Which Cruise Line Is Best? Cruise Line Comparison

Champagne with an ocean view - who could ask for anything more?

Ever thought of taking a cruise but can't decide which line to pick? Sometimes it can be hard to tell which cruise line is best. Visiting their official websites is of little help - the same beautiful pictures of stunning beaches and fancy food juxtaposed with impossibly gorgeous people in swimsuits are enticing, but not informative. Here's a quick rundown of the major cruise lines serving Americans at home and abroad:

Carnival
Known for its party atmosphere, Carnival caters to a young adult and young family demographic with water slides, just above average food (not so gourmet), lots of glitzy clubs and casinos. The emphasis is more on fun than luxury, and the design leans heavily in the garish old Vegas style. With 25 ships, Carnival is one of the biggest cruise lines on the planet, with sailings to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, South America, Asia, Hawaii, Tahiti and the Mediterranean.

Norwegian
Known as "Freestyle Cruising", Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more relaxed approach to cruising with no assigned dining times or formal wear required. Families and partying adults make up the bulk of their clientele. The newest ship, Epic, features groundbreaking installations like an ice bar and the Blue Man Group show. With 11 ships and 2 on the way, Norwegian's liners sail to Caribbean, Bermuda, New England, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and the Mediterranean.

Disney
Aimed squarely at families with children, Disney's 4 ships (2 of which are brand new) are of the mid-size variety and offer Disney characters and shows in what appears to be a luxurious setting. Prices reflect that, with rates often exceeding their competitors (the above listed lines).  The food is faux fancy but unless you pay to dine in the adults-only eateries (Palo and the newest, Remy), it's not much of a selling point. Kids get the run of the place and adults have less to do (Disney is the only line to be totally casino-free). A small fleet means that itineraries rotate with the only constant being the Caribbean; the 2 older ships have sailed to Alaska, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Panama Canal.

Royal Caribbean
Home to the world's largest cruise ships by a long shot (its 2 Oasis-class ships and 4 Freedom-class ships are far and away the biggest at sea), Royal Caribbean offers plenty to entice cruisers of all ages. The newest and biggest ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, offer Broadway shows, zip lining and an outdoor water amphitheatre in addition to the usual activities like ice skating, live entertainment, rock climbing and FlowRider surf machines. In a competing effort against Disney, Royal Caribbean now offers DreamWorks characters and shows on several of its ships (you know, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and company). Most ships offer even more upscale restaurants in addition to the traditional (and still kinda fancy) dining rooms. Royal Caribbean's ships cover the globe, with sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, South America, Asia, Australia, Dubai and the Mediterranean.

Princess
Carnival's classier sister line, Princess caters to an older crowd of mostly couples that like a more muted experience than what Carnival provides. Made famous by The Love Boat TV show, Princess has since grown into a worldwide presence built on a brand all about romance. Princess is for lovers, and they'll go overboard to prove it (no pun intended). Many ships feature elaborate "piazzas" instead of lobby atriums, the food is decidedly gourmet and Movies Under the Stars are just one of the entertainment options at night. Princess uses 16 mid- to large-size ships that sail around the world (literally as well - they periodically offer a World Cruise), with 2 more under construction.

Celebrity
Owned by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity operates the largest premium ships afloat and aim them at sophisticated couples - not much for children to do here. Elaborate art installations, spa staterooms and upscale gourmet food in several venues are the hallmarks of the line's current image bolstered by the glamorous Solstice-class of ships. The line boasts 10 ships (with 1 on the way), including Xpedition, which does adventure sailings to the Galapagos Islands. The rest of the fleet treads more familiar territory in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Alaska.

Holland America
Subdued is the operative word with this premium line (also owned by Carnival). The demographic definitely skews older and the ships mostly smaller, with an emphasis on relaxation and pampering over activity. The only line to offer full size bathtubs in all staterooms (most lines are shower-only unless you've bumped up to a suite), Holland America is full of classy touches (only fresh squeezed OJ at breakfast, for example). The fleet stands at 15 ships that rotate on various itineraries around the world, in addition to the standard Caribbean and Mediterranean routes.