Premium vs Luxury Cruises: What’s the Difference?

Premium vs luxury cruises

Have you ever heard that cruises actually come in categories—basic, premium, and luxury? T

here’s a big difference between premium and luxury cruises, and I’m here to guide you through it.

When I first started cruising as a young traveler, I didn’t pay much attention to all these categories. Back then, cruising felt simple: you hopped on a ship, enjoyed your pizza (yes, free pizza!), paid for your drinks, and that was it. No packages, no fuss—just cruising.

Nowadays, it’s a whole different story. Cruise lines have become more like the Titanic: different “classes” onboard are clearly visible, and the choices you make really shape your experience. Even the basic cruises are slowly nudging you toward premium, if you want a little extra comfort or perks.

So, let me be your guide! I’ll break down the key differences between premium and luxury cruises, so you’ll know exactly what to expect—and maybe even laugh along the way.

Premium Cruises

• Cruise ship lines: Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises

• Ship size: Medium to large, often with 2,000–3,000+ passengers

• Atmosphere: Comfortable, modern, more lively

• Cabins are comfortable, sometimes with balconies, but not always suites.

• Dining: Variety of restaurants, main dining room and specialty options (sometimes extra charge)

• Target audience: Travelers seeking comfort, good service, and diverse activities without paying top luxury prices

• Offer high-quality comfort and service, but not everything is included.

• Great for travelers who want a step above mainstream cruises without paying top luxury prices.

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line

Luxury Cruises

• Cruise ship line: Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Seabourn

• Ships are smaller and intimate, often fewer than 1,000 passengers.

• Atmosphere: Elegant, serene, personalized service

• Accommodations are large suites with high-end amenities and private balconies.

• Dining is gourmet and all-inclusive, along with drinks, gratuities, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and sometimes flights or hotels.

• All-inclusive: drinks, gratuities, excursions, Wi-Fi, often even airfare or hotel packages

• Ideal for travelers who want top-tier comfort, privacy, and fully curated experiences.

• Focus on exclusive, ultra-comfortable experiences with highly personalized service.

Explore Journeys is a luxury cruise line

Conclusion

If you’re not a fan of basic cruises from companies like Costa Cruises, MSC, or AIDA, then premium cruises might be more your style—they’re upscale, comfortable, and high-quality. Luxury cruises, on the other hand, are ultra-exclusive and all-inclusive.

Aida is a basic cruise line

For me personally, the best premium lines are Celebrity and Oceania Cruises, while my top luxury choice is Explora Journeys.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not the type who needs a butler to hang my clothes or bring me sandwiches in the afternoon. I prefer a resort-style cruise, where everything feels elegant but still relaxed. There are some luxury lines, like Crystal Cruises, where the service really is something special—you can get truly spoiled if that’s what you are expecting.

I’ve cruised on all three types—basic, premium, and luxury—so I can tell you all about my experiences. Feel free to reach out if you’d like some guidance on which type of cruise suits you best!

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Read more in another one of my blog posts: The brand new Oceania Allura