Mainstream Cruise Lines: Get The Best Cruise Deals On The Most Popular Cruise Vacations

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Mainstream cruise lines, as opposed to premium and luxury lines, include the largest cruise companies: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines and 'upper mainstream'  Princess Cruises. These cruise lines generally feature "mega-ships," the largest cruise ships afloat, and often offer the most "wow" factors like rock climbing walls and onboard bowling alleys. You might compare a mainstream-priced cruise with a moderately priced Sheraton or Hilton resort. We offer the best promotional fares offered by mainstream cruise lines, plus throughout the year have sales with exclusive value-added bonuses.

There's been a big improvement in the overall experience mainstream cruise lines deliver compared to a decade ago. Inspite of operating much larger cruise ships, all have improved onboard service, dining, amenities and comforts to meet the demand of today's travelers.

Is A Mainstream Cruise For You?
Overall, mainstream cruise lines deliver a fantastic vacation value for the price paid. Travelers who are more discerning with regard to fine service, fine dining and finer stateroom amenities will prefer a premium or luxury cruise vacations that offer more service and upscale comforts, where the level moves up a few notches. For a good time and fun vacation, a popular mainstream cruise is hard to beat, and can be particularly good choices for family cruises and larger group travel.
How To Differentiate Among Mainstream Cruises
Each cruise line has its own style and tends to appeal to certain travelers. While you can have a great time on any of these lines, you may be happier on one over another, depending on the cruise destination and your interests and tastes. Our mainstream cruise experts will get you the best value on the cruise that best meets your needs.
Average Pricing for Mainstream Cruises
Mainstream priced lines generally provide less costly vacations than premium cruises or luxury cruise lines, and offer very good overall value. Average daily prices can range from as low as $70 to $400 per person per day, inclusive of accommodations, meals, and many onboard activities and nightly entertainment.

While the advertised prices for these cruises is the lowest, they also have additional onboard charges for items like alternative dining venues, wine at meals and fitness classes. As a result, it may be worthwhile to compare the value here compared to a premium or luxury cruise.
Comparing Cruise Line Differences
The difference between a good mainstream-priced cruise and a premium cruise can be little more than the size of the ship and number of people, or individual styles each offers.

While a mainstream-priced cruise may appear less expensive than a premium or luxury cruise, it's best to compare what's included and be aware of the "extras" you may be paying for onboard, such as wine or other beverages, shore excursions, etc.

A balcony stateroom or junior suite on a mainstream-priced cruise line may not be less expensive than a standard cabin on a premium ship, where comfort, dining and service may be superior. Our cruise experts can help you shop for the best value in a cruise vacation that meets your priorities.
Read More About Each Line and Compare Offers
We invite you to read more about our featured mainstream-priced cruise lines:

Let our experts get it done for you
To arrange your best cruise vacation value, contact our cruise experts, or call us at 1-888-779-7447.

We invite you read Why Buy a Cruise From Us? If you're a first-time cruiser, please review our Cruise FAQs or view our informative video about cruising. Perhaps you'd care to consider and/or review Luxury Cruises, Premium Cruises or our review of Small Ships and River Cruises.

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