Best Cruise Lines: A Voyage into Luxury, Adventure, and Unforgettable Experiences

The best cruise lines can take time to decide since it entirely depends on preferences. To ensure we have what you are looking for, our selections will be based on different atmospheres and experiences waiting for you.

From opulent experiences with Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas to thrilling adventures with Royal Caribbean and Hurtigruten, your perfect match for cruise adventure is here. Enough talking. Let’s take a look at these magnificent giants on the ocean before packing for your cruise trip.

About The Cruise Industry

In August 2020, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reported 1.17 million jobs lost worldwide. As a result, the number of individuals going on cruises decreased dramatically, dropping from nearly 30 million passengers in 2019 to fewer than 6 million passengers in 2020.

Fortunately, the industry has witnessed signs of recovery. Royal Caribbean, based in Florida, recently announced that its cruise ships had an average load factor of 102% in the first quarter of 2023. CLIA forecasts the number of cruise passengers will reach about 38 million in 2026 (nearly double that of 2022).

These rising numbers of cruise-goers show how good and well-loved the cruising industry is. So if you have not tried getting on a cruise before, now is a good time!

Category 1: Luxury And Elegance

When it comes to luxury and sophistication, these lines enjoy stellar reputations in the industry. These lines are known for providing their discerning passengers with an unrivalled experience of luxury and elegance, ensuring that every moment onboard is a true masterpiece of splendour.

Silversea Cruises

A hub of luxurious experiences. Gary Bembridge, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikipedia Commons

Silversea Cruises is renowned for its commitment to providing an all-inclusive luxury experience that surpasses expectations. Each of its intimate ships offers spacious and elegantly designed suites, providing guests with comfort and refinement.

Unlike smaller cruise companies, Silversea offers routes to almost every corner of the world, such as Northern Europe, The British Isles, Africa & the Indian Ocean, etc.

Upon embarking on the ship, you will have the pleasure of experiencing Silversea's renowned 24-hour experience: dining with premium alcohol, always-available butlers, non-stop entertaining services, etc. Plus, every guest is provided with a complimentary excursion every day. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

You can expect a view like this from the ship. Deck Chairs_224, Roderick Eime, CC BY-ND 2.0, via Flickr. Image resized.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises reimagines all-inclusive luxury, assuring that every aspect of the voyage is nothing short of outstanding. Passengers are immersed in a world of opulence and pampering from the moment they get aboard.

What’s more, their suits boast a remarkable size. Even the lowest class can reach up to 412 square metres. The experience is more delightful than ever, with breathtaking ocean views right from your own accommodation - 99% of their staterooms boast private balconies.

Being one of the most luxurious cruine lines in the world, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ fares easily run north of $4,000. And that is just for one person, without including flights, gratuities, etc. and anything else you need to spend on the trip (on or off the board). But it’s easy to justify the cost since it’s 7-168 days and nights that you’ll remember forever.

Oceania Cruises

 You know it’s luxury when there is a running track in the middle of the ocean.

Oceania Cruises provides a sublime and intimate experience for sophisticated tourists. Oceania's fleet of smaller ships contains an atmosphere of exquisiteness and tranquillity thanks to fewer people onboard. Their vessels can only hold 684-1,250 passengers.

The onboard environment has been thoughtfully created, displaying a combination of modern aesthetics and classic sophistication. From the fine artwork to the sophisticated furnishings, every element contributes to an aura of subtle luxury.

If you love making as much as tasting the food, there are several cooking classes to choose from on the Oceania Cruises. Besides The Culinary Center, with ten different programs, the infamous Culinary Discovery Tours are offered on the Marina and the Riviera.

Category 2: Adventure and Exploration

These lines are all about embarking on thrilling adventures and exploring new destinations. Focusing on creating an adventurous spirit, these lines offer a wide array of experiences to ignite related senses and create ever-lasting memories.

Royal Caribbean International

There are more than 300 locations to choose from. Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Royal Caribbean International is a pioneer known for its devotion to adventure and innovation. That is why it comes as no surprise that they have the five biggest cruise ships in the world. The biggest one can accommodate up to 7,084 guests.

Imagine ascending a rock-climbing wall, surfing a wave on a surf simulator, or zipping through the air on a zip line - all while at sea. These high-octane experiences ensure that every moment onboard is full of high-energy fun and heart-pounding thrill.

The adventure, of course, does not end there. The onboard entertainment offerings aboard Royal Caribbean are astonishing. Discover the beauty and glamour of Broadway-style shows that rival those found in major theatres around the world.

Put on your skates and glide around the ice in a spectacular ice-skating display. Immerse yourself in the immersive world of movies and music in cutting-edge theatres.

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is the best way to chase after the Northern Lights like never before. Photo by DirkDaniel - stock.adobe.com

If poolsides, casinos, and spas aren’t your cup of tea, we have good news: Hurtigruten specialises in expedition cruises, providing passengers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences with engaging adventures. It is dedicated to transporting tourists to some of the world's most secluded and breathtaking locations.

Consider sailing through Antarctica's icy wonderlands, witnessing the ethereal splendour of the Arctic, or exploring the majestic Norwegian fjords. Hurtigruten offers possibilities to connect with nature and immerse in spectacular landscapes that few people get to witness.

In addition, its passengers will come across penguins, seals, and whales in their native environments; or admire the splendour of towering ice structures and gleaming glaciers.

Lindblad Expeditions

 She will take you anywhere you want to. 

Lindblad Expeditions combines adventure and education to deliver enriching and immersive experiences to interested tourists.

This cruise specialises in expedition trips to unusual and environmental areas. Travel to the enthralling Galapagos Islands, where you are surrounded by enormous tortoises, snorkel with marine iguanas.

And be amazed by the biodiversity of this evolutionary hotspot. Explore the Amazon's virgin rainforests, travelling tortuous waterways in search of wildlife and ecosystems.

If those are not what you are looking for, don’t worry. You can also immerse in vivid coral reefs while snorkelling with colourful aquatic life. Mountain enthusiasts have an opportunity to expand their knowledge about the environment by engaging in guided hikes across secluded islands alongside knowledgeable naturalists.

Category 3: Family-Friendly Fun

This category is dedicated to cruise lines which committed to creating memorable and fun family holidays. Thanks to these kid-catered cruise lines, a great family getaway is possible and made easy.

H3. 1. Disney Cruise

Far from land but close to fairy tales.

Disney Cruise Line is well-known for its commitment to creating wonderful experiences for the entire family. What is lesser known but even more exciting is Castaway Cay. It’s a private island in the Bahamas and the exclusive port for Disney Cruise Line at the same time. How exclusive can you expect?

Guests are immersed in the enchanted world of Disney from the minute they set foot on the ship. The presence of iconic characters and themed decorations brings beloved Disney stories to life.

Disney Cruise Line's entertainment is nothing short of amazing, with Broadway-style concerts, deck parties featuring favourite characters and fireworks displays brightening the night sky.

Children can immerse themselves in dedicated kids' clubs to participate in exercises and games. These clubs are safe and entertaining places for children to meet new people and have fun.

Conversely, adults can rest and unwind in adult-only areas such as clubs or Palo restaurants. Every element of a Disney cruise is intended to leave a lasting impression and deliver a wonderful holiday for the entire family.

Carnival Cruise Line

There is plenty of fun to be had on Carnival Cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line provides a wide choice of entertainment and services for people of all ages. Water parks with thrilling slides and splash zones are available for thrill seekers, while those wishing for a friendly competition can participate in mini-golf competitions or other sports on the ship's courts.

Kids can participate in age-specific kids' clubs, including games that would surely pique their interests. These clubs allow them to socialise with their peers and have age-appropriate fun while the parents can relax and enjoy some downtime.

Carnival Cruise Line assures that there are no dull moments onboard, offering a vibrant experience for families of all sizes. The company has been so well-loved that its stocks managed to get into the S&P 500 as the travelling demand revised post-pandemic.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is dedicated to providing a wide range of family-friendly services and activities for both children and adults. If you want to explore the Far East, Norwegian Cruise is one of your best bets.

Water slides and other spectacular elements on the cruise line provide limitless fun and excitement for the entire family. Adventurers can put their talents to the test on ropes courses or compete in friendly competition on sports courts.

As dynamic as a family setting can sometimes be, Freestyle Cruising has been introduced. Unlike conventional settings, this plan breaks all the boundaries: no fixed dining time, no dress code requirements, etc.

Norwegian Cruise Line finds a desirable mix between family-friendly settings and adult-oriented amenities, ensuring that no family member feels left out of entertainment.

Category 4: Relaxation and Wellness

These cruise lines are committed to a relaxing and wholesome place where passengers can slow down and focus on their well-being.

Celebrity Cruises

Services focusing on improving your well-being. Richard N Horne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Celebrity Cruises is committed to providing customers with an experience that heals both the body and the mind. Celebrity Cruises' Canyon Ranch Spa facilities are well-known for their serene ambience and a broad variety of revitalising treatments.

Furthermore, Celebrity Cruises has healthy dining alternatives that prioritise nutritious and delectable cuisine. Celebrity Cruises ensures that guests can rest, rejuvenate, and prioritise their well-being from beginning to end, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a refreshing cruise experience.

MSC Cruises

You can find pretty much everything here. Photo by Georgy Trofimov on Unsplash

On the ship, MSC Cruises creates an oasis of peace and relaxation, inviting passengers to escape the rush and bustle of everyday life. The MSC Aurea Spa is an oasis that offers a variety of luxury spa treatments that pamper the senses.

MSC Cruises provides specific relaxation facilities, such as quiet lounges and peaceful outdoor areas, where customers may unplug in a calm setting. It offers a cruise experience that fosters relaxation and well-being at every step.

For ones who are looking for some extra fancy, MSC has the Yacht Club plan available. Even though the price is higher, with it comes numerous perks. For instance, parts of the cruise ship are exclusive to Yacht Club members, like reserved restaurants on Ocean Cay - MSC’s private land.

Viking Ocean Cruises

The design is enough to get on this cruise. Photo by Tamme - stock.adobe.com

Viking Ocean Cruises prioritises relaxation, offering customers a rejuvenating cruise experience inspired by Nordic traditions. With the spacious interior designed in the Scandinavian style, they are one of the best cruise lines in Europe.

First of all, what Viking Ocean Cruises has been adored for is its All-inclusive prices. One-time payment, and that would be it, no additional or hidden fee. There’s even “one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call”.

What is special about Viking Ocean Cruises is its focus. Instead of fancy onboard facilities, the cruise company has done its best to enhance customers’ onshore experiences. From libraries and guest lecturers to cooking classes, etc., all are designed to ensure you can immerse yourself in the local cultures.

For this reason, even though the bridge and engine room tours were cancelled post-pandemic, the experiences on Viking Ocean Cruise would still be able to amaze you.

Category 5: Value for Money

Costa Cruise Lines

Make no mistake that the cruise doesn’t look good. Photo by Masyanya - stock.adobe.com

To ease the mind of the passengers, Costa Cruise Lines establishes several all-inclusive offers. Just as what you would expect, food and drinks are unlimited and free. What is special about this is that children up to 18 years old, if staying in a cabin with two adults, can get on board for free. 

The cruise company provides a variety of itineraries to celebrated destinations, allowing customers to select the option that best fits their budget and tastes. The routes are primarily around Europe with a variety of periods with the longest one being up to 112 days.

For people who have forgotten to make a reservation or just suddenly want to get on a cruise ship, Costa Cruise Lines has you covered. Not only it allows passengers to book a trip just two days prior to the departure date, but also with discounted prices. 

Onboard amenities and eating options are meant to give a comfortable experience at fair pricing, ensuring that customers get good value for their money: from a quick meal of burger or Chinese noodles to exciting Teppanyaki House, all the way to sophisticated Archipelago restaurants where not one, not two, but three world-famous chefs are waiting for you to taste their dishes. 

Princess Cruises

The ship is as big as any other option. Photo by Will Waters on Unsplash

Understand that a cruising vacation is what a lot of people are looking for; Princess Cruises dedicates to providing the experience without breaking people's bank. Even with the lower cost, a long list of destinations is provided by the cruising company. 

However, no corner is cut. First, spacious rooms are designed with a luxury and relaxation style, giving its guests the feeling of being away from the hustle of daily life. However, keep in mind that in comparison to other cruises such as Royal Caribbean or Regean Seven Sea Cruises. 

Regarding entertainment, with a wide range of options, passengers might even have a hard time deciding what to do here. In order to enhance passengers' understanding of the local culture, Princess Cruises has established numerous destination-themed activities. 

When you are in Hawaii, Hula dancing and ukelele lessons are offered. But if near the ice of Alaska, partnership Naturalists will have presentations for you about the area.  

In case you are feeling lucky, Princess Cruises has prepared state-of-the-art casinos for you to enjoy. The whole trip is filled with excitement. 

For a more subtle experience, make sure you check out the art auction and wine-tasting programs. It’s worth noting that regardless of the types of entertainment you choose, no additional fee is included. 

Holland America Line

Does she scream premium to you? Cause she does to us. Photo by Tom Donders on Unsplash

Holland America Line combines affordable fares with a premium experience, which is a great value for your hard-earned money. 

The cruise line's ships exude elegance and sophistication, providing a refined and lovely setting for passengers to enjoy the journey. Attentive service is a hallmark of Holland America Line, ensuring that guests receive personalised care. 

As one of the oldest cruising companies there is, the company surely knows how to serve its customers, especially middle-aged passengers. With always-on trivia and onboard partnerships with B.B.King’s, Rolling Stone, etc., it is difficult to have a boring time. 

On each ship of the company, there is a multi-million dollar art collection. For example, on the Rotterdam cruise, there is a 4.1-million collection.

The most well-known piece is “Harps”, a sculpture reaching the 3rd deck that reflects the light on the interior space. This piece has been valued at $620,000.

The peak of the itinerary is the visit to Glacier Bay National Park. To truly enhance the experience of its customers, National Park Rangers are invited on board to give educational insights and satisfy and curios minds. 

Did You Choose Your Favourite?

We believe with these 5 categories, not only the best cruise lines are covered, but the favourite one for you is there.

A cruising trip is a wonderful experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. For the unfamiliar, we hope you have a better understanding of this industry and what to expect via our article.

If you pick any of the cruises on the above list, we believe you will not be disappointed. We hope you have a great trip!

Bui Hoang Hai