Cruise Lines

Q: What’s the dress code like?

Dress codes range from very casual (Virgin, NCL) to smart-casual (Celebrity, Princess) to formal nights (P&O, Cunard). Luxury lines lean elegant but relaxed.

Q: Do I need to book specialty dining?

Main dining rooms and buffets are included; specialty restaurants are optional upcharges with premium menus — booking early helps secure popular venues.

Cruise Lines: Compare, Choose, and Sail

Not all cruise lines are the same. From family mega-ships to intimate luxury yachts, your choice sets the vibe, budget, and onboard experience. Use this guide to find your perfect match.

Search Cruises by Line

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Travelling with kids?

Surf simulators, zip lines, kids clubs, character meets.

See Family Lines ›

Adults-only vibe?

Swanky dining, stylish spaces, no kids on board.

See Premium ›

Bucket-list immersion?

Small ships, unique ports, destination-first itineraries.

See Luxury/Small-Ship ›

Family & Big-Ship Fun

Action-packed ships with tons to do, huge entertainment lineups, and excellent kids’ clubs.

Royal Caribbean

Wow-factor ships (AquaTheater, ice rinks, FlowRider) with great family cabins and dining flexibility.

Royal Caribbean Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Disney Cruise Line

Best-in-class character experiences, rotational dining, and shows — priced at a premium.

Disney Cruise Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

MSC Cruises

Modern ships, big waterparks, Mediterranean flair, and often strong pricing from UK ports.

MSC Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Mainstream Value

Great all-rounders with plenty to do and broad itineraries — ideal for first-timers and budget-savvy travellers.

Carnival

Casual, lively fun with lots of dining choice and entertainment — excellent value in the Caribbean.

Carnival Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Freestyle dining (no set times), strong entertainment, and good solo-traveller options (Studio cabins).

NCL Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

P&O Cruises

British-style cruising from Southampton with attractive pricing and no-fly convenience.

P&O Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Premium

Refined design, better food & service, and a quieter feel. A step up without full luxury pricing.

Celebrity Cruises

Modern, design-led ships (Edge Class), elevated dining, and a relaxed premium ambience.

Celebrity Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Princess Cruises

Destination-focused itineraries, good enrichment, and Medallion tech for a smooth onboard experience.

Princess Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Virgin Voyages (Adults-Only 18+)

Edgy, adult-only ships with great food (no buffets), fitness focus, and tips & Wi-Fi included.

Virgin Voyages Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Luxury & Small-Ship

Smaller ships, higher crew-to-guest ratios, destination depth, and more inclusions (drinks, gratuities, specialty dining).

Seabourn

All-suite ships, exceptional service, caviar moments — intimate luxury with strong enrichment.

Seabourn Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Silversea

Butler service for every suite, fine dining, and destination-rich itineraries worldwide.

Silversea Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Regent Seven Seas

Ultra-inclusive luxury (excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi, tips) with beautiful all-suite ships.

Regent Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Oceania

Food-forward small ships (Jacques Pépin influence), port-intensive itineraries, country-club casual vibe.

Oceania Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Azamara

Destination immersion with late nights and overnights; smaller ships for harder-to-reach ports.

Azamara Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Expedition

Purpose-built small ships with zodiacs, expert guides, and remote-region access — Antarctica, Arctic, Galápagos, and beyond.

Hurtigruten

Science-led voyages with sustainable tech and strong Norwegian heritage.

Hurtigruten Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Lindblad-National Geographic

Top-tier expedition leaders, photographers, and naturalists; education-heavy itineraries.

Lindblad Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Quark Expeditions

Polar specialists with technical capability for deep Antarctica and Arctic adventures.

Quark Guide (coming soon) · View Sailings

Quick Compare: Which Line Fits You?

Line	Vibe	Best for	Inclusions*	Typical Price	More
Royal Caribbean	High-energy mega-ships	Families, groups	Meals in MDR/buffet, shows	££	Guide
NCL	Freestyle, casual	Couples/friends, solo cabins	Meals in MDR/buffet	££	Guide
Princess	Classic premium	Itinerary lovers	Meals, enrichment	££–£££	Guide
Celebrity	Modern premium	Adults, design fans	Meals, shows, some Wi-Fi in promos	£££	Guide
Virgin Voyages	Adults-only, trendy	Couples/friends (18+)	Tips & Wi-Fi included	£££	Guide
Seabourn	Ultra-luxury small-ship	Service, fine dining	Drinks, tips, specialties	££££	Guide

*Inclusions vary by fare/package and promotions. Always check what’s included before booking.

Compare Prices by Line Compare Travel Insurance

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Cruise Lines FAQs

Which cruise line is best for families?

Royal Caribbean and Disney lead for families; MSC and P&O also offer strong value with UK departures.

Which lines include drinks and Wi-Fi?

Virgin Voyages includes gratuities and Wi-Fi as standard. Luxury lines (Seabourn, Silversea, Regent) typically include drinks and tips. Mainstream lines often sell add-on packages.

What’s the dress code like?

Ranges from very casual (Virgin, NCL) to smart-casual (Celebrity, Princess) to formal nights (P&O, Cunard). Luxury lines lean elegant but relaxed.

Do I need to book specialty dining?

No, main dining rooms and buffets are included. Specialty restaurants are optional upcharges with smaller venues and premium menus — book early on popular ships.