Quick answer
Mid-size ships with better food, calmer public spaces and longer, port-rich itineraries — the sweet spot between price and polish. Typical trips are 7–21 nights from about US$150–400 per person per night. Couples, culture-focused travellers, multi-generation families and returning cruisers.
- Typical length
- 7–21 nights
- Price guide
- ≈ US$150–≈ US$400 pp/night
- Ship size
- 600–4,300 guests
- Who it suits
- Couples, culture-focused travellers, multi-generation families and returning cruisers.
- Dress code
- Smart casual most nights; one or two formal or 'evening chic' nights on longer sailings.
- Usually included
- Cabin, main dining, entertainment and enrichment talks. Some lines (Viking, Oceania, Azamara) bundle Wi-Fi, excursions or drinks — check each line.
- Lines on our list
- 12
12 premium ocean cruise lines
Asuka Cruise
Japan's leading premium cruise line, with Japanese service, cuisine and onsen-style…
Azamara
Small ships focused on 'destination immersion': late nights and overnights in port, and an included evening event on many…
Mitsui Ocean Cruises
Japanese premium line that relaunched with Mitsui Ocean Fuji, sailing Japanese coastal and Asian…
Oceania Cruises
'The finest cuisine at sea' is Oceania's promise, with specialty restaurants included and destination-rich itineraries on mid-size…
Saga Cruises
Boutique ships for travellers aged 50+, with all-balcony cabins, drinks, tips, Wi-Fi and door-to-door UK travel…
Viking (ocean & expedition)
Adults-only (18+) ocean ships with Scandinavian design, no casinos, and a shore excursion in every port included. Expedition ships sail Antarctica…
Windstar Cruises
Sail-cruise yachts and small motor yachts carrying 148–342 guests, with water-sports platforms and a relaxed yacht-club…
Celebrity Cruises
Modern, design-led ships with excellent food and The Retreat suite class. Edge-class ships feature the Magic Carpet, a moving deck…
Cunard
Britain's historic ocean-liner brand, best known for Queen Mary 2's regular Southampton–New York transatlantic crossings and traditional gala…
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller ships for British grown-up cruisers, sailing from regional UK ports to Norway, the Northern Lights and quieter Mediterranean…
Holland America Line
A line founded in 1873, with mid-size ships, live music venues and long voyages. Strong in Alaska, including Glacier…
Princess Cruises
The Alaska specialist, with its own lodges and railcars for cruise-tours, plus big Japan and Australia programmes. The MedallionClass wearable speeds…
Popular destinations
Mediterranean
Best: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Northern Europe & the Baltic
Best: Jun, Jul, Aug
World cruises, transatlantic & repositioning
Best: Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Japan, Korea & China
Best: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Caribbean & Bahamas
Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Australia & New Zealand
Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Frequently asked questions
What is a premium ocean cruise?
Mid-size ships with better food, calmer public spaces and longer, port-rich itineraries — the sweet spot between price and polish.
How much does a premium ocean cruise cost?
Roughly US$150–400 per person per night, depending on line, ship, cabin and season.
Which premium ocean cruise lines are best?
It depends on who is travelling. Popular choices include Asuka Cruise, Azamara, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Saga Cruises. Use Cruise Match to rank them for you.
What is included?
Cabin, main dining, entertainment and enrichment talks. Some lines (Viking, Oceania, Azamara) bundle Wi-Fi, excursions or drinks — check each line.