Aside from what it teaches you, there is simply the indescribable degree of peace that can be achieved on a sailing vessel at sea. I guess a combination of hard work and the seemingly infinite expanse of the sea - the profound solitude - that does it for me.

— Billy Campbell, American actor

ON THE WATER

Cruising on ships offers a unique and luxurious way to travel, combining transportation, accommodation, and entertainment in one experience. Passengers can explore multiple destinations while enjoying amenities like fine dining, pools, spas, and live shows aboard the ship. Whether sailing through tropical islands, along scenic coastlines, or crossing an ocean, cruising provides a relaxing yet adventurous vacation with the convenience of unpacking just once. Here are four of our favorite cruise lines, but you have 61 to choose from, so let ChicSteinTravel help find you the perfect cruise fit for you and yours.

Large cruise ship sailing in icy waters with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Set sail on one of HOLLAND AMERICA Line’s eleven ships ranging from approximately 1,450 to 2,700 guests. Here timeless elegance and historic Dutch-inspired aesthetics meets modern luxury on every voyage. Renowned for its exceptional service, spacious ships, and immersive itineraries, Holland America offers guests a refined cruising experience that blends comfort with discovery. From world-class dining and enriching onboard programs to carefully curated shore excursions, every detail is designed to inspire and delight. With journeys spanning breathtaking destinations across all seven continents, Holland America Line invites you to travel deeper, relax fully, and create unforgettable memories at sea, all at very affordable prices.

Elegant dining room on a cruise ship with a round table set for dinner, including wine glasses, plates, and silverware, overlooking the ocean at sunset through large windows.

OCEANIA is “the” cruise line if food is your passion (it’s ours!). With Jacques Pépin as their legendary chef de chefs, they earn the reputation of “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.” Having been on multiple cruises - including a Transoceanic crossing - we love the extraordinary interior design (such great art!), the high crew-to-passenger ratio, and the amazing ratio of 1 onboard chef for every 10 guests.

Steve and I have relished the many cooking classes (not demonstrations, but hands-on), my time in their Artist Loft with a resident visual artist guiding us in exploring our visual creativity, and the wondrous facilities of their Spa and Fitness Center.

A rooftop deck with white curved seating, large white umbrellas, colorful glass partitions, and a sunset over the ocean.

VIRGIN VOYAGES redefines the cruising experience with a bold, modern approach designed exclusively for adults. It’s truly a “vibe” you won’t get anywhere else, no matter your age, who you love, or where you are in life. Combining sleek, yacht-inspired ships with world-class dining, immersive entertainment, and wellness-driven amenities, every voyage feels like a chic, boutique hotel at sea. With over 20 unique eateries, unrivaled nightlife, and an emphasis on flexibility, Virgin Voyages offers a fresh alternative for travelers who crave sophistication without stuffiness. Each itinerary balances vibrant destinations with plenty of time to relax, making every journey effortlessly stylish, unforgettable, and uniquely yours. We’ve sailed twice with them and loved every minute!

Large white yacht with four tall masts anchored in the water on a clear day.

WINDSTAR holds a cherished place in my heart: we sailed from Istanbul to Athens on our honeymoon in 2015 and we still speak of the unique pleasures. If you yearn for the up-close-and-personal, small ship experience, here’s you best bet: ships range from about 150 to 350 passengers and the crew knows you and your likes practically once you’ve boarded. Their fleet contains both fully-motorized ships and motorized-sailing yachts, and you can’t go wrong either way. The accommodations are lovely, the access to the bridge and the galley (foodies!) is unlike any other cruise line, and when the water-sports platform is deployed, it’s a grown-ups toy chest of inflatables, kayaks, and jet boats that will fill your water-loving spirit.