Start with what matters most to you
Choosing a cruise line means deciding what you value most on a ship—whether that's price, the ports you visit, the onboard activities, the food quality, or the type of traveler you'll be around. No single cruise line does everything best. Royal Caribbean focuses on activities and entertainment for families. Disney Cruise Line caters to families with young children and emphasizes character experiences. Carnival is known for lower fares and a casual atmosphere. Norwegian Cruise Line offers flexible dining and fewer formal nights. Cunard appeals to travelers who want a more formal, traditional ocean liner experience. Celebrity Cruises positions itself between mainstream and luxury pricing.
The first step is to list what matters to you. Do you want to relax and read, or stay busy with activities all day? Are you traveling with children, grandchildren, or adults only? Do you want to visit specific ports, or does the itinerary matter less than the ship experience? Do you prefer formal dinners or casual buffets? Once you know your priorities, you can narrow the field from dozens of cruise lines to three or four that actually fit your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Different cruise lines appeal to different travelers—families with young kids, budget-conscious groups, active adults, or those seeking formal elegance—so identify your priorities before comparing.
- The total cost includes the base fare, onboard spending (drinks, specialty dining, excursions), and cabin type, which vary widely between lines and can double or triple your ticket price.
- Ship size affects your experience: smaller ships visit more ports and feel intimate, while larger ships offer more activities and dining options but feel crowded in ports.
- Read recent reviews from travelers similar to you on sites like Cruise Critic, not just marketing materials, to learn what actually happens onboard.
- Booking directly with the cruise line or through a travel agent can reveal discounts, onboard credits, and perks that the advertised price does not include.
Compare the true cost, not just the advertised fare
The price you see advertised is rarely what you pay. A $500-per-person cruise fare can easily become $1,200 or more once you add taxes, fees, gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions. Some cruise lines include more in the base price than others, so comparing only the headline number is misleading.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean typically have lower base fares but charge separately for drinks, specialty restaurants, and many onboard activities. Norwegian Cruise Line includes drinks and specialty dining in most fares, which sounds better until you see the base price is higher. Disney Cruise Line has high base fares but includes more amenities. Cunard and Celebrity Cruises have higher fares but also include more perks like specialty dining and beverages.
To compare fairly, add up what a typical week would cost on each line: base fare, taxes and fees (usually 15 to 25 percent of the fare), gratuities (typically $15 to $16 per person per day), drinks if not included, one or two specialty dinners, and one or two shore excursions. This total cost is what you actually budget for, not the advertised price.
Decide what ship size works for you
Cruise ships range from small expedition vessels carrying 500 passengers to mega-ships carrying 6,000 or more. Bigger is not automatically better—it depends on what you want from your trip.
Smaller ships (under 2,000 passengers) visit more ports, including smaller Caribbean islands and European harbors that large ships cannot reach. They feel more intimate, and you see the same people throughout the week. The downside is fewer onboard activities, fewer dining options, and higher per-person costs. Lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas operate smaller luxury ships.
Mid-size ships (2,000 to 4,000 passengers) balance port variety with onboard amenities. You get a good range of restaurants and activities without feeling overwhelmed. Most Caribbean cruises use mid-size ships.
Mega-ships (4,000+ passengers) offer the most activities, dining venues, and entertainment options. They are ideal if you want to stay busy and do not mind crowds. Royal Caribbean and Carnival operate the largest ships. The trade-off is that popular ports become very crowded when a mega-ship arrives, and you may spend more time on the ship than in ports.
Match the itinerary to your interests
The ports you visit matter as much as the ship itself. A cruise line might be perfect for you, but if it does not sail to the destinations you want, it is not the right choice for this trip.
Caribbean cruises depart from Florida, Texas, and Louisiana and visit islands like Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. They are the most common and affordable option. Alaska cruises visit glaciers and wildlife areas and run May through September. Mediterranean cruises visit Europe and require longer trips (usually 10 days or more). Transatlantic crossings, river cruises, and exotic destinations like the South Pacific exist but are less common and more expensive.
Check whether the cruise line offers the specific itinerary you want in the season you want to travel. Some lines focus on certain regions—Disney and Royal Caribbean dominate Caribbean cruises, while Cunard specializes in transatlantic voyages. A cruise line's website shows all available sailings by region and date, so you can see exactly what is offered before you commit to the line.
Read reviews from travelers like you
Marketing materials show you what a cruise line wants you to see. Reviews from actual passengers show you what really happens. Cruise Critic is the largest independent review site and lets you filter by trip type (families, couples, solo travelers) and ship. TripAdvisor and Google Reviews also have cruise reviews, though they are less detailed.
When reading reviews, look for patterns rather than single complaints. One person complaining about food does not mean the food is bad; ten people saying the same thing suggests a real issue. Pay attention to reviews from travelers similar to you—a family with toddlers will have different concerns than a couple looking for quiet time.
Recent reviews (within the last year) matter more than older ones, because cruise lines change menus, update ships, and adjust staffing. A review from five years ago may not reflect the current experience. Look for reviews that mention specific details—what the cabin was like, which restaurants they ate at, what activities they did—rather than vague praise or complaints.
Understand what is included and what costs extra
Every cruise line includes the cabin, meals in the main dining room, basic entertainment, and access to most onboard facilities. What varies is what you pay extra for. Understanding these differences helps you pick a line that matches your spending style.
Drinks are included on Norwegian, Celebrity, and some Disney sailings but cost extra on Carnival and Royal Caribbean (though drink packages are available). Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, sushi) cost extra on most lines but are included on some luxury lines. Fitness classes, spa services, and premium excursions always cost extra. Kids' clubs are free on most lines. Onboard internet ranges from free to $15+ per day depending on the line and package.
Ask the cruise line or a travel agent for a full breakdown of what is and is not included in your fare. This prevents surprises when you board and discover you need to pay for something you expected to be free.
Book through a travel agent or directly with the line
You can book directly on a cruise line's website or through a travel agent. Travel agents often have access to discounts, onboard credits, and package deals that are not advertised publicly. They also handle problems if something goes wrong before or during your cruise.
If you book directly, you deal with the cruise line's customer service if you need to make changes. If you book through an agent, the agent handles most communication. Some agents specialize in cruises and know which lines and ships are best for different travelers. There is no extra cost to use an agent—they are paid by the cruise line, not by you.
Before you book, ask an agent what onboard credits or perks they can add to your reservation. Many agents can add $50 to $200 in onboard spending money, free specialty dining, or cabin upgrades. These perks are not available if you book directly on the cruise line website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise line is cheapest?
Carnival and Royal Caribbean have the lowest base fares, but the total cost depends on what is included. Norwegian's base fares are higher, but drinks and specialty dining are included, which can make it cheaper overall. Compare the full cost, not just the advertised price, for the specific itinerary and cabin type you want.
Is it better to book early or wait for last-minute deals?
Booking three to six months ahead usually gives you the best cabin selection and pricing. Last-minute deals exist but are not may provide, and you may end up with a less desirable cabin or sailing date. If you have flexibility on dates and cabin type, waiting can save money, but if you want a specific sailing, booking early is safer.
What is the difference between inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins?
Inside cabins have no window and are the cheapest. Oceanview cabins have a window or porthole. Balcony cabins have a private outdoor space. The price difference is significant—a balcony cabin can cost twice as much as an inside cabin on the same ship. Choose based on your budget and how much time you plan to spend in your cabin.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
Cruise lines offer their own insurance, and some travel agents offer independent policies. Insurance covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Whether you need it depends on your health, how far in advance you book, and your comfort with financial risk if you have to cancel.
Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
Most cruise lines prohibit outside alcohol in cabins and public areas. Some allow a limited amount of wine or beer in your cabin on embarkation day. Violating this policy can result in confiscation or additional charges. Check your cruise line's specific policy before packing.