Choosing a Cruise Line« Back to Cruise Travel Resources
An abundance of food and good service can be found on a majority of the cruise lines. Although quality and service get positive marks on most lines, there are differences in cruising style, and we have broken down some of the larger brands into five distinct categories.
| Contemporary | Premium | Deluxe | Luxury | River |
Contemporary Cruise Lines↑ Back to top
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Contemporary cruise lines have the largest ships in the industry featuring bright and fun décor. They are marketed towards budget-conscience vacationers and families with children and teens.
What they provide
- Offer a variety of itineraries, amenities and activities appealing to wide variety of travelers. The decor runs from colorful to extravagant. Families, singles, and groups are prime customers.
- They have some of the largest ships afloat, accommodating a large number of guests. Many of these vessels have more passengers per square foot than other cruise categories.
- Many offer a selection of shorter, round-trip itineraries leaving from domestic ports and frequent highly traveled ports of call.
- They include a variety of onboard fleet-wide brand specific activities with flashy and high-energy options. Entertainment includes music and dance productions, lounges with live music, and discos.
- Fitness offerings include spas, gyms, jogging tracks, sport deck, multiple swimming pools, and hot tubs.
- Extensive youth programs are available.
- Contemporary cruise dining includes main dining options with assigned or open seating formats. Casual evening dining is usually a buffet. Alternative dining includes specialty restaurants and 24 hour room service. Service is polite and friendly.
Premium Cruise Lines↑ Back to top
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What they provide
- A more refined atmosphere and classic style characterize this category of cruising. Premium lines attract families, singles and groups who appreciate value.
- Ships tend to be mid-size to large vessels with fewer guests. Stylish décor with subtle accents, subdued colors, and extensive art collections. Suites complete with Butler service.
- Voyages of varying length include itineraries on most continents.
- Daytime onboard activities include enrichment programs and courses. High quality production entertainment, intimate lounges and cabarets highlight the evenings.
- Elaborate, upscale spa facilities offer treatments comparable to exclusive, shore-side spas.
- Dining rooms are very elegant and offer traditional assigned main and late seating as well as open seating options. Multiple casual dining options are often available. Exquisite specialty dining choices at nominal cost. Outstanding preparation and presentation of sumptuous cuisine. Service is precise and attentive, yet unobtrusive.
- Programs for children and teens offer a variety of activity levels by trained staff.
Deluxe Cruise Lines↑ Back to top
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Deluxe cruise lines have smaller, more intimate ships allowing easier access to less traveled ports. These lines offer exotic ports of call, with many featuring incredible overnights stays. The "luxury line" amenities are usually offered at no additional cost.
What they provide
- Deluxe cruise lines are a new category of cruising for guests who desire the intimacy of smaller ships. They are positioned between the luxury and premium categories and offer tastefully appointed décor.
- Smaller vessels offer a personalized on-board experience with many upscale amenities similar to those found on luxury lines. Impeccable service and exceptional cuisine are the norm.
- Smaller ships allow easier access to less traveled and exotic ports of call. Some itineraries feature incredible multiple port overnights.
- A variety of dining options that feature specialty and casual restaurants. Cuisine is often compared to the quality of luxury lines.
- Upscale, full spa and fitness facilities are offered.
- On-board options include casinos, intimate entertainment venues, shopping, wine bars, and enrichment programs.
Luxury Cruise Lines↑ Back to top
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Luxury cruise lines have ships that range from mid-size vessels to mega-yachts. They contain spacious accommodations with a limited number of guests per sailing. Staterooms are often termed "suites" with ocean view or balcony.
What they provide
- Luxury vessels are exclusive and upscale.
- Ships range from mega-yachts to large vessels, and have lower guest to space ratio.
- Elegant décor typically includes antiques and priceless art collections.
- Contain the most spacious staterooms that provide a high level or luxury and comfort with an ocean view or balcony. Extra touches include fine linens, fresh flowers, fine china and silver.
- Enrichment programs and celebrity guest speakers augment traditional shipboard activities. Evening entertainment varies by ship size, from cabaret to stylish production shows.
- Health clubs and full-service spas are fully equipped and professionally staffed.
- Open or single seating are the norm featuring gourmet and regional cuisine with impeccable service. Complimentary wines accompany meals on most luxury lines. Coffee bars, ice cream parlors and wine tasting are usually complimentary.
- Due to longer itineraries and atmosphere, Luxury lines tend to have fewer children and teens.
River Cruise Lines↑ Back to top
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River cruise lines have small, intimate and elegantly appointed ships. Most vessels have spacious accommodations with high service standards and regional cuisine.
What they provide
- Small intimate vessels with a casual and elegant ambiance. Designed to enjoy the passing scenery of the river and country side.
- The accommodations can range from standard to luxurious appointments depending on the area of the world being explored. Most staterooms offer outside views. A high staff to guest ratio is the norm.
- Expertly planned itineraries with shore excursions included in the cruise pricing. Itineraries range from Europe, Russia, Asia, and Africa.
- Enrichment programs with onboard lectures and demonstrations. Evening entertainment options vary by ship.
- Depending on itinerary cuisine and wines will reflect regional influences. Open and traditional dining options vary by ship and are more subdued.
- Due to itineraries and atmosphere, River Cruise Lines tend to have fewer children and teens.
