The holiday season is upon us, and you ponder how to maintain this seasonal cheer throughout the year. Suddenly, a light bulb sparks to life inside your mind. Yes, a cruise!
Visions of a cruise ship sailing toward a sunny island with pristine beaches confirm that this is indeed a brilliant idea. Now, which is the best cruise for you?
U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings. The timing is perfect, almost like a Christmas gift to you. It’s okay to open this present early. After all, you have a cruise to plan.
While U.S. News ranks cruises across several categories, I want to focus on the top cruises for families and from a value perspective.
Best Cruise Lines for Families
Planning a cruise vacation to meet the needs and interests of each family member can be challenging. You may seek serenity while your children want to play. U.S. News ranked the best cruise lines for families by incorporating health ratings, reputation among experts, and approval among families with both younger and older children.
#1 Disney Cruise Line
Picture top-notch service and blended offerings that will put smiles on the faces of children and adults. Kids will love the many entertainment options and meeting the Disney characters. Themed dinners like Pirate Night are always a surefire hit with families. Disney ships also have adults-only dining areas, nightlife options, and quiet pool sections. The line offers the incomparable Marvel Day at Sea on select cruises for big and small superhero fans.
#2 Royal Caribbean International
Each ship offers unique amenities for kids. For example, one ship may feature rock climbing walls and ice rinks, while another has waterslides, bumper cars, and zip lines. Every liner has various evening entertainment, bars and lounges for adults, and fun educational programs for kids and teens.
#3 Norwegian Cruise Line
All ships offer many kid-friendly amenities and children’s clubs. Kids can attend themed parties, make crafts, or try unique activities like learning to juggle. Popular adult activities include relaxing at the spa and gambling at the casino.
#4 Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is known for its fun atmosphere, budget-friendly fares, and frequent sales. Kids will enjoy amenities like water parks, rope courses, and basketball courts, while adults will appreciate the casino, spa, and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
#5 Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises is known for its family discounts, including:
- Children under 18 cruise for free (minus port fees and taxes) when traveling in a cabin with two parents.
- Solo parents pay half of the cruise rate when traveling with one child.
Families will appreciate the spacious stateroom options, kids clubs, and water parks.
Best Cruise Lines for the Money
With lodging, food, and entertainment included in the price, it is no wonder a vacation at sea is often of better value than most land-based getaways. That said, sorting through the many available cruise offerings can be confusing. To help make the process easier, U.S. News ranked the best value cruise lines based on itinerary affordability, amenities included in the base fare, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.
#1 Celebrity Cruises
Imagine the delicious buffets and the seemingly endless amenities of a mega-ship coupled with the personal service of a smaller vessel. That is what you get with Celebrity Cruises. Rates start at $270 per person for Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, with all-inclusive add-on packages available.
#2 Virgin Voyages
Admittedly, Virgin Voyages is not the lowest-cost option in this category, partly due to all-new ships and a kid-free policy. However, it delivers top-notch value. Cruisers are often shocked to discover that base fares include onboard dining, gratuities, group fitness classes, Wi-Fi access, and more. Customers regularly comment that a Virgin cruise is unlike anything they have experienced.
#3 MSC Cruises
MSC sails from ports like New York City and Miami, but most voyages depart from international ports. While this may sound inconvenient, MSC’s value shines compared to a typical land-based vacation abroad. Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings start at $150 per person, and the line regularly offers deals and packages.
#4 Royal Caribbean International
One of the most prominent lines sailing the ocean today, Royal Caribbean’s fleet comprises over 25 cruise ships. The company keeps rates low by accommodating thousands of guests per ship. Travelers regularly find rates around $300 per person, even to popular destinations like Mexico, the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.
#5 Holland America Line
With sailings to Alaska’s breathtaking Glacier Bay and other exotic destinations, Holland America is a premium cruise line with a reputation for being an excellent bargain. Four-day Caribbean sailings start below $400 per person, and one-day voyages along the Pacific Coast are around $150. Best of all, cruisers do not sacrifice service to obtain these rates. Guests can expect personal attention, free room service, and all-inclusive package options.
Plan Your 2025 Cruise
Keep your holiday spirit alive in 2025 by planning a cruise. Whether you want the best cruise for the money or the ultimate experience for your entire family, these top-rated cruise lines can help you accomplish your goal. Here is a cruise packing list so you have everything you need. Bon voyage!
Featured image credit: NAPA74 via Deposit Photos
