Best Cruise Line for First-Time Cruisers: How to Choose the Right One
Choosing your first cruise line can feel surprisingly complicated.
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity? Carnival or Norwegian? Princess or Holland America? What about MSC or Disney?
Spend a little time researching cruises and you’ll quickly discover that people have very strong opinions about which cruise line is “best.”
But after years of cruising, we’ve learned something important:
There really isn’t one best cruise line for everyone. There is a best cruise line for the way YOU like to vacation.
After more than 50 cruises, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are two of the cruise lines we personally gravitate toward most. Royal Caribbean gives us the activity, entertainment and variety we enjoy, while Celebrity offers a more refined, relaxed experience that we also really appreciate.
But that doesn’t mean either one is automatically the best choice for you.
A family traveling with children may want something completely different from a couple looking for a quiet anniversary trip. Someone who loves nightlife and activities may be miserable on a slower-paced ship, while someone hoping to relax may feel overwhelmed on a ship built around nonstop entertainment.
That’s why choosing the right cruise line is one of the most important decisions a first-time cruiser can make.
In the first episode of our Cruiser Academy series, we talk about several things first-time cruisers should know before booking — including cruise lines, cruise length, cabin location, drink packages, travel documents and why we almost always recommend arriving at your cruise port a day early.
But on this page, we’re going deeper into one of the biggest decisions from that video:
Which cruise line is right for you?
We’ll compare eight of the major cruise lines, explain the type of traveler we think each one suits best, and then you can take our interactive Cruise Line Quiz to see which cruise line matches your travel style.
Watch Cruiser Academy: Before You Book Your First Cruise
f you’re completely new to cruising, we’d recommend watching the video as well as using the guide below.
The video covers some of the lessons we’ve learned from taking dozens of cruises ourselves, while this article lets us spend more time on the cruise-line decision specifically.
And that’s worth doing, because choosing the wrong cruise line doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a bad vacation.
But choosing the right one can make your first cruise considerably better.
Why Choosing the Right Cruise Line Matters
When people first start looking at cruises, it’s easy to concentrate on the obvious things:
- Where does the ship go?
- How much does it cost?
- How many nights is the cruise?
- Does the ship look nice?
Those things absolutely matter.
But the personality of the cruise line matters too.
Cruise lines can differ dramatically in areas such as:
- Average passenger age
- Families versus couples
- Number of children onboard
- Nightlife
- Dining style
- Dress expectations
- Entertainment
- Onboard activities
- Ship design
- Service style
- Overall pace
- Price
- Included amenities
That’s why we hesitate whenever someone asks us simply:
“What is the best cruise line?”
Our answer is almost always another question:
What kind of vacation are you looking for?
If you want rock climbing, water slides and activities from morning until night, our recommendation would be different from someone whose perfect afternoon involves a quiet lounger, a good book and a glass of wine.
So before looking for the cheapest fare or newest ship, think about the experience you actually want.
Which Cruise Line Is Right for You? Take Our Quiz
We’ve made that decision a little easier.
Our interactive Which Cruise Line Is Right for You? quiz looks at your preferences and recommends the cruise lines that may fit you best.
It considers things such as:
- Who you’re traveling with
- Your preferred vacation pace
- How important price is
- Your dining preferences
- How much onboard activity you want
- Your tolerance for crowds and noise
- Whether you prefer casual or upscale surroundings
- Whether you’re looking for a family-focused or adult-oriented vacation
There are no right or wrong answers.
The goal is simply to match your vacation personality with the general style of the major cruise lines.
Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Answer a few quick questions about your budget, travel style, dining preferences, and ideal pace. We’ll suggest the cruise lines that best fit you.
Also worth considering
Your result should be viewed as a starting point, not an absolute answer.
Different ships within the same cruise line can feel very different. A huge new Royal Caribbean ship doesn’t provide exactly the same experience as one of the line’s smaller ships, for example.
The itinerary, time of year, length of the cruise and even departure port can influence the passenger mix and overall atmosphere.
But cruise lines definitely have personalities, and understanding those differences can make your search much easier.
Cruise Line Comparison for First-Time Cruisers
Here is how we would describe eight of the major cruise lines to someone planning a first cruise.
Royal Caribbean: Best All-Around Choice for Many First-Time Cruisers
Royal Caribbean is one of the cruise lines we personally enjoy most, and it would be high on our list for a first-time cruiser who wasn’t sure exactly what they wanted yet.
Why?
Variety.
Royal Caribbean’s larger ships can offer an incredible amount to do. Depending on the ship, that might include pools, water slides, theaters, live entertainment, sports areas, climbing walls, specialty restaurants and attractions that don’t feel anything like a traditional cruise ship.
That makes Royal Caribbean especially appealing to families and multigenerational groups.
Grandparents can find something they enjoy while parents and children have completely different activities available.
It can also be a good introduction to cruising because there’s enough variety to help you discover what you actually like.
You may spend one day participating in activities and another simply relaxing by the pool.
For us, Royal Caribbean works because it gives us a lot of options without making every day feel the same.
Royal Caribbean may be a good fit if:
- This is your first cruise
- You’re traveling with children or teenagers
- You’re traveling with multiple generations
- You like having lots of choices
- Entertainment and activities matter to you
- You want a lively ship but still appreciate quieter areas
It may be less ideal if:
You want a consistently quiet, intimate or traditional cruise experience and don’t care about large-scale attractions.
Carnival Cruise Line: Fun, Casual and Value-Focused
Carnival has an enormous and very loyal following.
It’s known for a casual atmosphere, lots of activity and fares that can make cruising accessible to travelers who are watching their vacation budget.
And we want to be transparent here:
Carnival isn’t a cruise line we personally choose to sail.
That’s simply our preference.
It doesn’t mean Carnival is a bad cruise line, and it certainly doesn’t mean you wouldn’t love it.
In fact, that’s a perfect example of why we created this guide.
Our vacation style isn’t necessarily your vacation style.
If you’re looking for a relaxed dress code, energetic atmosphere, social environment and good value, Carnival could make much more sense for you than a cruise line we personally prefer.
Carnival may be a good fit if:
- Price is a major consideration
- You enjoy an energetic atmosphere
- You prefer casual vacations
- You’re traveling with a group of friends
- You like plenty of entertainment and activity
- You don’t need your cruise to feel particularly formal or upscale
It may be less ideal if:
Your top priorities are quiet spaces, a refined atmosphere and a slower onboard pace.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Best for Flexibility
Norwegian Cruise Line is particularly interesting for people who don’t like vacation schedules.
One of Norwegian’s biggest selling points has long been its flexible approach to dining.
Rather than having your entire evening revolve around a traditional assigned dining time, the idea is that you have more freedom to decide when and where you’d like to eat.
For some cruisers, that’s wonderful.
Maybe you stayed longer in port than expected.
Maybe you’re not hungry at 6:00.
Maybe you want to see a show first and eat afterward.
That flexibility can make the vacation feel less structured.
Other people actually prefer traditional dining because they enjoy having the same table, dining time and routine each evening.
Again, neither preference is better.
It’s about what works for you.
Norwegian may be a good fit if:
- You dislike rigid schedules
- Flexible dining is important to you
- You prefer a casual cruise style
- You like having multiple dining and entertainment choices
- You want an active ship without everything feeling family-focused
It may be less ideal if:
You love the predictability and personal routine of a more traditional cruise experience.
MSC Cruises: Beautiful Ships and Attractive Value
MSC is one of the cruise lines that we think deserves consideration when travelers start comparing prices.
We’ve sailed MSC and found some of their ships to be genuinely beautiful.
Modern design is one of the things MSC can do extremely well.
Another attraction is pricing.
Depending on the sailing, MSC fares can be very competitive, which makes the line particularly interesting for travelers who want a visually impressive ship without necessarily paying premium-cruise prices.
There is one important difference first-time American cruisers should understand.
MSC has strong European roots and often attracts a more international passenger mix.
Announcements, dining and the general onboard atmosphere can therefore feel somewhat different from cruise lines aimed primarily at the North American market.
Some travelers love that international feeling.
Others prefer something more familiar.
MSC may be a good fit if:
- Price and value are important
- Beautiful ship design matters to you
- You enjoy an international atmosphere
- You’re comfortable trying something a little different
- You want a modern ship at a potentially attractive fare
It may be less ideal if:
You strongly prefer a traditional North American-style cruise experience and want everything onboard to feel familiar.
Celebrity Cruises: Upscale Without Going Fully Luxury
Celebrity is another cruise line we personally tend to favor, especially when we’re looking for a quieter, more polished trip.
It sits in an interesting part of the cruise market.
Celebrity generally feels more refined and adult-oriented than the large family-focused cruise lines, but you don’t necessarily have to jump all the way into luxury-cruise pricing.
For couples in particular, Celebrity can be very appealing.
The atmosphere tends to be somewhat calmer. The ships are stylish. Dining and service receive more emphasis, and the vacation isn’t built primarily around water slides and children’s attractions.
That doesn’t mean nothing is happening onboard.
Celebrity still offers entertainment, restaurants, bars, pools and activities.
It’s simply a different style of activity.
For us, Celebrity works because we enjoy the quieter atmosphere, the look and feel of the ships, and the more refined onboard experience.
Celebrity may be a good fit if:
- You’re traveling as a couple
- You prefer a quieter environment
- Food and service matter to you
- You appreciate stylish ship design
- You want something more upscale
- You’re not looking for a ship dominated by children’s attractions
It may be less ideal if:
You’re traveling with children who want high-energy attractions or if your main goal is finding the lowest possible cruise fare.
Princess Cruises: Relaxed, Comfortable and Destination-Focused
Princess has traditionally appealed to travelers looking for a more relaxed style of cruising.
You still have shows, restaurants, pools and scheduled activities, but the overall experience tends to feel less centered around nonstop attractions.
For many cruisers, that’s exactly what they want.
Princess also has a strong reputation for destination-focused itineraries, making it appealing to travelers who view the ship as part of the vacation rather than the entire reason for taking it.
The passenger mix can skew somewhat older than you’ll find on some of the big family-oriented cruise lines, although you’ll certainly see cruisers of many ages onboard.
Princess may be a good fit if:
- Relaxation is one of your priorities
- Destinations matter as much as the ship
- You enjoy a more traditional cruise atmosphere
- You’re a couple or mature traveler
- You don’t need giant onboard attractions
It may be less ideal if:
You want your cruise ship to function like a floating amusement park.
Holland America Line: Classic Cruising at a Slower Pace
Holland America is another line we would put toward the relaxed end of the spectrum.
Its cruises often appeal to travelers who value attentive service, interesting itineraries, live music and a more traditional onboard atmosphere.
The passenger demographic also tends to skew older than on cruise lines such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
For some people, that statement immediately makes Holland America sound less appealing.
For others, it makes it sound perfect.
If you’re looking for a peaceful vacation where you can enjoy good food, conversation, music and destinations without feeling like something is happening around you every second, Holland America deserves serious consideration.
Holland America may be a good fit if:
- You prefer quieter ships
- You’re a mature traveler
- Live music interests you
- Service and traditional cruising matter
- You enjoy destination-focused itineraries
- Relaxation matters more than onboard thrills
It may be less ideal if:
You’re looking for waterslides, huge attractions or a particularly youthful party atmosphere.
Disney Cruise Line: Best for Disney-Loving Families
Disney Cruise Line is probably the easiest line on this list to understand.
If you have children who love Disney — or you’re an adult Disney fan yourself — Disney can offer something the other mainstream cruise lines simply can’t duplicate.
Characters, Disney storytelling, themed entertainment and the company’s approach to family service are built into the experience.
But there is an important consideration:
Disney cruises can be expensive.
You may find another cruise line offering a similar itinerary for considerably less money.
So we’d ask yourself one simple question:
How much is the Disney part of the experience worth to us?
If that’s one of the main reasons you’re taking the cruise, paying the premium could make complete sense.
If your children aren’t particularly interested in Disney, another family-friendly cruise line may provide better value.
Disney may be a good fit if:
- You’re traveling with children
- Your family loves Disney
- Character experiences matter
- You’re willing to pay more for the Disney experience
- Family-focused entertainment is a major priority
It may be less ideal if:
Disney itself isn’t particularly important to your family or you’re primarily shopping based on price.
Which Cruise Line Is Best for Couples?
For couples looking for a quieter or more refined vacation, we’d start by researching Celebrity, Princess and Holland America.
Of those, Celebrity would be one of our personal first choices because we enjoy its combination of upscale surroundings, dining, service and a calmer onboard atmosphere.
But the right answer still depends on the couple.
A couple in their 60s who wants relaxing sea days and interesting ports may love Princess or Holland America.
Another couple of exactly the same age might prefer Royal Caribbean because they enjoy shows, activities and large modern ships.
Age doesn’t determine your cruise line.
Vacation personality does.
That’s something we think gets overlooked too often when cruise lines are described as being “for younger people” or “for older people.”
Think about what you enjoy — not what someone your age is supposedly expected to enjoy.
Which Cruise Line Is Best for Families?
For families, we’d put Royal Caribbean and Disney near the top of the research list.
Royal Caribbean is also one of our own favorites because of the amount of variety available onboard, particularly on its larger ships.
Disney provides a highly specialized family vacation for people who value the Disney experience.
Carnival can also make sense for families who prioritize value and a casual, energetic atmosphere.
The age of your children matters too.
What entertains a five-year-old may be completely different from what keeps a sixteen-year-old happy.
For multigenerational families, we’d pay particular attention to whether the ship offers enough options for everyone rather than choosing purely based on children’s programming.
Which Cruise Line Is Best for Older Adults?
We would be careful about answering this purely based on age.
Princess and Holland America are often popular with mature cruisers because of their relaxed pace and more traditional style.
Celebrity can also be an excellent choice for adults looking for an upscale experience, and it is one of the lines we personally enjoy most.
But we’ve met plenty of older cruisers who love Royal Caribbean and plenty of younger cruisers who love Holland America.
Instead of asking:
“Which cruise line is best for someone my age?”
Try asking:
“Which cruise line has the atmosphere, activities and pace I enjoy?”
That’s a much more useful question.
Which Cruise Line Is Best for First-Time Cruisers?
If you still have absolutely no idea where to begin, we’d probably start by comparing Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess, depending on your travel style.
And if you asked us which two we personally tend to prefer, the answer would be Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
Royal Caribbean gives you tremendous variety.
Celebrity offers a more refined adult experience.
Princess provides a more relaxed traditional cruise.
From there, you can move toward Carnival or MSC if value is a major priority, Norwegian if flexibility appeals to you, Holland America if you want a quieter experience, or Disney if you’re specifically looking for that Disney family vacation.
But don’t book based on our preferences alone.
That’s why the quiz is on this page.
Your result should help narrow the field — then research the individual ships within those cruise lines before booking.
Cruise Line Isn’t the Only Decision That Matters
Choosing your cruise line is only one part of booking your first cruise.
In our first Cruiser Academy video, we also discuss several other decisions that can have a major impact on your vacation, including:
- Whether a short cruise or seven-night sailing is better for your first trip
- How cabin location affects your experience
- Why you need to understand what’s actually included in your cruise fare
- Why drink-package fine print matters
- Why we recommend arriving at the cruise port at least a day early
- Why you should verify your required travel documents well before departure
We’ll be going deeper into many of these subjects throughout Cruiser Academy.
The goal is not to make cruise planning complicated.
It’s actually the opposite.
Once you understand the few decisions that really matter, booking a cruise becomes much easier.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Look for the “Best” Cruise Line
If you remember only one thing from this guide, make it this:
Stop looking for the best cruise line and start looking for the best cruise line for YOU.
For us, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity often rise to the top because they fit the kind of cruise vacations we enjoy.
But that doesn’t mean they’re automatically the best choice for you.
A cruise line your friends absolutely love may not fit your vacation style at all.
And a cruise line someone else complains about could turn out to be exactly what you’re looking for.
Consider:
- Who you’re traveling with
- Your budget
- How much activity you want
- Whether you enjoy crowds
- Your preferred dining style
- How important food and service are
- Whether you prefer casual or upscale surroundings
- How much quiet time you want
Then use those answers to narrow your choices.
If you haven’t already, take our Which Cruise Line Is Right for You? quiz above and see what it recommends.
And if you came here after watching our first Cruiser Academy video, we’d love to know:
Which cruise line did the quiz choose for you — and was it the one you expected?
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Cruise Line
What is the best cruise line for someone who has never cruised before?
There isn’t one cruise line that’s best for every first-time cruiser. Royal Caribbean is a strong all-around option because of its variety, while Celebrity may suit couples wanting an upscale experience and Princess may appeal to travelers looking for a slower pace. Your travel style matters more than whether you’ve cruised before.
What is the best cruise line for couples?
Celebrity is one of the first cruise lines we’d consider for couples who want an upscale, adult-oriented atmosphere, and it is also one of our personal favorites. Princess and Holland America are also worth considering for travelers who prefer a quieter vacation. Active couples may still prefer Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.
What is the best cruise line for families?
Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are two of the strongest options for many families. Royal Caribbean offers extensive activities and entertainment, while Disney provides a specialized Disney-focused family experience. Carnival can also be attractive for families looking for casual fun and value.
What is the most affordable cruise line?
Cruise pricing changes constantly based on ship, itinerary, season and demand, so there is no cruise line that is always cheapest. Carnival and MSC frequently attract value-focused cruisers, but you should compare the total vacation cost rather than the advertised base fare alone.
Are Princess and Holland America only for older cruisers?
No. They often attract a more mature passenger mix, but travelers of many ages enjoy both cruise lines. They’re better described by their generally relaxed atmosphere and traditional cruise style than by a specific passenger age.
Should I choose the cruise line or itinerary first?
For your first cruise, we think both deserve consideration. A great itinerary on a cruise line that doesn’t suit your travel style can be disappointing, while the perfect ship on an itinerary you don’t care about isn’t ideal either. Start by narrowing the cruise lines that fit you, then compare their ships and itineraries.
Can ships from the same cruise line feel different?
Absolutely. Ship size, age, design, passenger capacity and onboard attractions can create very different experiences within the same cruise line. Once you’ve narrowed your cruise-line choices, research the actual ship before booking.