There’s a cruise for every mood in places like the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
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There’s just one catch: You have so many options when it comes to cruise companies that picking one can be hard. And given that each cruise line wants to maximize fun to increase the likelihood of return passengers, you’ll see many golden promises when shopping around for routes, ships, and companies.
So, how can you separate popular cruises, especially when it comes to the most important factor for many—having fun? Is there a single company that excels when it comes to entertainment and on-board activities? And is there a route that does it better?
IN reality, you’re better off looking into cruises based on what type of fun they deliver. Each company has a unique setup and mission when it comes to giving passengers the experience of a lifetime. Want to know which cruise companies are the most fun?
Start with these six categories that break down what type of entertainment to expect.
Which cruise companies are the most fun? Breakdown by category
Best cruise company for family fun: Disney Cruise Line
- What makes it great for families? Disney Cruise Line has tons of amenities and programs aimed at kids, from supervised kids’ clubs to unlimited dining. From pools to buffets, all elements of the cruise were designed and developed with kids in mind.
- Fun amenities and events: Immersive and engaging spaces that are full of Disney characters, worlds, and experiences, from Marvel to Star Wars to Mickey Mouse.
- The secret ingredient: Disney Cruise Line takes the stress out of family trip planning thanks to its truly inclusive pricing (no more fees once you’re onboard) and entertainment that’s aimed at both kids and adults. As a perk, there are also adults-only areas where mom and dad can unwind.
- Check out deals from CruiseDirect to book a Disney Cruise.
Best cruise company for adults-only interests: Virgin Voyages
- What makes it great for adults? Virgin Voyages offers adults-only cruises with adults-only itineraries. It’s also dedicated to going beyond the typical cruise setup—some areas feel like a boutique hotel, while others give superyacht vibes.
- Fun amenities and events: You can take on adults-only adventures of all shapes and sizes. If you want to party, there are tons of events on the schedule. If you’re there to unwind and focus on wellness, there’s something quieter for you to seek out. Think: for balanced adults.
- The secret ingredient: Expect a lively, social atmosphere where adults are encouraged to make friends, let loose, and indulge—from luxury spa treatments to specialty restaurants.
- Explore the latest Virgin Voyages deals on CruiseDirect.
Best cruise company for non-stop parties: Celebrity Cruises
- What makes it great for partying? There’s a party for every mood on Celebrity Cruises. If you’re looking for a high-energy club, you can find one. If you’d rather seek out a more elegant, gala-style event, you’ve got those, too.
- Fun amenities and events: From clubs where you can dance and drink all night to rooftop lounges where you can see and be seen, Celebrity Cruises has curated a long list of parties.
- The secret ingredient: In addition to variation, Celebrity Cruises excels when it comes to themed parties. There’s Motown night, Latin night, 60s night, and more. In other words, its parties are anything but average.
- Find your perfect route from Celebrity Cruises on CruiseDirect.
Best cruise company for budget-friendly fun: Carnival Cruise Line
- What makes it great for savings? Carnival Cruise Line is all about attracting budget travelers, which they do by offering fares that are 20-40% lower than other popular commercial lines.
- Fun amenities and events: Despite its reasonable prices, you can enjoy tons to do on cruises, from the famous BOLT roller coaster to live family feud contests to massive water parks located on deck.
- The secret ingredient: Carnival Cruise Line disembarks from ports like Miami and Galveston, letting you save on flights, in many cases, too.
- Save even more by booking a Carnival Cruise with CruiseDirect.
Best cruise company for adventurous types: Royal Caribbean or Norwegian
- What makes it great for adventurous passengers? Royal Caribbean offers activities like 17-story catwalks, skydiving simulators, and even inline skating. Norwegian, on the other hand, has offers like multi-level go-kart tracks, VR experiences, and even ‘water coasters’.
- Fun amenities and events: You can find experiences like those listed above on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruises—just make sure to check for available activities on your vessel. Not all cruise ships offer the same options.
- The secret ingredient: Royal Caribbean excels in record-breaking activities, including the world’s tallest water slide at sea. In short, they’re all about going big. With Norwegian, you have its popular ‘Freestyle Cruising’ model, letting guests dine when they want so they can take on activities on their own schedule.
- Compare your options for a Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line route on CruiseDirect.
Best cruise company for balanced entertainment: MSC Cruises
- What makes it well-balanced? MSC Cruises has massive mega-ships that are loaded with activities, along with smaller, intimate vessels designed for relaxation. You choose.
- Fun amenities and events: As mentioned above, each MSC Cruise has a different focus. Some are smaller and designed for a luxury, community-focused experience. Others focus on non-stop entertainment; you can expect more competitive pricing on larger ships.
- The secret ingredient: MSC Cruises come at all price points, letting you find the route and itinerary that works for your interests and budget alike.
- Explore your MSC Cruises options straight from CruiseDirect.
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