Best Cruise Lines by Region: The Ultimate Guide

Which Cruise Line Is Best? We Break It Down by Destination

Let’s be real: cruising isn’t one-size-fits-all. The “best” cruise line totally depends on where you’re going, what kind of vibe you want onboard, and how much you’re down to spend. Some cruises are all about the party scene and big attractions, while others are more about quiet beaches, fine wine, and waking up in tiny ports you’ve never heard of (but will instantly fall in love with).

With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, to save you from endless scrolling and second-guessing, I’ve put together a no-fluff, region-by-region guide to the best cruise lines out there—based on real experience, real ports, and real talk.

Whether you’re dreaming of island hopping in the Caribbean, sipping espresso in Italy, spotting glaciers in Alaska, or watching a ship squeeze through the Panama Canal like a boss—there’s a cruise line that does it best. Let’s dive in.

Caribbean – The Big League

The Caribbean is cruise central—seriously, over 12 million people cruise here every year. And it's easy to see why: warm waters, stunning beaches, colorful towns, and itineraries that can fit into a long weekend or a two-week escape. Whether you're after rum punches in Barbados or snorkeling in the Bahamas, there's a cruise for that.

Looking for unbeatable value? Go with MSC Cruises. They offer crazy-low fares, especially for families (kids often sail free!), and they hit all the major ports. The ships are flashy and European-style, so be ready for a slightly different onboard vibe—but the bang for your buck is solid.

Traveling with family or just want a floating fun park? Royal Caribbean is your go-to. Think surf simulators, skydiving experiences, epic water slides, and top-notch kids clubs. Their private islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, are like mini resorts just for cruisers.

No kids, just vibes? Virgin Voyages is adults-only, has amazing food (no buffets here!), and throws incredible themed parties. Less port-heavy, more onboard fun.

More into authentic ports and chilled vibes? Try Holland America. Great music, elegant ships, and stops at gems like Half Moon Cay—a dreamy, quiet island that’s pure paradise.

Want small-ship luxury? Windstar cruises tiny islands the big ships can’t even get near. Pure Caribbean magic.

Mediterranean – Culture, History & Gorgeous Coastlines (220 words)

If you're dreaming of sipping wine in Italy, wandering cobbled streets in Greece, or diving into Spanish tapas, the Mediterranean is your cruise playground. With over 5.5 million cruisers each year, it’s a classic for a reason.

First-timer? Go for the Western Med—Barcelona, Rome, Florence, even Monte Carlo. It’s like the greatest hits album of Europe. For something more chill or beachy, try the Eastern Med (hello, Greek Islands!) or the Adriatic route between Venice and Athens.

Pro tip: Go small ship if your budget allows. Many big ships dock in industrial ports way outside the city—think Marseille vs. miles-away cargo docks. Smaller ships like Azamara, Windstar, or Oceania can slide right into the heart of the action. Monte Carlo? You’re basically rolling off the ship into a Bond movie set.

Want more depth with your dolmades? Look for lines with solid cultural enrichment—Viking and Oceania have great onboard talks, cooking demos, and destination deep-dives.

Luxury options? Silversea, Seabourn, and Cunard bring that elevated experience with fewer crowds and more elegance. If you're a culture buff or foodie, you'll love the vibe.

Bottom line? Mediterranean cruises are a feast for the senses—and the smaller the ship, the richer the experience.

Europe – UK, Ireland & the Norwegian Fjords (220 words)

Looking for castles, cozy pubs, and epic landscapes? Welcome to non-Mediterranean Europe, where you can cruise through storybook villages, misty highlands, and jaw-dropping fjords. Over 3 million cruisers sail here every year—and it’s totally worth joining them.

Cruising around the UK and Ireland? For international travelers, Princess and Celebrity are great bets. They’re seasoned pros with well-rounded itineraries and ships based in Southampton, the cruise hub of the UK. You’ll get a nice mix of modern comfort and classic charm.

Want a more local feel? Fred Olsen, Cunard, and Ambassador are UK-based and lean into traditional British cruising—think afternoon tea, formal nights, and a proper English breakfast.

Fjord dreaming? Skip the mega-ships and go native with Hurtigruten or Havila. These local Norwegian lines cruise deep into the fjords on smaller ships and serve up full-on Arctic vibes. You’ll hit remote, magical ports that big ships can’t touch.

Not feeling that rustic? Bigger lines like Cunard, Princess, and Holland America also cruise the fjords, but check those itineraries closely. You want names you haven’t heard of and towns ending in “fjord” for the best scenery.

Europe’s north isn’t just castles and cold weather—it’s seriously beautiful, super underrated, and surprisingly chill.

Asia – Especially Japan

Cruising in Asia is like stepping into a living postcard—temples, neon cities, street food, cherry blossoms—you name it. With over 2.6 million passengers a year, it’s gaining popularity fast. But when people ask me where to cruise in Asia, I almost always say: Japan.

Japan by cruise ship? Totally underrated. You get to see ancient shrines, peaceful gardens, buzzing cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and even hot spring towns—all without lugging suitcases from train to train.

Best value? Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity run awesome Japan-focused itineraries, often circumnavigating the whole country. That means you’re not just seeing Tokyo—you’re getting a full flavor of Japan, from snowcapped Hokkaido to tropical Okinawa.

Smaller ships like those from Holland America and Celebrity mean less crowding and better port access. Bonus: These lines are budget-friendly, but still classy.

Excursions in Japan can get pricey, so here’s a sneaky tip: Look at all-inclusive lines like Viking, Regent Seven Seas, or Silversea. Once you add up tours and extras, they might actually be a better deal—and you’ll cruise in serious style.

Japan by cruise is peaceful, fascinating, and incredibly efficient—just like the country itself.

Alaska – Wild, Majestic, Unforgettable

Alaska is raw, wild, and absolutely jaw-dropping. Glaciers, whales, bald eagles, towering mountains—it’s like cruising through a National Geographic documentary. About 1.7 million cruisers head here every year, and if it's your first time, buckle up. It’s gonna be epic.

There are two main routes:

• Inside Passage (roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver)
• One-way cruises (between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier)

Both are great, but if you’re new to Alaska, the Inside Passage is an easy win—scenic, smooth sailing, and packed with cool towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

Most important tip? Choose a cruise that visits Glacier Bay. It’s the highlight, but only six lines are allowed in:
Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Seabourn, Cunard, and Viking.

My go-to? Holland America—they’ve been doing Alaska longer than anyone, and it shows. Smooth operations, great naturalist programs, and prime docking spots.

Want something more adventurous? Go with Hurtigruten or UnCruise. These guys skip the tourist towns and take you into seriously remote territory—kayaks, wildlife encounters, the whole wild Alaska deal.

Whether you’re on a balcony soaking in glacier views or spotting bears from the deck, Alaska delivers those “wow” moments on repeat. Just don’t forget your camera (and maybe a warm hoodie).

Australia & New Zealand – Down Under Vibes

Craving kangaroos, coastal cities, and jaw-dropping landscapes? A cruise through Australia and New Zealand brings it all—sunny beaches, Maori culture, coral reefs, and more. It’s a bit more off-the-beaten-path compared to the Caribbean or Med, but trust me, it’s so worth it.

Australia-wise, there are tons of options. Some lines swing through during their world voyages (quick visits), but the best experience comes from lines that actually base ships there for the season. Princess, Holland America, and Carnival do a great job—more ports, better timing, and a local vibe.

Want to cruise all the way around Australia? It’s rare, but epic. Holland America and Viking run full circumnavigations (yes, that’s a real thing!), usually at the start or end of their seasons. You’ll hit everything from Sydney and Melbourne to the Outback and wild western coastlines.

Cruising New Zealand? You're in for fjords, vineyards, and Lord of the Rings scenery. Celebrity bases one of their beautiful Edge-class ships in Sydney and does regular runs to NZ. Classy, modern, and packed with views.

Looking for a local line? Try P&O Australia (soon merging with Carnival) for a family-friendly, fun-in-the-sun experience with an Aussie twist.

Down Under cruising = sunshine, scenery, and serious bucket list vibes.

Panama Canal & South America – Engineering Marvels & Epic Landscapes

The Panama Canal is one of those “must-see-to-believe” experiences. It's not just a shortcut—it’s a jaw-dropping feat of engineering that lets cruise ships glide through the Americas like magic. Add lush rainforests, monkeys, and volcano views, and yeah—it’s next level.

But here’s the big insider tip: Not all ships go through the original Panama Canal. Only ships that are Panamax size (aka built to fit the old locks) get to do the OG route. Many of the newer mega-ships (like Norwegian Bliss or Celebrity Edge) are too big and use the newer, less scenic locks.

To truly feel the magic of the canal, go for the smaller, classic ships. Think Cunard’s Queen Victoria, Holland America’s Zaandam—ships that fit the canal and let you experience the tight, dramatic passage through the jungle.

The canal is often part of repositioning cruises (ships moving between Alaska and the Caribbean), or world cruises. You'll stop at ports like Cartagena, Puerto Quetzal, and Colon, with bonus chances to explore Central and South America.

Want more of South America itself? Cruise the coast with lines like Holland America, Princess, or Viking. Think tango in Buenos Aires, glaciers in Chile, or the Amazon River.

It’s adventure meets history—with a side of wow.

So... Where Should You Go First?

That’s the million-dollar question. But whether you're chasing glaciers in Alaska, sipping limoncello in the Med, or feeling the Caribbean breeze on a private island, just know this: the best cruise isn’t always the biggest or the most expensive—it’s the one that matches your vibe, your budget, and your sense of adventure.