Cruise line comparison
Compare Cruise Lines
Head-to-head comparisons of the world's top cruise lines.
Head to head
Popular Cruise Line Comparisons
Royal Caribbean
30 ships · Contemporary
Carnival
29 ships · Contemporary
Royal Caribbean
30 ships · Contemporary
Norwegian
20 ships · Contemporary
Celebrity Cruises
17 ships · Premium
Princess Cruises
17 ships · Premium
MSC Cruises
23 ships · Contemporary
Royal Caribbean
30 ships · Contemporary
Norwegian
20 ships · Contemporary
Carnival
29 ships · Contemporary
Viking
14 ships · Premium
Holland America
11 ships · Premium
Celebrity Cruises
17 ships · Premium
Holland America
11 ships · Premium
Disney
8 ships · Premium
Royal Caribbean
30 ships · Contemporary
Princess Cruises
17 ships · Premium
Holland America
11 ships · Premium
Carnival
29 ships · Contemporary
MSC Cruises
23 ships · Contemporary
Norwegian
20 ships · Contemporary
Celebrity Cruises
17 ships · Premium
Cunard
4 ships · Premium
Holland America
11 ships · Premium
Viking
14 ships · Premium
Oceania Cruises
8 ships · Premium
Royal Caribbean
30 ships · Contemporary
Celebrity Cruises
17 ships · Premium
Disney
8 ships · Premium
Carnival
29 ships · Contemporary
FAQ
Cruise Line Comparison FAQ
How do I choose between cruise lines?
Consider your budget, preferred ship size, onboard atmosphere and what the fare includes. In the comparisons below, contemporary lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian offer value and variety and premium lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Viking provide more refined service.
What is the difference between contemporary and premium cruise lines?
Contemporary cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises) focus on value, large ships and family-friendly entertainment. Premium cruise lines (Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Viking, Holland America, Disney, Cunard and Oceania Cruises) offer higher-end dining, more refined decor and a calmer atmosphere for a moderately higher fare.
Which cruise line has the biggest ships?
Royal Caribbean operates the world's largest cruise ships, including the Icon and Oasis class vessels of more than 200,000 GT. MSC Cruises and Carnival also operate very large ships of more than 150,000 GT.
Are luxury cruise lines worth the extra cost?
Luxury lines typically include more in the fare, such as drinks, gratuities, shore excursions and specialty dining. Once you count those inclusions, the price gap narrows. They also sail smaller ships with more crew per guest and more time in port.
Which cruise line is best for families?
Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are widely considered the best for families. Disney offers character experiences and themed activities, while Royal Caribbean's large ships feature water parks, climbing walls and extensive kids' programs. Carnival and Norwegian are also solid, good-value family choices.
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