Summary

• Cruise lines adapted to the new normal with safety protocols and vaccine requirements, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers.
• Top-ranked cruise lines offer luxurious amenities and unforgettable experiences, making each trip a journey of a lifetime.
• From family-friendly options to exclusive adult-only escapes, there's a cruise line suited for every type of traveler's preferences and needs.

The cruise industry is quite popular worldwide, and the competition among cruise line companies has been quite tough. Most tourists, composed of couples, groups, families, or even solo travelers, would opt for cruise trips rather than backpacking trips since vacationing on a ship with a variety of locations packed with different activities is more enjoyable than booking a long-week trip to just one city.

Despite being hit pretty badly by the Global Pandemic, it paved the way for the cruise lines to explore and renovate their cruises. Adopting the new normal onboard, there are a few things to remember before booking a trip: check the safety protocols that they are following on board, vaccine requirements, safety procedures, and guidelines for wearing protective equipment. These 16 cruise lines were ranked as the best based on reviews and provide the best amenities, luxury, and, most importantly, a trip of a lifetime.

UPDATE: 2024/03/13 19:32 EST BY REENA JAIN

The Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews

This list has been updated with the latest information about each cruise line and recommended cruises. Also, the list is sorted in ascending order depending on cruise line reviews on cruisecritic.com, a TripAdvisor company, with the highest-rated one mentioned at the bottom. The list has a wide range of cruise lines, ranging from adult-only, family, all-inclusive, luxury, and many more, with cruise line rankings to provide a cruise suitable for every type of traveler.

16 Fred Olsen Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.7/5

With over 150 years of Norwegian seamanship heritage, family-owned Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' UK-based fleet of smaller ships has a great reputation for dependability and comfort. The atmosphere on board is warm, easygoing, and shamelessly British as Fred. As Olsen Cruise Lines expands, the company takes pride in keeping the constancy that its clients enjoy and expect, both onboard and ashore, in the self-described "British country home" atmosphere. Fred Olsen’s most highlighted reviews (3.7/5) are on its crews, as they were mostly described as efficient, friendly, accommodating, and smiling.

15 Regent Seven Seas

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.7/5

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the most luxurious cruise lines. With rooms and interiors designed with the most elegant and grandest designs. Their staff has been acknowledged as very courteous and helpful, and the port experience is very well managed. The cruise’s most modest ships can cater to about 500 to 750 passengers. Despite the luxurious costs of the cruise, people still find it well promising with its fantastic crew and trained staff, ranking it as #3 in the Best Luxury Cruise Lines and getting a rating of 3.7/5.

14 Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5

Carnival Cruise Lines' ships are large vessels, with the new ones (Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) accommodating over 5000 passengers. They have basketball courts, water parks, and rope courses to entertain and amuse children of all ages. Adults can enjoy the spa, the casino, and the adult-only retreat. With so many facilities and experiences available for travelers of all ages, this cruise line received a rating of 3.8/5 and has been ranked third in Best Cruise Lines for Families. Carnival cruises offer travelers numerous destinations to choose from, including Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, and more, but Half Moon Cay is an exclusive stopover.

13 Silversea

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5

The Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programs are one of the main highlights of Silversea Cruises — it is considered the unique feature that no other company can top. Guests’ eating experience is designed to provide authentic cuisines that will provide an overview and “feeling” about their chosen destinations through food. The S.A.L.T. Lab program has provided its guests with the ability to participate in tastings and courses. The cruise line has been ranked as the Number 5 Best Luxury cruise and got a rating of 3.8/5.

12 Cunard

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5

Cunard Cruise Line ships are quite popular for their four ships named Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne — which are praised for their magnificent cabins and services, which include expensive dining places and opulent ballrooms. The Cunard Cruise Line is one of the few luxury cruise lines that provide quiet eating places for chosen passengers, which means that people in ordinary staterooms dine in a different restaurant than guests in suites. Cunard Line was ranked #9 in Best Cruise Lines for Money and Best Cruise Lines for Couples and got a 3.8/5 rating.

11 Oceania Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5

Discover new perspectives on the world and journey to the remote reaches of the earth with Oceania Cruises, which is #4 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines and has a good rating of 3.8/5. Guests can visit innovative insider excursions that take every traveler’s heart deep into the destination's culinary and cultural heritage. Oceania Cruises are quite popular with the senior population and wealthy retirees who have been seeking a relaxed adventure with a hint of slight thrill. Oceania is ranked Number 4 in the Best Cruise Lines for Couples and also for the Best Luxury Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.

10 Princess Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5

Princess' 15-ship fleet sails over the world, including popular sailings to Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, among other places. Princess Cruises' claim to fame may be its starring role in the 1977 smash TV series "The Love Boat," but the cruise company has continued to make waves with engaging onboard activities and diverse itineraries since its Hollywood debut. Ranked as #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money by U.S. News, it also has a good rating of 3.8/5 according to Cruise Critic.

9 Royal Caribbean International

Cruise Critic Rating: 3.9/5

As diverse as its list of destinations and a fleet of 32 ships (with three new in the fleet), Royal Caribbean International provides different onboard amenities and a range of sailings that appeal to cruisers of all ages. While some of the cruise ships in the fleet have ice rinks and rock climbing walls, others have bumper cars, water slides, and zip lines. Each vessel also offers entertaining and educational activities for children and teenagers, as well as a range of evening performances, bars, and nightspots for adults. Royal Caribbean got an excellent rating of 3.9/5 and is listed as the #2 Best Cruise Line for Families in the cruise line rankings because of its world-class amenities, abundance of activities, and dining options on board.

8 Ponant

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.0/5

People who book a trip with the French cruise line Ponant will feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Luxurious Hermes bath products, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and Laduree macaroons are some of the unique offerings provided to guests on board Ponant. Additionally, each ship from Ponant features either a Turkish sauna or bath and an onboard spa with massage cabins. While most cruise ships are ranked based on the amenities provided, Ponant's luxuries and rating of 4.0/5 make it one of the best cruise lines in the world. Those who wish to sail to Antarctica and other remote destinations can do so by booking a cruise with a luxurious small Ponant ship. Moreover, the company partners with Disney and Smithsonian on some sailings.

7 Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.1/5

Celebrity Cruises receives excellent accolades from both passengers and experts for its upmarket decor and inventive food. Celebrity's fleet travels from cities like Honolulu, Miami, and Seattle in the United States. Celebrity Cruises attracts a varied range of passengers. While the majority of onboard activities cater to couples in their mid-30s to mid-50s, the line also caters to families with a variety of programs for children and teens. Furthermore, some cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises cost less than $250 per person, ranking it as #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.

6 Seabourn

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.1/5

Those looking for a cruise line that sails to all seven continents will find that with Seabourn. The company has small ships that make passengers feel as if they're sailing in their private club. The suites aboard Seabourn ships feature a walk-in closet, an ocean view, and a proper dining area. Additionally, each ship from Seabourn can accommodate up to 600 passengers, with each guest having plenty of space to enjoy the stunning landscapes. Premium liquors and an attendant for every suite are included in Seabourn cruise prices. The cruise line has a rating of 4.1/5 and is ranked as the #2 Best Luxury Cruise Line by U.S. News.

5 Hurtigruten

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.1/5

On a Hurtigruten ocean cruise, the destination says it all. Popular for its Arctic and Antarctic cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions (now HX) has expanded its itineraries. Now it offers various itinerary programs, with expedition ships that can sail across 34 different ports across the Norwegian coastline. Although the ships aren't the most luxurious, they're small enough to get to minor ports and communities that larger ships can't. As part of their travel policies and guidelines, Hurtigruten has been reviewed as one of the cruise lines that is prompt in repaying passengers for canceled cruises and giving alternatives, such as a refund.

4 Virgin Voyages

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.1/5

Virgin Voyages, a trendy, adults-only cruise line, is ranked as the #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money and unquestionably stands out from the competition. As per recent cruisers' reviews, the cruise line is surely what it promises; many travelers even claim that a Virgin Voyages cruise vacation was the best experience they have ever had. The cruise line sails to a range of locations around the world and has three ships in its fleet: the Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady (Brilliant Lady is in the order). The ships of this cruise line stand out because of their luxurious setting, sophisticated dining options, complimentary Wi-Fi, ultra-chic staterooms, and a range of adventure, entertainment, and wellness activities. Virgin Voyages is among the industry’s best cruise lines for adults only and the minimum age to have fun onboard the ship is a minimum of 18 years.

3 Azamara

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.2/5

Passengers can spend days on a relaxing beach or explore the panoramic postcard-perfect views of the palm-lined landscapes. Guests not only enjoy the activities on board but visitors also get to learn about the chosen country’s culture, history, and traditions. Azamara has been considered the fourth-best cruise line for couples — with its fantastic and very pleasing crew members, very delightful food menu, and fun activities on board. This small-ship cruise line is considered everyone’s favorite and got an excellent rating of 4.2/5.

2 Disney Cruise Line

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.2/5

Another one that deserves to be on this list of top cruise lines is Disney Cruise Line. It is also ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Families for its family-friendly ambiance, amusing amenities, and well-appointed staterooms. The cruise line's ships—Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and the brand-new Disney Wish and Disney Treasure—received great reviews from travelers and critics alike, giving the cruise line a rating of 4.2/5. Although Disney seems to entice families traveling with kids, it offers all the conveniences for adults searching for pleasure in complete privacy, such as private adult-only pools, bars, and restaurants. All Disney ships have excellent amenities, like themed pools, kid's clubs, shops, Disney-themed dining rooms, and a wide range of Disney-inspired entertainment.

1 Viking Oceans Cruises

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.6/5

This Swiss-based cruise company caters to small-sized parties — their ships can accommodate only about 1,000 guests. Most of their itineraries or programs are designed for adults who want to escape their reality and just relax without being surrounded by kids. Viking Cruises is one of the companies that are quite prompt at refunding tickets — canceled trips are well-addressed by the management. The ship's reduced capacity is one of its perks and hacks, as it can offer its customers personalized treatment. Moreover, smaller businesses can also visit less busy harbors. It has been ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples and is an excellent choice for those looking for a romantic retreat at sea.