Cruises by traveler and trip
Who is going matters more than where: the right line for a family with toddlers is the wrong one for a couple on a honeymoon. These guides rank lines and ships for one kind of traveler or one kind of trip, each with a winner, runners-up, what to watch out for and dated prices.
Who's going
- Adults onlyThe best cruise lines for adults in 2026–2027: the one big line that is truly adults-only, lines that draw few children, and adult areas on family ships.
- Couples and honeymoonsThe best cruise lines for couples in 2026 and 2027: Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Oceania and more, plus honeymoon cruises, anniversary trips and where to go.
- FamiliesThe best cruise lines for families in 2026–2027: Disney for little ones, Royal Caribbean for teens, Carnival and MSC for value, and kids sail free explained.
- LGBTQ+ travelersLGBTQ cruises for 2026–2027: lesbian cruises with Olivia, all-gay charters with Atlantis, VACAYA for the whole community, and lines that welcome everyone.
- Military discountsMilitary cruise deals compared: Disney's military rates, Norwegian's 10%, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Heroes Sail Free, plus teacher and first responder offers.
- SeniorsThe best cruises for seniors in 2026 and 2027: Holland America, Princess, Oceania and more, plus senior discounts, accessible cabins, Medicare and insurance.
- Solo travelersSingles cruises and solo cruises for 2026–2027: which lines have solo cabins, how the single supplement works, and where solo travelers meet people.
- Traveling with a petDog friendly cruises 2026–2027: the one ship with kennels for dogs and cats, service dog rules on the big lines, and the pet cruise that got cancelled.
Type of trip
- 3 to 5 night cruisesThe best 3 day, 4 day and 5 day cruises for 2026–2027: which lines run short sailings, where they leave from, and what a weekend cruise really costs.
- All inclusiveWhich cruises are truly all inclusive, which only sell bundles, and what each fare covers: drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, dining and excursions. Dated from-prices.
- Last-minute dealsHow last minute cruise deals work: why cabins open up after final payment, which lines discount late, the trade-offs, and how to search for them.
- Luxury and small shipsThe best luxury cruise lines and small-ship cruises: Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Explora and more, what each includes, and the luxury options on bigger lines.
- No passport neededWhen US citizens can cruise without a passport: closed-loop sailings, what ID to bring instead, the risks, and the best no-passport cruises from US ports.
- Transatlantic and repositioningTransatlantic cruises and repositioning cruises for 2026 and 2027: what they are, when they sail, which lines run them, how long they take and what they cost.
- World cruisesWorld cruise guide for 2027 and 2028: which lines sail around the world, how long each voyage takes, what it costs, and how to book a shorter segment.
Holidays and seasons
- Christmas and New YearChristmas and New Year cruises for 2026, ranked by who they suit: families, couples, food lovers and budget short trips. Dated from-prices and the week to pick.
- Spring break and summerSpring break cruises and summer cruises for 2027: the best lines and routes, Eastern Caribbean cruises, age and alcohol rules, and how to pay less.