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THE MILESOPEDIA COLLECTION

Cruise Lines Guide

13 cruise lines compared — from ultra-luxury all-inclusive to family-friendly mega-ships. Find your ideal cruise.
Find your next experience

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When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

13 cruise lines

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The experiences

  • contemporary

Royal Caribbean International

From / night
80 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,968
  • Largest cruise ships in the world (Icon of the Seas)
  • FlowRider surf simulator
  • Zip line and climbing wall
  • contemporary

Norwegian Cruise Line

From / night
85 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,966
  • Freestyle Cruising (no fixed dining times)
  • The Haven (ship-within-a-ship VIP area)
  • Great Stirrup Cay (private island)
  • premium

Princess Cruises

From / night
120 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,965
  • MedallionClass wearable technology
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Alaska experts (most departures)
  • premium

Virgin Voyages

From / night
140 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
2,021
  • Adults only (18+)
  • 20+ restaurants all included (no buffet)
  • Tattoo parlor on board
  • premium

Celebrity Cruises

From / night
150 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,988
  • Modern design (Edge Series ships)
  • The Retreat (premium suite experience)
  • Daniel Boulud dining
  • contemporary

Disney Cruise Line

From / night
180 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,998
  • Disney characters on board
  • Castaway Cay (Disney private island)
  • Broadway-quality Disney shows
  • luxury

Cunard

From / night
200 USD
Headquarters Country
United Kingdom
Established
1,840
  • Iconic Transatlantic crossing (Queen Mary 2)
  • Traditional Afternoon Tea
  • Ballroom dancing every evening
  • luxury

Oceania Cruises

From / night
275 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
2,002
  • The Finest Cuisine at Sea
  • All specialty restaurants included (no surcharge)
  • Culinary Discovery Tours in ports
  • luxury

Viking Ocean Cruises

From / night
300 USD
Headquarters Country
Switzerland
Established
2,015
  • Included shore excursion in every port
  • LivNordic Spa (Scandinavian thermal suite)
  • Cultural enrichment (lectures, local artists)
  • ultra-luxury

Seabourn

From / night
500 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,987
  • Dining by Thomas Keller
  • Marina Day with water sports from the ship
  • Caviar in the Surf (beach service)
  • ultra-luxury

Silversea Cruises

From / night
550 USD
Headquarters Country
Monaco
Established
1,994
  • Expedition cruises with National Geographic team
  • All-suite butler service
  • Relais & Chateaux dining
  • ultra-luxury

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

From / night
600 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
1,992
  • All-inclusive (flights, excursions, alcohol, gratuities)
  • All-suite, all-balcony ships
  • Compass Rose restaurant
  • ultra-luxury

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

From / night
650 USD
Headquarters Country
United States
Established
2,022
  • Ritz-Carlton service at sea
  • All-suite with private terrace
  • S.E.A. restaurant by 3-star Michelin chef

A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

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.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises

A few answers before you book.

What 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.

Can 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.

Which 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.

How 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.

Do 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.

What 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.

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