The Best Cruise Lines in the World: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
For our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, registered voters weighed in on their favorite cruise lines. As the world has begun to reopen and ships of all sizes are once again leaving port, the results reflect the lines you longed to set sail with when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. More than 800,000 of you filled out our survey, and while we’re always curious about where you’ve been and where you’re going, we’re especially excited to learn about the truly memorable cruise lines that sparked your imagination and stayed with you when your next sailing seemed out of reach.
Mega Ships
(More than 4,000 passengers)
Port Miami for MSC CruisesMega Ship Line #3: MSC Cruises
Though MSC is headquartered in landlocked Switzerland, this cruise line has mastered the art of mega-ships, building five of the 15 largest in the world: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Seashore. Each can hold between 5,300 and 6,300 passengers at maximum capacity. MSC Seashore, a New York City–themed ship, is the newest of the five, setting sail in November 2021. It's the longest vessel in the fleet at 1,100 feet, allowing for more than 140,000 square feet of outdoor space, plus 7,500 square feet of dedicated space for kids, including the Pirates Cove Aquapark. MSC has some plans for mega-growth, too: it has four World-class mega-ships in the pipeline, each with a capacity between 5,800 and 6,850 passengers.
Courtesy Royal Caribbean InternationalMega Ship Line #2: Royal Caribbean International
If you truly want to feel like you’re living in a floating city, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you, given that it has the four largest cruise ships in the world. Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count (about 6,700 at full capacity), length (nearly 1,200 feet long), and gross tonnage (more than 225,000 tonnes). Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think of—and plenty you can’t even imagine—from waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. You’ll find these behemoths sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the year, but with so many activities on board, you might not even want to leave the ship.
Courtesy Norwegian Cruise LineMega Ship Line #1: Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for its colorful ships, Norwegian Cruise Line first broke into the mega-ship category in 2010 with the launch of Norwegian Epic, which can carry just over 5,000 passengers at full occupancy, and the company has since introduced five others in the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. The crowd aboard these vessels, which primarily sail in North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, often consists of families who take advantage of amenities like waterparks, virtual-reality gaming, and go-kart racing, though the cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, has a decidedly more mature atmosphere. In November 2019, Norwegian launched the newest member of its fleet, Norwegian Encore, which is the most luxurious of its mega-ships.
Large Ships
(2,500 to 4,000 passengers)
Courtesy Costa CruisesLarge Ship #11: Costa Cruises
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises, which operates under parent company Carnival, has quite a history: it was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company, transporting olive oil and textiles around the world. Transferring to the leisure cruise side of the business in 1959, Costa currently operates 11 ships—the majority of which accommodate between 2,800 and 5,300 passengers—that sail all over the world. Its next ship, Costa Toscana, will debut in December 2021.
Courtesy P&O CruisesLarge Ship Line #10: P&O Cruises
The United Kingdom’s premier cruise line—and the world’s oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837—P&O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. As such, prepare for the ship’s amenities to have a British bent (yes, there’s a pub on board!). Three of the fleet’s six current ships fall into the large category, while its two adults-only ships, MS Aurora and MS Arcadia, are medium-sized. P&O's newest ship, MS Iona is a mega-ship, as will be her sister, MS Arvia, due to sail in 2022.
Courtesy Norwegian CruisesLarge Ship Line #9: Norwegian Cruise Line
Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: the cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight (okay, over eight years), with just three ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But that’s soon about to change. Norwegian currently has six ships on order as part of Project Leonardo, each of which will hold about 3,300 passengers. It’s interesting to see a cruise line scale back from its mega-ships and opt for a more manageable size for such a large order. The first, Norwegian Prima, is expected to launch in 2022; some of its highlights include the fastest slides at sea (including the world's first free-fall dry slide), a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theater that transforms into a nightclub after the evening's show.
Danny LehmanLarge Ship Line #8: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Lines is all about good family fun at a pretty affordable price point. The largest cruise line in the world in terms of number of annual passengers (more than five million) as well as fleet count, it has 25 ships that sail North America and Europe, with about half of them having a capacity between 2,500 and 3,900 guests. Carnival is known for its fun upper decks that are akin to an amusement park at sea, with water slides, ropes courses, mini-golf, and attractions like SkyRide, where guests pedal a hanging vehicle around a suspended track.
Courtesy Royal Caribbean InternationalLarge Ship Line #7: Royal Caribbean International
Though Royal Caribbean is perhaps best known for its mega-ships, it has quite a number of large ships, too—the 3,100-passenger Voyager-class ships, for instance, were once the world’s largest, until Royal Caribbean debuted the larger Freedom class and subsequently the Oasis class. Each class had its own series of firsts—Voyager of the Seas was the first ship to have an ice rink and a rock-climbing wall, while Freedom of the Seas introduced the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea.
Courtesy MSC CruisesLarge Ship #6: MSC Cruises
Nearly half of MSC’s fleet—namely those ships in the Musica and Fantasia classes—falls into the large cruise category, with most of its newer builds firmly taking a “bigger is better” stance. The eight large vessels primarily sail in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, though they do offer itineraries in North and South America, Asia, and Northern Europe, too. The family-friendly ships skew toward the upscale side, and they’re known for their incredibly international crowds.
Courtesy Holland AmericaLarge Ship Line #5: Holland America Line
As its name indicates, Holland America is a cruise line that was established in 1873 to primarily ferry passengers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States. Of course, these days, the cruise line sails more broadly to more than 470 ports around the world on its 11 ships—and it’s highly regarded for its Alaska itineraries. While passengers can enjoy classic cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is particularly noted for its culinary and musical programs: it has a partnership with the TV show America’s Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, and a number of live music venues (including a B.B. King's Blues Club), and stage productions dedicated to the history of music on many of its ships. The latest addition to Holland America’s fleet is the Rotterdam, which first set sail in July 2021, with a capacity of 2,650 passengers.
Courtesy PrincessLarge Ship Line #4: Princess Cruises
Part of the Carnival family, Princess Cruises has a fun claim to fame—the TV show The Love Boat was set on its Pacific Princess ship. If you’ve never seen an episode, you’re in luck, as one of the onboard TV channels airs reruns around the clock. But you won’t want to stay cooped up in your stateroom when you discover all the activities on board its 14 ships. Its special Seawitch craft beer program sees the cruise line partner with breweries around the world, while Discovery at SEA offers a series of activities based on TV shows from the Discovery, Inc. family of networks, including Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, and the Science Channel. In 2020, Princess Cruises’ newest ship, the Enchanted Princess, set sail, and its next ship, Discovery Princess, is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2022.
AlamyLarge Ship Line #3: Cunard
For those longing for the romantic nostalgia of bygone transatlantic sailings, Cunard is your go-to. The legendary cruise line was established in 1840 and has had dozens of ships in its fleet, though today, there are just three active vessels: the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true transatlantic ocean liner, designed specifically for ocean crossings, as well as the world’s only pet-friendly ship (dogs and cats are required to stay in the kennel, a designated playroom, and a specific walking deck); the Queen Elizabeth; and the Queen Victoria. Activities haven’t changed all that much in the last 180 years—there’s still a proper afternoon tea, black-tie dinners, and galas in the ballrooms. It’s quite like a step back in time, with all the modern safety measures, of course. Cunard’s next ship is scheduled to set sail in 2022 or 2023.
Steve DunlopLarge Ship Line #2: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises currently sails around the world with a fleet of 14 ships, ranging in size from its petite Xpedition-class vessels, which carry 16 to 100 passengers, to its large 2,800- to 3,100-passenger Solstice class and 2,900-passenger Edge class, which debuted in late 2018 with Celebrity Edge. This edgy ship (pun intended) was designed to appeal to a non-cruising clientele with innovations like Eden, a three-story hybrid “experiential” restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, and performance venue; and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout your meal. Celebrity Edge was later joined by its sister ship Celebrity Apex in 2020, with Celebrity Beyond to follow in 2022 (plus two more in the years to follow!).
AlamyLarge Ship Line #1: Disney Cruise Line
If there’s one thing Disney Cruise Line does well, it’s hospitality. The company has taken every lesson it’s learned from its parks and resort operations and implemented that into its four cruise ships, the 2,400-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The ships are designed for families through and through—there are numerous themed activities every day, from meet-and-greets to full-blown parties with Disney characters—but there are plenty of adults-only areas that provide a respite from little ones. That said, the ships are not over-the-top when it comes to Disney decor. In fact, they’re quite elegant, taking design inspiration from early-20th-century ocean liners and sporting Art Deco and Art Nouveau aesthetics. The four ships currently sail the Caribbean (where they make port at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay), Alaska, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. Three more ships, including Disney Wish, are scheduled to be added to the fleet between 2022 and 2025.
Medium Ships
(500 to 2,500 passengers)
Michele Verdure, Courtesy Norwegian Cruise LinesMedium Ship Line #18: Norwegian Cruise Line
Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengers—and they still make up the majority of the fleet. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyone’s favorite: bingo night. Norwegian’s ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America.
Courtesy PrincessMedium Ship Line #17: Princess Cruises
Of Princess Cruises’ 14-ship fleet, its five smallest include the Coral Princess, Island Princess, Sun Princess, Sea Princess, and the infamous Pacific Princess, which was the star of the TV show The Love Boat. The Pacific Princess is by far the smallest, holding just 680 passengers. The four other ships carry around 2,000 passengers and are the perfect size to sail through the Panama Canal.
Oliver LerenMedium Ship Line #16: Royal Caribbean International
While it's true that Royal Caribbean is better known for its large and mega-ships, the cruise line also has a fair number of medium-size ships whose maximum capacities are just shy of 2,500 guests. Each of these ships belongs to the Vision class or Radiance class, two families of older vessels whose smaller sizes allow them to explore more adventurous destinations, such as Alaska and Cyprus. But they also sail the Caribbean, offering Royal Caribbean loyalists a more intimate experience than the fleet's larger ships.
Courtesy Carnival Cruise LineMedium Ship Line #15: Carnival Cruise Line
The eight ships between Carnival's Fantasy and Spirit classes each clock in around 2,100 passengers—Carnival hasn't built a ship that small since 2004 and has no plans to order any more. But these smaller ships sail itineraries all over the world, from the Panama Canal to the South Pacific, as well as shorter sailings from Florida to the Caribbean, and bring the same amount of laid-back fun to each sailing as the much larger (and newer) Carnival ships.
Courtesy Marella CruisesMedium Ship Line #14: Marella Cruises
U.K.-based cruise line Marella, which is operated by TUI UK, has a fleet of four ships that hold between 1,100 and 2,000 passengers, sailing itineraries around Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean, with some special journeys to Asia. The sailings are billed as all-inclusive, and they do include alcoholic beverages and tips, but some of the specialty restaurants cost an extra fee.
Michel VerdureMedium Ship Line #13: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s Millennium-class ships—Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation—are the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. The ships just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity's fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts, they were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.
Courtesy Holland AmericaMedium Ship Line #12: Holland America Line
Of Holland America’s 11 ships, eight of them fall into the medium-size category, carrying between 1,400 and 2,500 passengers. The refined ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line is Alaska. When cruising resumes, check out the Noordam, which was refurbished in 2019, as it sails itineraries around the Japanese archipelago, China, and Southeast Asia.
Jenna Lyn Pimentel/Courtesy Azamara Club CruisesMedium Ship Line #11: Azamara
Though Azamara’s three 700-passenger ships are lovely, with top-quality dining and plenty of on-board activities to fill days at sea, passengers choose this cruise line for the experience at its destinations, which span all seven continents. Azamara not only offers personalized shore excursions (so no one has to be stuck in a slow-moving group with a flag-toting guide), they also do a number of overnights, allowing guests to explore more destinations farther inland. The overnights also allow passengers to experience an evening out on the town in port cities, if they so choose.
Courtsy P&O CruisesMedium Ship Line #10: P&O Cruises
The British line P&O Cruises is the oldest in the world, established in 1837 to ferry mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula, but it began to offer leisure operations—the very first cruises as we know them—as early as 1844. The ships cater to a primarily British audience, and they provide good value for a classic cruising experience. Guests enjoy traditional activities like shuffleboard, dance classes, and pub quizzes. The ships typically sail in Europe, though they also have ports of call in Asia and the Middle East.
Andrea KlaussnerMedium Ship Line #9: Hurtigruten
What started as a coastal ferry company in Norway in 1893 has expanded its operations to include expeditions to such destinations as Antarctica, Cape Verde, and Greenland. Of Hurtigruten's 14-ship fleet, there are seven expedition vessels, five of which fit 500 to 1,000 passengers. (The two outliers, MS Fram and MS Santa Cruz II, which Hurtigruten charters in the Galápagos, are even smaller!) The cruise line's two newest ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, are hybrid-powered ships, demonstrating Hurtigruten's dedication to sailing as cleanly as possible to protect the environment.
Courtesy CunardMedium Ship Line #8: Cunard
While Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengers—and a number of cats and dogs—on board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth (QE) and Queen Victoria (QV) only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though they’re quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
Ivan Sarfatti/Courtesy MSC CruisesMedium Ship Line #7: MSC Cruises
Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many! The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size ships—the Lirica class—which accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. They’re also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSC’s “Renaissance” program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspiration—though its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the world—so you’ll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.
Courtesy Silversea CruisesMedium Ship Line #6: Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s fleet has 10 ships, of which just three are technically “medium-sized,” with passenger counts around 600 people—but that’s considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller expedition vessels. Silversea Moon, which debuted in 2021, and its sister Silversea Muse are the largest, each carrying up to 596 passengers. The line sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.
Courtesy Oceania CruisesMedium Ship Line #5: Oceania Cruises
It’s all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jaques Pepin, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. Its four smaller Regatta-class ships, each accommodating 684 passengers, also have excellent dining options, like the Polo Grill and the Italian eatery Toscana. Two new 1,200-passenger ships are on the way for Oceania, set for delivery in 2023 and 2025.
Courtesy Regent Seven Seas CruisesMedium Ship Line #4: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare (in business class, if you’re flying intercontinental) is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things you’ll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise line’s five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in round-the-world itineraries. Next up for Regent: the Seven Seas Grandeur, scheduled to launch in 2023.
Courtesy SeabournMedium Ship Line #3: Seabourn
Don’t think of Seabourn as a typical cruise—its ships are much more akin to megayachts, with ultra-luxurious decor, service, and dining. The fleet currently has five vessels, the two largest of which carry 600 passengers each. Their small size allows the vessels to dock in small ports all around the world (in Indonesia, for instance, they've partnered with local tourism boards in developing ports like Celukan Bawang and Probolinggo). Many of the cruise line’s guests are lifelong learners, and they flock to the nightly Seabourn Conversation program, which brings all sorts of intriguing figures, from Steve Wozniak to Elaine Paige, on board for lectures and casual chats. In 2015, Seabourn announced a partnership with celebrity chef Thomas Keller, who crafted new menus for the three existing ships and spearheaded new restaurants on the two newest ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. In December 2021, Seabourn Venture is due to join the fleet, with a not-yet-named sister arriving in 2022.
Courtesy Crystal CruisesMedium Ship Line #2: Crystal Cruises
While many cruises are notorious for charging guests for alcohol and specialty dining options, Crystal practices a generally all-inclusive fare structure covering all drinks (including premium spirits and wines), one specialty dining reservation per passenger (including at chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma and Sushi Bar, his first restaurant at sea), 24-hour room service, and a Wi-Fi package. The line has just three ocean-going vessels: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries, and the newly launched Crystal Endeavor, an expedition megayacht that set sail this year.
Courtesy Viking Ocean CruisesMedium Ship Line #1: Viking Ocean Cruises
Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched six ocean-going vessels since 2015, the most recent being the brand-new Viking Venus, whose maiden voyage took place in 2021. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port (the ships primarily sail Northern Europe, though there are some Mediterranean itineraries, too), beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.
Small Ships
(Fewer than 500 passengers)
Courtesy Sea Cloud CruisesSmall Ship Line #15: Sea Cloud Cruises
Germany's Sea Cloud Cruises has three elegant windjammers: Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, and Sea Cloud Spirit, which accommodate 64, 94, and 136 passengers, respectively. These sailing yachts primarily split their time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, though they'll occasionally explore the Panama Canal and Northern Europe, too. The oldest ship in the fleet is Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for an American heiress—at the time, it was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the United States in World War II before ultimately returning to pleasure sailings.
Courtesy Star ClippersSmall Ship Line #14: Star Clippers
Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurling their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.
Courtesy Crystal CruisesSmall Ship Line #13: Crystal Yacht Cruises
In early 2015, Crystal brought a yacht into its fleet for the first time, and following its success, the cruise line decided to custom-build a polar-class expedition megayacht. The ultra-luxe Crystal Endeavor, which sails to remote locations like the Arctic and the Antarctic, as well as urban ports around the world, launched in 2021, and can carry up to 200 passengers.
Philip Plisson/Courtesy PONANTSmall Ship Line #12: Ponant
Fine French cuisine, Hermès bath products, and personalized service come standard on Ponant's fleet of globe-circling ships. The line has recently expanded its original fleet of four expedition ships and one sailing yacht with six new Explorer-class ships designed for luxury expedition-style cruising. Each features an infinity pool, an underwater viewing lounge, and itineraries that include destinations as far-flung as Papua New Guinea and West Africa’s Bissagos Islands. In 2019, Ponant acquired Paul Gauguin Cruises, adding another ship to the fleet, and just this year launched Le Commandant Charcot, an ice-breaking expedition ship.
Alex MaguireSmall Ship Line #11: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity's three expedition vessels are by far the smallest ships in the cruise line's fleet: Celebrity Xpedition carries 48 passengers, Celebrity Xploration (a catamaran!) carries just 16, and Celebrity Flora carries 100 passengers. All three sail the Galápagos, with some itineraries including pre- or post-sailing tours to mainland Ecuador and even Peru, where guests can visit Machu Picchu.
Courtesy SeaDreamSmall Ship Line #10: SeaDream Yacht Club
Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDream’s two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.
Courtesy Metropolitan TouringSmall Ship Line #9: Metropolitan Touring
Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.
Steven Gourlay/Courtesy SilverseaSmall Ship Line #8: Silversea Cruises
Silversea's four expedition ships stop in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Galápagos, and Antarctica on shorter duration sailings, but they also offer around-the-world itineraries for an international clientele. Off-the-beaten-path excursions make for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like penguin spotting in Antarctica or private catamaran tours in tropical locales. In September 2019, Silversea completed its first journey through the Northwest Passage—a monumental feat—with the Silver Explorer, a 144-passenger expedition vessel. The fleet was joined by the new Silver Origin, a Galápagos-specific ship, in 2020.
Courtesy Quasar ExpeditionsSmall Ship Line #7: Quasar Expeditions
The first luxury line to sail the Galápagos, Quasar Expeditions is best known for its in-depth trips aboard its two intimate ships that carry fewer than 32 passengers each. Yet note the street cred of said ships: One of the two, the Grace, is the former yacht of Princess Grace of Monaco. The other, the Evolution, will allow you to retrace Darwin's footsteps in the Galápagos. Book the Baltra Island itinerary, where you'll work your way from San Cristóbal Island to Baltra, and explore all the central and southern islands of the archipelago in between.
Courtesy American Cruise LinesSmall Ship Line #6: American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines has the unique distinction of operating not only old-school paddlewheelers in the United States, but also contemporary river ships. And they don’t just sail on the Mississippi—you can also explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, too. Beyond that, the 15-strong fleet also has oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. The newest ship, American Melody, set sail in August 2021 and will spend its inaugural season on the Mississippi River.
Courtesy Windstar CruisesSmall Ship Line #5: Windstar Cruises
The line’s six ships—three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts—specialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed Caribbean island of Bequia. Those smaller ports can give a sense of intimacy that isn't always present in the most common cruise destinations, allowing for wholly different experiences. In 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, introducing further special itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs.
Courtesy SeabournSmall Ship Line #4: Seabourn
Seabourn’s six ships feature fewer than 300 suites each—but they leverage that small size into access at some of the world’s most beloved yacht ports: St. Tropez in the south of France; the Greek island of Kos; and popular large ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller designs specialty menus on the ships, and a partnership with UNESCO ensures shore excursions and sustainable tourism practices at some of the wildest and most wonderful destinations around the world. Later this year, the line will debut its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, with a sister ship to follow.
Courtesy Regent Seven Seas CruisesSmall Ship Line #3: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing with only 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator takes its all-inclusive promise seriously, offering unlimited shore excursions, open bars with premium wines (and in-room minibars), unlimited Wi-Fi, and dining in specialty restaurants. The ship sails all over the world, from New Zealand to Dubai, on week-long to three-month-long itineraries.
Courtesy Paul Gauguin CruisesSmall Ship Line #2: Paul Gauguin Cruises
The single ship Paul Gauguin focuses solely on the Pacific, treating its 332 guests to picture-perfect beaches and dramatic scenery in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji year-round. On Mota Mahana, the line’s private island in French Polynesia, passengers sip cocktails from the floating bar or paddle out over coral reefs on kayaks and paddleboards, straight from the ship’s water sports marina. For those wanting to get under the waves, an onboard PADI scuba program certifies divers in some of the clearest waters on the planet. Best of all? The ship’s rates are all-inclusive. In 2019, Ponant acquired the cruise line.
Michael S. NolanSmall Ship Line #1: Lindblad Expeditions
This fleet of 15 vessels—with passenger capacities ranging from just 28 to 148—sails to rugged, far-flung destinations, including Arctic Svalbard, Antarctica, Indonesia, and the Galápagos. A Lindblad cruise typically prioritizes adventure over luxury. On most ships, expect small, simple cabins, but plenty of memorable excursions, like snorkeling in Borneo or hiking an ice field in Patagonia. But some of its recent fleet additions are truly luxe, from its two polar-sailing expedition ships, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, to the elegant Oberoi Philae, which sails the Nile. Each sailing has an expedition team made up of experts in fields like marine biology and photography.
River Ships
Courtesy Grand Circle Cruise LineRiver Ship Line #11: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic’s 16 luxurious river ships sail waters across Europe and Asia, from the Danube in Germany to the Irrawaddy in Myanmar to the Volga in Russia. Each voyage is completely all-inclusive—transfers, excursions, all food and beverage (including the mini-bar!), and gratuities are covered in the rate—making for a truly relaxing and stress-free experience. And did we mention there’s butler service for every cabin?
Courtesy Delfin Amazon CruisesRiver Ship Line #10: Delfin Amazon Cruises
Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isn’t quite like other river journeys—it’s a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotel–like accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients.
Courtesy Avalon WaterwaysRiver Ship Line #9: Avalon Waterways
With a fleet of 14 river ships, Avalon has quite a few itineraries throughout Europe, India, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and Peru (though it charters ships in those last two destinations). Avalon’s own purpose-built ships are incredibly spacious—suites are 30 percent larger than the industry standard and feature fully retractable floor-to-ceiling windows.
Courtesy Crystal River CruisesRiver Ship Line #8: Crystal River Cruises
Crystal River Cruises launched in 2016 with custom-built river ships. The company is dead-set on matching the top-of-the-line service of its ocean ships, and it certainly has readers convinced. The fleet has five river ships—four of which, Crystal Bach, Mahler, Debussy, and Ravel, are Europe’s only all-suite, all-balcony river ships—sailing the Moselle, Rhine, Danube, and Main rivers. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience, with free butler service, unlimited drinks (including wine), Wi-Fi, and fitness classes.
Courtesy American Queen Steamboat CompanyRiver Ship Line #7: American Queen Steamboat Company
If nostalgia’s the name of your game, book a trip with the American Queen Steamboat Company, whose four paddlewheelers sail the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. These are leisurely sailings: most are nine days long, with some outliers like the 15- or 16-day journey from Minneapolis to New Orleans.
Courtesy AMA WaterwaysRiver Ship Line #6: AMAWaterways
AMAWaterways cruises the waters of Europe, Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a handful of new ships debuting in the past few years. In 2019, the line launched AMAMagna, a double-wide river cruise on the Danube that features massive 710-square-foot suites—a size unheard of on a river-going vessel. Despite the ship being so much larger than its sisters, the passenger count only increased by 20 percent to 196 guests, ensuring an intimate experience. The cruise line sails 22 ships in Europe, one in Vietnam and Cambodia, and two in Africa (including the brand-new AMADahlia). In 2023, AMAWaterways will expand to Latin America, sailing the AMAMagdalena in Colombia.
Rui RibeiroRiver Ship Line #5: Vantage Deluxe World Cruises
The river cruise branch of tour operator Vantage Deluxe World Travel has several of its own ships, the majority of which sail in Europe. In fact, the vessels were some of the first river ships in Europe to have cabins designated for solo travelers. But in 2020, the company started operations in Egypt on its new m/s Nebu, which also has solo cabins. Providing its clients with even more options, Vantage also charters ships around the world for a variety of itineraries.
Grand Circle CorporationRiver Ship Line #4: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Grand Circle Cruise Line might not have the largest following—you probably haven't heard of it, have you?—but it certainly has a loyal one. Known for its immersive itineraries, this smaller cruise line is part of tour operator Grand Circle Travel, but it does have its own fleet of six river ships. Five of them sail in Europe, while the sixth, appropriately named Nefertiti, sails Egypt's Nile.
Courtesy Uniworld Boutique River Cruise CollectionRiver Ship Line #3: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld's 21 ships cruise around the globe in Europe, Egypt, Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peru. Their excursions offer passengers the opportunity to get a little closer to their destinations of choice, with visits to local homes, farms, and artisans, and every excursion is rated by ability level. In 2018, two of its ships were overhauled for a new venture, “U by Uniworld Cruises,” with itineraries, dining, and activities that appeal to younger prospective passengers—think silent discos, mixology classes, and rooftop camping.
Courtesy TauckRiver Ship Line #2: Tauck River Cruising
Tauck’s nine river ships specialize in navigating Northern Europe, with itineraries that highlight the castles of Germany’s Rhine River or explore Paris and Monet’s gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young children—a unique offering among river cruise lines.
Courtesy Viking River CruisesRiver Ship Line #1: Viking River Cruises
Parent company Viking Cruises has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 river ships and six ocean vessels in its fleet. Under Viking River Cruises, the company's riverboats explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Viking River Cruises also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and select shore excursions in its prices, and its “Culture Curriculum” offers experiential learning through events like regional wine tastings and menus that rotate seasonally.