Choosing a cruise line can be hard enough when you realize just how many brands exist, but selecting the best for your personality is easier when you understand the various lifestyle categories. The widely recognized buckets, in ascending level of overall quality and often cost, are standard, premium, upscale and luxury. Here’s a closer look at each:

Standard

These days, standard does not necessarily mean basic or generic, as every line in the category has upped the bar. It merely means they are mainstream — generally the most affordable, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Included brands are Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.

Premium

Traditionally, the premium category was a means of offering luxurious elements at a fraction of the cost. Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line paved the way with a focus on fine dining paired with great service. The Disney Cruise Line, which is often considered standard but really belongs here for its price point and premium family-friendly offerings, is the leader on stage. Meanwhile, Cunard Line averages out here.

Upscale

The upscale category is relatively new as lines emerge above the premium tier but are just shy of outright luxury levels. Azamara Club Cruises and Oceania Cruises were first to arrive, with Viking Ocean Cruises now raising standards even more. These offer service and dining that rivals luxury lines on intimate ships dedicated to shoreside destinations over elaborate onboard attractions.

On newer ships, accommodations are plush but fall short on entertainment. Shows tend to be underwhelming compared with those on standard and premium lines.

Luxury

Luxury is often described as ultraluxury to further differentiate from the lines above. Brands include Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. Ships offer the greatest passenger space ratio — more room onboard per passenger — and provide the utmost in dedicated personal service, dining and accommodations.