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Cruise
Choosing a cruise: which cruise line is right for you?
Not sure which cruise line to choose? Compare cruise types, inclusions, costs and experiences to find the perfect cruise for your travel style and budget.
Choosing the right cruise line can be tricky. With dozens of operators that differ in atmosphere, inclusions, dining quality, entertainment, cabin styles and passenger demographics, it's important to match your travel style and budget to the right brand.
For example, some ships feel like floating resorts with waterslides, shopping precincts and large-scale shows, while others are more intimate and focused on cultural enrichment or relaxation. Choosing the right cruise line ensures your holiday aligns with your expectations from day one.
Whether you're planning your first cruise or looking to upgrade your next getaway, understanding what different cruise lines offer will help you make a confident, well-informed decision.
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4 factors to consider when choosing a cruise line
Before comparing specific cruise lines, it's worth narrowing down what matters most to you.
1. Budget and inclusions
Cruise pricing can vary significantly. Some lines offer lower upfront fares but charge extra for drinks, specialty dining and shore excursions. Others operate on a more all-inclusive model, covering meals, beverages, gratuities and even flights.
If you prefer predictable costs, look for cruise lines that bundle more into the base fare. If you're happy to pay as you go, a lower-cost option may suit you better.
2. Travel style and pace
Think about the type of holiday you want. Are you after a lively, social atmosphere or a quieter, more refined experience?
High-energy cruises often include pool parties, live shows and extensive onboard activities. On the other hand, relaxed cruises focus on wellness, scenic cruising and slower-paced itineraries. Expedition cruises prioritise exploration, often visiting remote destinations with expert-led excursions.
3. Destinations and itineraries
Different cruise lines specialise in different regions. Some focus on popular routes like the South Pacific, Japan, Southeast Asia or Mediterranean, while others venture to more remote destinations such as Antarctica, Alaska or the Kimberley.
Also consider how long you want to travel. Short cruises (2–5 nights) are great for first-timers, while longer voyages allow for deeper exploration.
4. Onboard atmosphere and demographics
Each cruise line attracts a different type of traveller. Some are geared towards families, others towards couples, retirees or luxury travellers.
Understanding the typical passenger mix can help you avoid mismatches. For instance, if you’re seeking tranquillity, a party-focused cruise may not be ideal.
Each cruise line attracts a different kind of traveller. Image: Shutterstock
Types of cruise lines explained
Mainstream cruise lines
Mainstream cruise lines are the most popular and accessible option, offering good value and a wide range of onboard activities. These ships are typically large and cater to a broad audience, including families, couples and groups.
You can expect multiple dining venues, entertainment such as theatre shows and live music, pools, gyms and kids' clubs. These cruise lines are often the most affordable upfront, although extras like drinks and specialty dining may cost more.
Best for: First-time cruisers, families, and travellers looking for value and variety.
Cruise lines: Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International.
Premium cruise lines
Premium cruise lines offer a step up in service, dining quality and overall comfort. Different lines offer different vessel sizes, with some offering smaller ships with fewer passengers.
Fares may include some extras such as gratuities or beverages, and there is usually a stronger focus on destination immersion and cultural experiences.
Best for: Couples and experienced cruisers who want a more relaxed, upscale experience without the full cost of luxury cruising.
Cruise lines: Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, Virgin Voyages, Oceania Cruises.
Luxury cruise lines
Luxury cruise lines provide an all-inclusive, high-end experience. Smaller ships, personalised service and spacious suites are standard, along with gourmet dining and premium beverages.
In many cases, shore excursions, gratuities and even flights or transfers are included. The atmosphere is typically calm and sophisticated, with fewer crowds and more attention to detail. These cruises also often visit ports that larger ships cannot access.
Best for: Travellers seeking a premium, all-inclusive experience with minimal crowds and high-end service.
Cruise lines: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Ponant, Scenic.
Expedition cruise lines
Expedition cruise lines are designed for exploration and adventure, often travelling to remote or environmentally sensitive destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic or the Kimberley.
These cruises focus less on onboard entertainment and more on immersive experiences, including guided excursions, wildlife encounters and expert-led lectures. Ships are smaller and purpose-built for challenging environments, allowing access to destinations larger vessels cannot reach.
Best for: Adventure travellers, nature lovers and those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Cruise lines: Viking Cruises, Scenic, Silversea, APT, Travelmarvel, Intrepid, Botanica, Coral Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Quark Expeditions, Ponant (luxury expeditions).
River cruise lines
River cruises operate on inland waterways rather than oceans, offering a very different experience. Ships are smaller, and itineraries often focus on cultural immersion, docking in the heart of cities and towns.
River cruises tend to be more inclusive, often covering guided tours, meals and beverages in the fare. The onboard atmosphere is quieter, with a strong focus on culture, history and local experiences.
RACV Travel Insurance provides cover for river cruises at no additional charge.#
Best for: Travellers who enjoy history, culture and a slower pace of travel.
Cruise lines: Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Scenic (luxury), Travelmarvel (budget-friendly).
Hybrid cruise & tour operators (not cruise lines)
Several tour operators sell travel packages that include cruises as part of your journey. These include Cosmos, Globus, Intrepid Travel, Journey Beyond, APT, Travelmarvel, and Wendy Wu.
Popular destinations for combined cruise/land tours include Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, the Kimberley, the Amazon; or sailing in Croatia, Thailand, or the Whitsundays.
River cruises tend to be quieter and more destination-focused. Image: Getty
Matching cruise lines to your travel goals
Choosing the right cruise line becomes easier when you align it with your personal travel priorities.
If you're travelling with family
Look for cruise lines with dedicated kids' clubs, family-friendly dining and activities for all ages. Larger ships often offer water parks, sports courts and entertainment designed to keep children engaged.
Mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are particularly strong in this space, with facilities tailored to different age groups and flexible accommodation options.
If you're a couple seeking relaxation
Couples often prefer smaller ships or premium and luxury cruise lines that offer a quieter atmosphere. Features like adults-only areas, spa facilities and fine dining can enhance the experience.
Cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Cunard and Seabourn are popular choices for couples seeking a more refined and relaxing environment.
If you're travelling solo
Some cruise lines cater specifically to solo travellers, with single cabins and social events designed to help you meet others. Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages are known for offering solo-friendly options.
Look for cruise lines with communal dining or hosted activities to make socialising easier.
If you want an all-inclusive experience
Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises offer the most comprehensive inclusions, covering everything from beverages to shore excursions.
This can be particularly appealing if you want to avoid budgeting for extras throughout your trip.
If you're focused on destinations
If your priority is exploring specific regions, choose a cruise line known for those itineraries. Expedition cruise lines like Aurora Expeditions and Quark Expeditions are ideal for remote destinations, while cruise lines such as Viking and Scenic excel in cultural itineraries.
Some ocean cruise lines also offer destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays or overnight visits.
Match your cruise line to your travel goals. Image: Getty
Questions to ask before booking
Before committing to a cruise line, consider asking:
- What's included in the base fare?
- What is the typical passenger demographic?
- How large is the ship, and how many passengers does it carry?
- What dining options are available, and are they included in the fare?
- What onboard activities and entertainment are offered?
- Are gratuities, drinks and excursions included or extra?
Speak to a dedicated RACV Travel Agent to help you answer these questions and ensure your expectations are aligned with what the cruise line delivers.
Tips for first-time cruisers
If you're new to cruising, a few practical tips can help you get started:
- Start with a shorter cruise to see if you enjoy the experience.
- Choose a popular destination with plenty of shore excursions.
- Compare inclusions carefully, as the cheapest fare isn't always the best value.
- Consider your cabin type, as this can significantly affect comfort.
- Book early or look for deals, especially during wave season (January to March)
- Secure a great deal with an RACV Travel Agent, with extra savings for RACV Members.
More: Best time to go on a cruise - when to book and travel by destination
# Terms, conditions (including eligibility criteria), limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. Refer to combined PDS/FSG for full details.
Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Limited (ABN 44 004 060 833, AR No. 1243563) (RACV) is an authorised representative of the RACV Travel Insurance insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine). Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine, and administers RACV Travel Insurance as the managing agent on behalf of Tokio Marine.
Terms, conditions (including eligibility criteria), exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Any advice is general advice only, and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you purchase, please consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determinations (TMDs) available on RACV’s website, or on request from RACV.
