The Best Cruise Lines for Christian Travel

Just like an airline or resort chain, every cruise line has its own particular personality. The enormous, gleaming white vessels may look similar from a distance, but once onboard, you’ll discover that each company offers a distinct environment and experience, and therefore appeals to different passenger interests.

As a Christian travel provider with over 30 years’ industry experience, we have extensive knowledge of the “flavor” that all the major cruise lines are known for. Here’s our overview.

Holland America Line

Inspiration’s go-to cruise line is known for its elegance and impeccable service. Holland America has one of the longest-standing and best reputations of any cruise line, and this history means it maintains a traditional feel, with a focus on excellence and exceeding passenger expectations. Its mid-sized ships mean fewer crowds—something that appeals to the discriminating cruisers who frequent this line.

Royal Caribbean

A favorite among families and active travelers, Royal Caribbean International’s sophisticated ships boast plenty of high-energy recreation (surfing pools and climbing walls) and exciting options for youth. A leader in Caribbean cruising, RCI’s well-appointed ships (like Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas) are among the largest in the world, and its unusual features (like ice-skating rinks) are sure crowd-pleasers; as are their stellar selection of Broadway musicals.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Known for its casual “freestyle cruising” approach—which did away with rigid dress codes and dining schedules—the highly rated Norwegian Cruise Line has a reputation for specialty dining in a relaxed, user-friendly environment. Their interconnected cabins, for instance, are ideal for friends and extended family traveling together. In addition to having distinct, colorful artwork adorning their ocean liners, they also boast an array of award-winning stage productions that can’t be seen on other ships.

Carnival Cruise Line

A budget cruise line that bills its vessels as “Fun Ships” had better live up to that description. Carnival does, and that’s one reason it continues to attract such a wide range of passengers. With plenty of aqua parks, water slides and programs for kids, it’s a great choice for families. Young adults love it for its affordable fares and exciting onboard entertainment. Short 3- to 4-day Caribbean cruise itineraries is yet another reason for Carnival’s popularity.

Princess Cruises

A premium line that gained fame in the late 1970s thanks to “The Love Boat” on TV, Princess Cruises has steadily built a reputation for elegance and romance among its fleet of midsize-to-large ships. Today, this nostalgic, yet forward-thinking line is prized for its accessibility to passengers with disabilities, as well as for its continued focus on weddings, ‘date nights’ and Movies Under the Stars®.

Celebrity Cruises

A premium cruise line, Celebrity is highly regarded for its spacious, upscale accommodations and sophisticated dining. Its AquaSpa facilities are some of the best-rated in the world, and an excellent staff-to-guest ratio makes for an extremely service-oriented travel experience. In contrast to its high-energy competition, a week on a Celebrity ship is tranquil, elegant and designed to appeal to “foodies.”

Cunard

A historic cruise line known for classic ocean liners, transatlantic crossings and opulent luxury, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria are among the most traditional vessels at sea. Dress codes are strict, and dining is still divided by class—two reasons why this British line is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. Onboard, Cunard passengers enjoy a full schedule of guest speakers, workshops and enrichment programs.

Disney Cruise Line

It’s no surprise that, upon its launch in 1998, Disney’s ships and itineraries were an instant hit with young families. These fun-filled vessels combine the thrill you would experience at a Disney theme park with scenery from around the world. (And, yes, Mickey and Minnie will be there too.) Expect casual, all-American food options, plenty of multigenerational families and all the wholesome entertainment you’d expect from the Disney brand.

So, which lines have you cruised? We would love to hear your thoughts, answer your questions and, of course, have the opportunity to lead you on an exceptional travel experience.