Whether you prefer long days at sea or ample time in diverse ports of call, mega-ships packed with features or intimate yachts, more restaurants than a resort or a single luxury dining room, there’s a cruise line out there for you.
No. 10: Oceania Cruises. One of the world’s largest luxury cruise lines, Oceania Cruises attracts passengers with its destination-centric itineraries to more than 330 ports around the world. And that’s in addition to its stellar culinary program headed by Master Chef Jacques Pépin and its spacious accommodations (the Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena only carry 684 guests).
No. 9: Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity Cruises earns high marks for spacious accommodations, as well as the money and effort the line spends to keep its fleet sleek and modern. While kid- and teen-centric amenities are there, Celebrity really shines with its adult offerings, including above-the-norm alternative restaurants, world-class art collections, upscale boutiques and AquaClass cabins geared toward the spa-going cruise crowd.
No. 8: Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean International designed its fleet with the active cruiser in mind. Sure, you can laze away sea days on a deck lounger or ship library, but you can also go rock climbing, sky diving, zip lining, surfing, ice skating or bowling – all at sea. Royal Caribbean operates the four largest ships in the world, including the Symphony of the Seas, which debuted in 2018.
No. 7: Paul Gauguin Cruises. Paul Gauguin’s luxury small ship sails primarily in Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific, with onboard service that ranks among the best in the industry. And what the small vessel lacks in on-board activities, it makes up for in world-class cuisine and stops at the line’s two private islands, where beach barbecues and plentiful aquatic activities abound.
No. 6: Holland America Line. Holland America Line offers enriching journeys in distinctively classic cruise style, connecting guests to the most fascinating people, places and cultures on earth. Itineraries span the globe with more than 400 ports of call, a number unequaled among premium cruise lines, and more than 500 carefully crafted itineraries. With elegant fine dining and gracious service, Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships welcome guests onboard to discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.
No. 5: Seabourn Cruise Line. Seabourn’s fleet of all-suite, low-capacity ships carry a maximum of 600 guests each, allowing them to sail to some of the world’s most desirable destinations. Passengers enjoy a nearly one-to-one ratio with crew and one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. Each of the five luxury ships offers a complimentary water sports marina, open bars serving wine, champagne and spirits, and world-class cuisine.
No. 4: Hurtigruten. Hurtigruten specializes in exploration voyages in Norway, Iceland and Greenland, as well as Europe, Africa, South America, Central America, Arctic Canada and the Antarctic. While the Hurtigruten fleet of expedition ships is designed to sail to remote areas, onboard facilities are modern and comfortable – a perfect base for enjoying spectacular scenery, immersive shore excursions and nature-based activities.
No. 3: Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises’ line of large and mega-sized ships sail nearly everywhere big ships can go, and they do so with traditional style and innovative touches. Adults-only deck areas and poolside movie screens were largely Princess innovations, and the fleet’s atriums, called Piazzas, pioneered the idea of an atrium gathering place, filled with dining and drinking options.
No. 2: MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises, the largest privately-owned cruise line in the world, has deep European roots evident in each of its 15 ships and on each of its sailings through elegant decor, authentic internationally-inspired cuisines and elevated onboard entertainment. MSC also offers the highest percentage of sea view balcony staterooms per ship of any line.
No. 1: Viking Ocean Cruises. Viking Cruises earned its reputation through its affordable, destination-focused river cruises. With the debut of Viking Star in April 2015, the line made a grand entrance into the world of ocean cruising. Now, the line has six ocean vessels (with a seventh on the way). All cabins come with balconies and are notably larger than the industry average, and while the ships lack a casino and kids club, they offer the same destination-intensive programming that made river cruising so popular.
