As one of the world’s best vacation types, the cruise industry continues to grow significantly as ships get larger and port destinations also grow in size to host more travelers daily. The result is an overwhelming number of different cruise options, making choosing your first or 20th cruise challenging.
The good news is that there are ways to break down the best cruises for most people. Whether you’re traveling with family or are looking for a party cruise full of revelry, there is a cruise option just for about everyone. Rest assured that cruises are not just for kids or tuxedo-wearing adults anymore.
10. MSC Divina
- Maiden voyage: June 2012
- Passenger count: 3,502 passengers
- Specific features: Casino Veneziano, crystal staircase, yacht club, family deck party, virtual world, F1 simulator
- Port: Miami, Florida and Civitavecchia, Italy
Fun For All Ages
For those looking for a cruise line that offers a standout experience for all ages, that isn’t Carnival or Royal Caribbean, the MSC Divina is the answer. This ship is a standout option, especially if you have ever wanted to try your hand at Formula 1 racing with the F1 simulator. The next night, you can watch all of the world-class shows at the Pantheon Theater. For those wanting a more upscale experience, stay in a Yacht Club suite and enjoy the finer things.
9. Norwegian Encore
- Maiden voyage: November 2019
- Passenger count: 3,998 passengers
- Specific features: The Haven, observation lounge, The Waterfront moonlit dinner, go-karts, nightlife
- Port: Miami, Florida and Seattle, Washington
Go-Karting While Cruising
How can any family say no to the idea of go-karting on a cruise ship while onboard? This is precisely the experience you will get with the Norwegian Encore. Of course, families that want to live a little more upscale can stay in The Haven, a ship within a ship for suite guests who have their own pool, dining room, and bar.
8. Avalon Saigon
- Maiden voyage: January 2018
- Passenger count: 36 passengers
- Specific features: Very small passenger count, river cruising means no ocean weather, intimate experience with crew and passengers
- Port: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam and Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The River Cruise of Your Dreams
With only 36 passengers onboard, the Avalon Saigon is by no means a big ship, which means it caters to a particular passenger. Whether it’s a well-to-do retiree or new empty nesters looking for a lifetime getaway after the kids leave for school, this is a cruise experience unlike any other. As you travel down the Mekong River through Saigon, you’ll see a part of the world only a few cruise lines can deliver while doing so wrapped in absolute luxury.
7. Ritz Carlton Ilma
- Maiden voyage: September 2024
- Passenger count: 448 passengers
- Specific features: Ultimate luxury cruise experience, all-inclusive, marina-style water sports, onboard spa
- Port: San Juan, Puerto Rico
All-Inclusive Everything
For anyone of any age who wants to experience some of the best onboard cruising experiences around, there is no question it’s the Ritz Carlton Ilma. As an all-inclusive experience, you don’t have to worry about any extras, including paying for any marina-style water sports or spending every waking moment at the luxurious onboard spa. With only 448 guests onboard, you’ll have a personalized experience as the crew waits on your every request.
6. Viking Venus
- Maiden voyage: May 2021
- Passenger count: 930 passengers
- Specific features: Every cabin has a veranda/balcony (no inside cabins), small and personal guests, great crew-to-passenger ratio
- Port: Malta
Exclusive Experience
In some ways, the Viking Venus lives up to the idea that cruising is just for older, well-to-do people, as this 930-passenger ship caters to the wealthy. However, this is not the love boat as it’s far more lively with plenty of things to do. However, the best part of the ship may be that every cabin has a veranda view, so you can see outside the boat at all times while in your room. When you’re out of your cabin, expect to be waited on hand and foot by the crew.
5. Scarlet Lady
- Maiden voyage: February 2020
- Passenger count: 2,770 passengers
- Specific features: No dining room, one price per cabin (instead of price per guest), 20 different dining and drinking establishments
- Port: Miami, Florida
The Party Ship
As a cruise line that only allows adults 18 and over onboard, the Scarlet Lady is one incredible experience for those looking to party it up without any kids. What’s most notable about this ship is that it lacks the traditional dining room experience most cruise guests are used to. In its place are 20 separate restaurants that anyone staying in any of the ship’s 1,408 cabins can visit, in many cases, around the clock.
4. Celebrity Edge
- Maiden voyage: December 2018
- Passenger count: 2,918
- Specific features: Grand Plaza, Eden, Magic Carpet, The Club, rooftop garden
- Port: Port Everglades, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Rome, Italy
Magic Carpet Ride
The Celebrity Edge immediately stands out thanks to the Magic Carpet’s comfortable and relaxing setting that doubles as a full bar with two distinct viewpoints. Whether it’s on Deck 14 or Deck 2, this is one of the most notable aspects of the Celebrity Edge. Of course, there’s more to this ship than a bar with The Retreat, a Celebrity suite experience that offers a butler to every guest staying in this section on the boat, complete with their own dining room ideal for couples looking to get away from the kids for a night.
3. Carnival Mardi Gras
- Maiden voyage: July 2021
- Passenger count: 6,500 passengers
- Specific features: Roller coaster up to 64 miles per hour, Ultimate Playground, Grand Central, seaside boardwalk
- Port: Orlando, Florida
Fun Under the Sun
Anyone who thought cruises were just for kids and old people has never been on a Carnival cruise sailing. Living up to its party name, the Carnival Mardis Gras is a wonderful time at sea for adults, old people, and children alike. There’s never a shortage of things to do at sea while staying in a spacious cabin and enjoying the dozen-plus places to eat on board. If you can’t find something fun to do on this ship, you’re not just any fun.
2. Disney Fantasy
- Maiden voyage: March 2012
- Passenger count: 4,000 passengers
- Specific features: Water coaster, Oceaneer club, AquaLab, Nemo’s Reef, immersive dining, “magical potholes”
- Port: Port Canaveral, Florida
A Disney Dream Come True
In the case of the Disney Fantasy, this is very much a Disney theme park at sea. Everything you touch and everywhere you look on Disney Fantasy is everything a Disney lover wants. From characters to Disney songs to hidden Mickey logos everywhere, this ship is built for kids but made for adults. There’s almost zero chance you’ll run out of things to do, no matter your age, and this is before you even get to any of your ship’s destinations.
1. Icon of the Seas
- Maiden voyage: January 2024
- Passenger count: 5,610 passengers
- Specific features: Aquadome, six-slide waterpark, surfside cabins, thrill island, rock walls, multiple restaurants
- Port: Miami, Florida
Largest Ship In The World
As the current title holder of the “world’s largest cruise ship,” Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is a must-do at least once for any avid cruiser, as everything about this ship is bigger, better, and newer. With 5,610 passengers at 100% capacity, this floating city has many incredible features, including a diving pool, ice skating rink, beach club, waterpark, and even a dedicated milkshake bar.
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