When searching for the best cruise ship for your holiday, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. The definition of “best” depends entirely on what type of cruising experience you’re seeking, your budget, and your personal preferences. Understanding the different types of cruise ships available is crucial to making an informed decision that will ensure your maritime adventure exceeds expectations.
Why Ship Type Matters More Than Rankings
While industry awards and passenger reviews provide valuable insights, the best cruise ship for you is the one that aligns perfectly with your holiday vision. A mega-ship packed with entertainment might be perfect for families seeking non-stop activities, whilst a luxury expedition vessel could be ideal for couples wanting intimate, destination-focused experiences like Antarctica[1] or Svalbard[2].
Mega Cruise Ships: The Floating Resort Experience
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas[3], currently ranked as the top cruise ship in passenger reviews, exemplifies the mega-ship category. In fact, Icon is currently the largest cruise ship on the seas.
These floating cities accommodate over 5,000 passengers and offer an almost overwhelming array of amenities.
What Makes Mega Ships “Best” For Some:
- Extensive entertainment options like Broadway-style shows, ice skating, go karts and water parks
- Multiple dining venues catering to every taste and budget
- Activities for all ages, making them ideal for multi-generational families
- Competitive pricing due to economies of scale
- Never-ending entertainment ensuring you’ll never be bored
Potential Drawbacks:
- Crowded public spaces, particularly during peak times
- Queues for popular attractions and dining venues
- Less intimate atmosphere
- Port limitations due to ship size
Lines like Royal Caribbean[4], Carnival[5], and MSC[6] dominate this category, with Celebrity Cruises[7] earning particular praise for combining mega-ship amenities with premium service quality. For many megaship fans, the vessel is the destination.
Check out our MSC Virtuosa experience[8] for more info.
Premium and Luxury Ships: Elevated Experiences
For many discerning travellers, the best cruise ship is one that prioritises service quality over sheer size. Celebrity Cruises[9] has consistently ranked amongst the top premium lines, offering sophisticated experiences on their innovative Edge-class vessels.
Premium Ship Advantages:
- Higher staff-to-passenger ratios ensuring personalised service
- Gourmet dining experiences with chef-curated menus
- Adult-focused entertainment and quieter public spaces
- Unique design features like Celebrity’s Magic Carpet restaurant, suspended over the side of the ship
- Better value compared to ultra-luxury whilst maintaining quality
Luxury Ship Benefits:
- All-inclusive pricing covering premium beverages and speciality dining
- Butler service and spacious suites
- Exclusive shore excursions and unique itineraries
- Intimate ship sizes allowing access to smaller ports
- Ultra-personalised service with attention to detail
Lines such as Silversea[10], Regent Seven Seas[11], and Seabourn[12] represent the pinnacle of luxury cruising, where the ship itself becomes a destination. These ships are much smaller and intimate with a high crew-to-guest ratio.
Naturally, the price reflects the quality on offer.
Have a look at our Complete Guide to Cruise Ship Cabins[13] to discover how staterooms may affect your decision about “best ships”.
Expedition and Adventure Ships: Destination-First Cruising
For travellers seeking authentic exploration, expedition ships offer something entirely different. These smaller vessels, typically carrying fewer than 200 passengers, prioritise unique destinations over onboard amenities.
Why Expedition Ships Might Be “Best”:
- Access to remote destinations impossible for larger ships
- Expert naturalists and expedition leaders
- Zodiac[14] landings for up-close wildlife encounters
- Educational focus with lectures and workshops
- Environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism practices
Considerations:
- Limited onboard entertainment and dining options
- Higher per-day costs due to smaller passenger numbers
- Weather-dependent itineraries
- More physically demanding activities
Lines like HX Hurtigruten Expeditions[15] and AE Expeditions[16] carry guests to some of the most exciting – and remote – destinations.
River Cruise Ships: Cultural Immersion
River cruising represents a completely different philosophy, where the best cruise ship is often the one that gets out of your way, allowing destinations to take centre stage.
River Cruise Advantages:
- Dock in city centres, eliminating lengthy transfers (or costly taxis)
- Intimate ship sizes fostering community amongst passengers
- Culturally immersive itineraries with expert local guides
- All-inclusive pricing covering excursions and beverages
- Scenic cruising through historic waterways
Limitations:
- Restricted entertainment and activity options
- Limited dining variety
- Seasonal sailing schedules
- Higher per-day costs
Lines like Riviera Travel[17] and AmaWaterways[18] excel in this category, offering culturally enriching experiences.
Choosing Your “Best” Cruise Ship: Key Considerations
Budget and Value Perception
Budget-conscious travellers often find mainstream lines like Carnival[19], MSC[20] and Ambassador[21] offer the best value, providing solid experiences at competitive prices. However, luxury lines argue their all-inclusive pricing provides better overall value when everything is considered.
Demographics and Atmosphere
Family travellers typically find Disney Cruise Line[22] or Royal Caribbean[23]‘s newer ships provide the best experience, with extensive kids’ clubs and family-friendly entertainment. Couples seeking romance might prefer the sophisticated atmosphere of Celebrity[24] or the intimate luxury of Seabourn[25].
Destination vs. Onboard Experience
If your priority is reaching exotic destinations, expedition ships or luxury lines with unique itineraries might represent the best choice. If you prefer the ship as your primary entertainment, mega-ships with extensive facilities excel.
Ship Size and Crowd Tolerance
Introverted travellers often find smaller ships provide the best experience, whilst social butterflies might thrive on the energy of larger vessels.
Deciding which is the best cruise ship for you
The best cruise ship ultimately depends on aligning ship type with your personal preferences:
- First-time cruisers often benefit from mainstream lines like Princess[26] or Celebrity[27], offering familiar experiences with quality service
- Adventure seekers should consider expedition lines like Hurtigruten or Ponant
- Luxury enthusiasts will find Silversea[28] or Regent Seven Seas[29] worth the investment
- Budget-conscious families can’t go wrong with Carnival or MSC[30][31]
- Cultural enthusiasts should explore river cruising options
The Bottom Line
Rather than seeking a universally “best” cruise ship, focus on finding the best cruise ship for you. Consider what type of holiday experience you’re seeking, your budget constraints, and your tolerance for crowds. The perfect cruise ship is the one that delivers exactly the type of maritime adventure you’re dreaming of, whether that’s a floating resort packed with amenities or an intimate vessel exploring the world’s most remote corners.
Remember, the best cruise ship is ultimately the one that creates your most memorable holiday experiences, regardless of industry rankings or popular opinion. Take time to research different ship types, read reviews from travellers with similar preferences, and don’t hesitate to consult with experienced cruise travel agents who can match you with your ideal maritime adventure.
Please note that we use sponsored links on this blog. Although we may earn a referral fee or bonus points on some of these products and services mentioned, we never recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves.
Check out our full Affiliate Disclosure Policy[32] for more info.
References
- ^ Antarctica (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Svalbard (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Royal Caribbean (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Carnival (www.awin1.com)
- ^ MSC (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Celebrity Cruises (www.awin1.com)
- ^ MSC Virtuosa experience (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ Celebrity Cruises (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Silversea (www.cruise118.com)
- ^ Regent Seven Seas (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Seabourn (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Complete Guide to Cruise Ship Cabins (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ Zodiac (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ HX Hurtigruten Expeditions (www.awin1.com)
- ^ AE Expeditions (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Riviera Travel (www.cruise118.com)
- ^ AmaWaterways (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Carnival (www.awin1.com)
- ^ MSC (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Ambassador (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Disney Cruise Line (www.anrdoezrs.net)
- ^ Royal Caribbean (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Celebrity (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Seabourn (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Princess (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Celebrity (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Silversea (www.cruise118.com)
- ^ Regent Seven Seas (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Carnival (www.awin1.com)
- ^ MSC (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Affiliate Disclosure Policy (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)