If you’ve decided you want to take a cruise, one of the first questions you’ll probably run into is also one of the biggest: Which cruise line should I choose?
It’s easy to assume that cruise lines are mostly interchangeable. Pick an itinerary, find a ship and book a cabin. But the cruise line you choose can have just as much impact on your vacation as the destination itself.
Some cruise lines are lively and casual. Others lean toward a quieter, more traditional cruise experience. You’ll find ships built around family activities, ships known for dining and entertainment and others where the destination is much more of the focus. The best cruise line isn’t necessarily the one with the newest ship or the lowest fare. It’s the one that fits the way you like to travel.
Start With the Kind of Vacation You Actually Enjoy
Before comparing ships or prices, think about what makes a vacation feel like a vacation to you. Do you like having plenty to do from morning until night, or do you want time to relax without feeling like you’re missing something? Maybe great meals are a big part of the experience for you, or perhaps live entertainment is something you look forward to when you travel.
Who you’re traveling with matters too. A couple looking for a relaxing getaway may have very different priorities from a family traveling with children or several generations vacationing together. Maybe the ship itself is part of the adventure, or maybe you’re choosing a cruise because you want an easy way to experience several destinations in one trip.
There isn’t a right answer. Your answers simply help narrow down which cruise lines deserve a closer look.
If You Want a Fun, Casual Atmosphere
Some travelers want their cruise to feel easygoing from the minute they step onboard, with pool decks, casual dining, comedy shows, live music and plenty happening throughout the day.
Cruise lines such as Carnival are well known for this kind of vacation. Carnival can also be a great option when value matters, particularly for families and groups traveling together. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed rather than formal, which appeals to travelers who don’t want to spend their vacation worrying about doing things a certain way.
If You Like Having Lots of Choices
Maybe your ideal vacation is less about following a schedule and more about deciding what sounds good in the moment. Norwegian Cruise Line built much of its identity around that idea. Its Freestyle Cruising concept emphasizes flexibility, including when and where you dine.
Norwegian ships typically offer a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities. Depending on the ship and itinerary, you might find everything from large-scale productions and comedy to go-karts and expansive observation lounges.
I’ve cruised with Norwegian several times, and one of the things I appreciate is having options. You can fill your day with activities or find a quiet place and do very little at all. That flexibility can be especially appealing when the people traveling together don’t necessarily have the same idea of what a perfect vacation day looks like.
If The Ship Is Part of the Destination
For some travelers, the ports are only half the reason to go. Lines such as Royal Caribbean have taken the idea of the ship as a destination to another level. On its larger ships, you can find water parks, surf simulators, climbing walls, entertainment venues and entire neighborhoods designed to feel like distinct areas of the ship.
That can make these ships especially appealing to families and multigenerational groups because everyone can find something different to do. It also means choosing the ship can be just as important as choosing the cruise line. The experience on one of a cruise line’s older or smaller ships can be quite different from what you’ll find on its newest ships, so it’s worth looking beyond the name on the side of the vessel.
If You Prefer a More Relaxed, Refined Experience
Not everyone wants a cruise packed with attractions. If your idea of vacation involves good food, comfortable surroundings and a somewhat quieter atmosphere, lines such as Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises or Holland America Line may be worth considering.
These lines generally offer a more traditional or refined cruise experience without necessarily moving into the luxury-cruise price range. They can also be particularly appealing on destination-focused itineraries such as Alaska, where scenic viewing and time in port may matter more to you than having a long list of onboard attractions.
If You’re Looking for Value
This is where comparing cruises gets a little more complicated because the lowest advertised cruise fare isn’t always the least expensive vacation. One cruise line may start with a lower fare but charge separately for things you’ll probably want, while another may offer a higher fare that includes drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining or other benefits.
This is why I prefer looking at the total vacation value rather than simply comparing the number shown on the first search screen. For example, MSC Cruises frequently catches travelers’ attention with competitive pricing, particularly on newer ships. Depending on the sailing and fare type, it can offer a lot of ship for the money. Norwegian’s packages can also change the value equation because certain extras may already be bundled into your fare.
Instead of only asking, Which cruise is cheapest? I think there’s a better question: What am I actually getting for the price?
Don’t Forget About the Itinerary
You can find the perfect ship and still choose the wrong cruise. If seeing Alaska is your priority, for example, the itinerary, time in port and scenic cruising opportunities may matter more than whether the ship has the newest attractions. The same is true in Europe, the Caribbean and other destinations.
Look beyond the number of nights and the departure port. Compare where the ship actually goes, how long you’ll be there and whether there are destinations that are especially important to you. Sometimes an itinerary with an additional port or a longer day ashore is worth paying a little more for, especially when the destination is one of the main reasons you’re taking the trip.
The People You’re Traveling With Matter Too
The cruise I would recommend for a couple celebrating an anniversary might be completely different from the one I’d suggest for grandparents traveling with their children and grandchildren. When you’re planning for a group, cabin availability, connecting or nearby rooms, dining arrangements and activities for different ages can become just as important as the cruise fare.
That’s one reason there really isn’t a universal “best cruise line.” There is only the cruise line that’s the best fit for this trip.
So, Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?
Start with your priorities before you start with the cruise line. Think about how you like to spend your vacation, who is traveling with you, where you want to go and what you want included in the price. From there, you can compare the cruise lines and ships that actually fit those priorities.
You may discover that the cruise line you originally had in mind is exactly right for you, or you might find that another one fits your travel style much better. And that’s part of what I love about planning cruises. There are so many possibilities, but you don’t have to sort through all of them yourself.
Voyage with Amy helps travelers compare cruise options based on the experience they’re actually looking for, taking into consideration the itinerary, ship, cabin and overall value. The goal isn’t simply to book a cruise. It’s to find the cruise that feels right for you.
Expertly Planned. Personally Crafted.
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