6 cruise lines compared
Which cruise line suits you?
Compare six familiar cruise lines by atmosphere, pricing model, onboard priorities and itinerary. The best offer is the complete package that fits your trip.
Quick answer
For large family-oriented resort ships, consider MSC or Royal Caribbean; NCL emphasises flexibility, Costa an Italian-flavoured Mediterranean experience, Celestyal short port-rich Aegean voyages, and Princess a calmer premium style.
-
MSC Cruises
European families and mixed-age groups
- Style and focus
- Large resort ships with a distinctly international atmosphere
- Particularly suitable for
- Travellers seeking broad Mediterranean choice and a lively ship at a competitive starting fare.
- Strengths
- +Extensive Mediterranean presence
- +Many family facilities and cabin configurations
- +Choice ranging from mainstream to ship-within-a-ship premium areas
- Trade-offs
- −The experience can vary by ship and season
- −Drinks, dining and other packages can materially change the final cost
-
Royal Caribbean
Active families and entertainment-led travellers
- Style and focus
- Large ships built around attractions, shows and neighbourhood-style spaces
- Particularly suitable for
- Families with older children and guests who want the ship itself to be a major destination.
- Strengths
- +Wide variety of activities and entertainment
- +Strong family programming
- +Well-developed Caribbean resort experience
- Trade-offs
- −The largest ships can feel busy
- −Popular attractions and extras require careful advance planning
-
Norwegian Cruise Line
Independent travellers, couples and small groups
- Style and focus
- Flexible dining and a relaxed approach to daily schedules
- Particularly suitable for
- Guests who value choice over fixed dining times or a more formal routine.
- Strengths
- +Flexible restaurant and entertainment planning
- +A broad mix of dining venues
- +Contemporary ships with varied public spaces
- Trade-offs
- −Package conditions deserve close reading
- −Speciality dining and other additions can raise the complete price
-
Costa Cruises
Value-conscious Mediterranean travellers
- Style and focus
- Italian identity, multilingual ships and Mediterranean itineraries
- Particularly suitable for
- Guests who enjoy a lively European atmosphere and want to compare lower starting fares.
- Strengths
- +Strong regional knowledge
- +Italian-led food and design identity
- +Frequent Mediterranean options
- Trade-offs
- −A multilingual onboard environment is not for everyone
- −Inclusions vary considerably between fare types
-
Celestyal Cruises
Port-focused Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean travellers
- Style and focus
- Shorter itineraries with a high concentration of port calls
- Particularly suitable for
- Travellers who prioritise Greek islands and time ashore over large-ship attractions.
- Strengths
- +Regional focus and port-rich routes
- +Short itineraries that are easier to add to a wider holiday
- +A more compact onboard experience
- Trade-offs
- −Fewer resort-scale facilities
- −Short port calls can create a demanding daily rhythm
-
Princess Cruises
Couples and travellers seeking a quieter premium atmosphere
- Style and focus
- Destination-led voyages, traditional service and calmer public spaces
- Particularly suitable for
- Guests who value itinerary, service and a measured onboard pace.
- Strengths
- +Comfortable, destination-oriented experience
- +Broad selection of longer voyages
- +Technology designed to simplify onboard service
- Trade-offs
- −Fewer high-energy family attractions
- −Availability from Turkish ports is more limited
At a glance
| Cruise line | Travel style | Character |
|---|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | European families and mixed-age groups | Large resort ships with a distinctly international atmosphere |
| Royal Caribbean | Active families and entertainment-led travellers | Large ships built around attractions, shows and neighbourhood-style spaces |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Independent travellers, couples and small groups | Flexible dining and a relaxed approach to daily schedules |
| Costa Cruises | Value-conscious Mediterranean travellers | Italian identity, multilingual ships and Mediterranean itineraries |
| Celestyal Cruises | Port-focused Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean travellers | Shorter itineraries with a high concentration of port calls |
| Princess Cruises | Couples and travellers seeking a quieter premium atmosphere | Destination-led voyages, traditional service and calmer public spaces |
Fares, ships and inclusions vary by sailing. Always check the specific offer before booking.