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10 Best-Rated Cruise Lines Travelers Book Again and Again

These are the cruise lines that guests keep coming back to.

By Amanda Teague

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 3, 2025

Choosing the right cruise line can make or break your vacation. Some consistently deliver incredible experiences, earning loyal travelers who book again and again. Others fall short on service, amenities, or value.

If you want to start traveling more without wasting money on the wrong cruise, knowing which lines are highly rated can help you get the best experience for your budget. Here are 10 of the best-rated popular cruise lines according to reviews from Cruise Critic.

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Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines, known for its innovative ships and amazing destinations. While it's famous for its Bahamas and Caribbean cruises, it sails to over 300 destinations worldwide.

With a 3.9 rating on Cruise Critic, Royal Caribbean impresses reviewers with its massive ships. Guests also rave about the advanced technology, delicious food, and exceptional service.

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Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean, offers an impressive fleet of ships that sail to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries on all seven continents. Whether you're into themed cruises, all-inclusive sailings, or celebrating Christmas and New Year's at sea, there's something for everyone.

The cruise line has a 4.0 rating on Cruise Critic. Celebrity Cruises is praised for its clean ships and rooms, a wide variety of activities, and top-notch service from the bar to the dining rooms and room stewards.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Cruise Line provides cruisers with an intimate, yacht-like experience while sailing to 161 ports across 35 countries. With 28 unique itineraries, including destinations like the Arctic, Antarctic, and South Pacific, Seabourn is perfect for adventurous luxury travelers. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, spa treatments, and top-tier service on every voyage.

With a 4.1 rating on Cruise Critic, Seabourn is praised for its seamless logistics (like billing and customs), incredible itineraries, and being one of the best choices for an Antarctica cruise.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers an intimate, luxury cruise experience with small, yacht-style ships that accommodate just 148 to 342 guests. With over 1,000 voyage options, Windstar sails to destinations like Iceland, Costa Rica, and Italy.

With a 4.1 rating on Cruise Critic, Windstar is praised for its spotlessly clean ships, attentive crew, and fantastic food selections.

Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

man booking airline tickets with passport

When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without also draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.

Here are some tips on how to find that balance:

Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling

Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.

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Azamara

Azamara is a boutique cruise line that offers a premium, small-ship experience with unique itineraries around the world. With just four ships, Azamara focuses on destination-immersive travel, including special sailings like the 17-night Norway Intensive Voyage and exclusive golf cruises in partnership with PerryGolf.

With a 4.2 rating on Cruise Critic, Azamara is praised for being a great value, as most amenities are included in the price. Reviewers also love the friendly staff, unrushed dining experience, and personalized service. This makes it a fantastic option for travelers looking for a relaxed yet enriching cruise experience.

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a dream come true for families, combining the magic of Disney, Marvel, and Pixar with the excitement of sailing. From themed dining and Broadway-style shows to deck parties with fireworks, there's entertainment for all ages. Plus, adults can unwind in exclusive spaces while kids enjoy Disney's youth clubs.

With a 4.2 rating on Cruise Critic, Disney Cruise Line is especially loved for its private island destinations, Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay. Reviewers also say it's a perfect first cruise for kids, keeping little ones entertained while giving parents a chance to relax.

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld Cruises is an all-inclusive luxury cruise line with a focus on elegance and personalized service. Their 17 beautifully designed ships accommodate an average of 130 guests, ensuring an intimate, high-end experience with one of the best staff-to-guest ratios in the industry.

With a 4.2 rating on Cruise Critic, reviewers rave about the delicious meals, plentiful wine, engaging tour guides, and friendly, attentive staff. This makes Uniworld a fantastic choice for luxury river cruising.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is all about luxury and top-tier service, making every journey feel like a five-star experience. With personal butler service in every suite and some of the largest spaces per passenger at sea, guests can cruise in comfort. Each ship features a swimming pool, lounges, a spa, and a fitness center, plus world-class dining, including the only Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant at sea.

With a 4.3 rating on Cruise Critic, this line wows travelers with incredible food, top-notch entertainment, and beautifully renovated ships. They sail worldwide, even offering famous world cruises that cover 73 destinations in 27 countries over 135 nights.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises offers the perfect way to explore the world's most iconic waterways in style. From the Nile and Seine to the Rhine and even the Mississippi, these cruises offer a luxurious, intimate experience with scenic views. You can sail a river cruise on its own or even combine it with a Viking Ocean Cruise for a longer adventure.

With a 4.5 overall rating on Cruise Critic, Viking River Cruises earns high praise for its luxury, exceptional service, and commitment to safety. Reviewers especially love how the crew goes above and beyond. Some have even cited crew members helping them navigate the airport before and after their trip.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.

Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:

Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
For groceries, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.

Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is an adults-only, upscale cruise line perfect for travelers who love cultural exploration over party scenes. With destinations ranging from Alaska and the Mediterranean to China, Viking offers unique experiences like Northern Lights cruises and sailings during the Mediterranean's quieter seasons.

With a 4.6 overall rating from Cruise Critic, Viking consistently impresses guests with its varied dining options, top-tier service, and intimate atmosphere. Reviewers also rave about the spacious cabins and personalized attention, making it a favorite for those looking for a relaxing, enriching cruise experience.

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Bottom line

Choosing the right cruise line can make all the difference in your vacation experience, from luxury and service to unique itineraries and destinations. Whether you're looking for an intimate river cruise, an exciting adventure, or an all-inclusive getaway, there's a cruise line to suit your style and budget.

A great tip for those looking to save money on travel is to book during off-peak seasons and plan far in advance. Some cruise lines also offer promotions and discounted rates for certain sailings, so it's worth keeping an eye out for those deals.

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Amanda Teague

Amanda is an accomplished writer who is featured in several online publications and is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word. Her writing often intertwines her love for travel and finance, delving into topics like saving money to fuel adventures, finding the best travel credit cards, and exploring budget-friendly ways to see the world.