Best Cruise Lines for 2027: The Top Picks in Every Category

Choosing among the best cruise lines for 2027 starts with a simple question: what kind of journey do you want? A refined voyage between ocean ports, a close-up look at Europe by river, or an expedition into remote landscapes? The right cruise line depends on the answer, and on how much you value included experiences, onboard space and help coordinating the details.

For 2027, our top picks across ocean, river and expedition cruising are Regent Seven Seas Cruises, AmaWaterways and Viking. Each offers a distinct style of luxury, so there isn’t one universal winner. Here’s how to decide which may suit your trip.

Best ocean cruise line for luxury inclusions: Regent Seven Seas

For travelers who want an all-suite ocean cruise with many of the major costs bundled into the fare, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is our top luxury ocean pick for 2027. Its published inclusions are designed to make budgeting simpler: unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and prepaid gratuities are among the offerings. Exact inclusions and terms can depend on the voyage and fare, so it’s worth checking the details for your chosen sailing.

Regent’s 2027–2028 Voyage Collection offers a wide range of itineraries, from shorter regional cruises to longer journeys. That makes it a strong option for travelers who want an extended exploration, or who would like to combine several destinations without changing ships.

Best for: couples and experienced cruisers who value suite accommodations, attentive service and a more inclusive style of ocean travel.

Consider before booking: A more inclusive experience can come with a higher headline fare. Compare what is included on your specific departure, not just the starting price, and decide whether you’re likely to use the excursions and onboard amenities.

Best river cruise line for Europe: AmaWaterways

For a more intimate way to explore Europe, AmaWaterways is our top river cruise pick. River ships bring you close to historic city centers, vineyard-lined valleys and smaller towns that can be harder to experience on a large ocean ship. Days ashore are central to the trip, with guided excursions and the landscape unfolding just beyond your window.

AmaWaterways’ 2027 program includes AmaRudi, a new Danube ship scheduled to begin its inaugural sailing from Vilshofen on April 11, 2027. The line describes the ship as having 196 passengers, four dining venues, a heated sun-deck pool and whirlpool, a fitness studio and a full-size pickleball court. Staterooms range from 252 to 710 square feet, according to the ship’s official AmaRudi page.

The 2027 program also adds seasonal ideas like January City Escapes and a new December Christmas markets itinerary in Germany. See AmaWaterways’ 2027 updates for more detail. On AmaRudi, the line lists meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, Wi-Fi and guided excursions among the inclusions. Premium beverages, gratuities and optional tours may be additional; check the terms of the exact sailing.

Best for: travelers who want an immersive European itinerary, guided experiences and a comfortable ship that feels closely connected to the destinations.

Consider before booking: River travel is shaped by the river itself. Water levels can occasionally affect schedules, and the experience is different from a large ocean ship, with fewer onboard venues and activities.

Best expedition cruise line: Viking

For a luxury voyage where the destination is remote, dramatic and central to the experience, Viking is our expedition pick for 2027. Its expedition ships are designed for exploration, with expert-led programming and opportunities to encounter environments beyond the usual port itinerary.

A standout is the new Into the Antarctic Circle voyage: a 15-day itinerary from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia that offers the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle. Viking’s program describes Zodiac landings, kayaking and learning with resident experts. These activities are subject to itinerary conditions and operational decisions, so final plans can vary.

Viking also sails ocean and river itineraries, giving it one of the broadest ranges among these three lines. For the 2027–2028 season, the company highlights more than 100 itineraries across all seven continents. You can explore its 2027–2028 ocean and expedition announcement.

Best for: curious, active travelers who want expert context, distinctive scenery and a more exploratory style of cruising.

Consider before booking: Expedition itineraries are shaped by weather, sea conditions and safety requirements. Flexibility is part of the adventure, and remote trips often call for more preparation than a conventional cruise.

Which cruise line fits your style?

The right choice depends on more than the ship. Consider your preferred destinations, how active you want to be ashore, your ideal pace, and what you want bundled into the fare. For example, two travelers comparing a river cruise and an ocean cruise may value very different things: one might prioritize daily access to European towns, while the other wants a spacious suite and a broader range of onboard comforts.

How to book a 2027 cruise with confidence

Popular 2027 sailings can be worth exploring well ahead of departure, especially if you have a specific itinerary, suite category or travel window in mind. As you compare, look beyond the fare to check the itinerary, port time, excursion options, included services, cancellation terms and what you’ll need to arrange independently. For expedition cruises, ask how landings and activities are planned and what flexibility the itinerary allows.

A travel advisor can help compare options across cruise lines, coordinate flights and pre- or post-cruise stays, and make sure the details work together. At Lap of Luxury Travel, our licensed local advisors in Apollo Beach serve Tampa Bay and beyond. We provide personalized cruise planning with no planning fees; our compensation comes from our travel partners. Our luxury cruise planning service and inquiry page are good places to start.

For the best cruise lines in 2027, think in terms of the journey you want, not just the name on the ship. Choose Regent Seven Seas for a more inclusive luxury ocean experience, AmaWaterways for European rivers, or Viking for expedition-style discovery. Then match the itinerary and inclusions to your travel priorities, and plan the details early for a smoother journey.