The Best Cruise Websites, Sorted by What They Do
Where to research a cruise — reviews, forums, blogs, port guides and official sources.
Get Free Cruise QuotesThe Best Cruise Websites, Sorted by Job
Most people research a cruise on a handful of sites without thinking about what each one is good for. The best cruise websites are not the same for every question: a forum is great for “what is embarkation really like at this port?” and poor for “what is the cancellation policy?” Top Cruise Sites sorts the most useful cruise websites by the job they do, so you look in the right place first.
| Your question | Best kind of site | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| What do past passengers think of this ship? | Cruise review sites | Cruise review sites |
| What is it really like, and what would you do? | Cruise forums | Cruise forums |
| Can I see it before I book? | Cruise blogs and video channels | Cruise blogs and YouTube |
| What is there to do in port, and how do I get to the ship? | Port guides and port authority sites | Cruise port guides |
| What has changed lately, and what are the official rules? | News sites, cruise line pages and government sources | News and official sources |
Five Kinds of Cruise Website
Review sites
Star ratings and write-ups from people who sailed. Best read in bulk, for patterns.
Cruise review sites →
Port guides
Terminals, parking and what to do ashore, from the people who run the port.
Cruise port guides →How to Research a Cruise Without Drowning in Tabs
- Start official. Read the cruise line’s own page for the ship and itinerary first, so you know what is promised.
- Then read people. Use review sites and forums to learn what the official page leaves out.
- Then look. Watch a cabin or ship tour from a recent sailing to set expectations.
- Check the ports. Use the port authority site for getting to the ship, and a port guide for the day ashore.
- Check the dates. Anything older than a year or two may describe a ship before a refit or a policy that has changed.
Our own network has a site for most cruise questions too. Cruising Reviews explains how to read reviews critically, Cruise Ship Deck Plans helps you choose a cabin, Cruising Checklist covers packing and documents, and the Official Cruise Directory links them all. When it is time to book, Cruise Clicks explains booking online step by step.
About Top Cruise Sites
What are the best cruise websites?
It depends on the question. For opinions from past passengers, review sites and forums. For ship layouts, deck-plan sites and the cruise line’s own pages. For ports, port authority sites and port guides. For rules and records, government sources. This site sorts them by job.
Are any of these sites paid to be listed?
No. Top Cruise Sites takes no payment or affiliate commission for listing other websites, and we do not link to booking pages. Our own network sites are labeled as ours.
Where do I actually book after researching?
You can book with a cruise line directly, with an online agency or with a travel advisor. Our sister site Cruise Clicks explains how booking online works; our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote any sailing for free.
Top Cruise Sites is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
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