A cruise line is a company that operates cruise ships. Cruise lines have a dual character: they are partly involved in the transportation business, and partly in the leisure entertainment business.
Among cruise lines, some are direct descendants of the traditional passenger shipping lines, while the others were founded from the 1960s on specifically for cruising. Cruise lines frequently sell, renovate, or simply rename their ships just to keep up with travel trends. Brands exist partly because of customer's loyalty, and also to offer different levels of quality and service. For instance, Carnival Corporation owns both Carnival Cruise Lines, whose vessels have a reputation of "party ships" for younger travellers, and Holland America Line, whose ships cultivate an image of classic elegance.
Choosing a cruise line used to depend on your budget and, although that is still true, the competitiveness of the cruise business has resulted in a much narrower price range in the premium and mainstream lines. Service and food will vary from one line to another, but this also can vary among the ships of a fleet, and even from one voyage to the next on the same ship, which goes to show the influence a good hotel manager or head chef or cabin steward can have on your cruise experience.
Generally speaking, a ship is rated according to its level of accommodations, facilities, maintenance and passenger service. The higher the ratio number, the more space there is on board per passenger. A ship carrying 2,000 passengers will feel relaxed and uncrowded if it has a high space ratio.
The following profiles of a selection of cruise lines are designed to quickly familiarize you with the various brands. An agent can give you important detail about each ship, itineraries and cabin choices, and experienced cruise agents are usually aware of the best deals available - both early bird specials and last minute promotions.
Ships that offer the ultimate in comfort, cuisine and attentive service are called luxury brands and are also the most expensive ships. These ships are usually small (but not always), finely appointed and carry relatively few passengers in spacious staterooms which usually have balconies.
Next in rank are premium brands, which offer above average food, service and amenities, including a high number of outside cabins with balconies. These lines try, with varying success, to appeal to all age groups, with facilities for children and a broad range of entertainment.
Ships of the mainstream brand lines have less space per passenger, and provide average food and service. Some represent excellent value, with decor, entertainment and service that are comparable to premium lines, but priced for a broader spectrum of the cruise market.
Budget brands usually use medium-sized, older ships with fewer facilities than the new mega ships. Food and service will vary widely between that found on mainstream brands (and sometimes better) to being poor.
We hope this article will help you to narrow your choice to two or three lines and use this as a starting point when you visit a travel agent or the cruise line's website.