New York Post Composite Sailing away on a cruise — whether docking in the tropics of The Bahamas or the chillier abode of Alaska — is one of the best vacations you can opt for.
Why, you may ask? From my experience, the all-inclusive nature of cruises allows you to generally save money on a la carte travel expenses — like food, checking luggage and other forms of entertainment — and they’re the type of vacation I always look forward to. That’s right, nearly everything you can hope for or want is already on board.
Since I was a young girl, my family and I sailed on a family cruise annually. The process of handing over my boarding pass and packing for a seven-day getaway is second nature to me (and yes, I can tell you everything you’ll need to know about attending the Broadway-style productions, beating the buffet lines and dressing up for the lido deck’s White Hot Party).
Since my first toot-toot cruising adventure, I’ve experienced the following major lines: Carnival, Celebrity, NCL and Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.
“The biggest perk that attracts people to cruising is the value,” Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, told the New York Post. “To be able to travel for less than $100 per person, per day, and have your lodging, meals and entertainment all included in the cost is incredibly enticing. Even cruises that come at a higher cost – say, river or luxury cruises – tend to have strong value. In addition to the expected inclusions, those lines will often include things like alcoholic beverages, shore excursions and sometimes even airfare and transfers.”
As you’re gearing up to book your next year’s vacation, I’ve put together the all-in-one cruise review, chockfull of notes on what each major line is virtually known for (some with a more dazzling reputation for world-class dining, with others more of a favorite for family trips with younger children).
Additionally, I interviewed a team of travel agents to ask all the questions in the in-depth FAQ section following this review: when to book, navigating the ship when you’re on board, what to know as a first-time cruiser, what to pack and more.
How many times I’ve sailed on this cruise line: 1
Where I’ve traveled to, collectively: San Diego, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Oregon, Canada
Food / dining rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Entertainment rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My 2024 sailing on the Princess Cruises ship Discovery Princess was a West Coast Wine Country tour with my best friend, and it remains the best cruise I’ve ever taken. We embarked from Los Angeles (San Pedro) and sailed through San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria and up into Victoria and Vancouver. From the start, the ship felt like a step above the typical cruise experience people imagine — less chaotic buffet lines and cheesy stereotypes, and instead a polished, modern vessel that still felt relaxed and personal.
Having been on 10+ cruises across multiple lines, I went in with high expectations, and Discovery Princess still managed to exceed them.
In terms of clientele and entertainment, I found the onboard atmosphere skewed slightly older, with many middle-aged and senior couples, though there were still younger travelers and families depending on the sailing. My best friend Veronica and I are in our 20s, and we appreciated that we could still fully enjoy everything the ship offered without feeling out of place.
The entertainment was genuinely a highlight: Broadway-style production shows, comedy nights, game shows, casino evenings and deck parties all felt well-produced and consistently engaging. I even ended up participating in (and winning!) the onboard dance competition, which turned into one of the most unexpectedly fun moments of the entire trip.
The variety made it easy to tailor each night to whatever mood we were in, whether that was a theater show or a relaxed lounge activity.
Food and dining were where Discovery Princess truly separated itself from other cruises I’ve sailed. The main dining rooms were consistently strong, the buffet was varied without the usual crowds, and spots like the International Café became our daily go-to for coffee and pastries before excursions.
Specialty dining stood out even more; Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, Sabatini’s, Crown Grill and especially the immersive 360 dining experience all felt elevated and memorable. Between the quality, variety and service, I genuinely felt like I was eating at land-based restaurants rather than typical cruise fare.
By the end of the voyage, Veronica and I both agreed this was the most complete cruise experience we’d ever had. Between the itinerary, entertainment and especially the dining, I can confidently say this was my best cruise yet — and one I’d sail again without hesitation.
How many times I’ve sailed on this cruise line: 9
Where I’ve traveled to, collectively: Florida, The Bahamas, Bermuda
Food / dining rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Entertainment rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Norwegian Cruise Line is the one I know best; I sailed repeatedly between 2005 and 2014 with my immediate family, including my parents, siblings and extended relatives. These trips often alternated between The Bahamas and Bermuda, typically sailing out of New York, and became a consistent part of my upbringing before our brief hiatus to vacation at the Jersey Shore.
Looking back, NCL stands out for its consistency and familiarity across years of sailing, offering a dependable cruise experience that worked for every age in our family. “Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its relaxed Freestyle cruising,” Ilana Schattaeur, content creator behind Life Well Cruised, a popular website and YouTube channel that shares cruise travel tips with both new and avid cruisers, told The Post. “There are no dress codes or set dining times, which appeals to those who enjoy setting their own pace. NCL has some of the best entertainment at sea, with great shows, live music and entertainers.”
In terms of clientele and entertainment, I always found NCL to be very family-heavy compared to other cruise lines I’ve sailed. There were noticeably more children on board than on lines like Celebrity, and while that might not appeal to every traveler, it worked perfectly for my family-centered vacations.
Despite the busy atmosphere, the entertainment was consistently strong and became one of the defining features of our trips. We regularly attended Broadway-style production shows in the main theater, along with game shows where the cruise director often doubled as host, including formats like “The Newlywed Game” and dance competitions. Daytime entertainment also stood out, with live jazz and Latin music in the ship’s atrium, plus trivia sessions that drew competitive regulars from the first day onward. Even the casino became a family staple for some members of my group, especially during sea days.
Food and dining were a major reason my family kept returning to NCL year after year. As an Italian family, we take food seriously —(1) highly and (2) often — and we wouldn’t have stayed loyal if the quality hadn’t held up. The main dining rooms consistently delivered solid meals and, just as importantly, excellent service, with the same small team often assigned to your table so you could build a rapport over the course of the cruise.
The buffet and casual stations made quick meals easy, with everything from burger bars to make-your-own pasta and Asian-inspired options that made dining flexible and convenient. Specialty dining was also a highlight, especially the steakhouse, which we consistently found to be the best option onboard, while the French restaurant stood out for its dramatic presentation and the Italian venue was more average by comparison.
Overall, NCL delivered a strong, reliable cruise experience at a fair price, and even years later, I still remember those voyages as some of the most formative and enjoyable family vacations I’ve taken.
How many times I’ve sailed on this cruise line: 3
Where I’ve traveled to, collectively: St. Martin, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos
Food / dining rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Entertainment rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Carnival Cruise Line — often called “the fun ship” — has included two early childhood sailings and, more recently, a July 2022 voyage aboard the Carnival Magic. That 2022 trip departed from New York and sailed to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Turks & Caicos, and it remains one of my favorite itineraries I’ve ever taken.
“Carnival is known as the Fun Ships for good reason,” Schattaeur adds. “Carnival cruises all have a waterslide, making their ships popular with families and kids. Carnival’s newer cruise ships, Mardi Gras, Celebration & Jubilee all feature The Bolt, the world’s first roller coaster at sea.”
Compared to my usual Bermuda and Bahamas cruises, this one felt more adventurous, varied, and memorable. I traveled not with family but with my best friend from high school and my best friend from college, which shifted the experience into a more social, spontaneous and energetic group trip. From coordinating outfits to moving between events nonstop, I found Carnival to fully live up to its reputation as one of the most fun cruise experiences at sea.
Carnival’s clientele skewed younger than most cruise lines I’ve sailed, with many passengers in their 20s and 30s, though families were still very present onboard. The overall atmosphere felt lively and social without becoming overly chaotic or “clubby,” and I also noticed a strong presence of travelers from the New York tristate area, which added a familiar, regional energy.
The entertainment was one of the strongest aspects of the cruise and easily a standout highlight. We watched an 80s rock production show, high-energy Latin dance performances and a comedian we intentionally followed multiple nights because his improv and crowd work were that good. The deck parties were equally memorable, especially the Sail Away party and the White Hot party, where the lido deck transformed into a glowing, high-energy celebration filled with music, lights and nonstop dancing.
Food and dining exceeded my expectations in a major way. The buffet became our go-to for breakfast and lunch thanks to its variety and convenience, especially the make-your-own omelet station that I used almost every morning. The outdoor Mexican station was another favorite, serving shrimp burritos and chicken tacos that fit perfectly with our pool-deck routine.
In the main dining room, I still remember being paired with a couple we had never met — unexpected at first, but ultimately one of the most memorable parts of the cruise, and we remain in touch today. Specialty dining elevated the experience even further, especially the steakhouse, where dishes like shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms and surf-and-turf entrées stood out in a more refined, upscale setting.
Overall, Carnival delivered exactly what it promises as “the fun ship”: an energetic, entertainment-driven cruise with strong food, reliable service and an atmosphere that makes every day feel like a celebration at sea.
How many times I’ve sailed on this cruise line: 1
Where I’ve traveled to, collectively: Bermuda
Food / dining rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Celebrity Cruises began in 2017 aboard the Celebrity Summit, when my parents, brother, and I decided to step away from our usual Norwegian Cruise Line sailings and try something new. We were genuinely surprised — in the best way possible.
Celebrity Summit had a distinctly polished, majestic and almost regal ambiance that made the entire voyage feel elevated from the moment we stepped onboard. Every space — from the grand atrium to the dining venues — felt thoughtfully designed and immaculately maintained, almost like sailing on a modern version of The Love Boat.
“Celebrity has earned a reputation over the years for great food, beautiful ships and attentive service,” Schattaeur says. “With its Edge class cruise ships, Celebrity has raised the bar, offering an upscale cruise experience, with innovative and modern spaces. Celebrity Cruises is a perfect fit for vacationers who appreciate dining, contemporary shows, wellness and fun.”
The crowd skewed older overall, with fewer children compared to lines like NCL or Carnival, which made it especially appealing for couples or travelers looking for a quieter, more restorative vacation. Entertainment reflected that same tone: fewer large-scale deck parties, but still plenty to do in the evenings, including comedy shows, casino nights and relaxed lounges where my brother and I would grab a drink and walk the ship.
My mom later sailed the ship again in 2022 and told me, “The ship was still magnificent — very classy and upscale,” adding that even as a smaller vessel it still had “all the bells and whistles.”
The food was, without exaggeration, the defining highlight of the entire experience. Every night felt like it improved on the last, with dishes and desserts that genuinely impressed us across the board. It reached the point where we didn’t feel the need to explore specialty dining often because the main dining experience was already so strong.
The meals were so memorable that in 2017 my family even bought the Celebrity Summit cookbook, had it signed by the maître d’, and later recreated the ship’s crème brûlée at home. My takeaway from that sailing has always been simple: everywhere onboard offered melt-in-your-mouth, world-class cuisine that lived up to the ship’s upscale reputation.
Ultimately, I would absolutely sail with Celebrity Cruises again — it remains one of the most relaxing, elegant cruise experiences I’ve ever had, and one I’d happily repeat with a partner or close companion.
How many times I’ve sailed on this cruise line: 1
Where I’ve traveled to, collectively: Florida, The Bahamas
Entertainment rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Royal Caribbean International came most recently in August 2023 aboard the Oasis of the Seas, when I sailed on a seven-day itinerary to Florida and The Bahamas with my family, two cousins, and family friends. I had long associated Royal Caribbean with being “the expensive ship,” largely because my family tended to sail Norwegian Cruise Line more often, but this cruise changed that perception quickly.
It was our first time experiencing a ship of this scale, and while it initially felt overwhelming to navigate, we became more comfortable within a few days. The ship itself delivered a noticeably modern, high-energy experience that felt like a step up in scale from what we were used to, even if the overall vibe still reminded me somewhat of our NCL sailings.
Royal Caribbean’s clientele felt like a true mix of all ages, with families, kids and older couples all sharing the same spaces without anyone feeling out of place. One of my favorite areas onboard was The Solarium, the adults-only retreat with hot tubs, lounge seating and a quieter buffet-style setup that offered a break from the busier family decks.
Entertainment on Oasis of the Seas was also unlike anything I had experienced before. At first, I was confused not to immediately find a traditional central theater, but I quickly learned that productions were spread across multiple venues — including the ice-skating rink with a “Frozen on Ice” style show and the open-air AquaTheater with diving and acrobatic performances. While the comedians were enjoyable, some shows required long walks across the massive ship, which occasionally made attending late-night entertainment feel like a bit of a trek, especially in rougher seas.
Dining was generally strong and very convenient, with a wide variety of casual options that made grabbing quick meals easy throughout the day. I especially remember a café-style area designed like a small indoor promenade that served fresh soups, paninis, pulled pork sandwiches, and fruit cups —perfect for informal lunches between activities.
The buffet was decent but less memorable compared to other cruise lines I’ve sailed, particularly in the dessert section, though specialty dining at Chops Grille stood out as a highlight with excellent steakhouse-quality meals.
Overall, embarkation was the smoothest I’ve ever experienced on any cruise line, even if disembarkation felt more chaotic in comparison. Despite a few inconsistencies, the scale, entertainment innovation and sheer variety of onboard experiences made Royal Caribbean feel like something entirely different, and I would definitely consider sailing with them again for another unique itinerary.
These rankings reflect the time of cruising.
Ahead, the New York Post consulted a team of travel agents and seasoned cruise experts to add their expertise on when to book, what to know about cruising and much more.
“The Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas are all popular with cruisers,” McDaniel told The Post. “They’re a great first-time cruise for U.S.-based travelers, and there are so many ships and islands to choose from, with plenty you can book without breaking the bank.”
Not to mention, there are some great short cruise options for first-time cruisers that span three to four days. “For West Coast travelers, the Mexican Riviera is also a fantastic option for the same reason,” McDaniel adds.
Additionally, Caribbean and Bahamas cruises are some of the most popular cruises, especially for those planning winter getaways. “Sunny skies, white sand beaches and turquoise waters have an appeal to both the first-time cruiser and the frequent cruiser,” Schattaeur says. “Cruise line private islands, like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Carnival’s Half Moon Cay and MSC’s Ocean Cay are popular destinations in their own right.” (And, from my experience, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay was a dream!)
Bridgett Quinn Webber, cruise travel agent, echoes Schattaeur’s call-out about the Caribbean, as it’s not only popular but “can be so easily accessed from Florida ports, and there are so many different islands to choose from.”
While the world is full of oceans, some people are wanting a different type of cruise experience. “It’s important to remember that river cruises are a great option,” Webber adds. “Beyond just the Rhine and Danube Rivers, we are seeing people wanting to explore more exotic destinations like the Chobe River and the Mekong River.”
“Some of the best restaurants are at sea,” Stewart Chiron, president of The Cruise Guy (who has been on a whopping 318 cruises!), told The Post. “Cruise lines frequently associate with top-rated Michelin star, master and celebrity chefs to provide the world’s finest and most exciting culinary experiences. Many restaurant venues play off the stars in the sky and views of the sea, which are unparalleled.”
According to McDaniel, cruises can be “a real paradise for foodies.” Now, more than ever, cruises are beginning to expand and invest in dining options on board. “Cruising is often synonymous with buffets — and while those free, casual, dining venues are still plentiful at sea, the introduction of specialty restaurants has helped raise the caliber of offerings,” she offers.
Specialty dining often comes with a per-person fee, offering anything from a la carte, to $100 or more per person. “Many times you’ll see a specialty restaurant led by celebrity chefs, which is a great way to taste their specialties,” McDaniel adds. “You can have everything from high-end Mexican and French fare to Asian, Italian and American steakhouses.”
Webber also notes how cruise lines put a lot of effort into providing delicious food and drinks for their guests (after all, it’s not like you can just go to the next city over for dinner!)
“Nearly every ship has a buffet, which is perfect for people who want to eat on the go or sample lots of different types of food,” she offers. “Besides the main dining rooms, cruise lines have also invested in their specialty restaurants, and often have partnerships with world-class chefs like Thomas Keller and Seabourn, or Oceania and Jacques Pepin.”
Not to mention, she recently took her 14-year-old nice on her very first cruise and she had rave reviews for 150 Central Park onboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas (editor’s note: I never dined here while on board, but it looked delish!). “The sophistication of the restaurant combined with a premium dining experience has her hooked on cruising!” she says.
What’s more, Schattaeur shared with The Post her incredible cruise ship specialty dining experiences. “Some that stand out include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Teppenyaki, a hibachi style Japanese restaurant; this is not only a delicious meal, but a fun one!” she highlights. “Guests sit at a table with other passengers, while a talented chef prepares generous portions of fried rice, vegetables, shrimp, meat and chicken, all while entertaining the guests.”
According to Chiron, “Broadway, Las Vegas, magic, comedy, music and motivational and inspirational lectures” are all housed on board. The newer the ship, the more advanced theater-style productions you’ll experience.
“Entertainment runs the gamut at sea – from Disney’s incredible productions for kids, to Broadway-caliber shows featuring phenomenal talent,” McDaniel explains. Fun fact: before American Idol and her incredibly successful career, Jennifer Hudson was a cruise ship performer, she tells us.
On smaller ships – river, luxury or expedition – entertainment tends to be a bit more subdued, per McDaniel. “Where they shine is in the onboard enrichment – bringing local experts onboard, and bringing the destinations you’re visiting alive even before you step foot off the ship,” she says. “From cooking classes and shopping excursions with the chef to lectures with naturalists and internationally renowned experts in their field.”
One of Schattaeur’s fondest memories aboard a cruise was an ice skating show. “During a family cruise when our children were young, the skating show cast asked for young volunteers from the audience,” she remembers. “Our son Ethan, who was 5 years old at the time, raised his hand — little did he know that he’d be part of the show! He and 7 other children were given clown costumes and we’ve driven around in a clown wagon on the ice, and we have some photos, family memories and a great story to share.”
“With cruises, it’s almost always best to book as far in advance as possible, to find the best deals and cabin selection,” Schatteur advises. “This can be a year or more before a cruise. Many people don’t realize that once they book, most cruise lines will honor a lower advertised price up until the final payment. This is why many frequent cruisers book early.”
Webber believes in the as-soon-as-possible mentality as well. “The demand for cruising has never been higher and space is very limited,” she adds. “To avoid disappointment, I’d contact your travel advisor well in advance of your preferred sailing.”
McDaniel also tipped off that the cruise industry has its own dedicated sales period, called Wave Season, when cruise lines across the industry offer deals en masse. “If you missed scoring a Black Friday or Cyber Monday cruise deal, look for Wave Season deals starting in January and running through March (sometimes even April),” she recommends.
Not to mention, sailing during the holidays is extremely popular. “Booking cruises during the holidays is traditionally a slow period as people are more focused on family and friends,” Chiron adds. “Pent up demand, reduced availability and high costs for land-based vacations still causing higher booking levels at this time of year.”
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