Ocean, river & expedition cruises

The classic cruise experience — large ships, often carrying anywhere from 2,000 to 7,000+ guests, sailing to major ports across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Europe and beyond. Ocean ships are floating resorts, with multiple pools, restaurants, Broadway-style shows, casinos, spas and kids' clubs.

It's a great fit for first-time cruisers, families and anyone who wants a wide range of onboard activities to go along with their destinations. Lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian all sail ocean itineraries.

River cruises sail on smaller, intimate ships — usually just 100 to 200 guests — along inland waterways like the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Mekong. Because the ship glides right into the heart of a city, you dock steps from the sights instead of a port miles away, and you can wake up in a new town almost every day.

There are no big theaters or waterslides here — the focus is on scenery, culture, included excursions and all-inclusive dining. Lines like Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon and Uniworld specialize in river sailings, and it's a favorite for travelers who love Europe, history and a slower, more immersive pace.

Expedition cruises take you to remote, wild places that big ships can't reach — Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, the Amazon and beyond — aboard small, purpose-built ships that often carry fewer than 200 guests. Days are built around Zodiac landings, wildlife viewing, hiking and onboard naturalists rather than pools and stage shows.

It's the choice for adventurous travelers who want a true bucket-list experience over a resort vibe. Lines like Lindblad Expeditions, Quark, Silversea Expeditions and Hurtigruten lead the way here.