Best Cruise Lines Compared: Size, Price & Style Explained (2026 Guide)
I’m frequently asked for my Top 5 Cruise Lines or Top 10 cruise ships - but which cruise is “best” is very subjective.
The truth is, there is no single “best” cruise line - only the best cruise line for your budget, travel style and holiday priorities.
There are some undisputed facts, however, that can help point you in the right direction, including which brands carry most passengers each year and the average cost of voyage on different cruise lines.
This Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Cruise Line (2026 Edition) is a comprehensive resource to help you decide.
IN THIS GUIDE:
Quick Answer
Cruise Lines Compared
Best for Families
Best Value
Luxury Cruise Lines
Pros & Cons
FAQ
Quick Answer: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick guide to choosing the right cruise line.
🚢 Want the biggest ships? Royal Caribbean
💰 Looking for the best value? MSC Cruises
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with children? Royal Caribbean
🍸 Want an adults-only holiday? Virgin Voyages
✨ Looking for luxury? Regent Seven Seas Cruises
🇬🇧 Want a fly-cruise with flights included? Marella Cruises
🍽️ Love fine dining? Oceania Cruises
🎭 Want top-class entertainment? Norwegian Cruise Line
⚓ Prefer a traditional cruise experience? Cunard
🌍 Going on your first cruise? Princess Cruises
The bottom line? There isn’t a single “best” cruise line for everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, travel style, destination and who you’re travelling with. The detailed comparison below explains how each cruise line differs in terms of size, price, onboard experience and overall value.
If you are completely new to cruising visit my dedicated New2Cruise page which has lots of resources.
Cruise Lines Compared at a Glance
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the major cruise lines compare by style, pricing and ship size.
Royal Caribbean — families & thrill seekers — mid to high price — mega ships
MSC Cruises — budget-friendly European cruising — low to mid price — large ships
Virgin Voyages — adults-only modern lifestyle cruising — mid to high price — mid-large ships
Marella Cruises — UK fly-cruise convenience — mid price — mid-size ships
Cunard — classic ocean liner experience — high price — large ships
Norwegian Cruise Line — entertainment & freedom dining — mid to high price — large ships
Princess Cruises — relaxed first-time cruising — mid price — large ships
Regent Seven Seas Cruises — ultra-luxury all-inclusive — very high price — small to mid ships
Oceania Cruises — food-focused premium cruising — high price — mid-size ships
Celebrity Cruises — modern premium luxury — high price — large modern ships
Cruise lines compared: a visual guide to the biggest cruise brands, showing who they’re best for, typical ship size and general price range.
While Royal Caribbean offers the largest ships and family attractions, Virgin Voyages focuses on adults-only cruising, while P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises appeal strongly to British travellers seeking traditional or package holidays.
Booking your very first cruise can feel incredibly overwhelming. With hundreds of massive ships sailing to thousands of destinations, how do you know which line actually fits your holiday style? If you are travelling, with children, the stakes are even higher - you need a ship that keeps the kids thrilled while allowing the adults to truly unwind.
The secret to a perfect holiday lies in understanding the industry landscape. Some cruise lines specialize in floating theme parks packed with waterslides and arcade rooms, while others focus on quiet, premium relaxation and cultural excursions. By looking at the world's most successful cruise lines by passenger volume and revenue, we can reveal exactly which brands have mastered the art of family travel and first-time cruising.
With so many cruise lines to choose from, how do you know which is best.
The Global Giants: Highest Revenue & Passenger Numbers
The global market is dominated by a few massive conglomerates. These parent companies control the majority of ocean travel.
The Big Three Corporations
The market is dominated by three main cruise companies:
Carnival Corporation & plc: Commands 41.5% of global passengers.
Royal Caribbean Group: Generates 24.8% of global revenue.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: Captures 14.1% of market wealth.
Plus some independents such as:
MSC Cruises: Largest privately held line worldwide.
Virgin Voyages: Adult only.
Disney Cruise Line: Family focussed,
Top 10 Individual Global Brands
The following brands are the big-hitters and familiar names, even if you’ve never cruised:
Royal Caribbean International (Top revenue earner)
Carnival Cruise Line (Most passengers carried)
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Costa Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Viking Ocean Cruises
The UK Market: What British Cruisers Love
The UK cruise market behaves very differently from the global space. British holidaymakers heavily favour "no-fly" or regional departures. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the UK market generates over £1 billion annually, with roughly 1.7 million British passengers sailing each year.
P&O Cruises Iona is a UK favourite choice
Top 10 Cruise Brands in the UK
P&O Cruises: The undisputed British market leader.
Marella Cruises: TUI’s massive all-inclusive fly-cruise operator. (Visit my Marella Cruise Hub to find out more).
Royal Caribbean: Top choice for active British families.
Princess Cruises: Favoured for premium Southampton departures.
Celebrity Cruises: Leading modern luxury option for Brits.
MSC Cruises: Rapidly expanding regional UK presence.
Cunard Line: Iconic British heritage and transatlantic routes.
Fred. Olsen: Intimate ships departing regional UK ports.
Ambassador Cruise Line: New, value-driven no-fly options.
Saga Cruises: Premium boutique sailing for over-50s.
The Best Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers
If you are new to cruising, these are the cruise lines I would recommend to you as an introduction:
Royal Caribbean: The safest bet for beginners because their massive ships offer so much variety you will never feel trapped or bored.
P&O Cruises: The ultimate stress-free entry point for Brits. There are no confusing fly-cruise airport transfers, the currency onboard is Pounds, and tips are already included in your fare.
Celebrity Cruises: Perfect for first-timers who want a resort-style holiday without the high-energy chaotic noise of waterslides and standard mega-ships.
The Best Cruise Lines for Families
A cruise is the perfect family holiday/vacation - as long as you choose the right one. The following are generally safe bets (but also look at individual ships within each brand):
Family time on Sky Princess. Image: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown
Disney Cruise Line: The undisputed gold standard for families with younger children, featuring unmatched character experiences, large family staterooms, and free onboard kids' clubs. Disney also offer shorter cruises which are good as a fun taster.
Royal Caribbean: The best option for families with hard-to-please teenagers, boasting onboard surf simulators (FloRider), rock climbing walls, ice rinks, and high-tech escape rooms.
MSC Cruises: A phenomenal, budget-friendly option for families wanting mega-ship amenities without paying a premium. As a family-owned line, they heavily invest in multi-generational travel, offering a dedicated "LEGO Experience on Board" day, massive interactive aqua parks, and 5 distinct age-specific kids' clubs spanning from infants up to 17-year-olds. They also offer unique "Superfamily" connecting cabins that can sleep up to 10 guests under one booking.
Princess Cruises: The best choice for families seeking a calmer, educational holiday with older kids and teenagers. Through their exclusive partnership with Discovery™, they offer unique onboard programs like "Discovery at SEA," featuring stargazing on the top deck, survival camp activities, and animal encounters. Their innovative MedallionClass® technology also lets parents track their kids anywhere on the ship and order snacks directly to their poolside sun loungers via an app. Read my review of our Family Day on Board Sky Princess,
Marella Cruises: Ideal for budget-conscious families. Because flights, food, drinks, and tips are entirely bundled into one price, you will not face unexpected charges from the kids at the end of the week.
Marella Explorer is a mid-value option Image: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown
Cruise Budget Breakdown: What Will It Cost?
Cruise lines price their itineraries based on "per diems" (the average cost per person, per night). Here is how the top global and UK brands compare in cost:
Value & Budget Lines (£70-£130 per night)
Carnival & MSC Cruises: Best for entry-level pricing. You get low base fares, but expect to pay extra for specialty dining, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Ambassador Cruise Line: Excellent no-fly budget value direct from UK regional ports.
Moderate & All-Inclusive Value (£120-£200 per night)
P&O Cruises & Royal Caribbean: Great balance of entertainment and scale. P&O includes tips in the fare, saving Brits extra out-of-pocket costs. Drinks packages are extra.
Marella Cruises: Outstanding value because the upfront price bundles your flights, transfers, tips, and standard alcoholic drinks.
Premium Market (£150-£300 per night)
Celebrity Cruises & Princess Cruises: Higher-quality food, fewer crowds, and sophisticated design. Drinks are extra.
Saga Cruises: High upfront cost, but entirely all-inclusive (including a private chauffeur service to the UK port).
Ultra-Luxury & Boutique (£350-£700+ per night)
Cunard (Grills Class), Viking, & Regent Seven Seas: High entry price. However, they include excursions, premium drinks, fine dining, and unmatched staff-to-guest ratios.
Pros and Cons of Each Cruise Line with “At a Glance” Scorecard
Royal Caribbean
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Luxury Feel: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Pros
Largest and most innovative ships at sea
Excellent family facilities and activities
Outstanding entertainment and nightlife
Cons
Can feel crowded during peak periods
Extra charges can quickly add up
Less suited to those seeking a quiet cruise
MSC Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
⭐ Luxury Feel: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Pros
Excellent fares and frequent promotions
Stylish modern ships
Strong European itineraries
Cons
Service can vary between ships
Dining style may not suit British tastes
Busy embarkation on popular sailings
Virgin Voyages
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Adults: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Relaxation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Pros
Adults-only atmosphere
Outstanding speciality dining included
Modern, stylish design
Cons
No facilities for children
Nightlife-focused atmosphere isn’t for everyone
Premium pricing on some itineraries
Marella Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Flights and transfers included
Great value package holidays
Friendly British atmosphere
Cons
Older ships than some rivals
Fewer onboard attractions
Smaller cabins on some ships
P&O Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ British Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
British-style cruising experience
Excellent dining and entertainment
Good choice of family and adults-only ships
Cons
Drinks packages can be expensive
Traditional atmosphere may not suit everyone
Fewer thrill attractions than Royal Caribbean
Cunard
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Elegance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Tradition: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Elegant ocean liner experience
Exceptional afternoon tea and gala evenings
Iconic transatlantic crossings
Cons
Formal atmosphere isn’t for everyone
Higher prices than mainstream lines
Limited attractions for children
Norwegian Cruise Line
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Flexibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Freestyle dining and dress code
Excellent entertainment
Wide range of itineraries
Cons
Additional charges for many extras
Busy ships during holidays
Premium restaurants often book quickly
Princess Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ First-Time Cruisers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Relaxed atmosphere
Great itineraries worldwide
Excellent for first-time cruisers
Cons
Entertainment is less adventurous
Ships can feel traditional
Limited thrill attractions
Celebrity Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Luxury Feel: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Couples: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Modern premium experience
Excellent food and service
Beautiful ship design
Cons
Higher prices than mainstream lines
Less suited to young families
Some speciality venues cost extra
Oceania Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Luxury: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ Destinations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Relaxation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Some of the best cuisine at sea
Destination-rich itineraries
Relaxed premium atmosphere
Cons
Smaller entertainment offering
Premium pricing
Not ideal for families with children
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
At a Glance
⭐ Luxury: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Dining: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Value (All Inclusive): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Space: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros
Ultra-luxury all-inclusive experience
Spacious suites and exceptional service
Shore excursions included on many voyages
Cons
Among the most expensive cruise lines
Smaller ships with fewer attractions
Formal luxury style may not suit everyone
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is included in the base price of a cruise?
A: Your base fare always includes your cabin accommodation, main dining room meals, buffet access, and most onboard entertainment. However, unless you book an all-inclusive line like Marella or Viking, items like Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions will cost extra.
Q: Is it cheaper to book a cruise early or at the last minute?
A: Booking early (8 to 12 months in advance) usually offers the best value, especially for families who need specific cabin layouts or connecting rooms. While last-minute deals do exist for flexible travelers, cabin choices are highly limited, and flight costs for fly-cruises can skyrocket.
Q: Do I need a passport to go on a cruise from the UK?
A: Yes. Even for "no-fly" cruises departing from UK ports like Southampton that stay within British waters, almost all cruise lines require a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Q: How do tips and gratuities work onboard?
A: This depends heavily on the cruise line. British lines like P&O Cruises and Marella automatically include all tips in your upfront holiday price. International lines (like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity) add a daily service charge per person to your onboard account, which can be prepaid before you sail.
Q: Will I get seasick on a modern cruise ship?
A: It is very unlikely. Modern mega-ships are engineered with massive computer-operated stabilizers that minimize the ship's side-to-side motion. If you are highly sensitive, book a cabin on a lower deck in the middle (mid-ship) of the vessel, where movement is felt the least.
💡 How to Choose Your Next Cruise
For mega-ships: Choose Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
For British culture: Book P&O or Marella.
For destination focus: Try Viking or Princess.
For pure luxury: Reserve Regent or Cunard.
For family: Opt for Royal Caribbean, MSC or Disney
For Adult Only: Explore Virgin Voyages or Saga Cruises
The Lowdown
Choosing the best cruise line isn’t about finding the biggest ship or the lowest fare - it’s about finding the right match for your travel style. Families may love the non-stop activities on Royal Caribbean, while couples might prefer the adults-only atmosphere of Virgin Voyages. Budget-conscious travellers often find excellent value with MSC Cruises or Marella Cruises, while those seeking a premium or luxury experience may gravitate towards Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas.
By comparing cruise lines by size, price, onboard experience and target traveller, you can narrow down the options and book with confidence. Whether you’re planning your very first cruise or looking to try a different brand, understanding what each cruise line does best is the key to finding your perfect holiday at sea.