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Setting Sail With Excellence: US News 2024 Rankings Highlight Leading Cruise Lines for Globetrotters Family Living

ranking of cruise lines

Viking's 80 river ships operate on just about every major river in the world, and its 10 ocean ships (up from just one in 2015) can be found in a growing number of destinations, too. Operating a fast-growing fleet of tough but upscale expedition ships (none carrying more than 264 passengers), Ponant is known for voyages to places like Antarctica and the Arctic. Others operate vessels that are as luxurious as any upscale resort found on land. A few small luxury players such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises have ships with lavish suites that'll cost you as much as $11,000 a day.

Best Family Cruise: Regal Princess - Princess Cruises

ranking of cruise lines

The best cruise lines offer travelers the opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest vacation destinations while enjoying a wide variety of amenities for every member of the family. From pools, waterslides and mini golf for kids to spas, shows and nightclubs for adults, there is something for everyone on a cruise ship. U.S. News serves the environmentally conscious traveler by spotlighting cruise lines practicing sustainability. Additionally, the guide expands its scope by delving into niche cruising experiences, like the best gay cruises and the top cruise lines for solo travelers.

Best Adventure Cruise Line: Adventure Canada

Foodies can choose one of the James Beard-themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demonstrations with a James Beard Award-winning chef. The cruising arm of Ritz-Carlton has been in operation for just a bit over a year, and the jury still is out on where it ranks in the pantheon of luxury cruise brands. The line notably struggled to get off the ground after years of construction delays for its first and only ship. Families, in particular, will love this line, due to all the family-friendly activities and venues on its vessels.

Best for Families

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service. Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire.

How travelers can use the list

Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

Royal Caribbean Announces Cancellation of All Cruise Stops to Private Island

The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and beyond. Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you. For the world’s biggest river line, the consistency and quality of service never wavers – whether you’re in Europe, Asia or on the Nile. In its first year sailing, Riverside Luxury Cruises proved that it’s a powerhouse with its food and wine on Europe’s rivers.

Its ships offer a wide variety of specialty dining options, from a food-truck style market with a burger shop, taco shack and sushi bar. For those staying in certain room tiers, a concierge team is available to help travelers with special requests and booking excursions. And while Disney cruises primarily cater to families, they aren’t just for kids. The ships offer nightclubs, bars and adult-only pools and dining, too, as well as special activities and clubs for teens.

See the lines and ships that best represent excellence in ocean and luxury cruising, chosen by Cruise Critic's international team of editors. Included and specialty dining both shine, with plenty of options for everyone. Also included in every SeaDream experience is complimentary access to wave runners, Hobie cats, kayaks, snorkeling gear and other water sports equipment. Passengers aboard SeaDream Yacht Club’s twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, have the opportunity to visit small ports around the world on 7- to 15-day itineraries. With a 95-person crew and a maximum of 112 guests, each passenger receives personalized service.

Best cruise ships and cruise lines of 2023, according to readers

But the furry companion must perform specific tasks for its owner, such as guiding to assist in overcoming sight-impairment. 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. Cruise lines offering or hosting themed trips are Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Premium cruises are generally mid-size (1,500-2,000 passengers) to large (over 2,000 passengers). If you’re ready to hop aboard, here are Money’s picks for the five best cruise lines of 2023.

Each ship sails with a wellness director, who leads multiple fitness class daily, somehow making them accessible to all skill levels. Active excursions are offered, and ships have fleets of bikes available for borrowing. Luxury cruises tend to be smaller, with more staff per guest and more deluxe amenities. Among the amenities, passengers can enjoy upscale accommodations, spas and sauna facilities, water sports equipment and fine dining. It goes without saying that they are significantly more expensive than a mainstream cruise.

Its Longship fleet of ships is beautifully designed, and its crews are attentive and friendly. Food often has nods to regional specialties, and first-time river cruisers will no doubt love Viking’s attention to the little details, like heated bathroom floors and plenty of cabins with full, step-out balconies. Virgin Voyages cruise line is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy a cruise vacation tailored exclusively for adults.

Meals are locally inspired, with luxury ingredients and techniques, and beautiful execution. Oenophiles will want to try the extra-fee Vintage Room, where you’ll drink your fill of exceptional wines, specifically matched to the menu. However, you should purchase your insurance immediately after booking your trip. First, this ensures coverage if your trip is canceled or you can’t travel. Second, purchasing early may qualify you for add-on coverage like “cancel for any reason,” which is typically available only within a specific period (about 15 days) after you book your trip. Cruise Critic is an online cruise community with more than 650,000 ship reviews of 700 ships from experts and cruise aficionados.

The onboard team are exemplary, making sure kids and adults are always entertained – from scavenger hunts to family karaoke, and, when necessary, giving parents an opportunity for a well-earned break, too. Norwegian’s solo staterooms make it possible for single travelers, or those who prefer not to share cabins with friends or family, to book their own room without paying twice the fare (since most cruise rates are calculated for double occupancy cabins). These cabins are generally located in the interior of the ship, so be aware that they might not have windows or balconies.

From Virgin Voyages to Carnival: These 10 cruises are worth the money, travelers say - CNBC

From Virgin Voyages to Carnival: These 10 cruises are worth the money, travelers say.

Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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. By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service.

Ship highlights include a European-style Piazza atrium, a dedicated jazz theater and one of the best wine bars on a cruise ship. Viking has earned its reputation as the leader on Europe’s rivers, where it sails with an enormous fleet designed in serene Scandinavian style. Ships are consistent and instantly feel like home, whether you’re sailing for the first or 100th time. Ships' staterooms are thoughtfully designed, and cruises are inclusive of things like excursions and drinks at mealtimes. Viking’s expansion – including to places like the Mississippi River and Egypt – means there’s an itinerary for everyone.

While travel credit cards offer some trip protection, we suggest you check out our list of best cruise travel insurance, as these plans are geared specifically for cruise trips. Yacht Club guests get 24-hour butler service and their own dedicated concierge, plus a premium drink and internet package. They also enjoy complimentary access to the ship’s spa as well as other perks like a luggage packing and unpacking service and priority check-in and check-out. MSC is a European cruise line that offers itineraries in the Caribbean as well as to popular destinations in Europe like the Mediterranean and Norway. If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In fact, Silversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level — they'll handle your laundry with more care than you do, scour port towns to find your favorite tastes of home, and even help you pack and unpack your suitcase.

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