These are the best cruise lines for every type of traveler

• Deciding which cruise is best for you might be the hardest part of planning a vacation at sea.
• There are hundreds of cruise ships and dozens of cruise lines to pick from.

Quiet relaxation or unlimited drink packages? White tablecloths or all-you-can-eat buffets? Water slides or jazz quartets?

Picking a cruise that matches your travel preferences and budget is arguably the most important part of planning a vacation at sea. It's also one of the hardest.

There are dozens of cruise lines to pick from, all with their own distinct perks and quirks.

If that wasn't enough variety, there are a total of 439 cruise ships on the water today, according to Cruise Industry News. The global cruise fleet is expected to grow by an additional 60 ships over the next five years, the trade publication reported in April.

To make the decision a little easier, U.S. News and World Report has released its annual top cruise lines rankings for 2023, with categories for best value, family vacations, couples, and more.

"This year has seen an enormous resurgence in the popularity of cruises,'' Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News said in a press release. "After the unprecedented cruising shutdown during the peak of the pandemic, people are eager to sail the world's oceans and tour multiple destinations in a single trip. The Best Cruise Lines rankings provide a variety of cruise recommendations, making it easy for cruisers to choose the best options for them."

Best cruise lines for families

Disney Cruises tend to be the best for families, U.S. News found.      AaronP/Bauer-Griffin

1. Disney Cruise Line

2. Royal Caribbean International

3. Carnival Cruise Line

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

5. MSC Cruises

Best cruise lines for couples

A Viking Ocean ship in Iceland. The cruise line's ocean cruise ships are all identical.      Viking

1. Viking Ocean Cruises

2. Seabourn Cruise Line

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

4. Azamara

5. Celebrity Cruises

Best cruise lines if you're on a budget

To calculate which cruise line delivers the best value, U.S. News considered overall quality, average base fare per night, and extra benefits (such as free gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options).      Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

1. Virgin Voyages

2. Celebrity Cruises

3. Princess Cruises

4. Royal Caribbean International

5. Holland America Line

Best cruise lines for big-spenders

Seabourn Cruise Line

1. Viking Ocean Cruises

2. Seabourn Cruise Line

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

4. Oceania Cruises

5. Silversea Cruises