Sunday, March 31, 2024

Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

best cruise lines

Cruise Critic is an online cruise community with more than 650,000 ship reviews of 700 ships from experts and cruise aficionados. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. In short, Celebrity aims for sophisticates, not the party crowd (although it's not a luxury product). The list of brands includes everything from giant companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, which are household names, to lesser-known small operators such as Windstar Cruises. For example, the “open bar” consists of the Premium Beverage Package and all the standard restrictions apply to that. For those in search of athletic pursuits, there are plenty of options to match any preferences, such as tai chi, yoga and tennis, none of which require a 21-year-old's physique.

What cruise ports are on the east coast?

Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and other publications. Silversea Cruises topped the list as Best Luxury Cruise Line for the second year in a row. Cruise Critic just announced its annual list of the Best Cruise Lines of The Year.

Solo Cruising With a New Line

These Cruise Lines Have The Best Customer Service In 2024 - Forbes

These Cruise Lines Have The Best Customer Service In 2024.

Posted: Sat, 24 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You won’t find massive water slides and zip lines on Celebrity ships, but Celebrity’s Camp at Sea is designed as a flexible way for children on board to have as much fun as their parents. Disney staterooms are a touch larger than average across all categories and have split bathrooms featuring tubs along with room-dividing curtains (standard in most cabins). Just refurbished, the 165-cabin Paul Gauguin will be exploring the Pacific in 2023, with trips to the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marquesas, and the Society Islands.

Best cruise line for solo travelers

Despite a rocky couple of years due to the pandemic, cruising is back, and it’s stronger than ever. In fact, travel insurance comparison site SquareMouth.com reported a 41% increase in the number of travelers taking cruises in 2022 compared with 2019. Cruising has come a long way, and now, rather than cookie-cutter ships and itineraries, the best cruise lines are offering options that appeal to a wide variety of travelers. There are mega ships that can hold almost 7,000 guests, and small ships geared toward a couple hundred guests or less. There are even expedition ships that allow you to get up close and personal with nature.

Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian

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. Higher fare tiers include more amenities but are significantly more expensive. 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. Upstart cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers all-inclusive fares on its two 98-suite vessels, and, in a departure from industry norms, the brand doesn’t charge solo travelers a single supplement. It will sail nine-, 10-, 11-, and 12-night round-trips from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica through March 2023 before heading to the Mediterranean to hit Spain, France, and Portugal.

Marina — Oceania CruisesArrow

Add in the line’s musical productions shows, comedy clubs, bowling and live game shows, like Deal or No Deal, and cruisers can find enough entertainment onboard Norwegian ships to keep things lively during almost any sailing. Viking's main goal is to provide a consistent cruise experience that allows guests to explore the world from a comfortably casual ship with many of cruising’s minor details managed for them. The Viking expedition ships place a heavier emphasis on educational experiences during their polar, global and Great Lakes adventures.

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Virgin Voyages' first three ships (Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady) have suites by acclaimed designer Tom Dixon. Destinations include the Dominican Republic, Mexico and a private beach club in the Bahamas, as well as parts of Europe and Australia. This relatively new cruise line, backed by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is reinventing mainstream cruising with a hipper, more inclusive, younger vibe (though not too young; its ships are adults-only). 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.

Best cruise line for budget travelers

Dubbed Evrima, the line's only operating ship is a 298-passenger vessel designed to appeal to Ritz-Carlton regulars with an elegant, residential look. A second, bigger ship called Ilma that's already open for bookings debuts later this year. Multistory waterslides, ropes courses and even go-kart race tracks are among the gee-whiz attractions atop Norwegian Cruise Line's giant, resort-like ships. Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, MSC Cruises operates big, resort-like vessels that appeal to a broad audience.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship. - Yahoo News Canada

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship..

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:37:30 GMT [source]

They range in capacity from around 2,000 to just over 4,000 passengers on the four newest ships. The provided gear will include outerwear (a souvenir parka is yours to keep on polar expeditions) and the ships are equipped with complimentary launderettes. While best known for its seven-night Trans-Atlantic crossings between London and New York and its 100-plus-night world cruises, Cunard’s fleet actually sails almost the entire globe aside from the Arctic and Antarctic. Cunard’s ships, Queen Mary 2 in particular, returns passengers to traditional ocean liners with her elegant Art Deco design and white-gloved service on a ship where afternoon tea is a grand affair. None of that means children aren’t welcome; they simply aren’t the line’s primary market.

AmaWaterways offers nearly identical tours, but with differing mobility requirements. Staterooms feature comforts like Viking’s famous heated bathroom floors, but the expedition ships are also equipped with heated drying closets for wet gear and in-room coffee makers supplied with coffees and teas. Daily onboard events are organized specifically for solo cruisers, from morning coffee get-togethers to pre-dinner cocktail gatherings. Add in the onboard laundry facilities, and cruising with kids becomes a whole lot easier -- and whole lot more enjoyable. Most Seabourn cruisers dress in resort-style casualwear during the day and dress up more for dinner, which is either elegant casual or formal. Elegant casual for the Seabourn dress code means slacks, collared shirts, blouses, and optional jackets, while their formal is tuxedos and ballroom gowns.

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 lines offering or hosting themed trips are Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. “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. 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. SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II. The highly regarded intimate-ship line wins frequent accolades from T+L readers for its on-board service and well-appointed vessels.

Many of the line’s ships feature impressive technology-based attractions like robotic bars, virtual reality games and entertainment venues. Cabins range from budget-friendly rooms to two-story suites with five-digit cruise fares. French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth.

best cruise lines

Coasts, Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand. The line caters to a broad spectrum of guests, with ample activities and attractions onboard that perfectly match the needs and desires of guests of all ages. It’s at the top of the list of cruise line companies that truly cater to cruisers from two to 82. Finding a cruise is simple, whether it be booking a cruise online or through a travel advisor.

Its six vessels carry just 148 to 342 passengers — fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat — and are wonderfully intimate. Meet-and-greets with Disney characters, Disney-themed shows and the most extensive kiddie fun zones on the high seas are just a few of the family-friendly allures of a Disney cruise. 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. Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements.

During the summer cruise season, the line partners with Disney to make family river cruising magic. For example, you might find there are two cruises leaving a particular port on the same ship on the same day. This makes Holland America the best cruise line for allowing cruisers the flexibility to build the itinerary that suits them. The line has long offered both one-way and round-trip Panama Canal cruises, and seasonally moves a number of ships to Northern European and Mediterranean routes, as well as to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Holland America offers an extensive list of global itineraries (including world cruises) with a more traditional presence in The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico. Explorations Central aims to highlight local culture and history onboard via special talks, port guides and cultural demonstrations.

Alaska Cruises: A Cheat Sheet to Planning the Perfect Adventure

best alaska cruise itinerary

Take your Alaska adventure to new heights with our 14-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Los Angeles. Escape the pandemonium of the city and cruise into the welcoming waters of the Pacific. Take a dip in freshwater pools, enjoy a unique cinematic experience with Movies Under the Stars® or sip specially crafted cocktails as you sail into Ketchikan. Upon arriving, witness traditional axe-throwing sports at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show or visit Totem Bight State Park to see traditional, hand-carved totem poles. On your way to Juneau, stop at Icy Strait Point and get up close and personal with killer whales, sea lions and brown grizzly bears. Or, test your inner thrill-seeker and soar down a 5,330-foot-long descent on the world’s highest ZipRider cable – which sits 1,300 feet above sea level.

Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska – Pros and Cons for Each Route

best alaska cruise itinerary

Glacier Bay Vs. Hubbard Glacier, that question gets asked again and again. In contrast to a Caribbean cruise, an Alaska cruise can experience vastly different weather. And then there’s Ketchikan, where you can immerse yourself in native Alaskan culture. Between the totem poles and the rich indigenous history, it’s like a living museum but set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty. With Agnes and Chris, you're not just reading another travel blog; you're tapping into a treasure trove of insider tips, curated itineraries, and invaluable insights to make your Alaskan journey truly unforgettable. Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog.

Check out these Amazing Alaska Tours.

Its colossal face drops apartment-sized icebergs into the bay, creating small tidal waves. Your captain will decide which glaciers to approach, and that decision may be dependent on weather, ice, and time. Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, and for a good reason. If you suffer from motion sickness, picking an Alaska cruise can be tricky.

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024 - AFAR Media

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024.

Posted: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Dining

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. Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March.

Hubbard Glacier vs Glacier Bay vs Dawes Glacier – Which one is best?

If you want to view Alaska’s natural splendors, but don’t have more than a week or so consider seven-day cruises that depart Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same spot. Watch silvery skyscrapers fade into the distance and say hello to fjords, rugged coastlines and blankets of lush temperate rain forests. We bring you not just authentic Alaska itineraries and insider tips but also a treasure trove of our own photos and first-hand experiences from the places we've explored and activities we've relished.

best alaska cruise itinerary

Not all Alaska shore excursions are available during shoulder season. If you’re interested in a land tour, such as visiting Denali National Park, it’s worth noting that the park is most accessible from late May through the summer months. The cruise line you choose will significantly influence your journey.

Compared to our roundtrip itineraries, our Voyage of the Glaciers cruises sail 500 miles farther north across the Gulf of Alaska into Prince William Sound. In addition to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway or Icy Strait Point, you will begin or end your journey in Whittier. There, you’ll have extra time to soak up expansive views of rich greenery and striking mountains.

Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

On a cruisetour, you'll sail a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park. You'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore.

Night Alaska Inside PassageDetails

Cruise ships sail in the deepest waters, and whales feed close to land. Viewing from a large vessel is different from taking a smaller boat tour. While Icy Strait Point offers many things to do, the tours are unique.

If relaxation is a priority, look for ships with extensive spa facilities and adult-only pools. Budgeting for an Alaska cruise involves more than just the ticket price. Some cruises offer all-inclusive packages, while others have hidden fees for amenities and excursions. We have an article with a detailed breakdown of Alaska cruise costs, including hidden fees. Some Alaska cruise itineraries include a port of call in Victoria, Canada, so checking passport requirements is crucial before embarking on such a journey. Seward is located along the Gulf of Alaska and is an excellent port for exploring the outdoors.

Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best Alaska cruise itineraries for 2024 based on our extensive travel experiences in Alaska—both by land and sea. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a glacier admirer, or an adventure-seeker, we’ve got you covered.

Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway. You may also find one-way repositioning cruises between southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

If you're looking for other surefire ways to save, inside and ocean-view cabins are often much cheaper than balcony cabins on Alaska cruises. Those private verandas are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas. While you might not be sunning yourself to a stunning shade of bronze on an Alaska cruise, you and everyone on board will want to take in the scenery.

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