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What are the best cruises in the world? Viking, Disney are big winners

top five cruise lines

Families can experience Disney magic by booking a cruise through Disney Cruise Lines. With over 19 ports of departure to choose from, your family can take a Disney cruise from almost anywhere in the world. Departure cities include Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, New Orleans and San Diego.

The 5 Best Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2022

For kids, Seuss at Sea provides a character parade, interactive story time, themed breakfasts, and crafting sessions. Meanwhile, Camp Ocean offers supervised activities like games, songs, dancing, movies, video games, and kids-only meals. Between ports, a historian teaches about pirates and treasure hunters, pre-Columbian civilizations, and the Age of Discovery aboard the 930-guest Viking Mars. When you aren't attending a lecture, you can indulge in a treatment at the Nordic spa, catch a live performance in the theater, order a martini at the 1940s-inspired bar, or partake in Waffle Hour in the Explorers' Lounge. Whether you're interested in discovering pirate history, hiking through the rain forest to see waterfalls, or searching for the best jerk chicken on the island, you're bound to find a cruise itinerary that suits you.

Best cruise lines for couples: Viking Ocean Cruises

Food options include gourmet specialties, quick-serve bites and 24-hour room service, so you and your family can eat anytime you're hungry. Parents can even book a romantic dinner while the kids have fun at one of the supervised youth clubs. We considered prices; the number of ships in each fleet; the flexibility to serve specific traveler types, such as families and singles; and the types of itineraries offered by each company.

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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. “And if someone has cruised before–or considers themselves an avid cruiser–we hope this list helps introduce them to new options, whether an entirely new line or new possibilities offered by some of their favorites. 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.

top five cruise lines

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. McDaniel notes other ways in which ship size affects the cruising experience.

Virgin Voyages cruise line is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy a cruise vacation tailored exclusively for adults. 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.

top five cruise lines

Carnival’s low fares and fun amenities make it a popular choice for those looking for a quick, affordable cruise (although it also offers longer trips to Europe, Australia and more). Its ships cater to travelers looking for an entertaining, exciting getaway — with an emphasis on pools, waterslides, mini-golf and karaoke, plus comedy shows, casino games and nightclubs for adults. “For the most part, luxury cruises appeal to a segment of travelers looking for similar experiences on land – more luxurious offerings, fewer crowds, and phenomenal activities.

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One of the newest additions to its fleet, the Enchanted Princess, earned raves from voters, with one person calling it "gorgeous." The same voter also noted that "Princess has made a real effort in their health protocols." In every instance, it is followed by Seattle-based Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation's ultra-luxury brand. Living up to its name, the Miami-based Celebrity Cruises partners with well-known names in the arts and entertainment industry. It's newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, has Gwyneth Paltrow as its "wellbeing advisor" and a restaurant created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, according to its website. It's part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also operates Royal Caribbean International, which took home a "Silver Award" in this category.

Oceania Cruises

The 30 Largest Cruise Ships in the World Ranked - Cruise Critic

The 30 Largest Cruise Ships in the World Ranked.

Posted: Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

In addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet, Rotterdam features five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery to an upscale steakhouse. Extensive onboard entertainment includes clubs featuring blues and classic rock as well as various musical performances in the main theater. Cultural programming, pickleball lessons, and food and wine tastings are among the complimentary activities available. Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each. The line calls them yachts, but the ships are structured more like tiny cruise ships with indoor lounges and communal dining rooms. You'll now find these zones on Caribbean-focused vessels like Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Prima.

We only evaluated major lines with trips that depart from the United States – hence, we excluded such companies as Virgin Voyages, Cunard, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We used an online cruise insurance marketplace to get a quote for a family of four (two adults and two kids) for a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas. If the family spends $3,200 for the trip, the insurance options range from $158 for basic insurance to $344 for a premium plan. Unfortunately, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer an alcoholic drinks package like other cruise lines. However, to offset this drawback, drink prices are reasonable ($5-6 for a beer and $9 for basic cocktails), including the tip.

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. It doesn’t matter if you want adventure, relaxation or a combination of both, the best cruises offer a convenient and all-inclusive way to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of planning individual itineraries. The line’s newest ship, Silver Nova, which holds 728 passengers was ranked as the Best New Luxury Ship.

The best large-ship cruise lines, according to Travel + Leisure readers, prove that, when it comes to entertainment on the high seas, bigger is definitely better. Smaller cruise lines — with ships that fit hundreds rather than thousands of guests — dominated U.S. With 27 cruise ships in service, Royal Caribbean has the largest number of berths on its vessels at 98,118. Which cruise line can carry the largest number of passengers across its entire fleet? We tallied up the number of berths on each cruise ship and listed the top 5 results. Total of number of passengers at double capacity that each cruise line can carry across all ships.

Disney has been named the top cruise line in the Caribbean for the past eight years, according to U.S. To qualify for this category, at least 62% of a cruise line's online traveler reviews must be made by couples. Viking, a cruise line based in Basel, Switzerland, is no stranger to accolades. News' luxury list last year too — despite Chairman Torstein Hagen indicating he isn't a fan of the word.

For luxury cruises in the Caribbean, the period between April and October is pretty much a dead zone. The line's 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York City on Carnival Venezia is a solid choice for budget-minded travelers seeking an affordable Caribbean escape. Passengers can swim with graceful stingrays in Gibbs Cay or tour historic Cockburn Town during a port call in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. In Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, you can take an exciting ATV tour through the lush backcountry. Kids receive the royal treatment with high-quality kids clubs and onboard attractions like the 765-foot-long AquaDuck water coaster.

25 Best Caribbean Cruises to Inspire Your Tropical Vacation

top five cruise lines

Regent offers an all-suite fleet so travelers can enjoy spacious and luxurious accommodations. Each suite has a private balcony, a dedicated attendant, an in-suite minibar and a separate sitting area. While most cruises are on the ocean, some lines (like Viking) offer trips in smaller vessels that cruise along rivers. These tend to be quieter and attract an older clientele compared to a mainstream ocean cruise. With a fleet of three ships, Virgin Voyages offers itineraries from two to 14 nights. 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.

Viking Ocean Cruises' West Indies Explorer

However, if an upscale cruise experience is what you seek, Windstar Cruises can deliver. The line's seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary aboard Wind Surf should be on your radar. Carnival ships are packed with fun-focused attractions, including multiple pool areas, water parks with waterslides, basketball courts, miniature golf courses and even roller coasters on select ships. As you might expect, the line caters heavily to families in every aspect of the cruise experience — from onboard attractions to family-friendly cabin configurations. The bottom line is that the best Caribbean cruise for you depends a lot on your travel style. Below, we'll help you narrow down the choices by looking at Caribbean cruises by broad category type.

Celebrity Cruises

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. By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service. The world's largest cruise ships were back in business last summer following the COVID-19 shutdowns.

top five cruise lines

List of Carnival Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest

Disney is famous for its attention to detail and focus on the guest experience in its theme parks, and those attributes extend to its cruises, too. Families will enjoy meet-and-greets with Disney characters, themed restaurants, and a slew of onboard activities and entertainment. Staterooms are also family friendly, with storage that’s designed to accommodate multiple guests. Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors. The Caribbean islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

For family fun on the high seas, try a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Fantasy. Departing from Port Canaveral, the ship stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. Windstar Cruises' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants.

"T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. 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 way for travelers to visit multiple destinations for one price. In fact, industry statistics indicate that nearly 80% of travelers who have cruised before want to book another cruise in the future. The best cruise lines offer transportation, accommodations, food and entertainment that meet their target audience's needs.

Cruises to Jamaica and the Surrounding Caribbean

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. Also, look at your cruise line's policy terms, as these may detail requirements for unvaccinated people. Finally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site to see a detailed list of suggested vaccines per destination. However, you should purchase your insurance immediately after booking your trip.

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Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other. There is also a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. Eastern Caribbean itineraries vary but include stops at St. Maarten; St. Thomas; Nassau, Bahamas; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the line's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas. At the time of publication, prices for the seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise started from $1,731 per person.

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Onboard Experience - Cruiseline.com

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Onboard Experience.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:13:08 GMT [source]

Celebrity Cruises, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico; 6 Nights

The best cruise for a family with kids isn't necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance. Cruising while single can get expensive since most cruise lines charge based on double occupancy. For single travelers, the best cruise line to travel on is Norwegian Cruise Lines.

top five cruise lines

I sailed solo in one of the cabins on Norwegian Epic, and I was smitten. I particularly loved its futuristic "Jetsons"-like design and the multicolored mood lighting. 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. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations. Whether you just need some "me time" or are looking to meet new people, Norwegian features an extensive inventory of single cabins called studios.

Couples looking for the best cruise lines for a romantic adventure should make reservations with Viking Ocean Cruises. All Viking cruise ships are adults-only, so couples can enjoy their trip without interruptions from other travelers' children on board. The other perks included in your cruise fare will depend on how much you pay; many larger cruise lines offer multiple tiers of fares. The lowest tier will be the cheapest, but you should expect to pay out of pocket for extras like drinks, certain restaurant meals and activities and excursions once you’re on board.

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.

The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where you can explore botanic gardens, swim at Seven Mile Beach, or visit the town's shops and restaurants. In Falmouth, Jamaica, the next day, optional activities include a zip-line adventure, waterfall hike, catamaran cruise, horseback ride, or dolphin encounter. The next day at sea is a time to enjoy the ship's amenities while cruising to Disney Castaway Cay. French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts.

However, verify each destination's vaccine policies to ensure they have no requirements. 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. Cruise lines offering or hosting themed trips are Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Ships also have a living room where guests can gather to talk or relax while listening to classical music performed by resident musicians.

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