When travelers sit down and reminisce about their favorite journeys, cruising often comes up with a kind of wistful fondness. There is something about being out at sea, unpacking your suitcase only once, and waking up in a new port every morning that captures the imagination. Yet among all the cruise lines that sail the world’s oceans, people do develop favorites. Sometimes it’s the loyalty perks, sometimes it’s the destinations, and other times it’s simply how a particular ship makes them feel. For seasoned cruisers, their favorite line becomes like a trusted companion—familiar, comforting, and ready to whisk them away when the mood strikes.

Each cruise line has its own character, and over time, travelers gravitate toward the one that feels most like “them.” Carnival, for example, is loved by those who want fun at sea without breaking the bank. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, casual style, and endless activities, Carnival appeals to travelers seeking energy, laughter, and nights that don’t end early. Families and younger couples often declare Carnival their favorite because it feels approachable and never too stuffy. For them, it’s less about formality and more about making memories together.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, wins hearts with its sheer spectacle. Its massive ships are floating cities, packed with innovations like surf simulators, ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, and even zip lines high above the decks. For travelers who crave both relaxation and adrenaline, Royal Caribbean becomes the cruise line of choice. Many families pick it as their favorite because there’s genuinely something for everyone—children, teens, parents, and grandparents alike. The entertainment is Broadway-caliber, the dining options are varied, and the destinations are wide-ranging. Once a traveler experiences the scale of a Royal Caribbean ship, it’s hard not to feel dazzled.

For those who lean toward elegance, Celebrity Cruises often tops the list of favorites. Sleek, modern, and stylish, Celebrity caters to travelers who enjoy fine dining, thoughtful design, and a slightly more refined atmosphere. Foodies especially praise Celebrity for its culinary offerings, from rooftop grills to wine cellars that rival those on land. Many couples celebrate anniversaries or milestones on these ships, and it’s no surprise they come back again and again. Once you’ve had a sunset dinner on the deck of a Celebrity ship, it lingers in your memory, calling you back.

Princess Cruises holds a special place in many hearts, particularly among couples and retirees seeking a balance of comfort and affordability. Princess has built a reputation for romantic sailings, partly thanks to its long history with itineraries to Alaska and Hawaii. Many travelers will tell you their very first cruise was with Princess, and because of that, it remains their favorite. The line feels traditional in the best way—classic dining, friendly service, and ships that are large enough to offer variety but not so big they feel overwhelming.

Disney Cruise Line stands alone in its own category. For families with children, there is simply no contest. Disney’s attention to detail, storytelling, and service creates an experience unlike any other at sea. Characters roam the decks, themed dining immerses guests in fantasy, and there’s even fireworks at sea. Parents who have sailed with Disney with their little ones often say that no other cruise compares, even years later, when the kids are grown. For them, Disney remains their favorite because it delivered pure magic in a way no other line could.

Some travelers, of course, are drawn toward luxury, and their favorites reflect that. Lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn specialize in indulgence. These ships are smaller, the service is more personalized, and nearly everything is included, from champagne to shore excursions. Once a traveler experiences that level of attention, it’s tough to go back to the bigger, more commercial ships. Luxury cruisers often describe their favorite line with a sense of loyalty that borders on devotion. For them, cruising isn’t about entertainment or activities; it’s about being pampered in a serene, sophisticated environment while sailing to some of the world’s most exclusive destinations.

Then there are the explorers, those who want to go where big ships can’t. Expedition lines like Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions, and Ponant appeal to travelers seeking adventure at the world’s edges, including the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Galápagos Islands. For these passengers, their favorite cruise line isn’t about pool decks or shows, but about knowledge, exploration, and connection to nature. Instead of late-night karaoke, evenings are filled with lectures by naturalists and stories about the day’s discoveries. Their loyalty lies with whichever line brings them closest to the wild.

We sailed on Ponant’s Le Boreal when we visited Antarctica in 2018. It’s a small ship with a maximum passenger capacity of 264, but on our sailing, there were fewer than 200 passengers, making the cruise especially intimate and special.

What makes a cruise line someone’s favorite isn’t always the obvious. It can be a small gesture: a crew member remembering your name, a cabin attendant surprising you with a towel animal, or a chef preparing a dish that tastes just like home. These personal touches often define loyalty more than the size of a ship or the length of an itinerary. Travelers speak warmly about the little things, the sense of belonging that a line fosters. Once that connection forms, it endures.

Favorites also evolve with time. The young partygoer who loved Carnival in their twenties may find themselves preferring Celebrity’s sophistication later in life. Families who adored Disney may shift to Royal Caribbean when the kids become teenagers. A retiree who started with Princess may eventually discover Seabourn and fall in love with its intimate atmosphere. As travelers change, so do their favorites.

At the heart of it all, a traveler’s favorite cruise line isn’t about the advertisements or the rankings. It’s about how that line made them feel. Did it bring joy? Did it create memories worth holding onto? Did it make the world feel a little closer, a little more accessible? That’s why the answer to “What’s the best cruise line?” will always be beautifully subjective.

For one traveler, it might be Carnival, because it brought their family together in laughter. For another, it might be Silversea, because it offered peace and luxury after a lifetime of hard work. For someone else, it could be Disney, because it made their child’s eyes light up in pure wonder.

And so, travelers’ favorite cruise lines are not just about ships at sea…they are about stories, memories, and the ways we connect to the world and to each other while the horizon stretches endlessly ahead.

Overall, for the sake of affordability and quality sailing, we’ve enjoyed Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara, and look forward to more sailings in the future.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 31, 2015: