The Best Cruise Lines

Cruising isn’t just back — it’s booming. A record-breaking 19 million Americans are expected to take an ocean cruise in 2025, according to AAA. That marks a 4.5% jump from 2024 and caps off a third straight year of record cruise passenger volume.

This growth outpaces even the hotel industry, and demand isn’t slowing down. Passenger volume in 2025 is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 34%. Travelers are catching on that you can visit multiple destinations, only unpack once and partake in included food and entertainment along the way.

But with dozens of cruise lines out there, which one is right for you? Whether you’re chasing the best food, the best value or the best solo travel experience, here’s NerdWallet’s guide to the best cruise lines in 2025, broken down by what matters most.

Why it wins: Flexibility, entertainment and thoughtful accommodations for every type of traveler (including families, luxury-minded couples and singles) — all at a competitive price.

Norwegian Cruise Line earns our pick for Best Overall because it delivers the most well-rounded cruise experience in 2025. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple or with a group, NCL offers freedom, variety and fun in spades.

NCL has long been a pioneer, including developing the cruise industry’s first private island (that's Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas).

In recent years, NCL has solidified its spot as a leader in cruise innovation with its new Prima-class ships. These include vessels like the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Aqua which stand out for their size and offerings. The Norwegian Aqua's Slidecoaster is the first hybrid waterslide-rollercoaster at sea, and its Indulge Food Hall offers perhaps the best casual meal you can eat anywhere at sea — without a specialty dining upcharge.

Food and beverages on NCL

The line's hallmark Freestyle Cruising philosophy eliminates many of the hassles of traditional cruises. No assigned dining times. No strict dress codes. You eat when, where and how you want. Of course every ship varies in its offerings, but all the food is excellent — from sushi bars to steakhouses to buffets.

Beverage options are clever. Don't misss the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, found on a few Norwegian Cruise Line ships including Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Epic. Yes, the bar is made entirely from ice.

Things to do on NCL

Want entertainment? You’ll find Broadway-caliber shows like Beetlejuice and Jersey Boys. "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" on the Norwegian Aqua is one of the best shows at sea (though it's not exactly kid-friendly). It's also famous for its "Elements: The World Expanded," which is similar to a Cirque du Soleil show with dancing and acrobatics, plus some illusions, and is offered on multiple NCL ships.

» Learn more: Things to know about the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card

Most ships also have some combination of water parks, live music and vibrant nightlife, offering lots to do to stay entertained all hours of the day.

Great for single travelers

For solo travelers, NCL leads the industry. Their Studio staterooms, found on most of their newer ships, are compact, smartly designed cabins for one — with no single supplement. These staterooms are an average of 100 square feet with a full-size bed and separate sink and shower areas.

Studio guests also enjoy access to an exclusive Studio Lounge, where you can mingle, grab a coffee or book a group shore excursion with other solo travelers. While other lines now dabble in solo cabins, Norwegian still offers the widest selection and best amenities for single travelers, especially those who want to be social.

The best NCL ships

NCL's newer ships — like the Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Prima — are redefining modern cruising with elevated spaces through touches like more upscale decor, as well as more amenities. These range from bougie infinity pools to quirky food halls to family-friendly attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster (found on the Norwegian Aqua). Even on the newer ships, prices remain accessible, especially compared with luxury lines or more restrictive, traditional ones.

While some lines excel in one niche, NCL is the best all-around choice: great for solo travelers, couples, families and multigenerational groups alike. With worldwide itineraries, diverse onboard offerings and a welcoming vibe for all kinds of cruisers, Norwegian is the most versatile cruise line sailing today.

Why it wins: Elevated dining at sea with international flavors — and tons of celebrity chef endorsements.

Princess Cruises is a titan in the large cruise category, offering an impressive combination of global reach, innovative amenities and luxurious experiences. With a fleet of 15 ships serving over two million guests annually, Princess provides access to more than 330 ports across the world, including iconic destinations like Alaska, Asia, Europe and South America. But what really sets Princess apart? The food.

Princess Cruises has leaned heavily into celebrity chef partnerships to elevate its culinary offerings and differentiate itself in the large-ship cruise category. Among the standout collaborations is Tyra Banks’ SMiZE & Dream ice cream, served with a hidden "surprise" cookie dough truffle at the bottom of each cup. Pizza lovers can indulge in creations by Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion whose hand-tossed pies are served fresh at Alfredo’s Pizzeria and Gigi’s. For seafood, Chef Rudi Sodamin’s The Catch by Rudi offers upscale, ocean-inspired dishes.

On the newest ship, Sun Princess, you’ll find Love by Britto, a seven-course dining experience that mixes art, romance, and aphrodisiac-inspired dishes — the first of its kind on a mainstream cruise ship.

It doesn’t stop there. Princess partners with renowned chefs and offers cuisine inspired by the regions you sail to. Think fresh Alaska salmon on Alaska cruises or Mediterranean classics in Europe. For more casual dining, you’ll find everything from sushi to pizza to poolside burgers — all done better than your average buffet fare.

What to expect when cruising with Princess

There's more to Princess than just the food. The cruise line is renowned for its innovative features, such as the affordable veranda cabins it pioneered in the 1980s, making balcony views accessible to more travelers. Today, it boasts one of the highest percentages of balcony cabins in the industry. Whether or not you have a balcony room, all cabins are well-designed and space efficient.

Besides the balcony design, Princess has other sorts of architectural innovations.

Its newest line, the Sun Princess, launched in late 2024 with all sorts of unique features and architectural marvels that make it tough to want to leave the ship even at port. The ship introduces a completely new layout with more open spaces that break the mold of traditional cruise design. At its heart is The Sphere, a glass-enclosed, multi-deck atrium that floods the ship’s central hub with natural light — and doubles as an entertainment venue. Another standout is The Dome, which transforms from a serene indoor pool by day into a theatrical performance space by night.

Another big reason why Princess stood out in NerdWallet's rankings is its commitment to sustainability. Princess has achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification and pioneering shore power connections to reduce emissions at port. Its newest line, the Sun Princess, launched in late 2024 and is powered by LNG fuel technology.

Compared with food on competitors like NCL or Royal Caribbean, Princess elevates dining with higher-end menus and presentation — without crossing into the all-inclusive pricing of a luxury line.

Why it wins: Quiet sophistication, cultural programming and fewer rowdy crowds.

If you're looking for quieter days and fewer kids, Holland America is your top pick. Its mid-size ships balance space with intimacy, often carrying just 1,500–2,600 guests — much smaller than the 6,000+ megaships of today.

With destinations spanning Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia, Holland America caters to those who value the travel experience rather than what sorts of slides and pools deck out the ship.

Food on Holland America

Holland America excels in culinary offerings, with specialty dining venues like Pinnacle Grill, showcasing Pacific Northwest cuisine, and Tamarind, known for its exquisite Pan-Asian dishes.

One of Holland America's standout features is Morimoto at Sea, a dining collaboration with world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto. This specialty restaurant elevates the cruise’s culinary offerings with innovative dishes blending Japanese tradition and Western techniques including fresh sushi, seared wagyu beef and sake pairings.

What to do on Holland America

The line’s Explorations Central (EXC) program enhances the cruise experience by offering onboard lectures and insights tailored to each destination. Guests can deepen their understanding of local cultures through curated shore excursions and interactive workshops.

Rooms include plush Euro-top beds and fine linens. Holland America’s commitment to cleanliness and safety is reflected in its nearly perfect 98.33 score in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program in 2024.

Compared to larger lines like Royal Caribbean or MSC, Holland America offers fewer kids, less noise and a more relaxed pace — ideal for older adults and retirees seeking calm over chaos.

Why it wins: Excellent theming, entertainment and tons to do, all with Disney's signature customer service.

With 30% of cruising families traveling with two or more generations, according to CLIA's 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, having a family-friendly vessel is key. For multi-generational travel, Disney Cruise Line is a top pick, having mastered the art of creating magical experiences for families, blending entertainment, luxury and convenience.

With over 19 ports of departure to choose from, your family can take a Disney cruise from almost anywhere in the world. Departure cities include Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, New Orleans and San Diego. 

Families traveling with Disney enjoy unique features like rotational dining, where guests experience a variety of themed restaurants and Broadway-caliber shows based on beloved Disney stories. Kids can immerse themselves in imaginative play at the Oceaneer Club, while parents take advantage of adults-only spaces like Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise. Fireworks at sea and character meet-and-greets further enhance the Disney magic.

The line’s commitment to excellence is evident in its 2024 CDC Vessel Sanitation Program score of 98.14, reflecting its dedication to safety and cleanliness.

Accommodations are designed with families in mind by including privacy curtains, divided bathrooms and storage space in most staterooms.  Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or new to the brand, Disney Cruise Line offers an unforgettable family adventure.

2025 is a huge year for Disney Cruise Line. There's all sorts of fanfare around the Disney Treasure, which entered service on Dec. 21, 2024 as the second ship in the Wish-class. And there's tons more on the horizon.

Scheduled to debut on Nov. 20, 2025, the Disney Destiny is the third ship in the Wish-class. This vessel features Marvel-themed areas, including a restaurant with a Guardians of the Galaxy dinner show and a lounge inspired by Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. The lobby showcases a Black Panther statue themed to Wakanda. The ship will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

And just about a month later, Disney will launch the Disney Adventure, its largest ship, with a capacity of approximately 6,000 passengers. It will be homeported in Singapore, marking Disney Cruise Line's first foray into Southeast Asia. The ship features over 20 dining venues, including themed restaurants and bars, and offers unique experiences tailored for the Southeast Asian market.

Besides the ships themselves, Disney Cruise Line built something else that's shiny and new. Disney Cruise Line's new private island in the Bahamas, called Lighthouse Point, will be featured on many Bahamian itineraries in 2025 and onwards — offering either an alternative (or a bonus stop) for travelers who might go to its other island, called Castaway Cay.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Why it wins: Truly all-inclusive pricing and opulence.

When it comes to luxury, Regent Seven Seas Cruises stands in a league of its own. With a fleet of six all-suite ships, Regent offers an all-inclusive experience that covers everything from gourmet dining to curated shore excursions. This seamless approach ensures guests can focus entirely on relaxation and indulgence without worrying about hidden costs.

Accommodations aboard Regent ships are nothing short of extraordinary. Each suite features private balconies, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, providing a home-away-from-home experience that rivals five-star hotels. And that's not all. You'll also get a dedicated attendant, an in-suite minibar and a separate sitting area.

Oh, and if you want to get really fancy, consider upgrading to "the most exclusive address at sea" — the Regent Suite. It features a 4,000-square-foot stateroom with top-notch amenities. These include a private car and driver in every port, an exclusive private dining experience and an in-suite spa with unlimited treatments.

Dining is equally impressive. When you dine aboard a Regent cruise, you'll experience world-class chefs as well as sommeliers to pair your wine to your meal. Top venues include Chartreuse (offering exquisite French cuisine) and Prime 7 (serving perfectly crafted steakhouse classics).

Regent’s itineraries span over 450 destinations worldwide, with shore excursions designed to immerse guests in local cultures and histories. When you’re not out exploring a new port of call, you can take cooking classes, book a spa day or fitness class, enjoy evening entertainment or gamble at the casino, among other activities.

While competitors like Silversea or Seabourn offer similarly small ships and high-end touches, Regent's pricing includes far more — and the service quality delivers on the promise. For discerning travelers who demand the best, Regent Seven Seas Cruises delivers an unmatched level of luxury and exclusivity.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Why it wins: Affordable fares, new ships, and luxury-style perks — at lower prices without feeling "budget"

MSC Cruises often comes in hundreds of dollars cheaper than its competitors, and yet it operates some of the newest, most visually stunning ships at sea. The MSC World America, which launched in 2025, features seven “districts” that feel like cities unto themselves, along with roller coasters, water parks, and gourmet dining.

The brand’s European flair shows in everything from the ship design to the gelato carts. And while base fares are low, MSC allows guests to splurge selectively — whether it’s buying into the exclusive Yacht Club luxury enclave or ordering à la carte espresso drinks at Coffee Emporium.

Compared with budget lines like Carnival or Costa, MSC offers a more refined onboard experience — especially in newer ships — at surprisingly competitive prices.

Finding the best cruise line isn’t just about picking the biggest ship or flashiest features — it’s about aligning your travel style, budget, and goals with the right brand. Start by asking yourself what kind of vacation you want. Looking to relax in luxury? Regent Seven Seas might be your match. Want flexibility and great entertainment? Norwegian Cruise Line excels there. Traveling with kids? Disney Cruise Line has that dialed in. For culinary travelers, Princess Cruises offers a standout dining experience, while MSC is a solid pick for budget-conscious cruisers who still want modern ships.

Also, don’t book blindly — there may be exclusive offers or perks available to you. For example, Voyages by Chase is a cruise booking portal for Chase cardholders that includes extra onboard credit, specialty dining, or even room upgrades when you book eligible sailings. Other travel portals like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, AAA or Costco Travel can also unlock added value. Before you book, check your credit card and loyalty program benefits to see if you're entitled to bonuses that could enhance your cruise for free.