers, and easy-going adventurers
Vibe: Come-as-you-are, do-what-you-want freedom
🌟 Standout Ships:
Norwegian Aqua – Sleek, new, upscale design with luxury perks
📷 Credit: NCL.com
Key features:
Aqua Slidecoaster: Half roller coaster, half waterslide, all adrenaline. Your hair will never recover, but it's worth it.
Glow Court: LED sports by day, dance party by night. Who doesn't want to shoot hoops under disco lights?
Beach Vibe Club: Infinity hot tubs, adults-only & cocktails. Translation: no screaming kids
Mandara Spa Thermal Suite: Salt rooms, saunas, ice plunges-basically, the spa influencers dream about.
Food: Incredible food onboard & of course, in signature NCL Freestyle dining. Eat where you want, when you want. 17 dining venues with plenty to choose from!
Full NCL Aqua review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the NCL Aqua?
Norwegian Encore – Laser tag, go-karts, and entertainment overload.
📷 Credit: ncl.com
Key features:
Galaxy Pavilion VR Arcade: Want to race in virtual reality or shoot zombies? Encore says "why not both?"
Observation Lounge: Floor-to-ceiling windows for glacier selfies that make your followers jealous.
The Cavern Club: A Beatles-inspired live music venue for all your "Hey Jude" singalong needs.
Broadway Rivaling Production Shows & Comedy Greats: Professional grade productions, stand-up comedians that actually make you laugh (even when you're sober) & hilarious game shows with your Cruise Director & Cruise Staff.
Full NCL Encore review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the NCL Encore?
✅ Pros:
“Freestyle Cruising” means no fixed dining times or dress codes
Solo cabins and lounges for independent travelers
Great entertainment, including Broadway shows and comedy clubs
Competitive pricing and frequent free-at-sea perks
❌ Cons:
Main Buffet can be hit or miss depending on the ship
Older ships may lack the wow factor of the newer fleet
Less structured—it’s a pro for some, a con for others
👉 Find NCL Cruise Deals Here
👑 Princess Cruises
Best for: Romantic travelers, older couples, and those who cruise for the journey just as much as the destination.
Vibe: Classy, calm, and destination-focused
🌟 Standout Ships:
Sun Princess – The Star of the Show
📷 Credit: cruisepassenger.com.au
Key features:
Glass Dome Piazza: A sunny, airy atrium that feels like vacation the second you step inside.
Wake View Infinity Pool: Floating in this pool is the closest I'll get to starring in a luxury yacht commercial... Just let me dream okay?!
Cirque Éloize Theatre Shows: A circus-meets-broadway spectacle that will have you saying "Did I just see that?"
Park19 Kid Zone: Let the little ones climb, slide & run while you "supervise" from the bar.
Food & Design: Restuarant-style dining over buffets & interiors that whisper, you've made it.
Full Sun Princess review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Sun Princess? Look no further!
Sky Princess – Chill but Bougie
📷 Credit: Kelseyinlondon
Key features:
Movies Under the Stars: Think outdoor cinema with blankets, popcorn & cozy couple goals energy.
Sky Suites: Balconies so big you could host a dance part, or just stare at the sea in quiet luxury.
Pickleball & Mini Golf: Play sports while pretending it's exercise. Hydrate with an ice-cold Corona after (there's water in beer, it counts).
Thermal Spa: Stone loungers & hydrotherapy pools that make stress say "I'm out".
Food & Design: Italian villa vibes with menus that never disappoint
Full Sky Princess review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Sky Princess? Look no further!
✅ Pros:
Excellent for Alaska, Japan, and European itineraries
MedallionClass™ tech for touchless service and easy navigation
Romantic ambiance without being snooty
Solid enrichment programs and cultural lectures
❌ Cons:
Slower-paced; not a party scene
Kids’ activities are limited
Dining is more formal (you’ll want to bring “real” clothes)
👉 Explore The Latest Princess Cruises Offers Here
🎼 Holland America Line
Best for: Mature travelers, music lovers, and culture seekers
Vibe: Sophisticated, quiet, and immersive
🌟 Standout Ships:
Nieuw Statendam – Refined but fun
📷 Credit: cruisetotravel.com
Key features:
Music Walk: Blues, rock & classical. Every night feels like a night to remember.
World Stage Theater: 270° LED Screens for shows that practically swallow you whole. Immersive & unforgettable.
Blend Wine Studio: Make your own wine blend. It's like arts & crafts, but for adults.
Private Cabanas: Skip the chair-hunting drama & rent your own personal poolside paradise.
Food & Design: Modern décor with food that's blends sophistication, taste & wow all in one bite.
Full HAL Nieuw Stadendam review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Nieuw Stadendam? Look no further!
Koningsdam – Culinary excellence and spa serenity
📷 Credit: tripsavvy.com
Key features:
Lincoln Centre + BB King's: String quartets followed by live blues. It's cultural balance. Cruise Explorer Network Approved.
Greenhouse Spa: Aromatherapy, hydro pools, & treatments that'll leave you asking where the time went.
Culinary Classes: Learn from the best & go home with valuable skills you can use to show off after your cruise.
Family & Solo Cabins: Whether you're rolling deep or flying solo, there's a cabin for you. Not all cruise line are so accommodating 👀
Food & Design: Timeless elegance with a splash of modern polish.
Full HAL Koningsdam review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the HAL Koningsdam? Look no further!
✅ Pros:
Best live music at sea (Blues, Jazz, Classical)
Culinary excellence—don't miss the Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill
Longer, more in-depth itineraries
Smaller crowds, smooth service
❌ Cons:
Not ideal for families or high-energy travelers
Nightlife is subdued
Onboard activities lean intellectual (think lectures, not laser tag)
👉 Book Holland America Cruises & Be Your Best Self.
🛡️ Viking Ocean Cruises
Best for: Adults-only travelers, history buffs, and minimalists who still love luxury
Vibe: Elegant, peaceful, and deeply enriching with less than 1000 guests onboard.
🌟 Standout Ships:
Viking Orion – Sleek Scandinavian design, planetarium, and world-class service
📷 Credit: viking.com
Key features:
Less Than 1000 Guests Onboard: If you're looking to get away from the masses, Viking is for you. With a max capacity of 930 guests, everyone has a balcony. No dark inside staterooms here!
Planetarium Dome: Get your nerd on while you explore the depths of space while floating in the deep sea. Mind = blown!
Explorers' Lounge: Perfect for sipping wine while watching glaciers drift by. Bonus: actual telescope upstairs.
Infinity Pool: Swim on the edge of the ship with nothing but sea views & smug serenity.
Adults Only: No kids, no noisy casinos, no chaos. Just peace, relaxation & great conversations with those who enjoy the simpler things in life.
Food & Design: Scandi chic, with free wine at dinner. Enough said.
Full Viking Orion review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Viking Orion? Look no further!
Viking Venus – Exceptional dining and immersive cultural experiences
📷 Credit: thevillagecruise.com
Key features:
Free Shore Excursions: No "nickel & dime" here. Every port comes with a guided cultural experience. Paying for a tour is so last decade. 🤭
Nordic Spa Snow Grotto: Go from sauna to a snow-filled room. It's weirdly addictive & super refreshing.
Cozy Living Room Lounge: A cozy hybrid of bars, library & fireplace vibes. Perfect for bookworms & afternoon naps (we all know you weren't meditating).
Afternoon Tea & Classical Music: Elegant snacks & live strings because you deserve to feel like royalty.
Food & Design: Inclusive dining with a refined, modern flair.
Full Viking Venus review coming soon!
👌Want to book a cruise on the Viking Venus? Look no further!
✅ Pros:
No kids allowed = serene vibe
All veranda staterooms
Shore excursions, Wi-Fi, drinks with meals, and more included
Focused on destinations and cultural depth
❌ Cons:
Expensive (you get what you pay for)
Very little nightlife or entertainment variety
No casinos or pool parties
👉 Check Out the Latest Viking Cruise Deals
💬 Bonus: A Quick Cruise Line Comparison Snapshot
Royal Caribbean: Great for families & adventure.
Energy Level=🔥🔥🔥🔥 Price =💰💰💰
Celebrity Cruise Line: Great for couples & those wanting a luxurious experience on a big ship.
Energy Level=🔥🔥 Price =💰💰💰
Carnival Cruise Line: Great for budget-conscious cruisers, families, fun times & party-animals.
Energy Level=🔥🔥🔥🔥 🔥 Price =💰
Norwegian Cruise Line: Solid offerings for everyone- families, solo travelers, couples & those looking to let their hair loose.
Energy Level=🔥🔥🔥 Price =💰💰💰
Princess Cruise Line: Best for romance, destinations & mature cruisers
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Holland America: Best for those wanting culture, music, & relaxing
Energy Level=🔥🔥 Price =💰💰
Viking: Best for adults, Luxury, Culture, & that VIP Experience
Energy Level=🔥 Price =💰💰💰💰
🎯 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Choose a Cruise. Choose Your Cruise.
You’re not just picking a ship—you’re picking the kind of memories you’ll make. Want thrills? Romance? Chill time with a side of fine wine? There’s a cruise line for that.
🔗 Let’s Get You Onboard (Literally). Explore Current Cruise Deals Here!
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