Cruise Frog guide
Cruise lines
57 cruise lines sailing 603 ships: what each is known for, who it suits, and how its fleet rates.
11 shipsAIDA CruisesMainstreamRostock, Germany · since 1960AIDA describes itself as the market leader in German cruising, and it is closely identified with the informal club-ship style it introduced in 1996. It has also built a record of…
30 shipsAmaWaterwaysRiverCalabasas, California, United States · since 2002Wikipedia notes AmaWaterways' reputation for spacious ships, wellness amenities and dining; Cruise Critic's 2024 Best in Cruise awards named it best river cruise line and best…
3 shipsAmbassador Cruise LineMainstreamPurfleet, Essex, England · since 2021Ambassador has grown quickly since its 2022 debut, building its business around British travelers who want to cruise without flying, and it has collected trade and consumer…
24 shipsAmerican Cruise LinesRiverGuilford, Connecticut, United States · since 1972American Cruise Lines is known for roomy cabins by small-ship standards (the line quotes 250 to 1,500 square feet), inclusive fares and a young fleet: all but one of its ships…
15 shipsA-ROSA River CruisesRiverRostock, Germany · since 2002A-ROSA is one of the best-known river cruise brands in the German-speaking market, valued for its relaxed style, inclusive pricing and family sailings, on which children up to 15…
3 shipsAtlas Ocean VoyagesExpeditionFort Lauderdale, Florida, United States · since 2019Atlas has drawn attention for bringing an all-inclusive, yacht-style product to Antarctica on ships small enough for frequent landings. Reviewers often praise the attentive…
3 shipsAurora ExpeditionsExpeditionSydney, Australia · since 1991Aurora is well regarded for its activity program and small guest numbers. Reviewers often mention the range of paddling, camping, alpine and diving options, the knowledgeable…
19 shipsAvalon WaterwaysRiverDenver, Colorado, United States · since 2004Avalon Waterways is best known for its Panorama Suites, which the line says are more than 30 percent larger than the industry standard, and for a European fleet it describes as…
4 shipsAzamaraPremiumMiami, Florida, United States · since 2007Azamara is known for destination-focused itineraries with long port days, overnight stays and calls at smaller harbors, for small ships with a relaxed atmosphere, and for fares…
29 shipsCarnival Cruise LineMainstreamDoral, Florida, United States · since 1972Carnival is known for affordable, high-energy cruises and for bringing many people to cruising for the first time. Its newest ships get attention for features such as BOLT, the…
15 shipsCelebrity CruisesPremiumMiami, Florida, United States · since 1988Celebrity is generally positioned as a step up from mainstream lines, and its newer ships draw attention for design features such as the Edge class's cantilevered Magic Carpet…
2 shipsCelestyal CruisesMainstreamPiraeus, Greece · since 2014Celestyal is known as a Greek-island specialist: its smaller ships call at ports such as Milos, Patmos and Rhodes on three- to seven-night itineraries that pack in many Greek…
8 shipsCosta CruisesMainstreamGenoa, Italy · since 1948Costa builds its appeal on Italian style, a strong focus on food and wine, and frequent week-long Mediterranean loops that guests in Italy, France and Spain can join close to…
2 shipsCrystalLuxuryHallandale Beach, Florida, United States · since 1988Crystal's relaunch has been well received in reader polls: Travel + Leisure readers named it the top midsize-ship ocean cruise line in their World's Best Awards in 2025 and again…
4 shipsCunardPremiumSouthampton, United Kingdom · since 1840Cunard is known above all for its history and for Queen Mary 2's Atlantic crossings, a scheduled liner service no other company still offers. It markets its service style under…
8 shipsDisney Cruise LinePremiumCelebration, Florida, United States · since 1996Disney is the name many travelers think of first for a family cruise, and its strengths are consistent across reviews: polished stage shows, frequent character meet-and-greets…
13 shipsEmerald CruisesRiverZug, Switzerland · since 2013Emerald is known for value: Cruise Critic's editors named it best river line for value in 2019 and best value-for-money river line in 2023, and also picked it as best for active…
3 shipsExplora JourneysLuxuryGeneva, Switzerland · since 2021Explora is praised for spacious suites, uncrowded public areas, understated contemporary design and a fare that bundles drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Reviewers often single out…1 shipFour Seasons YachtsLuxurysince 2022Having begun sailing only in March 2026, Four Seasons Yachts has little track record yet. Its selling points are the Four Seasons name, unusually large suites that can be…
3 shipsFred. Olsen Cruise LinesPremiumIpswich, England · since 1848Fred. Olsen is known for smaller ships, an unhurried, traditional British atmosphere and no-fly cruises from regional UK ports. The line leans on that smaller scale in its…
5 shipsHapag-Lloyd CruisesLuxuryHamburg, Germany · since 1970Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is regarded as one of the leading luxury brands in German-speaking Europe. Europa was rated the best cruise ship in the world by the Berlitz guide twelve…
4 shipsHavila VoyagesPremiumFosnavåg, Norway · since 2017Havila's ships are the newest on the Norwegian coastal route, and reviewers often praise their Scandinavian interiors, comfortable cabins, regional food and quiet, low-emission…
11 shipsHolland America LinePremiumSeattle, Washington, United States · since 1873Holland America is regarded as a traditional premium line, with mid-sized ships, longer itineraries and a strong presence in Alaska, where its cruisetours add land travel to…
10 shipsHurtigrutenPremiumOslo, Norway · since 1893Hurtigruten is known above all for the scenery of the coastal route, the chance to see the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, and the experience of…
5 shipsHX Hurtigruten ExpeditionsExpeditionLondon, United Kingdom · since 2021HX is known for its science-focused onboard program, built around the Science Centre and citizen-science projects, and for running two of the first battery-hybrid expedition…
12 shipsLindblad ExpeditionsExpeditionNew York, New York, United States · since 1979Lindblad is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern expedition cruising, and its family history in Antarctica and the Galápagos goes back to the 1960s. Reviewers often praise…
5 shipsMarella CruisesMainstreamLuton, England · since 1973Marella is known for packaging cruises the way TUI packages beach holidays: flights from UK airports, transfers and an all-inclusive fare that already covers drinks and…
2 shipsMargaritaville at SeaMainstreamOrlando, Florida, United States · since 2022For a small line, Margaritaville at Sea has collected a good number of reader-voted awards, including USA Today 10Best honors in 2025 and 2026 (No. 1 Best Caribbean Cruise in…
23 shipsMSC CruisesMainstreamGeneva, Switzerland · since 1988MSC is known for modern, large ships at competitive fares, frequent promotions that bundle drinks, Wi-Fi or onboard credit, and the MSC Yacht Club, which reviewers often describe…
20 shipsNorwegian Cruise LineMainstreamMiami, Florida, United States · since 1966Norwegian is best known for the relaxed Freestyle style it introduced: no set dinner times, few dress rules and a long list of restaurants, bars and shows, plus solo staterooms…
7 shipsOceania CruisesPremiumMiami, Florida, United States · since 2002Oceania's reputation rests on food. It markets itself around 'The Finest Cuisine at Sea', includes its specialty restaurants in every fare and runs culinary programs on board and…
4 shipsOceanwide ExpeditionsExpeditionVlissingen, Netherlands · since 1993Oceanwide has a reputation as a practical, activity-focused polar operator. Reviewers often praise the guides, the number of landings and options such as camping and…
1 shipPaul Gauguin CruisesLuxuryMarseille, France · since 1998Paul Gauguin Cruises is known for its long specialization in French Polynesia and a ship designed around the region, and it does well in readers' polls: Condé Nast Traveler…
7 shipsP&O CruisesMainstreamSouthampton, United Kingdom · since 1977P&O Cruises claims the longest heritage of any cruise line, and Carnival markets it as Britain's favourite cruise line. Sailing from Southampton, it lets British guests cruise…
12 shipsPonantLuxuryMarseille, France · since 1988Ponant is best known for expedition cruising in comfort: its small ships reach the polar regions, remote islands and harbors that bigger vessels cannot, and Le Commandant Charcot…
17 shipsPrincess CruisesPremiumSanta Clarita, California, United States · since 1965Princess has long traded on its link to The Love Boat, the 1970s and 1980s television series set mostly aboard the earlier Pacific Princess, and it is one of the established…2 shipsQuark ExpeditionsExpeditionSeattle, Washington, United States · since 1991Quark is one of the longest-established names in polar travel, and reviewers often credit its experienced expedition teams, the range of activities on offer and the careful way…
6 shipsRegent Seven Seas CruisesLuxuryMiami, Florida, United States · since 1992Regent is known for one of the most inclusive fares in cruising: excursions, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities are all in the price, so there are few bills on board…0 shipsResorts World CruisesMainstreamsince 2022Resorts World Cruises was best known as the company that kept two former Genting Hong Kong ships sailing after that group's 2022 collapse, restarting short cruises from Singapore…
13 shipsRiviera TravelRiverBurton upon Trent, United Kingdom · since 1984Riviera Travel collects a long list of consumer and trade awards. Its own pages cite USA Today 10Best readers' choice honors every year from 2021 to 2025, including best river…
30 shipsRoyal Caribbean InternationalMainstreamMiami, Florida, United States · since 1969Royal Caribbean is best known for big-ship innovation: rock walls, surf simulators, ice rinks and zip lines on older classes, and waterparks, the AquaDome and huge pool decks on…
6 shipsSaga CruisesPremiumFolkestone, England · since 1996Saga is known in Britain for cruises built entirely around the over-50s, with smaller new ships, all-inclusive fares and a door-to-door chauffeur service that takes much of the…
16 shipsScenic Luxury Cruises & ToursRiverSydney, Australia · since 1986Scenic is regularly ranked among the top river cruise lines, including Condé Nast Traveler readers' choice listings in 2018 and 2021 to 2023, and its ships draw praise for space…
5 shipsSeabournLuxurySeattle, Washington, United States · since 1986Seabourn is one of the established names in small-ship luxury cruising. Its ships have collected industry awards, including a Travvy Award for Seabourn Ovation as best luxury…
2 shipsSeaDream Yacht ClubLuxuryOslo, Norway · since 2001SeaDream has a long record of awards: both yachts have held a Berlitz five-star rating since 2003, they have appeared on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and in its Readers'…
12 shipsSilversea CruisesLuxuryFontvieille, Monaco · since 1994Silversea is known for all-suite ships with a lot of space and crew per guest, all-inclusive fares and butler service, and its expedition fleet, including the polar-class Silver…
3 shipsStar ClippersPremiumMonaco · since 1989Star Clippers has a loyal following among people who love sailing: the ships are handsome, much of the rigging is still worked by hand, and reviewers often praise the relaxed…
3 shipsSwan HellenicExpeditionLarnaca, Cyprus · since 1954Swan Hellenic is known for its lecture program and cultural focus, a heritage that predates modern expedition cruising, and its new ships are praised by guests for spacious…
10 shipsTauckRiverWilton, Connecticut, United States · since 1925Tauck is a regular in reader and editor rankings: it says Travel + Leisure readers have voted it onto the World's Best Awards for 29 straight years, and Condé Nast Traveler…
3 shipsThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionLuxuryFort Lauderdale, Florida, United States · since 2017The line's appeal rests on Ritz-Carlton hotel service at sea: all-suite ships with private terraces, near one-to-one staffing, inclusive fares and Marriott Bonvoy recognition for…
9 shipsTUI CruisesPremiumHamburg, Germany · since 2007TUI Cruises is known in Germany for its all-inclusive Mein Schiff concept and a young fleet, most of it built for the line since 2014. Guest reviews tend to praise the food, the…
9 shipsUnCruise AdventuresExpeditionSeattle, Washington, United States · since 1996UnCruise has a strong following among travelers who want to get off the ship and into the wilderness. Reviewers often praise the range of daily activities, the friendly crews and…
17 shipsUniworld Boutique River CruisesRiverCalabasas, California, United States · since 1976Uniworld is best known for the decor of its ships, which mixes antiques, original art, chandeliers and bold fabrics, with each vessel themed to its region; the company says many…
15 shipsViking Ocean CruisesPremiumBasel, Switzerland · since 2013Viking sits near the top of reader polls: Condé Nast Traveler readers have rated it number one for ocean cruises six years in a row through 2026, Travel + Leisure lists it among…
86 shipsViking River CruisesRiverBasel, Switzerland · since 1997Viking says it operates more ships than any other cruise line, and readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted it the top river line in their Readers' Choice Awards for six…
4 shipsVirgin VoyagesPremiumPlantation, Florida, United States · since 2014Virgin Voyages has collected strong reviews and awards since its 2021 launch, including Travel + Leisure's top ranking among mega ships in 2025 and Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice…
7 shipsWindstar CruisesLuxuryDoral, Florida, United States · since 1984Windstar is known for intimate ships, relaxed service and itineraries that reach small harbors bigger ships skip; in 2019 AFAR readers and Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice…How the lines compare
| Line | Style | Best for | Usually sails | Solo cabins | Fleet rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-ROSA River Cruises | River | Couples, Families, Multigenerational groups | Rhine, Danube, Rhône | — | Not yet rated |
| AIDA Cruises | Mainstream | Couples, Families, First-time cruisers | Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean | — | Not yet rated |
| AmaWaterways | River | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers | Danube, Rhine, Douro | — | Not yet rated |
| Ambassador Cruise Line | Mainstream | Couples, Solo travelers, Adults only | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean | — | Not yet rated |
| American Cruise Lines | River | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Canada and New England, Mississippi, Pacific Coast | — | Not yet rated |
| Atlas Ocean Voyages | Expedition | Couples, Adventure seekers, Food lovers | Antarctica, Mediterranean, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Aurora Expeditions | Expedition | Adventure seekers, Solo travelers, Couples | Northern Europe, Antarctica, Mediterranean | — | Not yet rated |
| Avalon Waterways | River | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers | Rhine, Danube, Seine | — | Not yet rated |
| Azamara | Premium | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia | — | Not yet rated |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Mainstream | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera | — | Not yet rated |
| Celebrity Cruises | Premium | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas | — | Not yet rated |
| Celestyal Cruises | Mainstream | History and culture, Couples, Value seekers | Mediterranean | — | Not yet rated |
| Costa Cruises | Mainstream | Families, Couples, Value seekers | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Crystal | Luxury | Food lovers, Couples, Solo travelers | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Canada and New England | — | Not yet rated |
| Cunard | Premium | Couples, History and culture | World cruises, Caribbean, Alaska | — | Not yet rated |
| Disney Cruise Line | Premium | Families, Multigenerational groups, First-time cruisers | Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska | — | Not yet rated |
| Emerald Cruises | River | Couples, Value seekers, Adventure seekers | Rhine, Danube, Mediterranean | — | Not yet rated |
| Explora Journeys | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska | — | Not yet rated |
| Four Seasons Yachts | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean | — | Not yet rated |
| Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Premium | Couples, Solo travelers, History and culture | Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Caribbean | — | Not yet rated |
| Hapag-Lloyd Cruises | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture | Antarctica, World cruises | — | Not yet rated |
| Havila Voyages | Premium | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Norwegian Fjords | — | Not yet rated |
| Holland America Line | Premium | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Alaska, Caribbean, Panama Canal | — | Not yet rated |
| Hurtigruten | Premium | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers | Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| HX Hurtigruten Expeditions | Expedition | Adventure seekers, Couples, History and culture | Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords, Antarctica | — | Not yet rated |
| Lindblad Expeditions | Expedition | Adventure seekers, Couples, Families | Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast | — | Not yet rated |
| Marella Cruises | Mainstream | Couples, Families, Adults only | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands | — | Not yet rated |
| Margaritaville at Sea | Mainstream | Value seekers, First-time cruisers, Families | Caribbean, Bahamas | — | Not yet rated |
| MSC Cruises | Mainstream | Families, First-time cruisers, Value seekers | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas | — | Not yet rated |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Mainstream | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups | Caribbean, Bahamas, Transatlantic | — | Not yet rated |
| Oceania Cruises | Premium | Adults only, Food lovers, History and culture | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Oceanwide Expeditions | Expedition | Adventure seekers, Couples, Value seekers | Northern Europe, Antarctica | — | Not yet rated |
| P&O Cruises | Mainstream | Families, Couples, Adults only | Caribbean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Paul Gauguin Cruises | Luxury | Couples, History and culture, Families | Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific | — | Not yet rated |
| Ponant | Luxury | Couples, Adventure seekers, History and culture | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antarctica | — | Not yet rated |
| Princess Cruises | Premium | Couples, Multigenerational groups, First-time cruisers | Caribbean, Alaska, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Quark Expeditions | Expedition | Adventure seekers, Couples, Solo travelers | Northern Europe, Antarctica, South America | — | Not yet rated |
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Luxury | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Australia and New Zealand | — | Not yet rated |
| Resorts World Cruises | Mainstream | Families, First-time cruisers | — | — | Not yet rated |
| Riviera Travel | River | Couples, Solo travelers, History and culture | Danube, Rhine, Douro | — | Not yet rated |
| Royal Caribbean International | Mainstream | Families, First-time cruisers, Multigenerational groups | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean | — | Not yet rated |
| Saga Cruises | Premium | Couples, Solo travelers, Adults only | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canary Islands | — | Not yet rated |
| Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours | River | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers | Rhine, Danube, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Seabourn | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture | Mediterranean, Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand | — | Not yet rated |
| SeaDream Yacht Club | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers, Adventure seekers | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic | — | Not yet rated |
| Silversea Cruises | Luxury | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Star Clippers | Premium | Couples, Adventure seekers, History and culture | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic | — | Not yet rated |
| Swan Hellenic | Expedition | Couples, History and culture, Adventure seekers | Antarctica, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| Tauck | River | History and culture, Couples, Solo travelers | Rhine, Danube, Seine | — | Not yet rated |
| The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska | — | Not yet rated |
| TUI Cruises | Premium | Couples, Families, Food lovers | Caribbean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe | — | Not yet rated |
| UnCruise Adventures | Expedition | Adventure seekers, Couples, Families | Alaska, Pacific Coast, Mexican Riviera | — | Not yet rated |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River | Couples, History and culture, Food lovers | Rhine, Danube, Nile | — | Not yet rated |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | Premium | History and culture, Couples | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America | — | Not yet rated |
| Viking River Cruises | River | Couples, History and culture, Adults only | Rhine, Danube, Nile | — | Not yet rated |
| Virgin Voyages | Premium | Adults only, Couples, Food lovers | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean | — | Not yet rated |
| Windstar Cruises | Luxury | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic | — | Not yet rated |
A line's rating is the average of its ships' editorial scores, over the ships in service that have been rated. Travelling alone? Compare the best lines for solo travellers.