Big-name cruise lines compared

Looking for a trusted cruise line for your next ocean voyage? They may be household names, and most-used by members, but not all of the big industry players are created equal. 

There is a huge difference in the quality of experience and the facilities, so make sure to do your research before booking. 

We asked thousands of guests to rate their cruise holidays on everything from the cabin, to the quality of the excursions and the food and drink on board.

Here we compare the big-name rivals so you know where you’ll get the most bang for your buck - and the most space without being crammed in with hundreds of other passengers. 

P&O Cruises 72%

Indicative price/night  £171

Our verdict

Cunard 73%

Indicative price/night  £224

Famous for its transatlantic crossings, this 180-year-old line remains popular thanks to its black-tie galas and afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters. Your cabin grade even determines which restaurants you dine in. It’s owned by Carnival Corporation, but its 2,000-capacity ships are still named after British queens and sail from Southampton to New York, Norway and the Med. Guests enjoyed the good food and congenial atmosphere. 

Our verdict

Virgin Voyages 80%

Indicative price/night £296

It’s the food that really stood out, getting a full five-star rating in our survey. There are no buffets or set mealtimes, and dining options include a Korean barbecue restaurant, molecular cuisine and a veggie diner. They’re all included in the upfront price (as are tips and wi-fi), but drinks cost extra. Virgin’s ships currently sail from Athens, Barcelona, Miami, with more set to launch soon. 

Our verdict

Disney Cruise Line 78%

Indicative price/night  £478

The range of family-friendly activities includes a kids’ club, while adults can take refuge in child-free areas including a Star Wars-themed cocktail bar. Guests loved the ships’ five-star facilities and friendly atmosphere. The cabins (complete with Disney artwork) and food were good too, but customer service was less magical, scoring only three out of five stars. 

Even lifelong Mickey fans might baulk at the fantastical ticket price, and you pay extra for drinks, wi-fi, tips and some restaurants. One cruise-goer said: ‘The entertainment is first-class, but they’re much more expensive than similar cruises with other lines.’ 

Our verdict 

Fred Olsen 72%

Indicative price/night £323

Founded in 1848, the Norwegian firm now run cruises from five British ports, with three relatively small ships (the largest, Borealis, has 702 rooms and suites). It visits destinations around the world, from the fjords of its homeland to the warm waters of Africa and the Indian Ocean. All ships have a spa, fitness centre and sauna.

The largest vessel carries 1,350 guests - but customers didn’t think that ships felt busy, awarding it five stars for the passenger-to-space ratio. However, you may want to give the excursions a miss - they were described as ‘dull’ and ‘ridiculously expensive’. ‘Where we stopped there was literally nothing to do and nowhere to go,’ described one passenger.

Our verdict

Princess Cruises 67%

Indicative price/night  £178

This American cruise line’s enormous ships have decent facilities but almost everything else is mediocre, according to our survey. The long list of add-ons also irked passengers, who had to pay extra for everything from performances by special guests to better food. Several were disappointed by the ‘lacklustre’ buffet and ‘useless’ app, which is supposed to make ordering and embarkation simpler. 

Our verdict

source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/big-name-cruise-lines-compared-apKK70T9pNqn