Princess Cruises

If you were to put Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Holland America in a blender and mix them together, then add a pinch of both British maritime tradition and California style, you'd come up with Princess. Dining, entertainment, and activities are geared to a wide cross-section of cruisers: The more traditional minded can spend some time in the library, join a bridge tournament, enjoy a traditional dinner in a grand dining room, and then take in a show. Those seeking something different can spin a pottery wheel or work toward their PADI scuba certification, and then dine in an intimate Italian or steakhouse restaurant and take in a set of small-group jazz after. The line's largest vessels are some of the biggest at sea, yet still manage to offer intimate spaces for quiet time, as well as lots to do.

Pros

Lots of dining choices and flexibility: Each ship offers two or three main dining rooms plus an intimate alternative restaurant or two and a 24-hour buffet. The line's "Personal Choice" program allows you to dine at a fixed time and place or wing it as you go along.

Excellent lounge entertainment: Princess books top-quality entertainers for its piano lounges and smaller showrooms.

On top of trends: From a wide range of enrichment classes to wireless Internet access fleetwide and online spa reservations (for a few ships), Princess doesn't rest on its laurels.

Cons

Pottery Barn decor: More of a qualifier than a con: Princess's ships are very pleasant, yes, but the sea of beiges and blues is so safe that it can be a bit of a yawn. Artwork in public areas and cabins tends toward bland.

Small gyms: For such large vessels, the gyms are surprisingly small and can even feel cramped.