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If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. Further, Silversea's new culinary program, nicknamed S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), brings the taste of destinations on board through cooking classes. Of course, there's no need to cook for yourself aboard a Silversea ship, as each one features several restaurants with multi-course menus to whet your appetite every night.
Best for Families: Royal Caribbean
Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels." Cruising is a popular vacation option for millions of travelers around the world in large part because of its convenience. Travelers stay in one room for the entire trip while the boat travels from port to port. Cruisers enjoy lots of world-class amenities like restaurants, shows and water activities on board, and they also have the option to disembark and sightsee or participate in excursions when the ship docks. These cruise lines have been recognized for their exceptional service, luxurious amenities, unforgettable experiences, and unparalleled customer satisfaction.
Viking Cruises
As for destinations, Virgin has itineraries along the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific and even a 14-day transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami. Those who are watching their spending closely should be careful, though. Extras like shore excursions and souvenirs can add up quickly, as can certain on-board activities. Carnival also offers all-inclusive rates that will help avoid any surprise expenses, but travelers should of course be prepared to spend more up front. News and World Report has released its annual top cruise lines rankings for 2023, with categories for best value, family vacations, couples, and more.
Seabourn
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. Note that while cruise ship rankings are updated throughout the year, cruise lines are only ranked annually. The Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for cruises because ships can sail there year-round. There are exceptions for service animals, which many cruise lines allow.
Princess Cruises has been enchanting passengers for decades with its dedication to exceptional service and a diverse range of itineraries. Known for luxurious ships, Princess Cruises offers a plethora of onboard activities, including world-class entertainment, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa experiences. Whether you’re sailing through the stunning fjords of Norway or exploring the tropical paradise of the South Pacific, Princess Cruises ensures a seamless vacation filled with unforgettable moments. Synonymous with freedom and flexibility, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Freestyle Cruising experience that allows passengers to create their own perfect vacation. With a wide range of dining options, exciting entertainment choices, and a multitude of onboard activities, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that every guest can tailor their experience to suit their preferences. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure on the water slides or a peaceful retreat at the spa, Norwegian Cruise Line has it all.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Their diverse itineraries, which span from the Caribbean to Europe and beyond, provide ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. Royal Caribbean International takes the top spot on our list and it’s no surprise why. With their innovative ships, thrilling onboard activities like rock climbing and surfing, Broadway-style entertainment, and world-class dining options, Royal Caribbean offers an unforgettable experience for all travelers. From Caribbean adventures to Mediterranean voyages, their itineraries cater to diverse interests, ensuring a truly remarkable cruise experience.
The best cruise lines in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
Cruises are popular family vacations because they offer a little something for everyone! Of course, there are some lines that are more family-friendly than others. Today’s ships are extremely stable, which is why it’s unlikely you will get seasick. However, if you end up suffering from seasickness, there is always a medical center onboard stocked with motion sickness tablets, pressure bands, and injections if the feeling persists.
These are the best cruise lines for every type of traveler
U.S. News Announces the 2024 Best Cruise Lines - PR Newswire
U.S. News Announces the 2024 Best Cruise Lines.
Posted: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This is the 15th iteration of the list compiled by the online cruise community’s international team of cruise experts. News & World Report recommends Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, respectively. Although cruises are not always all-inclusive as standard, there are usually packages that you can purchase on top of your ticket which pretty much turn any cruise into an all-inclusive one. As a rule, interior, windowless cabins are the least expensive, while cabins with ocean-view balconies are the priciest. Additionally, larger cabins and extra perks like early boarding usually come at a higher cost.
Holland America Line
By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service. When you book any sailing with Virgin Voyages, you can expect the average base fare per night to include the cost of extra benefits, such as free gratuities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, all 20+ eateries onboard are included, meaning that there's no need to spend extra on specialty dining experiences. Cruise fares range from extremely cheap sale prices to premium rates for fancy suites on luxury lines. However, when you factor in all of the costs you’d incur on a land vacation, you’ll discover that you can often save money by booking the right cruise line. Our readers have spoken, and these cruise lines have emerged as the top choices in the industry.
These cabins are generally located in the interior of the ship, so be aware that they might not have windows or balconies. Solo travelers have the option to book a regular stateroom, but they’ll generally have to pay the two-person fare. Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors.
However, to offset this drawback, drink prices are reasonable ($5-6 for a beer and $9 for basic cocktails), including the tip. If you’re ready to hop aboard, here are Money’s picks for the five best cruise lines of 2023. See the lines and ships that best represent excellence in ocean and luxury cruising, chosen by Cruise Critic's international team of editors. Get to know the best cruise lines in a variety of categories, based on member review ratings for cruises taken in the last year. Emerald Yacht Cruises, a line best known for its river ships, launched its first ocean-going vessel, Emerald Azzura, in 2022 followed by an identical sister ship, Emerald Sakara, in 2023. Both ships are intimate with a capacity of 100 passengers in 50 staterooms.
Single cruisers on Norwegian have access to a dedicated lounge and meetups where they can mingle with other travelers, too. That’s not to mention all the regular activities and excursions Norwegian offers, from rock climbing and bowling to spa treatments to boxing classes. Yacht Club guests get 24-hour butler service and their own dedicated concierge, plus a premium drink and internet package.
Being a major player in Europe for a while, MSC Cruises is growing fast in North America with a lineup of brand-new, mega-ships packed with amenities and activities tailored to woo more Americans. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. We used customer satisfaction data from several sources, including Cruiseline.com, to inform our decision. We also considered ship inspection data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The minimum age requirement to go on cruises varies depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Typically, passengers traveling alone must be at least 21 years old on the day of embarkation.
So much so that Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 34,000-mile world trip for 2024 sold out in just over two hours, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages, which aims to throw cruise stereotypes overboard, rose to first place in Large Ships. And we’ve brought back last year's new category showcasing the expedition cruises – small, often sustainable vessels with a shoal of scientific experts onboard – that follow in the wake of adventurers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton. In addition to its presence in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Virgin Voyages is now offering seasonal sailings in the Mediterranean and voyages to Australia and New Zealand.
Become a more informed and empowered traveler by understanding the cruise industry and making informed choices. Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer. Instead, your trip will be defined by more unique ports of call, upscale dining, and more attentive crew members.
For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L. Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and other publications. Your dog or cat can be carried on-board (in a kennel) for a charge (on top of your own fare) of between $800 and $1,600, depending on its size and species. No, you can usually go on a cruise without being vaccinated for COVID-19 or other diseases.
