10 Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

As cruising continues to skyrocket in popularity, offerings have diversified beyond the avid cruiser’s wildest dreams. Travelers can go nearly everywhere on water: Small and large ships sail most seas, riverboats visit charm aplenty towns, and expeditions reach the ends of the earth. Cruisers can easily zero in on exactly the experience they seek for any type of trip, from romance to adventure. 

Onboard facilities deliver a near dizzying array of variety. Vessels can provide a range of global cuisines, quiet ambiences or party hearty vibes, minimal entertainment to big Broadway revues—and even amusement park-style rides. Here are several options to find a water voyage that fits how you travel. 

For Adults: Viking Ocean and Expedition

Cruisers wanting an adults-only voyage will adore Viking’s ships designed for curious travelers. All 12 ocean-going vessels accommodate from 930 to 998 passengers ages 18 and older, and share popular amenities and venues. Don’t expect a splashy casino—organized activities and entertainment are low-key. Instead, cruisers revel in an extensive library of books placed around the ship; in-depth port talks and destination videos; and a much-admired Nordic spa, featuring a pool, sauna, hot tub, steam room, cold plunge pool, and even a cold room filled with snow. 

The ships’ design evokes a boutique ambiance, and afternoon tea is popular daily. All restaurants are complimentary, including the excellent Italian Manfredi’s and Mamsen’s, a Norwegian deli with stellar waffles and open-faced sandwiches. On Viking’s two 378-passenger expedition ships, Polaris and Octantis, passengers can participate in scientific research.

For Families: Royal Caribbean International 

Boredom is inconceivable on a Royal Caribbean International cruise. Its wide variety of ships promises activities to enthrall families, particularly those with young children and teenagers. Vessels are divided into seven classes, from the smaller, destination-driven Vision class to the megaresorts of the Icon class. Most ships offer interactive family-oriented shows, waterslides, zip lines, ice-skating rinks, and more. 

The 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas debuted in 2024 as the world’s largest. It duplicates—if not tops—choices available at many land resorts catering to families. This vessel contains eight distinct neighborhoods. Families with children ages six and under frequent Surfside, with a carousel, arcade, and play area including kiddie pools. Thrill Island’s six-waterslide park lures all ages. There’s even a suite designed with kids in mind, the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which boasts a slide and a karaoke machine. Passengers seeking a kid-free environment head to Chill Island’s Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea.

For Foodies: Oceania Cruises 

Oceania is a cruise line purpose-built for culinary devotees. On its eight ships (including Allura, debuting this summer), all specialty dining venues are complimentary—rare on an upper-premium cruise line. 

Oceania’s four newest ships—1,250-passenger Marina and sister ship Riviera, and 1,200-passenger Vista and Allura—feature hands-on cooking schools led by expert instructors who guide students through every culinary angle, from safe and proper knife skills to preparing dishes evoking the ship’s itinerary. Signature restaurants include the Italian Toscana, starring a separate olive oil menu and rolling cart from which a server encourages tastings; Polo Grill steakhouse, where chefs sear 28-day aged Black Angus USDA Prime beef; and Red Ginger with its modern Asian signature dishes like lobster pad thai and a seven spices-crusted lamb rack with wasabi lamb jus. Vista and Allura’s wide variety of dining options include the health-forward Aquamar Kitchen (oat and almond milk are made in-house), and Jacques, the line’s iconic French eatery named after Oceania’s first culinary director, Jacques Pepin.

For Adventure: Silversea Cruises

With four expedition ships to choose from, Silversea knows how to deliver a luxurious adventure. These cruises are cozier than a standard cruise, with capacities usually in the hundreds versus the thousands, and often journey to remote areas in search of rare wildlife and scenery. Silversea’s three ice-class rated lines sail to the polar regions, but also visit far-flung destinations like Australia’s Kimberley region and Easter Island. The fourth ship, 100-passenger Silver Origin, exclusively sails the Galapagos, embracing local culture. 

Expedition cruises lean pricey, but the value is significant as most, if not all, shore excursions and gear such as polar jackets are included. Silversea’s expedition team members hold advanced degrees and are experienced in safety protocols and the destinations visited. In polar regions, the average one-to-one ratio of team members to passengers allows cruisers invaluable personal time with experts. Other notable inclusions are suite accommodations, a dedicated butler, most dining, most alcohol, and gratuities.

For Millennials: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises strikes exactly the right note for younger cruising fans. Restaurants, bars, and lounges carry a fun, upscale vibe, and perpetual innovations mean each ship feels fresh. 

Millennials flock to the Martini Bar & Crush, an ice-topped bar that’s a fixture on 10 of Celebrity’s 15 ships. Also available on most of its fleet: Celebrity’s silent disco gets the party going with a club atmosphere that offers multiple genres of music through headphones where individuals select from channels playing pop, Latin, electronic, and more. The ABBA sing-along, a party devoted to the Swedish pop group, also draws big crowds. 

Celebrity’s fleet ranges from super small at 16 passengers (the Galapagos-based Celebrity Xploration) to its largest, Celebrity Ascent, which holds 3,260 passengers. Celebrity Ascent as well as Celebrity Beyond boasts Daniel Boulud’s only at-sea restaurant, Le Voyage, where fine dining lovers can experience a global-inspired tasting menu designed by the Michelin star–decorated chef.

For Tradition: Cunard

For cruisers who love dialing up their style, and perhaps ballroom dancing, Cunard is the line to book. In fact, its 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 offers the largest ballroom at sea. Among Cunard’s four ships, the newest, 2,996-passenger Queen Anne, embraces a more modern take on tradition. Its specialty restaurant, Aranya, serves one of the only full Indian menus at sea. 

Passengers are encouraged to dress up come dusk—think cocktail attire—and most do. On gala evenings, you’ll spot many tuxedos and gowns on the dance floor, which often reflect themes such as black and white, Roaring ’20s, and masquerade. 

In a nod to Cunard’s British heritage, daily complimentary afternoon tea welcomes all passengers, beautifully presented while a pianist or harpist performs. Cunard packs its sea days with a wide variety of well-curated activities from sunrise to sunset, such as guest lectures, classical music performances, deck and sports games, and dance classes.

For Luxury: Seabourn

This ultra-luxury line offers six gorgeous ships with an elegant country club ambiance. Seabourn takes pride in lavishing cruisers with attention, as crew members quickly learn names and preferences. 

The amenities are numerous, and everything from all-suite accommodations and all dining (with caviar service available 24/7) to Wi-Fi and gratuities are included. Fine-dining restaurants include the acclaimed Solis, a Mediterranean eatery now fleetwide. In select destinations, the Caviar in the Surf beach party is a signature event, where crew members serve the pricey roe from surfboards. The line also features superb extra-fee food and beverage events, such as premium whiskey and wine tastings, sommelier-hosted wine-pairing luncheons, and Dinner Under the Stars, multicourse extravaganzas matched with wines of devotees’ dreams.

For Multi-Generations: Princess Cruises

Multiple generation cruising can be tricky—travelers need ships that keep everyone happy, from children to grandparents. Princess fits the bill. This line offers accommodations, entertainment, and dining catering to all ages, without over-the-top frenetic activities that might irk older generations. 

Age-appropriate activities abound, with kid, tween, and teen centers. The popular Movies Under the Stars and acrobatic performances appeal to a wide range of ages. Meanwhile, parents can barhop, gamble at the casino, get pampered at Lotus Spa, take in Broadway-style shows, and dine in specialty restaurants such as The Catch by Rudi, which features an overflowing seafood tower. 

Ships, totaling 17, keep evolving in size and offerings. Newer ships include Sanctuary accommodations, providing large families more breathing room. On the line’s newest ship, the 4,300-passenger Sun Princess, the Sanctuary Sky Suite sleeps five and the Grand Suite sleeps four, both with exclusive amenities. Multi-gen parties can book a suite for the immediate family and a Serenity balcony cabin for grandparents. Besides traditional cabins, this ship offers 51 accessible staterooms, too.

For River Cruising: AmaWaterways

This family-owned riverboat line ventures much farther than many competitors plying traditional European waters. AmaWaterways’ 31 custom-designed ships sail Europe’s major rivers and venture to Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe River, Egypt’s Nile River, and its newest route, Colombia’s Magdalena River. 

These modern riverboats allow for a more personal experience with about 150 passengers and small-group activities such as fitness classes, and hiking and biking shore excursions. One ship, AmaMagna, even has a pickleball court. Activities are divided into three pace levels, so all passengers can explore in comfort. Next year, AmaWaterways will offer select Smithsonian Journeys, featuring experts such as art historians, scientists, and archeologists who engage with guests. 

Cruisers can make discoveries at meal time, too. The on-board restaurants emphasize seasonal local ingredients and incorporate regional specialties such as French cheese and Swiss chocolate. The Chef’s Table experience offers more intimacy with 28 seats where guests watch a chef prepare multiple courses in an open kitchen.

For a Small Group: Barge Lady Cruises

If you’re looking to get to know each and every passenger on your voyage or have a ship to yourself with family and friends, consider a barge cruise. These intimate vessels—maxing out at 20 passengers but with options as small as two—are a staple every summer in canals throughout central Europe.

Whether you want to charter an entire barge or simply need a stateroom, Barge Lady Cruises offers tremendous choices. Their expertise lies in personally matching cruisers with the ideal barge in their fleet of 50, primarily in France, but also in the U.K., Ireland, Holland, Italy, and Germany. Barge season runs from April to October and itineraries usually run seven days. 

Barges move about four miles-per-hour along scenic canals in pastoral settings for about three or so hours a day, allowing passengers to walk and bike alongside towpaths and leaving plenty of time for local excursions in nearby villages. Daily tours feature cultural connections, such as Roman ruin sightings, private cellar wine tastings, World War I battlefield tours, and lunches or dinners ashore at noted restaurants. Cruises include chauffeured transfers pre-and- post-cruise, private bath accommodations, all meals with wine pairings, open bar, and escorted sightseeing.