Best Rated Cruise Lines

Cruise Line Categories

Not all cruise lines are created equal. While some cruise lines cater to wealthy vacationers with money to burn, there are other cruise lines that are marketed toward vacationers on a budget. Within each category of cruise line there are those companies that are generally regarded as better than others.

Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you should still choose among the best rated cruise lines within the category you can afford.

Luxury Cruises

Luxury cruises offer all the amenities you might imagine, and more. The destinations are exotic, the staff is attentive, and the amenities on board rival most resort hotels. This is the best way to cruise, if you can afford it and if you are interested in a truly pampering experience. Regent Seven Seas Cruises (formerly Radisson Seven Seas Cruises) is consistently ranked as one of the best cruise lines among the luxury class. With this cruise line you can choose a voyage around the world or a trip to one of the many exciting locations offered throughout the year. Rest assured, your cruise will include every amenity you need in order to feel pampered and entertained.

Other top rated luxury cruise lines include Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises. For vacationers with an unlimited budget and a thirst for decadence, there are some companies that offer chartered yacht voyages that include a full crew and amenities.

Intermediate Cruises

Not everyone is prepared – or able – to pay the costs associated with a luxury cruise, yet they want an experience above those offered by the budget cruise lines. The highest rated intermediate cruise lines include names that are a little more familiar to people than the luxury cruise lines. With an intermediate cruise you will experience impressive amenities and interesting destinations, but without the sticker shock of a luxury cruise.

Which cruise is best for you?

The best rated cruise lines among the intermediate ranking include:

• Holland America Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Azamara Cruise Line

Intermediate cruise lines are also referred to as “Deluxe” or “Premium.” They are not nearly as expensive as luxury cruises, but can be significantly more expensive than a budget cruise.

Budget Cruises

A budget, or mainstream, cruise can be a great choice for people who want to cruising experience but who do not want to spend a great deal of money in order to get it. Make no mistake about it; even though the budget cruise lines do not offer the same degree of amenities and luxuries as other cruise lines, they still offer a nice experience and relatively exotic locations.

The highest rated budget cruise lines are Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, but many vacationers find that some of the cruise lines from the intermediate ranking only cost a little more than these budget cruises do, and offer more amenities as well as more unique destinations.

On the other hand, plenty of vacationers are thrilled with the service they receive from the budget cruise lines they have spent time on, so it all depends on personal preference.

Research Best Rated Cruise Lines

When deciding on which cruise line to book with, one of the best things to do is to take a little time to research what other passengers have said about the particular cruise line you’re considering. Professional travel writers do a good job of conveying the true experience, but if you want to know the nitty-gritty about a cruise line then you should read reviews that are written by people who aren’t paid to write them.

Be sure to read several cruise reviews before booking with a certain company, regardless of the cruise line’s rating, and remember that your experience may vary from the reviewer’s – thorough research, including cruise line ratings, can help you choose the best cruise vacation for your budget and preferences.