The Complete Guide to Cruise Lines: Every Option Explained
Choosing the right cruise line is like picking the perfect travel companion – get it right, and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend your holiday wondering what you were thinking. With over 80 cruise lines operating worldwide, each with their own personality, strengths, and quirks, the choice can feel overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve sailed with most of these lines, experienced their highs and lows, and distilled everything into honest, practical advice. No marketing fluff, no cruise line propaganda – just the truth about what each line does well and where they might leave you wanting more.
How to Use This Guide
We’ve organized cruise lines into categories that actually make sense – not by alphabet or size, but by the type of experience they offer. Whether you’re a first-timer wondering what all the fuss is about or a seasoned cruiser looking for your next adventure, you’ll find your perfect match here.
Each category tells you exactly what to expect, who these lines suit best, and what makes them special. Click through to our detailed reviews for the full story, including honest assessments of value, service, and those little details that can make or break a cruise.
Quick Navigation Jump Links – Find Your Perfect Cruise Style:
Ocean Cruising:
- Mainstream & Contemporary – Large ships, families, first-timers
- European & Regional – Local expertise, cultural focus
- Luxury & Ultra-Luxury – Premium service, all-inclusive experiences
- Small Ship & Yacht-Style – Intimate vessels, unique destinations
Adventure & Expedition:
- Expedition & Adventure Cruising – Wildlife, remote destinations, zodiac landings
River & Specialty Cruising:
- River Cruise Lines – European rivers, cultural immersion
- Asian Rivers – Yangtze, Mekong, and other Asian waterways
- Amazon & Tropical Rivers – Rainforest exploration, wildlife
- Australian & African Rivers – Murray River, Zambezi experiences
- Remote Destination Specialists – Unique regions, specialized experiences
Need Help Choosing?
- How to Choose Your Perfect Cruise Line – Practical advice by traveler type
Mainstream & Contemporary Cruise Lines
These are the workhorses of the cruise industry – the lines that do it all and do it well. Think floating resorts with something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. If you’re new to cruising or traveling with multiple generations, this is your starting point.
What to expect: Large to mega ships (2,000-7,000+ passengers), extensive dining options, Broadway-style shows, kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and enough activities to fill several holidays. These lines have perfected the art of keeping everyone happy simultaneously.
Royal Caribbean
The innovators of the cruise world. If it’s new, exciting, and slightly bonkers, Royal Caribbean probably invented it. From surf simulators to skydiving simulators, rock climbing walls to robot bartenders, they’ve never met an amenity they didn’t want to supersize. Perfect for families and anyone who thinks “too much” isn’t in their vocabulary.
👉 Read our full Royal Caribbean review
Carnival Cruises
The fun-loving rebels of mainstream cruising. Carnival invented the “Fun Ship” concept and they’ve never looked back, creating floating parties where the dress code is “whatever makes you happy” and the entertainment philosophy is “more is more.” They’re the cruise line that figured out cruising should feel like a vacation, not a test of your formal wear collection. Perfect for people who want to laugh, relax, and not take themselves too seriously.
👉 Read our full Carnival Cruises review
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
The rebels who threw the rulebook out the porthole. NCL pioneered “freestyle cruising” – no formal nights, no assigned dining times, no stuffy traditions. Eat when you want, wear what you like, and do your own thing. It’s cruising for people who don’t like being told what to do.
MSC Cruises
European sophistication meets modern innovation. MSC brings a distinctly Mediterranean flavor to cruising, with genuine Italian flair, excellent pasta (obviously), and a more relaxed approach to family cruising. Their newer ships are technological marvels that would make Silicon Valley jealous.
👉 Read our full MSC Cruises review
Costa Cruises
Pure Italian passion on the high seas. Costa turns every cruise into a festival, with lively entertainment, fantastic food, and that unmistakable Italian joie de vivre. If you want your cruise to feel like a celebration rather than a holiday, Costa delivers in spades.
👉 Read our full Costa Cruises review
Celebrity Cruises
The sophisticated choice for travelers who want mainstream accessibility with premium touches. Celebrity strikes the perfect balance between innovation and elegance, with stunning ship design, excellent cuisine, and service that never feels stuffy. It’s mainstream cruising that grew up and got classy.
👉 Read our full Celebrity Cruises review
Princess Cruises
Traditional cruising done right. Princess perfected the classic cruise experience – elegant ships, refined service, and that perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. They’re the cruise line your parents remember fondly, but updated for modern travelers.
👉 Read our full Princess Cruises review
Holland America
Cultural cruising for the curious traveler. Holland America combines classic elegance with enriching experiences – think cooking classes, art collections, and lectures by actual experts. It’s cruising for people who want to come home smarter than when they left.
👉 Read our full Holland America review
Disney Cruises
Family cruising perfected to an almost scary degree. Disney doesn’t just do family cruising – they’ve redefined what family cruising can be. Every detail is obsessed over, every experience magical, and somehow they make it work for both 5-year-olds and their exhausted parents.
👉 Read our full Disney Cruises review
Virgin Voyages
Cruising for people who thought they didn’t like cruising. Virgin threw out everything traditional about cruising and started fresh. No kids, no formal nights, no boring buffets – just well-designed ships, creative dining, and experiences that feel more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship.
European & Regional Cruise Lines
These lines know their home waters like locals know their neighborhood pub. They’re designed for specific markets and cultures, offering authentically regional experiences you simply can’t get elsewhere.
AIDA Cruises
German efficiency meets resort-style fun. AIDA created a uniquely German cruise experience that’s casual, active, and refreshingly unpretentious. Think of it as a floating beach resort with German organizational skills and a surprising sense of humor.
👉 Read our full AIDA Cruises review
TUI Cruises
Premium German cruising with an all-inclusive twist. TUI took the best of German cruise preferences and wrapped them in elegant ships with exceptional service. It’s what happens when German attention to detail meets genuine hospitality.
👉 Read our full TUI Cruises review
Marella Cruises
Honest, good-value cruising without the pretense. Marella doesn’t try to be the fanciest or the biggest – they just focus on delivering solid cruise experiences at fair prices. It’s cruising for people who want quality without paying luxury prices.
👉 Read our full Marella Cruises review
P&O Cruises
Traditional British cruising with a modern update. P&O invented cruising as we know it, and they’ve spent 180+ years perfecting it. Expect proper afternoon tea, formal nights that actually matter, and that distinctive British approach to service and entertainment.
👉 Read our full P&O Cruises review
Ambassador Cruise Line
British cruising focused on discovering Britain itself. Ambassador specializes in UK coastal cruising and European adventures, perfect for travelers who want to explore closer to home without sacrificing comfort or quality.
👉 Read our full Ambassador Cruise Line review
Celestyal Cruises
Greek islands cruising by people who actually know the Greek islands. Celestyal offers authentic Greek experiences with ships designed specifically for Aegean cruising. It’s island hopping elevated to an art form.
👉 Read our full Celestyal Cruises review
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Intimate cruising with a Norwegian heritage and British sensibility. Fred Olsen’s smaller ships can reach destinations the big ships can’t, creating unique itineraries that feel more like discoveries than tourist routes.
👉 Read our full Fred Olsen review
Saga Cruises
Cruising designed specifically for travelers over 50. Saga understands that mature travelers have different priorities – peace and quiet over pool parties, cultural enrichment over thrill rides, and service that anticipates needs without being intrusive.
👉 Read our full Saga Cruises review
Aroya Cruises
The new voice in Middle Eastern cruising. Aroya brings authentic Arabian hospitality to the seas, creating cruise experiences that respect and celebrate Middle Eastern culture while offering world-class facilities and service.
Luxury & Ultra-Luxury Cruise Lines
This is where cruising becomes an art form. Every detail is considered, every service anticipated, every experience crafted to perfection. You’re not just buying a cruise – you’re investing in memories that will spoil you for ordinary travel forever.
What to expect: Smaller ships (100-1,000 passengers), butler service, exceptional cuisine, inclusive pricing, unique destinations, and attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. This is cruising where the journey truly is the destination.
Silversea Cruises
Ultra-luxury that sets the standard for everyone else. Silversea doesn’t just do luxury – they define it. All-inclusive everything, butler service that anticipates your needs, and ships that feel more like private clubs than cruise vessels. Once you’ve experienced Silversea, other cruise lines feel a bit… ordinary.
👉 Read our full Silversea review
Seabourn Cruises
Intimate luxury with a yacht-like atmosphere. Seabourn’s small ships create an exclusive club feeling where staff know your name, your preferences, and probably your life story by day three. It’s luxury without the pomp – just pure, effortless elegance.
👉 Read our full Seabourn review
Regent Seven Seas
All-inclusive luxury taken to its logical conclusion. Regent includes everything – and we mean everything. Shore excursions, premium beverages, gratuities, even specialty restaurant surcharges. It’s luxury cruising where you never have to think about money once you’re aboard.
👉 Read our full Regent Seven Seas review
Crystal Cruises
Luxury cruising reborn under new ownership. After a brief hiatus, Crystal returned in 2023 under A&K Travel Group with extensively refurbished ships and reduced capacity for more spacious accommodations. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony now offer ultra-luxury experiences with butler service for every suite, Nobu restaurant at sea, and the highest crew-to-guest ratios in cruising.
👉 Read our full Crystal Cruises review
Oceania Cruises
Culinary-focused luxury for the food-obsessed traveler. Oceania attracts travelers who view dining as entertainment and consider a perfect meal a legitimate life goal. Their ships are floating restaurants that happen to visit amazing destinations.
👉 Read our full Oceania review
Scenic Luxury Cruises
Ultra-luxury with unique experiences you can’t get elsewhere. Scenic combines traditional luxury cruise amenities with exclusive access and experiences. Think helicopter transfers, submarine excursions, and shore experiences money usually can’t buy.
👉 Read our full Scenic Luxury Cruises review
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Hotel luxury translated to the sea. Ritz-Carlton brings their legendary hospitality standards to cruising, creating experiences that feel like staying at their best resorts – except the resort moves to a new amazing location each day.
👉 Read our full Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection review
Explora Journeys
Luxury ocean cruising reimagined for the modern traveler. Explora combines sophisticated design with immersive destination experiences, creating luxury cruising that feels fresh and contemporary rather than traditional.
👉 Read our full Explora Journeys review
Four Seasons Yachts
Ultra-luxury yachting with Four Seasons DNA. When Four Seasons enters cruising, you know it’s going to redefine what yacht-style cruising can be. Expect nothing less than perfection in every detail.
👉 Read our full Four Seasons Yachts review
Cunard Cruise Line
Traditional luxury with genuine historical pedigree. Cunard invented transatlantic travel and they’ve never forgotten it. Formal nights matter here, afternoon tea is an institution, and crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 remains one of travel’s great experiences.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Intimate luxury yachting for travelers who want to feel like they own the ship. With just 112 passengers, SeaDream creates a private yacht experience where every guest feels like a VIP. It’s luxury cruising at its most personal.
Small Ship & Yacht-Style Cruising
Sometimes the best experiences come in small packages. These lines prove that bigger isn’t always better, offering intimate experiences, unique destinations, and personal service that larger ships simply can’t match.
What to expect: Ships carrying 50-500 passengers, personalized service, unique itineraries, access to smaller ports, and that exclusive feeling of being part of a select group rather than a floating city.
Windstar Cruises
Sailing ships and small luxury vessels that redefine relaxed cruising. Windstar captures the romance of sail-powered travel with modern luxury amenities. Their ships feel like private yachts rather than cruise ships, perfect for travelers who want to feel the wind in their sails.
👉 Read our full Windstar review
Ponant Cruises
French luxury expedition and destination cruising. Ponant combines French sophistication with expedition capabilities, creating elegant adventures to destinations other cruise lines can’t reach. It’s exploration with style.
The Majestic Line
Intimate Scottish island cruising that feels like sailing with friends. The Majestic Line’s tiny ships create house party atmospheres while exploring Scotland’s most remote and beautiful islands. It’s cruising that feels authentically Scottish.
👉 Read our full Majestic Line review
Noble Caledonia Cruises
Cultural and expedition cruising for the intellectually curious. Noble Caledonia attracts travelers who want to learn as much as they want to relax, with expert-led programs and itineraries designed for discovery rather than just sightseeing.
👉 Read our full Noble Caledonia review
Star Clippers
Tall ship sailing for romantics and adventurers. Star Clippers offers genuine sailing experiences aboard beautiful tall ships. If you’ve ever dreamed of life under sail, this is as close as modern cruising gets to the golden age of sailing.
👉 Read our full Star Clippers review
Sea Cloud Cruises
Luxury sailing ships with authentic tall ship heritage. Sea Cloud operates genuine historical sailing ships alongside modern vessels, creating sailing experiences that blend history, luxury, and adventure.
👉 Read our full Sea Cloud review
Hebridean Island Cruises
Intimate Scottish island cruising with country house atmosphere. Hebridean Princess feels more like a floating country hotel than a cruise ship, perfect for travelers who want luxury without ostentation and Scotland without crowds.
👉 Read our full Hebridean Island Cruises review
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Tahitian paradise specialist that understands French Polynesia like no one else. Paul Gauguin was designed specifically for Tahitian waters, with local staff, authentic experiences, and access to islands other ships can’t reach.
👉 Read our full Paul Gauguin review
Azamara Club Cruises
Destination-focused cruising with longer port stays and night stays. Azamara understands that the best parts of cruising happen off the ship, so they design itineraries that maximize destination time rather than sea days.
Expedition & Adventure Cruising
For travelers who think the best destinations are the ones without crowds, these lines specialize in taking you where other ships fear to tread. Expect zodiacs, parkas, and life-changing wildlife encounters.
What to expect: Ice-strengthened ships, expert naturalist guides, zodiac landings, educational programs, and destinations that appear in National Geographic documentaries. Adventure gear often included.
National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions
Nature and wildlife expedition cruising with National Geographic expertise. When National Geographic puts their name on something, you know it’s going to be educational, authentic, and absolutely extraordinary. Perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
👉 Read our full Lindblad Expeditions review
Quark Expeditions
Polar expedition specialists who literally wrote the book on Arctic and Antarctic adventure. Quark has been taking travelers to the ends of the earth for decades, with the experience and expertise to make polar expeditions both safe and unforgettable.
👉 Read our full Quark Expeditions review
Aurora Expeditions
Australian expedition specialists with a passion for remote destinations. Aurora combines serious expedition credentials with Australian friendliness, creating adventures that are both professional and genuinely fun.
👉 Read our full Aurora Expeditions review
Poseidon Expeditions
Polar expedition cruising including unique nuclear icebreaker experiences. Poseidon offers some of the most extreme polar adventures available, including trips to the North Pole aboard nuclear-powered icebreakers.
👉 Read our full Poseidon Expeditions review
Heritage Expeditions
New Zealand-based expeditions to subantarctic islands and remote destinations. Heritage Expeditions accesses some of the planet’s most pristine wilderness areas, with particular expertise in subantarctic wildlife and New Zealand’s remote corners.
👉 Read our full Heritage Expeditions review
Swan Hellenic
Cultural expedition cruising with expert lecturers and educational focus. Swan Hellenic combines expedition capabilities with cultural immersion, perfect for travelers who want adventure with intellectual substance.
👉 Read our full Swan Hellenic review
Adventure Canada
Canadian Arctic expedition specialists with genuine local expertise. Adventure Canada offers authentic Arctic experiences led by people who actually live and work in the region, creating cultural exchanges you can’t get elsewhere.
👉 Read our full Adventure Canada review
Coral Expeditions
Australian expedition cruising specialists focusing on Australia and Asia-Pacific. Coral Expeditions knows Australia’s remote coasts and Pacific islands like locals, offering authentic experiences in destinations other lines rarely visit.
👉 Read our full Coral Expeditions review
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Luxury expedition cruising with yacht-style ships and inclusive experiences. Atlas proves that expedition cruising doesn’t have to mean roughing it, combining serious expedition capabilities with genuine luxury.
👉 Read our full Atlas Ocean Voyages review
&Beyond Cruises
Conservation-focused expedition cruising in Galápagos and Amazon (launching 2026). &Beyond brings their legendary safari expertise to expedition cruising, creating conservation-focused experiences that make a difference.
👉 Read our full &Beyond Cruises review
UnCruise Adventures
Small ship adventure cruising in Alaska, Hawaii, and unique destinations. UnCruise specializes in active adventures with ships small enough to access hidden coves and wild enough to satisfy true adventurers.
River Cruise Lines
Rivers are cruising’s best-kept secret. Intimate ships, ever-changing scenery, cultural immersion, and the ability to dock in city centers rather than industrial ports. River cruising is ocean cruising’s sophisticated older sibling.
What to expect: Ships carrying 100-200 passengers, floor-to-ceiling windows, cultural immersion, included shore excursions, and scenery that changes every few miles rather than every few days.
Viking Cruises
The river cruise line that made river cruising mainstream. Viking perfected the river cruise formula with elegant ships, included shore excursions, and itineraries that actually make cultural sense. They’re the gold standard for good reason.
👉 Read our full Viking Cruises review
AmaWaterways
Innovative river cruise design with family-friendly options. AmaWaterways consistently pushes river cruise ship design forward, creating vessels with unique amenities like swim-up bars and connecting staterooms for families.
👉 Read our full AmaWaterways review
American Cruise Lines
US-focused river and coastal cruising for travelers who want to explore America by water. American Cruise Lines proves that you don’t need to cross oceans to have amazing cruise experiences.
👉 Read our full American Cruise Lines review
Avalon Waterways
River cruising with panorama suites and flexible touring options. Avalon’s innovative ship design maximizes river views, while their flexible touring options cater to different activity levels and interests.
👉 Read our full Avalon Waterways review
Riviera River Cruises
British river cruise line offering excellent value European river experiences. Riviera brings British sensibilities to European river cruising, with good value pricing and familiar comfort levels.
👉 Read our full Riviera River Cruises review
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Luxury river cruising with uniquely designed ships that are floating works of art. Uniworld’s ships are individually decorated masterpieces, creating river cruise experiences that are as much about the ship as the destinations.
👉 Read our full Uniworld review
Emerald Waterways
Contemporary river cruising with innovative amenities and good value. Emerald offers modern river cruising with unique features like pool platforms and cinema lounges, proving innovation doesn’t require premium pricing.
👉 Read our full Emerald Waterways review
CroisiEurope
French river cruise line with extensive European coverage and authentic French hospitality. CroisiEurope knows European rivers like locals, with itineraries and experiences that feel genuinely European rather than just tourist-focused.
👉 Read our full CroisiEurope review
APT Travelmarvel
Australian river cruise specialists offering European and Asian river experiences. APT brings Australian tour expertise to river cruising, with comprehensive itineraries that extend beyond just the cruise.
👉 Read our full APT Travelmarvel review
Grand Circle Cruise Line
River and small ship cruising designed for mature travelers. Grand Circle specializes in cultural travel for travelers over 50, with educational programs and social experiences designed for their specific market.
👉 Read our full Grand Circle review
Riverside Luxury Cruises
European river cruising with all-inclusive luxury experiences. Riverside elevates river cruising to luxury levels with all-inclusive pricing and premium amenities.
👉 Read our full Riverside Luxury Cruises review
A-ROSA Cruises
German river cruise line with spa focus and contemporary design. A-ROSA brings resort-style amenities to river cruising, with ships that feel more like floating spas than traditional river vessels.
Tauck Cruises
Luxury river and small ship cruising with included tours and expert guides. Tauck brings their legendary tour expertise to cruising, with comprehensive experiences that include everything you need for extraordinary travel.
👉 Read our full Tauck Cruises review Avalon’s innovative ship design maximizes river views, while their flexible touring options cater to different activity levels and interests.
Specialty & Regional River Cruises
Asian Rivers
Century Cruises
Yangtze River cruising in China with modern ships and cultural experiences. Century offers the most comfortable way to experience China’s historic Yangtze River.
👉 Read our full Century Cruises review
Victoria Cruises
Yangtze River specialists with luxury accommodations and cultural immersion. Victoria provides authentic Chinese river experiences with Western comfort standards.
👉 Read our full Victoria Cruises review
Yangtze River Cruises
Comprehensive guide to various operators serving China’s mighty Yangtze River, from budget to luxury options.
👉 Read our full Yangtze River Cruises guide
Damei Cruises
Chinese river cruise operator offering local perspectives on China’s great rivers.
👉 Read our full Damei Cruises review
Pandaw Cruises
Asian river cruising specialists covering Mekong, Ganges, and other Asian rivers with authentic colonial-style ships and local expertise.
Amazon & Tropical Rivers
Delfin Amazon Cruises
Luxury Amazon river cruising in Peru with exceptional naturalist guides and elegant ships designed specifically for Amazon exploration.
👉 Read our full Delfin Amazon Cruises review
Anakonda Amazon Cruises
Ecuadorian Amazon expedition cruising with luxury amenities and access to pristine rainforest areas.
👉 Read our full Anakonda Amazon Cruises review
Zafiro Amazon Cruises
Boutique Amazon river cruising in Peru with intimate ships and personalized service.
👉 Read our full Zafiro Amazon Cruises review
La Perla Amazon Cruise
Intimate Amazon river experiences in Peru with small ships and authentic jungle encounters.
👉 Read our full La Perla Amazon Cruise review
Iberostar Grand Amazon Expedition
Amazon river cruising with resort-style amenities and comprehensive jungle experiences.
👉 Read our full Iberostar Grand Amazon review
Aqua Expeditions
Luxury river cruising in Amazon and Mekong regions with award-winning design and exceptional cuisine.
Australian & African Rivers
Murray Princess Cruises
Murray River cruising in Australia with paddle wheeler charm and comprehensive regional exploration.
👉 Read our full Murray Princess review
Proud Mary River Cruises
Murray River paddle wheeler experiences with authentic Australian river heritage.
👉 Read our full Proud Mary review
Murray River Paddle Steamers
Traditional paddle steamer cruising in Australia with historical authenticity and regional charm.
👉 Read our full Murray River Paddle Steamers review
Zambezi Queen Collection
African river cruising on the Zambezi River with luxury accommodations and incredible wildlife viewing.
Remote Destination Specialists
Australian & Pacific Specialists
Kimberley Expeditions
Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region specialist with access to areas other ships can’t reach.
👉 Read our full Kimberley Expeditions review
Discovery One Kimberley Cruises
Kimberley region expedition cruising with luxury accommodations and expert local guides.
👉 Read our full Discovery One review
True North Cruises
Luxury adventure cruising in remote Australia with helicopter and fishing boat support for ultimate exploration.
👉 Read our full True North review
Star Dream Cruises
Asian cruise line serving regional markets with culturally authentic experiences and local expertise.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cruise Line
Still overwhelmed? Here’s the honest truth: there’s no such thing as the “best” cruise line – only the best cruise line for you, your travel style, and your budget.
For first-time cruisers: Start with mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, or Celebrity. They’ve perfected the formula and offer something for everyone.
For families: Disney is expensive but magical. Royal Caribbean offers endless activities. NCL provides flexibility when family members want different things.
For couples: Consider Celebrity for sophisticated modern cruising, Cunard for traditional elegance, or Windstar for intimate romance.
For luxury seekers: Silversea sets the standard, but Seabourn offers more intimacy and Regent includes everything in the price.
For adventurers: Quark for polar regions, Heritage for subantarctic wilderness, or UnCruise for active exploration.
For culture vultures: Swan Hellenic for educational expeditions, Viking for river cruising, or Ponant for French sophistication.
For value seekers: Marella offers honest value, while Princess provides premium experiences at reasonable prices.
The key is being honest about what you actually want versus what you think you should want. A week on a river cruise through Bordeaux wine country might sound more sophisticated than a Caribbean cruise with water slides, but if you’re traveling with teenagers, guess which one will create better family memories?
Final Thoughts
The cruise industry has never offered more choice, and that’s both exciting and intimidating. Every cruise line in this guide exists because they’ve found their niche and do it well. The adventure is finding the one that speaks to your particular brand of wanderlust.
Remember: the best cruise line is the one that matches your personality, your budget, and your definition of the perfect holiday. Everything else is just marketing.
Ready to dive deeper? Click through to our detailed cruise line reviews, where we tell you everything these companies hope you won’t ask about – the good, the bad, and the honest truth about cruising in the modern age.
Whatever you choose, make it count. Life’s too short for disappointing holidays and cruise lines that don’t get you.
About the Author
This guide was written and researched by Jo, who’s spent the better part of two decades trying to figure out which cruise lines are actually worth your money. Having sailed with more than 40 different cruise lines across six continents, Jo has experienced enough floating disasters and floating triumphs to know the difference.
What started as a quest to find the perfect cruise without getting fleeced by marketing nonsense has turned into a mission to help other travelers avoid the same mistakes. Jo’s philosophy is simple: every cruise line has something they do brilliantly and something that’ll make you wonder what they were thinking.
“I’ve had butlers who anticipated my every need and butlers who I’m convinced were actually hiding from me,” Jo says. “I’ve eaten at restaurants that would make Gordon Ramsay weep with joy and buffets that should probably be investigated by health authorities. The trick is knowing which cruise line does what well.”
When not aboard a ship somewhere questioning life choices or frantically taking notes for reviews, Jo can usually be found plotting the next adventure. Because somehow, despite everything, there’s always another cruise line that might just get it right.
Got questions about cruise lines that our reviews haven’t answered? Drop Jo a line.
