A Beginner's Guide to Picking a Cruise Line
Mega-ship, premium, luxury, adults-only, expedition or river? The main types of cruise line and how to choose the right one for you.
Choosing a cruise line matters more than choosing a ship or even a route. Two cruises to the same islands can feel completely different depending on who runs them. Here's how the main types of cruise line compare.
Mainstream "resort at sea" lines
Who they suit: families, groups of friends, first-timers who want plenty to do.
The biggest cruise lines – including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises – operate ships that are floating resorts. Expect water parks, Broadway-style shows, many restaurants, kids' clubs and a lively atmosphere. Fares can be very good value, but drinks, specialty dining and Wi-Fi usually cost extra.
Premium lines
Who they suit: couples and travelers who want a more relaxed, polished experience.
Lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer a step up in food, service and cabin design, with a calmer atmosphere and more focus on destinations, while still providing plenty of entertainment.
Family-focused lines
Who they suit: families with young children.
Disney Cruise Line is built around families, with characters, themed entertainment and excellent children's programmes. It's typically priced higher than mainstream lines.
Adults-only and adult-focused lines
Who they suit: couples and friends who want a child-free cruise.
Some lines, such as Virgin Voyages and Viking's ocean cruises, only accept adult passengers. Expect a quieter, more grown-up feel.
Luxury lines
Who they suit: travelers who want space, fine dining and nearly everything included.
Luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn operate smaller ships with suites, high staff-to-guest ratios and fares that often include drinks, gratuities and sometimes excursions and flights.
Expedition lines
Who they suit: adventurous travelers heading to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos or remote coastlines.
Expedition ships are small, often ice-strengthened, and carry naturalists and guides. Days are spent on Zodiac landings and wildlife-watching rather than at the casino.
River cruise lines
Who they suit: travelers who love culture, history and food.
River cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine or Nile dock right in town centres and usually include a guided excursion in each port. Ships are small and the pace is gentle.
New ships worth knowing about in 2026
A brand-new ship often has the newest cabins and attractions, but also the highest fares in its first season. These are some of the ships debuting in 2026:
| Ship | Cruise line | Debut | Sails from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Adventure | Disney Cruise Line | March 2026 | Singapore |
| Norwegian Luna | Norwegian Cruise Line | April 2026 | Miami |
| Viking Mira | Viking | June 2026 | – |
| Legend of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | July 2026 | Barcelona, then Fort Lauderdale |
| Explora III | Explora Journeys | August 2026 | – |
| MSC World Asia | MSC Cruises | December 2026 | Barcelona |
| Seven Seas Prestige | Regent Seven Seas | December 2026 | Barcelona, Miami |
Source: Cruise Critic's list of new ships for 2026. If you're on a budget, a ship that is a few years old from the same class usually offers almost the same experience for less.
How to choose
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do you want the ship to be the destination, or the places you visit? Big ships for the first, smaller ships and river cruises for the second.
- Who's coming? Children, teenagers, a partner, friends – the right line for each is very different.
- What's your real budget? Compare what's included. A cheaper fare with lots of extras can end up more expensive than an inclusive one.
Once you've booked, read our 21 tips for a smooth first cruise. Thinking about Hawaii? Here's how to choose the right Hawaiian island.
Frequently asked questions
Which cruise line is best for first-timers?
It depends on your style. Families and people who want lots of activities usually enjoy the big mainstream lines, couples who prefer a calmer atmosphere often choose a premium line, and travelers more interested in destinations than ship activities tend to love river cruises.
Should I choose a brand-new ship for my first cruise?
Only if the price is right. New ships have the latest features but charge a premium in their first season; a slightly older ship in the same class usually feels very similar and costs less.
Are river cruises different from ocean cruises?
Yes. River ships are much smaller, carry far fewer passengers, dock in the centre of towns and focus on sightseeing and culture rather than onboard entertainment. Excursions are often included in the fare.
Keep reading
21 Tips and Tricks That Will Make Your First Cruise Go Smoothly
Going on your first cruise? From what to pack in your carry-on to booking shows, choosing excursions and avoiding seasickness – 21 tips for a smooth first sailing.
6 Versions of Paradise: How to Choose the Right Hawaiian Island for You
Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai or Molokai? What each Hawaiian island is best for and how to choose the right one for your trip.
20 Things to Do the Day Before You Go on Vacation
A practical checklist for the day before your trip: documents, entry requirements, money, home, packing and phone – so you leave relaxed and nothing gets forgotten.
Nile Cruise Guide: How to Choose Your Boat and What You'll See
Cruise ship, dahabiya or Lake Nasser? How long to sail, when to go and the temples you'll visit between Luxor and Aswan – everything you need to plan a Nile cruise.