There has been a lot of intense rivalry among the best cruise lines firms due to the industry’s massive global popularity. Travelers of all kinds—couples, families, and even lone travelers—would choose cruises over backpacking excursions because, well, it’s simply more fun to spend a week at sea seeing many ports of call with a wide array of attractions than to plan a multi-city vacation.
The cruise companies were able to explore new territories and update their ships because of the global pandemic, which impacted them hard. Remember to research the ship’s safety regulations, vaccination needs, safety procedures, and PPE recommendations before making a reservation, since they will become the new standard aboard. According to reports, these 5 best cruise lines provide the best services, the most luxurious accommodations, and, above all else, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The best cruise lines in the world for 2024
1. Fred Olsen Cruises
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-owned business that has been in the business of sailing for over 150 years. Their smaller ships are located in the United Kingdom and are known for being reliable and comfortable. With Fred at the helm, the vibe is casual, welcoming, and unabashedly British. Olsen Cruise Lines is proud to maintain the consistency that its customers love and expect in the “British country home” environment as the business grows. Most of the positive comments about Fred Olsen were about its personnel, who were rated as cheerful, helpful, efficient, and pleasant (3.7 out of 5).
Average Rating: 3.7/5
Number of Ships in Fleet: 3
Popular Destinations: Arctic Norway, Greenland & Iceland, Canaries & Cape Verde, Mediterranean & the Adriatic, Scandinavia & the Baltic, British Isles, Caribbean & Latin America, Norwegian Fjords, Canada & USA, European Cities, Portugal & The Islands of Madeira & The Azores, World Cruises & Grand Voyages
Recommended Cruise: Bolette’s 7-Night Cruise to the British Isles & Western Europe
Route: Southampton, Hamburg, Hamburg, Heligoland, Amsterdam, Brugge (Bruges), Southampton
Price: From USD $1,407 per person
2. Virgin Voyages
Trendy adults-only cruise company Virgin Voyages stands out from the crowd and is named #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money. Recent reviewers have unanimously agreed that Virgin Voyages delivers on its claims; in fact, many have gone so far as to say that their trip was the most memorable holiday of their lives.
The three-ship fleet of the best cruise lines includes the Scarlet Lady, the Resilient Lady, and the Valiant Lady (with the Brilliant Lady being the most recent addition). The ships travel to various destinations throughout the globe.
This best cruise lines ships are known for their plush interiors, fine restaurants, free Wi-Fi, stylish accommodations, and an array of recreational, educational, and health-oriented programs. The minimum age to use the ship’s amenities and services is 18 years old, and Virgin Voyages is one of the top adult-only cruise lines in the business.
Average Rating: 4.1/5
Number of Ships in Fleet: 3 and one upcoming
Popular Destinations: South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Transatlantic, Australia, Mediterranean, Adriatic
Recommended Cruise: Scarlet Lady’s 4-Night Cruise to the Caribbean
Route: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Nassau, Castaway Cay, Castaway Cay, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Price: From USD $825 per person
3. The Azamara
Travelers have the option of lounging on a tranquil beach for days or discovering the breathtaking, picture-perfect sceneries framed by palm trees. Travelers not only have fun participating in the ship’s activities, but they also get insight into the history, customs, and culture of the nation they visit. The enjoyable on-board activities, delicious cuisine, and friendly staff at Azamara have earned the cruise line a reputation as the fourth-best for couples. With a stellar rating of 4.2 out of 5, this small-ship cruise company is clearly the favorite among everybody.
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Number of Ships in Fleet: 4
Popular Destinations: America, Caribbean, Transoceanic, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
Recommended Cruise: Azamara Quest’s 7-Night Cruise to the Mediterranean
Route: Lisbon, Portimao, Seville, Gibraltar, Cartagena (Spain), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca), Barcelona
Price: From USD $1,103 per person
4. Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is another deserving contender for best cruise line. Because of its welcoming atmosphere, entertaining facilities, and comfortable accommodations, it is also considered the best cruise line for families. Travelers and reviewers alike raved about the cruise line’s ships, awarding it a 4.2/5 rating. The ships include the Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and the brand-new Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. While Disney does a good job of luring families with children, it also has everything an adult-only resort might want, including restaurants, bars, and pools. Amenities such as themed pools, kid’s clubs, shops, dining rooms, and a variety of Disney-inspired entertainment are standard on all Disney ships.
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Number of Ships in Fleet: 6
Popular Destinations: Bermuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico, Alaska, Bahamas, Cozumel and Cancun, Asia, North America, Europe, South Pacific, and Transatlantic
Recommended Cruise: Disney Dream’s 5-Night Cruise to the Bahamas
Route: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Nassau, Castaway Cay, Castaway Cay, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Price: From USD $1,261 per person
5. Cruises on the Viking Ocean
With a maximum capacity of only under 1,000 passengers, this Swiss cruise line is perfect for intimate gatherings. Adults looking to get away from it all and unwind in peace and quiet are the target audience for most of their programs and itineraries. When voyages are postponed or cancelled,
Viking Cruises is one of the few firms that promptly refunds tickets. One of the ship’s advantages and weaknesses is that it has a small capacity, which enables it to offer individualized service. Ports that are less crowded are also good options for smaller firms. If you are seeking a romantic getaway at sea, this cruise line is a great pick, since it was named #1 among the best for couples.
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Number of Ships in Fleet: 12
Popular Destinations: America, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Australia
Recommended Cruise: Viking Venus’s 14-Night Cruise to Europe
Route: Bergen, Bergen, Shetland Islands, Invergordon (Inverness), Rosyth, Kirkwall, Ullapool, Belfast, Liverpool, Holyhead, Dublin, English Channel (Cruising), Dover, London (Greenwich, Tower Bridge, Tilbury), London (Greenwich, Tower Bridge, Tilbury)
Price: From USD $7,999 per person
Conclusion
Are you interested in a cruise line that offers one-of-a-kind excursions to pique your sense of adventure or a luxury cruise experience that is more refined? Taking a cruise is an excellent opportunity to see a number of different locations while also enjoying the many activities and entertainment options that are available on board.