Which is the best cruise line in the world? 31 top companies (2024)

Big ships or small ships, bucket list or budget trips, family-friendly or adult-only, adventurous expedition vessels or ones that are big on entertainment? There are so many cruise lines out there and choosing the right company for you can seem as time-consuming as it is bewildering. Every line is different and will appeal to different tastes, so it’s important to get it right. Read our at-a-glance guide to find out what each group has to offer.

Main photo: Scenic Sapphire in Avignon, France

Best large ship cruise lines

1. Royal Caribbean

Best for active families who enjoy non-stop entertainment
Royal Caribbean operates some of the most innovative ships in the world, along with the biggest — Wonder of the Seas. There are plenty of “wow” moments, from skydiving simulators and zip-lining to dazzling ice shows, high diving displays and a bar that glides up and down between decks. The youth programme, Adventure Ocean, is one of the finest at sea, whether you’re travelling with babies or adrenaline-hungry teens — and the Ultimate Family Suite has a slide between the two floors.

2. Cunard

Best for glamour and tradition with a modern, luxurious touch
Cunard’s three Queens offer the epitome of elegance at sea. The all-new flagship Queen Anne launches in 2024; the first time since 1999 that Cunard has had a four-vessel fleet. This is the line to choose if you love dressing up, ballroom dancing, cultural enrichment and the sense of sailing on a ship that turns heads in every port. A transatlantic crossing between Southampton and New York on Queen Mary 2 is on many a traveller’s bucket list, harking back to the golden age of transatlantic liners, but with a contemporary twist.

3. P&O Cruises

Best for big ship cruising aimed at British tastes, from dining to entertainment, with a wide range of no-fly options

P&O’s seven-ship fleet sails from Southampton all summer, with fly-cruises in winter in sun-soaked destinations including the Caribbean and the Canaries. Two ships, Arcadia and Aurora, are aimed at adults only, while others are ideal for families, thanks to the first-rate children’s clubs. The line’s Food Heroes, including chefs Marco Pierre White and José Pizarro and wine expert Olly Smith, often join special themed cruises. Iona was the biggest ship ever built for the UK market and comes complete with dazzling entertainment venues, a cookery school and its own gin distillery. In 2022 it was joined by sister ship Arvia.

4. Marella Cruises

Best for all-inclusive pricing and regional flights — and one of the best spas at sea
Marella’s friendly, informal cruises are both affordable and all-inclusive, with a wide range of departures to join its four ships from regional airports in the UK. In summer 2023, the family-orientated Marella Voyager will become the latest member of the fleet. Spa fans should go for Marella Explorer or Marella Explorer 2, both of which feature a superb spa by Champneys, the only seagoing venture for the legendary wellness brand. Otherwise, expect high energy entertainment aimed at British tastes and a happy, friendly vibe.

5. Celebrity Cruises

Best for a contemporary, luxurious cruise experience in a big ship setting
Celebrity offers an upmarket, elegant experience on 14 ultra-modern ships featuring high-tech entertainment and a wide choice of dining venues. Celebrity Edge and its younger sisters, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond, are perfect for a younger audience looking for buzzing nightlife, while their five predecessors come with the lovely feature of a half-acre lawn on the top deck, the perfect spot for lounging in the sun with a glass of Pimms. Upgrade to The Retreat for all sorts of perks, including Kelly Hoppen-designed accommodation and access to Luminae, an exclusive restaurant for suite guests.

6. MSC Cruises

Best for the full big ship experience: lavish spas, buzzing nightlife and round-the-clock activity
Italian-owned MSC operates big, glitzy ships with Swarovski crystal staircases aimed at an international audience looking for lively entertainment and high-end shopping. The line grew even more in autumn 2022 with the launch of the 6,774-passenger World Europa, MSC’s longest, tallest and biggest ship. The MSC Yacht Club is a ship-within-a-ship, with access to an exclusive lounge, sun deck area and restaurant, and is well worth the upgrade. Look out for offers in the school holidays; MSC does some great deals for families.

7. Princess Cruises

Best for multigenerational groups who will love the range of activities
In early 2022, Princess Cruises took delivery of its newest ship, Discovery Princess — the fifth and final Royal-class ship — to enhance an already young and modern fleet. Princess is known for its glitzy entertainment, glamorous (but not overly formal) dress-up nights and its impressive dining choices, not least Sabatini’s, a feature on each ship offering Italian food. Princess pioneered the concept of Movies Under the Stars, with a giant screen on deck, and the impressive technology of Ocean Medallion, a wearable device that does everything from opening your cabin door and having food and drink delivered wherever you are, to locating your family around the ship.

8. Fred. Olsen Cruises

Best for Imaginative itineraries on traditional vessels with a small-ship feel
Fred. Olsen has a loyal following of mature British cruise fans who come back regularly for the friendly service, imaginative itineraries and traditional feel of the line’s four ships, all of which have a sleek, classic profile. The Olsen Art Studio was recently unveiled on its newest ships, Bolette and Borealis, offering destination-themed classes such as painting the northern lights in Norway and embroidery sessions on the island of Madeira, which is renowned for its needlework.

9. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for families; you’ll never lack entertainment on a Norwegian ship
Round-the-clock razzle dazzle is the vibe on Norwegian’s big, brightly coloured ships, which feature everything from original Broadway shows to waterslides, an outdoor nightclub and the longest go-kart track at sea. For thrill-seekers, the latest ship, Norwegian Prima, has the world’s first free-fall dry slide at sea. Each ship offers multiple restaurants, many of them included in the fare. The family entertainment is unrivalled — and for a peaceful retreat from the action, upgrade to the suites in The Haven.

10. Holland America Line

Best for Mature travellers who enjoy a traditional cruising experience
Holland America Line’s sleek, stylish ships embrace maritime traditions and appeal to a more mature traveller who enjoys fine food and imaginative itineraries. Its latest ship, Rotterdam, is the seventh to carry the historic name — first used in 1872 — for the line. The newest ships have a superb live music scene, thanks to partnerships with BB King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone and Lincoln Center Stage. Holland America sails all over the world but is especially strong in Alaska, where it offers a range of land tours and train journeys in conjunction with its cruises.

Best small ship cruise lines

11. Viking

Best for: adult-only cruise experience that includes everything from excursions to speciality dining
Catering solely for adults, Viking’s ocean-going fleet features nine near-identical ships, all exuding soothing Scandi chic. All-balcony accommodation, superb cuisine, included excursions and the sheer beauty of the ships, from the infinity pool on the aft deck to the gorgeous spa (which has an actual snow cave) are reasons behind Viking’s popularity.

• The best small-ship cruises in the world

12. Hurtigruten

Best for A taste of Norwegian culture and tradition
Hurtigruten offers two styles of cruising. The traditional fleet operates a year-round service up and down Norway’s fjord-indented west coast, with excellent chances of seeing the northern lights in winter. A high tech expedition fleet, meanwhile, explores everywhere from the high Arctic to Antarctica on the world’s first hybrid-powered ships, with a team of marine and wildlife experts.

13. Silversea

Best for the highest standards of luxury afloat
Silversea’s 13 ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive ships attract affluent, active travellers who enjoy the line’s Italian flair, fine dining and the attentive service on board. Four of the fleet are expedition ships, roaming the world, offering high-end adventure cruising in the company of expert guides; while the new Silver Origin elevates Galapagos cruising to a new level. The line’s newest ships, including the latest addition, Silver Dawn, offer the SALT (Sea and Land Taste) programme, which features in-depth culinary tours and experiences.

14. Star Clippers

Best for sheer romance
Star Clippers’ three traditional square-riggers offer swashbuckling adventure on some of the world’s most beautiful sailing ships, all gleaming wood, polished brass and teak decking. Help the crew hoist the sails, climb up to the crow’s nest for dizzying views or simply lounge in the bowsprit nets, watching for dolphins. The ships sail in the Mediterranean, Asia, the Caribbean and — for the first time in almost ten years — Central America, with emphasis on small, out of the way ports and peaceful anchorages.

15. Noble Caledonia

Best for the included excursions, which often include meals ashore or cultural experiences, and the excellent tour leaders
Adventurous small-ship itineraries with an emphasis on culture — including closer-to-home
journeys around the British Isles — make Noble Caledonia a favourite with well-heeled Brits looking for an educationally enriching cruise with all tours included. You won’t find casinos or Broadway entertainment, just a social, friendly vibe. These are excellent cruises for solo travellers thanks to shared tables at mealtimes and the fact that you’re on tour together most days.

16. Oceania Cruises

Best for adults who appreciate fine dining and enjoy exploring in port
Oceania prides itself on its food and has won multiple awards for its speciality dining options, which range from elegant steakhouses on each ship to gourmet Asian, classic French and modern Italian, with all restaurants included in the price. The line’s six medium-sized ships sail all over the world, offering destination-intensive cruises that maximise time in port. The 1,200-passenger Oceania Vista joins the fleet in 2023. Designed with input from officers and crew members, the all-balcony staterooms feature a new cabin category for solo travellers.

17. SeaDream Yacht Club

Best for hedonists looking for the highest levels of food and service
SeaDream’s two 112-passenger ships offer a cruise experience as close to a private yacht as you’ll find, with intuitive service, superb dining and an open bar. The twin yachts have both had a multi-million pound refurbishment with top-to-toe cabin upgrades and new public areas including indulgent hot tubs for couples. Life revolves around time on deck as the ships follow the sun to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with champagne-fuelled pool and beach parties.

18. Variety Cruises

Best for grecophiles, or anybody looking for the friendly informality of a very small ship
Greek-owned Variety Cruises offers culturally orientated itineraries worldwide, from the Greek islands to the Seychelles and French Polynesia, on small, classic ships with an informal atmosphere where guests mingle with the captain and officers. In Greece, many of the cruises are half board, so you have plenty of chances to enjoy restaurants ashore, although the meals on board are outstanding.

• 15 of the best cruises in Greece

19. Saga Cruises

Best for mature travellers looking for a luxurious cruise
Over-50s specialist Saga operates two almost identical ships, the 987-passenger Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. A private balcony for every cabin, beautiful interior design and entertainment geared to British tastes combine to create a high-end experience. Saga is ideal for solo travellers, too, with many events created to make singles feel welcome and — unusually — spacious suites for those who want to have plenty of space to themselves.

20. Azamara

Best for cultural immersion and a small ship feel
Azamara’s four mid-sized ships explore the world with a focus on cultural excursions and creative itineraries that allow maximum time in port with overnights and late departures. The line is known for its included AzAmazing Evenings ashore, which include private concerts or cultural shows in exceptional settings, not least the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus in Turkey. Every cruise also features a glamorous White Nights party under the stars.

21. Seabourn

Best for baby boomers and Gen-Xers who enjoy adventure in comfort
Seabourn’s five ultra-luxurious ships sail all over the world, including to Antarctica, offering the highest standards of cuisine and cultural experiences. All-suites accommodation, all-inclusive dining and drinks attract a well-travelled, discerning crowd, many of them repeaters, which creates a happy vibe akin to that of a private club on board. A purpose-built expedition ship, the 264-guest Seabourn Venture, set sail in 2022. It’s equipped with two submarines that seat six people for underwater viewing adventures.

22. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for mature cruisers who expect the highest levels of service
One of the finest of the luxury cruise lines, Regent justifiably prides itself on the beauty of its six ships, which resemble opulent boutique hotels, with all-suites accommodation and everything imaginable included, right down to shore excursions, airport transfers and wi-fi, as well as fine dining in a choice of restaurants and all drinks. The ships sail worldwide; look out for Seven Seas Explorer’s Alaska season in summer, a chance to experience the region’s pristine wilderness in ultimate comfort.

23. Celestyal Cruises

Best for affordable cruising with a genuine taste of Greek hospitality
Celestyal aims to create true immersion in Greek culture on its sailings out of Athens, with Greek food and entertainment and thoughtfully planned excursions for what’s usually a very diverse international audience. As well as short cruises and three-night weekend breaks around the Greek islands, the line offers longer trips taking in ports in Turkey and Israel. Expect port-intensive itineraries that can include two stops a day, so you can pack as many sights as possible into your trip.

Best river cruise companies

24. Viking

Best for luxurious, meticulously planned cruises on beautiful ships
Viking’s cool Longships embody the Scandinavian concept of hygge: all neutral colours, soothing textures and natural light. The world’s largest river cruise line sails in Europe, Asia, Egypt and, from 2023, the Mississippi, offering well-planned itineraries with high standards of cuisine, included shore excursions in every port and in many cases, options to add on land stays, for example, exploring Transylvania after a Danube cruise.

25. Scenic

Best for included excursions
Scenic’s smart, modern “Space Ships” sail the rivers of Europe and Asia in considerable style. Everything is included, from bar drinks to a choice of excursions themed around cultural enrichment, soft adventure, food and wine, varying from a private dinner in the Palais des Papes in Avignon to guided kayaking and cycling. Each ship has a wellness centre and a fleet of e-bikes for independent exploring. The company is Australian-owned, so expect to sail in the company of Australians and New Zealanders.

• 15 of the best river cruises in Europe
• The world’s best river cruises

26. Riviera Travel

Best for affordable cruising catering to British tastes
Riviera Travel is the UK’s largest provider of European river cruises and its smart, friendly ships attract a mainly British audience looking for affordability, comfort and included excursions. There’s a wide variety of itineraries, some sailing at a pleasingly slow pace, going deeper into the destinations. Flights or train travel and transfers are included in the cruise price, making this line excellent value.

27. AmaWaterways

Best for luxury river cruising with plenty of options for wellness
AmaWaterways’ five-star fleet offers river cruises in Europe, Asia, southern Africa and Egypt aimed at a mainly North American market looking for a quality, comfortable product. There’s an increasing emphasis on wellness, with a qualified fitness trainer on almost every cruise and a fleet of bicycles on every ship. The extra-wide AmaMagna, which sails the Danube, is one of the most luxurious riverboats in Europe. The line has also pioneered epic 46-night cruises along seven rivers in 14 countries, and in 2024 it will be the first to offer sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River.

28. Uniworld

Best for an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise in palatial surroundings
Uniworld’s ships are extravagantly beautiful and ornate, designed to reflect the history and culture of the regions in which they sail. Recent additions to the fleet include SS Sphinx on the Nile, the Mekong Jewel in Asia and SS Venezia on the Venetian lagoon. The boutique line also offers sailings on the Amazon in Peru. Some of Uniworld’s ships have four-poster beds and indoor pools that cleverly convert to a cosy, intimate nightclub in the evenings.

• Unforgettable luxury Nile river cruises

29. APT

Best forstylish cruising with a wide range of activities
APT is an Australian-owned cruise company specialising in luxurious, all-inclusive voyages worldwide. In Europe, APT charters ships from AmaWaterways, a reflection of the quality you can expect. All tours are included, with Signature excursions offering special, tailor-made experiences such as private music recitals and visits to European castles hosted by actual royalty. It also operates the value-for-money Travelmarvel brand on contemporary vessels that include a pub-style bar.

30. Emerald Cruises

Best for boutique cruising with plenty for more active travellers
Under the same ownership as Scenic, Emerald Cruises offers a more affordable experience on contemporary Star Ships that would give smart boutique hotels a run for their money. Each of the nine in Europe has an on-board Activity Manager to facilitate yoga classes, cycling, kayaking and hiking trips. While most excursions are included, optional tours are offered, from cookery demonstrations to private music recitals.

31. Avalon Waterways

Best for active, health-conscious cruise fans looking for local culture
Avalon’s 19 river ships, which sail in Europe and Asia, are luxurious and contemporary, offering a culturally immersive, active cruise experience. On the European ships, the Panorama Suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open into private balconies, are the most prized. Excursions focus on the active and experiential, from hikes, jogging, cycling and kayaking to art classes and immersive cultural tours. Dining mixes regional specialities with Avalon Fresh options, featuring local ingredients and vegetarian dishes.

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