Inside Info

Cruises are a convenient way to visit multiple destinations in one trip—making them a popular vacation choice and one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. I’ve never been on a cruise—but after rave reviews from friends, I’m warming up to the idea. My friend John O. is a fan of cruising. Here’s what he has to say:

​

We have had fantastic vacations on cruise ships. And we have had some bad ones too. 16 years ago, we visited Alaska via cruise ship with the kids. Great trip! Perfect stops and lots of nature. Whales on both sides of the ship, including killer whales! Our Scandinavian cruise aboard Viking (small ship experience) was great.  We have a river cruise on the Rhine booked in June 2025. And our Viking river trip on the Danube was the greatest ever!

​

Thinking about a cruise but overwhelmed by the choices? Here’s a quick primer to help you navigate the raft of options.

​​

Ocean Cruises

There’s an ocean cruise for pretty much every type of traveler. The differences are mainly in amenities and budget. For simplicity’s sake, I’ve organized this extensive category into the two options shown below.

 

Affordable to Upscale Options

Best for families and travelers looking for a wide array of activities. This category includes the largest ships offering the most onboard entertainment options and amenities.

 

Lines to try:

• Carnival Cruise Line - 3.8

• Norwegian Cruise Line - 3.6

• Royal Caribbean International - 3.9

 

Premium to Ultra-Luxury Options

Designed for the more seasoned traveler who desires the finer things in life and has the budget to pay for them. Ships range in size from large (but not mega-) at the lower price points to smaller, more boutique-style ships at the high end. All offer luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining and wine options, excellent service, and abundant activities.

 

Lines to try:

• Celebrity Cruises – 4.0

• Crystal Cruises – 4.4

• Disney Cruise Line – 4.2

• Oceana Cruises – 3.8

• Seabourn – 4.1

• Windstar Cruises – 4.1

 

River Cruises

Ideal for adult travelers looking for an intimate small-ship experience along with more in-depth exploration at each destination. Most river cruisers accommodate just 30 to 200 passengers and can easily access smaller ports. This means river cruises may offer more unique itineraries and greater opportunity for cultural immersion than their ocean counterparts.

 

Lines to try:

​

​Affordable to Upscale Options

• CroisiEurope – 4.1

• Emerald Waterways – 4.5

​

​Premium to Ultra-Luxury Options

• AmaWaterways – 4.5

• Avalon Waterways – 4.7

• Riverside Luxury Cruises - 4.6

• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection – 4.3

• Viking River Cruises – 4.6

​

Expedition Cruises

Specially designed for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers. Smaller than traditional ocean vessels, expedition cruise lines offer off-the-beaten-track experiences and the opportunity to view remote scenery and wildlife, often in an eco-friendly environment. Itineraries feature exotic and unique destinations like Antarctica, Africa, and the Galapagos. Amenities range from simple to ultra-luxurious.

 

Lines to try:

• G Adventures – 5.0

• Sanctuary Retreats – 4.6

• Swan Hellenic – 4.7

 

Luxury Hotel Barges

Tailor-made for travelers seeking a bespoke experience and immersion in out-of-the-way towns and villages. Accommodating just four to twenty-four passengers, hotel barges offer a luxury travel experience with a high staff-to-passenger ratio. The barges operate on the rivers and canals of the U.K., Scotland, France, Belgium, and Germany.

 

Lines to try:

• European Waterways – 4.8

• French Country Waterways

 

Sailing Vessels and Yachts

Suited for both seasoned and budget-conscious travelers. This specialty category offers a variety of ships and experiences from intimate and sophisticated to educational and historical—and in many cases, all of the above.

 

Lines to try:

• Island Windjammers – 4.9

• Star Clippers – 4.0

 

Disclaimer: No warranty is made with regard to the accuracy of this information, which is based on online research along with ratings by cruisecritic.com, a Tripadvisor company.