How to pick the best cruise line for your next luxury vacation

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and book a cruise for your next vacation - great choice!

Cruising offers a unique way to travel, combining luxury, adventure, and relaxation all in one floating getaway. But with so many cruise lines out there, how do you figure out which one’s the perfect fit?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping champagne on a private balcony or enjoying Broadway-worthy shows at sea, there’s a cruise line out there tailored just for you. Let's dive in and break down the differences between luxury and premium cruise lines so you can sail away on the perfect vacation.

Luxury vs. Premium cruise lines

Cruise lines are not created equal. On one end, you have luxury cruise lines that feel more like private clubs - intimate, elegant, and all-inclusive.

On the other, premium cruise lines offer a little bit of everything: great food, entertainment, and activities without the high-end exclusivity (or the price tag). Both have their perks, and the right fit depends on your travel style.

Luxury cruise lines

These cruise lines offer high-end experiences with smaller ships, personalized service, and all-inclusive fares.

• Regent Seven Seas: A Regent Seven Seas cruise attracts affluent couples in their 50s to 70s, retired professionals, and seasoned travelers.

• Seabourn: Seabourn Cruise Line attracts mature couples and solo travelers, typically 50+, who value personalized service and refined experiences.

• Silversea: Silversea Cruises attract xperienced travelers and luxury seekers in their 50s to 80s, often well-traveled retirees.

• Explora Journeys: Upscale, younger travelers (40s-60s) looking for a modern luxury experience.

• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Luxury hotel enthusiasts, couples, and families with adult children.

• Crystal Cruises (Ocean and river cruises): A Crystal Cruise attracts older, affluent guests seeking sophisticated service, often repeat cruisers.

• Viking (Viking River and Viking Ocean cruises): A Viking cruise is a combination of luxury and premium cruise line, attracting adults 55+ looking for cultural enrichment; no children onboard.

Key characteristics of luxury cruise lines

• All-suite accommodations with personal butlers.

• Open seating dining with curated menus by top chefs.

• Focus on enrichment programs and immersive excursions.

• Smaller ships, often carrying fewer than 700 passengers.

Premium cruise lines

These cruise lines offer a blend of luxury and affordability, with primarily large ship vessels and more diverse activities.

• Celebrity Cruises: Couples and families, typically 40s-60s, looking for a modern and stylish experience.

• Princess Cruises: Couples 50+ and multi-generational families, known for destination-focused itineraries.

• Holland America Line: Older couples (60+), retirees, and solo travelers who enjoy classic cruising.

• Oceania Cruises: Foodies and culturally-minded travelers in their 50s-70s.

• Azamara: Azamara Club Cruises attract adventurous couples 50+, often repeat cruisers looking for immersive itineraries.

• Viking Cruises (Viking Ocean and Viking River cruises): Viking is a combination of luxury and premium ocean and river cruise line, attracting adults 55+ who value cultural enrichment, with a focus on quiet, kid-free travel.

• Windstar Cruises: Couples in their 40s-60s who appreciate intimate, small-ship experiences.

Key characteristics of premium cruise lines

• A variety of staterooms and suites, with some premium amenities.

• Assigned or flexible dining options, with specialty restaurants available.

• Larger ships with entertainment options, casinos, and spas.

• Itineraries include popular destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.

Accommodations

If your idea of vacation bliss is sprawling out in a suite with a personal butler, you’re in luxury cruise territory.

Luxury lines offer spacious suites (sometimes with walk-in closets), marble bathrooms, and large verandas. Regent Seven Seas, for example, features all-suite accommodations where every detail is top-notch.

Premium cruise lines, on the other hand, offer more variety—from interior cabins to balcony cabins to family suites. If you want to keep things simple (and save some cash), you can opt for a standard stateroom. But if you splurge on a suite, you’ll enjoy perks like priority boarding and exclusive lounges.

Dining

Luxury cruise dining is all about elegance and flexibility. There’s no assigned seating or dining times in their main dining rooms - you dine whenever you like, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs.

Specialty restaurants are included, and the wine keeps flowing without an extra charge (reservations may be required). If you’re on Seabourn, you can savor dishes designed by the legendary Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller.

Premium cruises offer a mix of dining styles, from buffets to specialty restaurants. Some venues require reservations or extra fees, but there’s plenty of variety—sushi one night, steak the next. 

A Princess Cruise, for example, offers everything from fine dining to casual bites by the pool.

Onboard activities

When it comes to onboard activities, luxury cruises tend to focus on enrichment. Think cooking classes, wine tastings, or lectures by guest experts.

You’ll find a spa, gym, pool, and wellness programs, but don’t expect water slides or laser tag. The vibe is more “relax with a book on your private veranda” than “party on the pool deck.”

Premium cruises, however, are all about variety. Celebrity and Princess offer large pools, theaters, casinos, and even rooftop gardens.

Broadway-style shows, live music, and dance clubs keep things lively. If you’re the type who loves options, a premium cruise might be the way to go.

Itineraries

Luxury cruises excel at unique itineraries. Smaller ships can dock in smaller ports, giving you access to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Imagine cruising into the charming harbors of Kotor, Montenegro, or exploring small port towns on an Alaska cruise.

Premium cruise lines, with their larger ships, stick to classic routes - think the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Alaska. 

You’ll visit popular destinations with plenty of time for excursions, but you may miss out on some smaller port towns or have to travel farther from the port for excursions.

Which is the best cruise line for you?

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

• If you want an intimate, pampered experience: Go with a luxury cruise (e.g., Regent, Seabourn, Silversea).

• If you need a balance of fun, relaxation, and affordability: Opt for a premium cruise (e.g., Celebrity, Princess, Holland America).

• Traveling with family or looking for lots of activities? A premium cruise offers more entertainment options and kid-friendly amenities.

Insider tips for choosing your cruise line

• Ship size matters: Luxury ships are smaller, offering more personalized service, while premium ships are larger with more entertainment options.

• Inclusions count: Luxury cruises bundle everything - meals, drinks, wifi, gratuities and at least one shore excursion in each port - into the fare. Premium cruises usually charge extra for specialty dining, drink packages, wifi and excursions.

• Itinerary focus: If you crave unique destinations, go for a luxury line. If you prefer well-known stops with plenty of activities, a premium cruise will fit the bill.

• Travel style: Want peace and quiet? Luxury is your friend. Prefer lively entertainment? Premium’s got you covered.

The bottom line

Choosing the right cruise line for your luxury vacation isn’t just about picking a destination - it’s about finding the experience that fits your travel style.

Whether you want the intimacy and elegance of a luxury cruise or the variety and energy of a premium cruise, there’s a ship out there waiting to take you on your dream vacation.

Not sure where to start? SiouxDak Travel can help you sort through the best cruise lines and find the perfect cruise and itinerary, tailored to your preferences.

Contact us today to start planning your next unforgettable adventure at sea!