Viking Ocean Cruises has earned praise for its all-inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries since entering the ocean cruising market in 2015. Viking Ocean Cruises are appealing to active and intellectual adults who want to learn about the history and culture of the places they visit. The cruise line's eight identical 930-passenger ships feature appealing amenities such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas in all cabins.

Viking's smaller ships allow them to visit more exclusive ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. The line's standard cruise itineraries range from eight to 119 days, with World Cruise options lasting up to 138 days. Passengers are also entitled to one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call as part of Viking's all-inclusive fare.

Website: vikingcruises.com

Seabourn takes pride in providing the best cruise experiences available. Its five ships can accommodate 458 or 600 passengers (depending on the ship), and they provide cruisers with a plethora of luxurious amenities both inside and outside their suites. Travelers can expect a variety of dining options (both fine and casual), exciting onboard activities, and excursions available before, during, and after the cruise.

Seabourn sails around the world, visiting popular cruising destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, as well as more remote locations such as Australia, Asia, and the Arctic. No matter which itinerary you choose, you'll be treated to spectacular ocean views, whether from the comfort of your suite (all cabins have sea views), while working out in the fitness center, or while relaxing with a treatment at the spa and salon. Casinos, pools, nine-hole putting courses, and live music venues are also available onboard.

Passengers can also enjoy Seabourn's fine dining experiences, many of which feature menus designed by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. Each ship has a crew-to-passenger ratio of roughly one to one, so you can expect personalized service at its best.

Website: seabourn.com

Azamara receives high marks from both cruisers and critics for its upscale cabins and trips to exotic locations. The line's three ships – Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit – sail to more than 300 ports in nearly 100 countries, with popular stops in South America, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, and Asia. With Azamara's ship capacity limited to approximately 700 guests, it is simple to avoid crowds and locate crew members (each ship has approximately one staff member to every two passengers).

While docked in various ports, Azamara voyages offer shore excursions ranging in activity levels, such as museum visits and walking tours. For those who want to explore the local dining scene, the cruise line also provides restaurant recommendations. You can take advantage of each ship's onboard fitness center, lounges, and nightly musical and dance performances whether you choose the shortest four-night cruise or the longest 23-night voyage.

All three ships also have a variety of dining options, ranging from casual buffets to specialty restaurants like Aqualina and Prime C steakhouse. Azamara cruise fares include onboard enrichment programs such as culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, and lectures, in addition to beverages and meals in the main dining room, cafe, and buffet.

Website: azamara.com

Experts and travelers alike praise Regent Seven Seas Cruises for its all-inclusive approach and commitment to luxury service. Regent's five ships – Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager, and Seven Seas Splendor – all have all-suite accommodations. The line also takes pride in its friendly, attentive crew, with one crew member for every one to two passengers.

The length of your stay onboard a Regent ship can vary greatly, with voyages in 2022 ranging from 7 to 120 nights. Regent's popular 2022 itineraries include visits to hundreds of ports in Africa, Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe, among other places.

Guests can discover new places by taking advantage of complimentary shore excursions, which range from paella-making classes in Valencia, Spain, to elephant safaris in Bali. There's also plenty to do on the ship without leaving, such as nightly onboard entertainment, the Serene Spa & Wellness center, and a putting green. Enrichment series led by experts in a variety of fields, from cultural anthropology to culinary practices, are available on select sailings. Gourmet restaurants range from an upscale steakhouse, Prime 7, to Sette Mari at La Veranda, an informal Italian eatery.

Website: rssc.com

Celebrity Cruises receives high marks from both cruisers and experts for its upscale design and innovative cuisine. Celebrity's fleet departs from cities such as Honolulu, Miami, and Seattle in the United States. While you can sail on a smaller ship like the Celebrity Xpedition, which can only transport 48 passengers, you can also cruise on a larger ship like the Celebrity Edge, which can carry 2,918 passengers.

You can expect a high level of customer service regardless of the ship you choose, with each ship carrying approximately one crew member for every two passengers. Celebrity's ships sail all over the world, with stops in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, among other popular destinations. Voyages range from two to eighteen nights in length, with excursions varying according to the length of the cruise and the itinerary.

Whatever itinerary you choose, you'll find a full schedule of onboard activities, such as wine workshops and glassblowing classes, as well as relaxing pursuits such as spa treatments. When you've worked up an appetite, explore the fleet's dining options, which include the Main Restaurant and several specialty venues.

Website: celebritycruises.com

The six ships of Oceania Cruises – Marina, Riviera, Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, and Sirena – stand out from other midsize cruise ships due to their low 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratios, gourmet cuisines, and extensive itineraries. Oceania sails all over the world, with 2022 trips taking passengers to Europe, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, and the South Pacific, among other places. Oceania's shore excursions are as diverse as its sailings, with options ranging from glacier adventures in Juneau, Alaska, to vineyard hopping in Santorini, Greece. If you want to spend more time on land, Oceania offers pre-or post-cruise land tours that include most lodging, dining, and transportation costs.

There are numerous activities available onboard to keep you entertained while at sea. Wine and martini tastings, as well as educational presentations, are available on the line's smaller Regatta, Nautica, Sirena, and Insignia ships, which can accommodate up to 684 passengers. Cooking demonstrations and art classes are held on the larger Marina and Riviera ships, which can accommodate up to 1,250 passengers. During your voyage, which can last anywhere from seven to two hundred and eighty days for 2022 cruises, you can also use the casino and the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. And, if you're a foodie, don't miss out on the fleet's numerous open-seating dining venues, including the Grand Dining Room, which serves French fare at lunchtime from a menu created by master chef Jacques Pépin.

Website: oceaniacruises.com

Costa Cruises, based in Italy, sets itself apart from other European cruise lines with its Mediterranean-inspired design and festive atmosphere. Costa ships depart from a variety of ports around the world to transport passengers to destinations such as the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond. Itineraries can range from four to one hundred and eighty nights.

Costa Cruises offers excursions such as historic site tours in Athens, Greece, and snorkeling excursions in Aruba for an additional fee. Costa also offers a number of cruise experiences. Some ships have a more intimate and relaxed ambiance, while others are more crowded and offer action-packed itineraries. Costa ships have approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

According to recent cruisers, affordable cabins are easy to find within Costa's fleet, which is a major draw. While at sea, you can enjoy casinos, shops, fitness centers, multiple pools, and live shows. After you've worked up an appetite, head to one of the ship's main restaurants or consider splurging on a meal at a specialty restaurant for a more memorable experience.

Website: costacruises.com

MSC Cruises, based in Switzerland, distinguishes itself from other cruise lines with refined onboard experiences and an eclectic array of facilities such as adults-only pools, Balinese spas, and 4D cinemas. The line's 19 ships cater to a wide range of passengers sailing to destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America, northern Europe, and elsewhere. The duration of the voyages ranges from one to 117 nights. At full capacity, MSC's ships can carry anywhere from 2,520 (the Armonia) to 6,334 passengers (the Grandiosa and Virtuosa), with approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

Despite the fact that MSC's ships vary in size, previous passengers praise the entire fleet for its sophisticated ambiance and the value of its itineraries. Travelers can select one of three package experiences – Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea – to determine what their cruise fare will cover. Meals in the main restaurants and the buffet, as well as several ship activities, are included in the voyage price. The food onboard varies by ship, but most MSC restaurants serve globally inspired cuisine. MSC entertainment includes evening concerts, live shows, parties, and contests, while shore excursions range from sailing trips around Mykonos, Greece, to exploring Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Website: msccruises.com

Silversea Cruises has a reputation for exclusivity and exceptional service, with features such as spacious suites, a variety of onboard activities, and gourmet cuisine. With nearly one crew member for every passenger, the line's ten small luxury ocean and expedition ships – carrying between 100 and 608 guests – foster an intimate experience. These small-scale vessels can sail to remote ports in over 900 destinations worldwide, allowing you to choose unique excursions such as a guided tour of Ephesus or a train journey to Moscow.

During your voyage, you'll be able to take in the scenery from the comfort of your suite, as all Silversea accommodations have ocean views. There are also plenty of amenities on board, such as fitness centers, pools, theaters, spas, and casinos. Also, make use of enrichment programs, which include guest lecture series from expert onboard guides. Furthermore, with Silversea's flexible dining schedule (which allows you to eat whenever and with whomever you want), you can tailor meals to your preferences. La Dame, the ship's upscale dining option, serves gourmet French fare.

Website: silversea.com

Holland America Line's midsize ships, which carry between 1,432 and 2,668 passengers, cater to affluent adults. Each ship provides excellent service, with two or three crewmembers assigned to each passenger. The ships of Holland America Line visit Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and Antarctica, among other places. On Holland America cruises, which leave from cities such as Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Diego and can last anywhere from one to 74 days, you can pass the time with enrichment programs such as digital photography, cooking demonstrations, and mixology workshops, or work up a sweat in spin or Pilates classes before unwinding at the spa.

Though they vary by itinerary, the shore excursions offered by Holland America Line are primarily geared toward adults, with activities ranging from animal encounters to bike tours and even helmet diving. Meanwhile, the dining style of Holland America Line allows for mealtime flexibility. You can socialize with other passengers over a five-course dinner in the main Dining Room, sample fresh seafood in the Pinnacle Grill, or order room service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Website: hollandamerica.com