Royal Caribbean International
Best Cruises #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
With more than 20 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest lines sailing the ocean today, and having the ability to accommodate thousands of guests per ship allows the company to keep rates low. Travelers won't have trouble finding itineraries to popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska for less than $150 per night.
4.5 Health Rating 24 Ships in Fleet
Best Cruises #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
With only nine ships in the fleet, Celebrity Cruises offers the floating-city experience of larger ships (think: kids clubs and endless buffets) while maintaining the service standard and intimacy of smaller lines. And you can't beat the affordable rates, which can be as little as $100 per person per night, especially for the line's Caribbean voyages.
4.5 Health Rating 9 Ships in Fleet
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Cruises #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
Norwegian is quickly becoming a force to reckon with in the cruise world, upgrading its fleet and offering affordable itineraries. What's more, Norwegian doesn't charge extra to ditch steadfast cruise rules like dress codes and assigned dining. Cruisers can eat whenever and wherever they want, wearing (pretty much) anything they want.
4.5 Health Rating 14 Ships in Fleet
Carnival Cruise Lines
#4 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
Carnival specializes in low-cost fun, offering frequent sales and early booking deals on already low prices. In fact, finding itineraries for less than $100 per person per night is the norm on the line's 25 ships. While access to all the ships' activities won't cost a penny, some extras (like sodas and alcoholic beverages) aren't covered in fares.
4.5 Health Rating 25 Ships in Fleet
Princess Cruises
#5 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
You can expect to pay more for a Princess Cruise than you would with Carnival (the line's parent company), but not much more. And while Carnival caters more to families, this line's 17 ships target more adult travelers, especially on longer voyages. Along with lodging and dining, fares cover activities like cooking lessons and history lectures.
4.5 Health Rating 17 Ships in Fleet
Holland America Line
#6 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
Whether you opt for one of Holland America's kid-friendly ships or sail on an adult-oriented boat, you'll find the cruise line to be a pretty good bargain. But cutting costs doesn't mean skimping on service. Each ship offers one staff member per every two or three guests, meaning more personalized service.
4.5 Health Rating 14 Ships in Fleet
Costa Cruises
#7 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
Also a member of the Carnival family, Costa Cruises is primarily based in Europe. The fleet offers rates that are considerably lower than competitors, particularly for its Mediterranean itineraries. Although it offers family-friendly amenities, Costa's ships are better suited for adults with activities like dance classes and theater productions.
4.5 Health Rating 12 Ships in Fleet
MSC Cruises
#8 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
MSC caters primarily to European cruisers, but the line's rates are much more affordable than the typical European land vacation. Once you get past the cost of flying to a foreign port, MSC Cruises will allow you to sail to destinations around the world at extremely reasonable rates, with international itineraries costing less than $100 per night.
4.0 Health Rating 14 Ships in Fleet
SOURCE: Travel US News
