Ranking cruise lines is always a bit dangerous. Ask ten cruisers to rank their favorites, and you’ll get ten completely different lists, plus a few heated comments.
That’s part of the fun. Cruises aren’t one size fits all. What feels like the best to one person can feel like a nightmare to someone else.
However, this ranking tries to consider various aspects to be as accurate as possible. A mix of personal experiences, reviews, forum comments, and honest conversations with other cruisers over the years.
We will talk about the overall experience. Ships and onboard atmosphere. Food quality and variety. Entertainment and things to do. Value for money. And most importantly, who each cruise line is really for.
Because the worst cruise line for one person might be the perfect match for someone else.
10. Margaritaville at Sea
This is Jimmy Buffett’s little two-ship line operating short cruises to the Bahamas out of Florida.
It’s like a slice of Key West: casual vibes, flip-flops everywhere, and of course, a lot of margaritas.
It can be fun, especially if you’re a local looking for a cheap, quick trip. But based on passenger feedback, the experience has been hit or miss.
Early reviews slammed it for tired cabins, not very convincing food, and not much to do onboard.
They did a renovation, and some passengers say it’s improved (shout-out to the French onion soup that one reviewer absolutely loved).
Still, even with recent upgrades, most cruisers would only recommend Margaritaville at Sea if you find a very good deal.
The ships are older and smaller, the entertainment is minimal, and there’s no grand Broadway show or huge waterpark.
On the bright side, the fares are very cheap, and they often run special discounts for military, teachers, and first responders. A truly admirable thing!
9. Costa Cruises
I actually sailed with Costa Cruises, and I can say that it is basically the European cousin of Carnival, with a loud and lively personality.
It mostly caters to Europeans looking to party on a budget. If you’re the type who enjoys late-night karaoke, poolside conga lines, and a generally boisterous crowd, Costa might be a good choice for you.
Families can have a good time too; they even let kids sail for free on certain promotions, which is definitely a nice perk.
Now, the not-so-great: Costa’s reputation isn’t exactly stellar. The food on my sailing was just okay; there was plenty of pasta (as you’d expect from an Italian line) and some tasty gelato, but overall it didn’t blow me away.
I also noticed more smoking areas onboard than you’d find on American lines, which, as a non-smoker, I wasn’t thrilled about.
The ships themselves are big and flashy, but maybe not as modern as their competitors.
Who is Costa really for? In my opinion, it’s great for budget-conscious travelers in Europe who want a party-friendly cruise that is not too formal.
If you’re an English-speaking cruiser used to North American standards, Costa is probably not the best choice unless there’s a European itinerary that you really want to try.
8. MSC Cruises
I’ve sailed with MSC many times, and I have mixed feelings.
First off, their ships are gorgeous. If you’ve been on board, you probably remember the Swarovski crystal staircase in the atrium, and the overall design felt like a chic European hotel.
In addition, MSC has been building some of the newest and biggest ships in the industry, even rivaling Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships in size and amenities.
The prices are also very good, almost always cheaper than comparable cruises on other lines.
So the value for money can be fantastic with MSC, especially if you get a good deal.
Now the downsides. MSC is a European line at heart, and it caters a lot to Europeans, meaning you’ll encounter multiple languages and certain cultural differences in how things are run.
Service can feel a bit inconsistent, while the food can be hit or miss.
MSC tends to rely on large buffets and main dining rooms for most meals, with fewer specialty options included.
If you’re used to the dozens of free eateries on, say, a Carnival or Royal ship, MSC might feel limited. I personally found the sit-down dinner to be okay but not memorable.
Entertainment varied from pretty decent on a newer ship to downright forgettable on an older MSC ship. Production shows with lots of opera and dance, which is fine, but don’t expect Broadway musicals or big-name comedians.
Who is MSC for? I’d say families (kids often sail free or cheap) and cruisers who want a big fancy ship on a budget.
I enjoyed my time on MSC overall, and given the significant investments they have been making lately, I think this cruise line could easily climb the rankings in the coming years.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
From what comes up in reviews and forums, Norwegian is loved for its “freestyle cruising” approach.
Basically, they ditched the old-school cruise rules: there are no set dining times, no required formal nights, and you can just do your own thing.
People also love the food quality and variety on NCL ships, especially in the specialty restaurants.
In fact, Norwegian was the first to really push flexible dining and multiple specialty dining options. They’ve got everything from steakhouses to French bistros to Teppanyaki.
Now, a lot of those nicer restaurants cost extra (keep that in mind), but a lot of passengers say they’re worth it. Even the main dining and buffet get pretty good marks.
Entertainment on Norwegian also stands out. Many ships feature Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, live music, and elaborate waterslides and ropes courses for daytime fun.
But, and there’s always a but, Norwegian can be pricey once onboard. A common gripe is all the extra charges.
Yes, freestyle cruising is great, but the line also pioneered the “a la carte” mentality. Want the best steak? That’s extra.
Cocktails by the pool? Extra. Even some entertainment or classes might cost, like their go-kart track on newer ships.
In addition, cabins, especially on older ships, are said to be a bit smaller than average, though they’ve added USB ports and modern touches in many of them, which is nice.
Who is Norwegian for? I get the sense it’s great for couples and groups of friends who want a lively atmosphere but a bit more upscale feel than Carnival.
It’s also good for foodies who don’t mind paying for better meals, because NCL’s specialty dining is often compared to real land-based restaurants.
Just be ready to budget for those extras if you want the full experience. And don’t forget to have a look at the specific article with the 7 Cruise Ship Extras That Are Totally Worth The Money
6. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises holds a special place in many cruisers’ hearts, especially those who started cruising back in the “Love Boat” TV days.
Princess is known for providing a quality experience at a reasonable price, and the vibe is often described as classy but not stuffy.
It’s the kind of line where you can find a relaxed onboard atmosphere with maybe a wine tasting, some lectures, and a pianist playing in the atrium.
That’s not to say it’s boring, they do have production shows and live music, but it’s definitely not a party-hard cruise.
People usually love Princess for its traditional cruising feel. You dress up a bit for dinner if you want, can enjoy long leisurely sea days, and you might take part in afternoon tea.
It attracts a lot of retirees and couples, especially on longer itineraries (like Alaska or Europe cruises). Shorter cruises will see families and younger passengers as well, but overall the crowd is slightly older and more relaxed.
Food on Princess gets pretty good marks. It’s not flashy celebrity-chef cuisine, but it’s solid. One nice thing is they have no fixed dining times if you choose “Anytime Dining,” or you can do a traditional set seating, so you have flexibility.
Entertainment-wise, Princess is decent. They’ve got stage shows and recently they’ve partnered with Discovery for some themed activities.
I’ve noticed Princess does interesting educational classes too, from cooking demos to destination lectures, which totally fits their vibe.
Who is Princess really for? I’d say it’s ideal for couples (young and old) who want a romantic or peaceful vacation.
If you’re a solo young adult, Princess is probably not the best choice. It sits in the middle of this ranking because, while it doesn’t offer crazy innovations, it consistently delivers a happy and hassle-free cruise experience.
5. Carnival Cruise Line
Ah, Carnival. For many of us, this was the gateway cruise line. The first place we learned that yes, you really can eat pizza at 3 AM without anyone judging you.
Carnival calls itself the “Fun Ships”, and by all accounts it lives up to that reputation.
The atmosphere is energetic, loud, and definitely casual. This is the cruise line where you’ll find sailaway parties in full swing, poolside DJs, belly flop contests, and maybe someone doing the Electric Slide in a swimsuit and cowboy hat by day’s end.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a social and party-like environment.
They also cater to families thanks to many waterslides and plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy. On board, you’ll probably see a lot of multi-generational families having a great time together on Carnival.
One of Carnival’s strongest points is value for money. It’s usually one of the most affordable options, and for what you pay, you get a lot included.
They have a ton of free places to eat, like Guy’s Burger Joint (those burgers are almost legendary among cruisers) and BlueIguana Cantina for tacos.
Sure, the cuisine isn’t five-star gourmet, but it hits the spot
The entertainment is also great with many comedy shows (often R-rated late at night), karaoke, trivia, Broadway-style shows, and deck parties that go late.
Now, what about downsides? Well, if you’re not into crowds and noise, Carnival will test your patience.
Quiet spaces can be hard to find and the ships’ décor can be…let’s say bright.
In addition, while the service/food are good, they aren’t at a luxury level. Carnival is more about fun than finesse.
Who is Carnival for? Definitely first-time cruisers, younger cruisers, or anyone on a budget who still wants an awesome time.
It’s perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, or a group of friends. If you want luxury and elegance, look higher up this list! But I give Carnival a lot of credit: they know their identity, and they deliver exactly what their passengers expect.
4. Disney Cruise Line
I have not sailed with Disney Cruise Line yet (currently accepting sponsorships from Mickey 😉), but I’ve heard so many glowing reports.
Let’s be real: Disney is in a league of its own when it comes to family cruises. If you have kids, or you’re a Disney fan, people say it’s worth every penny.
The problem is that you’ll need a lot of pennies because Disney cruises are notoriously expensive, often 2-3 times the cost of other mainstream cruises.
From what comes up in reviews though, you get incredible quality for that price.
The onboard atmosphere is pure Disney magic: character meet-and-greets with princesses and Marvel heroes, deck parties with fireworks at sea, and Broadway-caliber stage shows featuring Disney stories. That’s the power of Disney entertainment!
And during the day, kids are basically in heaven. The kids’ clubs are huge, immersive spaces (like an Avengers Academy or Andy’s Room from Toy Story). They even have a drop-off nursery for babies for free.
Another positive thing is that Disney ships also have beautiful adult-only areas with pools, bars, and even adults-only restaurants.
Food on Disney also gets good reviews, which is nice considering the price you pay. They have a unique rotational dining system: you rotate through different themed restaurants each night (Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, etc.), and your waitstaff rotates with you, so they really get to know your preferences.
The cuisine is high quality and creative, plus the included buffets and quick-service spots are reportedly excellent too.
As I was saying before, the main drawback is the price tag.
Also, if you’re not traveling with kids or you’re not a Disney fanatic, you might not appreciate all that you’re paying for.
There are certainly adults-only cruise options that deliver luxury or adventure that Disney doesn’t, so this cruise line is plain and simple for families with children.
So, Disney Cruise Line scores high because it delivers a unique, memorable experience that’s hard to find elsewhere, as long as you’re willing to pay for the magic.
3. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is one of the newest players in the cruise world, and it’s shaking things up a bit.
First off, no kids allowed. Virgin is strictly 18+, so the vibe is completely adult-centric.
The atmosphere is super chic and modern. You’ll find mood lighting, DJ sets at the pool, and crew members with edgy hairstyles.
Virgin set out to ditch a lot of cruising traditions and appeal to a new generation, and honestly, it’s working because most people who’ve sailed Virgin absolutely love it.
One big selling point: more is included in the fare than on most other lines. Virgin fares include all dining, basic Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, and even your gratuities.
Now, the food: by all accounts, Virgin’s food scene is amazing. They have no buffets and no main dining room- Instead, there are 20+ unique eateries onboard each ship, and all of them are included.
From a trendy brunch spot to a Korean BBQ where you grill at your table, to an upscale steakhouse, it’s all part of your cruise fare.
Passengers say the quality rivals specialty restaurants on other lines (which normally cost extra), and you can order as much as you want without paying more.
The entertainment is also quite different. They don’t have the traditional big production shows. Instead, they have more experimental, nightclub-y performances, like interactive theater or an ultra-modern dance show.
There’s also a lot of live music, impromptu happenings, and a huge focus on nightlife (the ship literally has a nightclub and throws a massive outdoor dance party called Scarlet Night where everyone wears red).
What are the cons? Well, Virgin is still new and only has a few ships, so itinerary choices are somewhat limited (Caribbean, Mediterranean, with new ones in Australia).
Also, some reviewers mention the ship layout can be confusing (apparently signage is minimal and the design is non-traditional, which can be frustrating). But the cabins are super modern, and the ships are all new
Who is Virgin Voyages for? Definitely adult couples or friend groups in the twenty-to-fifty-something range who want a contemporary vacation.
If you’re an experienced cruiser looking for something new and different (and you don’t have kids), Virgin is worth a try for sure.
2. Royal Caribbean International
Royal is like the ultimate all-rounder of cruise lines. They have the biggest, most amenity-packed ships (just think about the Oasis-class or Icon-class).
You can basically find everything on board: surf simulator, a zip line, rock climbing walls, ice skating rink, miniature golf, aqua theaters. So it’s perfect if you love staying busy.
Royal also nails entertainment and activities. Their lineup of shows is top-notch: real Broadway musicals on some ships, original production shows with aerialists and robotics, comedy clubs and live bands.
And for families, Royal is probably second only to Disney. They have an Adventure Ocean kids program that keeps children of all ages busy with science labs, crafts, and games. Plus, on newer ships, Royal has awesome family accommodations (like the Ultimate Family Suite with a slide and private game room).
Food on Royal Caribbean is also great, though I’ll say it’s maybe not the very best on this list.
The main dining room is usually good, and you can find some pretty interesting things at the buffet as well. Even though some cruisers feel the complimentary dining has slipped a bit due to cost-cutting and new menus.
Another huge plus: Royal’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which many itineraries include, where you can find a giant waterpark, beautiful beaches, a swim-up bar in the ocean, and a huge pool party, all in one island stop.
Who is Royal Caribbean for? Honestly, almost everyone. It’s the beauty of Royal, they aim to please all ages and tastes.
Families love it, couples have fun, and friend groups find plenty to do as well.
I will say, if you absolutely hate crowds or prefer a small ship atmosphere, you might not enjoy Royal’s big ships.
They do have smaller, older ships too, which offer a more laid-back experience (and often lower prices), though those lack some of the modern features.
1. Celebrity Cruises
Drumroll for 1: Celebrity Cruises! From consistent passenger feedback, reviews, and comments, Celebrity comes out on top.
They are a sister brand to Royal Caribbean, but Celebrity is marketed as a step up, more premium, more refined.
People often describe Celebrity as “modern luxury” done in an approachable way. The ships are gorgeous and contemporary, with lots of art and even gimmicks like real grass lawns on the top deck of their Solstice-class ships where you can play bocce or have a picnic.
The service is reportedly fantastic, with a crew that remembers your name and your preferences, and a ratio of staff-to-guest that allows a bit more personalized touch.
Food is also a highlight on Celebrity. I constantly read that Celebrity’s main dining room and buffet are among the best.
In fact, some say Celebrity has the best buffet, with huge variety and quality that beats the competition.
The entertainment is usually described as classy, with cooking classes, enrichment lectures, live music (maybe a jazz quartet in a swanky lounge), and production shows that are artistic and contemporary.
One thing to note: while families are welcome on Celebrity, there isn’t the same level of kid-friendly attractions as on Royal or Disney.
There are kids’ clubs and some activities, but no huge waterparks or specific characters. So families with older kids or teens who don’t need constant stimulation would do fine, but young kids might say, “This is boring,” if they’ve traveled with other cruise lines before.
That being said, lots of families do enjoy Celebrity, especially if they want a more laid-back, sophisticated environment.
Who is Celebrity for? I’d say adults and couples, including younger couples who enjoy trendy design and good food, as well as retirees who want a relaxed yet upscale vacation.
It’s also great for foodies and wine lovers, or for friends traveling together and looking for new experiences.
So Celebrity seems to excel in overall experience and value for money at the higher end of mainstream cruising. You get a taste of luxury without mortgaging your house.
In fact, some of Celebrity’s prices on newer ships are on par or even less than Royal Caribbean’s newest, which is a fantastic deal considering you generally get more included.
I constantly see repeat Celebrity cruisers saying that they tried another line and came back to Celebrity because the food and service just weren’t as good elsewhere.
It’s those little details that add up. And that’s what makes Celebrity’s overall balance such a solid choice in most situations.
