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Once onboard, guests can rely on their suite host for everything from dinner reservations in the ship’s restaurants to popcorn for a movie afternoon. Seabourn luxury cruises are exceptional for offering some of the highest space for all guests in the industry while offering a private club atmosphere. Usually, just one on short cruises and two on six nights or longer sailings. 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. Choosing the best cruise line as a first-time cruiser is no doubt challenging.
Travel Interests
“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. 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. No, you can usually go on a cruise without being vaccinated for COVID-19 or other diseases. However, verify each destination's vaccine policies to ensure they have no requirements. Cruise lines offering or hosting themed trips are Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian
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. 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.
Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees
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. Royal Caribbean International, with its smaller 1990s ships such as Enchantment of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, comes in at No. 5. In the No. 2 spot is the venerable line Cunard, with its three ocean liners. "We love everything about this ship," wrote one fan who sailed on the Queen Mary 2.
Best Cruise Line for First-Time Expedition Cruisers: Viking Cruises
In addition to a deck top full of amusements, it also has a far broader array of suites than earlier Carnival vessels and new dining venues such as the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant at sea. It's also notable as the first ship from a North America-based line designed to operate on liquid natural gas. After all, family cruising is one of the hottest things going in the industry these days. But a quick glance at all the millennials, Generation Xers and, yes, even baby boomers waiting in line for many of these attractions on ships proves they aren't just for young cruisers.
Some staterooms are offered as “Drinks, Wi-Fi and Tips Included.” Others are “Cruise Only” fares that can have those three things added for an additional cost. Be sure to do your research on your specific cruise ship and the package you paid for. Disney cruise fares include free room service, soft drinks and character meet-and-greets. However, note that alcoholic beverages and adults-only specialty restaurants incur extra fees. Every step of the way, cruisers can expect the same attention to detail onboard as they would find in a Disney park or resort.
Best Cruise Destination for Wildlife: The Galapagos Islands
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean - USA TODAY
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising. A single-country cruise itinerary gives you a chance to enjoy a deeper dive into local culture. One of the most popular destinations for this type of immersive experience is Japan. As an island nation, it has a wealth of ports that can be explored on 12- to 14-night circle-island sailings offered by both large-ship and small-luxury cruise lines.
A Guide to Cruise Lines
There's nothing like watching a child's eyes light up when they meet Mickey and Minnie, or Elsa from Frozen, or Spider-Man. But the amusement-park-level attractions, carefully orchestrated kids' programming, entertainment, and family dining on Disney ships are also big wows. Perhaps most noteworthy, though, is that these ships manage to cater to both families with kids and adults sans kids.
From Norwegian Cruise Line to Virgin Voyages, these are the crème de la crème in cruising this year.
If you’re looking for something a little more kitsch, these themed cruises will be right up your alley. From Bordeaux to Porto to Vienna, the list of potential destinations on European river cruises tend to encompass at least one wine region and a gastronomic capital or two. That makes a European river cruise a must for foodies and oenophiles alike. Consider itineraries such as a Rhone River cruise, cruising the Bordeaux wine region or a Douro River Cruise for spectacular food and wine.
Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days. If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era.
During a visit to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the volcanic landscape and surrounding rainforest and cloud forest offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking and spotting native species such as howler monkeys, sloths and crocodiles. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala is known for its coffee plantations and access to the historic city of Antigua. The region also offers the chance to hike the Pacaya Volcano or visit the ancient Mayan site of Iximche.
Ports of call also in Turkey may include Kusadasi for the nearby Roman city of Ephesus and its wondrous Library of Celsus. In Greece, medieval and Venetian architecture are thoughtfully preserved in the islands of Rhodes and Corfu, respectively. Your cruise might end in Athens, site of the 2,500-year-old Parthenon and its antiquities.
Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. Cruise fares on Carnival are often some of the lowest among North American cruise lines.
It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own. Taking a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions Book a small ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau for a week or longer in the nooks and crannies of southeast Alaska. You’ll hike where there are no trails, paddle without another human in sight, and get to know the traditional lands of Alaska’s Coastal Native tribes.
