Which Cruise Line is Best? The Ultimate Guide for First Time Cruisers

Booking your first cruise can be very overwhelming. Even once you have decided on an itinerary and destination, there will likely be many cruise lines to choose from, so how do you know which cruise line is best for you?

Well, the key to finding your dream cruise vacation starts with selecting the class of ship that best matches your travel style and personality.

There are 5 basic classes of ships, ranging from a casual party-type atmosphere, all the way up to extravagant trip-of-a-lifetime-type cruises. So once you figure out which class of ship best suits your style (and your pocketbook), you will be better able to decide on the best cruise line for you.

Here are your basic classes:

Contemporary Class

The Contemporary Class of cruise ships have a most casual atmosphere of all the ships, making them a great choice for families, first-time cruisers, and large groups.

You will find the biggest ships in the contemporary class, also with the most amenities onboard. There will be various dining options, pools, waterparks, casinos etc. You may even find entertainment that could rival any local amusement park on some of the newer ships.

Here is a list of some of the cruise lines that fall into the Contemporary Class:

Contemporary Cruise lines generally have a younger demographic than the other cruise lines, probably primarily due to their less expensive pricing and more relaxed atmosphere.

Premium Class

Premium Class cruise ships cater to travelers who are looking for a slightly less casual atmosphere than the contemporary class ships, but still want a lot of amenities.

While these ships are fairly similar to the Contemporary Class, they offer a slightly more formal atmosphere with upscale restaurants, luxurious spas, art galleries and a more refined experience overall.

Here is a list of some cruise lines that fall into the Premium Class:

I’m not exactly sure how Disney Cruise Line fits into a more upscale Premium Class of cruise line, but apparently they do. I’m thinking this is solely due to the high price tag and Disney brand. As this is a cruise line that is obviously geared to families, it will naturally have a more casual atmosphere than the other Premium Class lines. Therefore, unless you are a diehard Disney fan or are traveling with children, I wouldn’t recommend this cruise line as a choice for a more upscale experience.

Deluxe Class

The Deluxe Class offers a higher level of sophistication and luxury than you will find on the Premium Class of ships.

These cruise lines are known for their meticulous attention to detail, refined ambiance, and exceptional service. So basically, Premium Class only better.

Deluxe class ships will be more elegantly designed with slightly larger cabins and world-class dining options. You will find that this class of ships are generally smaller than the Premium Class ships, offering a more intimate experience that focuses on top-notch service.

Here is a list of some cruise lines that fall into the Deluxe Class:

The demographic on Deluxe Class cruise lines will generally be people that are over 55 years of age, and although you will find some first-time cruisers onboard, most passengers will be seasoned cruisers.

Luxury Class

Luxury Class cruise ships can be described as the ultimate in indulgence. These ships cater to a class of travelers who are looking for the absolute best of everything. Stepping onboard one of these ships could be described as a once in a lifetime experience.

Everything is next level – lavish accommodations, gourmet dining, extravagant spas, private butler service, and exclusive shore excursions. If you have an unlimited budget and are looking to be pampered, this is the cruise class for you.

Here is a list of some cruise lines that fall into the Luxury Class:

The demographic on this class of ships will also be mostly over the age of 55, and probably in a higher tax bracket than the demographic on any of the previous cruise classes.

River Class

River Class cruise lines differ from the other classes, in that they take cruisers on serene and captivating journeys along the world’s picturesque rivers.

These cruise lines operate much smaller vessels that offer an intimate setting and allow for a more immersive cultural experience. River cruises tend to focus on exploring historical cities, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes.

You won’t find an abundance of amenities and entertainment onboard as you will with the other cruise classes, but that is not what these cruises are about. Rather, river cruisers are able to relax and take in the panoramic views, enjoy gourmet meals, and experience enriching shore excursions.

Here is a list of some cruise lines that fall into the River Class:

A river cruise is a completely different experience from an ocean cruise, as on a river cruise the entertainment is the experience of immersing yourself in other cultures. You will generally find a slightly older demographic on these cruises, and most will be seasoned ocean cruisers that have graduated to river cruising.

So What's Your Ideal Class?

As you can see, each class of cruise line is designed to cater to various preferences and travel styles.

Whether you are seeking vibrant entertainment, top-notch service, refined elegance, or a once in a lifetime adventure, there is a class of ship that is ideal for you.

What is your ideal class? Have you experienced more than one? Please share your experiences in the comments.

Ready to book your ideal class? I’m here to help!