Cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel! Why do we love it? OMG, there are SO many reasons! With this ultimate cruise line comparison guide, we’re here to help you find the best cruise line for your vacation.
Defining The Difference Between Ocean and River Cruises
When planning a cruise vacation, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose an ocean or river cruise. Understanding the key differences between these two types of cruises can help you choose the experience that best suits your travel style and preferences.
Overview of Ocean Cruises
- Size and Scope: Ocean cruises typically take place on large ships that can accommodate thousands of passengers. These ships often provide numerous amenities, such as multiple dining options, theaters, swimming pools, casinos, and shopping areas.
- Destinations and Itineraries: Ocean cruises travel on large bodies of water like the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, visiting a variety of ports across continents. Popular ocean cruise destinations include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and the South Pacific.
- Onboard Experience: The onboard experience of an ocean cruise is similar to a floating resort. You will have access to a wide range of activities and entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows and themed parties to rock climbing and water slides.
Overview of River Cruises
- Size and Scope: River cruises typically take place on smaller ships designed to navigate inland waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Nile, or Mississippi. These ships typically accommodate fewer passengers, often ranging from 100 to 200 people, which creates a more intimate and personalized experience.
- Destinations and Itineraries: River cruises stop at cities, towns, and cultural sites that are often inaccessible to larger ocean-going vessels.
- Onboard Experience: The atmosphere on a river cruise is more relaxed and focused on the destination. Unlike ocean cruises, where much of the entertainment happens onboard, river cruises emphasize shore excursions, cultural experiences, and scenic views from the ship.
Summary of Differences Between Ocean and River Cruises
| Ocean Cruises | River Cruises |
|---|---|
| -> Larger ships | -> Smaller ships |
| -> Many passengers | -> Fewer passengers |
| -> More variety of entertainment | -> Low key entertainment |
| -> More time on ship | -> Cultural experience |
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between an ocean and a river cruise depends on your personal preferences and travel goals.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with endless entertainment options and the ability to visit multiple regions or countries, an ocean cruise might be your best bet.
However, if you prefer a quieter, more focused trip that immerses you in the culture and history of specific regions, a river cruise may be the perfect choice.
Read about our river cruise experience
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is one of the most well-known names in the cruise industry.
They’re well known for their mega-ships, adrenaline pumping onboard activities, and top-notch entertainment. We find Royal Caribbean to be a great option for families, kids, and active cruisers!
Entertainment on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean has the best entertainment of all ships (in our opinion)!
While onboard, you’ll be able to witness awe-inspiring shows, such as:
- Broadway productions
- High-energy ice-skating shows
- Dazzling acrobatic performances
If you’re looking for a fun adults-only activity, we love going to the “Quest” Game Show. It’s an interactive experience where everyone gets to be involved. It also gets very competitive… You won’t want to miss it!
Cuisine on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
The food is another reason Josh and I love cruising.
You will love the diverse dining options available on Royal Caribbean ships. From elegant specialty restaurants to casual buffets and international cuisine, there is something to satisfy everyone.
Onboard Activities on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean is known for having numerous engaging activities and attractions onboard.
The activities may differ between ships, but some of the most innovative attractions include:
- First-ever zip line at sea
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Outdoor rock climbing wall
Age Range on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
While the specific age range may vary depending on the cruise itinerary and ship, Royal Caribbean generally welcomes guests of all ages, from infants to seniors.
For families with young children, Royal Caribbean provides dedicated kids’ and teen clubs, offering age-appropriate activities and entertainment. These clubs ensure that children and teenagers have a fun and engaging experience while parents can enjoy their own time onboard.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers amenities and programs specifically designed for adults:
- Spa facilities
- Fitness centers
- Adult-only retreats
- A range of dining options and entertainment venues.
Some ships within the Royal Caribbean fleet also offer exclusive areas, such as the Solarium, which is reserved for adults aged 18 and older, providing a tranquil and serene space for relaxation.
Royal Caribbean is our pick if you’re looking for a fun, family-oriented, entertainment-filled vacation!
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its wide array of onboard activities that cater to guests of all ages and interests. Carnival Cruise Lines are usually fairly inexpensive and it’s not uncommon to see bachelor and bachelorette parties aboard these ships.
Entertainment on Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival is known for its lively and entertaining shows. They also have a reputation for great nightlife entertainment.
In the main theater of Carnival Cruise Ships, you can enjoy:
- High-energy performances by talented singers
- Dancers
- Musicians
- Magic show
- Comedian
Cuisine on Carnival Cruise Lines
While Royal Caribbean has a greater upscale feel, Carnival provides a more casual dining atmosphere.
Either way, both cruise lines strive to provide a variety of delicious (and free!) food options. After a quick survey, many frequent cruisers believe Carnival provides a greater variety of free dining options, when compared to Royal Caribbean.
Onboard Activities on Carnival Cruise Lines
From thrilling water parks with spiraling slides and splash zones to relaxing poolside lounging, I’m sure you can find something to do! Some fun activities include:
- Sports courts
- Mini-golf
- Ropes course
- Spa treatments
- Wellness classes
The onboard casino provides thrilling gaming experiences, while arts and crafts workshops let you unleash your creativity. As the sun sets, vibrant nightlife takes center stage with live music, themed parties, and dance clubs.
Age Range on Carnival Cruise Lines
While Carnival has activities for all ages, it’s known that they cater to a younger, more energetic clientele. This is primarily due to the lower price range and the spectacular nightlife entertainment provided on board.
Carnival is our pick if you’re looking for a less expensive, party-filled, and overall fun vacation.
Holland America Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a cruise line known for its elegant and refined atmosphere, offering a premium cruising experience.
Entertainment on Holland America Cruise Lines
Holland America presents a range of live music and entertainment options for guests to enjoy.
From classical music recitals to vibrant performances by talented singers and dancers, there is always something to suit different tastes. The line also features guest performers, comedians, and immersive theater experiences to ensure a diverse entertainment lineup.
Cuisine on Holland America Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is known for its exceptional culinary offerings, providing guests with a diverse and delicious dining experience. The main dining rooms onboard offer an elegant ambiance where you can enjoy a variety of dishes.
For a more intimate dining experience, Holland America’s specialty restaurants offer a range of options, from a steakhouse serving prime cuts of meat to a seafood-focused restaurant offering fresh catches.
Additionally, the Lido Market provides a casual buffet-style setting with a wide array of international flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Onboard Activities on Holland America Cruise Lines
Holland America is not known for hosting thrill-seeking activities as seen on both Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
The activities provide a more cultural and immersive experience. Culinary and wine-focused activities may include:
- Cooking demonstrations
- Wine tastings
- Seminars
- Painting classes
- Pottery workshops
Age Range on Holland America Cruise Lines
Holland America tends to attract a slightly older demographic compared to some other cruise lines.
On average, the age range of passengers on Holland America cruises is typically between 50 and 70 years old. The age range, however, can vary depending on the specific itinerary, time of year, and cruise duration.
Holland is our pick if you’re looking for a cultural and immersive cruising experience, with a slightly older demographic.
Celebrity Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line known for its modern luxury and sophisticated cruising experience.
Entertainment on Celebrity Cruise Lines
Did you know that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are both owned by the same company?
Josh and I were amazed at the exceptional entertainment options onboard Celebrity.
- Broadway-style productions
- Live music performances
- Comedy shows
- Interactive game shows
Celebrity also hosts guest speakers, enrichment programs, and engaging activities to provide a well-rounded entertainment experience.
Cuisine on Celebrity Cruise Lines
Celebrity has been rated the best food at sea by several publications. From our experience, the food on the Celebrity Apex was underwhelming. I’ll give Celebrity a free pass, considering our food experience was not the norm for this cruise line.
Onboard Activities on Celebrity Cruise Lines
Celebrity provides a variety of onboard activities. For a culinary experience, you can sometimes participate in:
- Cooking demonstrations
- Wine tastings
- Mixology classes
For a more active experience, get involved in a fitness class (We loved Zumba!), sports tournament, or spa treatment.
Average Age on Celebrity Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises generally appeals to a broad range of age groups, from families and younger adults to older adults and retirees. While the line attracts a diverse mix of passengers, it’s often perceived as having a slightly older demographic compared to some other cruise lines.
This is due to its reputation for offering a more sophisticated and upscale cruising experience, which tends to appeal to mature travelers who appreciate refined amenities and activities.
Celebrity is our pick if you’re looking for a relaxing, fun, and entertainment-filled vacation! It’s also (usually) great for the foodies!
Read our review of the Celebrity Apex
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line(NCL) is a popular and well-established cruise line known for its innovative approach to cruising and a wide range of onboard amenities.
Entertainment on Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line offers Broadway-style shows, live music performances, comedy acts, and interactive game shows. They also have innovative features such as the onboard Cirque du Soleil shows on select ships.
Additionally, NCL has introduced unique entertainment offerings like the popular “Escape the Big Top” escape room and the high-energy “Burn the Floor” dance production.
Cuisine on Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, offering dining flexibility.
With “Freestyle Dining,” you can dine when you want, where you want, and with whom you want.
Unlike traditional set dining times and assigned seating, NCL offers a variety of restaurants and dining venues with no fixed schedules.
There are pros and cons to this concept. We personally prefer traditional dining because we enjoy building a relationship with our wait staff each night.
Onboard Activities on Norwegian Cruise Lines
NCL’s go-kart racing tracks on select ships bring the thrill of high-speed racing to the top deck, while laser tag battles provide interactive excitement for all ages. The Galaxy Pavilion offers virtual reality experiences.
These distinctive activities showcase NCL’s commitment to offering innovative and unforgettable experiences, making each cruise an adventure-filled journey.
Average Age on Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line generally attracts a diverse mix of passengers of different age groups, ranging from families and younger adults to older adults and retirees.
While the line does not have a specific age target, it is often perceived as appealing to a broader range of age groups, including families, couples, and solo travelers.
Norwegian is our pick if you enjoy freestyle cruising and good entertainment.
Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line is known for its exceptional entertainment offerings that bring the magic of Disney to the high seas!
Entertainment on Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line offers an unparalleled entertainment experience that is truly unique to the Disney brand. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in Broadway-caliber shows that bring beloved Disney stories to life with stunning performances, elaborate sets, and captivating music.
- Meet-and-greets with favorite Disney princessess and classic characters
- Surprise appearances during shows and dec parties
- Themed parties and deck shows
Cuisine on Disney Cruise Lines
One key aspect that distinguishes Disney Cruise Line’s cuisine is its emphasis on family-friendly dining. The line strives to cater to the palates of both adults and children.
Disney Cruise Line also incorporates its renowned storytelling and immersive themes into its culinary offerings. From character dining experiences to themed restaurants inspired by Disney movies, you can immerse yourself in the magic of Disney while savoring delicious meals.
Onboard Activities on Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line provides a diverse selection of onboard activities that cater to all ages. From pools and water play areas to youth clubs and adult-exclusive spaces, there is something for everyone!
For childrens:
- Themed play areas
- Interactive games
- Meet his/her favorite Disney characters at the youth clubs
- Teens have dedicated lounges and activities
For adults:
- Tranquil spas
- Fitness centers
- Exclusive lounges
Additionally, the whole family can come together for deck parties, live shows, and movie screenings under the stars.
Average Age on Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line is well-known for its family-oriented cruising experience, and as such, it tends to attract a significant number of families with children. The average age of passengers sailing on Disney Cruise Line is typically lower compared to other cruise lines, as it is designed to cater to families with young children and Disney enthusiasts.
Disney is our pick if you’re looking for a kid-friendly, Disney-themed, and fun-filled vacation.
Princess Cruise Lines
Princess Cruise Lines offers unforgettable travel experiences to destinations across the globe. With a fleet of modern and elegant ships, Princess Cruises provides a comfortable and luxurious setting for you to explore the world’s most captivating destinations.
Entertainment on Princess Cruise Lines
Princess Cruise Lines offers a range of unique and engaging entertainment options that set it apart from other cruise lines.
The Voice of the Ocean is a singing competition inspired by the popular TV show. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your vocal talents and compete in live performances.
Princess Live! TV studio is where you can experience live television broadcasts, game shows, culinary demonstrations, and interactive performances. This interactive venue provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of television production, allowing you to be a part of the action.
Cuisine on Princess Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises has improved their culinary experience the last few years. Like the other cruise lines, they have several complimentary dining establishments onboard.
The International Café is a popular 24-hour eatery that offers a diverse selection of light bites, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. It’s an ideal spot for a quick snack, a leisurely coffee break, or a satisfying meal at any time of the day.
The Crown Grill and Sabatini’s are two other restaurants that have gained strong reputations for their exceptional dining experiences.
- Crown Grill is a specialty steakhouse that is known for its upscale ambiance and delectable cuts of prime beef.
- Sabatini’s is an Italian specialty restaurant that offers a delightful menu showcasing traditional Italian dishes, including homemade pastas, seafood delicacies, and decadent desserts.
Onboard Activities on Princess Cruise Lines
One of our favorite activities on Princess was the “Movies Under the Stars” concept. This is where you can enjoy movies, concerts, and sporting events on a large outdoor movie screen, complete with complimentary popcorn and cozy blankets.
The Discovery at SEA program is another unique onboard activity. This is a collaboration with Discovery Inc., which brings enriching and immersive learning experiences to your vacation.
You can participate in activities inspired by popular shows like Shark Week and Deadliest Catch, attend wildlife presentations, and even interact with Animal Planet experts.
Average Age on Princess Cruise Lines
The average age of passengers on Princess Cruises tends to be slightly higher compared to some other cruise lines, primarily due to the line’s reputation for providing a more refined and elegant cruising experience.
Princess Cruises offers a variety of itineraries and ship sizes, which can influence the average age of passengers on a specific cruise.
Longer cruises and those with more exotic destinations may attract a slightly older demographic, including retirees and mature travelers seeking a leisurely and immersive vacation.
Princess is our pick if you’re looking for a laid-back/relaxing, no-thrills, enjoyable vacation.
Summary of the Major Cruise Lines
| Cost | Cuisine | Entertainment | |
| Royal Caribbean | $ | **** | ***** |
| Carnival | $ | *** | *** |
| Holland | $$ | **** | ** |
| Celebrity | $$$ | *** | **** |
| Norwegian | $$ | *** | **** |
| Disney | $$$$ | *** | ***** |
| Princess Cruise Line | $$ | *** | ** |
** No cruise line, except Europe’s Costa Cruises, accepts babies younger than 6 months of age on board (some set the limit at 1 year old). Many luxury cruise ships do not allow children under 14 years old.
Major Cruise Lines FAQ’s
What cruise lines are similar to Holland America?
Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, and Oceania all share similarities with Holland America in terms of ambiance, service, and target demographic.
Who is Carnival Cruise Lines biggest competitor?
Carnival Cruise Line’s biggest competitor in the cruise industry is Royal Caribbean International.
Who is bigger Royal Caribbean or Carnival?
In terms of fleet size and passenger capacity, Royal Caribbean is larger.
Who has the biggest cruise ship?
Royal Caribbean
What is your favorite cruise line to travel?!
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Love Princess Cruises! Always have had a great time. Food is fantastic and ships are very clean and nice.
We love Princess too!
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Thank you! I am glad you found it helpful! 😊