Cruise Line Pros and Cons, Brand by Brand
Every cruise line has pros and cons; the trick is knowing which ones matter to you. This page sums up each brand we profile in a sentence or two on each side. Use it to make a shortlist, then read the full family profile before you decide.
| Line | Pros | Cons for some travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Huge choice of activities and shows; great for families and first-timers | Crowds on the biggest ships; many extras cost more |
| Celebrity Cruises | Stylish ships, strong dining, more adult mood | Fewer attractions for children |
| Silversea | All-suite, inclusive, expedition reach | High price of entry; not for families |
| Carnival | Casual fun, many short sailings from US ports | Party pace; less refined dining |
| Princess | Comfortable middle ground, strong in Alaska | Less thrill-seeking variety |
| Holland America | Calm, music-focused, long port-rich voyages | Fewer activities for teens |
| Cunard | Ocean-liner tradition, transatlantic crossings | Formal evenings not for everyone |
| Seabourn | Ultra-luxury small ships, inclusive fares | Price; few facilities for children |
| Norwegian | Flexible dining, no set schedule, studio cabins for solos | Many restaurants carry extra charges |
| Oceania | Cuisine-first, mid-sized ships | Quiet evenings; not built for kids |
| Regent Seven Seas | Very inclusive, spacious suites | Paying for inclusions you may not use |
| MSC Cruises | Modern ships, family promotions, Yacht Club | International atmosphere not for everyone |
| Explora Journeys | Contemporary luxury, all-suite | Still a young brand with a growing fleet |
| Virgin Voyages | Adults only, stylish, many included restaurants | No children; non-traditional style |
| Disney Cruise Line | Family entertainment and service | Usually higher fares than other family lines |
| Viking (ocean) | Adults only, included excursion in most ports, enrichment | Little nightlife; no kids |
Pros and Cons That Depend on You
Some pros flip into cons depending on the traveler. A packed daily schedule is a pro for a family and a con for a couple who wants to read. Assigned dining is a pro for people who love getting to know their servers and a con for those who hate schedules. An international crowd is a pro for curious travelers and a con for anyone who wants every announcement in English only.
That is why our recommended cruise lines are framed as “suits” and “may not suit” rather than scores. If you want help working out which side of each ledger you are on, our advisors will ask the right questions.
Turning the Shortlist Into a Booking
Once you have two or three lines, compare the same week, the same region and the same cabin type on each. That is the only fair way to weigh their pros and cons against price. Our sister site Cruise Compares explains that method in detail, and the Official Cruise Directory lists the network’s other cruise resources. If you work in travel or want to, Be a Travel Agent explains how to sell these lines yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest con of a mainstream cruise line?
Extras. The base fare on most mainstream brands leaves out drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities, so the real cost can be well above the advertised price. Compare total cost, not headline fares.
What is the biggest con of a luxury line?
The entry price, and sometimes less to do on board. If you rarely drink, rarely go ashore on tours and love big-ship entertainment, you may be paying for inclusions you will not use.
Should I pick a line or a ship first?
Pick the style of line first, then the ship. Within one brand, newer ships often have far more venues and cabin types than older ones, so the ship can change the experience as much as the brand.
Get the Pros and Cons for Your Trip
Send us your shortlist. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will tell you how each line fits your dates and budget, with free quotes.
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