Ranking Cruise Lines from Worst to Best: Top Picks for 2025

The cruise industry is constantly changing, especially post-pandemic. With brand-new cruise ships launching each year and cruise fares increasing substantially, the cruising landscape has shifted in the last few years.

Cruises are also more popular than ever before with millions of passengers setting sail each year. With increasing demand comes an increase in pricing. Even with increased travel costs, you can still find great value in cruising.

Further, it’s very important to choose the right cruise line for you. Everyone has a different travel style, cruise budget, and needs with their vacation. Choosing the wrong cruise line - or even the wrong cruise ship - can lead to massive disappointment. No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on the wrong vacation.

We always emphasize how a little bit of research can go a long way. Determining the right cruise line is the first step towards a fantastic vacation. In this article, we will explore and review the most popular cruise lines. Our worst-to-best cruise line rankings are strictly based on opinion and personal experiences. Remember, there is a cruise line out there for everyone!

[jhunt]

1. Celebrity cruises 19:11
2. Virgin voyages 17:20
3. Royal Caribbean 14:39
4. Disney cruise 12:30
5. Carnival cruise 10:22
6. Princess cruise 8:19
7. Norwegian cruise 5:33
8. MSc cruises 2:46
9. Margaritaville 0:30

[prmecatty]

Been on all of these lines except for Margaritaville and Virgin, have to say these rankings were surprising. Celebrity in 1st is a given, but putting Carnival/Disney so high and MSC so low was surprising. I have been on MSC many times, and I have always been impressed.

[priscilabee]

Costa, P&O, Holland America, Fred Olsen, Viking, theres so many cruise lines to chose from, if you are a first timer, dont be fooled that only the ones mentioned exist.

[JEEPIMPACT]

I actually looking forward to trying out Margaritaville at Sea eventually.

[JoeHartman]

Sailed Disney last year for the first time, and preferred NCL. Sailing Celebrity this year for the first time and have high expectations.

[SoniaBrousseau-jk]

Thank you for your review. We have cruised on Carnival, DCL and RCCL and pretty much agree with everything you’ve said. Because I have been disappointed with the food on RCCL, I’ve been looking at Virgin or Celebrity. Your review is enlightening.

[mackellar]

I just disembarked Celebrity Constellation for my 50th Celebrity sailing. I totally agree with your pick for #1 spot. They do EVERYTHING correctly. I'm back onboard CS on the 16th for my 18th sailing on the ship.

[eucukyq]

I don’t agree with all the choices from worst to best but i think the list is close to rankings. I would prefer NCL before Carnival, though. I do like the solo cabins on NCL with the solo lounge.

[sonflowergems]

I was surprised that my faves didn’t rank higher. Willing to give some other ones a shot.

[HouserAlyssa]

Ah- we disagree with the NCL ranking! We had the best time on Norwegian Encore in 2024. We didn't feel like they tried to upcharge us at all, so it definitely depends on each individual experience. 😊

[calumdonnachie]

My wife and I started cruising only 13 years ago. In those 13 years we have sailed 23 times, including:
Royal Caribbean
Celebrity
Carnival
Holland America (not mentioned)
Princess
MSC
Virgin
Norwegian
Out of your top 9, we have not been on Margaritaville or Disney.
Like you, it is only our opinion, everyone is looking for something or has experienced something that they hold dear to them. However, our clear choice for the overall best cruise line considering food, service, entertainment and itineraries echos your pick of Celebrity! It just cannot be beat. Certainly not catered for kids. My wife has Celiac Disease(gluten allergy) and dairy allergy and by far, without a doubt Celebrity looks after her allergies like not other cruise line we have been on.
Unfortunately, I cannot agree with your #2. We were SO pumped for Virgin, what a complete disaster. I honestly would not go on it for free. This talk of 22 restaurants is actually very misleading. You cannot call different stations at the buffet that they don't want to call the buffet different restaurants. Was also told they look after allergies well, yes they ask but they don't cater well unless you call eating the same bland food every day catering.
Royal Caribbean is the solid #2. Although I agree that their food has gone downhill, you cannot beat their entertainment and the pure "wow" of their Oasis and Icon ships. For us, NCL is an easy 3rd. All around solid choice for food, entertainment and value.

Enjoyed your video! Happy sailing!

[michaelvitale]

After almost 20 RCCL cruises, we decided to take the plunge on Celebrity. The ship was amazingly beautiful. The clientele was upscale as was expected. However, the complimentary food wasn't mind blowing as expected, and the "status match" was absolutely lacking. Free drinks only during Happy Hour, but a very limited menu. NO tequila available. NO Crown Royal available. They had several vodkas available, but wouldn't even make drinks that weren't on "the list", even though they had the vodka. Somewhat disappointed for just about double the RCCL price point.

[DarksouIjah]

Sitting at the airport to go home from our Celebrity cruise which was on the Ascent. By far nicest ship I’ve been on and the service is unmatched on Celebrity. Got two more cruises booked so far for this year and we will only sail with Celebrity.

[nickomalley]

As someone who’s been on both carnival as well as NCL, I prefer NCL. Carnival attracts a certain crowd.

[strudel]

Strongly disagree with the ranking of NCL. We had a very good time on the Getaway last winter. Food was delicious, service was top notch and we didn't feel like we had to spend money on the ship. Will cruise with NCL again for it's freestyle cruising.

[alanscott]

Top cruise lines and you completely overlook Holland America? Not a very comprehensive list at all.

[NeonRogue]

MSC is not the best. If you are working and get limited time off, likely best to go with a more luxury line. If you are retired, MSC allows you to take 2 cruises for about the cost of one celebrity or princess cruise. Plus the pizza on MSC is IMO the best free pizza. So yes MSC is not perfect, but you will have a great time and the price will allow you either get a nicer cabin or the drink package or a second cruise. We have taken 3 MSC cruises and have a 4th booked. The one we just booked was $900 for 2 people including taxes and fees, not gratuities. That is the kind of deal we love. We have sailed 21 cruises and have 6 booked between now and Feb 2026. Will we go on Celebrity the first time in April and have heard great things. We have sailed a lot on Princess and love the Medallion class ships and how laid back they are. The Discovery Princess was amazing and I think had some of the best shows we have seen on a cruise ship, along with Royal Harmony. Thanks for your videos, keep them coming.

[QueenKayKay]

I just booked NCL Luna... Can't wait! NCL More at Sea is a good buy.

[portableassets]

We cruise about half the year and I agree with most of these rankings. I would actually rank Holland America number 3 ahead of Royal.

[stevealegata]

No Holland America? But yet you have Margaritaville At Sea?