Cruise Lines
Every line on this page sails a different kind of vacation. Booking the wrong one for your family is the most expensive mistake in cruising - and it's the easiest one to avoid. Here's the honest rundown.
Katie's specialty, and the line she has sailed nine times. Home to the largest ships at sea, with rock walls, surf simulators, Broadway-caliber shows, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. The strongest all-round pick for first-time cruisers and multigenerational families.
Best for: Families, first-timers, big-ship thrill seekers
Modern luxury without the formality. Exceptional food, adult-leaning atmosphere, gorgeous Edge-class ships, and a package structure that bundles drinks, wifi, and tips so your fare is close to your final cost.
Best for: Couples, foodies, milestone anniversaries
The originator of Freestyle Cruising - no fixed dining times, no formal nights, eat and dress how you like. Great solo studio cabins and a consistently strong Free at Sea promotion.
Best for: Solo travelers, flexible schedules, casual cruisers
The best value in cruising and genuinely fun. Lively, unpretentious, and sailing from more U.S. homeports than anyone - which often means you can drive to your ship instead of flying.
Best for: Budget-conscious families, short getaways, drive-to ports
Relaxed, classic cruising with standout Alaska and Europe itineraries. The OceanMedallion wearable unlocks your cabin and finds your family onboard. Strong destination programming and enrichment.
Best for: Alaska, longer itineraries, mature travelers
Refined, quieter, and destination-focused, with smaller ships that reach ports the megaships can't. Outstanding live music program and some of the most in-depth Alaska Land+Sea journeys available.
Best for: Alaska land tours, port-intensive sailings, calmer pace
Adults only, 18+, and unlike anything else at sea. Tips, wifi, gratuities, and essential drinks are included, restaurants are all a la carte with no buffet, and the design is closer to a boutique hotel than a cruise ship.
Best for: Adults-only escapes, design lovers, couples and friend groups
The gold standard for families with young children. Rotational dining, unmatched kids' clubs, character experiences, and Castaway Cay - Disney's own island. Books further out than any other line, so plan early.
Best for: Families with young kids, Disney fans, special occasions
That's the whole job. Tell Katie who's traveling and what you want out of the week, and she'll narrow eight cruise lines down to the one or two that actually make sense for you.
Note for launch: cruise line logos are trademarked. Use the official logo files from each line's travel-advisor portal, and follow their brand guidelines. Placeholder graphics are in place until then.