If you’ve sailed on mainstream cruise lines and loved the experience but are ready for something a little more refined – without going full luxury – a premium cruise line might be exactly what you’re looking for. Think of it as the sweet spot between big-ship energy and small-ship elegance.

Some of my personal favorites in this category are Oceania Cruises, Azamara, and Viking. Each offers a unique take on premium cruising, but all share a commitment to elevated service, exceptional dining, and thoughtfully crafted itineraries.

More Inclusive, Less Stress

While premium cruise lines may not include everything you’ll find on a luxury ship, they offer more inclusions than most mainstream lines. With Viking, for example, your cruise fare includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi, and at least one shore excursion in every port. Azamara includes gratuities and many beverage options in their base fare, and Oceania is known for its generous “OLife Choice” amenities, which might cover airfare, onboard credits, or shore excursions.

Smaller Ships, Smoother Sailing

Premium cruise ships are generally smaller than mainstream vessels, carrying anywhere from 600 to 1,200 guests instead of several thousand. That means fewer lines, faster embarkation, and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere. Plus, smaller ships can slip into unique ports, think less-touristed islands, charming harbors, and city centers that mega-ships simply can’t reach.

A Focus on Destination

If your priority is where you’re going and how much time you have there, premium cruise lines shine. Azamara is famous for its “AzAmazing Evenings” and late-night or overnight stays in port, giving you time to really explore. Viking offers destination-focused enrichment programs onboard, while Oceania crafts itineraries with longer port calls and a wide range of shore excursions that cater to every interest.

Elevated Dining Experiences

Food is often a highlight of premium cruising. Oceania, in particular, has built its reputation on “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,” with menus designed by legendary chef Jacques Pépin. Viking’s dining venues offer fresh, locally inspired menus, while Azamara blends destination flavors into their cuisine, ensuring the culinary journey matches the one you’re taking ashore.

The Bottom Line

Premium cruise lines like Oceania, Azamara, and Viking are perfect for travelers who want more personalized service, smaller ships, and a greater emphasis on destinations – without necessarily stepping into the ultra-inclusive world of luxury cruising. They’re a step up in comfort, cuisine, and cultural immersion, offering excellent value for what you get.

If you’re curious about whether a premium cruise is the right fit for your next vacation, I can help you compare ships, itineraries, and inclusions so you find the one that matches your travel style. Your next adventure is out there – let’s talk.

Cruise Line Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Mainstream Cruise Lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian)	Premium Cruise Lines (e.g., Oceania, Azamara, Viking)	Luxury Cruise Lines (e.g., Silversea, Explora Journeys, Seabourn)
Ship Size	Large ships (2,000–6,000+ guests)	Mid-size ships (600–1,200 guests)	Small ships (100–1,000 guests)
Atmosphere	High-energy, family-friendly, many activities	Relaxed, refined, culturally focused	Elegant, intimate, personalized
Inclusions	Base fare only; extras for drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining	More inclusions; often drinks with meals, Wi-Fi, gratuities, or shore excursions	Nearly all-inclusive: drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, excursions, specialty dining, sometimes flights
Dining	Variety of venues, some specialty restaurants extra	Elevated cuisine, regional flavors, specialty dining often included or partially included	Gourmet, world-class chefs, all specialty dining included
Itineraries	Popular ports, shorter durations, more sea days	Destination-focused, longer stays in port, smaller/unique ports	Unique and exotic itineraries, boutique ports, custom shore experiences
Service Level	Friendly, efficient; less personal due to ship size	More personal attention, higher staff-to-guest ratio	Highly personalized, butler service on many lines
Price Point	Lower upfront cost, higher onboard spending	Mid-to-high range, better value for inclusions	Higher upfront cost, minimal onboard spending