12 Best Cruise Lines to Book Now – Top Picks Loved by Travelers Worldwide

It started with a single suitcase, a curious spirit, and an ocean view that wouldn’t let go of me. One cruise led to another, before I knew it, I was on every type of ship, large or small, from sleek European riverboats to floating cities with zip lines and robotic bartenders.

During the course of it all, I found out what I did not expect. Along the way, I discovered something unexpected: cruising isn’t just about where you go – It’s about how you travel and who you become along the way.

Perhaps you are looking for the excitement of getting up in a new country every day. Or maybe you envision unplugging under the stars with only waves, you’re not alone. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, the cruise lines have a touch of magic for every kind of traveler.

This handpicked list of 12 irresistible cruise lines will give you the best of both worlds: shattering marvels of ships, breathtaking destinations, and the sorts of onboard experiences that turn trips into lifetimes of recollections.

Everything, from extravagant, everything included retreats to thrifty escapades that aren’t cheap on the charm—these are the holiday cruises travelers love, and once you sail with them, you’d know why.

1. Viking Cruises: Where Simplicity Meets Sophistication

Imagine a cruise at which things are all taken care of, without any unexpected charges for extras. That’s the Viking difference. At this, the Wi-Fi, wine with dinner, shore excursions, specialty dining, and even laundry facilities are all part of the package, and your journey is as stress-free as it is enriching.

Viking’s smooth Scandinavian-style vessels are targeted at people seeking culture over casinos. Fewer passengers and more space create a curated kind of experience, and they are calm. Each itinerary is destination-led with tantalising extras of expert lectures, regional cooking classes, wine tastings, all enriched by tour visits under Viking’s Privileged Access program.

Viking is famous, as expected, for its beautiful ocean and river cruises and awards jurisdiction year after year, but has also been making headway with its cool expedition ships providing trips to the furthest reaches, including Antarctica, without compromising the brand’s customary comfort and attention to detail.

What you won’t find on board?

A crowd of kids (Viking is 18+), inside cabins that don’t have ocean views, or the typical upselling seen on mainstream lines.

2. Royal Caribbean: The King of Mega-Fun at Sea

If you’re someone who believes that vacations should come with jaw-dropping thrills, endless dining options, and over-the-top entertainment, Royal Caribbean is your dream come true. This cruise line doesn’t just embrace the “go big or go home” philosophy—it defines it.

Leading the charge is the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, which was launched in January 2024, which is followed by its slightly bigger brother, Utopia of the Seas, which arrives in July. Each is a floating megaresort complete with an amazing 40 bars and restaurants more than you could ever take any sailing to. And with another 26 ships in the fleet, there is a never-ending variety and excitement.

Royal Caribbean also leagues away when it comes to onboard entertainment. Musicals of Broadway standard, such as Mamma Mia! and Hairspray, with gimmicks defying AquaTheater shows where high diving and synchronized swimming, and spectacular ice shows with professional figure skaters, all four shows rated from 5 to 9! This couldn’t be taking place on a ship, and yet you cannot believe it.

Craving adventure? You’ve got choices, the great water parks at sea too (yes, really), heart in your mouth obstacle courses that see you dangling into the ocean. Throw in surf simulators, sports courts, and waterslides that are closer to amusement park rides (even the hotel restaurant is themed like an ice-cream store!), and you’ve got a vacation that is about as normal as two parallel lines on a piece of paper.

3. Holland America Line: Last-Minute Luxury at a Steal

Dreaming of doing a cruise, but love a good deal? The unique gem that Holland America Line presents us with is its Standby Program, which is excellent if you are a flexible traveler.

For the cost of a mere $49 per day per person (inside or ocean view) or $79 for a verandah, you could bag a voyage to Alaska, Canada, and New England with surprisingly few days’ notice.

Here’s how it works: sign up, pay upfront, and 7 to 2 days prior to departure, Holland America checks the list. If you’re selected, you’re in! If not, you receive a 100% refund. Just to note—in case you’re selected and rejected, your fare is non-refundable.

It’s a cheap way to cruise in comfort, if you happen to live by the embarkation ports such as Seattle, Vancouver, Boston, or Montreal.

4. MSC Cruises: A VIP Experience at Sea

If you’ve ever wanted to cruise like a VIP—private butler, exclusive lounges, upgraded suites – MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club is your golden ticket. This “ship-within-a-ship” concept offers a luxurious escape while still letting you enjoy the excitement of a larger vessel.

Yacht Club guests can dine in private while enjoying elevated menus and lounging in a quiet lounge with live music and cocktails and a quiet sundeck with its own pool and hot tubs. You will also receive priority boarding, a personal concierge, VIP show seating, and thoughtful extras like a pillow menu and a fully stocked minibar. Drinks, Wifi, daily spa access? All included.

While it is a premium upgrade, MSC’s overall affordability is making this indulgent experience surprisingly accessible. Sailing Yacht Club will change regular cruising forever.

5. Disney Cruise Line: Magic for All Ages

Disney Cruise Line provides absolute magic when it comes to family cruising. With appearances by Mickey, Minnie, and other characters, kids are not only greeted by the magic of these characters the minute they board.

They’ll throw themselves in themed water fun, such as AquaDuck Water Coaster and Nemo’s Reef, and enjoy kid-only meals—pizza, chicken fingers, and Mickey biscuits served up in concept Disney eateries.

The fun doesn’t stop with Disney movies served up under the starry sky or Broadway-style presentations of such favorites as Frozen or Aladdin, and youth clubs filled with activities.

Meanwhile, adults can ease back into quiet lounging with cocktails of their choice or sit by a peaceful, family-only pool while the kids enjoy themselves elsewhere.

6. Carnival Cruise Line: Affordable Fun at Sea

Catering to the travelers on the lookout for budget-friendly excursions, Carnival Cruise Line is the best valued cruise operator with 27 cruise ships and affordable fares.

Riviera sailings to the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, perfect for weekend jaunts, but ships also sail to Europe, Canada, New England, and Hawaii.

Although the prices are low, Carnival still boasts irresistible perks: To splashy water slides and game shows all the way up to SkyRide—a sightseeing gondola with the power of a pedaled bicycle, high as 150 feet into the air above the deck.

Witnessing kids entertained, adults can relax in the Serenity Retreat. Dining is a treat as well with Guy’s Burger Joint freebies, along with Emeril’s Bistro and Rudi’s Seagrill for a little treat if you are in the mood for some spending.

7. Crystal Cruises: Fine Dining, Refined Cruising

If food tops your travel priorities while on your around-the-world trip, then Crystal Cruises is the option for you. Waterside Restaurant is its primary dining space, serving globally inspired upscale cuisine—nothing boring here, only fresh, seasonal flavors boasting player standout Asian and Indian plates. Even the buffet marketplace goes for quality over quantity.

Two specialty restaurants, Osteria d’Ovidio (Italian) and Umi Uma (Japanese-Peruvian by Nobu), are part of the fare. For the sushi lovers, do not forget to take a seat at the bar to observe the preparation of black cod, rock shrimp tempura, and signature Nobu-style bites.

With nearly one staff member per guest, expect top-tier service from start to dessert.

8. Princess Cruises: Romance at Sea

Although The Love Boat made Princess Cruises famous, on paper, it is how well they appeal to couples. Renowned for romantic escapes, weddings, and honeymoons, Princess is the holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest vow renewal at sea, keeping her as the number one choice for lovebirds.

Whether you’re taking a sailing trip to Lisbon or just relaxing closer to home, you can add romance to your stay with personalized packages of flowers, Champagne, couples massages, or breakfast in bed. And for that romance ending date, you are obliged to experience a gourmet Chef’s Table dinner with wine pairing and the attentive service.

9. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Wild Wonders in Luxury

Think of Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic as the ultimate blend of wilderness adventure and refined comfort – glamping at sea. This is the cruise for true adventurers, who would explore over 90 immersive itineraries that go deep within the most inaccessible corners of the planet, from the Antarctic to the Chilean fjords.

Aboard the agile ship designed for discovery, guests have unusual opportunities to explore secluded coastlines and isolated harbors. Each one has Zodiacs, hydrophones, underwater cameras, kayaks, paddleboards, and even snorkelling gear to allow you to connect with nature on a close-up basis.

With adaptable connoisseurs, from marine biologists to National Geographic photographers, every voyage turns into a traveling school and a floating university, the main goal of which is to allow those from developed nations to carry back the understanding of the conservation of natural resources from Nemo’s kingdom. These are not your average cruises; they’re trips of a lifetime.

10. Windstar: Intimate Cruising, Big Adventures

If you’re not a fan of sprawling ships and crowded decks, Windstar presents a great escape. It has six small ships, three classic sailing yachts, and three all-suite motor yachts that hold only 148 to 342 guests. This produces a laid-back yacht-like ambiance. By virtue of their size these ships get to off – the beaten path ports and sometimes another night to explore deeper.

Windstar puts in thoughtful extras such as champagne welcomes, yoga, snorkeling gear, water sports, specialty coffees, and even bridge navigation lessons—no surprise charges at all.

Experiences of enriching shores are master minded by onboard experts such as the naturalists and historians. Whether you are sailing through Iceland, Tahiti, or even if you’re joining a James Beard Foundation culinary cruise, Windstar is your ticket to small-ship luxury with big-time charm.

11. Cunard Line: A Timeless Ocean Experience

With more than 180 years of ocean experience to its credit, Cunard has mastered the art of luxurious cruising. Its ships consist of four regal ships: a classic Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, as well as the magnificent Queen Mary 2, a historical liner. For the new try The Queen Anne through Northern Europe or the Mediterranean.

The legendary voyage from Southampton in the UK to New York across the Atlantic by Cunard is ideal for anyone who enjoys the music along the way. You’ll fill your days with luxurious spa treatments, memorable lectures, a top-class dining experience, and luxurious gala nights – a Cunard hallmark. It’s an experience that combines tradition and luxury, a little bit of old-world charm.

12. Virgin Voyages: Cruises with a Cool Factor

Sir Richard Branson is revolutionizing the cruise industry with Virgin Voyages, a new brand, adult-only, targeted for millennials and anyone young at heart. The brand’s trendy “Lady Ships” feature strong features, including the first tattoo studio on board, an onboard record store, and cozier terrace hammocks.

There are modern and flexible cabins with transformable “transformational” beds. Book a suite and you’ll be treated as a rock star – actually, a real one – with special access, special meals, and even your own dressers. Virgin Voyages is turning a whole new generation of cruise converts with more than 20 eateries, immersive entertainment, and wellness amenities.