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A cruise vacation can often offer better value than a land-based trip, as lodging, dining, and entertainment are all included in one price—if chosen wisely. To help you get the best value for your money, U.S. News has ranked top cruise lines using a method that evaluates itinerary costs, amenities, health ratings, and traveler feedback. Keep reading to explore this year’s best cruise lines for value, and don’t forget to check out the latest cruise deals for an even more affordable getaway.
1. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages, founded by British entrepreneur Richard Branson, is a trendy, adults-only cruise line offering a unique and refreshing experience compared to traditional cruises. Many passengers praise it for excitingly delivering something different.
The Virgin Voyages fleet features four sleek, superyacht-inspired ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the upcoming Brilliant Lady (set to launch in 2024). These stylish ships sail to breathtaking destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific, departing from major ports like Miami, San Juan, Barcelona, Athens, Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne, and Auckland. Itineraries vary from two to 15 nights.
Onboard Experience & Amenities
- Sleek & Modern Design – Inspired by luxury superyachts
- Upscale Dining – Over 20+ dining venues and specialty bars
- Free Wi-Fi – Stay connected at sea
- Chic Staterooms – Thoughtfully designed accommodations
- Wellness & Fitness – Stylish pools, group workout classes, and relaxing spa experiences
- Unique Entertainment – Enjoy immersive evening performances and social activities
Pros & Cons
- Exclusive Adults-Only Cruise Line with Brand-New, Luxurious Ships
- Emphasis on Gourmet Dining, Holistic Wellness, and Cutting-Edge Technology (Including Free Wi-Fi)
- Exclusive Nightly Entertainment Experiences
- Traditional cruisers may not find high-tech features appealing.
- A new cruise line means there are fewer ships to choose from.
- No classic buffets are available on board.
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2. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises earns high ratings from passengers and experts for its elegant design and innovative cuisine. The fleet sets sail from major U.S. cities like Honolulu, Miami, Boston, and Seattle.
You can opt for a smaller ship, such as Celebrity Xpedition, which accommodates 48 passengers, or a larger vessel, like Celebrity Beyond, with a capacity of 3,260 guests.
Regardless of your choice, expect top-tier customer service with approximately one crew member for every two passengers. Celebrity Cruises offers worldwide voyages, stopping at popular destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. Trips range from three to 18 nights, with excursions tailored to each itinerary.
Onboard, there’s plenty to experience, from wine workshops and glassblowing classes to luxurious spa treatments. Dining options include the Main Restaurant and a variety of specialty venues across the fleet.
U.S. News Insider Tip: Download the Celebrity Cruises app a few weeks before your trip to make the most of its features. Use it to scan your passport, select your arrival time, and streamline your check-in process.
Once onboard, the app allows you to begin your safety briefing, chat with loved ones, book dining and excursions, track spending, and manage your daily schedule.
For those sailing on Edge Series ships, the app offers even more convenience, letting you control your stateroom’s TV, lighting, temperature, and window shades.
— Skye Sherman, Contributor
Pros & Cons
- Enjoy exclusive events and special promotions with the Captain’s Club rewards program.
- Specialty restaurants offer cost-saving packages for added value.
- A diverse lineup of kids’ and teens’ activities is available.
- To enjoy unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, you must purchase a beverage package or stay in select suites.
- Shore excursions are not included in the cruise fares.
- Fewer onboard options for adults compared to some other cruise lines.
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3. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises first gained fame through its role in the 1977 TV show The Love Boat, but it has since continued to impress with exciting onboard activities and flexible itineraries.
The cruise line’s fleet of 15 ships sails to stunning destinations like Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, departing from U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale. Travelers can choose between midsize and larger ships, depending on their preferences.
Regardless of the ship, expect a refined atmosphere and personalized service, with approximately one crew member for every two or three passengers. Cruises last anywhere from two to 116 days, offering unique experiences like stargazing with experts, live stage shows, and Movies Under the Stars screenings by the pool.
When the ship docks, enjoy diverse shore excursions, from sightseeing in Barcelona to rum tastings in Barbados. For those wanting more time on land, select sailings include Cruisetours, allowing travelers to extend their journey with extra nights before or after the cruise.
Pros & Cons
- Enjoy flexible dining times and a wide range of culinary options.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available, featuring lowered closet railings and bath distress alarms for added convenience.
- Groups can easily plan their trips with Celebration Group packages.
- Some onboard amenities are not included in the cruise rates.
- Large ships can lead to crowded spaces onboard.
- Shore excursions can come with a hefty price tag.
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4. Royal Caribbean International
Despite its name, Royal Caribbean International offers cruises to over 270 destinations across 61 countries on all seven continents. Travelers can sail to classic hotspots like the Caribbean and Mexico or explore exciting destinations such as Alaska, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Depending on the itinerary, guests can savor local cuisine, join sightseeing tours, or go snorkeling on shore excursions. Royal Caribbean ships depart from major U.S. ports like Seattle, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale, along with numerous international locations. Cruise durations range from two to 28 nights, with the ultimate option—The Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night voyage covering all seven continents.
With a fleet of 28 ships (and two more on the way), Royal Caribbean offers a variety of sailing experiences. Smaller ships, such as Rhapsody of the Seas, accommodate around 2,400 guests, while larger vessels like Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas can hold over 6,700 passengers. The highly anticipated Icon of the Seas will boast a capacity of up to 7,600 guests!
Each ship maintains a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately one crew member for every three passengers and features a diverse range of dining options and activities for all ages, including kids’ programs and adults-only pool areas.
Pros & Cons
- A wide selection of ships and destinations to choose from.
- Onboard amenities are designed to cater to cruisers of all ages.
- A wide range of onboard dining options, including specialty dining packages.
- Certain beverages come with an additional cost.
- High-capacity ships can feel crowded, particularly during the holiday season.
- Shore excursions are not included in the cruise rates.
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5. Holland America Line
Holland America Line caters to affluent adults with midsize ships that accommodate 1,432 to 2,668 guests. Each ship provides exceptional service, with two to three crew members per passenger. Holland America’s fleet sails to diverse destinations, including Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and Antarctica. Cruises depart from U.S. cities like Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and San Diego, with durations ranging from one to 128 days.
Onboard, enjoy a variety of enrichment programs, including digital photography workshops, cooking demonstrations, and mixology classes. For fitness lovers, there are spin and Pilates classes, followed by a relaxing spa experience. Shore excursions, tailored to each itinerary, generally focus on adult interests, offering activities such as animal encounters, bike tours, and helmet diving.
Dining aboard Holland America is a delightful experience, with options to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy a five-course meal in the main Dining Room, a seafood feast in the Pinnacle Grill, or the convenience of 24-hour room service, the choice is yours.
U.S. News Insider Tip: Booking non-repeating, back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages is a fantastic way to explore multiple areas of a region and visit several countries on a single cruise. –
Jill Schildhouse, Contributor.
Pros & Cons
- Smaller guest capacities make the ships feel more spacious.
- Around-the-world voyages are available.
- Cruisers praise friendly crew members
- Generally, more expensive than competitors like Princess and Royal Caribbean.
- Wi-Fi access comes at an additional cost.
- Fewer onboard activities and dining venues compared to lines with larger ships.
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Conclusion
The top 5 cruise ships in the world deliver a range of exceptional experiences, luxurious amenities, and unique destinations. These ships—whether celebrated for their size, service, or innovative features—offer an unforgettable journey for all travelers. From gourmet dining and entertainment to thrilling shore excursions, these cruise ships are tailored to suit every type of traveler, making them some of the best choices for your next vacation at sea.
