The Best Cruise Lines in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards
Now in its 36th iteration, our annual Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises, islands, and luggage. This year, you traveled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritizing destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next—these are the best cruises in the world, as voted by our readers.
View the Readers' Choice Award winners for best cruises as a list with scores here.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Mega Ships (More than 4,000 passengers)
Port Miami for MSC Cruises4. Mega Ship Line: MSC Cruises
Though MSC is headquartered in landlocked Switzerland, this cruise line has mastered the art of mega-ships, building eight of the 20 largest in the world. Each can hold between 5,300 and 6,700 passengers. MSC has some plans for mega-growth, too: it debuted its first World-class mega-ship MSC World Europa in 2022, and it has three sister ships in the pipeline.
Carnival Cruise Line3. Mega Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival made its debut into the mega-ship category in 2019 with the launch of Carnival Panorama, which has a double-occupancy passenger count of 4,008. Since then, the mega-ships have kept coming. Mardi Gras, named after the cruise line's first-ever ship, launched in 2021 and notably featured the first roller coaster at sea. Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia launched in subsequent years, and Carnival Jubilee will follow.
Courtesy Royal Caribbean International2. Mega Ship Line: Royal Caribbean International
If you truly want to feel like you’re living in a floating city, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you, given that it has the five largest cruise ships in the world. Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count (nearly 7,000 at full capacity), length (nearly 1,200 feet long), and gross tonnage (more than 225,000 tonnes). Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think of—and plenty you can’t even imagine—from waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. You’ll find these behemoths sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the year, but with so many activities on board, you might not even want to leave the ship.
Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line1. Mega Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for its colorful ships, Norwegian Cruise Line first broke into the mega-ship category in 2010 with the launch of Norwegian Epic, which can carry just over 5,000 passengers at full occupancy, and the company has since introduced five others in the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. The crowd aboard these vessels, which primarily sail in North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, often consists of families who take advantage of amenities like waterparks, virtual-reality gaming, and go-kart racing, though the cruise line’s ship, Norwegian Bliss, has a decidedly more mature atmosphere. In August 2022, Norwegian premiered its new Prima-class with Norwegian Prima, the most luxurious of its ships. But Prima-class ships are actually rather petite by cruise ship standards, carrying just about 3,000 passengers.
Large Ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers)
Danny Lehman12. Large Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is all about good family fun at a reasonable price point. It has 25 ships that sail North America and Europe, with about half of them having a capacity ranging from 2,500 to 3,900 guests. Carnival is known for its fun upper decks that are akin to an amusement park at sea, with water slides, ropes courses, mini-golf, and attractions like SkyRide, where guests pedal a hanging vehicle around a suspended track.
Christopher Ison/P&O Cruises11. Large Ship Line: P&O Cruises
The British line P&O Cruises is the oldest in the world, established in 1837 to ferry mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula, but it began to offer leisure operations—the very first cruises as we know them—as early as 1844. The ships cater to a primarily British audience, and they provide good value for a classic cruising experience. Guests enjoy traditional activities like shuffleboard, dance classes, and pub quizzes. Itineraries typically focus on Europe, though P&O also have ports of call in Asia and the Middle East. It currently has three ships in the large category, plus two new mega-ships and two medium ships.
Courtesy MSC Cruises10. Large Ship Line: MSC Cruises
A number of ships in MSC’s fleet—namely those ships in the Musica and Fantasia classes—fall into the large cruise category, with most of its newer builds firmly taking a “bigger is better” stance. The eight vessels primarily sail in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, though they do offer itineraries in North and South America, Asia, and Northern Europe, too. These family-friendly ships skew toward the upscale side, and they’re known for their international crowds.
Courtesy Royal Caribbean International9. Large Ship Line: Royal Caribbean International
Though Royal Caribbean is perhaps best known for its mega-ships, it has quite a number of large ships, too—the 3,100-passenger Voyager-class ships, for instance, were once the world’s largest, until Royal Caribbean debuted the larger Freedom class. Both of these large classes had other firsts, too—Voyager of the Seas was the first ship to have an ice rink and a rock-climbing wall, while Freedom of the Seas introduced the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea.
Courtesy Norwegian Cruises8. Large Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: The cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight (okay, over eight years), with just a few ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But that's all changed with Norwegian Prima, the first of six 3,300-passenger Prima-class ships, launched in August 2022. Some of its highlights include the fastest slides at sea (including the world's first free-fall dry slide), a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theater that transforms into a nightclub after the evening's show.
Courtesy Holland America7. Large Ship Line: Holland America Line
As its name indicates, Holland America is a cruise line that was established in 1873 to primarily ferry passengers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States. Of course, these days, the cruise line sails more broadly to more than 300 ports around the world on its 11 ships—and it’s highly regarded for its Alaska itineraries. While passengers can enjoy classic cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is particularly noted for its culinary and musical programs: it has a partnership with the TV show America’s Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations and classes, a number of live music venues (including B.B. King's Blues Club), and stage productions dedicated to the history of music on many of its ships. The latest addition to Holland America’s fleet is the Rotterdam, which first set sail in July 2021, with a capacity of 2,650 passengers.
Costa Cruises6. Large Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises, which operates under parent company Carnival, has quite a history: It was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company, transporting olive oil and textiles around the world. Transferring to the leisure cruise side of the business in 1959, Costa now operates 10 ships that sail all over the world—its newer ships fall into the mega-ship category, but the majority carry between 2,800 and 3,700 passengers.
Steve Dunlop5. Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises currently sails around the world with a fleet of 15 ships, ranging in size from its small Xpedition-class vessels, which carry 16 to 100 passengers, to its large 2,800- to 3,100-passenger Solstice class and 2,900-passenger Edge class, which debuted in late 2018 with Celebrity Edge. This edgy ship (pun intended) was designed to appeal to a non-cruising clientele with innovations like Eden, a three-story hybrid “experiential” restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, and performance venue; and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout your meal. Celebrity Edge was later joined by its sister ship Celebrity Apex in 2020 and Celebrity Beyond in 2022, with Celebrity Ascent expected to start sailing in late 2023.
Courtesy Princess4. Large Ship Line: Princess Cruises
Part of the Carnival family, Princess Cruises has a fun claim to fame—the TV show The Love Boat was set on its former Pacific Princess ship. If you’ve never seen an episode, you’re in luck, as one of the onboard TV channels airs reruns around the clock. But you won’t want to stay cooped up in your stateroom when you discover all the activities on board its 15 ships. Its special Seawitch craft beer program sees the cruise line partner with breweries around the world, while Discovery at SEA offers a series of activities based on TV shows from the Discovery, Inc. family of networks, including Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, and the Science Channel. Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Discovery Princess, set sail in 2022, and two new Sphere-class ships, which will carry 4,300 passengers each, are due to launch in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Alamy3. Large Ship Line: Cunard
For those longing for the romantic nostalgia of bygone transatlantic sailings, Cunard is your go-to. The legendary cruise line was established in 1840 and has had dozens of ships in its fleet, though today, there are just three active vessels: the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true transatlantic ocean liner, designed specifically for ocean crossings, as well as the world’s only pet-friendly ship (dogs and cats are required to stay in the kennel, a designated playroom, and a specific walking deck); the Queen Elizabeth; and the Queen Victoria. Activities haven’t changed all that much in the last 180 years—there’s still a proper afternoon tea, black-tie dinners, and galas in the ballrooms. It’s quite like a step back in time, with all the modern safety measures, of course. Cunard’s next ship, the Queen Anne, is scheduled to set sail in 2024.
Alamy2. Large Ship Line: Disney Cruise Line
If there’s one thing Disney Cruise Line does well, it’s hospitality. The company has taken every lesson it’s learned from its parks and resort operations and implemented that into its five cruise ships, including the 4,000-passenger ships Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, which launched in 2022. The ships are designed for families through and through—there are numerous themed activities every day, from meet-and-greets to full-blown parties with Disney characters—but there are plenty of adults-only areas that provide a respite from little ones. The fleet currently sails the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Bahamas (where they make port at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay), as well as Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. The next ship in the fleet will be Disney Treasure, set to debut in 2024.
Courtesy Virgin Voyages / Fiippo Vinardi1. Large Ship Line: Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages made its long-awaited debut in October 2021 with the "Mermaiden" voyage of Scarlet Lady out of Miami. The 2,770-passenger ship is adults-only, and it promotes a sexy, party-hard atmosphere between its glitzy nightclub, risque live performances, and unusual amenities like a tattoo parlor. But it's also a standout for its unique dining options, such as Korean barbecue restaurant Gunbae, where meals begin with a drinking game for the whole table. The cruise line's second ship, Valiant Lady, made her debut in the Mediterranean in March 2022, and the third ship, Resilient Lady, launched in 2023. The fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is still in the works.
Medium Ships (500 to 2,499 passengers)
Costa Cruises19. Medium Ship Line: Costa Cruises
Only one of Costa Cruises' 10 ships falls into the medium category: Costa Deliziosa. Launched in 2010, the ship carries just 2,260 passengers at double occupancy, and her fans love this smaller size. That doesn't mean she's short on amenities, though: You'll find seven pools and hot tubs, five dining venues, and 12 bars and lounges onboard. Costa Deliziosa typically sails in the Mediterranean, but in 2024, she'll start sailing four-month world cruises.
Ivan Sarfatti/Courtesy MSC Cruises18. Medium Ship Line: MSC Cruises
Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many. The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size ships—the Lirica class—which accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. They’re also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSC’s “Renaissance” program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspiration—though its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the world—so you’ll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.
Oliver Leren17. Medium Ship Line: Royal Caribbean International
While it's true that Royal Caribbean is better known for its large and mega-ships, the cruise line also has a fair number of medium-size ships whose maximum capacities are just shy of 2,500 guests. Each of these ships belongs to the Vision class or Radiance class, two families of older vessels whose smaller sizes allow them to explore more adventurous destinations, such as Alaska and Cyprus. But they also sail the Caribbean, offering Royal Caribbean loyalists a more intimate experience than the fleet's larger ships.
Michele Verdure, Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Lines16. Medium Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengers—and they still make up a large portion of the fleet. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyone’s favorite: bingo night. Norwegian’s ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America.
Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line15. Medium Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line
The eight ships between Carnival's Fantasy and Spirit classes each clock in around 2,100 passengers—Carnival hasn't built a ship that small since 2004, and has no plans to order any more. That said, in 2022, Carnival did acquire the former Costa Luminosa, now christened Carnival Luminosa, which carries 2,260 passengers. These smaller ships sail itineraries all over the world, from the Panama Canal to the South Pacific, as well as shorter sailings from Florida to the Caribbean, and bring the same amount of laid-back fun to each sailing as the much larger (and newer) Carnival ships.
Courtsy P&O Cruises14. Medium Ship Line: P&O Cruises
The United Kingdom’s premier cruise line—and the world’s oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837—P&O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd comprising primarily British nationals. As such, prepare for the ship’s amenities to have a British bent (yes, there’s a pub on board). Two of its seven ships are medium-sized, carrying about 1,900 to 2,100 passengers each.
Princess cruises13. Medium Cruise Line: Princess
Of Princess Cruises’ 15-ship fleet, its two smallest are Coral Princess and Island Princess, which are also some of the cruise line's oldest. The ships carry around 2,000 passengers and are the perfect size to sail through the Panama Canal, though you can find them all over the world throughout the year.
Courtesy Marella Cruises12. Medium Ship Line: Marella Cruises
UK–based cruise line Marella, which is operated by TUI UK, has a fleet of five ships that hold between 1,100 and 2,000 passengers, sailing itineraries around Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean, with some special journeys to Asia. The sailings are billed as all-inclusive, and they do include alcoholic beverages and tips, but some of the specialty restaurants cost an extra fee.
Andrea Klaussner11. Medium Ship Line: Hurtigruten
What started as a coastal ferry company in Norway in 1893 has expanded its operations to include expeditions to such destinations as Antarctica, Cape Verde, and Greenland. Of Hurtigruten's 15-ship fleet, there are seven that fall into the medium-ship category (the rest are expedition vessels), and they can be found sailing the Norwegian coastline throughout the year.
Courtesy Cunard10. Medium Ship Line: Cunard
While Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengers—and a number of cats and dogs—on board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth (QE) and Queen Victoria (QV) only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though they’re quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
Courtesy Holland America9. Medium Ship Line: Holland America Line
Of Holland America’s 11 ships, eight of them fall into the medium-size category, carrying between 1,400 and 2,500 passengers. Though most were built in the early 2000s, quite a few have undergone major renovations over the past three years, updating their interiors with elegant new looks. The refined ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line is Alaska.
Michel Verdure8. Medium Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s Millennium-class ships—Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation—are the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. (That excludes Celebrity's three expedition ships.) The vessels just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity's fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts, they were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.
Jenna Lyn Pimentel/Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises7. Medium Ship Line: Azamara
Though Azamara’s four 700-passenger ships are a delight to spend time on, with top-quality dining and plenty of onboard activities to fill days at sea, passengers choose this cruise line for the experience at its destinations, which span all seven continents. Azamara not only offers personalized shore excursions (so no one has to be stuck in a slow-moving group with a flag-toting guide), they also do a number of overnights, allowing guests to explore more destinations farther inland. The overnights also allow passengers to experience an evening out on the town in port cities, if they so choose.
Courtesy Silversea Cruises6. Medium Ship Line: Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s fleet has 12 ships, of which just four are technically “medium-sized,” with passenger counts around 600 people—but that’s considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller expedition vessels. Silversea Dawn, Silversea Muse, and Silversea Moon, each carry up to 596 passengers, while the newest ship, 2023's Silver Nova, carries up to 728. The line sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.
Courtesy Oceania Cruises5. Medium Ship Line: Oceania Cruises
It’s all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jacques Pépin, a six-course Dom Pérignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. Its four smaller Regatta-class ships, each accommodating 684 passengers, also have excellent dining options, like the Polo Grill and the Italian eatery Toscana. The first of two new 1,200-passenger ships, Vista, was delivered in 2023, while Allura is scheduled to launch in 2025.
Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises4. Medium Ship Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare (in business class, if you’re flying intercontinental) is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things you’ll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise line’s five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in around-the-world itineraries. Next up for Regent: the Seven Seas Grandeur, due to launch in late 2023.
Courtesy Seabourn3. Medium Ship Line: Seabourn
Don’t think of Seabourn as a typical cruise line—its ships are much more akin to megayachts, with ultra-luxurious decor, service, and dining. The fleet currently has seven vessels, the two largest of which carry 600 passengers each. Their small size allows the vessels to dock in small ports all around the world (in Indonesia, for instance, they've partnered with local tourism boards in developing ports like Celukan Bawang and Probolinggo). Many of the cruise line’s guests are lifelong learners, and they flock to the nightly Seabourn Conversation program, which brings all sorts of intriguing figures, from Steve Wozniak to Elaine Paige, on board for lectures and casual chats. In 2015, Seabourn announced a partnership with chef Thomas Keller, who crafted new menus for the three existing ships and spearheaded new restaurants on the two newest cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. The cruise line also launched its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, in 2022, with her sister Seaborn Pursuit following in 2023.
Disney2. Medium Ship Line: Disney Cruise Line
Built at the end of the 20th century, Disney Cruise Line's first two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have been delighting families for more than two decades. But despite being part of the Disney empire, the 2,400-passenger ships are not over-the-top when it comes to Disney decor. In fact, they’re quite elegant, taking design inspiration from early-20th-century ocean liners and sporting Art Deco and Art Nouveau aesthetics. In 2022, it was announced that Disney Wonder would sail to Australia and New Zealand—a first for the cruise line—for a series of "Disney Magic at Sea" sailings in 2023 and 2024. The ship will also make port in the South Pacific during its two transpacific crossings.
Courtesy Viking Ocean Cruises1. Medium Ship Line: Viking
Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched nine ocean-going vessels since 2015 (not including expedition ships), the most recent being the Viking Saturn, whose maiden voyage took place in May 2023. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port (the ships primarily sail Northern Europe, though there are some Mediterranean itineraries, too), beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.
Small Ships (Fewer than 500 passengers)
Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises13. Small Ship Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing with only 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator takes its all-inclusive promise seriously, offering unlimited shore excursions, open bars with premium wines (and in-room minibars), unlimited Wi-Fi, and dining in specialty restaurants. The ship sails all over the world, from New Zealand to Dubai, on week-long to three-month-long itineraries.
Courtesy Star Clippers12. Small Ship Line: Star Clippers
Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurl their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection11. Small Ship Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The iconic Ritz-Carlton brand headed for the high seas with the 2022 launch of Evrima, a 298-passenger superyacht with all-suite accommodations with 24/7 butler service. She'll be joined by two sister ships, Ilma and Luminara, in 2024 and 2025.
Holger Leue/Variety Cruises10. Small Ship Line: Variety Cruises
Courtesy SeaDream9. Small Ship Line: SeaDream Yacht Club
Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDream’s two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.
Steven Gourlay/Courtesy Silversea8. Small Ship Line: Silversea Cruises
Silversea has just two small ships outside its expedition category: the less-than-400-passenger vessels Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow. Though they may be small, there's plenty of room for extra-spacious suites and four restaurants onboard—and a spa, of course! Both ships sail around the world, from Japan to the Caribbean.
Courtesy Seabourn7. Small Ship Line: Seabourn
Seabourn’s three ships in the small category carry just 458 passengers each—but they leverage their small size into access at some of the world’s most beloved yacht ports: St. Tropez in the south of France; the Greek island of Kos; and popular large ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller designs specialty menus on the ships, and a partnership with UNESCO ensures shore excursions and sustainable tourism practices at some of the wildest and most wonderful destinations around the world.
Philip Plisson/Courtesy PONANT6. Small Ship Line: Ponant
Though Ponant's ships primarily fall into the expedition category, the luxurious French cruise line does operate the 32-passenger Le Ponant, a three-masted sailing vessel that bears the Relais & Châteaux label. The ship primarily sails in the Caribbean, but it has been known to make voyages to Cape Verde.
Courtesy Windstar Cruises5. Small Ship Line: Windstar Cruises
The line’s six ships—three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts—specialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed Caribbean island of Bequia. Those smaller ports can give a sense of intimacy that isn't always present in the most common cruise destinations, allowing for wholly different experiences. In 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, introducing further special itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs.
Rene Staud/Sea Cloud4. Small Ship Line: Sea Cloud Cruises
German cruise line Sea Cloud Cruises has three elegant windjammers: Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, and Sea Cloud Spirit, which accommodate 64, 94, and 136 passengers, respectively. These sailing yachts primarily split their time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, though they'll occasionally explore the Panama Canal and Northern Europe, too. The oldest ship in the fleet is Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for an American heiress—at the time, it was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the United States in World War II before ultimately returning to pleasure sailings.
Courtesy American Cruise Lines3. Small Ship Line: American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is perhaps best known for its vintage paddlewheelers, but the 19-ship fleet includes nine oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. Its Independence-class ships hold just 90 passengers, while its Constellation-class ships hold 170. There's also a new class right in the middle: two Coastal Cats (yes, they're catamarans) that carry 109 passengers. They sail the Chesapeake Bay, New England, and the South.
Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises2. Small Ship Line: Paul Gauguin Cruises
The single ship Paul Gauguin focuses solely on the Pacific, treating its 332 guests to picture-perfect beaches and dramatic scenery in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji year-round. On Mota Mahana, the line’s private island in French Polynesia, passengers sip cocktails from the floating bar or paddle out over coral reefs on kayaks and paddleboards, straight from the ship’s water sports marina. For those wanting to get under the waves, an onboard PADI scuba program certifies divers in some of the clearest waters on the planet. Best of all? The ship’s rates are all-inclusive. In 2019, Ponant acquired the cruise line.
Emerald Cruises1. Small Ship Line: Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises made the jump from the river to the sea with the launch of Emerald Azzurra in 2022 and Emerald Sakara in 2023. These twin 100-passenger yachts currently sail in the Mediterranean and Caribbean but will expand their catalog to itineraries in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean starting in late 2024.
River Ships
A-ROSA16. River Ship Line: A-ROSA
German cruise line A-ROSA operates 14 ships on five European rivers: the Rhine, the Danube, the Rhône/Saône, the Seine, and the Douro. Its guests are mainly active Europeans who enjoy adventurous excursions like bike tours, hiking, and horseback riding. The line is also known for its family and culinary cruises.
Courtesy American Queen Steamboat Company15. River Ship Line: American Queen Voyages
If nostalgia’s the name of your game, book a trip with the American Queen Voyages, whose four paddlewheelers sail the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. These are leisurely sailings: most are nine days long, with some outliers like the 15- or 16-day journey from Minneapolis to New Orleans. The cruise line also has two ships that sail lakes and oceans, as well as one expedition ship that sails in Alaska.
Emerald Cruises14. River Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises has a fleet of nine river ships that sail Europe's famous waterways and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Its EmeraldACTIVE program offers fast-paced excursions and onboard fitness classes, while its EmeraldPLUS program dives deep into local culture, both via tours and onboard enrichment.
Avalon Waterways13. River Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
With a fleet of 18 river ships, Avalon has quite a few itineraries throughout Europe, India, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and Peru, though it charters ships in those last two destinations. Avalon’s own purpose-built ships are incredibly spacious—suites are 30 percent larger than the industry standard and feature fully retractable floor-to-ceiling windows.
12. River Cruise Line: Sonesta Cruise Collection
You might be more familiar with Sonesta's hotel offerings than its cruises, but the hospitality company has a fleet of six ships that sail the Nile on three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries. The vessels range in style from the '20s-inspired Sonesta Dahabeya Amira, which has just seven cabins, to the contemporary 49-cabin Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise Ship.
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Scenic11. River Ship Line: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic’s 13 luxurious river ships sail waters across Europe and Asia, from the Danube in Germany to the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Each voyage is completely all-inclusive—transfers, excursions, all food and beverage (including the mini-bar!), and gratuities are covered in the rate—making for a truly relaxing and stress-free experience. And did we mention there’s butler service for every cabin?
Courtesy AMA Waterways10. River Ship Line: AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways cruises the waters of Europe, Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a handful of new ships debuting in the past few years. In 2019, the line launched AmaMagna, a double-wide river cruise on the Danube that features massive 710-square-foot suites—a size unheard of on a river-going vessel. Despite the ship being so much larger than its sisters, the passenger count only increased by 20 percent to 196 guests, ensuring an intimate experience. The cruise line sails 22 ships in Europe; one on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; one on the Chobe in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa; and one on the Nile in Egypt. In 2024, AMAWaterways will expand to Latin America, sailing the AmaMagdalena in Colombia, as well as debut its second Nile ship, the AmaLilia.
Mark Williams/Sanctuary Retreats9. River Cruise Line: Sanctuary Retreats
Sanctuary Retreats has a portfolio comprising both safari lodges and river cruises. Regarding the latter, it has four ships that sail the Nile, including one traditional dahabiya sailing boat called Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau that's only available for private charter, as well as a ship that sails the Irrawaddy in Myanmar.
Courtesy Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection8. River Ship Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld's 17 river ships cruise around the globe in Europe, Egypt, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peru. Its excursions offer passengers the opportunity to get a little closer to their destinations of choice, with visits to local homes, farms, and artisans, and every excursion is rated by ability level. The cruise line's newest ships are the S.S. São Gabriel, which sails Portugal's Douro river; the S.S. Sphinx on the Nile; and the Mekong Jewel in Southeast Asia. It also completely renovated its former River Countess and rechristened it the S.S. La Venezia in 2020.
Pandaw7. River Ship Line: Pandaw
Most river cruise lines specialize in European rivers or the Nile, but Pandaw is not most cruise lines. It focuses on the waterways of Asia, sailing 17 ships on the rivers of six countries, including India's Brahmaputra River and Ganges River. Though the ships are all traditional in their style, they offer guests a luxurious home base for adventurous excursions.
Grand Circle Corporation6. River Ship Line: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Courtesy Tauck3. River Ship Line: Tauck River Cruising
Tauck’s nine river ships specialize in navigating Northern Europe, with itineraries that highlight the castles of Germany’s Rhine River or explore Paris and Monet’s gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young children—a unique offering among river cruise lines.
American Cruise Lines2. River Ship Line: American Cruise Lines
Courtesy Viking River Cruises1. River Ship Line: Viking
Viking has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 riverboats, nine ocean vessels, and two expedition ships in its fleet. The company's longships explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Viking River Cruises also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and select shore excursions in its prices, and its “Culture Curriculum” offers experiential learning through events like regional wine tastings and menus that rotate seasonally.
Expedition Ships
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Alaskan Dream Cruises15. Expedition Ship Line: Alaskan Dream Cruises
If you're not interested in the big ships in Alaska, Alaskan Dream Cruises might be the company for you. With a fleet of five small ships with capacities between 12 and 76 passengers, this cruise line brings you up close to all the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness—and its spectacular wildlife. And because Alaskan Dream is indigenous-owned, it's able to stop in areas otherwise prohibited to outside visitors.
Courtesy Lindblad Expeditions14. Expedition Ship Line: Lindblad - National Geographic Expeditions
This fleet of 17 vessels—with passenger capacities ranging from just 28 to 148—sails to rugged, far-flung destinations, including Arctic Svalbard, Antarctica, Indonesia, and the Galápagos. A Lindblad cruise typically prioritizes adventure over luxury. On most ships, expect small, simple cabins, but plenty of memorable excursions, like snorkeling in Borneo or hiking an ice field in Patagonia. But some of its recent fleet additions are truly luxe, from its two polar-sailing expedition ships, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, to the elegant National Geographic Islander II, which started sailing the Galápagos last year. Each sailing has an expedition team made up of experts in fields like marine biology and photography.
Silversea Cruises13. Expedition Ship Line: Silversea Cruises
Silversea is known for its ultra-luxurious hospitality, and its five expedition ships are no exception. The oldest, the 144-passenger Silver Explorer, was built in 1989, while the newest is the 200-passenger Silver Endeavor (formerly Crystal Endeavor) launched in 2021. These two vessels, along with Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, sail all over the world, including the polar regions. Silversea also operates a ship in the Gálapagos: the 100-passenger Silver Origin.
Werner Kruse12. Expedition Ship Line: Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten's expedition fleet comprises seven ships that sail the seven seas—itineraries range from polar expeditions to West Africa and Cape Verde to the Caribbean and Central America. The newest ships in the fleet are the 528-passenger MS Roald Amundsen and her twin, the MS Fridtjof Nansen, both of which are powered by hybrid engines (and named after famed Norwegian explorers). The 250-passenger MS Fram was originally built in 2007, but she underwent a full refurbishment in 2022.
Violette Vauchelle/PONANT11. Expedition Ship Line: Ponant
Fine French cuisine, Hermès bath products, and personalized service come standard on Ponant's fleet of globe-circling ships. Ponant has leaned heavily into expedition cruising, launching seven custom-built ships over the past four years. Six belong to the cruise line's explorer class, noted for its underwater lounges, where ambient sounds from the surrounding seas are pumped in via the ship's hydrophones. The seventh and newest ship is Le Commandant Charcot, a Polar Class 2–rated icebreaker that sails to the Geographic North Pole.
Acacia Johnson/Courtesy Quark Expeditions10. Expedition Ship Line: Quark Expeditions
If you’re after white sand and turquoise waters, Quark Expeditions isn’t for you. The cruise line specializes in polar expeditions: each of its three ships is an ice-strengthened vessel capable of bringing guests to the farthest reaches of the northern and southern seas. The access they provide to the polar regions is unparalleled and well worth the expedition experience. Its flagship, Ultramarine, is particularly luxe, and it's outfitted with two helicopters for off-ship exploration.
Seabourn9. Expedition Cruise Line: Seabourn
Seabourn introduced expeditions into its repertoire in 2021 with Seabourn Venture, a 264-passenger luxury ship with all-veranda suites. Her sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, debuted in 2023. The vessels are equipped with two custom-built submersibles, which will deploy on itineraries from the Arctic to West Africa.
Metropolitan Touring8. Expedition Cruise Line: Metropolitan Touring
Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. In 2024, the company will launch a river ship on the Magdalena River in Colombia. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.
Courtesy Quasar7. Expedition Cruise Line: Quasar
The first luxury line to sail the Galápagos, Quasar Expeditions is best known for its in-depth trips aboard its two intimate ships that carry fewer than 32 passengers each. Yet note the street cred of said ships: One of the two, the Grace, is the former yacht of Princess Grace of Monaco. The other, the Evolution, will allow you to retrace Darwin's footsteps in the Galápagos.
Courtesy Celebrity Cruises6. Expedition Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity's three expedition vessels are by far the smallest ships in the cruise line's fleet: Celebrity Xpedition carries 48 passengers, Celebrity Xploration (a catamaran!) carries just 16, and Celebrity Flora carries 100 passengers. All three sail the Galápagos, with some itineraries including pre- or post-sailing tours to mainland Ecuador and even Peru, where guests can visit Machu Picchu.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Expanding from the rivers to the sea, Scenic launched its first ocean-going vessel, the expedition ship Scenic Eclipse, in 2019, and its second, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Though each ship only carries 200 passengers in polar regions (and 228 elsewhere), they both have an extraordinary array of shipboard offerings, including 10 dining experiences, two helicopters, and a submersible each.
Courtesy Ecoventura4. Expedition Cruise Line: Ecoventura
As Ecoventura operates a fleet of three expedition yachts with a capacity of only 20 passengers, you know you’re getting a personalized experience on board. The ships sail two week-long itineraries in the Galápagos—you can combine them both if you want more time with the islands’ incredible wildlife. The luxurious ships each have 10 well-appointed cabins, a lounge where naturalists provide lectures and briefings before excursions, a dining room and bar, a library filled with scholarly tomes on the Galápagos, and a sundeck for relaxation.
Stevie Mann/Aqua Expeditions3. Expedition Cruise Line: Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions has three river ships: Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, which sail the Peruvian Amazon, and Aqua Mekong, which traverses the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. Guests sailing aboard these modern, luxurious vessels will partake in daily excursions that introduce them to both the ecology and the culture of their destinations. Aqua also operates the expedition ships Aqua Blu, which sails through Indonesia, and Aqua Mare, which sails in the Galápagos.
UnCruise Adventures2. Expedition Cruise Line: UnCruise Adventures
It's all in the name. UnCruise Adventures is, well, unlike any other cruise line out there. While all expedition cruises have an element of adventure to them, UnCruise breathes adventure through every pore. Case in point: "yak-and-whack" excursions that combine miles of kayaking and backcountry hiking over a period of five, six, or seven hours. The cruise line operates a fleet of nine small ships that carry 22 to 86 passengers that sail all throughout North and Central America, from Alaska to Mexico's Sea of Cortez to the Panama Canal. Passengers quickly form bonds as they embark on their adventures.
Viking Cruises1. Expedition Cruise Line: Viking
When Viking was founded in 1997, it focused solely on river cruising in Europe. It soon expanded its operations to other rivers around the world, followed by the oceans in 2013. The expedition branch of the company, however, was only launched in 2020—the first ship, Viking Octantis, is a 378-passenger vessel that made her debut in early 2022. Her sister, Viking Polaris, made her inaugural voyage later in the year.