It’s hard to rank cruise companies on basic metrics because each delivers a different experience.
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How does a family-friendly Disney cruise stack up against an adults-only Virgin Voyages five-day route? It’s like comparing apples and oranges. They’re meant to be different in order to attract the perfect passenger for their itinerary and amenities.
Still, the great minds at U.S. News & World Report have done a bang-up job of ranking and categorizing the most popular cruise companies serving Americans.
Want a look at the short list for the best cruises in 2026 based on your particular cruising needs? Take a load off with the list from U.S. News & World Report, divided into eight categories based on traveler interests.
Best cruises for Americans in 2026 by category
If you want to dive into the rankings, explore the complete lists for each category. You can also head to the bottom of the page if you want more information on a few extra categories, such as the best cruise lines for dining and the best cruises in the Adriatic, for example.
Here’s a snapshot of the good stuff with the top three picks ranked in order of selection:
- Best cruise lines, buck for buck: Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean
- Best cruise lines for families: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian
- Best cruise lines for couples: Viking Ocean Cruises, Explora Journeys, Seabourn Cruise Line
- Best cruise lines in the Caribbean: Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Explora Journeys
- Best cruise lines in the Mediterranean: Viking Ocean Cruises, Explora Journeys, Silversea Cruises
- Best luxury cruise lines: Viking Ocean Cruises, Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Best cruise lines for solo travelers: Crystal, Norwegian, Oceania Cruises
- Best cruise lines for wellness offerings: Celebrity Cruises, Explora Journeys, Virgin Voyages
