Global authority in rankings U.S. News & World Report has announced the 2019 Best Cruise Lines Rankings. These rankings evaluated 17 top cruise lines and 169 cruise ships across six categories to help travelers select the best cruise line by type, budget, brand, and region.
With its combination of high traveler and health scores, as well as top-notch service and onboard amenities, Seabourn Cruise Line takes the No. 1 spot as the Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean and the Best Luxury Cruise Line. Celebrity Cruises is the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for the Money, while Viking Ocean Cruises takes the top spot as the Best Cruise Line for Couples.
Disney Cruise Line continues its reign as the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for Families and the No. 1 Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean for the sixth consecutive year.
The methodology for the Best Cruise Lines rankings factors in expert evaluations of cruise ship quality, reputation among travelers, results from health assessments conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other factors, such as price class and itinerary offerings.
2019 U.S. News Best Cruise Lines Rankings
Best Cruise Line for the Money
- Celebrity Cruises (View Best Prices)
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Cruise Line for Luxury
- Seabourn Cruise Line (View Best Prices)
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
Best Cruise Line for Families
- Disney Cruise Line (View Best Prices)
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival Cruise Line
Best Cruise Line for Couples
- Viking Ocean Cruises (View Best Prices)
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Azamara Club Cruises
Best Cruise Line for the Mediterranean
- Seabourn Cruise Line (View Best Prices)
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Azamara Club Cruises
Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line (View Best Prices)
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)
the absolute best value is Carnival. There food is just about better than any other mid priced cruise line.
Their cabins are nice and roomy, the intertainment is pretty good, they do a somewhat decent job serving the passengers. Their prices are wonderful. The only thing I had against them is the loud music near the pool. Now that they have the serenity section it is wonderful/
Each cruise line covers a different market or style. For me Holland America Line fits my taste. No cruise line is perfect. I find that I like what I get for the price on Holland America Line, it is a good value. Holland America Line is not the least expensive nor are they expensive. For my budget it is the right mix of quality and value.
I could not disagree more with the “Best cruise line for the money” rankings. I have sailed on the top 3 and find Carnival a much much better value than any of the top three. Norwegian robs you on board. Royal Caribbean has terrible food at every restaurant on the ship whether you pay extra or not. The worst meal I have ever had on a cruise was in the expensive Royal Caribbean steak house. Celebrity is a great cruise line but pretty expensive. Carnival is not sophisticated and it’s not for everyone but I find it by far to be the best value considering all aspects.
Personally, I feel that Carnival is CRAP … at any money. Any time that you have to BEG to get a mattress which does not have a divot in the middle … you are not on a good cruise line. When they tall you (for days) that there isn’t a spare mattress on the ship, then suddenly find one on day three (for a passenger who recently had back surgery), but are unable to scrounge one up for the spouse … you are not on a good cruise line. When your MDR server orders extra dinner entrees, then stows them for themselves to eat later … you are not on a good cruise line. Let’s face it … you are paying to go binge-drinking. I prefer my vacation with less vomit.