Cruise Lines Guide
13 cruise lines compared — from ultra-luxury all-inclusive to family-friendly mega-ships. Find your ideal cruise.
13 cruise lines
Royal Caribbean International
Ships
28
From
$80 USD/night
Capacity
2100-7600 pax
Destinations
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships
19
From
$85 USD/night
Capacity
2004-4200 pax
Destinations
Princess Cruises
Ships
15
From
$120 USD/night
Capacity
2200-3660 pax
Destinations
Virgin Voyages
Ships
4
From
$140 USD/night
Capacity
2770-2770 pax
Destinations
Celebrity Cruises
Ships
17
From
$150 USD/night
Capacity
2170-3260 pax
Destinations
Disney Cruise Line
Ships
5
From
$180 USD/night
Capacity
2500-4000 pax
Destinations
Cunard
Ships
4
From
$200 USD/night
Capacity
2000-2996 pax
Destinations
Oceania Cruises
Ships
7
From
$275 USD/night
Capacity
670-1250 pax
Destinations
Viking Ocean Cruises
Ships
10
From
$300 USD/night
Capacity
930-998 pax
Destinations
Seabourn
Ships
5
From
$500 USD/night
Capacity
264-600 pax
Destinations
Silversea Cruises
Ships
12
From
$550 USD/night
Capacity
100-596 pax
Destinations
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ships
5
From
$600 USD/night
Capacity
490-750 pax
Destinations
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ships
2
From
$650 USD/night
Capacity
298-456 pax
Destinations
Cruising from America: Your Gateway to the World
The United States is the world's largest cruise market, with major departure ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Seattle, and Galveston. From Caribbean island-hopping to Alaska glacier cruises, Mediterranean voyages to transpacific crossings, American travelers have access to an incredible range of cruise experiences. Whether you prefer ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea or family-friendly options like Royal Caribbean and Disney, there's a cruise for every style and budget.
The Caribbean: America's Cruise Playground
Short sailings from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral make the Caribbean the most popular cruise destination for Americans. Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and the Bahamas, while Western Caribbean routes call on Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. For a more exclusive experience, Southern Caribbean voyages reach Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Many lines offer 3-4 night getaway cruises that are perfect for first-timers.
Alaska: The Ultimate American Cruise
Sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, Alaska cruises rank among the most spectacular voyages on earth. Watch glaciers calve into the sea, spot humpback whales and bald eagles, and visit charming ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. The season runs May through September, with July and August offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours.
Booking Cruises with Points and Credits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve lets you book cruises through the Chase Travel portal at 1.5 cents per point, making it one of the best ways to use Ultimate Rewards. The Amex Platinum offers cruise credits through select booking channels. Capital One Venture X provides flexible travel credits that can offset cruise charges. For ultra-luxury lines, American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Virtuoso agents can secure onboard credits and cabin upgrades.
Cruise Planning Tips for American Travelers
Book 8-12 months ahead for the best cabin selection and early booking discounts. Consider travel insurance that covers cruise-specific scenarios like missed ports and itinerary changes. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for onboard purchases, and check whether your card's trip delay insurance covers cruise departures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises
1What is the best time of year to take a cruise from the US?
Caribbean cruises are available year-round, with the best prices in September-November (hurricane season aside). Alaska cruises run May-September. Mediterranean cruises from US ports typically operate April-October. Holiday sailings (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) are popular but pricey -- book 12+ months ahead.
2Can I use credit card points to book a cruise?
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards can be used through the Chase Travel portal at 1.5 cents per point with the Sapphire Reserve. Capital One Venture miles can offset cruise charges as travel purchases. Some cruise lines also accept direct point redemptions through loyalty programs.
3Which cruise line is best for first-time cruisers?
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are excellent choices for first-timers, offering modern ships with diverse dining, entertainment, and activity options. Celebrity Cruises provides a more upscale experience, while Disney Cruise Line is the go-to for families with young children.
4How far in advance should I book a cruise?
For the best cabin selection and early booking perks, reserve 8-12 months in advance. Popular itineraries like Alaska and holiday sailings should be booked 12-18 months ahead. Last-minute deals (30-90 days out) can offer savings but with limited cabin choices.
5Do I need a passport for a cruise from the US?
For closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same US port), US citizens can technically use a birth certificate and government ID. However, a passport is strongly recommended in case of emergency disembarkation at a foreign port. A passport is required for any cruise departing or arriving at a foreign port.
6What credit card benefits are useful on a cruise?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers trip delay insurance and 3x points on travel. The Amex Platinum provides cruise booking credits and lounge access for pre-cruise airport waits. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees for onboard purchases, which are often processed internationally.