:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SB_articletreatments_cruises__COURTESYROYALCARIBBEANCRUISES-deb977f1cbb6437fa19588c66019f230.jpg "The Best Cruise Lines 2026")
With 370 ships sailing the world’s oceans, rivers, and waterways, it can be overwhelming to find the one that’s right for you and your family or group of friends. From luxury and adults-only to those filled with onboard adventures and kids’ clubs, there’s a cruise and a cruise line for everyone.
To help narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of the best cruise lines chosen by Southern Living readers to inspire you to find the right fit for your next trip. In addition to far-flung global destinations, many of these cruise lines offer enticing itineraries departing from ports close to home in Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Texas, too.
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Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys, launched in 2023 by the MSC Group, brings a contemporary, European perspective to luxury cruising. Its inaugural ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, are designed entirely with oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, each featuring a private terrace. Guests can expect a thoughtful mix of culinary experiences, sweeping open decks with several pools and whirlpools, and a spa devoted to holistic well-being.
USA River Cruises
USA River Cruises
Experts in small ship cruising, USA River Cruises works with all the major cruise lines with ships under 900 passengers to create the best experiences for their clients. The family-owned company began locally in 1996, focusing on cruises on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, and has grown to send its clients across the U.S. and around the world.
Azamara Cruises
Azamara
Accommodating up to 702 guests, all four of Azamara’s small ships are designed to reach ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, yet spacious and comfortable to make the most of your time onboard, too. The cruise line’s unique Extended Destination Days and overnights in ports of call afford opportunities for guests to connect more deeply with the destinations they visit.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal
With nearly one crew member per guest and personal butler service with every guest room and suite, stellar service is at the heart of this luxury cruise line. Crystal’s two small ships, both refurbished in 2023 and accommodating 606 and 740 guests respectively, lead the industry in the amount of space per passenger. Solo cruisers are catered to with specially designed accommodations.
Cunard
Cunard
Feel like royalty when you step aboard one of Cunard’s four Queens, each embracing the cruise line’s rich history with refined Art Déco décor, contemporary comforts and British touches like afternoon tea and a pub. Enjoy thoughtful enrichment activities that encourage discovery, exquisite dining, engaging entertainment and plenty of space to relax, all in an understated yet elegant environment without an ounce of pretention.
Seabourn
Seabourn
All-inclusive, ultra-luxury in a yacht-like setting is what guests will find when they sail with Seabourn. The accommodations on the cruise line’s six modern small ships are all sumptuously-appointed oceanfront-suites. Combined with world-class dining, an open-bar policy, and an impressive slate of entertainment and enrichment activities, Seabourn offers authentic experiences on all seven continents via its cruise and expedition ships.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
All seven of Regent Seven Seas’ small luxury cruise ships, the newest of which is Seven Seas Prestige, whose maiden voyage is slated for the end of the year, carry between 496 and 850 guests. The all-inclusive cruise line enhances its onboard offerings with thousands of shore excursions in the 500-plus ports its ships call upon. Regent embraces solo travelers with savings on select sailings.
Silversea
Silversea
The world’s first all-inclusive cruise line set sail in 1994. Now with a dozen all-suite, luxury cruise and expedition ships, Silversea’s fleet voyages to enchanting destinations around the globe. Every inclusive sailing includes impeccable dining, premium drinks and WiFi, not to mention personalized service from a dedicated butler. The S.A.L.T. culinary program invites guests to immersive themselves in destinations’ culinary cultures.
MSC Cruises
Ivan Sarfatti
MSC Cruises builds upon 300 years of maritime history with its 25 modern ships sailing to more than 300 destinations in 100-plus countries on five continents, all with European style. When guests embark they will find plenty of complimentary dining options, fun-filled activities, world-class entertainment, and kids and teen clubs. An array of accommodations await, including MSC Yacht Club, an elevated experience in an exclusive ship-within-a-ship setting.
American Cruise Lines
Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
All of this cruise line’s American-made ships sail U.S. waterways, from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest to the Eastern Seaboard and Florida, and Midwestern rivers in between. The fleet of 28 intimate ships that blend luxury and heritage accommodate between 90 and 180 guests in oversized staterooms and unmatched comfort. More than 50 itineraries call upon 35 states.
Oceania Cruises
Courtesy Oceania Cruises
If there was ever a cruise line created for foodies, this is it. In fact, the godparents of Oceania Allura, which debuted last summer, is a group of six acclaimed chefs. Oceania’s eight small, luxurious ships, all of which just became adults-only, feature personalized service and elegant yet approachable décor. Cruisers looking to savor their time in port can join immersive insider tours that dive into each destination’s culinary and cultural traditions.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages
Virgin knows what adults want, and delivered in 2021 with the debut of the world’s first adults-only cruise line: all passengers on Virgin Voyages’ four ships are 18 and up. Onboard, guests enjoy more than 20 dining options, complimentary WiFi and unlimited group fitness classes, innovative and captivating entertainment, a sumptuous spa and even a tattoo studio, the first at sea.
Holland America Line
Courtesy of Holland America Lines
With a fleet of 11 classic, mid-sized ships that traverse the globe, this cruise line builds upon its 150 years of maritime heritage with award-winning service, exceptional dining, and loads of activities and enrichment programs that enhance its more than 500 annual sailings. An expert on Alaska, Holland America has been sailing to the 49th state for nearly 80 years, longer than any other cruise line.
Princess Cruises
Courtesy of Princess Cruises
More than a decade before it made a splash on TV’s “The Love Boat,” Princess’ first ship set sail for Mexico in 1965. In the decades since, the cruise line has been welcoming guests aboard for voyages to far-flung destinations across the globe, from Alaska to the Caribbean, Europe to Asia. It’s the feeling of being at home that lures guests back to Princess time and again.
Carnival Cruise Line
Courtesy of Carnival
It’s all about fun with Carnival, just as it has been since the cruise line’s founding in 1972. Known as “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line,” its 29 ships cater to millions of guests annually with kids’ and teens’ activities, casual and fine dining, and all-day and -night entertainment like deck parties and stage shows. New on the scene is Celebration Key, a private island in the Bahamas.
Celebrity Cruises
Courtesy Celebrity Cruise Line
The intimate feel and thoughtful service found on smaller vessels combines with the variety and excitement of larger ones across Celebrity’s fleet of 14 ships. Onboard, find stylish design, delectable dining, live entertainment that flows from morning into night, and every detail elevated to exceed expectations. The new Celebrity Xcel set sail last fall, cruising from Fort Lauderdale and Miami in the cooler months, with plans to spend the summer and early-fall in Europe.
Disney Cruise Line
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
No one does kid-friendly cruising like Disney. From unrivaled kids’ clubs to extraordinarily themed dining and Broadway-style shows – even adults-only spaces – you’ll find all of the legendary magic and outstanding service you’ve come to expect onboard. The cruise line’s newest ship, Disney Adventure, begins sailing from Singapore this spring; Disney Destiny, which launched last fall, sails to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Formal dress codes and assigned dining are cast aside onboard this cruise line’s 20 ships. Rather, guests have the freedom to vacation the way they choose with endless options when it comes to award-winning entertainment and dining. Accommodations range from solo-traveler staterooms to The Haven by Norwegian, a ship-within-a-ship concept. NCL’s private Bahamian island and Belizean resort are featured on itineraries departing from the Southeast.
Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises
Viking offers destination-focused river and ocean cruises designed for curious, adult travelers who want to learn while they explore. Its intimate yet comfortable river ships sail Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and the Mississippi, featuring restaurants, libraries, sun decks, and attentive service. Viking’s small ocean ships—each with fewer than 1,000 guests—offer private verandas, infinity pools, Nordic-inspired spas, and sail to popular destinations during quieter seasons.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean prides itself in keeping adventurous guests busy onboard its 29 ships sailing to more than 300 destinations in 80 countries across all seven continents. Think ziplines, towering waterslides, simulated sky diving and surfing. Or, slow things down at the spa, on a poolside lounger, at an award-winning show, or on one of the seven beaches dotted around CocoCay, the cruise line’s private tropical island.
