top 10 worst cruise lines 2023

Cruise Lines Ranked From Worst to Best

Looking to make your next adventure a seafaring one? Or maybe you want an all-inclusive vacation that doesn’t require a ton of planning? We have the skinny on the world’s best and worst cruise line operators.

Generally speaking, if you’re booking a cruise, you’ll fall into one of three categories: mainstream, premium or luxury. Mainstream cruises come in all types, but they are generally the most affordable. Premium lines tend to be more laid-back and thus attract an older clientele. The food and cabins are far better on these boats, but you’ll pay more for the privilege — and the serenity. Lastly, luxury cruises will run over $400 a night, but you’ll see and feel the difference. The food will be some of the best you’ve ever had and the room may be larger than your own home.

With all this in mind, check out how each of the best-known cruise lines rank before booking your next voyage.

19. Costa Cruises

Rating: 3.2 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 18 ships Top departure points: Barcelona, Venice (Italy), Savona/Genoa (Italy), Pointe-A-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Singapore Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, transatlantic Starting price: $119/night

Note: The rating information was sourced from Cruiseline's pre-pandemic numbers; however, we've excluded any cruise lines that have since shuttered.

Bottom Line: Costa Cruises

It’s hard to forget the 2012 disaster involving a Costa Concordia that killed 32 people and left a capsized boat bobbing off the coast of Italy for over a year. Even without that accident, Costa doesn’t have the best reputation.

It mostly caters to Europeans looking to party hard at a good price. But families will find the kids' areas to their liking, including the children-sail-free promotions. Folks looking for peace and quiet best avoid these boats, and the tobacco averse among us be warned: Every bar has a designated smoking section.

Costa is known for its fun entertainment options and it was the first cruise line to offer spa cabins. 

What Customers Say About Costa Cruises

Overall rating: 3.3 Cruise: 7 Night Blue Is The Color (Rome roundtrip) Date: November 2017 Ship: Costa Pacifica Cabin type: Oceanview Traveled as: Large group

“[Whirlwind] tour of a lifetime. The ports and excursions were well worth the trip, though I would not sail this particular cruise line again. I recommend taking time after the excursion, which are usually only 4 hours or so, and touring the cities on your own to get away from the commercial aspects.” — amnayo

18. MSC Cruises

Rating: 3.3 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 19 Top departure points: Miami, Barcelona, Rio De Janeiro, Genoa (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations: Transatlantic, Europe (northern, western and Mediterranean), Asia, Africa, Middle East, South America Starting price: $69/night

Bottom Line: MSC Cruises

No matter where you sail with MSC, which is based in Italy, it will have 50 to 85 percent European passengers. Regardless of nationality, folks who pick this operator are looking for a budget cruise for the whole family, as kids 3-11 are free and 12- to 17-year-olds board at reduced prices.

Passengers book "experiences," which are much different than U.S.-based cruise operators. These determine what type of cabin you occupy and any extra perks.

The ships are nice and the newest in the industry, but there is a lot more permitted smoking aboard the European cruises than those based in the U.S. Don’t expect amazing food or a party atmosphere. 

What Customers Say About MSC Cruises

Overall rating: 2.6 Cruise: 9 Night Mediterranean (Barcelona roundtrip) Date: October 2018 Ship: MSC Preziosa Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“We were surprised at the number of senior citizens. Unclear if it was the ship, the itinerary or the time of trip, but after 4 MSC cruises, this was the first where it felt like a retirement home." — evieward

17. Norwegian Cruise Line

Rating: 3.5 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 17 Top departure points: Miami, New York City, Seattle, Port Canaveral (Florida), Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations: Caribbean, Alaska (inside passage), Europe (Mediterranean) Starting price: $146/night

Bottom Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian is best known for the quality and creativity of its food, and it was the first cruiser to offer flexible dining options. The upscale suites are more akin to a luxury hotel than a ship cabin, with a private sundeck and restaurant. And there’s plenty for the kids, like Nickelodeon-themed breakfasts and Cirque du Soleil-inspired entertainment.

Parents will enjoy the Broadway-caliber performances and comedy. Some ships also feature a water park and sports decks that include a bungee trampoline, spider web climbing frame, multiple corkscrew water slides and a ropes course.

Drawbacks include small cabins with tight bathrooms and extra charges for the best food options. 

What Customers Say About Norwegian Cruise Lines

Overall rating: 3.9 Cruise: 7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan roundtrip) Date: December 2019 Ship: Norwegian Epic Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Singles/friends

“I have cruised NCL many times, but it may be my last. I am still not happy they changed the itinerary after I booked the cruise, and the overall attention to guest satisfaction has gone way down. Unless you have to financially, DO NOT take advantage of the airfare option. They had me fly from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta and then to Puerto Rico. Many other guests I spoke with had a similar experience. Also, seriously look for other options/companies that offer shore excursions than NCL. They were my favorite.” — Wisest1

16. Carnival Cruise Lines

Rating: 3.7 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 23 ships Top departure points: Miami, Galveston (Texas), Port Canaveral (Florida), Fort Lauderdale, (Florida) New York City Top destinations: Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico Starting price: $124/night

Bottom Line: Carnival Cruise Lines

The jester of the mainstream cruise lines, Carnival has a reputation for its boisterous boats. These cruises are popular with party animals and singles — especially if those folks enjoy hairy chest contests, endless buckets of beer bottles (these cost extra, FYI), late-night comedy and food endorsed by Guy Fieri.

Children are, of course, welcome as well. To that end, Carnival hosts Dr. Seuss-themed brunches and story hours for the youngsters, or the kid in all of us.

There are few quiet spaces on Carnival boats, with music, loud and colorful decor, and regrettable adult decision-making ruling the roost. 

What Customers Say About Carnival Cruise Lines

Overall rating: 3.8 Cruise: 4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Date: January 2020 Ship: Carnival Victory Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Family (older children)

“We had fun on a four-day getaway for a reasonable cost. Ship was clean and food was delicious. I will take a newer Carnival if I go on a longer cruise. The ocean suites are worth the cost.” — bonnycorn

15. Princess Cruises

Rating: 3.8 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 21 Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Yokohama (Japan), Southampton (England), Sydney (Australia), Vancouver (Canada) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, transatlantic, South Pacific, Europe (Mediterranean) Starting price: $89/night

Bottom Line: Princess Cruises

Princess offers quality at an affordable price. Families and couples are drawn to the shorter cruises while longer ones tend to attract retirees and empty-nesters. Educational classes are included, for adults and kids — and there’s even yoga for children. Couples can get married on board in a chapel.

Food is solid, and there are no restrictions on mealtimes. Unfortunately, childcare is lacking for kids 3 and under. And for an extra charge, folks can enter a lottery for behind-the-scenes ship tours.

This is not a cruise line for singles and hard partiers. 

What Customers Say About Princess Cruises

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 17 Night Roman Passage (Rome to Fort Lauderdale) Date: December 2018 Ship: Pacific Princess Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“This cruise was a wonderful experience for both my wife and me. We especially enjoy the ‘days at sea,’ and the transatlantic aspect included eight consecutive days at sea crossing the Atlantic Ocean. There is nothing like sitting on your balcony and seeing nothing but ocean waters all around you. It gives you a perspective on the world and the universe around you.” — draronson

14. Royal Caribbean

Rating: 3.9 Class: Mainstream Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Miami, Sydney (Australia), Cape Liberty (New Jersey), Shanghai (China) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Caribbean, South Pacific Starting price: $154/night

Bottom Line: Royal Caribbean

Families looking for a great experience at a good cost — essentially an alternative to Disney — want to book with Royal Caribbean . And outdoors, sporty folks will love the adrenaline-rush activities at sea. Think rock climbing, surfing simulations, ice skating, ziplining, skating and even boxing.

Entertainment options include Broadway-caliber performances as well as ice skating, dive shows and original productions. If you’re antisocial or looking for quiet relaxation, this is not your boat. 

What Customers Say About Royal Caribbean

Overall rating: 3.5 Cruise: 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Date: January 2020 Ship: Oasis of the Seas Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as : Couple

“Please serve sweetened ice tea. Sugar does not melt easily in cold tea. The main dining room needs an efficiency review because it's much too slow. Servers very often carry one little item, disappear for long periods and are inefficient! They are well-meaning and pleasant but need a manager with good organizational and efficiency skills to make it work smoothly.” — pacificanelia

13. Holland America Line

Rating: 3.9 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 15 Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Amsterdam (Netherlands), San Diego, Venice (Italy), Vancouver (Canada) Top destinations: Europe (northern and Mediterranean), transatlantic, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Panama Canal Starting price: $79/night

Bottom Line: Holland America Line

If you’re looking to spend the majority (or all) of your time on board, entertained day and night with a thumping party atmosphere, then steer far clear of Holland America. These cruises are for multigenerational families and folks who want to explore the various port stops for more than an hour.

Holland America curates special itineraries like an after-hours tour of St. Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum. The lounge/bar areas are low-key and upscale, and the libraries are New York Times-themed. There are a blues club and solid restaurant options.

Deck dining leaves much to be desired, and the lack of robust entertainment options might weigh on younger kids and teenagers. 

What Customers Say About Holland America Line

Overall rating: 4.0 Cruise: 7 Night Alaskan Inside Passage (Vancouver roundtrip) Date: September 2019 Ship: Noordam Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Except for our experience with you medical personnel and the embarkation process, it was a good cruise.” — bocathill

12. Silversea Cruises

Rating: 3.9 Class: Luxury Fleet: 13 Top departure points: Barcelona, Piraeus (Greece), Venice (Italy), Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego (Argentina), Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe (northern, western, eastern and Mediterranean) Starting price: $2,970

Bottom Line: Silversea Cruises

Older couples who like a formal atmosphere and attentive service flock to these boats. It helps that fares include gratuities, wine, and top-shelf champagne and spirits. But there are also smaller indulgences like Bulgari toiletries and Pratesi linens that keep guests coming back.

The restaurants are exceptional, and multi-course dinners can be served in your cabin, which is more than likely a suite since most of the fleet only has this type of accommodation.

Laid-back folks might find the vibe too stuffy, and families want to avoid these journeys at all costs. Children have little to do among such refinement. 

What Customers Say About Silversea Cruises

Overall rating: 3.7 Cruise: 7 Night Alaska (Seward to Vancouver) Date: June 2018 Ship: Silver Shadow Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Have sailed twice on Princess — you can get a penthouse suite on Princess and get just as good of service and twice as much room and regular unlimited food. Silver Shadow has great personal service, but at the penthouse level on other ships, you get the same for far less money. I would recommend Silver Shadow only to someone willing to pay a high price to be alone on a ship.” — traveldan

Rating: 4.0 Class: Premium Fleet: 3 Top departure points: Southampton (England), Sydney (Australia), New York City, Tokyo, Melbourne (Australia) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, South Pacific, transatlantic, Europe (western, northern) Starting price: $299/night

Bottom Line: Cunard

Board a Cunard ship for its sophisticated atmosphere and top-notch activity slate, complete with quality lectures and classes and theater-screened movies. The Queen Mary 2 features a planetarium for those dark, starry nights at sea. British touches include traditional afternoon tea and plenty of fish and chips at the pub.

Passengers skew older, more in the retiree realm, but summer attracts families who want upscale at a good price. And if parents do travel with toddlers, they can have dinner out with Cunard’s night nursery service.

Some sections are closed off to lower-paying guests, and the nightlife is almost nonexistent.

What Customers Say About Cunard

Overall rating: 4.1 Cruise: 7 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (New York to Southampton) Date: September 2019 Ship: Queen Mary 2 Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Singles/friends

“The best, of course, was a beautiful open ocean to stare at for days. It is a great crossing for an older crowd. Some of the activities were a bit corny. The food quality was like a very good wedding. Don't be afraid to request or mix ingredients of the entrees.” — jjcohen31

10. Celebrity Cruises

Rating: 4.0 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 15 ships Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Sydney (Australia), Southampton (England), Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations: South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Middle East, transatlantic, Europe (Mediterranean), western Caribbean Starting price: $162/night

Bottom Line: Celebrity Cruises

Cruisers looking for style and substance without breaking the bank hop aboard Celebrity boats. Their floating cities feature actual patches of grass and world-renowned art collections, along with innovative dining options, educational classes and playful activities like water volleyball with ship personnel.

Nighttime entertainment might be a comedy burlesque show or a few top-shelf bourbons at any of the several swanky nightclubs. Or relax in the spa, take a steam or just call the concierge and have it all brought to your cabin. There are even babysitting options for families.

Drawbacks include tons of extra charges for things like the specialty restaurants and the stage shows that don’t measure up to the competition.

What Customers Say About Celebrity Cruises

Overall rating: 4.2 Cruise: 8 Night Norwegian Fjords (Dublin roundtrip) Date: May 2019 Ship: Celebrity Reflection Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“The trip was very enjoyable. The service was very good, the ports were good, the entertainment was good except for Clare Maiden, and the food was very good. However, compared with the food and entertainment we had on our cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium in December, which was outstanding, this cruise was OK.” — inwechter26

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Rating: 4.1 Class: Luxury Fleet: 5 Top departure points: Miami, Barcelona, Venice (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Vancouver (Canada) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe (Mediterranean, northern), Caribbean, Alaska Starting price: $2,899/night

Bottom Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For those willing to spend, a trip aboard Regent comes with everything included in the price. And by everything, that means roundtrip airfare, alcohol and gratuities, curated shore excursions at every stop and a pre-cruise night in a hotel. Couples and singles love these cruises, but families not so much.

Wi-Fi is only included in the upper tiers of cabin accommodations, but free throughout common spaces. And while the boats are spacious and never feel crowded, that can sometimes be a negative, as you might feel like the only person who showed up for the party that night. 

What Customers Say About Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 10 Night Flamenco Flourish (Monte Carlo to Barcelona) Date: May 2019 Ship: Seven Seas Voyager Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“Everything on board the ship was EXQUISITE! Unfortunately, we felt so cheated by the poor tours that Regent had arranged. The tour guides were either disorganized or unable to communicate, and we just left feeling shortchanged. We've been on other cruises where the cruise ship company had arranged really enriching and wonderful excursions. Sadly, this is the only area Regent fell short. But the experience onboard did exceed all of our expectations.” — SunseekerChuck

8. Oceania Cruises

Rating: 4.1 Class: Premium Fleet: 6 Top departure points: Barcelona, Miami, Southampton (England), Civitavecchia (Italy), Venice (Italy) Top destinations: Europe (northern, western and Mediterranean), Asia, Africa, Middle East Starting price: $999/night

Bottom Line: Oceania Cruises

It’s hard to beat the dining options aboard Oceania ships, with a bistro from venerable French chef Jacques Pepin, a highly rated Pan-Asian restaurant and the all-inclusive packages. Before or after a meal, check out the star-studded art collection with names like Picasso, Miró and Hirst.

These journeys are aimed at couples looking for upscale travel and amazing food and wine experiences with a healthy dose of culture. It might not be the best family experience unless your children are extremely precocious and want Mommy and Daddy to have a memorable experience.

Try to book the newer Riviera or Marina, as some of the older ships lack the pizzazz and amenities of these two. 

What Customers Say About Oceania Cruises

Overall rating: 4.5 Cruise: 18 Night Sunny Islands and Andes (Santiago to Miami) Date: January 2020 Ship: Marina Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“Our first cruise with Oceania. Exceptional food. We loved that so much was included — specialty dining (which was like eating in 5-star restaurants) didn't cost extra, bottled water was handed out at every port, espresso drinks and pastries were always available, laundry was included (and if you wanted to do it yourself, it was free). The hands-on cooking classes were fantastic. The lectures were interesting. Afternoon tea with a string quartet was a nice touch. They were serious about keeping us healthy with hand washing and plastic wrap around buffets. We went to ports where norovirus is endemic, and to their great credit, no one got sick. Great service, and always with a smile.” — elenaprior

7. Seabourn

Rating: 4.2 Class: Luxury Fleet: 9 Top departure points: Piraeus (Greece), Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Italy), Singapore, Miami Top destinations: Europe (Mediterranean, western, northern), Asia, Africa, Middle East Starting price: $2,499/night

Bottom Line: Seabourn

Seabourn takes guests to amazing ports, but they truly shine in the onboard experience.

Several of their ships have all-suite accommodations, and some of those are spa suites unmatched by any other ocean liner. Cruises usually come with a Marina Day in which the crew offers a variety of aquatic activities and a saltwater pool.

Folks looking for a formal cruise experience might be turned off by Seabourn’s casual luxury. But those looking for an upscale experience and port stops where few others go, this is your bag.

Just leave the kids behind, as these journeys are designed for adults.

What Customers Say About Seabourn

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 7 Night Greek and Italian Jewels (Athens to Rome) Date: October 2018 Ship: Seabourn Odyssey Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“We had an incredible time on the cruise! This is certainly the type of cruise for people who like a quieter, calmer ship. We really loved the destinations, tours and FOOD! The food on board was incredible! As well as the accommodations in the room and the service. The staff was so friendly, warm and responsive!” — JCraigfeld

6. Paul Gauguin Cruises

Rating: 4.2 Class: Premium Fleet: 2 Top departure points: Papeete (Tahiti), Lautoka (Fiji Islands) Top destinations: South Pacific Starting price: $3,145/night

Bottom Line: Paul Gauguin Cruises

Even if this cruise isn’t memorable for you, it will be for your accountant.

It would be hard not to enjoy all the bang for your buck, which includes all-inclusive fares that cover some wine and spirits and all onboard gratuities. They also offer roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, a cabin with an ocean view and likely a balcony (70 percent have them), incredible food options in a Parisian-Polynesian fusion theme, and a swim and snorkel session at Paul Gaugin’s private French Polynesian island.

This tiny fleet isn’t great for singles or families, but couples seeking a yacht-like jaunt through the South Pacific will be well rewarded.

What Customers Say About Paul Gauguin Cruises

Overall rating: 5.0  Cruise: 7 Night Tahiti and The Society Islands (Papeete roundtrip)  Date: February 2017 Ship: Paul Gauguin Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Singles/friends

“The stateroom was very comfortable, the service was excellent and the excursions were awesome. We swam with rays and sharks in the Lagoonairium in Moorea. We didn't book this through the ship, but we learned about it on Tripadvisor. We saved a lot on the taxi (we used Teva Taxi) and were treated to a very good tour of the island on the way there and back. We rented a waverunner for 3 hours in Bora Bora. Fantastic!” — cruiseconverts

5. Azamara Club Cruises

Rating: 4.2 Class: Premium Fleet : 3 ships Top departure points: Piraeus (Greece), Barcelona, Venice (Italy), Southampton (England), Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations:  Caribbean, Central and South America, South Pacific, Africa, Europe (northern, western and Meditterranean) Starting price: $580/night

Bottom Line: Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara excels at its branded and abundant shore excursions in places like the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Although the decor is dated and stodgy, the pool and hot tub area is small and the cabin bathrooms are tight, you’ll be easily enticed off the ship by nighttime entertainment options in port.

Azamara offers up to 17-day travel for serious adventurers, hitting numerous stops in its 240 ports spread across 66 countries. House alcohol and gratuities are included with the high daily cost, and the spacious and lightly crowded ships make cruising ideal.

Best to leave the kids and older family members onshore for this ride.

What Customers Say About Azamara Club Cruises

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 9 Night Cuba Intensive (Miami roundtrip) Date: February 2019 Ship: Azamara Journey Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Excellent cruise to three Cuban ports: outstanding music/dance performances and opportunity to soak up the color and flavors of Cuba.” — artistjuge

4. Viking Ocean Cruises

Rating: 4.3 Class: Premium Fleet : 7 Top departure points: Bergen (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Civitavecchia (Italy), Barcelona, Venice (Italy) Top destinations: Europe (northern, eastern and Mediterranean), Asia, Africa, Middle East, transatlantic Starting price: $1,999/night

Bottom Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking is only a few years into its expansion from river cruises to the high seas, but it didn’t take long for people to notice the luxury aboard these ships and itineraries that put a premium on destinations — some lasting for as many as six months.

All cabins have their own private veranda, and the fare includes one complimentary shore excursion at each stop.

These trips are designed for couples and adults who want a refined experience that could last for several weeks to a few months, and for this reason, there is no programming aboard for children.  

What Customers Say About Viking Ocean Cruises

Overall rating: 5.0 Cruise: Catalonia to Constantinople - Barcelona to Athens Date: March 2016 Ship: Viking Star Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Viking meticulously managed every aspect of a wonderful trip. All features of the ship and its operation were perfect. A wide option of onshore activities was offered at each port and guided by local professional and highly experienced guides. The Viking staff and crew were extremely friendly and thorough in carrying out their duties to the ship and its guests. We were extremely impressed with the constant effort to make our trip comfortable and enjoyable. Dining and menu options provided for every need and appetite from a wide-offering buffet setting to fine dining in a non-formal setting.” — JETEX

3. Windstar Cruises

Rating: 4.3 Class: Premium Fleet: 6 Top departure points: Athens (Greece), Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona, San Juan (Puerto Rico) Top destinations: Europe (northern, Mediterranean), Caribbean, transatlantic Starting price: $999/night

Bottom Line: Windstar Cruises

True to its name, Windstar attempts to recreate the experience of sailing while aboard a massive cruise liner (it looks cool, though). Families with teenage children or well-behaved youngsters will find much to love on the decks of Windstar’s recently renovated fleet. Ships sport retractable marinas for water skiing, sailing, kayaking and snorkeling.

The overall experience skews casual in atmosphere and dress, but there isn’t much to keep younger and more active children entertained. Food is well prepared, but alcoholic beverages are not included with the daily fare and cabins don’t have Wi-Fi.

Older ships are also showing their age.

What Customers Say About Windstar Cruises

Overall rating: 3.5 Cruise: 14 Night Ocean Crossings (Saint Maarten to Lisbon) Date: April 2019 Ship: Wind Surf Cabin type: Oceanview Traveled as: Couple

“A little long with only one port of call. Would I repeat this trip? No. Can I recommend the cruise line? Yes. This is a quiet environment with no bingo tournaments and excessive drinking. Customers are older, above 55 and reasonable.” — gerhardrauh

2. Disney Cruise Line

Rating: 4.4 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 4 ships Top departure points: Port Canaveral (Florida), San Diego, Miami, Galveston (Texas), Dover (England) Top destinations: Caribbean, Mexico, Northern Europe Starting price: $672/night

Bottom Line: Disney Cruise Line

Disney is the ultimate cruise line for families. There is no reason to book this expensive option unless you’re bringing the kids, as it is entirely geared toward their enjoyment with some of the best stage shows in the business.

It’s also pricey for its class, but there’s a good reason for that. Entertainment options for kids abound, day and night, and Disney is the top cruise operator for amenities geared toward babies and toddlers, like drop-off childcare and diapers in the gift shop.

Adults have plenty to do themselves, like soak up the sun poolside or traipse around the private island. One thing adults cannot do aboard these ships is gamble, which Disney has forbidden in the name of a family-centric atmosphere.

What Customers Say About Disney Cruise Line

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 5 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Date: April 2019 Ship: Disney Magic Cabin type: Inside Traveled as: Family (young children)

“The value is worth the money! Castaway Cay and the musical shows on board (Twice Charmed and Rapunzel Before Ever After) are must watch!” — DCL2019

1. Hurtigruten Cruises

Rating: 4.7 Class: Premium Fleet: 18 Top departure points: Bergen (Norway), Kirkenes (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), Hamburg (Germany), Halifax (Nova Scotia) Top destinations: Europe (western, northern), Asia, Africa, Middle East, Canada, New England, New York, South America Starting price: $944/night

Bottom Line: Hurtigruten Cruises

Remote and mysterious best describe the trips offered by this Norwegian fleet. Hurtigruten ships take guests throughout Northern Europe and as far as the North Pole for memorable and breathtaking views of the Norwegian coast and Northern Lights.

These are bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime journeys, and they don’t come cheap. The high-end cruiser is known for its beautifully designed boats, like the Art Deco-style MS Finnmarken with massive spaces both public and private, a rooftop lounge, library, terrific spa amenities and excellent cuisine.

What Customers Say About Hurtigruten Cruises

Overall rating: 5.0 Cruise: 6 Night Coastal Expeditions (Bergen to Kirkenes) Date: October 2017 Ship: MS Finnmarken Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“This is one of the few vacations we have been on where we started planning our return before the original trip was completed.” — TrophyClub1

U.S. News Announces the 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Virgin Voyages earns its first No. 1 ranking in the Best for the Money category.

U.S. News 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines .

The 2023 rankings highlight 17 cruise lines to help every type of traveler find the cruise that’s right for them. For the first time, Virgin Voyages takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money ranking, offering the best value among cruise lines. U.S. News considered the overall cruise line quality and average base fare per night, as well as extra benefits such as free gratuities, Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options. 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.

For the ninth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families . The family-oriented line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more. Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.

"After more than two years of sailing restrictions and limited voyage options due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruisers and cruise lines are excited to be on the seas again,'' said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings evaluate a variety of cruise types, making it easy for travelers to find the best options that fit their budgets, cruising styles and desired destinations."

U.S. News ranks cruise lines in six categories: Best Cruise Lines for the Money, Best Cruise Lines for Families, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in expert evaluations of ship quality, traveler ratings, health assessment results and more.

This year's rankings are accompanied by editorial roundups of the top gay cruises for 2023, the top cruise lines for solo travelers and the best cruise insurance ; each piece aims to provide helpful advice and planning information to a wide community of cruisers. U.S. News also offers additional cruise tips and recommendations, such as what to pack on a cruise , the top river cruise lines , fun adults-only cruises and more.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

See the full rankings here .

Best Cruise Lines for the Money 1. Virgin Voyages 2. Carnival Cruise Line 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Virgin Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For more information on the Best Cruise Lines , explore Facebook , Twitter and Instagram using #BestCruises.

Media Contact: Michelle Day, [email protected] , 202-955-2212

About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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• Cruise companies were rated based on 11 categories, including value for money and entertainment  
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By Ailbhe Macmahon For Mailonline

Published: 03:46 EDT, 3 March 2023 | Updated: 11:24 EDT, 3 March 2023

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The best and worst cruises for 2023 have been named by Which? - and it's Noble Caledonia that's number one.

The small ship cruising company, which has also been named the best cruise line for luxury, is followed by Viking Cruises in second place.

Third place goes to the British company Saga, which has also been named the best mid-range cruise line.

Bottom of the table, meanwhile, is Princess Cruises, marked out by the Which? study as 'one to avoid'.

The research looked at 23 ocean cruise companies and asked more than 1,700 passengers to rate their experiences out of five across 11 categories, including cabin quality, port excursions, entertainment, social atmosphere and onboard facilities.

The best and worst cruises for 2023 have been named by Which? - and it's Noble Caledonia that's number one

First-place Noble Caledonia (above) receives a customer score of 90 per cent, with five stars in categories such as customer service, passenger experience and itinerary, and is the only cruise line to receive the full five stars for excursions – which are included in the headline fare

Small ship cruising company Noble Caledonia, as well as being the overall No.1, has been named the best cruise line for luxury. Which? notes: 'Noble Caledonia's cruises are eye-wateringly expensive, but worth every penny according to its loyal customers'

First-place Noble Caledonia receives a customer score of 90 per cent, with five stars in categories such as customer service, passenger experience and itinerary, and is the only cruise line to receive the full five stars for excursions – which are included in the headline fare.

The line's cruises, which take passengers everywhere from the Antarctic to Japan, are priced at a hefty £675 per night, though Which? notes: 'Noble Caledonia's cruises are eye-wateringly expensive, but worth every penny according to its loyal customers.'

Second-place Viking, meanwhile, earns a customer score of 87 per cent. With cruises costing £413 per night, it receives five stars for value for money, and also snaps up a five-star rating in categories such as food and drink and cabin quality.

Bronze medal winner Saga, which earns a customer score of 85 per cent, is described by Which? as 'hard to fault'. It says that the liner, with cruises priced at £351 per night, is 'an (almost) all-inclusive, high-end experience without the luxury price'.

The rest of the top five is comprised of Seabourn Cruises in fourth place with a score of 84 per cent, and Oceania (83 per cent) fifth.

Moving down to the lower end of the table, Costa Cruises and Azamara are joint-third-last (14th) with a customer score of 69 per cent.

Second from the bottom is MSC Cruises (15th), which lands a customer score of 68 per cent. The Italian cruise line receives just two stars for customer service, though it achieves four-star ratings in categories including cabin quality and port excursions.

Finally, last-place Princess Cruises (16th) earns an overall customer score of 67 per cent, with three-star ratings in categories such as entertainment and customer service.

Which? looked at 23 ocean cruise companies and asked more than 1,700 passengers to rate their experiences out of five across 11 categories

Viking Cruises ranks in second place - it receives five stars for value for money, and also snaps up a five-star rating in categories such as food and drink and cabin quality

Viking Cruises' trips generally cost £413 per night, Which? reveals. Above is an infinity pool aboard Viking Star 

Third place goes to the British company Saga, which has been named the best mid-range cruise line

Saga, which earns a customer score of 85 per cent, is described by Which? as 'hard to fault'

That said, the cruise brand doesn't earn any less than three stars across each of the categories, and has been awarded several four-star ratings.

Which? says: 'This American cruise line's enormous ships have decent facilities but almost everything else is mediocre, according to our survey. The long list of add-ons also irked passengers, who had to pay extra for everything from performances by special guests to better food.'

In general, the watchdog's verdict is that 'the alternative options are better'.

Breaking down the results into separate awards, Which? hands Marella Cruises (sixth, 81 per cent) the gong for the best bargain cruise line.

With cruises priced at £212 a night, the cruise line's 'informal cruises get higher ratings than many much more expensive lines, offering great value for money', according to Which?

It says: 'Several customers complimented the "efficient and friendly" staff, a raft of speciality restaurants (some cost extra) and "top-quality" entertainment, which ranges from ballroom dancing classes to glitzy West End-style shows and an open-air cinema.'

Which? also pitted big-brand cruise lines P&O Cruises, Cunard and Carnival head to head. Carnival (eighth overall) came out on top with a customer score of 79 per cent, with the watchdog noting: 'If you're after big-ticket attractions and American-style entertainment, this is better than rivals.'

Bottom of the table - or 16th overall - is Princess Cruises, marked out by the Which? study as 'one to avoid' 

Even though it ranks last, Princess Cruises doesn't earn any less than three stars across each of the categories, and has been awarded several four-star ratings

Second from the bottom is MSC Cruises (15th), which lands a customer score of 68 per cent

MSC Cruises receives just two stars for customer service, though it achieves four-star ratings in categories including cabin quality and port excursions

Which? hands Marella Cruises (sixth) the gong for the best bargain cruise line

With cruises priced at £212 a night, Marella Cruises' 'informal cruises get higher ratings than many much more expensive lines, offering great value for money', according to Which?

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The most 'loved' and the most 'hated' major airlines in the world have been revealed. And it's Canada's Bearskin Airlines that is the most adored - and India's Go First that is the most disliked.

That's according to a study of tweets that mention airlines. The research used an AI 'sentiment tool' to analyse the text in thousands of posts and assign a score to them according to whether they mentioned the carrier positively or negatively. Any airline with less than 100 mentions was excluded...

Of the three, Cunard (12th overall) is second with a score of 73 per cent, while P&O Cruises (13th overall) falls behind at 72 per cent.

Elsewhere, the survey looked at cruise lines that are designed specifically for adults or kids. It found that Richard Branson's adult-only Virgin Voyages (joint seventh, £296 per night) is 'rated highly by passengers' with a score of 80 per cent, with the line's food and drink offering a particular stand out, earning a five-star rating.

Which? notes that 'traditionalists might want to steer clear' of the cruise company, however, with one customer telling the watchdog: 'It's aimed at younger people, but I still enjoyed the atmosphere and party vibe.'

Child-friendly Disney Cruise Line, meanwhile, ranks ninth with a customer score of 78 per cent.

Which? says that unless you have your heart set on meeting Elsa from Frozen aboard one of these 'floating theme parks', which are priced at £478 per night, then 'you can save a bundle by booking with a cruise line with facilities and entertainment just as good, such as Carnival'.

Four cruise lines have been awarded the coveted Which? Recommended Provider status - Noble Caledonia, Viking, Saga and Marella Cruises.

Reflecting on the survey, a statement from Which? says: 'It's no coincidence that this year's top-rated ocean cruise companies are all-inclusive. Some brands lure you in with a low headline price, but costly extras can soon mount up once you're on board, from drinks and meals to excursions and service charges… with so many extras, it's often cheaper to go with a higher-rated brand that throws most things in.'

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, added: 'This year the highest-rated cruises in our survey all had one thing in common - excellent customer service, and a sense of true value for money. Holidaymakers particularly appreciated the value on offer with all-inclusive cruises, finding that even with a lower upfront cost, paying for tips and extras on other cruises as you go can really stack up.

'Whichever kind of trip you decide on, always make sure you take out a comprehensive insurance policy at the time of booking, and take note of the medical cover included. This can help protect you from costly bills in the event you need treatment for minor accidents or illnesses while on board.'

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: 'Princess Cruises maintains very high guest service standards and is committed to delivering amazing holidays experiences for our guests.

'During the summer of 2022, severe labour shortages unfortunately adversely impacted our service delivery which likely influenced our showing in the most recent Which? Survey.

'We are pleased to share that those shortfalls have been rectified and we look forward to 2023 continuing to be an exceptional year, with our hardworking crew delivering the superior guest experience that Princess is renowned for.'

For the full survey results visit www.which.co.uk/reviews/cruise-lines/article/best-and-worst-cruise-lines .

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The best cruise lines in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors. So much so that Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 34,000-mile world trip for 2024 sold out in just over two hours, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages, which aims to throw cruise stereotypes overboard, rose to first place in Large Ships. And we’ve brought back last year's new category showcasing the expedition cruises – small, often sustainable vessels with a shoal of scientific experts onboard – that follow in the wake of adventurers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton.

These are the best cruise lines in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards .

The best cruise lines in the world 2023

Mega ships (More than 4,000 passengers)

4. MSC Cruises. Score 83.42 3. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 85.35 2. Royal Caribbean International. Score 86.69 1. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 86.72.

Large ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers)

10. MSC Cruises. Score 83.77 9. Royal Caribbean International. Score 84.31 8. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 86.41 7. Holland America Line. Score 87.79 6. Costa Cruises. Score 87.95 5. Celebrity Cruises. Score 88.57 4. Princess Cruises. Score 89.42 3. Cunard. Score 89.55 2. Disney Cruise Line. Score 92.21 1. Virgin Voyages. Score 94.07

Medium ships (500 to 2,500 passengers)

15. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 80.56 14. P&O Cruises. Score 83.29 13. Princess Cruises. Score 84.84 12. Marella Cruises. Score 85.60 11. Hurtigruten. Score 86.23 10. Cunard. Score 86.33 9. Holland America Line. Score 86.42 8. Celebrity Cruises. Score 86.68 7. Azamara. Score 87.50 6. Silversea Cruises. Score 87.74 5. Oceania Cruises. Score 87.99 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 91.07 3. Seabourn. Score 91.67 2. Disney Cruise Line. Score 92.92 1. Viking. Score 94.98

Small ships (Fewer than 500 passengers)

10. Variety Cruises. Score 86.75 9. SeaDream Yacht Club. Score 89.66 8. Silversea. Score 89.93 7. Seabourn. Score 91.34 6. Ponant. Score 91.45 5. Windstar Cruises. Score 91.87 4. Sea Cloud Cruises. Score 91.94 3. American Cruise Lines. Score 92.88 2. Paul Gauguin Cruises. Score 92.94 1. Emerald Cruises. Score 95.27

10. AmaWaterways. Score 93.09 9. Sanctuary Retreats. Score 93.14 8. Uniworld River Cruises. Score 93.24 7. Pandaw. Score 95.28 6. Grand Circle Cruise Line. Score 95.69 5. Les Bateaux Belmond. Score 95.90 4. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Score 95.91 3. Tauck. Score 96.14 2. American Cruise Lines. Score 96.66 1. Viking. Score 97.32

Expedition ships

15. Alaskan Dream Cruises. Score 80.77 14. Lindblad Expeditions. Score 91.23 13. Silversea Cruises. Score 91.81 12. Hurtigruten. Score 91.87 11. Ponant. Score 92.25 10. Quark Expeditions. Score 93.15 9. Seabourn. Score 93.37 8. Metropolitan Touring. Score 94.71 7. Quasar Expeditions. Score 94.91 6. Celebrity Cruises. Score 95.38 5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Score 95.80 4. Ecoventura. Score 95.82 3. Aqua Expeditions. Score 95.97 2. UnCruise Adventures. Score 96.41 1. Viking. Score 96.52

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December 06, 2023

The Best Cruise Lines of 2023, According to Cruise Critic

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Resilient Lady isn't first in class, but it might be the best. Virgin perfected onboard entertainment in 2023, and the ship's detox-retox atmosphere carries over to ports like Santorini and Mykonos – thanks to exceptionally generous shore time."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Carnival has somehow achieved the impossible: taken a ship originally built for the Chinese market, with a strong Italian theme throughout, and successfully rebranded it for the U.S. market."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "With its endless dedication to kids, Disney Cruise Line breezes to the top of the pack when it comes to the family cruise experience. But Disney doesn't forget that adults are footing the bill, and it crafts a memorable experience for them, too."

According to Cruise Critic's Editors: "With each new ship, Carnival packs more and more into its fares – with fewer upcharges than most lines. On Carnival, you know you're never going to be nickel and dimed. Whether you're with friends, a significant other or your family, you're bound to have a good time, with minimum damage to your wallet."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Silversea's constant innovation and a desire to set the luxury bar ever higher sets it apart from all others. Sure, the line has suites, butlers, Champagne and caviar across the fleet, but it's more than that – Silversea's restaurants rival Michelin-starred establishments, its S.A.L.T. enrichment program is outstanding, and its art and décor are reminiscent of a five-star hotel. And Silver Nova is a giant step forward for a cruise line that has never been content with the status quo."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Crystal has built a reputation on exceptional service, and it comes down to the crew onboard, who are empowered to keep guests happy and satisfied, no matter the issue. Sailing on a Crystal ship feels like a vacation with family. No ask is too small – or too big – and service always comes with a sincere smile."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Sailing on an Emerald cruise ship feels a lot like seeing the world on your personal yacht – yet prices for cruises generally are less than what you'd pay on other luxury lines."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Whether you're traveling to Antarctica, the Arctic and Greenland or Australia's wild Kimberley, the ship allows you to get the most of your destination, by Zodiac, kayak, helicopter and submersible – and return to the best in creature comforts."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Affordable and Antarctica? Believe it. With its fleet of small upscale expedition ships, Atlas has shaken up the pricing for adventure trips, offering a nice level of inclusions at the farthest reaches of the earth. As a result, the line is drawing younger passengers – many who are on their very first cruises."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "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; staterooms are thoughtfully designed; and cruises are inclusive of things like excursions and drinks at mealtimes."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "With extra-large staterooms and suites, trendy interior décor and one of the most gorgeous sundecks we've seen on a river-going ship, American Serenade sets the bar for domestic U.S. river cruising high."

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The best cruise lines of the 2023, according to cruise critic.

Virgin Voyages snags its second 'Best New Ship' award, Silversea Cruises named the 'Best Luxury Cruise Line,' Scenic Eclipse II receives 'Best New Expedition Ship' and Viking Cruises named 'Best River Cruise Line'

NEEDHAM, Mass. , Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Critic ® , the world's leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has named the winners of its 15 th annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards – the industry's most comprehensive awards – recognizing the best cruise lines of the year, as chosen by the site's international team of cruise experts.

"This was a banner year for the cruise industry," explains Colleen McDaniel , Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. "On Cruise Critic, we saw demand for cruises surpass pre-pandemic times, and a number of lines reported ships sailing at over 100% capacity. Cruising has always been a high-value vacation, but with costs of land- and air-based travel through the roof, the true value of a cruise really hit home this year."

Cruise Critic has been releasing its highly-anticipated Editors' Picks Awards for 15 years. This year's awards are the most thorough to-date, naming winners across four key areas – Ocean, River, Luxury and Expedition.

"The value of a cruise doesn't stop with mainstream sailings. From the fare inclusions on river and luxury sailings, to those on expedition sailings to further-flung destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos, you'd be hard-pressed to find a land-based vacation that delivers the experience and value that a cruise offers," McDaniel says. "But beyond the overall value, the growing interest in cruises is also driven by the incredible range of destinations you're able to visit by water – from the poles of the earth, to inside riverways, and every trending destination in between. If you're looking to explore the world, there's often no better way than by cruise – and these are the best of the best."

2023 Award Highlights

Ocean Awards

Resilient Lady – the third ship in Virgin Voyages' award-winning fleet – rated a perfect five   stars by Cruise Critic's editors – was named Best New Ship of the Year .

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Resilient Lady isn't first in class, but it might be the best. Virgin perfected onboard entertainment in 2023, and the ship's detox-retox atmosphere carries over to ports like Santorini and Mykonos – thanks to exceptionally generous shore time."

Carnival's Carnival Venezia – formerly part of the Costa Cruises fleet – was named Best Ship Refurbishment , with editors praising its delivery of "Carnival Fun, Italian Style."

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Carnival has somehow achieved the impossible: taken a ship originally built for the Chinese market, with a strong Italian theme throughout, and successfully rebranded it for the U.S. market."

Disney Cruise Line was named  Best for Families , lauded by Cruise Critic's editors for its dedication to crafting exceptional experiences for kids and adults alike.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "With its endless dedication to kids, Disney Cruise Line breezes to the top of the pack when it comes to the family cruise experience. But Disney doesn't forget that adults are footing the bill, and it crafts a memorable experience for them, too."

Carnival Cruise Line was named  Best Value for Money , praised for its inclusive fares and limited upcharges:

According to Cruise Critic's Editors: "With each new ship, Carnival packs more and more into its fares – with fewer upcharges than most lines. On Carnival, you know you're never going to be nickel and dimed. Whether you're with friends, a significant other or your family, you're bound to have a good time, with minimum damage to your wallet."

Luxury Awards

Silversea Cruises received the award for Best Luxury Cruise Line for a second year in a row, as well as Best New Luxury Ship for the line's newest ship, Silver Nova.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Silversea's constant innovation and a desire to set the luxury bar ever higher sets it apart from all others. Sure, the line has suites, butlers, Champagne and caviar across the fleet, but it's more than that – Silversea's restaurants rival Michelin-starred establishments, its S.A.L.T. enrichment program is outstanding, and its art and décor are reminiscent of a five-star hotel. And Silver Nova is a giant step forward for a cruise line that has never been content with the status quo."

Crystal  – recently relaunched by new owner, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group – received this year's award for Best Service in the Luxury Category.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Crystal has built a reputation on exceptional service, and it comes down to the crew onboard, who are empowered to keep guests happy and satisfied, no matter the issue. Sailing on a Crystal ship feels like a vacation with family. No ask is too small – or too big – and service always comes with a sincere smile."

Emerald Yacht Cruises – a line well-known on the rivers that debuted its first luxury ocean-going vessel in 2022 – was named this year's  Best Value for Money in the Luxury Category.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Sailing on an Emerald cruise ship feels a lot like seeing the world on your personal yacht – yet prices for cruises generally are less than what you'd pay on other luxury lines."

Expedition Awards

Scenic Eclipse II was named this year's  Best New Expedition Ship , for the ship's seamless combination of five-star luxury and destination immersion.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Whether you're traveling to Antarctica , the Arctic and Greenland or Australia's wild Kimberley, the ship allows you to get the most of your destination, by Zodiac, kayak, helicopter and submersible – and return to the best in creature comforts."

Atlas Ocean Voyages was named the  Best Value for Money in the Expedition Category, praised by editors for its thoughtful inclusions and pricing.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Affordable and Antarctica ? Believe it. With its fleet of small upscale expedition ships, Atlas has shaken up the pricing for adventure trips, offering a nice level of inclusions at the farthest reaches of the earth. As a result, the line is drawing younger passengers – many who are on their very first cruises."

River Awards

Viking received the award for  Best River Cruise Line of the Year , for its consistency, breadth of offerings and fare inclusions.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "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; staterooms are thoughtfully designed; and cruises are inclusive of things like excursions and drinks at mealtimes."

American Cruise Lines' American Serenade received the honor for  Best New River Cruise Ship , becoming the first American vessel to receive the award from Cruise Critic.

According to Cruise Critic Editors: "With extra-large staterooms and suites, trendy interior décor and one of the most gorgeous sundecks we've seen on a river-going ship, American Serenade sets the bar for domestic U.S. river cruising high."

2023 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards

Ocean Category 

Best New Ship:  Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Venezia Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises Best Dining: Virgin Voyages Best Entertainment: Virgin Voyages Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line Best Innovation/Tech: Princess Cruises Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises Best Service: Holland America Line Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line Best Spa: Norwegian Cruise Line Best Specialty Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International Best Suite Complex:  MSC Cruises Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line Best App: Royal Caribbean International Best North American Homeport:  Miami

Luxury Category

Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises Best New Luxury Ship:  Silversea Cruises' Silver Nova Best Cabins: Viking Best Dining: Oceania Cruises Best Enrichment:  Windstar Cruises Best for Families:  Explora Journeys Best Itineraries: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Best Service: Crystal Best Shore Excursions: Oceania Cruises Best for Solo Travelers: Crystal Best Spa: Viking Best Value for Money:  Emerald Yacht Cruises

Expedition Category

Best New Luxury Ship: Scenic Eclipse II Best for Adventure: Quark Expeditions Best Cabins:  Seabourn Cruise Line Best Dining: Scenic Best for Light Expedition: Viking Best for Luxury:  Silversea Expeditions Best Science Offerings:  Hurtigruten Best Service:  Silversea Expeditions Best Spa: Viking Best Value for Money: Atlas Best in Alaska :  UnCruise Adventures Best in Antarctica : Scenic Best in the Arctic:  Ponant Cruises Best in the Galapagos:  Lindblad Expeditions

River Category

Best River Cruise Line : Viking Best New River Cruise Ship: American Cruise Lines' American Serenade Best for Active Cruisers:  AmaWaterways Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways Best Dining: Riverside Luxury Cruises Best Enrichment:  Tauck River Cruising Best for Families:  Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways Best for First-Timers: Viking Best for Luxury:  Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Best Service: Viking Best for Solo Travelers: Avalon Waterways Best Value for Money:  Emerald River Cruises

To view the full details of each category, visit the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards . For photos of this year's winners, click here .

About Cruise Critic Cruise Critic ® is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travellers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 650,000 cruise reviews and hosts the world's largest online cruise community where travellers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers. Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet, launched in October 1995 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc.

About Tripadvisor Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps hundreds of millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. As a travel guidance company available in 43 markets and 22 languages, Tripadvisor makes planning easy no matter the trip type. The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP), own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps, including the following: www.bokun.io , www.cruisecritic.com , www.flipkey.com , www.thefork.com , www.helloreco.com , www.holidaylettings.co.uk , www.jetsetter.com , www.niumba.com , www.seatguru.com , www.singleplatform.com , www.vacationhomerentals.com , www.viator.com .

Media Contact: Aubrey Manzo Dunn [email protected]

*  Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, September 2023 ** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-best-cruise-lines-of-the-2023-according-to-cruise-critic-302006593.html

SOURCE Cruise Critic

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USA TODAY 10Best

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

March 24, 2023 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors March 24, 2023

Cruising is among the most popular ways to see the world. Unpack once and take in the sights of the world’s rivers and seas from your floating hotel, all while enjoying top-notch entertainment, dining and amenities. More than a dozen new vessels are introduced each year, making the sheer variety of cruises overwhelming.

To help narrow it down, we asked a panel of cruise industry experts to nominate their top picks for cruise lines and ships across 12 categories. Then, readers voted for their favorites. The results are in.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Adventure Cruise Line: Adventure Canada

While Adventure Canada does indeed lead small ship adventures through the icy fjords and secluded waterways of Canada, this expedition cruise company also takes travelers to experience landscapes and cultures further afield – places like Scotland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Antarctica. The company shines with an always stellar lineup of onboard experts and guides.

Full list of winners: Best Adventure Cruise Line »

Best Boutique Cruise Line: SeaDream Yacht Club

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.

Also included in every SeaDream experience is complimentary access to wave runners, Hobie cats, kayaks, snorkeling gear and other water sports equipment. A golf simulator lets players practice their swing at sea.

Full list of winners: Best Boutique Cruise Line »

Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers: Holland America Line

Solo travelers will find plenty of inclusive programming aboard Holland America Line, including dance classes, wine tastings, cooking demos and lectures. Each sailing hosts a Solo Travelers party where singles can meet each other, and a roommate matching service pairs same-sex travelers in a shared stateroom to save on surcharges.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers »

Best Cruise Ship for Dining: Carnival Horizon - Carnival Cruise Line

Dining options abound aboard Carnival Horizon – feast on barbecue at the world’s first Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse, sink your teeth into a juicy burger at popular Guy’s Burger Joint, enjoy some culinary theater at Bonsai Teppanyaki or tuck into seafood with ocean views at the Seafood Shack. Included and specialty dining both shine, with plenty of options for everyone.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Dining »

Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment: Celebrity Beyond - Celebrity Cruises

There's not a bad seat in the house in the Theatre, featuring state-of-the-art floor projection technology to immerse cruisegoers in acrobatic performances with stunning visuals, as well as Broadway and West End musical sets. The Club hosts gaming, live DJs and various evening productions, or stop by the Jazz Joint hosting belting jazz vocalists, dancers and specialty acts. An evening at Eden offers a cabaret of singers and dancers.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment »

Best Family Cruise: Regal Princess - Princess Cruises

A favorite feature among kids aboard the Regal Princess is the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet over the ship’s edge. There are also three excellent dedicated kids' spaces for three different age ranges. Connecting staterooms and Family Suites make it easy to keep an eye on the kids while enjoying some privacy.

Full list of winners: Best Family Cruise »

Best Large Cruise Ship: Sky Princess - Princess Cruises

Sky Princess carries up to 3,660 passengers on itineraries around Europe and the Caribbean. Cabins include some of the largest balconies at sea, while dining options cater to every taste. Ship highlights include a European-style Piazza atrium, a dedicated jazz theater and one of the best wine bars on a cruise ship.

Full list of winners: Best Large Cruise Ship »

Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship: Carnival Sunshine - Carnival Cruise Line

The 3,000-passenger Carnival Sunshine has many of the same bells and whistles that Carnival is known for but at a manageable size. Active passengers have a spread of outdoor games and activities at SportSquare. Suess at Sea keep kids and teens entertained, while the Punchliner Comedy Club offers up laughs.

Full list of winners: Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship »

Best Ocean Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line caters to families and casual cruisers with its fleet of ships. On these cruises, passengers have no excuse to feel bored; ships come equipped with water parks, glitzy casinos, live entertainment and a focus on diverse, casual dining, highlighted by a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring Guy's Burger Joint to the fleet. All of this comes at affordable price points.

Full list of winners: Best Ocean Cruise Line »

Best River Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways

River cruisers in Europe will find the largest standard staterooms and suites aboard Avalon’s fleet of luxurious ships. Onboard amenities include a fitness center, a Sky Deck with a whirlpool and shade system, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and a self-serve beverage station. The Avalon Choice program allows cruisers to customize the details of their experience, ensuring each vacation is a perfect fit.

Full list of winners: Best River Cruise Line »

Best River Cruise Ship: Avalon Envision - Avalon Waterways

The Avalon Envision is among the more recent additions to the Avalon Waterways fleet. Two decks of Panorama Suites offer wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows as well as window-facing “Beds with a View.” Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, an adventure center for bikes and other gear, multiple dining venues and an observation lounge.

Full list of winners: Best River Cruise Ship »

Best Small Cruise Ship: SeaDream II

There's "cruising" and there's "yachting" – small ships that dock in harbors and ports inaccessible to larger ships. SeaDream offers 7- to 15-day voyages with a maximum of 56 couples and a 95-person crew, so service and attention to detail are highlights.

Guests aboard SeaDream II (twin of SeaDream I) appreciate international menus that incorporate local flavors and ingredients of the region; an open bar and daily selection of wine pairings at lunch and dinner; a Thai-certified SeaDream Spa; onboard golf simulator; fitness center; and the ability to enjoy water sports right off the back of the yacht.

Full list of winners: Best Small Cruise Ship »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in our Readers' Choice contests.

Best & Worst Cruise Lines Ranked for 2024!

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2024

We’ve set our compass to bring you the best of the best, ranking the best cruise lines to fit your specific needs.

From the top choices in each category to those you might want to steer clear of, this ranked cruise lines guide has got it all.

Overall Cruise Line Ranking

With a myriad of options available in the cruise industry, travelers often look for a more general ranking that provides a holistic view.

Beyond specific niches and preferences, which cruise lines consistently offer superior experiences across the board?

Here we delve into a well-rounded assessment considering factors like value for money, onboard amenities, dining, entertainment, service, and itineraries.

Which cruise line has the highest rating?

Viking Ocean Cruises is the highest rated cruise line of 2024 and is renowned for its focus on cultural enrichment and destination-focused itineraries, offering an immersive experience in each location visited.

Their ships are elegantly designed with a Scandinavian aesthetic, providing a comfortable and refined atmosphere for travelers.

5 Best Cruise Lines Overall

1. Viking Ocean Cruises

• Features & Benefits: All-veranda staterooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, beer & wine with lunch and dinner, and a free shore excursion in each port.
• What sets it apart: The onboard cultural enrichment program includes guest lecturers, destination performances, and a resident historian.
• Potential downsides: No casinos onboard, which might be a drawback for some.

2. Royal Caribbean International

• Features & Benefits: A diverse fleet catering to various tastes, from mega-ships with unparalleled entertainment options to smaller vessels with a classic cruise feel.
• What sets it apart: Groundbreaking amenities like surf simulators, skydiving at sea, and robotic bartenders.
• Potential downsides: Larger ships might feel overwhelming to some due to the sheer number of guests and activities.

3. Celebrity Cruises

• Features & Benefits: Modern luxury with a focus on culinary experiences, stylish staterooms, and a comprehensive entertainment program.
• What sets it apart: Unique features like the Magic Carpet, a moving platform, and “The Retreat,” an exclusive suite-class area.
• Potential downsides: Premium pricing on certain itineraries and experiences.

4. Princess Cruises

• Features & Benefits: A wide range of itineraries worldwide, from short getaways to world cruises. Acclaimed dining and entertainment options.
• What sets it apart: Medallion Class experience using the Ocean Medallion wearable device for a seamless guest experience.
• Potential downsides: Some older ships in the fleet might lack the latest amenities.

5. Holland America Line

• Features & Benefits: Emphasis on classic cruising with a touch of Dutch heritage, culinary council for diverse dining, and a partnership with BBC Earth for enriched programming.
• What sets it apart: Music Walk offering a variety of live music options, from classical to rock.
• Potential downsides: Might not be as appealing to a younger demographic due to its traditional approach.

Least Favorite Overall: Costa Cruises

Costa, while being one of the oldest European cruise brands and offering a distinctly Italian flair, sometimes falls short in the eyes of global cruisers when compared to its competitors.

• What to watch out for: Some guests feel the ships are a bit dated, and certain amenities and services might not be on par with other major cruise lines.
• Feedback from unsatisfied cruisers: Complaints occasionally arise regarding crowded public areas, inconsistent service, and a heavy upsell atmosphere.
• Alternative recommendations: For a European touch without compromising on quality, travelers might look to MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club or even Viking Ocean Cruises.

In the vast sea of cruising options, it’s crucial to find the right ship and line that resonate with your travel desires.

Whether you’re seeking non-stop entertainment, gourmet dining, enriching cultural experiences, or simply a serene escape, there’s a ship out there calling your name.

So, anchor’s aweigh, and may your journey be as magnificent as the destinations you explore! 🚢🌅🌍

Most Affordable Cruise Lines

In the vast realm of cruising, there exists a spectrum where luxury meets affordability. For many travelers, cruising represents an opportunity to explore multiple destinations without breaking the bank.

But which cruise lines provide the best value, ensuring that affordability doesn’t compromise on experience?

Let’s dive into the top contenders that give you the most bang for your buck.

Top 5 Most Affordable Cruise Lines

1. Carnival Cruise Line

• Features & Benefits: Known as the “ Fun Ships ,” Carnival offers a vibrant atmosphere with a plethora of onboard activities, diverse dining options, and entertainment.
• What sets it apart: Carnival often has attractive deals, especially for early bookings or last-minute travelers, making it a favorite among budget cruisers .
• Potential downsides: The focus on affordability might mean fewer premium amenities and larger crowds during peak seasons.

2. MSC Cruises

• Features & Benefits: A European flair with a broad range of ships, from older, classic vessels to brand-new mega-ships. Features like the MSC Yacht Club offer a touch of luxury at a fraction of the cost.
• What sets it apart: Kids sail free promotions and competitive pricing for balcony staterooms.
• Potential downsides: Some aspects, like entertainment or dining, might not resonate with all international travelers due to its European-centric approach.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Features & Benefits: NCL ’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept allows for flexible dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences. A wide range of cabin options caters to different budgets.
• What sets it apart: Often runs promotions like “Free at Sea,” allowing guests to select added-value options like free drinks or shore excursions.
• Potential downsides: Service charges and some onboard expenses can add up if not watched closely.

4. Royal Caribbean International

• Features & Benefits: While known for its innovative mega-ships, Royal Caribbean also offers affordable options, especially on its older vessels or shorter itineraries.
• What sets it apart: Last-minute deals and region-specific promotions can lead to significant savings.
• Potential downsides: The most affordable cabins might lack certain amenities, and costs can accumulate with specialty dining and excursions.

5. Costa Cruises

• Features & Benefits: A European vibe with a focus on Italian culture and cuisine. Offers many short and affordable Mediterranean itineraries.
• What sets it apart: Regularly provides promotions like “Kids Sail Free” and discounted rates for early bookings.
• Potential downsides: Some services or onboard activities might come with additional fees.

Least Affordable for the Value: Pullmantur Cruises

Pullmantur, a Spanish-based line, occasionally gets feedback for not providing the best value for the price point.

• What to watch out for: While initial prices can be tempting, some travelers feel the ships lack modern amenities, and the overall experience doesn’t match up to the cost.
• Feedback from unsatisfied cruisers: Mentioned issues include dated ship interiors, limited entertainment options, and inconsistent service.
• Alternative recommendations: Travelers seeking European-focused cruises with better value might consider MSC Cruises or even Costa Cruises.

Affordability in cruising doesn’t mean sacrificing memorable experiences. With careful planning and a keen eye on promotions, the world’s oceans, seas, and rivers become accessible playgrounds, offering adventures and relaxation without stretching your wallet too thin.

So, grab that deal, pack your bags, and set sail towards horizons new and familiar. 🚢💰🌎

Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

Cruises have increasingly become a favorite for such escapades, blending the allure of multiple destinations with the convenience of a single accommodation.

What makes a cruise perfect for families? Let’s dive in!

Top 5 Cruise Lines for Families

1. Disney Cruise Line

• Features & Benefits: Disney brings its magic to the seas with character experiences, Broadway-style shows, and themed activities that captivate both kids and adults.
• What sets it apart: The enchanting fireworks at sea, Pirate Night celebrations, and the Marvel or Star Wars Day at Sea on select sailings.
• Potential downsides: Prices can be higher than some other family-friendly cruise lines.
• Features & Benefits: Boasting some of the largest ships in the world, they offer an array of activities from rock climbing to zip lining and the Adventure Ocean kids’ program.
• What sets it apart: The innovative onboard features like the North Star observation capsule, robotic bartenders, and massive water slides.
• Potential downsides: The larger ship sizes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially on sea days when everyone is onboard.

3. Carnival Cruise Line

• Features & Benefits: Known for their fun ships, Carnival offers family-friendly entertainment, water parks, and Camp Ocean for kids.
• What sets it apart: The Dive-In Movies at the main pool and the entertaining Seuss at Sea program.
• Potential downsides: Some older ships in the fleet might not have the latest amenities and upgrades.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Features & Benefits: NCL offers a relaxed, freestyle cruising approach with flexible dining and a robust youth program called Splash Academy.
• What sets it apart: The partnerships with Nickelodeon on select ships and entertainment options like laser tag and go-kart racing.
• Potential downsides: Some amenities, like the go-karts, require additional fees.

5. MSC Cruises

• Features & Benefits: As a European line, MSC offers a blend of cultures and has been increasingly tailoring its services for North American families. The DOREMI kids’ club and family deck activities are highlights.
• What sets it apart: The MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship concept, allows families to experience luxury amenities while still having access to the main ship’s activities.
• Potential downsides: Some families from North America might find the European approach to dining and service different from what they’re used to.

Worst Cruise Line for Families: Costa Cruises

While Costa Cruises offers a genuine European flair and has a rich maritime history, it might not always be the first choice for families, especially those from North America. Here’s why:

• What to watch out for: The entertainment and onboard activities, although abundant, are often catered more towards European tastes, which might not resonate with everyone. The kids’ clubs are present but might not be as extensive or varied as what families might find on other cruise lines.
• Feedback from unhappy customers: Some families have reported challenges with language barriers, as announcements and programs might be primarily in Italian or other European languages. The dining experience, which leans heavily on Mediterranean cuisine, might also not cater to the varied palates of younger travelers.
• Alternative recommendations: If you’re drawn to the European ambiance but are looking for a more family-friendly experience, consider MSC Cruises, which combines European charm with more familiar amenities for North American families. Alternatively, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer European itineraries with the comforts of home.

It’s essential to remember that every cruise line has its niche and specialty. What might not be ideal for families could be perfect for another group of travelers, such as couples or solo adventurers. Always consider your family’s preferences and do thorough research before booking 🛳🌍

Solo Traveler Cruise Lines

Traveling solo offers a unique sense of freedom and self-discovery. It’s a journey both outward and inward, where you can set your rhythm, pursue your passions, and perhaps make new friends along the way.

Cruising solo, once a daunting prospect due to “single supplements” and ships designed for couples and families, has become increasingly popular and catered for in the modern cruise industry.

Let’s explore the cruise lines that have turned solo cruising into a delightful experience.

Top 5 Cruise Lines for Solo Cruisers

1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Features & Benefits: NCL was one of the pioneers in catering to solo travelers, introducing Studio cabins specifically designed for them. These cabins also come with access to the Studio Lounge, a private space for solo travelers to socialize.
• What sets it apart: No single supplement for Studio cabins, and various events hosted for solo travelers to meet and mingle.
• Potential downsides: The Studio cabins, while efficient, can be compact.

2. Holland America Line

• Features & Benefits: Known for its enriching onboard programs, solo cruisers can immerse themselves in cooking classes, workshops, and lectures. They also occasionally offer reduced single supplements.
• What sets it apart: The Music Walk area offering a variety of live music experiences, allowing solo travelers to enjoy and potentially meet like-minded music enthusiasts.
• Potential downsides: The demographic leans towards the older side, which might not appeal to younger solo cruisers.

3. Cunard Line

• Features & Benefits: This historic line offers a classic cruising experience. They have single staterooms available and often host solo traveler gatherings.
• What sets it apart: The traditional afternoon tea and ballroom dances, providing elegant social opportunities.
• Potential downsides: The formal atmosphere might not resonate with everyone.
• Features & Benefits: With a vast array of activities and entertainment, solo travelers will never feel bored. Some ships offer studio cabins, and the cruise line hosts meetups for solo travelers.
• What sets it apart: The sheer variety of activities, from Broadway shows to surf simulators, ensures that solo travelers can find something to match their interests.
• Potential downsides: On larger ships, it can feel overwhelming if you’re trying to meet and socialize with fellow cruisers.

5. Celebrity Cruises

• Features & Benefits: Celebrity offers a modern luxury experience, with a focus on culinary delights and wellness. They have single staterooms and often host events for solo cruisers.
• What sets it apart: The “Silent Disco” events and wine tasting classes are not just fun but also great socializing opportunities.
• Potential downsides: Might be pricier than some other options for solo cruisers.

Worst Cruise Line for Solo Cruisers: P&O Cruises

While P&O Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries and has a solid reputation, it hasn’t always been the top choice for solo travelers.

• What to watch out for: Historically, P&O didn’t cater extensively to solo travelers, meaning fewer activities and events tailored for them. Also, the single supplement fees can sometimes be higher than other lines.
• Feedback from unhappy solo cruisers: Some solo travelers felt that there was a lack of dedicated spaces or events to facilitate socializing. The cruise line’s demographic, often UK-centric, might not be as diverse as some solo travelers would like.
• Alternative recommendations: Solo cruisers looking for British charm but more tailored solo experiences might consider Cunard Line or even explore options outside of traditional British cruise lines.

Traveling solo is an empowering adventure, and choosing the right cruise line can enhance the experience significantly. Research, read reviews, and perhaps join online cruise communities to get firsthand insights from fellow solo cruisers. Bon voyage! 🚢🌍🧳

Adults-Only Cruise Lines

Sometimes, a getaway without the playful echoes of children or the hustle of family activities is just what the heart desires.

Adults-only cruises provide a serene atmosphere for relaxation, romance, or even some uninterrupted self-reflection. With curated entertainment, sophisticated venues, and a mature crowd, these cruises promise an elegant escape.

Let’s dive into the lines that offer the crème de la crème of adults-only experiences.

Top 5 Cruise Lines for Adults-Only Cruisers

1. Virgin Voyages

• Features & Benefits: Virgin Voyages has redefined cruising with their “sailor” centric approach. The line boasts a modern, chic design and a focus on wellness, entertainment, and culinary experiences.
• What sets it apart: RockStar Quarters (suites), over-the-top entertainment, and unique dining venues without any upcharges.
• Potential downsides: Being a newer entrant, the cruise line is still building its reputation and itinerary range.

2. P&O Cruises (Specifically Arcadia & Aurora)

• Features & Benefits: These two ships within the P&O fleet are exclusively for adults. They offer classic British cruising with traditional touches.
• What sets it apart: World cruises, dance evenings, and tiered sterns offering beautiful views.
• Potential downsides: The entertainment and food might be heavily British-centric, which may not appeal to everyone.

3. Saga Cruises

• Features & Benefits: This British line is tailored for those over 50, ensuring a mature crowd and services to match. The all-inclusive pricing includes many amenities and even insurance.
• What sets it apart: Door-to-door chauffeur service, included gratuities, and special interest cruises.
• Potential downsides: Being age-restricted, it may not be suitable for younger adults seeking an adults-only experience.

4. Viking Ocean Cruises

• Features & Benefits: While not strictly “adults-only,” Viking has a policy against passengers under 18. The line focuses on destination-rich itineraries and cultural immersion.
• What sets it apart: Included excursions, enrichment lectures, and the Nordic-inspired spa.
• Potential downsides: The calm and cultured atmosphere may not resonate with those seeking high-energy nightlife.

5. Marella Cruises (Specifically Marella Explorer 2)

• Features & Benefits: Marella’s adults-only ship provides an all-inclusive experience with a British touch.
• What sets it apart: The 19th Hole bar with golf simulators, Champneys Spa, and Broadway-style shows.
• Potential downsides: The line predominantly caters to UK passengers, which might not offer as diverse a crowd.

Worst Cruise Line for Adults-Only Cruisers: CMV (Cruise & Maritime Voyages)

While CMV offered a mature atmosphere with some adults-only voyages, there were areas where it didn’t quite match the competition.

• What to watch out for: Older ships in the fleet lacked modern amenities. While adults-only, it didn’t always provide a luxury or boutique experience that some adult travelers seek.
• Feedback from unhappy cruisers: Some travelers found the onboard experience a bit dated, with fewer contemporary entertainment options. Others mentioned inconsistencies in service and food quality.
• Alternative recommendations: For those seeking British charm, Saga Cruises or the adults-only ships of P&O might offer a more refined experience. Virgin Voyages provides a modern take on adults-only cruising for those seeking something new.

Remember, “adults-only” doesn’t necessarily mean quiet or subdued—it’s about the tailored experience.

Whether it’s sophistication, romance, or just a break from the kids, there’s an adults-only cruise out there waiting to set the perfect scene for memorable moments. Cheers to tranquil seas and adult conversations! 🚢🍷🌅

Spa Enthusiasts

For some, cruising isn’t about the destinations or the entertainment – it’s about relaxation and rejuvenation. Spa enthusiasts often prioritize self-care, seeking sanctuaries of calm and luxury while at sea.

Many modern cruise lines have recognized this demand and now offer world-class spa facilities and wellness-oriented itineraries. So, for those eager to turn their voyage into a floating retreat, which cruise lines offer the best spa-centric experiences?

Top 5 Cruise Lines for Spa Enthusiasts

1. Celebrity Cruises (AquaClass)

• Features & Benefits: AquaClass staterooms come with spa-centric amenities, priority access to the onboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and exclusive access to the Blu restaurant with healthier cuisine.
• What sets it apart: Persian Garden thermal suite with a variety of aromatic steam and relaxation areas.
• Potential downsides: Limited availability of AquaClass staterooms on each sailing.

2. Seabourn Cruise Line

• Features & Benefits: Seabourn’s partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil offers a mindful living program, integrating physical, social, environmental, and spiritual well-being.
• What sets it apart: Spa and wellness activities include meditation, complimentary massage moments, and yoga.
• Potential downsides: Luxury comes with a premium price tag.

3. Crystal Cruises

• Features & Benefits: The Crystal Life Spa offers Asian-inspired treatments, including a Feng Shui-designed environment.
• What sets it apart: A comprehensive range of services including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and energy therapies.
• Potential downsides: Being a luxury line, cruises can be on the pricier side.

4. Cunard Line (Canyon Ranch at Sea)

• Features & Benefits: Cunard’s partnership with Canyon Ranch provides a spa and wellness program, which includes treatments, exercise, and beauty services.
• What sets it apart: The Aquatherapy Centre in the spa features sensory showers, aromatic steam, and a hydrotherapy pool.
• Potential downsides: Some of the exclusive treatments can be quite expensive.

5. MSC Cruises (MSC Aurea Spa)

• Features & Benefits: The Aurea Spa on MSC offers a blend of traditional Balinese massages with modern beauty treatments.
• What sets it apart: Special spa packages available for booking, thermal area, and a dedicated spa menu at the main dining room.
• Potential downsides: Popular treatments and times can book up quickly, making pre-cruise booking almost essential.

Worst Cruise Line for Spa Enthusiasts: P&O Cruises

While P&O Cruises offers an array of amenities and services, it hasn’t always been the top pick among spa enthusiasts.

• What to watch out for: The spa facilities, while present, aren’t as expansive or luxurious as some of the premium or luxury lines. Some ships in the fleet have smaller, more basic spa areas.
• Feedback from unsatisfied spa-goers: Some guests found the spa treatments to be overpriced relative to the experience’s quality. Others mentioned a more “commercial” feel, with emphasis on upselling products.
• Alternative recommendations: Spa enthusiasts looking for a British touch might consider Cunard’s Canyon Ranch at Sea or even venture into luxury lines like Seabourn or Crystal for a truly immersive spa experience.

A voyage can be more than just sightseeing – it can be a journey towards relaxation and rejuvenation. For spa enthusiasts, the ship itself becomes a retreat, and the sea’s calming waves set the rhythm for inner harmony.

So, wrap yourself in a plush robe, let the world melt away, and find serenity at sea. 🚢🧖‍♀️🌊

Luxury Seekers

For those who associate cruising with elegance, extravagance, and exclusive experiences, the world of luxury cruising offers a realm unlike any other.

These cruises with suites aren’t just about getting from one destination to another; they’re about savoring every exquisite detail, from gourmet cuisine to bespoke shore excursions.

So, for the discerning traveler with an appetite for the finer things in life, which cruise lines truly epitomize luxury at sea?

Top 5 Cruise Lines for Luxury Seekers

1. Seabourn Cruise Line

• Features & Benefits: All-suite accommodations with ocean views, gourmet dining venues in collaboration with Chef Thomas Keller , and complimentary premium spirits and wines.
• What sets it apart: Intimate ships with a high staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring personalized service. Unique Ventures by Seabourn, offering exclusive experiences in select destinations.
• Potential downsides: A higher price point, but it reflects the level of luxury and inclusions.

2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Features & Benefits: All-inclusive luxury experience including unlimited shore excursions, all-suite accommodations, and fine dining.
• What sets it apart: Free business-class air on intercontinental flights, unlimited WiFi, and a spacious, uncrowded atmosphere on board.
• Potential downsides: Given the inclusive nature, upfront costs can be high.
• Features & Benefits: World-class dining including Umi Uma by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, butler service in every suite, and enriching onboard programs.
• What sets it apart: Extensive wine and spirits list, complimentary enrichment lecture series, and a diverse entertainment program.
• Potential downsides: Some amenities or experiences, although rare, might come with additional costs.

4. Silversea Cruises

• Features & Benefits: All-suite ships, with nearly all rooms having private verandas. Gourmet Relais & Châteaux dining and comprehensive in-suite dining.
• What sets it apart: Expedition cruises to unique destinations, including the Galápagos, Antarctica, and the Arctic with expert guides.
• Potential downsides: Expedition cruises can be particularly pricey given their unique nature.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

• Features & Benefits: This line extends the luxury of the Ritz-Carlton hotels to the sea, with an intimate yacht-style experience, all-inclusive gourmet dining, and spacious oceanview suites.
• What sets it apart: Marina-style platform offering water sports directly from the ship, personal concierge services, and destination-based activities curated in partnership with local chefs and artists.
• Potential downsides: As a newer entrant to the cruise world, it has a more limited history and fewer reviews.

Worst Cruise Line for Luxury Seekers: MSC Cruises (MSC Yacht Club)

While MSC Cruises offers a wide range of experiences and does have its luxury “Yacht Club” section, it hasn’t always hit the mark for true luxury aficionados.

• What to watch out for: Being a ship-within-a-ship concept, Yacht Club guests may still encounter the crowds and noise of the larger ship, detracting from the luxury enclave experience.
• Feedback from unsatisfied luxury cruisers: Some guests felt the Yacht Club, while being an upgrade, still didn’t match the level of exclusivity and personalized service found on dedicated luxury cruise lines. Others mentioned inconsistencies in service levels.
• Alternative recommendations: For a dedicated luxury experience, travelers might look to smaller, luxury-only lines like Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas.

Luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s about refinement, personal attention, and the ease of knowing every detail is looked after. For those who seek the pinnacle of cruising elegance, these luxury lines promise a journey that’s as captivating as the destinations themselves.

Raise a glass of champagne and toast to the high seas, where the world unfolds in the lap of luxury. 🚢🥂🌍

Adventure & Expedition Cruisers

The call of the wild, the thrill of discovery, and the allure of remote destinations—adventure and expedition cruising is a world away from the traditional cruise experience.

These journeys are for the intrepid souls eager to explore lesser-known parts of the globe, from the icy waters of the polar regions to the dense rainforests of the Amazon.

But which cruise lines offer the most immersive and authentic adventure experiences?

Top 5 Cruise Lines for Adventure & Expedition Cruisers

1. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

• Features & Benefits: A partnership with National Geographic ensures top-tier experts onboard, from naturalists to photographers.
• What sets it apart: The fleet is equipped with tools like underwater cameras and hydrophones to enhance exploration. Special photo expeditions are available for budding photographers.
• Potential downsides: Premium pricing due to the high level of expertise and unique onboard tools.

2. Quark Expeditions

• Features & Benefits: Specializes in polar voyages, offering itineraries to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great White Continent.
• What sets it apart: Adventure options like sea kayaking, mountaineering, and even camping in Antarctica. Ice-strengthened ships ensure safety in icy waters.
• Potential downsides: Focuses mainly on polar regions, so those seeking tropical adventures might need to look elsewhere.

3. Hurtigruten

• Features & Benefits: A Norwegian-based company with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• What sets it apart: Offers a wide range of expedition cruises beyond the polar regions, including the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and more.
• Potential downsides: A broader range of offerings might mean slightly larger groups than some dedicated expedition lines.

4. Silversea Expeditions

• Features & Benefits: Combines luxury with adventure, offering expedition cruises with the amenities one would expect from Silversea.
• What sets it apart: All-suite accommodations with butler service on expedition ships. Unique destinations like the Galápagos and the Russian Far East.
• Potential downsides: Higher price point due to the luxury components.
• Features & Benefits: French elegance meets expedition cruising. The line has a fleet of smaller, luxury ships designed for intimate exploration.
• What sets it apart: Cultural and themed cruises, such as music or gastronomy, in addition to their geographical expeditions.
• Potential downsides: Some expeditions might lean more towards luxury than rugged adventure.

Worst Cruise Line for Adventure & Expedition Cruisers: Adventure Canada

While Adventure Canada offers unique itineraries focusing on Canadian destinations and the Arctic, it has had mixed reviews compared to the top expedition brands.

• What to watch out for: Older ships in the fleet might lack some modern amenities and the advanced exploration tools found on other expedition lines.
• Feedback from unsatisfied cruisers: Some travelers have mentioned the expedition experience felt less polished or comprehensive compared to other lines. There have also been mentions of inconsistent service.
• Alternative recommendations: Those eager to explore Canada and the Arctic might consider lines like Hurtigruten or Lindblad Expeditions for a more comprehensive expedition experience.

Expedition cruising isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey, the learning, and the connection to nature.

For those willing to trade the glitz and glamour of traditional cruising for raw, authentic experiences, adventure awaits. Grab your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and set sail into the great unknown with small ship cruising . 🚢🌌🌍

Cruising, in all its multifaceted glory, truly offers something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re a family seeking onboard activities aplenty, a solo cruiser hunting for new friendships, a luxury aficionado craving opulence at sea, or a budget traveler looking to explore the world without emptying your savings, there’s a ship and a journey tailored just for you.

Choosing the right cruise line can enhance these experiences manifold. However, at the heart of it, every cruise offers the promise of adventure, rejuvenation, and memories that last a lifetime.

So, as you ponder your next voyage, armed with insights from this guide, remember the age-old sailor’s adage: “It’s not about the destination, but the journey.” In the world of cruising, truer words were never spoken.

Whichever ranked cruise lines or categories you lean towards, may your journeys be filled with sunsets, starlit nights, and seas of endless possibilities.

Bon voyage! 🚢🌟🌍

FAQs on Ranked Cruise Lines

1. How are cruise lines ranked in this guide?

Answer: Cruise lines are ranked based on a combination of factors such as onboard amenities, dining experiences, entertainment options, itineraries, traveler reviews, value for money, and specific niche offerings like family-friendly or luxury services.

2. Are the rankings subjective or based on specific criteria?

Answer: While the rankings are curated with careful consideration and research, they are by nature somewhat subjective. We’ve relied on both objective criteria like services and amenities offered and subjective criteria like traveler feedback and reviews.

3. Why should I trust these rankings?

Answer: This guide is based on thorough research, industry insights, and traveler feedback up to the year 2022. While personal experiences may vary, our aim is to provide a comprehensive starting point for potential cruisers.

4. Do cruise lines offer deals or discounts throughout the year?

Answer: Yes, many cruise lines offer promotions, early bird discounts, last-minute deals, and special packages throughout the year. It’s always a good idea to monitor cruise line websites or subscribe to their newsletters for the latest offers.

5. I have specific dietary needs. Can cruise lines accommodate them?

Answer: Most cruise lines are adept at catering to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. It’s always best to communicate any specific requirements at the time of booking to ensure a seamless dining experience onboard.

6. Are all the cruise lines in this guide global, or do they focus on specific regions?

Answer: The cruise lines mentioned cater to various global destinations. However, some might have a more region-specific focus or expertise, like Mediterranean cruises or polar expeditions. Always check the itineraries offered by each line to find the best fit for your desired destinations.

7. How can I determine if a cruise line is right for my budget?

Answer: Our guide includes a section specifically on the most affordable cruise lines. However, the best approach is to compare the inclusions (like meals, entertainment, and onboard activities) with the total cost. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cruise offers greater value due to comprehensive inclusions.

8. What’s the difference between a luxury cruise and an expedition cruise?

Answer: Luxury cruises prioritize high-end experiences, gourmet dining, personalized services, and plush amenities. Expedition cruises focus on exploration, often venturing to remote or less-visited locations, with an emphasis on learning and immersive experiences rather than just luxury.

9. Do any cruise lines cater specifically to adults, without children onboard?

Answer: Yes, several cruise lines offer adults-only voyages, ensuring a more serene and relaxed atmosphere. Check our section on “adults-only cruisers” for detailed recommendations.

10. What happens if I’m not satisfied with my cruise experience?

Answer: Many cruise lines prioritize guest satisfaction and will address concerns when raised. If you’re not satisfied, it’s best to communicate your feedback with the ship’s guest services during the voyage, allowing them an opportunity to rectify the situation.

11. Are there any health and safety protocols I should be aware of when cruising?

Answer: Yes, especially in light of recent global events, many cruise lines have implemented stringent health and safety protocols. This can include mandatory health screenings, enhanced sanitation measures, reduced ship capacities, and specific guidelines for excursions. Always check with your chosen cruise line for their latest policies.

12. How environmentally friendly are cruises?

Answer: The cruise industry has been working towards more sustainable practices over the years. Many newer ships are equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems, energy-efficient technologies, and reduced emission systems. Some lines also have programs to offset their carbon footprint. It’s a good idea to research specific cruise lines to understand their sustainability initiatives better.

13. Can I cancel or reschedule my cruise if I change my mind or face unforeseen circumstances?

Answer: Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary across cruise lines. Most offer a cancellation policy that might require a fee or offer a partial refund, depending on how close to the departure date you cancel. Some cruise lines have introduced more flexible booking policies in response to global events. It’s essential to read and understand the terms and conditions before booking.

14. Is travel insurance necessary for a cruise?

Answer: While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for cruising. It can cover unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. Ensure the policy you choose is comprehensive and covers cruise-specific incidents.

15. What is the best time of the year to go on a cruise?

Answer: The best time varies based on the destination. For example, the Caribbean is popular in winter months to escape the cold, while Alaska cruises are operational primarily in summer. Always consider the region’s climate and potential off-peak seasons to get the best deals and experience.

16. Are there specific cruises tailored for special occasions or themes?

Answer: Absolutely! There are many themed cruises available, ranging from culinary cruises with celebrity chefs, music-themed voyages, wellness retreats, and even fandom-specific cruises. Additionally, cruises are also popular for celebrations like weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays.

17. How accessible are cruises for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues?

Answer: Most modern cruise ships are designed to be accessible for passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities. They often have specially designed cabins, ramps, elevators, and other accommodations. It’s crucial to inform the cruise line of any specific needs when booking.

18. Do I need a passport or visa for a cruise?

Answer: Generally, a passport is required for international cruises. However, some closed-loop cruises (starting and ending at the same U.S. port) might accept a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Visas depend on the countries the cruise is visiting. Always check entry requirements and consult with your cruise line before departure.

19. How do gratuities work on a cruise?

Answer: Gratuities, often given to the crew for their service, can be prepaid or charged daily to your onboard account. Some cruise lines include gratuities in the fare, while others leave it at the discretion of the passenger. It’s advisable to check the cruise line’s gratuity policy before embarking.

20. Can I stay connected (internet & phone) while on a cruise?

Answer: Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, though speeds and costs can vary. Some cruise lines have package deals for unlimited internet, while others charge by the minute. Mobile phone reception can be available near ports or when the ship is sailing close to land, but roaming charges can be hefty. Always consult with your service provider before departure.

Cruising offers a unique blend of exploration, relaxation, and entertainment. Being informed and prepared ensures that your voyage will be smooth sailing, allowing you to focus on making unforgettable memories. 🚢🌅🗺️

• Princess Cruises

Best and Worst Cruise Lines 2023 new survey

By BigTimeCruiser , March 3, 2023 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

BigTimeCruiser

Here is a link to the new survey  Link

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Cali Viajera

Yes, and Princess was ranked last!!

Seeing where Carnival was ranked makes me wonder who exactly is filling out these surveys.

PrincessLuver

Really hard to believe this survey.  Who are the 1700 passengers, where are they from and what percentage sailed which ships.  Of course small ship luxury brands should score high because you are paying a lot for what you get.  

These travel surveys are basically useless (usually promotional in nature) and you see a wide variety in a lot of different publications with widely varying results.  

Thanks for the share though because the pictures were interesting.

Cruise Raider

Wow, I’m kind of shocked they got such a low rating.  We enjoy our princess cruises immensely!  

Looking at some of the categories the ratings really do not make much sense for example itineraries.  Princess which has some fairly wide ranging routes is ranked lower than some lines that primarily hit a relatively small selection of ports.  

UK focused paper = UK audience which may not match up with US preferences.

I have sailed on several of the lines listed and there are some that I would not sail on again.

Kind of reminds me of the beauty contest surveys each year where all of the companies tell their passengers to be sure to vote for them.

3 hours ago, BigTimeCruiser said: Here is a link to the new survey  Link

Daily Mail. Nothing more needs to be said.  🙄

You need to know that this is a survey carried out by a UK consumer group, made up of upper class Brits, and totally unrepresentative of the UK cruising public.

The sample size is so small as to be meaningless.

Just ignore it.

Aloha. With all due respect once I saw where Carnival ranked, I logged off the link lol.

Nicole&Pete

I’m from the UK and I don’t agree with the rankings at all. How can Royal Caribbean and Carnival place higher than Celebrity and Princess? And how can one compare small luxury ships with larger mainstream lines?

Also Celebrity does not have better itineraries than Princess, very strange scoring. 

It also has to do with what the people want. I don't want to cruise on a floating amusement park. Also, how is NCL so high? 

Anyone care to guess how the TOP RANKED cruise line got ZERO STARS for Onboard Activities, Entertainment and Social Atmosphere?  I guess they have really comfy beds because it appears that there is no reason to leave your cabin!  🤣

38 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said: Anyone care to guess how the TOP RANKED cruise line got ZERO STARS for Onboard Activities, Entertainment and Social Atmosphere?  I guess they have really comfy beds because it appears that there is no reason to leave your cabin!  🤣

Noble Caledonian is very much a niche cruise line  - their ships usually have no more than 200/250 passengers. As I understand it, their ambience is very much country hotel. The highlight of the evening is likely to be a piano recital, not a production show.

Shows the futility of these rankings - trying to compare apples and pears.

On 3/3/2023 at 4:56 PM, Cruise Raider said: Wow, I’m kind of shocked they got such a low rating.  We enjoy our princess cruises immensely!  

I’m shocked that so many people who hate Princess so much and revel in their bad reviews, hang out in the Princess forum with such stalker-ish dedication.  It’s kina kreepy.  

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The 16 Best Cruises to Book in 2023, According to T+L's Expert

Travel + Leisure hand-selected 16 different types of on-the-water adventures to consider in the year ahead.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Cruising is in the midst of an epic comeback . Travelers are turning to trusted lines to help minimize the hassles of country hopping and maximize relaxation time in each destination. With 2023 poised to be a big year for both new and frequent cruisers — thanks in part to an abundance of new ships and itineraries — Travel + Leisure has hand-selected 16 different types of adventures to consider in the year ahead.

The Nile on Viking Osiris

Alastair Miller/Courtesy of Viking

Viking Osiris is the line’s newest on the Nile, with just 41 suites and staterooms, a pool deck, and cool Scandinavian design. The ship sails between Aswan and Luxor, with pre- and post-sail touring in Cairo included with the 12-day itineraries.

Alaska on Ocean Victory

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.

The Galápagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions’ Evolution

In June, Quasar Expeditions is offering a Galápagos cruise on the 32-passenger Evolution for children with autism spectrum disorder, hosted by an expert in supporting families with special needs. 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.

Cruising Antarctica on Silver Cloud or Silver Endeavour

Adrian Wolodarczyk/Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea gives Antarctica travelers the option to skip two days of sailing the often-rocky Drake Passage. Instead, they can fly in comfort over the waters separating South America from the continent, then hop aboard the 127-suite Silver Cloud and 100-suite Silver Endeavour for trips along the frosty coastline.

The Caribbean, South Pacific, and Australia With Windstar Cruises

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.

Cold-weather Cruises on Le Commandant Charcot

A game changer in lowering emissions, Ponant’s brand-new hybrid-electric Le Commandant Charcot can operate on less-carbon-intensive battery power and liquefied natural gas and has room for 245 guests. The game-changing ship, which has already hosted eclipse watchers on a trip to Antarctica and sailed to the geographic North Pole, also offers adventures in places such as Iceland and Svalbard.

Cruises Closer to Home With American Queen Voyages

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

American Queen Voyages will offer the longest trips in the line’s history in 2023, with two 23-day river itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio aboard the 123-stateroom American Countess . “The ship will sail more than 1,700 miles from Minnesota down the Ohio River and Upper Mississippi River , calling on more ports and offering more guided tours than ever before,” as T+L reported in August .

The South Pacific on Paul Gauguin

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. The single-vessel brand was voted the very best small-ship cruise line in the World’s Best Awards 2022 , as T+L readers gave particularly high marks to the Paul Gauguin ’s on-board staff.

Mystery Cruising With Uniworld

Courtesy of Uniworld

Next year, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will offer two nine-night “mystery cruises ,” with the European destinations revealed only as guests depart: similar trips in 2022 sold out. Travelers on the June 2023 trip will meet in Amsterdam, while the July 2023 sailing rendezvous in Nice, France — from there, the itinerary is anybody’s guess.

Expedition Cruising With Seabourn

Courtesy of Seabourn

Seabourn Venture , the luxury line’s first 132-suite expedition ship, launched in late summer with itineraries in northern Europe; trips in Japan, the South Pacific, and Antarctica are on tap for 2023. Seabourn Pursuit , which will be a sibling ship to Venture, is scheduled to arrive in 2023, the second in Seabourn’s growing expedition fleet.

Seeing Europe’s Gems by Small Ship

Slated to launch in the spring, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II will visit ports from Dublin to Lisbon, as well as both polar regions, in 2023 and 2024. The innovative vessel, which is similar in design to Scenic Eclipse , will have luxurious suites complete with butler service and all sorts of extras, including helicopters (plural) and a submarine.

Visiting Wild Places With Fewer Impacts

Aurora Expeditions, whose newest vessel is the 71-cabin Sylvia Earle , guarantees that all operations are carbon neutral, pledging to offset all emissions. The newly launched ship, with its fuel-saving X-Bow design, doesn’t skimp on expedition necessities: guests on Antarctica expeditions can explore by Zodiac or snowshoe and even, when conditions allow, go scuba diving in polar waters or camping on the ice.

Solo Cruising With a New Line

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. The line’s second ship, World Traveller , launched in November 2022 . 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.

The Galápagos Islands on Celebrity Flora

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Another ship that sails the Galápagos, the Celebrity Flora , has 50 suites, many with large verandas, plus a stargazing deck and a fleet of comfortable tenders. Two itineraries are available, the first of which is a seven-night “northern loop” that visits the volcanic island of Santiago and has guests spotting red-footed Boobies on Genovesa Island, a place sometimes called Bird Island thanks to its famed animals. The line’s “outer loop” also includes plenty of wildlife watching, plus a stop at the less-frequented Daphne Island.

Doing Wine Country on Seadream II

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.

These are the cruise ships with the best — and worst — sanitation scores so far this year

• The CDC randomly inspects cruise ships to help prevent the spread of stomach viruses. 
• The agency has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships this year.
• These are the cruise ships with the best and worst sanitation report cards in 2023 so far.

There's nothing like a stomach virus to ruin your vacation, as hundreds of cruise ship passengers have unfortunately learned this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships so far in 2023. The last time the industry's yearly gastrointestinal illness outbreak total was that high was back in 2016 — and it's only July.

For the agency to report a cruise-ship outbreak, 3% or more of passengers or crew members must report symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea, to the ship's medical staff. During the most recent outbreak, a 14-day cruise aboard the Viking Neptune in June, slightly over 13% of passengers (110 of 838) reported being ill with predominant symptoms of abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the CDC.

The nasty stomach bug isn't just a cruise-ship problem, though. Norovirus cases have spiked across the United States this year, which some experts say is the result of ending COVID-19 restrictions .

"People often associate cruise ships with acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus, but acute gastrointestinal illness is relatively infrequent on cruise ships," the CDC says on its website. "Health officials track illness on cruise ships. So outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land."

To try to help prevent the spread of stomach viruses at sea, the CDC randomly inspects cruise ships and scores them on a scale of 0 to 100 through the Vessel Sanitation Program . Inspection scores of 85 and lower are considered "not satisfactory" by the agency.

Related stories

Most vessels have received scores in the high 90s — only one cruise ship, the MSC Seaside, has failed the CDC's sanitation inspection so far this year. The vessel received an unusually low score of 67 , nearly 20 points below the agency's passing grade.

An MSC Cruises representative told Insider at the time that the cruise line had launched an internal investigation based on the inspector's concerns and taken immediate corrective actions.

"MSC Cruises rigorously adheres to health protocols, and the results of this inspection do not reflect the brand's high standards," the person added.

In the past 10 years, only three other cruise ships have received sanitation scores below 70, CDC records show. Violations can include something as small as not posting a raw-eggs advisory on the omelet station or a single fly hovering in a food area. But before going on your next cruise adventure, it doesn't hurt to check out the ship's most recent sanitation rating.

These are the cruise ships with the highest and lowest sanitation scores so far this year:

The 15 cruise ships with perfect scores of 100

The 15 cruise ships with scores below a 95.

Correction: July 17, 2023 — An earlier version of this story included a photo caption that misstated how many passengers and crew members aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam reported being ill during a May voyage. It was 284 people, not 539.

• Main content

2023 Year in Review: The 10 Top Cruise Stories

• December 31, 2023

Back on the growth track, the cruise industry had  big year in 2023; the Cruise Industry News editorial team selected some of the industry’s key headlines and developments over the past 12 months.

(Another) Year of Startups

Several new cruise lines launched service in 2023, including Explora Journeys. Marking the debut of the MSC Cruises Group in the luxury market, the new brand welcomed its first guests in August .

Other cruise lines that debuted over the past 12 months include CFC , Adora Cruises , Tianjin Orient International , Exploris , and the new Crystal . New operations were also announced during the year, including Aroya Cruises , Mitsui Ocean Cruises , Orient Express , Project Sama , and more.

Over 20 New Ships in Service

In yet another big year for the shipbuilding business, a total of 21 new cruise ships were delivered.

The lineup includes ships of different sizes and niches – from the world’s largest cruise ship to small coastal vessels. Highlights of the class of 2023 include Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas , MSC Cruises’ Euribia , Silversea’s Silver Nova , and Carnival’s Jubilee .

The year also saw the delivery of the first China-built large cruise ship, the 5,000-guest Adora Magic City .

Return to Profit

The world’s largest cruise corporations also improved their financial positions in 2023. With operations back to normality and strong demand, the companies either returned to profit or paved the way for future gains.

Carnival Corporation saw an all-time high full-year revenue of $21.6 billion , making debt payments of $6 billion and reducing its debt balance by $4.6 billion from its peak.

The Royal Caribbean Group is expecting a full year adjusted EPS of $6.59 to $6.30 for 2023 and “at least $9” for 2024 , according to its CEO Jason Liberty.

Despite the impact of global events including the wildfires in Maui and the armed conflict in Israel, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expects a full year 2023 adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.86 billion .

Changing Structures

Two of the world’s largest cruise corporations saw significant changes in 2023. While Carnival Corporation introduced a new operating structure, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings welcomed new leadership.

After almost ten years leading the corporation and its three brands as President and CEO, Frank J. Del Rio retired in June and was replaced by Harry Sommer .

Carnival Corporation  out its group organization in favor of a new unit structure . The former Costa Group was turned into two stand-alone units – Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises.

China is Back

After years closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese market finally reopened for cruise ships in mid-2023.

While major international players – including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises – plan to return to the country in early 2024, local brands such as Adora Cruises , Blue Dream Cruises , Resorts World Cruises and Tianjin Orient International are among the operators currently serving the Chinese domestic public.

Moreover, the Chinese government also greenlighted the resumption of outbound travel, allowing local residents to make trips to different parts of the world.

Zero Cruise Ships Scrapped

Following a record year in 2022 , the cruise ship recycling business came to a total halt this year. While some vessels continue laid up in different parts of the world, not a single ship was sold to the breaking yards in the past 12 months.

Continuing a trend that started in the early days of the pandemic, 2022 had seen a total of 18 cruise ships dismantled in facilities in Europe and Asia.

World’s New Largest Ship

Delivered to Royal Caribbean International by the Meyer Turku shipyard in November , the Icon of the Seas became the world’s largest cruise ship.

Introducing a new class to the company’s fleet, the 250,000-ton vessel is considerably bigger than the former title holder, the 227,000-ton Wonder of the Seas.

Greener Operations

Continuing on its path to sustainability, cruise lines and ports introduced new projects and technologies in 2023.

In addition to building up the infrastructure for LNG-powered operations, the industry also invested in shore power, with new ships and ports adding the capabilities to use the service. Holland America Line now has all of its ships ready to use shore power connections .

The year also saw the debut of the Silver Nova , which uses a hybrid technology that relies on fuel cells, batteries, and dual-fuel engines that run on liquefied natural gas. Other highlights include the industry’s first net zero greenhouse emission cruise, which was performed by the MSC Euribia in June .

  Strong Secondhand Market

The secondhand market for cruise ships saw a strong year in 2023.

Among the vessels that found new owners were the Costa Magica , the Seabourn Odyssey , the AIDAaura , the former Pacific Aria , the Braemar , the Explorer Dream , the Pacific Venus , the Birka Stockholm, and more.

One of the highlights of the year was the sale of the former Costa Atlantica. After several years out of service, the 2000-built vessel was acquired by Margaritaville at Sea and is set to offer a series of short cruises out of Tampa starting in June 2024.

Residential Ship Frenzy

Continuing a trend that evolved significantly in recent years, the market saw the introduction of several residential ship projects and companies. While some – including Miray’s Life at Sea project – have surfaced and failed in 2023, others continue to be developed across the world.

Villa Vie Residences recently announced plans to buy Fred. Olsen’s Braemar for its three-and-a-half year of world cruise.

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Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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• Princess Cruises

Best and Worst Cruise Lines 2023 new survey

By BigTimeCruiser , March 3, 2023 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

BigTimeCruiser

Here is a link to the new survey  Link

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Cali Viajera

Yes, and Princess was ranked last!!

Seeing where Carnival was ranked makes me wonder who exactly is filling out these surveys.

PrincessLuver

Really hard to believe this survey.  Who are the 1700 passengers, where are they from and what percentage sailed which ships.  Of course small ship luxury brands should score high because you are paying a lot for what you get.  

These travel surveys are basically useless (usually promotional in nature) and you see a wide variety in a lot of different publications with widely varying results.  

Thanks for the share though because the pictures were interesting.

Cruise Raider

Wow, I’m kind of shocked they got such a low rating.  We enjoy our princess cruises immensely!  

Looking at some of the categories the ratings really do not make much sense for example itineraries.  Princess which has some fairly wide ranging routes is ranked lower than some lines that primarily hit a relatively small selection of ports.  

UK focused paper = UK audience which may not match up with US preferences.

I have sailed on several of the lines listed and there are some that I would not sail on again.

Kind of reminds me of the beauty contest surveys each year where all of the companies tell their passengers to be sure to vote for them.

3 hours ago, BigTimeCruiser said: Here is a link to the new survey  Link

Daily Mail. Nothing more needs to be said.  🙄

You need to know that this is a survey carried out by a UK consumer group, made up of upper class Brits, and totally unrepresentative of the UK cruising public.

The sample size is so small as to be meaningless.

Just ignore it.

Aloha. With all due respect once I saw where Carnival ranked, I logged off the link lol.

Nicole&Pete

I’m from the UK and I don’t agree with the rankings at all. How can Royal Caribbean and Carnival place higher than Celebrity and Princess? And how can one compare small luxury ships with larger mainstream lines?

Also Celebrity does not have better itineraries than Princess, very strange scoring. 

It also has to do with what the people want. I don't want to cruise on a floating amusement park. Also, how is NCL so high? 

Anyone care to guess how the TOP RANKED cruise line got ZERO STARS for Onboard Activities, Entertainment and Social Atmosphere?  I guess they have really comfy beds because it appears that there is no reason to leave your cabin!  🤣

38 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said: Anyone care to guess how the TOP RANKED cruise line got ZERO STARS for Onboard Activities, Entertainment and Social Atmosphere?  I guess they have really comfy beds because it appears that there is no reason to leave your cabin!  🤣

Noble Caledonian is very much a niche cruise line  - their ships usually have no more than 200/250 passengers. As I understand it, their ambience is very much country hotel. The highlight of the evening is likely to be a piano recital, not a production show.

Shows the futility of these rankings - trying to compare apples and pears.

On 3/3/2023 at 4:56 PM, Cruise Raider said: Wow, I’m kind of shocked they got such a low rating.  We enjoy our princess cruises immensely!  

I’m shocked that so many people who hate Princess so much and revel in their bad reviews, hang out in the Princess forum with such stalker-ish dedication.  It’s kina kreepy.  

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Iran’s Attacks Bring Long Shadow War With Israel Into the Open

The volley of drones and missiles was the first time that Tehran directly attacked Israel from its own territory, one expert said.

• Share full article

By Cassandra Vinograd

• April 14, 2024

For decades, Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war across the Middle East , trading attacks by land, sea, air and in cyberspace. The barrage of drones and missiles Iran launched at Israel on Saturday — though nearly all were shot down or intercepted — represented a watershed in the conflict.

It was the first time that Iran directly attacked Israel from its own territory, according to Ahron Bregman, a political scientist and expert in Middle East security issues at King’s College in London, who called it a “historic event.”

Iran has largely used foreign proxies such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia to strike Israeli interests, while targeted assassinations of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists have been a key part of Israel’s strategy. Here is a recent history of the conflict:

August 2019: An Israeli airstrike killed two Iranian-trained militants in Syria, a drone set off a blast near a Hezbollah office in Lebanon and an airstrike in Qaim, Iraq, killed a commander of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia. Israel accused Iran at the time of trying to establish an overland arms-supply line through Iraq and northern Syria to Lebanon, and analysts said the strikes were aimed at stopping Iran and signaling to its proxies that Israel would not tolerate a fleet of smart missiles on its borders.

January 2020: Israel greeted with satisfaction the assassination of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani , the commander of the foreign-facing arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, in an American drone strike in Baghdad.

Iran hit back by attacking two bases in Iraq that housed American troops with a barrage of missiles, wounding about 100 U.S. military personnel .

2021-22: In July 2021, an oil tanker managed by an Israeli-owned shipping company was attacked off the coast of Oman, killing two crew members, according to the company and three Israeli officials. Two of the officials said that the attack appeared to have been carried out by Iranian drones.

Iran did not explicitly claim or deny responsibility, but a state-owned television channel described the episode as a response to an Israeli strike in Syria.

In November 2021, Israel killed Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh , and followed up with the assassination of a Revolutionary Guards commander, Col. Sayad Khodayee , in May 2022.

December 2023: After Israel’s bombardment of Gaza began in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault, Iranian-backed militias stepped up their own attacks . And late last year, Iran accused Israel of killing a high-level military figure, Brig. Gen. Sayyed Razi Mousavi , in a missile strike in Syria.

A senior adviser to the Revolutionary Guards, General Mousavi was described as having been a close associate of General Suleimani and was said to have helped oversee the shipment of arms to Hezbollah. Israel, adopting its customary stance, declined to comment directly on whether it was behind General Mousavi’s death.

January 2024: An explosion in a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, killed Saleh al-Arouri , a Hamas leader, along with two commanders from that group’s armed wing, the first assassination of a top Hamas official outside the West Bank and Gaza in recent years. Officials from Hamas, Lebanon and the United States ascribed the blast to Israel , which did not publicly confirm involvement.

Hezbollah, which receives major support from Iran, stepped up its assaults on Israel after Mr. al-Arouri’s death. Israel’s military hit back at Hezbollah in Lebanon, killing several of the group’s commanders .

March and April: An Israeli drone strike hit a car in southern Lebanon, killing at least one person. Israel’s military said it had killed the deputy commander of Hezbollah’s rocket and missile unit. Hezbollah acknowledged the death of a man, Ali Abdulhassan Naim, but did not provide further details.

The same day, airstrikes killed soldiers near Aleppo, northern Syria, in what appeared to be one of the heaviest Israeli attacks in the country in years. The strikes killed 36 Syrian soldiers, seven Hezbollah fighters and a Syrian from a pro-Iran militia, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based group that tracks Syria’s civil war.

Israel’s military did not claim responsibility. But the country’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, wrote on social media, “We will pursue Hezbollah every place it operates and we will expand the pressure and the pace of the attacks.”

Three days later, strikes on an Iranian Embassy building in Damascus killed three top Iranian commanders and four officers, an attack Iran blamed on Israel.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg contributed reporting.

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2024 Masters prize money, purse: Payouts, winnings for Scottie Scheffler, each golfer from $20 million pool

More than history and a green jacket were on the line at augusta national on sunday.

Plenty of green was up for grabs at the 2024 Masters on Sunday -- not only in the form of the famed jacket awarded to the winner of this year's tournament but also in regards to the prize money being paid out from a record-setting pool. Augusta National Golf Club announced that the 2024 Masters would have a total purse of $20 million, marking a new tournament high by $2 million and the largest payout awarded to players at one of the nation's most pristine venues.

Scottie Scheffler was the greatest beneficiary of that increased purse, capturing the $3.6 million winner's share by capturing his second Masters championship in three years . Finishing 11 under with a 4-under 68 capping a tremendous tournament, Scheffler became the fourth-youngest golfer to win two green jackets and the 10th to win two in a three-year span. The $3.6 million prize is $360,000 more than 2023 champion Jon Rahm earned a year ago.

Runner-up Ludvig Åberg achieved quite a payday in his first career major championship. Pressing Scheffler down the stretch, the young Swede scored $2.16 million for second place, a larger sum than either Danny Willett (2016) or Jordan Spieth (2015) earned for winning the green jacket.

Scheffler and Åberg were not the only players set to receive significant green by week's end. In fact, the top three were set to receive seven-figure paydays, except Collin Morikawa struggled down the stretch and entered into a three-way tie with Max Homa and Tommy Fleetwood. Morikawa lost $320,000 by bogeying the last, though he increased the take-home of Homa and Fleetwood with the trio each taking home $1.04 million. This marked the first time that the Masters had five players bring home $1 million or more.

Those among the top 11 were set to see at least $500,000 deposited into their bank accounts, and the handsome payouts trickled down the leaderboard with every golfer inside the top 36 leaving Augusta National with six figures.

2024 Masters prize money, purse, payouts

Total purse: $20 million

1st — $3,600,000 -- Scottie Scheffler (-11) 2nd — $2,160,000 -- Ludvig Åberg (-7) 3rd — $1,360,000 -- Tommy Fleetwood, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa (-4) -- $1,040,000 each 4th — $960,000 5th — $800,000 6th — $720,000 -- Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau (-2) -- $695,000 each 7th — $670,000 8th — $620,000 -- Xander Schauffele (-1) 9th — $580,000 -- Will Zalatoris, Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Young (E) -- $540,000 each 10th — $540,000 11th — $500,000 12th — $460,000 -- Patrick Reed, Matthieu Pavon, Adam Schenk, Cam Davis (+1) -- $405,000 each 13th — $420,000 14th — $380,000 15th — $360,000 16th — $340,000 -- Nicolai Højgaard, Sepp Straka, Chris Kirk, Byeong Hun An (+2) -- $310,000 each 17th — $320,000 18th — $300,000 19th — $280,000 20th — $260,000 -- Lucas Glover, Taylor Moore (+3) -- $250,000 each 21st — $240,000 22nd — $224,000 -- Patrick Cantlay, Keegan Bradley, Joaquin Niemann, Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Adam Scott, Harris English, Min Woo Lee (+4) -- $175,500 each 23rd — $208,000 24th — $192,000 25th — $176,000 26th — $160,000 27th — $154,000 28th — $148,000 29th — $142,000 30th — $136,000 -- Jason Day, Si Woo Kim, Rickie Fowler, J.T. Poston, Tom Kim (+5) -- $124,200 each 31st — $130,000 32nd — $124,000 33rd — $118,000 34th — $113,000 35th — $108,000 -- Akshay Bhatia, Kurt Kitayama, Camilo Villegas (+6) -- $103,000 each 36th — $103,000 37th — $98,000 38th — $94,000 -- Hideki Matsuyama, Corey Conners, Ryan Fox, Luke List, Russell Henley (+7) -- $86,000 each 39th — $90,000 40th — $86,000 41st — $82,000 42nd — $78,000 43rd — $74,000 -- Phil Mickelson, Shane Lowry (+8) -- $72,000 each 44th — $70,000 45th — $66,000 -- Brooks Koepka, Jose Maria Olazabal, Jon Rahm, Danny Willett, Denny McCarthy, Sahith Theegala (+9) -- $57,200 each 46th — $62,000 47th — $58,000 48th — $54,800 49th — $52,000 50th — $50,400

Those lucky enough to make the cut but not lucky enough to finish inside the top 50 will still receive compensation, though it will trend downwards from the $50,400 figure given to the player who ultimately finishes in 50th.

51st — Grayson Murray (+10) 52nd — Eric Cole (+11) 53rd — Adam Hadwin, Neal Shipley (+12) 55th — Jake Knapp, Erik van Rooyen, Tony Finau (+13) 58th — Vijay Singh, Thorbjorn Olesen (+14) 60th — Tiger Woods (+16)

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