Carnival Cruise Line
Passengers are a broad crisscross of mostly mid-America. According to Carnival, 30 percent of its passengers are under age 35, 40 percent are ages 35-55, and 30 percent are over age 55.

Disney Cruises
Due to the extensive activities and options available to children, teens, and adults, the majority of passengers are families and multi-generational groups. Oversized cabins and under-utilized adults-only areas, however, do draw a sprinkling of honeymooners and couples without children.

MSC Cruises
In the Mediterranean and South Africa, expect a very European crowd, though Caribbean sailings are geared strongly to North American travelers. In all cases, MSC cruises appeal most to travelers interested in a moderately-priced cruise experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line
The crowd is diverse, ranging in age from young families to senior citizens, and a good many with special needs. NCL has cultivated a broad appeal, which means its ships are oriented to families and couples. Although passengers are primarily American, other English-speaking nations are represented as well.

Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises attracts quite a widespread passenger demographic. However, since its ships vary so widely in style and services, it’s a good idea to choose carefully. The Island-, Grand-, and Sun-class ships attract broad multi-generational demographics – everyone from solo travelers to family groups will find something to like. On ships like Regal and Royal Princess, travelers skew older, while Tahitian Princess has become the line’s “couples” ship and is particularly popular with honeymooners.

Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean attracts a wide variety of mostly North American passengers, mostly between 30 and 55 on the seven-night and shorter cruises, and 50 and over on cruises over seven nights. Cruises from the U.K. attract a large British contingent, and Mediterranean cruises will attract European passengers as well as Royal Caribbean’s usual North Americans. Seven-night and shorter cruises are also very popular with families, especially during American school vacation periods when the ships will often be filled to every upper berth.