Posted on Monday, November 24, 2025
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by Outside Contributor
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Sponsored By: TravelPerks
Are you new to cruising or overwhelmed by all the options available? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will break down the basics so you can confidently choose the perfect cruise experience for your needs.
What is the Best Cruise Line?
The best cruise line depends on your travel style, budget, and desired experience. If you’re looking for large ships with exciting onboard activities, popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival might be ideal.
For those who prefer an upscale experience with exceptional service, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn or Silversea are excellent choices. If cultural immersion and scenic views appeal to you, Viking River Cruises is one of the best options for river cruising. There is no single “best” cruise line—only the best one for you!
Popular Cruise Lines vs. Luxury Cruise Lines
The first big decision when selecting a cruise is choosing between mainstream, premium, and luxury cruise lines.
- Popular Cruise Lines: These include brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line. They typically operate large ships with thousands of passengers and offer a wide range of onboard activities, such as water parks, rock climbing walls, and Broadway-style entertainment. These cruises cater to families, couples, and groups looking for a fun, casual experience with plenty of entertainment. While it still comes down to personal preference, popular cruise lines are often some of the best cruise lines for families.
- Luxury Cruise Lines: Companies like Seabourn, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer a more intimate, high-end experience. Luxury cruise ships are smaller, accommodating fewer passengers, which allows for personalized service, gourmet dining, and exclusive excursions. These small ships also focus on unique destinations, reaching ports that larger ships cannot access. One brand to highlight is Azamara, who offers longer stays in port and more overnights.
- Premium Cruise Lines: Brands like Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Holland America bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury. They offer elevated service, better dining experiences, and a refined atmosphere while still maintaining some of the entertainment and onboard activities found on popular cruise lines.
Whether it’s the best cruise lines for couples, best cruise lines for adults, or best cruise lines for families, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in terms of onboard experience and trip itinerary.
Ocean Cruising vs. River Cruising
Cruising isn’t limited to just the vast oceans—river cruising is another fantastic way to explore the world. Here’s how they compare:
- Ship Size & Passenger Count: Ocean cruise ships vary from a few hundred passengers to nearly 8,000 on the largest vessels. In contrast, river cruise ships typically carry only 120-150 guests, making for a more intimate experience.
- Experience: Ocean cruises are often about the onboard experience, with extensive dining options, entertainment, and activities. River cruises focus more on the destinations, offering daily guided tours and cultural experiences.
- Itinerary & Destinations: River cruises sail through regions like Europe (Danube, Rhine, Seine), Asia (Mekong, Yangtze), and the U.S. (Mississippi). Viking River Cruise is one of the most well-known names in river cruising, offering high-end experiences with cultural immersion.
- Convenience: Both types of cruising allow you to unpack once while your floating hotel takes you from city to city.
Adventure & Expedition Cruising
If you crave exploration and want to venture into remote regions, adventure and expedition cruises might be for you. These cruises are designed for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations with immersive experiences.
- Popular Destinations: Adventure cruises visit places like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, Australia’s Kimberley region, and even the Great Lakes.
- Luxury vs. Rugged Adventure: There’s a spectrum of adventure cruising. Luxury expedition ships like Scenic Eclipse and Celebrity Flora offer elegant accommodations and fine dining while exploring wild destinations. More rugged expedition cruises, such as those with Lindblad Expeditions or UnCruise, focus on nature, wildlife, and active excursions.
Destinations & Length
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to go and for how long. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Short Cruises (3-5 nights): Great for first-time cruisers, weekend getaways, or budget-friendly options. Common routes include the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Mediterranean.
- Medium-Length Cruises (6-10 nights): Offer a balance of sea days and port visits. Popular destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe.
- Longer Voyages (11+ nights): Ideal for in-depth exploration of regions like Asia, Australia, South America, and transatlantic crossings.
- World Cruises & Grand Voyages: For those with plenty of time and a big budget, these cruises last several weeks to months, covering multiple continents in one journey.
Final Thoughts
Cruising is one of the most flexible and convenient ways to travel. Whether you want a fun-filled family vacation, a luxurious escape, or an expedition into the wild, there’s a cruise for you. By understanding the differences in cruise types, ship sizes, and destinations, you can find the perfect cruise that matches your travel style and expectations.
TravelPerks advisors are experts in all of the above and are here to help you find your perfect vacation.
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