Top 5 Cruise Lines Worth Sailing – And 5 You Might Want to Skip
Cruising is one of the most popular ways to travel, offering an all-inclusive experience with food, entertainment, and scenic destinations. However, not all cruise lines are created equal. Some offer exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable itineraries, while others fall short with poor food, overcrowding, and lackluster customer service.
Of course, not everyone can afford to sail on the most high-end cruise lines, and budget-friendly options are an essential part of the cruise industry. But being affordable doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality, and some lower-cost lines still provide great value. To help you plan your next voyage, here are five of the best cruise lines that deliver top-tier experiences—and five that may leave you disappointed.
Cruises worth The Splurge: 1. Disney Cruise Line – The Ultimate Family-Friendly Experience
Disney Cruise Line is consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines, particularly for families and Disney enthusiasts. With exceptional onboard entertainment, themed dining experiences, and outstanding customer service, Disney Cruises offer something magical for every guest. From Broadway-style shows to character meet-and-greets, the entertainment onboard is unmatched by any other family-friendly cruise line.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Spacious and well-designed staterooms that cater to families.
- Rotational dining experiences featuring some of Disney’s most famous themed restaurants.
- Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, offers an exclusive and beautifully maintained beach experience.
Who Should Sail?
Families, Disney lovers, and travelers willing to pay a premium for world-class service and entertainment.
2. Celebrity Cruises – Modern Luxury and Sophistication
Celebrity Cruises is perfect for travelers seeking a more refined experience, offering high-end dining, elegant accommodations, and upscale entertainment. Known for its modern, stylish ships and excellent service, Celebrity provides a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere that appeals to both couples and solo travelers.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Michelin-starred chefs curate the dining menus, ensuring exceptional cuisine.
- Sleek, modern ships with some of the best spas and wellness programs at sea.
- Unique itineraries, including stops in Galápagos, Scandinavia, and beyond.
Who Should Sail?
Couples, foodies, and travelers looking for a premium cruise without the ultra-luxury price tag.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line – Best for Budget-Friendly Variety
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) balances affordability and quality, offering diverse itineraries, a relaxed dress code, and extensive entertainment options. The Freestyle Cruising concept allows guests to dine when and where they want, making it a great option for those who prefer flexibility.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Great balance of affordability and quality—one of the best budget-friendly cruise lines.
- Variety of activities, including Broadway-style shows, waterslides, and go-kart racing.
- No formal dress codes, giving passengers a relaxed cruising experience.
Who Should Sail?
Budget-conscious travelers, families, and those looking for a casual and fun atmosphere without rigid schedules.
4. Holland America Line – Best for Mature Travelers and Scenic Routes
Holland America is known for its relaxed, refined experience, making it a great choice for retirees, solo travelers, and those seeking scenic itineraries. With smaller ships, guests enjoy a more personalized experience with elevated dining and live music performances.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Fewer crowds, allowing for a more serene and comfortable journey.
- Incredible scenic itineraries, especially to Alaska, Northern Europe, and the South Pacific.
- Exceptional enrichment programs, including cooking demonstrations and cultural lectures.
Who Should Sail?
Older travelers, solo cruisers, and those looking for a slower, more immersive travel experience.
5. Royal Caribbean – The Best for Entertainment and Activities
Royal Caribbean is the ultimate choice for adventure lovers, offering mega-ships filled with endless activities like skydiving simulators, surf pools, and ice-skating rinks. Their ships are essentially floating cities, providing an action-packed experience for all ages.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Massive, modern ships with state-of-the-art entertainment.
- Activities for all ages, including rock climbing, escape rooms, and full-scale theater productions.
- Consistently good value with reasonable pricing and tons of included amenities.
Who Should Sail?
Families, young travelers, and anyone looking for a fun, energetic cruise with non-stop entertainment.
Cruise Lines You Might Want to Avoid: 1. MSC Cruises – Beautiful Ships, but Spotty Service
While MSC Cruises boasts beautiful, modern ships, it often falls short in customer service, food quality, and onboard organization. Reviews frequently mention long waits, communication issues, and inconsistent food quality, which can be frustrating for guests expecting a seamless vacation. Additionally, MSC tends to prioritize aesthetic appeal over onboard experience, meaning that while the ships look luxurious, the overall service and execution often don’t match the elegant surroundings.
Main Issues:
- Service and dining experiences are often reported as inconsistent or disappointing, leading to mixed reviews.
- Language barriers onboard can make communication difficult, especially for non-European passengers.
2. Carnival Cruise Line – Budget-Friendly but Overcrowded
Carnival is one of the most affordable cruise lines, but its low-cost appeal often comes at the expense of quality. Ships are frequently overcrowded, and service levels can be hit or miss, depending on the ship and itinerary. While Carnival is known for its fun, party-centric atmosphere, this can sometimes translate into a rowdy environment with less personalized service. For travelers looking for a relaxing getaway, the loud and energetic vibe of many Carnival ships may not be the best fit.
Main Issues:
- Very loud and party-centric atmosphere, which may not suit all travelers, particularly families or retirees.
- Older ships feel outdated, with basic accommodations and food options that lack the refinement of higher-end cruise lines.
3. Costa Cruises – A Less-Than-Luxurious European Option
Costa Cruises, an Italian-based cruise line, often fails to impress non-European travelers due to lower service standards and lackluster food. While the fleet includes some beautiful and modern ships, many guests report long wait times, overcrowded buffets, and impersonal service. The cruise line also leans heavily into European dining preferences, which may not always align with North American expectations of service and cuisine.
Main Issues:
- Food quality and entertainment are not on par with competitors, making dining and onboard activities less exciting.
- Onboard experience often feels chaotic and underwhelming, with crowded public areas and inconsistent service quality.
4. P&O Cruises – Affordable but Underwhelming
P&O Cruises caters primarily to UK travelers, and while it offers affordable pricing, it often lacks excitement and premium amenities. The onboard atmosphere is more subdued than mainstream American cruise lines, and the entertainment offerings may feel limited or outdated compared to competitors. While P&O does a great job of providing traditional British cruising experiences, it can feel lackluster for travelers looking for a more modern, vibrant, or high-energy vacation.
Main Issues:
- Dated ships and minimal entertainment options, making it less appealing for younger or more adventurous travelers.
- Limited specialty dining choices and uninspired menus, with fewer international culinary options compared to other major cruise lines.
5. Avoid Margaritaville at Sea
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line was once known for offering ultra-budget-friendly, short cruises between Florida and the Bahamas, but it shut down in 2022. In its place, Margaritaville at Sea launched as a rebranded version, promising a laid-back island experience inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s famous beach lifestyle. While the concept sounds fun, reviews indicate that it suffers from many of the same issues that plagued its predecessor—outdated ships, lackluster food, and a general lack of high-quality service.
Why Margaritaville at Sea Falls Short:
- Aging ships with minimal renovations, making many areas feel dated and in need of an upgrade.
- Limited onboard entertainment, with fewer amenities and activities than larger cruise lines.
- Mediocre dining options, with reports of bland, uninspired food and long buffet lines.
- Short, repetitive itineraries that only sail between Florida and the Bahamas, making it less appealing for those seeking variety.
