The Best Cruise Lines

Cruising offers a popular way to explore the world, combining luxury, convenience, and unique experiences. After all, you can visit multiple destinations for one price — and just one round of packing and unpacking.

With a growing number of travelers opting for cruises, the industry has seen incredible innovation and growth. According to the Cruise Lines International Association's 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, 31.7 million passengers sailed in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and marking a 7% increase from 2019. Among these, 27% were new-to-cruise passengers, highlighting the growing appeal of cruising to first-time travelers. And of those who do cruise, most want to come back. Nearly 80% of travelers who have cruised before want to book another cruise in the future.

Whether you’re seeking family fun, luxury, or a solo adventure, there’s a cruise line designed to cater to your needs. Here’s NerdWallet's detailed guide to the best cruise lines, broken down by ship and group types.

Princess Cruises is a titan in the large cruise category, offering an impressive combination of global reach, innovative amenities and luxurious experiences. With a fleet of 15 ships serving over two million guests annually, Princess provides access to more than 330 ports across the world, including iconic destinations like Alaska, Asia, Europe and South America. Whether you’re looking for a quick three-day getaway or a 111-day world cruise, Princess has something to suit your schedule.

The line is renowned for its innovative features, such as the affordable veranda cabins it pioneered in the 1980s, making balcony views accessible to more travelers. Today, it boasts one of the highest percentages of balcony cabins in the industry. Whether or not you have a balcony room, all cabins are well-designed and space efficient.

Princess holds many individual "bests." It's also NerdWallet's pick for best Alaska cruise line. It's also got the best Wi-Fi at sea called MedallionNet Max, which relies on Starlink access and 5G, to offer enough power for FaceTime and streaming.

A big reason why Princess stood out in NerdWallet's rankings is its commitment to sustainability. Princess has achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification and pioneering shore power connections to reduce emissions at port.

Its newest line, the Sun Princess, launched in late 2024. It's powered by LNG fuel technology, further exemplifying Princess’s dedication to greener travel. But that's hardly the only reason to ogle over the Sun Princess. It's got all sorts of unique features and architectural marvels that make it tough to want to leave the ship even at port.

It's standout feature is the glass-enclosed Dome. The multi-purpose space is used for everything from a nightclub to morning yoga classes. But the highlight is in the evenings, when acrobatic performances by Cirque Éloize captivate audiences.

The Sun Princess also houses the largest casino in the fleet and exclusive experiences like Love by Britto, a seven-course dining journey combining art and aphrodisiac-inspired dishes. With such groundbreaking features, Princess Cruises continues to redefine large-ship cruising.

For travelers seeking a sophisticated experience on mid-size ships, Holland America Line offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort and cultural immersion. The line’s fleet of 11 ships focuses on quality over quantity, providing intimate voyages that appeal to seasoned cruisers. With destinations spanning Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia, Holland America caters to those who value immersive travel experiences and refined amenities.

Holland America excels in culinary offerings, with specialty dining venues like Pinnacle Grill, showcasing Pacific Northwest cuisine, and Tamarind, known for its exquisite Pan-Asian dishes.

One of Holland America's standout features is Morimoto at Sea, a dining collaboration with world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto. This specialty restaurant elevates the cruise’s culinary offerings with innovative dishes blending Japanese tradition and Western techniques including fresh sushi, seared wagyu beef and sake pairings.

The line’s Explorations Central (EXC) program enhances the cruise experience by offering onboard lectures and insights tailored to each destination. Guests can deepen their understanding of local cultures through curated shore excursions and interactive workshops.

Rooms include plush Euro-top beds and fine linens. Holland America’s commitment to cleanliness and safety is reflected in its nearly perfect 98.33 score in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program in 2024.

For travelers who value a refined and intimate cruising experience, Holland America Line is a clear choice.

With 30% of cruising families traveling with two or more generations, according to CLIA's 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, having a family-friendly vessel is key. For multi-generational travel, Disney Cruise Line is a top pick, having mastered the art of creating magical experiences for families, blending entertainment, luxury and convenience.

With over 19 ports of departure to choose from, your family can take a Disney cruise from almost anywhere in the world. Departure cities include Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, New Orleans and San Diego. 

Families traveling with Disney enjoy unique features like rotational dining, where guests experience a variety of themed restaurants and Broadway-caliber shows based on beloved Disney stories. Kids can immerse themselves in imaginative play at the Oceaneer Club, while parents take advantage of adults-only spaces like Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise. Fireworks at sea and character meet-and-greets further enhance the Disney magic.

The line’s commitment to excellence is evident in its 2024 CDC Vessel Sanitation Program score of 98.14, reflecting its dedication to safety and cleanliness.

Accommodations are designed with families in mind by including privacy curtains, divided bathrooms and storage space in most staterooms.  Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or new to the brand, Disney Cruise Line offers an unforgettable family adventure.

2025 is a huge year for Disney Cruise Line. There's all sorts of fanfare around the Disney Treasure, which entered service on Dec. 21, 2024 as the second ship in the Wish-class. And there's tons more on the horizon.

Scheduled to debut on Nov. 20, 2025, the Disney Destiny is the third ship in the Wish-class. This vessel features Marvel-themed areas, including a restaurant with a Guardians of the Galaxy dinner show and a lounge inspired by Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. The lobby showcases a Black Panther statue themed to Wakanda. The ship will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

And just about a month later, Disney will launch the Disney Adventure, its largest ship, with a capacity of approximately 6,000 passengers. It will be homeported in Singapore, marking Disney Cruise Line's first foray into Southeast Asia. The ship features over 20 dining venues, including themed restaurants and bars, and offers unique experiences tailored for the Southeast Asian market.

Besides the ships themselves, Disney Cruise Line built something else that's shiny and new. Disney Cruise Line's new private island in the Bahamas, called Lighthouse Point, will be featured on many Bahamian itineraries in 2025 and onwards — offering either an alternative (or a bonus stop) for travelers who might go to its other island, called Castaway Cay.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

When it comes to luxury, Regent Seven Seas Cruises stands in a league of its own. With a fleet of six all-suite ships, Regent offers an all-inclusive experience that covers everything from gourmet dining to curated shore excursions. This seamless approach ensures guests can focus entirely on relaxation and indulgence without worrying about hidden costs.

Accommodations aboard Regent ships are nothing short of extraordinary. Each suite features private balconies, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, providing a home-away-from-home experience that rivals five-star hotels. And that's not all. You'll also get a dedicated attendant, an in-suite minibar and a separate sitting area.

Oh, and if you want to get really fancy, consider upgrading to "the most exclusive address at sea" — the Regent Suite. It features a 4,000-square-foot stateroom with top-notch amenities. These include a private car and driver in every port, an exclusive private dining experience and an in-suite spa with unlimited treatments.

Dining is equally impressive. When you dine aboard a Regent cruise, you'll experience world-class chefs as well as sommeliers to pair your wine to your meal. Top venues include Chartreuse (offering exquisite French cuisine) and Prime 7 (serving perfectly crafted steakhouse classics).

Regent’s itineraries span over 450 destinations worldwide, with shore excursions designed to immerse guests in local cultures and histories. When you’re not out exploring a new port of call, you can take cooking classes, book a spa day or fitness class, enjoy evening entertainment or gamble at the casino, among other activities.

For discerning travelers who demand the best, Regent Seven Seas Cruises delivers an unmatched level of luxury and exclusivity.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Norwegian Cruise Line has long been a favorite among solo travelers, thanks to its innovative studio cabins and vibrant social atmosphere. With a fleet of 18 ships covering destinations worldwide, Norwegian offers something for everyone, whether you’re exploring the fjords of Norway or relaxing in the Caribbean.

Whether you just need some "me time" or are looking to meet new people, Norwegian features an extensive inventory of single cabins called studios. These staterooms are an average of 100 square feet with a full-size bed and separate sink and shower areas.

Single cruisers also have access to an exclusive shared social space called the Studio Complex and Lounge. In this lounge, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the day, order room service and meet fellow travelers. Or, you can just relax with a book or the TV remote. 

Don't worry about having to dine alone (if you don't want to). Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining program offers flexibility, allowing guests to dine whenever and wherever they please, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers. As far as other activities, there's no shortage of eateries that might appeal to the young and/or single crowd. That includes the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, found on a few Norwegian Cruise Line ships including Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic. Yes, the bar is made entirely from ice.

And of course, there's more to do than eat. Norwegian's itinerary includes meetups for solo travelers, pub crawls, shore excursions and Broadway-style entertainment with award-winning shows like "Kinky Boots" and "Jersey Boys" providing world-class performances.

For those seeking adventure and camaraderie, Norwegian Cruise Line is the perfect choice.

» Learn more: Things to know about the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card

As cruising continues to grow in popularity, there has never been a better time to explore this unique mode of travel. Whether you’re embarking on a family adventure with Disney, indulging in luxury with Regent Seven Seas, or seeking a solo escape with Norwegian Cruise Line, there’s a cruise line tailored to your preferences.

With record-breaking passenger numbers and innovative experiences, the cruise industry is setting new standards for travel. Wherever your journey takes you, these top cruise lines promise unforgettable memories and unparalleled experiences.