*Insights and commentary throughout this article have been contributed by Rhonda Macier Lathen, owner of Culinary Latitudes Travel, and reflect her firsthand professional experience. We hope you enjoy this informative piece.
Relaxing Caribbean getaways exciting Alaskan adventures, European city tours - there’s a dream voyage for everyone. Here’s how to find the perfect choice for your interests and budget!
Article written by: Lisa L Gill, CR.org; May-June 2026
More people than ever are choosing cruises for vacations, celebrations, and bucket list adventures.
In the U.S. alone, nearly 22 million people are expected to book a cruise in 2026. According to AAA - up more than 50 percent over the past six years.
Why the uptick in popularity? In a word: Value. a 2024 J.P. Morgan industry analysis found that cruises are often less expensive than land-based vacations. “A single fare typically covers your cabin, meals, entertainment, and transportation between ports say Stewart Chiron (aka The Cruise Guy), a cruise industry expert.
Cruises are also convenient, letting you visit several destinations while unpacking only once. And cruise ships sail almost everywhere, including places like Antarctica that are difficult or impossible to reach another way.
To meetthe growing demand, cruise lines have expanded their fleets and introduced new routes and new experiences that appeal to a wider audience. But all that variety can make finding the right fit a challenge. And given that cruises can cot several thousand dollars per person or more, choosing wisely matters.
This guide - including CR’s first-ever cruise line ratings, based on a survey of 1,850 members - will walk you through the key decisions and help you avoid potential problems so you can confidently select a cruise you’ll love.
Which Type is Sailing is Right for You?
Your experience will largely depend on the category of cruise you choose - even when sailing to the same destinations. “A cruise on a small, luxury ship is nothing like being on a large or megaship,” says Tom Baker, president of the CruiseCenter travel agency in Houston. “One feels like staying in a high-end hotel, while the other has the amentities and feel of a bustling full-service resort or Las Vegas-style casino hotel.”
While there is some overlap among them, cruises fall into five basic types. Here’s what you need to know about each one, including notable perks beyond the basics (like cabins, meals, gyms, and entertainment, which are included swith every type of cruise).
Expedition
Number of Passengers Fewer than 300
Cruise Lines National Geographic, Linblad, Seaborne, Silversea, Windstar
Per-person Adult Fare $5,480 to $10,890 *(this varies)
Often Included Shore excursions, all drinks, basic WiFi, overnight accommodations at some ports, laundry.
Atmosphere & Amenities Small ships with a high standard of service; lectures by experts; some offer spas, hot tubs, and gyms. All cabins have ocean views and/or balconies.
Best For Intellectually curious adenturers seeking active and enriching experience in far-flung destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands.
Typical Cruise Length ~ 10 Days
Small-Ship Luxury
Number of Passengers Fewer than 600
Cruise Lines Windstar, Regent, Seaborne, Silversea
Per-person Adult Fare $5,480 to $10,845
Often Included Some shore excursions, spa service, all drinks, premium dining, WiFi, room service, overnight accommodations at some ports.
Atmosphere & Amenities Elegant ships with a high standard of service, lectures and musical performances, some have infinity pools, spas, gourmet dining. Some may require formal wear for certain events. All cabins have ocean views and/or balconies.
Best For Travelers looking for luxury (butler service, fine linens, etc.) exclusivity, and enrichment programs in an adults-focused environment.
Luxury & Premium
Number of Passengers Typically 600-1200 (Cunard & Virgin carry many more.)
Cruise Lines* Azamara, Cunard, Oceania, Viking, Virgin
Per-person Adult Fare $2,090 to $7,085
Often Included Specialty dining, some onshore excursions, laundry, some drinks, Wifi.
Atmosphere & Amenities Personalized service, some are adults-only, multiple dining options, lectures, musical revues, gyms, spas, casinos, pools. Some may have formal dinners. Cabins range from windowless to suites with balconies.
Best For People who want luxury or premium service and a wider range of activities and amenities than those offered on small luxury ships.
*Culinary Latitudes thoughts ~ we would like to add Explora Journeys to this list of cruise lines. It is a newer line owned by MSC.
Large & Megaship
Number of Passengers 1200-5600+
Cruise Lines Celebrity, Disney, Holland, Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, MSC
Per-person Adult Fare $1,110 to $2,950
Often Included Extensive onboard activities such as surf simulators and water rides, rock-climbing walls, zip lines, go-karts, roller coasters.
Atmosphere & Amenities Essentially floating resorts with multiple pools, bars, and dining options, casinos, Broadway-style shows, cinemas, dance clubs. Dress is mostly casual, sometimes formal. Cabins range from interior ones to suites with balconies.
Best For Budget-minded cruisers, groups, and families who don’t mind a crowd and want something for everyone,
River
Number of Passengers Usually fewer than 250
Cruise Lines* AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, American, National Geographic-Linblad, Viking
Per-person Adult Fare $2,000 to $10,000
Often Included Beer and wine at lunch and dinner, some excursions, WiFi, bicycles at ports.
Atmosphere & Amenities Essentially floating resorts with multiple pools, bars, and dining options, casinos, Broadway-style shows, cinemas, dance clubs. Dress is mostly casual, sometimes formal. Cabins range from interior ones to suites with balconies.
Best For Budget-minded cruisers, groups, and families who don’t mind a crowd and want something for everyone,
*Culinary Latitudes thoughts ~ AmaWaterways and other river cruises do offer daily tours free of charge. We would like to add Scenic and Emerald to the list of possible cruise lines.
Most Expensive Region ~ Asia
Least Expensive Region ~ Caribbean
Won’t you consider joining Culinary Latitudes on your next adventure? Our preferred sailing are typically with Windstar, Oceania, Explora Journeys, Azamara, and Amawaterways!
CR’s Ratings
Just 3 ships scored high enough to earn Consumer Reports recommendation, but many other won high marks for food, activities, cabin comfort, cleanliness, and other key factors.
Top Cruise lines -
National Geographic-Linblad scored 93
Windstar Cruises-scored 84
Viing Ocean-scored 84
Culinary Latitudes notes:
The 3 top lines were followed by Disney, Regent, Silversea & Azamara all rated in the 70s. The 19 rated cruise lines placed anywhere between 49 and 93. Research was based on value, food quality and variety, customer service, excursions, onboard activities and entertainment, cleanliness, cabin comfort, price transparency, app usefulness, embarkations/disembarkations, accessibility for people with disabilities, and family programs and resources. We do agree with the placement of most of the findings. Please see CR’s May-June 2026 issues to learn more.
Rh0nda Macier Lathen, Owner & Founder of Culinary Latitudes, llc
