How to choose the right cruise line

Key criteria to consider when choosing your cruise line

To make the best choice, keep these four key aspects of your cruise vacation in mind:

• Define your traveller profile: Family, couple, retiree, solo traveller, active traveller, or luxury traveller. Your profile influences the type of cruise ship and onboard activities that will suit you.
• Choose your desired ambience: Festive, relaxed, immersive, flexible, or intimate. This determines your onboard experience.
• Consider ship size: This impacts service levels, onboard activities, and ports of call.
• Compare inclusions: Beverage packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, all-inclusive cruise packages, or à la carte options. A careful comparison helps you maximize your cruise budget and find the best cruise deals.

Cruise lines and their strengths

Here is a list of the most popular cruise lines among clients of CAA-Quebec Travel.

Celebrity Cruises: Luxury and fine dining at sea

Enjoy a premium cruise line known for attentive, personalized service.

Best for: Couples, solo travellers, families, sports enthusiasts, culture lovers, and food enthusiasts seeking a luxury cruise vacation.

Highlights:

• Award-winning dining experiences crafted by Michelin-starred chefs
• Renowned wellness centres and spas
• Enhanced experiences by stateroom category: Concierge Class, AquaClass, or The Retreat
• Exotic cruise itineraries: Australia, South America, Asia, Galápagos

Must-see: Try out the Magic Carpet, a moving platform that travels between decks and transforms into a lounge, restaurant, or embarkation area.

Good to know: Celebrity’s “Almost All-Inclusive” package lets you add drinks and Wi-Fi for a seamless, worry-free experience.

See the full list of Celebrity Cruises ships.

Discover more information and offers from Celebrity Cruises.

Royal Caribbean International: Entertainment and adventure

Known for its excellent value, spectacular shows, and thrilling activities. Experience unforgettable moments aboard some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Best for: Families, couples, solo travellers, active travellers, and thrill-seekers. Average age: 35–54.

Highlights:

• Innovative shows: AquaTheater®, ice performances, live music, aerial acts, and stage productions
• Sports and adventure activities: Rock climbing, FlowRider® surf simulator, RipCord® by iFLY®, zip lines, bumper cars, water parks
• Comprehensive, supervised kids’ clubs for all ages

Must-see: Don’t miss Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas—a private island paradise for the whole family.

Good to know: Baby essentials such as diapers, wipes, and baby food can be pre-ordered and delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day.

See the full list of Royal Caribbean ships.

Discover more information and offers from Royal Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Freedom and flexibility

Set sail at your own pace, choosing when, where, and how to enjoy meals and activities onboard.

Best for: Couples, solo travellers, families, active groups.

Highlights:

• Freestyle cruising: Dine when you want, with whom you want, in the dining room of your choice
• Staterooms for all: The Haven for a luxurious, private retreat (with private pool and restaurant) and Studio cabins with queen bed, separate bathroom, and reserved lounge
• Broadway-style entertainment

Must-see: Walk along The Waterfront promenade to enjoy sun, ocean views, and outdoor activities at your own pace.

Good to know: Norwegian Cruise Line specialises in Hawaii cruises.

See the full list of Norwegian Cruise ships.

Discover more information and offers from Norwegian Cruise Line.

Princess Cruises: Comfort and cultural experiences

Enjoy personalised service and spacious staterooms while exploring cultural and relaxing itineraries.

Best for: Travellers of all ages, families, and those seeking relaxing yet enriching cruises.

Highlights:

• 24-hour personalised service
• Spacious staterooms: Mini-Suites and Reserve Collection with exclusive perks
• Cultural and culinary activities, Movies Under the Stars®, adults-only spa

Must-see: The Medallion wearable device allows hands-free stateroom access and identification for onboard services.

Good to know: Princess Cruises pioneered Alaska cruise itineraries and offers an annual world cruise.

See the full list of Princess Cruises ships.

Discover more information and offers from Princess Cruises.

Oceania Cruises: Luxury and gastronomy

Enjoy refined comfort and elegance in a relaxed atmosphere.

Best for: Professionals, retirees, and travellers seeking comfort and sophistication.

Highlights:

• Mid-size ships allow docking at less crowded destinations
• Open-seating gourmet restaurants
• Complimentary unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
• Excursions and activities focused on adventure, culture, and gastronomy

Must-see: Participate in culinary workshops, explore the English-style library, or attend lectures by world-class speakers.

See the full list of Oceania Cruises ships.

Azamara: Intimate cruises and unique itineraries

Experience an exceptional cruise aboard a sophisticated, intimate ship.

Best for: Retirees and travellers seeking unique itineraries.

Highlights:

• Intimate cruises with access to less-visited ports and extended hours in port
• Gourmet dining and beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) included in many bars and restaurants with no assigned seating
• 24-hour room service
• Complimentary butler service and specialty restaurants for suite guests

Must-see: Participate in AzAmazing Evenings to experience local culture and extend your onshore adventure.

Good to know: Bathrobes, slippers, Egyptian cotton bedding, and French bath products are provided.

See the full list of Azamara ships.

Disney Cruise Line: Magic at sea

Disney magic comes to life onboard with themed family cruises, activities, shows, and memorable experiences for all ages.

Best for: Families, couples, Disney fans.

Highlights:

• Themed cruises: Christmas, Halloween, Marvel
• Broadway-style musicals, fireworks at sea, themed parties (e.g., Pirate Night)
• Rotational dining in different restaurants, sometimes with Disney characters
• Spacious family staterooms with split bathrooms
• Kids’ and teen clubs, character meet-and-greets

Must-see: Private beaches, snorkelling lagoons, and water play areas at Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Good to know: Character encounters occur daily.

See the full list of Disney Cruise Line ships.

Discover more information and offers from Disney Cruise Line.

AmaWaterways: All-inclusive river cruises

Enjoy a stress-free cruise with personalised service, all-inclusive meals, and enriching excursions at every stop.

Best for: Couples, retirees, solo travellers seeking luxury and intimate river cruises.

Highlights:

• Small-ship cruises (~220 passengers) for personalised service
• Spacious, elegant staterooms, most with French balconies
• All-inclusive meals with local flavours, unlimited wine, local beer, and soft drinks at lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour
• Included excursions at every port with local guides and headsets
• Complimentary bicycles available onboard

Must-see: Join themed journeys for wine and culinary experiences in the regions visited.

Good to know: AmaWaterways all-inclusive river cruises are offered in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

See the full list of AmaWaterways ships.

Discover more information and offers from AmaWaterways.

Quick checklist to choose your cruise line

Before booking, consider:

• Days at sea vs. time in port
• Quality of onboard entertainment activities
• Passenger demographics and overall atmosphere
• Ship size and age (affects comfort and services)
• Inclusions (Wi-Fi, beverages, shore excursions)
• Port arrival and departure times

Quickly identify which cruise line aligns with your priorities.

Summary table: Which cruise line fits your travel style?

If you prefer structured planning with included services, choose an all-inclusive cruise line. For more flexibility, select a cruise line offering personalised experiences. Also read our 9 tips for a successful cruise.  

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

1. What is the best cruise for families? 
Royal Caribbean and Disney are ideal for families with kids’ clubs and family-focused entertainment.

2. What is the best cruise for retirees?
Oceania, Princess, and AmaWaterways offer comfort, gastronomy, and relaxed itineraries suited for retirees.

3. What is the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?
A river cruise offers intimacy and local discovery. An ocean cruise offers larger ships, more entertainment, and broader onboard services.

4. Which cruise line offers the best all-inclusive package?
AmaWaterways, Azamara, and Disney offer the most comprehensive all-inclusive experiences.