The cruise industry is constantly evolving, with brand-new ships, private destinations, and exciting onboard experiences debuting each year. In 2025, for example, many cruise lines made headlines with new ship launches, private destinations, and expanded itineraries.
As such, it’s no surprise that more people are considering cruises than ever before. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), first-time cruisers made up a record-breaking 31% of all passengers in 2024, revealing that the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth.
With so many options available, choosing the right cruise line is important. Travelers have different styles, budgets, and preferences, and selecting the wrong line can lead to a disappointing experience.
In this article, we’ll explore and review the most popular cruise lines of 2026. Our worst-to-best cruise rankings are based on personal experiences and industry news. That said, don't be upset if your favorite line ranks lower than expected — everyone's perfect cruise is different, and the right line for you is based solely on your priorities and preferences.
Worst: Norwegian Cruise Line
2025 wasn't a great year for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Although they welcomed a new ship, Norwegian Aqua, to their fleet, several changes left cruisers disappointed, fueling frustration among guests who felt they were being "nickel-and-dimed."
To start, extra entrées in the dining rooms now incur a $5 service charge, whereas previously guests could order a second or third entrée at no additional cost. NCL also decided to begin charging for no-shows in specialty restaurants, requiring passengers to cancel no less than two hours before their reservation to avoid a $10 fee.
Another unpopular onboard change was the updated room service policy, which limits guests to one hot and one cold dish per person at breakfast, rather than allowing unlimited food. Similarly, guests can now only order two items per person from the all-day menu.
Read more: Is Norwegian in trouble? Why the cruise line’s reputation may be slipping
Moving on, NCL announced a shift in its strategy regarding solo cabins. Less than two years ago, the cruise line had planned to add nearly 1,000 solo staterooms across its fleet.
Now, however, it is backtracking and plans to reduce the number of single cabins across Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises. This change will affect single travelers who previously relied on NCL for its solo offerings.
Finally, NCL’s most controversial change of the year was its new drink policy at Great Stirrup Cay. Beginning March 1, 2026, Norwegian’s standard drink packages will no longer be valid on the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.
While the "Free at Sea" package isn’t included, guests can upgrade to "Free at Sea Plus" for an additional $50 per day, which covers beverages on the island.
While Norwegian remains a popular choice for its freestyle approach to cruising, updated cabins, port-heavy itineraries, and food variety, these changes have taken what was once marketed as a flexible, laid-back cruise experience and transformed it into one that feels increasingly restrictive and profit-driven.
Carnival Cruise Line
Next on the list is Carnival Cruise Line. Like Norwegian, Carnival implemented a few changes in 2025 that upset many of its passengers, namely the introduction of the new Carnival Rewards™ loyalty program. Effective September 2026, the new loyalty program will be based on onboard spending rather than the number of nights spent on cruise ships.
Additionally, similar to airline reward programs, Carnival status will only be valid for two years. This differs from the current VIFP Club program, which recognizes lifetime loyalty. The one exception is Diamond members, who will retain their status for life under the new program.
Once launched, Carnival Rewards™ status will be valid through December 31, 2028. After that, all two-year earning periods will run from January 1 through December 31.
Read more: Carnival pushes back start date of controversial new loyalty program
Carnival also quietly increased the price of its internet and drink packages this year. The cruise line raised the service charge on alcohol purchases to 20%, which applies to all beverage purchases made onboard, including the CHEERS! drink package.
As a result, the daily cost of the drink package now totals $83.94 when purchased in advance, while the onboard price for last-minute purchases increases to $89.94.
The three internet packages were increased by as much as 9%, too. Going forward, internet plans will start at $20 per day, with the Premium Plan costing $25.50 when purchased pre-cruise or $30 onboard.
These changes are in addition to Carnival’s longer-standing drawbacks, including a fleet comprised primarily of older ships and limited itineraries. For example, many sailings focus on short getaways to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico, with fewer options for longer cruises or more unique ports of call.
That said, Carnival still shines in several key areas that continue to make it one of the most popular cruise lines at sea. Carnival, for example, offers non-stop entertainment, from late-night deck parties to hilarious comedy shows and interactive game shows.
Dining is another highlight, with many cruisers praising its fast-casual dining options, ranging from Guy's Burger Joint to BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken, and more.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line (HAL), a premium cruise line owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & plc, has been stagnant for years.
It's been over four years since HAL welcomed a new ship to its fleet. MS Rotterdam debuted in 2021, and since then, HAL has focused on refurbishing existing ships rather than expanding or modernizing its fleet.
While these upgrades — such as the Blend Bar, the first lipstick blending bar at sea, and Koningstafel, an upscale reimagining of the Chef’s Table experience — are welcome, they haven’t significantly transformed the overall onboard experience or offered loyal cruisers much to look forward to.
Read more: Holland America Ships By Age — Newest to Oldest
Despite its lack of innovation compared to other lines, it remains a favorite for mature crowds. For example, HAL is known for its destination-focused itineraries.
Rather than offering short cruises to The Bahamas, you can set sail on an epic 13-day adventure to Portugal and the Canary Islands, an 11-day voyage from Barcelona to Athens (Piraeus), a 14-day immersive cruise around South Australia, a weeklong cruise to Alaska with an overnight stop in Juneau, and more.
Because its target audience is retirees and older travelers, the onboard environment is a slower-paced, enriching experience. Instead of nonstop entertainment or high-energy activities, guests can enjoy lectures, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Although the cruise line is not ideal for families with younger children or those seeking a lively ambiance, it remains a top choice for travelers who value immersive itineraries, relaxation, and a more refined cruise experience.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea (MVAS) is a relatively new cruise line and, in just three short years, has won numerous accolades, including the Best Cruise Ship for Families (Margaritaville at Sea Islander, 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards) and the #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line, Ocean Category (2025 Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards).
MVAS’s first ship, Paradise, set sail in 2022 from Palm Beach, Florida. Two years later, Islander joined the fleet, offering cruises from Tampa, Florida. Islander marked a major step forward for MVAS, with better stateroom options, new dining venues, a redesigned beverage program, and more.
The cruise line shows no signs of slowing down, either. Its third ship, Beachcomber, is expected to join the fleet in 2027.
With its fleet limited to Florida, MVAS focuses on itineraries to The Bahamas and Caribbean, making it ideal for travelers seeking a tropical getaway. However, it likely won't appeal to travelers who are more destination-focused.
Moreover, its fleet is limited to older ships acquired from other cruise lines. Islander, for instance, started its career in 1991 as Costa Classica. Similarly, Islander entered service in 2000 as Costa Atlantica. As such, the vessels lack the same bells and whistles as new builds for more established lines.
Despite its small size, the line has quickly built a reputation for fun, affordable cruises with a relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere that appeals to adults and kids, especially first-time passengers who don't have much to compare the experience to.
"This year, I took my first cruise as an adult on Margaritaville at Sea's Islander," Georgia Burgess, an engineer based in Dallas, Texas, wrote for Cruise Blog. "Overall, I enjoyed my time on Islander and was especially impressed by the cruise line's commitment to embracing the Margaritaville brand."
Highlights of her 4-night cruise include a specialty meal at the JWB Steakhouse, creative cocktails, and the Conky-Tonkin’ original production show.
She added, "To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about cruising, but I enjoyed how it takes the hassle out of traveling. In addition to enjoying the incredible staff and everything the ship has to offer, it felt so good to spend a couple of days doing nothing but relaxing in an environment where chilling out and having a good time is basically the whole point."
Read more: I tried a cruise line I'd always overlooked
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) lands near the middle of our rankings. Although the cruise line is widely beloved for its family-friendly atmosphere, themed experiences, and immersive storytelling, it's not the best fit for every traveler.
For starters, Disney offers fewer itineraries and limited sailing dates with just seven ships. For example, if you're considering a European cruise with DCL, you will not have as many options as you would with Royal Caribbean, MSC, or Norwegian.
The onboard experience is heavily geared toward families, too. That said, Disney has dedicated adult-only spaces, including an outdoor sundeck, bars (after 9:00 p.m.), and more.
Additionally, a Disney cruise is often more expensive than other mainstream lines. However, the hefty price tag can often be justified by the Broadway-caliber entertainment, themed rotational dining, and immersive youth programming that's standard across the fleet, even on the line's oldest ships.
The level of service is also worth mentioning. "One element that sets Disney apart from other cruise lines is the quality of the service they offer. The crew members are energetic, kind, and attentive," Sarah Cinq-Mars, a teacher based in Charlotte, North Carolina, shared in a Cruise Blog article.
"There were moments when we ordered a drink in the theatre, and it would arrive within minutes. This service was also similar in the dining rooms. We got to know the staff so well that one of our tablemates started asking our waitress to bring him whatever she thought he would like!"
Read more: Is a Disney Cruise worth the extra money? I paid $500-per-night to find out
Moving on, Disney ships have well-designed cabins. Even the smallest, most affordable rooms are thoughtfully designed with clever storage solutions, modern charging options, upgraded toiletries, and more.
In short, a Disney cruise won't appeal to everyone. However, they are ideal for families with younger children and adults who can't get enough Disney magic in their lives.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is another family-focused cruise line. They are most well-known for their mega-ships, including Oasis and Icon Class vessels, that are packed from bow to stern with thrilling amenities.
On the line's largest ships, you will find everything from ice skating rinks to surfing simulators, rock climbing walls, waterslides, Broadway-style productions, zip lines, mini-golf courses, high-diving aqua shows, and more.
Dining is also a highlight on Royal Caribbean ships. The cruise line offers a wide variety of options, from casual restaurants like the Windjammer buffet and Main Dining Room to specialty venues such as Chops Grille and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen. However, some cruisers have noted that the quality of dining has declined in recent years due to cost-cutting measures.
One of the biggest downsides of Royal Caribbean is that its older ships don’t match the modern mega-ships in amenities or overall experience. While Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class vessels feature cutting-edge entertainment and expansive dining options, older ships feel dated, with smaller staterooms, fewer dining venues, and mediocre entertainment.
Although its fleet of over 25 ships sails worldwide, you may be disappointed with a port-intensive voyage on a Vision or Radiance Class ship after sailing on Icon or Star of the Seas to the Caribbean.
Speaking of ports, one of Royal Caribbean's claims to fame is its award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in The Bahamas. This year, the cruise line also opened its first-ever exclusive beach club in Nassau, giving guests an elevated shore excursion option in a historically unpopular destination.
Royal Caribbean’s focus on private destinations isn’t limited to The Bahamas, either. The line has increasingly emphasized developing and enhancing its own exclusive ports, including Perfect Day Mexico, the Royal Beach Club Santorini, and the Royal Beach Club Cozumel.
At the end of the day, Royal Caribbean is ideal for families, adventure seekers, and travelers who love high-energy, activity-packed cruises, particularly to Europe, The Bahamas and Caribbean, and Alaska.
Princess Cruises
Like Holland America Line, Princess Cruises is a premium line operated by Carnival Corporation & plc. Princess also caters to an older demographic, with a greater emphasis on a refined cruising experience. However, it's better suited for families than HAL.
The line's new Sphere Class ships, Sun and Star Princess, are the largest in the fleet and showcase Princess Cruises’ commitment to modern design, spacious accommodations, and innovative onboard experiences. For example, the cabins feature bedside nightstands with a built-in motion sensor, so you don't have to worry about tripping over a stray shoe at night.
Additionally, the Dome transforms into an immersive theater at night with acrobats and aerialists performing jaw-dropping tricks in a visually stunning setting.
Beyond its entertainment and modern design, Princess Cruises also excels when it comes to dining. Aboard Sphere Class ships, for example, you will find everything from the line's first-ever hibachi restaurants, casual poolside tacos, freshly-made pizza, an expansive buffet, and more.
Another pro is that Princess's Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages are affordable ways to make the cruise experience feel more inclusive. For just $65 per day, you can add a drink package, Wi-Fi, gratuities, two casual specialty meals, and more to your booking.
Moving on, the line as a whole is technologically advanced, using Medallion technology instead of traditional cruise key cards. The wearable medallions allow easy access to staterooms and enable tracking, so you can order food and drinks directly to your location.
Read more: I ate at 6 specialty restaurants on Princess’ newest ship. Here’s how they rank
That said, many cruisers have shared disappointing experiences on the older ships in Princess’s fleet. Guests often note that these vessels feel dated compared to the Royal and Sphere Class ships. Common complaints include poor air conditioning and plumbing issues.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has quickly made a name for itself by targeting adults-only travelers and offering a trendy cruise experience. All passengers must be 18 or older, meaning the entertainment is fully geared toward adults. Highlights include drag shows, raunchy workout classes, nightclub parties that last until 2:00 a.m., and sophisticated restaurants.
Speaking of dining, Virgin Voyages got rid of the stuffy main dining room and chaotic buffet, replacing them with multiple specialty restaurants that focus on different cuisines and cooking styles — all included in your cruise fare.
Restaurants include Pink Agave (Mexican), the Wake (Steakhouse), Gunbae (Korean BBQ), and Extra Virgin (Italian). There's also the Galley, a food hall-style venue offering a wide variety of made-to-order dishes, from tacos to salads, ramen, burgers, and more.
Read more: I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise on its newest ship. Here are my brutally honest thoughts
Virgin's entertainment also strays from traditional cruise offerings. Don't expect theater productions with covers of today's top hits. Instead, prepare yourself for high-energy drag shows, exciting murder mystery musicals, and cabaret shows.
Additionally, Scarlet Night is one of Virgin Voyages’ signature events that transforms the entire ship into a sea of red, with pop-up dance performances, themed cocktails, and more.
Moving on, Virgin's small fleet of four ships — all measuring less than 110,000 gross tons — is identical, but they're sleek and stylish. The cabins are especially noteworthy, featuring a tablet that can control everything from the lighting to the television, order room service, and adjust the stateroom's temperature.
However, since they have such a small fleet, itineraries are somewhat limited. For example, while Royal Caribbean has four ships sailing to Alaska in 2026, Virgin has just one. Despite that, many itineraries are focused on immersive experiences, often including overnight stays in ports like Ibiza and Mykonos.
Overall, Virgin Voyages is an excellent choice for adult cruisers who are tired of the traditional approach to cruising and appreciate late-night parties, upscale restaurants, modern staterooms, and unique entertainment options.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is a member of the Royal Caribbean Group, and while features like the website, Cruise Planner, and mobile app share similarities, the two brands actually have more differences than commonalities — and for good reason.
Whereas Royal Caribbean's primary target audience is families, Celebrity's core focus is providing a refined vacation experience tailored for adults. For example, instead of packing their ships full of kid-centric activities — like surfing simulators and rock climbing walls — there's a greater attention to design, service, and enrichment.
With the launch of the Edge Class in 2018, Celebrity entered a new era defined by modern luxury and revolutionary spaces, including the Magic Carpet, stunning Grand Plaza, and a more luxurious pool deck.
Still, travelers shouldn’t cross older vessels off their list. Celebrity has taken great pride in modernizing its oldest ships, recently announcing a $250 million investment in its Solstice Class to elevate the guest experience while still paying tribute to classic cruising.
In 2027, the cruise line will expand into the river cruise market, marking the next phase of the brand’s evolution. This move will give devoted travelers a new way to explore ports of call while still experiencing the elevated design, attentive service, and upscale dining Celebrity is known for.
While those sailings aren't yet available, Celebrity already appeals to travelers who prioritize worldly itineraries, with sailings to the Galapagos, Chile, Argentina, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and more. By focusing on culturally rich destinations, Celebrity positions itself as a leading cruise line for port-intensive travelers who value immersive experiences ashore as much as onboard comfort.
Moving on, the dining is a major highlight of any Celebrity cruise. The elegant dining rooms feature menus with options to appeal to any taste, from French onion soup to jerk-spiced chicken, smoked tomato bisque, spinach and ricotta ravioli, seared duck, grilled flank steak, wild mushroom risotto, and more.
The specialty restaurants elevate the culinary experience even further, featuring expertly crafted menus — some overseen by Michelin-starred chefs — that showcase premium ingredients. Murano, for example, is an upscale, French-inspired fine dining restaurant, while Tuscan Grille is a classic Italian steakhouse.
In the end, Celebrity is one of the best cruise lines out there. However, it's not ideal for families with younger children looking for mega-ships packed with slides, mini-golf courses, or zip lines. Instead, Celebrity is perfect for adults seeking an upscale vacation at sea, complemented by gourmet dining, boutique-style accommodations, and curated experiences.
Best: MSC Cruises
Finally, our top cruise line of 2026 is MSC Cruises. The European line has rapidly increased its North American presence over the last few years. To put that into perspective, MSC Cruises brought its first ship to North America in 2019. By 2025, they built the world's largest cruise terminal in Miami and christened their first purpose-built ship for Americans: MSC World America.
Despite the cruise line's undeniable growth, MSC Cruises is often the recipient of negative criticism, ranging from overcrowded ships to poor service, hit-or-miss entertainment, and mediocre food. Still, MSC Cruises stands out for its innovation, diverse itineraries, and strong value compared to other mass-market cruise lines.
For example, a cruise on Icon of the Seas in October 2026 starts at $1,475 per person, before gratuities, for an interior stateroom. By comparison, you can book a weeklong voyage on MSC World America for as low as $695 per person. If you want to bundle the fare and add a drink package and Wi-Fi, the starting price increases to $1,087 per person.
MSC's luxurious Yacht Club is also more affordable than other lines' "ship-within-a-ship" suite concept, giving guests access to exclusive perks like a private pool deck, upscale lounge, dedicated restaurant, and butler service without the hefty price tag of comparable suites.
Beyond The Bahamas and Caribbean, you will find itineraries that cater to every type of traveler — from Dubai and the Middle East to South Africa, South America, Asia, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska.
Plus, the cruise line is extremely family-friendly, offering a wide range of activities and programs for kids and teens. Through their LEGO® partnership, children can enjoy interactive play areas, themed activities, and meet-and-greets that keep them engaged and entertained throughout the cruise.
Moving on, Cruise Blog editor Elizabeth Wright thinks MSC Cruises' food is better than its reputation suggests. "I was pleasantly surprised by the food onboard MSC World America. Don't get me wrong, there were a few misses, but overall, the meals were flavorful, well-presented, and diverse," she said.
For these reasons, MSC Cruises earns its spot as one of the best cruise lines for travelers seeking a balance of value, quality, and variety.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
