Ship Happens: How to Find Your Floating Soulmate

So, you’ve decided to swap your landlocked life for a week of buffet-hopping and waking up in new time zones. Great choice! But here’s the thing: picking a cruise line is exactly like dating.

If you’re a "quiet book in a corner" type of person and you accidentally end up on a ship with a neon-lit nightclub and a belly-flop competition, you’re going to have a bad time.

To save you from a holiday "break-up," we’ve profiled the major players of 2026. Here is who they are, what they’re famous for, and the what our customers said they enjoyed the most!

Royal Caribbean: "The Adrenaline-Junkie Uncle"

The Personality: This is the uncle who owns a Jet Ski, has a TikTok account with more followers than you, and refuses to sit down for more than five minutes.

• Activities: Surf simulators, skydiving tubes, and robot bartenders. If it can be bolted to a ship and made to go "Whoosh," they have it.

• Itineraries: They own the Caribbean (literally—their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is basically a land-based version of the ship).

• Pricing: Mid-Range. You pay for the "Wow."

• Loyalty (Crown & Anchor): The gold standard. Once you hit the higher tiers, they start throwing daily free drink vouchers at you like confetti. It’s the ultimate "frequent flyer" high.

Virgin Voyages: "The Cool Older Cousin"

The Personality: Strictly 18+. This cousin has tattoos, drinks her whiskey neat and definitely knows where the best brunch in London is. No kids allowed, no buffets, and no "Captain’s Table."

• Activities: Drag brunches, tattoo parlors, and fitness classes that actually make you sweat.

• Itineraries: Trendy Mediterranean spots (Ibiza overnights) and Australia.

• Pricing: Premium. It looks expensive, but Wi-Fi, tips, and all food are included.

• Loyalty: They’re the new kids on the block, so they usually focus on "Bar Tab" perks to keep the party going.

P&O Cruises: "The Reliable Best Friend"

The Personality: They know exactly how you like your tea, they love a Sunday roast, and they’ve got a "Keep Calm and Carry On" mug. It’s familiar, comfortable, and very British.

• Activities: Pub quizzes, West End-style shows, and celebrity chef guest spots.

• Itineraries: The kings of No-Fly cruises from Southampton. If you want to see the Norwegian Fjords without seeing an airport, this is your mate.

• Pricing: Budget/Value. Great for families who don't want a "bill shock" at the end.

• Loyalty (Peninsular Club): You get a 5–10% discount on everything on board. It’s like a permanent "Staff Discount" for your holiday.

Celebrity Cruises: "The Designer-Label Boss"

The Personality: They wear linen suits, drink Aperol Spritzes, and have an Instagram feed that looks like it’s straight out of Runway.

• Activities: The "Magic Carpet" (a floating orange deck on the side of the ship) and "Silent Discos" that actually feel chic.

• Itineraries: The Greek Isles and Asia.

• Pricing: Premium. * Loyalty: They Status Match with Royal Caribbean. If you’ve been loyal to the "Adrenaline Uncle," the "Designer Boss" will respect your rank immediately.

MSC Cruises: "The Glamorous International Exchange Student"

The Personality: They are stunningly beautiful, speak five languages, and have a Swarovski crystal staircase in their house. Sometimes they’re a bit disorganised, but they look so good you don’t care.

• Activities: F1 simulators and 4D cinemas.

• Itineraries: They own the Mediterranean and Dubai.

• Pricing: Budget. Often the cheapest way to get a balcony.

• Loyalty: They will match your status from hotels or other cruise lines. It’s the ultimate "free pass" to the VIP life.

Norwegian (NCL): "The Chill Rule-Breaker"

The Personality: This person refuses to wear a tie and thinks "set dinner times" are a form of light torture.

• Activities: Go-Kart tracks and Laser Tag. It’s "Freestyle," so wear what you want, eat when you want.

• Itineraries: Alaska experts.

• Pricing: Mid-Range. Watch out for the "Free at Sea" deals—they’re legendary.

Cunard: "The Posh Grandparents"

The Personality: They have "Old Money," they remember when manners mattered, and they wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of Crocs.

• Activities: Ballroom dancing, Planetariums, and white-glove Afternoon Tea.

• Itineraries: The Transatlantic Crossing. It’s the only way to get to New York if you hate flying but love tuxedoes.

• Pricing: Premium/Luxury. 

The "Quick-Fire" Roundup:

• Disney: For the "Disney Adults" and families who want to be hugged by a giant mouse. (Pricing: High, Loyalty: Basically just the warm glow of nostalgia).

• Marella: For the person who wants a "TUI holiday but on water." (Pricing: All-Inclusive, very easy on the wallet).

  
  

• Viking: For the "Thinking Person." No kids, no casinos, just history and spas. (Pricing: Luxury).

  
  

• Silversea: For the person who wants a butler to unpack their socks. (Pricing: If you have to ask...).

  
  

• Ambassador/Fred. Olsen: For the mature cruiser who wants a smaller ship where the crew knows your name. (Pricing: Great Value).

Who Are You Taking to Sea?

Still swiping left on these options? Don't end up on a ship that isn't your type. Whether you want the free drinks from Royal Caribbean or the total chill of Marella, we can play matchmaker and find the best 2026 deal for you.