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Cruise Frog guide

Cruise lines

57 cruise lines sailing 604 ships: what each is known for, who it suits, and how its fleet rates.

AIDAnova near Hook of Holland, 202411 ships3.0 ★ fleetAIDA CruisesMainstreamRostock, Germany · since 1960AIDA describes itself as the market leader in German cruising, and it is closely identified with the informal club-ship style it introduced in 1996. It has also built a record of…AmaBella below the Praterbrücke in Vienna30 ships4.1 ★ fleetAmaWaterwaysRiverCalabasas, California, United States · since 2002Wikipedia notes AmaWaterways' reputation for spacious ships, wellness amenities and dining; Cruise Critic's 2024 Best in Cruise awards named it best river cruise line and best…Ambience at Pier 25, Tallinn, May 20223 ships3.2 ★ fleetAmbassador Cruise LineMainstreamPurfleet, Essex, England · since 2021Ambassador has grown quickly since its 2022 debut, building its business around British travelers who want to cruise without flying, and it has collected trade and consumer…The ship as Queen of the Mississippi at the Port of Dubuque, Iowa, 201624 ships3.6 ★ fleetAmerican Cruise LinesRiverGuilford, Connecticut, United States · since 1972American Cruise Lines is known for roomy cabins by small-ship standards (the line quotes 250 to 1,500 square feet), inclusive fares and a young fleet: all but one of its ships…A-ROSA Bella on the Danube in Lower Austria, 200815 ships3.5 ★ fleetA-ROSA River CruisesRiverRostock, Germany · since 2002A-ROSA is one of the best-known river cruise brands in the German-speaking market, valued for its relaxed style, inclusive pricing and family sailings, on which children up to 15…World Navigator at Rhodes, August 20253 ships3.3 ★ fleetAtlas Ocean VoyagesExpeditionFort Lauderdale, Florida, United States · since 2019Atlas has drawn attention for bringing an all-inclusive, yacht-style product to Antarctica on ships small enough for frequent landings. Reviewers often praise the attentive…Greg Mortimer in Antarctica, January 20203 ships3.2 ★ fleetAurora ExpeditionsExpeditionSydney, Australia · since 1991Aurora is well regarded for its activity program and small guest numbers. Reviewers often mention the range of paddling, camping, alpine and diving options, the knowledgeable…Avalon Artistry II in Cologne, 201519 ships3.7 ★ fleetAvalon WaterwaysRiverDenver, Colorado, United States · since 2004Avalon Waterways is best known for its Panorama Suites, which the line says are more than 30 percent larger than the industry standard, and for a European fleet it describes as…Azamara Journey in Hamburg, 20264 ships3.7 ★ fleetAzamaraPremiumMiami, Florida, United States · since 2007Azamara is known for destination-focused itineraries with long port days, overnight stays and calls at smaller harbors, for small ships with a relaxed atmosphere, and for fares…Carnival Celebration departing Miami, February 202629 ships3.7 ★ fleetCarnival Cruise LineMainstreamDoral, Florida, United States · since 1972Carnival is known for affordable, high-energy cruises and for bringing many people to cruising for the first time. Its newest ships get attention for features such as BOLT, the…Celebrity Beyond at La Rochelle15 ships3.9 ★ fleetCelebrity CruisesPremiumMiami, Florida, United States · since 1988Celebrity is generally positioned as a step up from mainstream lines, and its newer ships draw attention for design features such as the Edge class's cantilevered Magic Carpet…Celestyal Journey off Milos, October 20252 ships2.9 ★ fleetCelestyal CruisesMainstreamPiraeus, Greece · since 2014Celestyal is known as a Greek-island specialist: its smaller ships call at ports such as Milos, Patmos and Rhodes on three- to seven-night itineraries that pack in many Greek…Costa Toscana in Savona, 20228 ships3.1 ★ fleetCosta CruisesMainstreamGenoa, Italy · since 1948Costa builds its appeal on Italian style, a strong focus on food and wine, and frequent week-long Mediterranean loops that guests in Italy, France and Spain can join close to…Crystal Serenity in Quebec City, 20242 ships4.5 ★ fleetCrystalLuxuryHallandale Beach, Florida, United States · since 1988Crystal's relaunch has been well received in reader polls: Travel + Leisure readers named it the top midsize-ship ocean cruise line in their World's Best Awards in 2025 and again…Queen Mary 2 in the port of Boston, September 20134 ships3.8 ★ fleetCunardPremiumSouthampton, United Kingdom · since 1840Cunard is known above all for its history and for Queen Mary 2's Atlantic crossings, a scheduled liner service no other company still offers. It markets its service style under…Disney Adventure in Tokyo, February 2026, on her delivery voyage8 ships4.2 ★ fleetDisney Cruise LinePremiumCelebration, Florida, United States · since 1996Disney is the name many travelers think of first for a family cruise, and its strengths are consistent across reviews: polished stage shows, frequent character meet-and-greets…Emerald Sky at the landing in Melk, Austria, May 201913 ships3.7 ★ fleetEmerald CruisesRiverZug, Switzerland · since 2013Emerald is known for value: Cruise Critic's editors named it best river line for value in 2019 and best value-for-money river line in 2023, and also picked it as best for active…Explora III arriving in Bergen, August 20263 ships4.3 ★ fleetExplora JourneysLuxuryGeneva, Switzerland · since 2021Explora is praised for spacious suites, uncrowded public areas, understated contemporary design and a fare that bundles drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Reviewers often single out…Four Seasons Yachts' inaugural vessel, Four Seasons I: the pool deck, from the operator's official launch photography.1 ship4.0 ★ fleetFour Seasons YachtsLuxurysince 2022Having begun sailing only in March 2026, Four Seasons Yachts has little track record yet. Its selling points are the Four Seasons name, unusually large suites that can be…Bolette underway in Tallinn Bay, May 20233 ships3.2 ★ fleetFred. Olsen Cruise LinesPremiumIpswich, England · since 1848Fred. Olsen is known for smaller ships, an unhurried, traditional British atmosphere and no-fly cruises from regional UK ports. The line leans on that smaller scale in its…Europa 2 inbound to Southampton on a shakedown voyage before her maiden cruise, May 20135 ships4.3 ★ fleetHapag-Lloyd CruisesLuxuryHamburg, Germany · since 1970Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is regarded as one of the leading luxury brands in German-speaking Europe. Europa was rated the best cruise ship in the world by the Berlitz guide twelve…Havila Capella in Hammerfest4 ships3.5 ★ fleetHavila VoyagesPremiumFosnavåg, Norway · since 2017Havila's ships are the newest on the Norwegian coastal route, and reviewers often praise their Scandinavian interiors, comfortable cabins, regional food and quiet, low-emission…Rotterdam in Eidfjord, Norway, July 202211 ships3.8 ★ fleetHolland America LinePremiumSeattle, Washington, United States · since 1873Holland America is regarded as a traditional premium line, with mid-sized ships, longer itineraries and a strong presence in Alaska, where its cruisetours add land travel to…Midnatsol at Sortland, 201810 ships2.7 ★ fleetHurtigrutenPremiumOslo, Norway · since 1893Hurtigruten is known above all for the scenery of the coastal route, the chance to see the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, and the experience of…Roald Amundsen, 20185 ships3.2 ★ fleetHX Hurtigruten ExpeditionsExpeditionLondon, United Kingdom · since 2021HX is known for its science-focused onboard program, built around the Science Centre and citizen-science projects, and for running two of the first battery-hybrid expedition…National Geographic Endurance on her maiden call at Kiel, June 202012 ships3.4 ★ fleetLindblad ExpeditionsExpeditionNew York, New York, United States · since 1979Lindblad is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern expedition cruising, and its family history in Antarctica and the Galápagos goes back to the 1960s. Reviewers often praise…Marella Voyager leaving Rhodes, September 20265 ships3.1 ★ fleetMarella CruisesMainstreamLuton, England · since 1973Marella is known for packaging cruises the way TUI packages beach holidays: flights from UK airports, transfers and an all-inclusive fare that already covers drinks and…Margaritaville at Sea Islander, November 20242 ships3.1 ★ fleetMargaritaville at SeaMainstreamOrlando, Florida, United States · since 2022For a small line, Margaritaville at Sea has collected a good number of reader-voted awards, including USA Today 10Best honors in 2025 and 2026 (No. 1 Best Caribbean Cruise in…MSC World America at Saint-Nazaire on her delivery day, March 202523 ships3.4 ★ fleetMSC CruisesMainstreamGeneva, Switzerland · since 1988MSC is known for modern, large ships at competitive fares, frequent promotions that bundle drinks, Wi-Fi or onboard credit, and the MSC Yacht Club, which reviewers often describe…Norwegian Encore leaving Victoria, British Columbia, May 202620 ships3.6 ★ fleetNorwegian Cruise LineMainstreamMiami, Florida, United States · since 1966Norwegian is best known for the relaxed Freestyle style it introduced: no set dinner times, few dress rules and a long list of restaurants, bars and shows, plus solo staterooms…Oceania Vista in port at Istanbul, July 20237 ships4.0 ★ fleetOceania CruisesPremiumMiami, Florida, United States · since 2002Oceania's reputation rests on food. It markets itself around 'The Finest Cuisine at Sea', includes its specialty restaurants in every fare and runs culinary programs on board and…Hondius, 20254 ships3.0 ★ fleetOceanwide ExpeditionsExpeditionVlissingen, Netherlands · since 1993Oceanwide has a reputation as a practical, activity-focused polar operator. Reviewers often praise the guides, the number of landings and options such as camping and…Paul Gauguin off Bora Bora, December 20171 ship4.0 ★ fleetPaul Gauguin CruisesLuxuryMarseille, France · since 1998Paul Gauguin Cruises is known for its long specialization in French Polynesia and a ship designed around the region, and it does well in readers' polls: Condé Nast Traveler…Arvia leaving Marseille, France, April 20237 ships3.4 ★ fleetP&O CruisesMainstreamSouthampton, United Kingdom · since 1977P&O Cruises claims the longest heritage of any cruise line, and Carnival markets it as Britain's favourite cruise line. Sailing from Southampton, it lets British guests cruise…Le Commandant Charcot in an Arctic ice field during Operation Tugaalik, June 202412 ships3.8 ★ fleetPonantLuxuryMarseille, France · since 1988Ponant is best known for expedition cruising in comfort: its small ships reach the polar regions, remote islands and harbors that bigger vessels cannot, and Le Commandant Charcot…Sun Princess docked at Piraeus, Greece, July 202417 ships4.0 ★ fleetPrincess CruisesPremiumSanta Clarita, California, United States · since 1965Princess has long traded on its link to The Love Boat, the 1970s and 1980s television series set mostly aboard the earlier Pacific Princess, and it is one of the established…Quark Expeditions' Ultramarine in polar waters.2 ships3.0 ★ fleetQuark ExpeditionsExpeditionSeattle, Washington, United States · since 1991Quark is one of the longest-established names in polar travel, and reviewers often credit its experienced expedition teams, the range of activities on offer and the careful way…Seven Seas Grandeur, June 20246 ships4.7 ★ fleetRegent Seven Seas CruisesLuxuryMiami, Florida, United States · since 1992Regent is known for one of the most inclusive fares in cruising: excursions, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities are all in the price, so there are few bills on board…0 shipsResorts World CruisesMainstreamsince 2022Resorts World Cruises was best known as the company that kept two former Genting Hong Kong ships sailing after that group's 2022 collapse, restarting short cruises from Singapore…Riviera Radiance on the Danube in Budapest, Hungary, September 202513 ships3.8 ★ fleetRiviera TravelRiverBurton upon Trent, United Kingdom · since 1984Riviera Travel collects a long list of consumer and trade awards. Its own pages cite USA Today 10Best readers' choice honors every year from 2021 to 2025, including best river…Icon of the Seas in Puerto Rico, 202530 ships4.0 ★ fleetRoyal Caribbean InternationalMainstreamMiami, Florida, United States · since 1969Royal Caribbean is best known for big-ship innovation: rock walls, surf simulators, ice rinks and zip lines on older classes, and waterparks, the AquaDome and huge pool decks on…Spirit of Discovery berthed in Oslo, August 20196 ships4.0 ★ fleetSaga CruisesPremiumFolkestone, England · since 1996Saga is known in Britain for cruises built entirely around the over-50s, with smaller new ships, all-inclusive fares and a door-to-door chauffeur service that takes much of the…Scenic Eclipse at Hook of Holland, Netherlands, August 201916 ships3.9 ★ fleetScenic Luxury Cruises & ToursRiverSydney, Australia · since 1986Scenic is regularly ranked among the top river cruise lines, including Condé Nast Traveler readers' choice listings in 2018 and 2021 to 2023, and its ships draw praise for space…Seabourn Encore at Sète, France5 ships4.3 ★ fleetSeabournLuxurySeattle, Washington, United States · since 1986Seabourn is one of the established names in small-ship luxury cruising. Its ships have collected industry awards, including a Travvy Award for Seabourn Ovation as best luxury…SeaDream II in Pula, Croatia, 20052 ships3.5 ★ fleetSeaDream Yacht ClubLuxuryOslo, Norway · since 2001SeaDream has a long record of awards: both yachts have held a Berlitz five-star rating since 2003, they have appeared on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and in its Readers'…Silver Nova at the Meyer Werft shipyard, 202312 ships4.3 ★ fleetSilversea CruisesLuxuryFontvieille, Monaco · since 1994Silversea is known for all-suite ships with a lot of space and crew per guest, all-inclusive fares and butler service, and its expedition fleet, including the polar-class Silver…Royal Clipper in the Mediterranean, April 20183 ships3.0 ★ fleetStar ClippersPremiumMonaco · since 1989Star Clippers has a loyal following among people who love sailing: the ships are handsome, much of the rigging is still worked by hand, and reviewers often praise the relaxed…SH Diana off Lorient, France, August 20253 ships3.7 ★ fleetSwan HellenicExpeditionLarnaca, Cyprus · since 1954Swan Hellenic is known for its lecture program and cultural focus, a heritage that predates modern expedition cruising, and its new ships are praised by guests for spacious…ms Joy moored near Liberty Bridge in Budapest, 202310 ships3.7 ★ fleetTauckRiverWilton, Connecticut, United States · since 1925Tauck is a regular in reader and editor rankings: it says Travel + Leisure readers have voted it onto the World's Best Awards for 29 straight years, and Condé Nast Traveler…Ilma in the Port of Barcelona, 20263 ships4.3 ★ fleetThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionLuxuryFort Lauderdale, Florida, United States · since 2017The line's appeal rests on Ritz-Carlton hotel service at sea: all-suite ships with private terraces, near one-to-one staffing, inclusive fares and Marriott Bonvoy recognition for…Mein Schiff Relax in Tallinn, June 20269 ships4.1 ★ fleetTUI CruisesPremiumHamburg, Germany · since 2007TUI Cruises is known in Germany for its all-inclusive Mein Schiff concept and a young fleet, most of it built for the line since 2014. Guest reviews tend to praise the food, the…La Pinta off Genovesa, Galápagos, November 20259 ships3.0 ★ fleetUnCruise AdventuresExpeditionSeattle, Washington, United States · since 1996UnCruise has a strong following among travelers who want to get off the ship and into the wilderness. Reviewers often praise the range of daily activities, the friendly crews and…S.S. Antoinette on the Rhine near Oberwesel, Germany, 201617 ships4.0 ★ fleetUniworld Boutique River CruisesRiverCalabasas, California, United States · since 1976Uniworld is best known for the decor of its ships, which mixes antiques, original art, chandeliers and bold fabrics, with each vessel themed to its region; the company says many…Viking Mira arriving in Stavanger, 202615 ships4.3 ★ fleetViking Ocean CruisesPremiumBasel, Switzerland · since 2013Viking sits near the top of reader polls: Condé Nast Traveler readers have rated it number one for ocean cruises six years in a row through 2026, Travel + Leisure lists it among…Viking Aegir on the Danube, 201487 ships3.8 ★ fleetViking River CruisesRiverBasel, Switzerland · since 1997Viking says it operates more ships than any other cruise line, and readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted it the top river line in their Readers' Choice Awards for six…Resilient Lady docking at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, February 20244 ships4.3 ★ fleetVirgin VoyagesPremiumPlantation, Florida, United States · since 2014Virgin Voyages has collected strong reviews and awards since its 2021 launch, including Travel + Leisure's top ranking among mega ships in 2025 and Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice…Wind Surf in the Giudecca Canal, Venice, 20157 ships3.7 ★ fleetWindstar CruisesLuxuryDoral, Florida, United States · since 1984Windstar is known for intimate ships, relaxed service and itineraries that reach small harbors bigger ships skip; in 2019 AFAR readers and Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice…

How the lines compare

LineFleet rating
Regent Seven Seas Cruises4.7/56 rated ships
Crystal4.5/52 rated ships
Explora Journeys4.3/53 rated ships
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises4.3/55 rated ships
Seabourn4.3/55 rated ships
Silversea Cruises4.3/512 rated ships
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection4.3/53 rated ships
Viking Ocean Cruises4.3/515 rated ships
Virgin Voyages4.3/54 rated ships
Disney Cruise Line4.2/58 rated ships
AmaWaterways4.1/530 rated ships
TUI Cruises4.1/59 rated ships
Four Seasons Yachts4.0/51 rated ship
Oceania Cruises4.0/57 rated ships
Paul Gauguin Cruises4.0/51 rated ship
Princess Cruises4.0/517 rated ships
Royal Caribbean International4.0/530 rated ships
Saga Cruises4.0/56 rated ships
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises4.0/517 rated ships
Celebrity Cruises3.9/515 rated ships
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours3.9/516 rated ships
Cunard3.8/54 rated ships
Holland America Line3.8/511 rated ships
Ponant3.8/512 rated ships
Riviera Travel3.8/513 rated ships
Viking River Cruises3.8/586 rated ships
Avalon Waterways3.7/519 rated ships
Azamara3.7/54 rated ships
Carnival Cruise Line3.7/529 rated ships
Emerald Cruises3.7/513 rated ships
Swan Hellenic3.7/53 rated ships
Tauck3.7/510 rated ships
Windstar Cruises3.7/57 rated ships
American Cruise Lines3.6/524 rated ships
Norwegian Cruise Line3.6/520 rated ships
A-ROSA River Cruises3.5/515 rated ships
Havila Voyages3.5/54 rated ships
SeaDream Yacht Club3.5/52 rated ships
Lindblad Expeditions3.4/512 rated ships
MSC Cruises3.4/523 rated ships
P&O Cruises3.4/57 rated ships
Atlas Ocean Voyages3.3/53 rated ships
Ambassador Cruise Line3.2/53 rated ships
Aurora Expeditions3.2/53 rated ships
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines3.2/53 rated ships
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions3.2/55 rated ships
Costa Cruises3.1/58 rated ships
Marella Cruises3.1/55 rated ships
Margaritaville at Sea3.1/52 rated ships
AIDA Cruises3.0/511 rated ships
Oceanwide Expeditions3.0/54 rated ships
Quark Expeditions3.0/52 rated ships
Star Clippers3.0/53 rated ships
UnCruise Adventures3.0/59 rated ships
Celestyal Cruises2.9/52 rated ships
Hurtigruten2.7/510 rated ships
Resorts World CruisesNot yet rated

A line's rating is the average of its ships' editorial scores, over the ships in service that have been rated. Travelling alone? Compare the best lines for solo travellers.

Best cruise lines, ranked

Quick answers

How many cruise lines does Cruise Frog cover?

Cruise Frog covers 57 cruise lines sailing 604 ships in service.

What is the best-rated cruise line?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has the best fleet rating on Cruise Frog, 4.7 out of 5: the average of Cruise Frog's editorial scores for its 6 rated ships in service.

Which cruise lines are mainstream?

Cruise Frog classes 12 lines as mainstream: AIDA Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celestyal Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Marella Cruises, Margaritaville at Sea, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Resorts World Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Which cruise lines are premium?

Cruise Frog classes 15 lines as premium: Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Havila Voyages, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Saga Cruises, Star Clippers, TUI Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Virgin Voyages.

Which cruise lines are luxury?

Cruise Frog classes 12 lines as luxury: Crystal, Explora Journeys, Four Seasons Yachts, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Windstar Cruises.

Which cruise lines are expedition?

Cruise Frog classes 8 lines as expedition: Atlas Ocean Voyages, Aurora Expeditions, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Swan Hellenic and UnCruise Adventures.

Which cruise lines are river?

Cruise Frog classes 10 lines as river: A-ROSA River Cruises, AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera Travel, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Tauck, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking River Cruises.