Table Of Content
If you wish to skip our detailed analysis of the cruise lines industry, you may skip ahead to 5 Best Cruise Lines in the US. Which cruise line is best depends on what type of traveler you are and where you'd like to visit. Below are some things to consider when choosing which cruise to book for your next vacation. Cruise Critic is an online cruise community with more than 650,000 ship reviews of 700 ships from experts and cruise aficionados. “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. Searching for cruises online and looking at magnificent pictures is sure to wow you.
Viking Cruises
Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors. 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. 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.
A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling on Points and Miles
The line also offers a free onboard beverage package, free shore excursions credit, free dining package, and free WiFi. Princess Cruises also has comparable prices, as well as a “highest customer satisfaction” rating from TravelAge West and fantastic customer service. If you're looking to spend a little more, MSC Cruises has some lovely trips that will give you value for money. No vacation is fun when you’re worried about money, so make sure to keep budget in mind when booking.
Best New Ship
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. As mentioned, I’ve been going on cruises since 2018 and will be heading on my sixth cruise this year. I’ve been on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, so I have first-hand experience on how each cruise line’s amenities, activities, entertainment, food and more.
Windstar has a series of 2023 itineraries on the 156-cabin Star Pride and 171-suite Wind Surf that hit yachty Caribbean ports like Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla. The small-ship line, which is known for both its sleek “Star Plus Class” ships and its classic vessels with their dramatic sails, also has an array of itineraries along the coast of Australia and in the South Pacific. Travelers are turning to trusted lines to help minimize the hassles of country hopping and maximize relaxation time in each destination. Once this list was obtained, we used several different metrics to score each cruise line against. The first was the number of times each cruise had been recommended in our previous search.
Royal Caribbean International
You’ll find even more activities to do with the family at their private island, Coco Cay. It’s home to one of the tallest water slides in North America, as well as a huge wave pool, expansive beaches and more. As for the food, the cruise line prides itself on buffet style at the Windjammer, specialty restaurants and complimentary favorites (like Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s Pizza and Park Cafe). If you’re looking for a table service, Royal Caribbean offers kids’ menu at their main dining halls, featuring pizza, spaghetti and chicken tenders. For travelers whose vacation budgets have no limits, consider upgrading to "the most exclusive address at sea" — the Regent Suite. These include a private car and driver in every port, an exclusive private dining experience and an in-suite spa with unlimited treatments.
See More Cruise Critic Awards
Coming in close behind Celebrity Cruises in this category is first-time World's Best Awards winner Virgin Voyages, the new adults-only, all-inclusive cruise line. Its first ship, Scarlet Lady, impressed readers with DJ-led dance parties and creative nightlife, as well as complimentary dining options that include a Korean BBQ accompanied by drinking games. British billionaire Richard Branson wanted to turn cruising on its head and he succeeded, according to T+L readers. Added another reader, "Oh my, this cruise line was simply incredible! I cannot stop gushing over it — it was such a wonderful experience." Couples looking for the best cruise lines for a romantic adventure should make reservations with Viking Ocean Cruises.
Best Suite Complex
As for the Guppies Program (6 months to 4), parents are required to stay with their child and enjoy the amenities together. However, Norwegian does offer group babysitting during the evenings for parents to enjoy a child-free dinner. When it comes to dining, parents can rest assured that Carnival has you covered. Multiple dining venues have kids’ menus, featuring everything from chicken nuggets to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Plus, the ships have complimentary all-you-can-eat pizza and soft serve that’s available through the wee hours. The modern spa is more than a place to relax; it’s a true escape, where the atmosphere and thermal suite complement state-of-the-art treatments.
Several previous large-ship awardees, including Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn, have moved to the midsize-ship category. “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. Luxury cruises tend to be longer than other cruises, so they appeal to guests who have ample time for vacation,” she adds. 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.
The 6 Best Cruise Ships in the Bahamas: A Comparison - Cruise Critic
The 6 Best Cruise Ships in the Bahamas: A Comparison.
Posted: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
From Norway, Greece or Rome, MSC is the best cruise line for families that want to take their young explorers out to the open sea—and this one has a ton of amenities to keep them busy in the meantime. Whether you want to try your hand at zip lining or prefer staying on the ground and playing bowling, grab yourself a MSC Fun Pass to try out these activities throughout your trip. All the ships also show Broadway-level shows, live music and immersive performances that will even have your teen engaged in the theatrics. Carnival is known for being the most entertaining and party-filled of the bunch. Whichever of their 26 ships you set out on, the cruise line is all about having a good time. The company prides itself for having activities and amenities for every generation through dance parties, trivia and live performances.
The line also offers thoughtful dining packages to help make visiting these venues less restrictive and costs more manageable. MSC Cruises is perhaps the most affordable and family-friendly cruise on our list. It would be ranked even higher, if not for the fact that it is an Italian cruise company which has only a select few voyages from US ports.
The trip, which departs June 24, is a seven-night expedition that takes in many of the most notable sites on the islands, with programming specially tailored for both kids and adults. The Alaska trips on Ocean Victory, a fuel-efficient, 93-cabin ship from American Queen Voyages, come with the opportunity to kayak past glaciers and spot bald eagles and grizzlies. The vessel, which first debuted in 2021, represents an evolution in ship design for American Queen, with its cutting-edge X-Bow design (which helps reduce fuel burn) and chic suites, including many with private verandas. Scroll on to see the full list of the best cruise lines for mega-ships and learn more about why readers loved Celebrity in particular. Holland America Line, celebrating 75 years in Alaska in 2022, is in the No. 4 spot. "Food is excellent, crew is friendly and attentive; and cabins are large compared to other cruise lines," one voter wrote.
That’s not to mention all the regular activities and excursions Norwegian offers, from rock climbing and bowling to spa treatments to boxing classes. 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.
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.
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. By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fares.
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. Single cruisers on Norwegian have access to a dedicated lounge and meetups where they can mingle with other travelers, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment