Cruise Lines

1972 · Miami, FL · carnival.com

The 'Fun Ships' — the most affordable major cruise line and the largest fleet sailing from U.S. ports. Excel-class ships feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and run on cleaner LNG fuel. Heavy focus on dining partnerships with Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, and Shaquille O'Neal. Carnival's newest ships (Jubilee, Celebration, Mardi Gras) have transformed the brand's reputation with resort-style zones and premium dining options.

1988 · Miami, FL · celebritycruises.com

Modern luxury with a focus on design and culinary excellence. The Edge-class ships (Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, Xcel) introduced the industry-first Magic Carpet — a cantilevered platform that travels the ship's exterior — and outward-facing Infinite Verandas. Recently expanded into river cruising with small luxury riverboats in Europe. All-inclusive pricing available. Part of Royal Caribbean Group.

1854 · Genoa, Italy · costacruises.com

Italy's flagship cruise line and one of Europe's most recognized cruise brands. Known for Italian-inspired dining, entertainment, and design across the fleet. Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana are the newest ships, both powered by LNG. Primarily serves European and South American markets with Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and transatlantic itineraries. Part of Carnival Corporation.

1995 · Celebration, FL · disneycruise.disney.go.com

The gold standard in family cruising, combining Disney storytelling with premium cruise experiences. The Wish-class ships feature immersive Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars themed dining and entertainment. Disney Adventure, launching in 2025, is the fleet's largest ship at ~208,000 GT and will homeport in Singapore. Known for Castaway Cay private island and the new Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas.

1873 · Seattle, WA · hollandamerica.com

One of the oldest cruise lines with over 150 years of ocean travel heritage. Renowned for long itineraries, enrichment programs (BBC Earth partnerships, Lincoln Center Stage music, Rolling Stone Rock Room), and the Culinary Arts Center. Appeals to experienced cruisers who prefer a classic, refined atmosphere. Mid-size ships carry 1,400–2,650 passengers. Part of Carnival Corporation.

1966 · Miami, FL · ncl.com

Pioneered Freestyle Cruising — no fixed dining times, no dress codes, no assigned seating. The Haven ship-within-a-ship concept offers luxury suites with private pools and 24-hour butler service. The new Prima class (Prima, Viva, Aqua, Luna) features Ocean Boulevard, a wrap-around outdoor promenade, and the Indulge Food Hall. Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also owns Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

1965 · Santa Clarita, CA · princess.com

The 'Love Boat' line, made famous by the 1970s TV series. Known for the MedallionClass wearable technology that enables touchless boarding, on-demand food delivery anywhere on ship, and personalized experiences. The new Sun-class ships (Sun Princess, Star Princess) are the largest in the fleet at 175,500 GT. Strong presence in Alaska, the Panama Canal, and world cruises. Part of Carnival Corporation.

1968 · Miami, FL · royalcaribbean.com

Home to the largest cruise ships ever built, including the 250,800 GT Icon of the Seas. Known for onboard innovation — surf simulators, skydiving, ice shows, Central Park gardens, and the tallest slide at sea. The fleet spans six ship classes from the mid-size Vision class to the groundbreaking Icon class. Part of Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.

1987 · Geneva, Switzerland · msccruises.com

Europe's largest cruise line and the world's third-largest by capacity. The World-class ships (World Europa, World America) are among the biggest afloat at over 205,000 GT. Known for Mediterranean-inspired design, the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship luxury concept, and aggressive global expansion with 25 ships in service and more on order. Family-owned by the Aponte family, MSC Group also owns Explora Journeys.

2014 · Plantation, FL · virginvoyages.com

Richard Branson's adults-only cruise line designed for a younger demographic. No kids, no buffets, no main dining room — instead, 20+ eateries all included in the fare. Features a tattoo parlor, vinyl record shop, and drag brunch. All four 110,000 GT ships are identical in design with 1,408 cabins each. The brand markets itself as a rebellion against traditional cruising conventions.

1840 · Southampton, UK · cunard.com

The most storied name in ocean travel, with nearly 185 years of history. Queen Mary 2 remains the only ship offering regular scheduled transatlantic crossings. Known for white-glove service, formal nights, and afternoon tea with white-gloved waiters. Queen Anne, the newest ship, launched in 2024 as the fourth vessel in the fleet. Part of Carnival Corporation.

1992 · Miami, FL · rssc.com

The most inclusive luxury cruise line — fares include unlimited shore excursions, business-class airfare, pre-cruise hotel, specialty dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. All-suite, all-balcony fleet ranging from 490 to 750 guests per ship. Seven Seas Grandeur (2023) is the newest addition. Part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

1987 · Seattle, WA · seabourn.com

Intimate ultra-luxury with 264 to 600 passengers per ship. Known for the Marina Day water sports platform, Ventures by Seabourn expedition kayaking and hiking, and partnerships with UNESCO and Dr. Andrew Weil for spa and wellness. Two purpose-built expedition ships (Venture, Pursuit) carry custom submarines and Zodiacs for polar and tropical exploration. Part of Carnival Corporation.

1994 · Monaco · silversea.com

All-suite, all-inclusive ultra-luxury with butler service in every suite. The S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary program immerses guests in local food culture at each destination. Fleet includes both classic ocean ships and purpose-built expedition vessels carrying Zodiacs and submarines. Silver Nova introduced an asymmetrical design maximizing ocean views. Part of Royal Caribbean Group.

1984 · Seattle, WA · windstarcruises.com

Small ships (148–342 guests) visiting boutique ports that larger vessels cannot reach. The fleet includes three iconic sailing yachts — Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit — alongside three all-suite Star-class motor yachts (Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend). Wind Surf is one of the largest sailing cruise ships in the world. Known for the 180-degree open bridge policy and retractable water sports marina.

2002 · Miami, FL · oceaniacruises.com

Self-styled 'finest cuisine at sea' — celebrated for culinary excellence and destination-rich itineraries on mid-size ships (670–1,200 passengers). The new Allura-class ships (Vista, Allura) bring the fleet to modern standards with 1,200 guests. Country-club casual atmosphere appeals to experienced travelers. Part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings alongside NCL and Regent.

2001 · Oslo, Norway · seadream.com

Twin mega-yachts (SeaDream I and SeaDream II) carrying just 112 guests each for the most intimate luxury cruise experience afloat. Known for the retractable water sports marina, Balinese Dream Beds on deck under the stars, and an unstructured 'yachting, not cruising' philosophy. Open-bar, all-inclusive pricing with crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1. Visits small harbors throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

2007 · Miami, FL · azamara.com

Mid-size ships (690 passengers) specializing in destination immersion with longer stays and more overnights in port than competitors. Known for AzAmazing Evenings — complimentary exclusive events at iconic venues in port cities. The fleet of four R-class ships offers a country-club casual atmosphere. Acquired by Sycamore Partners from Royal Caribbean Group in 2021.

1997 · Bellevue, WA · pgcruises.com

Operates a single ship — m/s Paul Gauguin — purpose-built for cruising the shallow lagoons and remote atolls of French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific year-round. At 332 passengers, the ship is small enough to visit ports like Bora Bora and Moorea that larger vessels cannot access. Includes a retractable water sports marina and local Polynesian entertainment. Owned by Ponant.

1988 · Marseille, France · ponant.com

France's only cruise line, operating 13 ships under the French flag. Fleet includes five classic luxury ships (Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soleal, Le Lyrial, Le Ponant) and seven Explorer-class expedition vessels including Le Commandant Charcot — the world's first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration icebreaker. All ships are small (up to 264 passengers) and visit remote destinations worldwide.

2015 · Basel, Switzerland · vikingcruises.com

Destination-focused cruising with identical 930-passenger, all-veranda ships. Fares include a shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and beer/wine at meals. No casinos, no children under 18. Scandinavian design throughout — clean lines, natural materials, and the LivNordic Spa with snow grotto. Grew from river cruising roots to become one of the fastest-growing ocean brands.

2022 · Miami, FL · ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

Marriott International's entry into ultra-luxury cruising, applying the Ritz-Carlton service standard to intimate yacht-style vessels. The fleet comprises Evrima (298 guests, 2022), Ilma (448 guests, 2024), and Luminara (448 guests, 2025). All suites feature private terraces, personal concierge service, and Ritz-Carlton signature amenities. Michelin-starred dining by chef Fabio Trabocchi aboard each yacht.

2023 · Geneva, Switzerland · explorajourneys.com

MSC Group's luxury brand launched with Explora I in 2023. All-suite ships with ocean residences starting at 377 sq ft, each with private terrace. Targets a younger luxury demographic with European design and an 'ocean state of mind' philosophy. Six ships planned through 2028 (Explora I through VI), each carrying 922 guests at 63,900 GT. Currently operating Explora I and II with Explora III arriving mid-2026.

1988 · Miami, FL · crystalcruises.com

Revived in 2023 by A&K Travel Group after the original company's bankruptcy. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony returned to service following multi-million-dollar refurbishments. Known for spacious suites, Nobu restaurant at sea, and the Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) service philosophy. Crystal Grace, the first newly built Crystal ship in 25 years, is scheduled for 2028 delivery.

2019 · Newcastle, Australia · scenic.com.au

Scenic's ocean division operates purpose-built discovery yachts — Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II — designed for expedition and luxury cruising with submarines, helicopters, and Zodiacs. All-suite, all-inclusive with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio on 228-passenger ships. GPS-guided Scenic Discovery excursions included. An extension of the well-established Scenic river cruise brand.

1893 · Oslo, Norway · travelhx.com

Rebranded from Hurtigruten Expeditions to HX in late 2023, now with a distinctive Indigo Blue and Sand fleet livery. Specializes in expedition cruising to Antarctica, the Arctic, and Norwegian fjords with a strong emphasis on science and sustainability. MS Roald Amundsen was the world's first hybrid-powered expedition ship. The fleet underwent a EUR 7 million refurbishment of MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen.

1976 · Los Angeles, CA · uniworld.com

Ultra-luxury river cruising across Europe, Asia, Africa, India, and South America. Each ship is individually designed with antiques, original artwork, and bespoke furnishings — no two ships look alike. All-inclusive with excursions, gratuities, premium spirits, and farm-to-table dining. The 'U by Uniworld' sub-brand targets younger travelers (21–45). Part of The Travel Corporation alongside Red Carnation Hotels.

1997 · Basel, Switzerland · vikingcruises.com

The world's largest river cruise line with 95 vessels sailing Europe's Rhine, Danube, Seine, and Douro rivers, plus the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi. Viking Longships — the industry-standard design — carry 190 passengers with all-veranda staterooms. Fares include a shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, beer and wine at meals, and onboard cultural enrichment. No children under 18.

2002 · Calabasas, CA · amawaterways.com

Family-owned river cruise line known for culinary excellence — the only river line with a partnership with La Chaine des Rotisseurs gastronomic society. Fleet of 33 ships sails European rivers, the Mekong, Chobe River (Africa), and Colombia's Magdalena. Ships feature twin balconies (French and full step-out), swim-up pool bars, and complimentary bicycles. Offers active excursions including hiking and biking.

2000 · Guilford, CT · americancruiselines.com

The largest U.S.-flagged cruise line, operating exclusively in American waterways — the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake Rivers, New England coast, Alaska's Inside Passage, and the Great Lakes. Small ships carry 90–180 passengers. The new American Eagle series features contemporary catamaran designs. All ships are built in their own Chesapeake Bay shipyard.

2004 · Littleton, CO · avalonwaterways.com

Known for the Panorama Suite — featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create an open-air balcony, the widest in river cruising at 200 sq ft. Fleet of 18 ships sails European rivers, the Mekong, and Galapagos. Part of the Globus family of brands. Offers AvalonGO active excursions and a focus on local, immersive experiences at each destination.

1986 · Newcastle, Australia · scenic.com.au

All-inclusive luxury river cruising with Scenic Space-Ships featuring the Sun Lounge — an industry-first private all-weather balcony that converts from enclosed sunroom to open-air terrace. Fleet of 12 ships sails European rivers, the Mekong, and the Irrawaddy. Butler service in Royal Suites, complimentary e-bikes, and Scenic Enrich exclusive cultural experiences included in the fare.