AmaWaterways: This river cruise line's all-inclusive journeys include accommodations, meals, and sightseeing tours at each stop on the itinerary. Open seating is the standard at mealtimes. AMA vessels travel down waterways in Europe, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Africa.
American Cruise: Paddleboats -- one on the Mississippi River and one for the Snake and Columbia Rivers -- are a star feature of this U.S. river-cruise line. Though its fleet consists of small-sized ships (fitting 50 to 150 passengers), there is an impressive amount of offerings on board, including a nightly cocktail hour and lots of lectures on a variety of subjects.
Avalon Waterways: Most of Avalon's voyages are along rivers, and, like with other river cruises, the experience is one that's more intimate than you'll find on the large seafaring ships. Check out the interesting themes of some of the trips, ranging from beer-tasting cruises to art-focused ones.
Azamara Club Cruises: This small cruise company, with a fleet of just two ships, excels in the shore-excursion department, offering longer-than-standard port stays. A recent major renovation means that you'll find things to be in tip-top shape on board.
Carnival Cruise Lines: If you want a competitively priced large cruise, where you'll find a whole range of attractions, from waterslide parks to mini-golf courses, then Carnival may be what you're looking for. Aptly called the “Fun Ships,” this line is an especially great choice for families.
Celebrity Cruises: On this cruise line's ships, you'll find luxurious amenities, and you'll see that special care is taken with activities offerings, which are grouped into four categories: Taste, Learn, Revive, and Play. The cruises are family friendly, and teenagers are likely to be grateful for the ample availability of Xbox stations aboard
Costa Cruises: This popular Italian-owned cruise line offers an impressive range of activities. While it's especially known for its Mediterranean itineraries, Costa journeys all over the world, covering six continents and destinations including Hawaii, the Red Sea, the Norwegian Fjords, and lots more.
Crystal Cruises: With its luxury setup and stellar food, Crystal Cruises is an award-winning line that is respected for its good taste. And it manages to be unique with some of its offerings, like the availability of Berlitz language classes and keyboarding lessons on board the ship. It also scores well with family-friendliness.
Cunard: A sophisticated long-timer, Cunard is where to go if you prefer high tea over happy hour, waltzing over rock, and formal set dining as opposed to the more "freestyle" way. Though it has its focus on tradition, you'll find the modern amenities to be top-tier; one ship even boasts a planetarium.
Disney Cruises: Princes and princesses on deck, countless animated films at the ready, and Disney-style fireworks at night. If this sounds like your child's dream come true, you're not alone. When it comes to entertainment for the family, this cruise line takes the cake.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: This cruise company operates a fleet of four small-ish ships, which all depart from the UK and travel the globe. Destinations covered include close-to-home spots in Europe, as well as farther-flung locations like Africa, Australia, and South America.
Holland America Lines: Around since 1873, this cruise line, with impressive, elegant ships, is still going very strong. Impeccable service, both set and flexible dining, and a great kids' club are among the many highlights of a trip aboard one of Holland America's large ships. The itineraries cover all seven continents.
Hurtigruten: This cruise line's most popular trips are its 11- and 12-day journeys along the remote coastlines of Norway. This route, chock full of astounding scenery, is widely known to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Viewing of the Northern Lights is one reason to opt for booking one of these cruises in the wintertime.
MSC Cruises: The large-ship MSC cruises offer everything you would expect and then some: spas, swimming pools, theaters, cinemas, and lots of kids' amenities. One of its newer ships features a water park that holds the record (thus far) for longest water slide at sea. Known for its Mediterranean trips, MSC sails elsewhere too.
Norwegian Cruise Lines: NCL isn't afraid to buck tradition. This major cruise line is a leader in “freestyle cruising,” and no fancy clothes are required aboard its massive ships. Its largest ship holds over 4,000 passengers and features such things as two-story Wii screens and swimming pools with waterslides. Bring the whole family -- there's something for everyone on NCL.
Oceania Cruises: With a fleet of four mid-size ships, Oceania is well-reputed in the luxury-cruising market. It offers open seating for its wide range of restaurants, a daily afternoon tea time accompanied by a live string quartet, and a majority of staterooms with balconies. The ships go all over the globe, with the longest trip being a 180-day around-the-world cruise.
Paul Gauguin Cruises: You're guaranteed an ocean view from your stateroom on either of the two small ships in this company's fleet. Though the ships offer swimming pools, spa services, and culinary choices, don't expect some of the bigger frills that you might find on the large cruise-liners; however, what you'll get instead is friendliness and a more intimate experience on board.
Princess Cruises: On this liner of “Love Boat” fame, you’ll get great service, tons of activities (from poolside movies to karaoke), and a choice of set or more flexible dining. Princess Cruises can be found in ocean waters the world over, from Alaska to Australia. Trips of three to five days can be had in the Caribbean and along the California coast.
