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These Are the World’s Best Cruise Ships

From long-standing icons to newer ships with modern amenities and innovative eco-friendly features, this is our list of the best cruise ships sailing the seas..

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The Sunroom on Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot with chairs and loungers facing a wall of windows and a server with a tray

French line Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s most luxurious icebreaker—and one of the best cruise ships in the world.

Photos by Gilles Trillard/Ponant

As a longtime cruise writer, I’ve sailed on more than 170 ships over the course of nearly four decades. Cruise ships have changed so much since I first started sailing. They are more technologically advanced and more environmentally friendly . They sail faster and quieter and leave less of a footprint. Ships now can produce their water using onboard desalinization plants, and they are cutting their energy use and laying the groundwork for a move away from fossil fuels. They’re exploring new places beyond the Caribbean and Europe and Alaska, from the far reaches of the South Pacific to the west coast of Africa, the southern tip of South America, and the North Pole.

Other welcome developments in recent years include more reliable and faster Wi-Fi —meaning you can catch up on your work and stay connected with friends and family while on board (if you must)—and a greater variety of dining options, such as menus with vegan and plant-based selections. There are more cruise ships with family-friendly services, too, as well as those catering more to solo travelers with dedicated staterooms and social spaces.

Luxury cruise lines are working harder to compete with land-based resorts and boutique hotel properties in order to court first-time cruisers , and consequently are moving to more casual dress codes and emphasizing yacht-style features, with a greater focus on connecting more to the passing scenery with large windows and better viewing areas—reminding passengers of the undeniable benefits and convenience of traveling on a luxurious resort on water, where you only have to pack and unpack once as you sail to new destinations while admiring the ocean views along the way.

From long-standing icons that have maintained their unique style and character over the years, to newer ships that showcase modern amenities and innovative sustainability efforts, this is our list of the world’s best cruise ships—vessels that are the best in class when it comes to service, staterooms, public areas, and creating a beautiful, floating home away from home for seafaring travelers exploring the world.

1. Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2"

The Grand Lobby on the Queen Mary 2 with soaring ceilings and a grand, winding staircase, and grand piano

When it comes to cruising, it doesn’t get more majestic than the Queen Mary 2 with its soaring Grand Lobby.

Courtesy of Greywolf Studios Limited/Cunard

  • Best for: Traditional cruising
  • Suggested itinerary: 7-night transatlantic crossing , from $1,289 per person

Venerable British line Cunard’s 2,705-passenger Queen Mary 2 is a real ocean liner, a vessel defined by its reinforced steel hull that can handle the Atlantic, which it crosses regularly on sailings between Southampton, U.K., and Brooklyn, New York. Being onboard feels like a special occasion, especially if you join the crowd in the ship’s chandeliered Queens Room ballroom, where passengers can dance to a live big band in a throwback to the golden era of travel. The ship operates in traditional style, meaning you dine based on your type of accommodation. At the high end, Princess and Queens Grill guests can access exclusive restaurants where they can order tableside preparations such as Dover sole. For the rest, the Art Deco–inspired main dining room, Britannia, with its soaring ceilings, staircase, and chandeliers, fulfills any fantasies you might have of glamorous ships of yore. Beyond the pomp and circumstance, you’ll find the best pub at sea, complete with darts tournaments, trivia competitions, and pub grub. Spend time in the massive ocean-view library, relax in the spa with a hydrotherapy pool, and sip at the champagne bar while listening to live jazz. Embrace the interesting talks hosted by historians and other fascinating lecturers—when you’re not walking around deck embracing the fact that in crossing a mighty sea you are part of a long and storied seafaring tradition.

Read our full review of sailing a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 .

2. Viking’s ocean ships

The Wintergarden pool and lounge area on a Viking ocean ship with high ceilings, natural lighting, and modern sofas and armchairs in warm and natural colors

On Viking ocean ships, Scandinavian design details, such as the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, with high ceilings and natural lighting in its pool and lounge areas, are showcased throughout.

Courtesy of Viking

  • Best for: Destination experiences
  • Suggested itinerary: 14-night Viking Homelands itinerary between Bergen, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden, from $6,999 per person

When river cruise line Viking debuted its ocean ships with the 930-passenger Viking Star in 2015, it was with the goal of creating a better, value-packed cruise experience for adults aged 55 and up. Eight sister ships followed, all with the same profile of stunning Scandinavian decor, well-planned itineraries that linger in ports, and the promise of no nickel-and-diming. Everyone stays in a spacious veranda stateroom or suite; specialty restaurants, such as a fine Italian venue, and a chef’s tasting experience are complimentary, and so is the accompanying beer and wine. Live lectures and broadcasts of TED Talks encourage learning. Some of my favorite experiences on these well-oiled ships include Mamsen’s Café, which offers made-to-order Norwegian waffles with cheese; the two-deck Explorer Lounge with its forward-facing wall of glass for views, and cool nautical knickknacks on the shelves; and the gorgeous, light-filled, glass-enclosed Wintergarden with its pool and lounging areas. I could often be found indulging in the crab legs at the seafood bar at the World Café. Don’t miss the complimentary spa complete with a snow room and heated thalassotherapy pool. A shore excursion at every port is included in your cruise fare, and there are overnight port calls on many itineraries—sometimes even multiple overnights to maximize the destination experience. Passengers can choose additional excursions for an extra fee, such as exploring the culinary highlights of Gdánsk, Poland, or biking the streets of Oslo.

3. Virgin Voyages’ ”Scarlet Lady”

Bar stools and bar with low, moody lighting on Virgin Voyages' 'Scarlet Lady'

On Virgin Voyages, an entire cruise line designed around the 18-and-over set, adults are sure to have some fun.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

  • Best for: Fun adult time
  • Suggested itinerary: 4-night cruise from Miami to Key West and Bimini , from $619 per person

In October 2021, a fun-loving girlfriend and I boarded the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady , which had just launched, wondering what playful billionaire Richard Branson could possibly bring to cruising that was new. The answer was adult fun. Virgin Voyages, Branson’s relatively new adults-only cruise endeavor, has a three-ship fleet that consists of Scarlet Lady and sister ships Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady and is reserved for those aged 18 and up who are willing to indulge in a bit of cheekiness. Passengers (Virgin refers to them as “sailors”) can grab a scoop at the Lick Me ‘Till ice cream shop and be pampered by a crew who are encouraged to show off their piercings, tattoos, dyed hair, and unique personal style. You can get your own ink and piercings at the onboard tattoo parlor. Expect dance parties with circus and diva performers and lots of day drinking. Another fun feature? You can shake your phone while using the ship’s app to request a bottle of champagne delivered to you anywhere on the ship. Dining is complimentary at restaurants including a Korean BBQ spot complete with drinking games, and a chef’s-gone-wild venue where dishes may arrive smoking or popping. Virgin encourages donations to marine conservation, sources sustainable seafood, and bans most single-use plastics; plus, heat from the ship’s engines generates some electricity (decreasing fuel demand).

Here’s our full review of sailing with Virgin Voyages.

4. Silverseas Cruises’ “Silver Nova”

View of the pool deck on the ultra-luxurious 'Silver Nova' with the ocean in the background

You’ll have ocean views for days on the ultra-luxurious Silver Nova .

Courtesy of Silversea

  • Best for: Ultra-luxurious pampering
  • Suggested itinerary: 7-night Alaska cruise , between Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, Canada, from $6,300 per person

Silversea’s fleet of sleek, Euro-designed ships exude luxury with their refined decor and butlers and attentive crew who deliver next-level pampering. With the new 728-passenger Silver Nova , Silversea created more spaces featuring ocean views, adding more glass windows and an ocean-facing main pool and dining room. On this stunning vessel, relax on a cushy lounge chair at the pool—which, rather than being placed in the center of the ship (the standard location on cruise ships), is off to one side so that everyone can enjoy maximum views. Get the best seat in the house at the outdoor bar or grill restaurant, also designed for prime ocean viewing. The ship’s stunning three-story atrium showcases the sea through a massive wall of glass, offering views from various levels, including from the champagne bar, the coffee shop, or a classy club chair in the Dolce Vita bar. Even the ship’s glass elevators face the sea. On the classy Silver Nova , you’ll find Silversea favorites such as an expanded SALT (Sea and Land Taste) program, which allows you to eat, sip, and learn about local flavors in the destinations you are visiting; passengers might sample Croatian wines in the Adriatic, for instance. On the sustainability front, Silver Nova is groundbreaking: It’s equipped with a large-scale hybrid power source, which combines hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and dual engines that run on liquified natural gas.

5. Seabourn’s “Seabourn Ovation”

'Seabourn Ovation' in Alaska with snowy mountains in the background

You’ll hardly be roughing it when you sail on the Seabourn Ovation .

Courtesy of Seabourn

  • Best for: Sophisticated design
  • Suggested itinerary: 10-day “Mediterranean Overture” cruise , from Barcelona to Rome, from $5,881 per person

Noted hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany had yachts in mind when he designed Seabourn’s ultra-luxe, 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation , as well as sister ships Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Odyssey . He likes to describe the ships as “sexy,” for their smooth corners and tactile fabrics. The ships have an at-home quality—if you happen to live in an art-filled modern mansion. Ovation ’s collection comprises some 1,600 artworks from 120 emerging artists meant to serve as “windows to the world’s different climate zones, its flora, fauna, and habitat, and … impressions of the world we encounter as we travel,” according to Seabourn . Guests stay in oceanfront suites with walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, and if you spring for a Wintergarden suite, you get a glass-enclosed solarium with a soaking tub. The main pool is a plush lounging spot, but a floor above you may retreat to the Retreat, where you can rent a fancy cabana and have a private attendant deliver complimentary champagne and caviar and whatever else you’re craving. Among other culinary delights is excellent gelato made onboard. Some guests like to dress up onboard, while others would rather focus on relaxing in comfortable clothing. For those focused on the latter, a partnership with wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil, includes such experiences as a chakra-balancing crystal sound bath..

6. Ponant’s “Le Commandant Charcot”

Exterior of expedition vessel 'Le Commandant Charcot' with the sky and clouds reflected in the water

Explore the world’s most extreme environments on the world’s most luxurious icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.

Photo by Nicolas Dubreuil/Ponant

  • Best for: Eco-friendly features
  • Suggested itinerary: 12-night “The St. Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter” cruise , from $24,210 per person

One of the world’s most luxurious icebreakers is also one of the most eco-friendly ships afloat. French line Ponant’s 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot is a hybrid electric ship that can sail for up to eight hours emissions-free, as it takes guests to destinations such as Greenland and the North Pole and, new in 2025, Quebec in winter. The other energy sources are liquified natural gas and low-sulfur gas oil, together cutting carbon emissions by 25 percent compared to more conventional ship fuel. Guests onboard are treated to fine French cuisine (Alain Ducasse is the culinary adviser) and wine, as well as plush cabins and suites with balconies or terraces. They can watch icebergs and polar bears passing by from the serenity of the heated pools on the sides of the ship that are heated by recycled energy from the ship’s propulsion. Inside, there’s another heated pool and a spa with a snow room and sauna, where therapists serve up massages using natural and eco-friendly products. Scientists are on board conducting research and discussing topics such as climate change. Zodiac-boat exploration led by naturalists gets you close to both ice and wildlife. There’s also the opportunity for polar kayaking, ice fishing, dogsledding, and snowshoeing, depending on the destination.

7. Windstar’s “Wind Surf”

Overhead image of Windstar sailing vessel

Is there a more classic way to be out on the water than to have the wind in your *Windstar* sails?

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

  • Best for: A sailing experience
  • Suggested itinerary: 7-night “Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway,” roundtrip from St. Maarten, from $2,199 per person

The world’s largest sailing ship is a dream come true for those who appreciate the sight of 26,881 square feet of Dacron unfurling and catching wind. The 342-passenger, 525-foot Wind Surf delivers a sense of pride, especially when you’re in port and you point to your ship’s five masts, to envious sighs of your new friends. Windstar delivers luxury in a relaxed, friendly fashion, and that includes getting close to the sea on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards launched from the ship’s watersports platform—that is, when you’re not swimming out to the vessel’s water trampoline. Dancing under the stars on deck will appeal to those looking for romance; hanging out with the officers on the bridge is a must for sailing fans. The cuisine shines, which is not surprising since Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. Visiting chefs come on board, and local product is featured. I suggest accompanying the head chef as they gather ingredients at local markets. At the spa, choose treatments inspired by cruising regions. The ship is slated for a two-part redesign of public spaces in 2024 and suite updates in 2026, which will likely make a good thing even better.

8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ”Seven Seas Splendor”

The deck on the 'Seven Seas Splendor'

Wine, dine, admire masterpieces, and relax in luxury onboard the Seven Seas Splendor .

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  • Best for: Over-the-top luxury
  • Suggested itinerary: 10-night cruise from Athens to Monte Carlo , from $8,599 per person

For lovers of glitz and glamor, Regent Seven Seas Cruises won’t disappoint with its self-proclaimed “world’s most luxurious ship,” the 750-passenger all-suite Seven Seas Splendor , and similarly promoted sister ships, the Seven Seas Explorer and the new Seven Seas Grandeur . On Splendor you’ll find crystal and glass chandeliers aplenty, an extensive art collection, and enough Carrara marble to fill a football field and then some. Care is shown in the details. Sit in a silk-covered chair in the elegant Chartreuse dining room, where a tuxedo-clad waiter will serve a truffle-enhanced tart and you can imagine yourself in a grand hotel in Paris. Enter the Prime 7 steakhouse, where at the bar you’ll pass art pieces by Joan Miró and Picasso. Much on Splendor is completely over-the-top. The leathers are butter soft, the carpets and velvet details as plush as can be. In your suite, enjoy some alone time with an extravagant meal accompanied by champagne, served course by course on a white tablecloth on your private veranda. Want more? For about $11,000 per night, the top-end, 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite comes with a $200,000 horsehair bed, a Steinway grand piano, and its own spa.

9. Explora Journeys’ ”Explora I”

The pool deck on the recently launched 'Explora I'

For a relaxed resort atmosphere where passengers of all ages are made to feel welcome, book a sailing on the recently launched Explora I .

Ivan Sarfatti/Explora Journeys

  • Best for: Multigenerational cruising
  • Suggested itinerary: 7-night cruise between Athens and Venice , from $4,462 per person

Explora Journeys is a new luxury cruise line that launched its first ship, Explora I , in 2023. The ship carries up to 900 guests, but the cruise line plans to limit guests to 700 because the biggest luxury here is space on a vessel that bills itself as a resort experience at sea. The food at the four restaurants and at arguably the best marketplace and buffet at sea is divine (unsurprising, since French Master Chef Franck Garanger, who previously headed cuisine for Oceania Cruises, is cooking here with a big budget, delivering treats such as a spoonful of caviar on your breakfast eggs). Complimentary Moët & Chandon flows freely. The contemporary Italian design is sleek and gorgeous: Large cabins all have balconies, and over-the-top ocean residences (suites) have outdoor whirlpools. Aside from those, the four swimming pools and assorted hot tubs mean you can always find a quiet lounging spot. Big-ship features include a pickleball court and a casino. The big difference here is a push to welcome multigenerational families onboard. Unusual for a luxury cruise product is the staffed kids club where the counselors speak multiple languages as they lead activities focused on ocean conservation—when the kids aren’t playing pool or other games. Connecting suites make it easy for families to have more space, too.

Here’s our full review of sailing on the Explora I .

10. Silversea Cruises’ “Silver Origin”

The upper-deck jacuzzi on the 'Silver Origin'

Sail the Galapagos in style on the Silver Origin .

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Best for: Nature meets luxury Suggested itinerary: 7-night Galapagos cruise , from $11,700 per person Book now

Silversea Cruises’ 100-passenger Silver Origin delivers luxury in the remote Galapagos National Park, where you can catch spectacular views while soaking in a hot tub as your butler serves champagne. Beyond sizable suites and butler service for all is an experienced team of naturalists who make sure you don’t miss the sight of blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, and myriad other creatures in this nature wonderland. Visitors to the park may only go onshore, snorkel, or kayak when accompanied by a park-certified naturalist guide—with one guide to every 16 travelers. The ship was built specifically for the Galapagos, with the luxurious decor subtly befitting the destination and showcasing local art and artifacts. Passengers eat exceptionally good ceviche and international cuisine overseen by an enthusiastic Ecuadorian chef. You may enjoy the vistas from a cushy club chair in the ocean-view library while perusing a book about Darwin. A top-deck platform provides undisturbed views of the night sky and perhaps volcanic activity. And you’re on a ship designed to hover over delicate seabeds without disturbing the marine life you’ve come to see.

Read our full review of sailing on the Silver Origin .

11. Lindblad Expeditions’ ”National Geographic Resolution”

Lindblad's 'National Geographic Resolution'

Expedition specialist Lindblad brings travelers to remote destinations in comfort on the National Geographic Resolution .

Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

  • Best for: Remote exploration
  • Suggested itinerary: 13-night “Journey to Antarctica,” from $16,020 per person

Lindblad Expeditions has always prided itself on soft-adventure exploration, destination expertise, and education, including a long-time partnership with National Geographic. On the 138-passenger polar exploration ship National Geographic Resolution and its sister ship, National Geographic Endurance, the company has made an extra effort to make passengers very comfortable on their remote adventures. All accommodations have ocean views, and many have balconies equipped with hammocks for relaxing. Care was taken with the polar-inspired art collection, which creatively documents climate change and includes a soundscape and installations, such as art created with recycled plastic bags in the reception area. The ship has an inverted X-bow (the farthest point of the bow is situated at the bottom of the vessel rather than at the top) for improved performance and a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride. Two infinity-edge hot tubs and the spa’s two ocean-view saunas are the perfect spots for warming up after exploring polar regions on inflatable Zodiacs boats or kayaks, cross-country skis, or snowshoes, accompanied by the experienced naturalist team. Nat Geo experts provide photo advice, and historians and marine biologists host onboard lectures. Enjoy such sustainable dining experiences as a Zero-Waste chef’s table. Another unusual experience: Guests can sleep overnight in a top-deck glass igloo to admire the polar landscape.

Read our full review of sailing on the National Geographic Resolution .

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On Edge-series ships, experience the magic of an Infinite Veranda® stateroom, where the push of a button gives you open-air access to the sea, taking your room right to the water’s edge. At The Retreat, stay in one of our spectacular suites, like the Iconic Suite that offers unparalleled views from above the captain’s bridge, and our breathtaking two-story Edge Villas that come with their own private plunge pool.

Our world-class dining experience brings the flavors and food of our destinations right onto your plate. Savor delicious cuisine at our main restaurants, where menus are updated daily with global dishes and tried-and-true favorites. Plan a special evening at a specialty restaurant, like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Tuscan Grille, and Le Petit Chef®. Foodies can try signature dishes by Daniel Boulud, our Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, at The Retreat’s private restaurant, Luminae, or enjoy a five-course meal at the Chef’s Table by Daniel Boulud.

Our luxury cruise ships are filled with entertainment for all ages and preferences. Watch riveting shows at the cutting-edge theater, which feature popular music, stunning dance sequences, and gravity-defying acrobatics. Sign up for a wine tasting with one of our expert sommeliers, or take a hot glass class and learn how to make your own piece of art. Take the kids to Camp at Sea, the only fully customizable camp at sea. Arrange a romantic picnic at the rooftop Lawn Club, where you can lounge on a half-acre of real grass while gazing at the ocean.

Enjoy a thrilling night out at the casino or a leisurely afternoon shopping in the onboard boutiques. Sip on artisanal cocktails and dance under the stars at the Magic Carpet or the Rooftop Garden. Pamper yourself at The Spa, or squeeze in some exercise at The Fitness Center. Our award-winning ships have everything you could ever ask for—and much, much more.

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The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

By CNT Editors

The Best Cruise Ships in the World The Gold List 2024

Consider Gold List the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: What are your favourite places to stay? Our 30th annual iteration of the world’s greatest hotels and cruises captures nearly a year’s worth of work: This collection represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting, and impassioned debating by our team of editors in seven cities across the globe. But more than that, it reflects our ongoing love affair with the places where we stay, which often become our gateways to entire destinations. Read on to inspire your next cruise.

See the full Gold List here.

Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

The Best Cruise Ships in the World The Gold List 2024

Celebrity Beyond

Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here’s one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to the sound of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Beyond is one of the largest ships in Celebrity’s Edge class, and all that space is used to maximise the drama. A whole corridor is filled with a glowing installation of bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors; a favourite anchorage was Eden, a beautiful, biophiliac bubble for hiding away in, watching the ship’s wake through triple-height windows and dawdling in swivel chairs that resemble green carnations. As for the cast, there are some stellar performers: Kelly Hoppen designed most of the interiors; Daniel Boulud’s debut signature restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, has an impeccable, globe-trotting menu alighting on Brazilian moqueca and tamarind prawns. But top of the bill is Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship. A captain hasn’t been this synonymous with their ship since the days of Merrill Stubing; follow her social media for a glimpse into the art of ship navigation. During our short, prelaunch cruise, we had an itinerary that involved looping round and round the Isle of Wight – a short trip, but one that was big on sheer spectacle. Three-night sailings from £237 per person. Rick Jordan

Book now at Celebrity Cruises

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness  which is wild when you...

Delfin II – Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness – which is wild when you consider how much life thrives there. It was on a nine-day journey through Peru with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic that I learned this, as we spent five of those days exploring the jungle by boat. Our chariot: the Delfin II , a Relais & Châteaux vessel with 14 thoughtfully appointed staterooms.

Most days began with a crack-of-dawn skiff ride soundtracked by the squall of jewel-winged, dusky-headed parakeets. The photographers pulled out their football lenses and the birders gasped from behind their binoculars as naturalists pointed out an elegant snowy egret picking its way through a mudbank, a neotropic cormorant spreading its gothy black wings like a vampire, and the somber Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in South America, standing like a dour English butler on a naked tree limb. Also flagged were capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, flamboyant bromeliads, and – after dark – scores of caimans and capybaras.

We spent one muggy morning in a Kukama village, where indigenous women wove raffia bowls and cooked catfish, and another morning paddling the river – an outing which culminated with a pod of pink river dolphins leaping from the water mere feet from our kayaks. (Even our seen-it-all naturalist, Sandro, clapped like a schoolgirl.)

This deep in the Amazon jungle, there were no other tourists. When we did see signs of human life, they were usually fishermen or park rangers. And because there was no Wi-Fi on the Delfin II and a near total blackout on cell reception, downtime was spent attending lectures on Amazonian ecology, sampling native fruits (how the aptly named ice cream bean hasn’t been pitched on Shark Tank yet, I’ll never know), and buddying up to the ship bar, where I made fast friends of fellow guests. (Expedition cruises always draw a fascinating lot; my cohort included a microbiologist, metaphysical transcendentalist, and one of the earliest Apple employees.)

The highlight of the trip, however, was hiking through the jungle with a local tracker who showed us a brown-throated three-toed sloth, Goliath bird-eating tarantula, junior anaconda, and a century-old strangler fig. When we finally emerged from the bush, we were treated to a spectacular tangerine-and-charcoal sunset punctured by bolts of lighting. It was surreal and intense, just like everything else in this untouched corner of the world. Eight-day sailings from £4,528 per person. Ashlea Halpern

Book now at Expeditions

RitzCarltons first foray into cruising the Evrima is a hotelatsea experience that might just be the antidote to all the...

Evrima – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into cruising, the Evrima is a hotel-at-sea experience that might just be the antidote to all the big ship itineraries. Think ultra-small ship luxury (at half the capacity of the Seabourns and Regents) with plenty of scenery options to choose from – the European Mediterranean (routes from Turkey to the Canary Islands) from spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Barts) in winter – and a younger crowd than most of the luxury cruise market; mostly culture lovers with a dearth of cruising experience who can't wait to get ashore to the Côte d’Azur village restaurants. The 624-foot ship is the first in a fleet of three emerging over the next few years, and it still feels spacious with 149 suites, two pools, a cigar humidor, six bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor Observation Lounge, The Bar, and bars located at the Marina Terrace, the Pool House, and Mistral), a beauty salon and spa deck, water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness centre. The 246 staff range from deck crew to your cabin’s personal concierge, all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen– but titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to dining leads will pause to actually get to know you and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home, which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega-yacht. And the Evrima itinerary has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings, so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night – gallivanting, dining, and imbibing with the new friends you'll no doubt meet onboard. Seven-night sailings from £4,583 per person. Shannon McMahon

Book now at Ritz-Carlton

Is there any Marina passenger who doesnt wish  even for a second  to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day...

Marina – Oceania Cruises

Is there any Marina passenger who doesn’t wish – even for a second – to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day? Perhaps only the smarty pants who booked their next cruise before this one ends. Otherwise, how can an epicurean cruiser (that’s Marina ’s crowd) not pine for another shot at the new wine list starring 80 highly coveted, hard-to-snag labels, including swoon-worthy Super Tuscans? You’ll long for one more brag-worthy chance to sip The Mascot, a label from Harlan family pedigree (think cult fave Harlan Estate); the Polo Grill’s deft sommelier knows exactly which prime steak pairs best. Despite eight compelling complimentary restaurants (Red Ginger’s signature lobster pad thai is still a must-devour), Marina vibes far more than great meals. Work up a sweat storm playing pickleball on deck 16 or braving core conditioning in the gym. Melt into a marine detox wrap (I love the juniper and lemon scent) at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, then sink into the spa terrace’s bubbling hot tub. Get down and dirty in the artist loft by painting a Venetian mask and playing Impressionist. In the hands-on culinary centre, learn to cure a fish or preserve a lemon. Come May 2024, Marina debuts a splashy redo. Fall in love again with revamped avocado toast – bravo to the taco-spiced shrimp topping – in the new wellness-driven Aquamar kitchen. Where you lie your head hardly matters. An entry 291-square-foot stateroom starring a four-pillow, soft-sheet bed feels mighty spacious and sports Bulgari shampoo. That said, the top-to-bottom penthouse suites’ glam reno is beyond covetable, from the expanded bath to a boatload of enviable perks. Ten-day sailings from £1,579 per person. Janice Wald Henderson

Book now at Oceania Cruises

Who better to guide you through Norways most remote reaches  including the Svalbard archipelago the northernmost...

MS Trollfjord – Hurtigruten

Who better to guide you through Norway’s most remote reaches – including the Svalbard archipelago, the northernmost inhabited islands on the planet – than a Norwegian cruise company that knows the area’s every crag and fjord? Hurtigruten is an Oslo-based line whose ships have traversed these waters since 1893, ferrying freight, mail and passengers to the communities along the rugged coast. In 2023, to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the company’s flagship, the newly refurbished, 500-passenger MS Trollfjord (named for a fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago) began sailing two hybrids of its original 34-port Norwegian Coastal Express, calling at several of the towns and villages on the original route. From September through April, the North Cape Express (a 13-day, 16-port itinerary) sails from Oslo to the North Cape and then south to Bergen. In the summertime, the Svalbard Express’s eight-day journey begins in Bergen and progresses north, with extended port calls and excursions in seven towns before entering the Arctic Circle and pulling into Longyearbyen, a mining town on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s main island. On both routes Trollfjord offers its (mostly European) passengers an uncommon way to explore the region, with uniquely Nordic cultural touches to connect them to the country. There’s a pre-boarding spread of Norwegian fare in the ship’s departure lounge, and Trollfjord ’s three restaurants prioritise Scandinavian cuisine (salmon, reindeer and lingonberries, oh my!) and the food culture of the indigenous Sámi people. The ship’s 277 staterooms and 12 suites (with walk-in closets, corner bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows) offer a cosy retreat from the sometimes-harsh weather. And typically Nordic diversions such as aquavit tastings, oceanview saunas and polar plunges leave you in no doubt about where you are and who you’re sailing with. 10-day sailings from £2,435 per person. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Book now at Hurtigruten

Imagine the most luxurious hotel youve ever stayed in. Thats precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas...

Navigator – Regent Seven Seas

Imagine the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Navigator feels like. And while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space, it’s worth mentioning that the staff are what make the experience memorable, remembering your name, preferences, likes, and dislikes from the second you step afoot the eight-deck vessel.

The 248 ultraluxe all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home – despite their capacious interiors – and your personalised steward makes sure of that with thoughtful touches from the moment you check in. Thanks to a revamp in 2019, the ship feels pristine with a new library – complete with a faux fireplace – and sleek state-of-the-art furnishings (including the cruise line’s bespoke mattresses and bed linens) in each of the rooms. However, what makes the Navigator stand out from its counterparts is its intimate size, as it’s the smallest in Regent’s fleet. Everything onboard feels just an arm’s reach away, and you’ll quickly bond with fellow passengers after spending the day together on one of the complimentary shore excursions, such as tours by local guides, cooking classes, and other intimate adventures.

During my Mediterranean voyage, days were spent immersing ourselves in new cities, whereas nights began with a freshly shaken ice-cold martini followed by an exuberant dinner, with a stop in the Seven Seas Lounge for whatever was on tap that night, ranging from cabaret to karaoke. At the end of the journey, I left wanting more and with a suitcase full of clean clothes, thanks to one of the many attentive touches onboard: the included laundry service. 10-night sailings from £2,655 per person. Rachel Dube

Book now at Regent Seven Seas Cruises

“We are not the Rat Pack” quips Andrew Pedder the witty Yorkshireborn captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to...

Ovation – Seabourn

“We are not the Rat Pack,” quips Andrew Pedder, the witty Yorkshire-born captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to himself and the other senior officers, for any guests who may have wandered into their impromptu panel session instead of the musical show taking place later that evening. The Q&A – which covers everything from the prettiest ports to the number of Champagne bottles typically consumed during a seven-day voyage – is part of a last-minute program of activities arranged for an unexpected sea day when it’s too windy to dock in the South of France. This is mid-October, on one of the ship’s jaunts around the Mediterranean for the season, and no one seems to mind the change of plan (although when we do explore, all the islands we visit – Menorca, Corsica, Elba – are blissfully tourist-free). It simply means more time for spa treatments, soaks in the outdoor hot tubs, and afternoon tea in the observation bar. Even then, it only feels like there are 60 passengers onboard, rather than 600. The restaurants are excellent, from Sushi, where you can sit at the counter watching the Japanese chefs at work, to poolside Earth & Ocean for Tandoori-style rotisserie chicken and Madras-style white bean cassoulet. Suites are spacious, each one with a balcony. West End–standard entertainment includes a magician and a chart-topping classical singer. But what makes this ultraluxe ship really memorable is the relaxed, on-point service by staff who remember your name and coffee order, or even a familiar face from a sailing five years ago. Seven-day sailings from £2,093 per person. Emma Love

Book now at Seabourn

Silversea is defined by its farflung itineraries and exceptional onboard service . But the 220passenger Silver Endeavour...

Silver Endeavour – Silversea

Silversea is defined by its far-flung itineraries and exceptional onboard service (think Moët Champagne as you take in an iceberg calving in Antarctica). But the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour, new to the fleet and already a classic, raises every bar. Rooms start at a spacious 356 square feet and have luxury perks like pillow menus and a personalised bar, making them the best in all of Silversea’s array of ships. As far as food goes, premium Ars Italica Osetra caviar is complimentary and around-the-clock, though the Dover sole paired with a label from the rare wine menu at La Dame would have you believing you were in Paris. And the signature Otium spa celebrates pampering as much as it does wellness – don’t skip on the oxygen-boosting Golden Radiance facial. You may find yourself at any given hour glimpsing ice walls through the Drake Passage and remembering that the best part about this ship is the awe-inspiring places it dares to take you. 10-day sailings from £10,391. Janice Wald Henderson

Book now at Silversea

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Scarlet Lady – Virgin Voyages

Although new to the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has already begun to set itself apart from its predecessors. When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. While the Scarlet Lady takes you on a familiar route around the Caribbean, the on-shore excursions available are what make this sail memorable. Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls. After the exhilarating experience, travellers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. You can always get local delicacies while docked, but while onboard, you must snag a reservation at the Test Kitchen. It’s an experimental dining experience where the menu always evolves. You go in only seeing a small card with ingredients listed for the night’s meal, but everything else is up to the imagination. One might find cucumbers puréed and frozen into ice cream as dessert, or beets formed and prepared like steak. While en route to the next port, the hard reset one does at the Redemption Spa leaves your body feeling anew; it’s impossible to come back from vacation feeling the same as when you departed. On any Virgin Voyages ship, you’ll love the indulgent atmosphere, whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth by narrowing down your favourite gelato of the day, grabbing a drink at one of the five bars that stake claim to having the largest tequila supply on the seven seas, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for ages after visiting the ship’s tattoo parlour, Squid Ink. Seven-day sailings from £1,659 per person. Paris Wilson

Book now at Virgin Voyages

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction but it...

Queen Mary 2 – Cunard

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction, but it turned out I had nothing to fear. “The ship is the destination,” said an entertainment director for Queen Mary 2 , who oversees a programme that makes this cruise liner the undisputed hub of creative and intellectual stimulation on the high seas. Where else can you attend the annual Literature Festival At Sea, meeting top fiction and nonfiction authors like the late PJ O’Rourke, Bernadine Evaristo, and Louis de Bernières? And where else can you visit a planetarium, watch a Royal Shakespeare theatre production, or hear guest speakers discuss artwork investments and the history of airport drug mules?

In between spa massages and table tennis rallies, I nourished my mind in the mahogany library before nourishing my body at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, scarfing dishes like croquette of suckling pig, paired with excellent vintages and followed by mango pannacotta. On the final stretch of the journey, as dolphins leapt over the horizon and the Statue of Liberty loomed into view, my heart sank a little – New York City awaited, yet I didn’t want to disembark. That’s quite an achievement. Seven-day sailings from £1,097 per person. Noo Saro-Wiwa

Book now at Cunard

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a...

World Navigator – Atlas Ocean Voyages

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator, I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a family reunion: Seemingly everyone else aboard this Arctic expedition had just sailed to Antarctica on the Navigator six months before, so several crew members and guests spent much of embarkation day hugging and catching up. With a maximum occupancy of 196, it’s already an intimate ship, but the fact that the relatively young brand, which debuted in 2019, could develop such an impressive number of repeat travellers in such a short spell speaks volumes. Many told me they were drawn to Atlas because of its eco-friendly bona fides (the new-build ship makes use of hybrid engines from Rolls-Royce designed to leave minimal impact), but the creature comforts on board certainly help. While the star attraction of such an expedition voyage is what lies beyond the decks – access to remote Antarctic fjords that larger vessels can’t dream of traversing, or spotting polar bears loping along pearly glaciers in the Arctic – I made the most of my time in between Zodiac expeditions. The multi-jet shower in my stateroom was sublime after damp and rigorous treks, the heated massage beds in the only L’Occitane Spa at sea are a dream, and the Arctic summer’s 24 hours of sunshine made the Dome observation deck a prime perch to cozy up with a book at any time of day or night. There was neither internet nor cell phone connectivity during my entire eight-day journey sailing thanks to the remote latitudes (though Atlas guests now have access to full Starlink satellite coverage), which meant this was the longest I’d been offline since the 1990s – and yet somehow, drifting through the surreal landscape in this cosseting bubble, I didn’t miss scrolling or chatting with the outside world one bit. Seven-night sailings from £3,752 per person. Sarah Khan

Book now at Atlas Ocean Voyages

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock to RB to country music and to disco hits as...

Westerdam – Holland America Line

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock, to R&B, to country music, and to disco hits as talented singers and a live band perform most nights in the Rolling Stone Lounge, on Holland America Line’s Westerdam . His mechanical movements are a source of amusement and encouragement; if he can take over the dance floor, so can we with our own moves. The 1,916-passenger Westerdam is beloved as a traditional cruise ship, with its smaller-than-mega-ship size, deep blue hull, wraparound outdoor promenade deck, and details such as fresh flowers all around, celebrating the 150-year-old cruise line’s Dutch roots. Tradition does not mean staid. There’s rock and roll. There’s a trendy top-of-ship pickleball court.

On an Alaska cruise, my husband and I start our days with a jolt of caffeine via the baristas at Explorations Central, the ship’s cushy, contemporary, forward-facing observation lounge, before heading off on adventures such as joining other passengers in synchronised paddling a large canoe to see the ancient yet diminishing ice of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. Back on the ship, we indulge in excellent burgers, topped with Gouda and applewood-smoked bacon and served in fast-food wrapping from a stand at the covered Lido pool. We enjoy sustainable Alaska seafood – grilled salmon, fennel-crusted halibut, fried cod – in between cocktails made with local gin, served on real glacial ice. From the veranda of our classic aft cabin, mesmerising views of the ship’s wake, seemingly endless forest, and a distant, blue-tinged glacier clear our brain. We’re ready for more of the dancing man. Seven-day sailings from £299.50 per person. Fran Golden

Book now at Holland America

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a land-based getaway – if you choose wisely. To help you make the most of your travel budget, U.S. News ranked the following cruise lines based on a methodology that factors in itinerary affordability, amenities included in the base fare, health ratings and reputation among experts and travelers. Read on to learn more about this year's best cruise lines for the money, and be sure to check our latest cruise deals for an even more affordable vacation experience. 

Read Best Cruises Methodology

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the best ship cruise

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages may not seem like the most affordable offering at a glance, but it presents cruisers with supreme value. Base fares include all onboard dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, group fitness classes and more. Add those benefits to Virgin's ongoing sales, and you're looking at a top-notch experience for less. 

  • 4.39 Overall Rating
  • 3 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' vessels offer the endless amenities and buffets of its competitors' megaships but maintain the service standard of smaller lines. Rates on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries run less than $200 per person, and all-inclusive add-on packages are available.

  • 4.36 Overall Rating
  • 13 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises targets more adult travelers (especially on longer voyages) than family-oriented lines like Royal Caribbean International, but at similar prices. Along with lodging and select dining, fares cover activities like cooking demonstrations and educational lectures.

  • 4.02 Overall Rating
  • 15 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

Royal Caribbean International

With more than 25 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest lines sailing the ocean today. Having the ability to accommodate thousands of guests per ship allows the company to keep rates low. In fact, travelers may find itineraries in popular destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Pacific Coast for around $250 per person.

  • 4.17 Overall Rating
  • 25 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

Holland America Line

Cruisers will find this premium cruise line to be a pretty good bargain, with four-day Caribbean sailings often starting at less than $300 per person, and short voyages along the Pacific Coast coming in around $100 per person. But cutting costs doesn't mean skimping on service; Holland America ships offer individualized attention, free room service and all-inclusive package options.

  • 4.14 Overall Rating
  • 11 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

MSC Cruises

MSC offers sailings from North American ports like Miami, New York City and Orlando, Florida, though the majority of its voyages depart from international locales. But even if you have to fly to a foreign port, you'll save money over a typical land vacation abroad. Mediterranean sailings can start at around $100 per person, and the line offers several deals and money-saving packages.

  • 3.79 Overall Rating
  • 22 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival specializes in budget-friendly fun, offering frequent, significant discounts on already low prices. In fact, itineraries for around $200 per person are the norm. Access to most of the ships' activities won't cost a penny, but keep in mind that some extras (like specialty restaurants, beverages and certain attractions) aren't covered in fares.

  • 3.90 Overall Rating

the best ship cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line

With its popular, frequently running Free at Sea program, Norwegian offers travelers discounts on Wi-Fi, excursions, alcohol, airfare and more on top of its already low prices. And, similar to luxury lines, Norwegian ditches steadfast rules like assigned dining times, but costs a fraction of the price.

  • 3.97 Overall Rating
  • 19 Ships in Fleet

the best ship cruise

Cunard Line

While you may not expect to find a more opulent line like Cunard on this list, the cruise provider has a surprising number of relatively reasonable fares for upcoming sailings. Travelers can fully enjoy the line's old-world elegance knowing that room service, onboard activities and most dining options are included in the base price.

  • 4.07 Overall Rating

the best ship cruise

Costa Cruises

A member of the Carnival family, Costa Cruises is primarily based in Europe. The fleet offers lower rates than its competitors, particularly for its Mediterranean itineraries (think: fares starting at less than $100 per person). Although it offers family-friendly amenities, Costa's ships are also well-suited to adults, with various entertainment options like theater shows and casinos.

  • 3.50 Overall Rating
  • 8 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Princess cruises just unveiled its most impressive ‘love boat’ ever.

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Sun Princess cruise ship

As the weather inches toward warmer and the months flow into spring, we’re thinking about one thing and one thing only: vacations.

The notion of setting sail in opulent blue seas aboard a massive, state-of-the-line ship simply sounds incredible. Better yet, cruises are becoming more and more luxury leaning, with massive silhouettes and all-inclusive amenities that are newfound additions to signature fleets.

Enter the newly debuted Sun Princess . Dubbed the next-level “Love Boat,” this gorgeous new ship has joined the namesake of Princess Cruises and has made her maiden voyage on Feb. 28.

RELATED : Best cruise lines we reviewed

“Princess Cruises became a household name as the setting and ocean-going co-star of ‘The Love Boat’ that featured over 950 celebrity guest stars,” John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, exclusively told the New York Post. “The show has been widely credited with introducing millions of viewers to the concept of contemporary cruise vacations and leading to the dramatic expansion of the industry and its global success.”

Since that infamous TV show’s opening sequence with a timeless theme song that to this day precisely describes the Princess brand DNA, Princess Cruises has been connected to and is synonymous with “The Love Boat.”

“Beyond the setting of the show, the original cast members have participated in the Princess brand to this day including two ship christenings – Dawn Princess (1997) and Regal Princess (2014), appearing on the cruise line’s Rose Parade float and sailing on a throwback cruise in 2015 all celebrating the lines 50 th anniversary,” Padgett explained. “In May 2018, the six original cast members of ‘The Love Boat’ and Princess Cruises received an honorary star plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of their contributions to the history of television and support of the preservation of the Walk of Fame.”

Sun Princess

Sun Princess

“Sun Princess offers the greatest assembly of culinary experiences from celebrated chefs and celebrity collaborators, as well as ingredients from high-end purveyors, and a lineup of exciting new experiences,” Padgett told The Post.

Standout options include Spellbound by Magic Castle, which blends the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an immersive dining experience, and Makoto Ocean, which reshapes traditional sushi with a creative approach by James Beard Honoree Makoto Okuwa.

An overview of the food and dining experiences on the Sun Princess

Ahead, find a premium assortment of dining options aboard the Sun Princess . Upon booking, you’ll have unlimited access to both buffet and sit-down dining, while some additional dining destinations are offered on an a la carte fee:

  • The Butcher’s Block by Dario : This is a specialty restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher, Dario Checchini, grilling up perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts.
  • The Catch by Rudi : This is a luxe exceptional dinner concept from renowned chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing treasures from the sea.
  • Love by Britto : a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Princess partnered with world-renowned artist Romero Britto to create Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating the essence of “Love” aboard Sun Princess.
  • Kai Sushi by Makoto : Here, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa, presents a new concept of crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions. After showcasing his skills on Food Network’s popular “Iron Chef,” Chef Okuwa has been recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. He also spearheads popular restaurants in Miami, Brazil, Mexico City and Panama.

Sabatini's Restaurant on Princess Cruises

One of the most unique features the ship exhibits is The Dome, a geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. “The Dome is also the backdrop for the incredible artistry of one of the biggest names in entertainment – Cirque Éloize – coming to life by presenting three original, contemporary acrobatic performances,” Padgett said.

Another unique feature is the outward and suspended Sphere. “The namesake of this new class of ship takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension,” he highlighted. “Here guests can take in expansive ocean views, sunrises and sunsets.  Being a premium global cruise line, guests are able to see some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders including glaciers and icebergs while drinking coffee, having a meal or enjoying entertainment.”

Speaking of entertainment, Sun Princess boasts the pinnacle of technological innovation in the world of cruise ship entertainment with the configurable Princess Arena that supports shows in the round, in a 270-degree keyhole configuration, as well as via a traditional proscenium theater.

“Additionally, guests can enjoy our largest casino in the fleet, a two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with over 200 premium brands,” Padgett pinpointed. “The retail space also includes several firsts at sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley.”

How does Princess differ from other cruise lines?

A standout feature characteristic of Princess at large is its implementation and use of its MedallionClass service beginning in 2017 with fleet-wide completion in 2022.

“MedallionClass service is enabled by patented and proprietary technology that gives Princess completely unique capabilities to deliver an individualized and personalized service at a big ship scale,” Padgett detailed. “There have been other vacation brands including cruise, theme parks, all-inclusive options and casinos that have attempted to replicate these unique contactless on-demand real-time dynamic location-based service capabilities, but none have succeeded.”

MedallionClass service is available on every ship in the Princess fleet because the Princess service promise is universal and not dependent on any physical ship vintage or configuration. “When it comes to exceptional service, Princess guests never have to worry about what ship they are sailing on within the fleet or where that ship is in the world because all ships are guaranteed to offer the exclusive Princess MedallionClass experience,” he noted.

Cabana Deck on Princess Cruises

If you’re a frequent cruiser, you know the *struggle* of traditional credit card-style IDs. With the Medallion, you can cruise a bit more conveniently, whether accessing your ocean-view stateroom or buying a watermelon martini at the bar.

What other Princess cruises should I consider?

Princess has a fleet of 16 ships that sail to 330 ports around the world including sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and two World Cruises, one that leaves from Australia and one from the United States.

“This April, we are celebrating our 55th year sailing to Alaska and bringing more people to experience this extraordinary land,” Padgett said. “And for our guests in North America, we have sailings from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Galveston, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Ft. Lauderdale, Boston and New York providing exciting new voyage options that guests can conveniently access from major drive markets.”

What’s more, we’ll be sailing on the Discovery Princess in April 2024, a Pacific Wine Country tour to San Diego; San Francisco; Astoria, OR; Victoria, Canada and Vancouver, Canada.

What to know as a first-time cruiser, according to an expert

“First-time cruisers need to know that cruising is an easy, convenient way to travel,” Padgett said. “You unpack once and experience the best of the region you are visiting in one cruise vacation.” Simply put, there is nothing easier than simply waking up in the morning in the world’s most exciting and interesting cities.

On top of that a cruise vacation provides an incredible value. “Your cruise fare includes accommodations, dining, entertainment and an endless array of activities and ‘transportation’ to a variety of destinations featured on each itinerary,” Padgett added. “With packages like Princess’ Plus and Premiere, guests have maximum options and superior value with the inclusion of drinks, daily gratuity, Wi-Fi, fitness class, specialty desserts and specialty dining.”

Not to mention, the Sun Princess is the newest and a already highly adored ship worth considering for your next vacation.

Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.

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The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024

By Janice Wald Henderson

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The best Alaska cruise excursions can range from the thrilling to the serene. Passengers can fly on sleds led by huskies , ogle bald eagles and salmon-gobbling grizzlies , and soar over towering glaciers in a helicopter. And the best part? All these activities are planned for you as part of the cruise itinerary—as a way for travelers to sample the diverse wonders of The Last Frontier in one fell swoop.

Wildlife sightings may be the more popular Alaska cruise shore excursions, but travelers shouldn't overlook incredible opportunities to learn about the state’s Indigenous cultures , as well as culinary experiences centered around local delicacies such as fresh salmon, halibut, berries, and craft beer.

Just know that the real Alaska , teeming with natural beauty and wildlife, primarily lies away from crowded touristy ports. (Pro tip: for fewer people and more animals, the best time to cruise Alaska is in the spring.) Know, too, that different cruise lines can offer similar excursions, so first choose a ship that speaks to you, then immediately book excursions (popular ones sell fast). Here, an array of Alaska-bound ships with the best cruise excursions, sure to resonate long past your vacay.

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Take in Alaska's glaciers and ice fields from above during this Princess Cruises excursion.

Princess Cruises: Dogsledding and Glacier Adventures by Helicopter

Family-friendly Princess Cruises, in its 55 th season plying Alaskan waters, delivers exemplary excursions that include learning about gold rush history and gold-panning, as well as fishing trips on which one of the ship's chefs cooks your catch. The Dog Sledding and Glacier Adventure by Helicopter, created by an Iditarod musher (they lead huskies on annual 1,000-mile races over Alaska’s roughest terrain), combines two top-notch thrills. Don glacier overboots, board a helicopter, and fly over the Alaskan ice field as the pilot points out icefalls and rock formations. After landing on Norris Glacier, meet top Iditarod race veteran mushers and their dogs. Soon you’ll be whisked on a sled pulled by a team of exuberant huskies for the ride of a lifetime.

Ships and sailings to know: From May to September 2024, Princess offers Alaskan cruises ranging between 7 and 17-days on seven ships, including the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess .

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Assist crew in pulling in crab pots and indulge in fresh Dungeness crab during this popular Celebrity Cruises excursion.

Celebrity Cruises: Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feasts

Adventurous couples relish Celebrity’s adult-oriented amusements, including inviting bars and lounges, fine restaurants, and relaxing spas. Big spenders book the Retreat, a luxurious private enclave—its Luminae restaurant showcases dishes by famed French chef Daniel Boulud. In Ketchikan , a four-hour Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast in Tongass National Forest (America’s largest national forest) scores big buzz. Drive past jaw-dropping sights, like Native Alaskan totem poles, snowcapped mountains, and thunderous waterfalls. Relish a sightseeing vessel ride, assist crew pulling in crab pots (if you like), before tearing into unlimited fresh Dungeness crab with warm clarified butter, and cheesecake drenched in Alaskan blueberries.

Ships and sailings to know: Three premium ships, Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Edge , cruise in Alaska from May until September 2024. The newest and most glam, 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge, on its maiden Alaska season, offers eight-day voyages between Vancouver and Seattle .

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Several cruise lines operating in Alaska offer whale watching excursions.

Holland America Line: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest

Holland America Line serves sustainable wild Alaskan seafood, with park rangers and local Indigenous tribe members often boarding for presentations. In Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest rocks everyone’s boat. Gawk at one of North America’s most spectacular glaciers and learn about glaciers’ remarkable force in a compelling visitor center. Ride to Auke Bay and board a water-jet-powered expedition vessel designed for superior wildlife viewing. When sailing Stephens Passage—renowned as a summer breeding ground for humpback whales—you may well get close enough to hear these giants breathe.

Ships and sailings to know: This cruise line has plied Alaskan waters for more than 75 years, with seven ships sailing 6-19 day itineraries from May to September 2024.

The Alaskan Highway Yukon

The Klondike Highway runs from the Alaska Panhandle to Yukon, Canada.

Crystal: Klondike Highway and White Pass

Formerly Crystal Cruises, the ultra-luxury two-ship Crystal, now owned by global travel leader Abercrombie & Kent, has been beautifully remodeled while maintaining its primary lures: beyond-attentive crew and superb dining. Note this sensational Skagway outing offered on Crystal Serenity Alaskan cruises: Motor along on iconic Klondike Highway to White Pass, reaching its 2,865-foot majestic summit and the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Take an exhilarating walk on this iconic bridge, suspended some 57 feet above Tutshi River’s churning rapids below, if you dare. (Make sure somebody gets a pic.) Even if you beg out, you still get the astonishing view and a hearty bison chili lunch.

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Ships and sailings to know: The 740-passenger Crystal Serenity offers eight-and-nine-day Alaska voyages in July and August 2024.

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Several cruise lines offer bear viewing and photography excursions.

Seabourn: Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography

The outings on this adventure-minded Alaskan cruise exceed typical cruise ships, featuring Ventures by Seabourn excursions with Zodiac explorations, kayaking, and hiking led by expedition experts. In Wrangell, sign up for Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography, joining the expedition team bear expert and a photography specialist for this rousing small-group bear-viewing experience. Travel by boat to the Anan Estuary and Wildlife Observatory in the Tongass National Forest (Anan Creek has Southeast Alaska’s largest pink salmon run) and climb to the observation deck overlooking cascading waterfalls. Expect an electrifying view of salmon jumping and black and brown bears snatching their next meal.

Ships and sailings to know: The ultra-luxury 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey offers seven-day sailings between Vancouver and Juneau, as well as 10- and 11-day roundtrip Vancouver cruises from May to September 2024. Seabourn fares include all-suite accommodations, dining, alcohol, WiFi, gratuities, and 24-hour in-suite service.

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Several Alaska cruises stop in Icy Strait Point, a remote area ideal for observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Spasski River Valley and Wildlife

Looking to cruise Alaska with your family in tow? Consider Norwegian Cruise Line. On offer are children and teenage clubs, plus families can come together to play video arcade games, laser tag, and race cars. During a Glacier Bay passage, a park ranger hops aboard to narrate scenic sights. Explore majestic Icy Strait Point—one of the world’s few places where wildlife outnumbers humans—with family-minded excursions like the Spasski River Valley and Wildlife tour. Motor to an elevated observation area in a postcard-perfect remote valley to safely observe bears, deer, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. Learn, too, about Tlingit Indigenous Alaskans who reside in nearby Hoonah, Alaska’s largest such settlement.

Ships and sailings to know: NCL primarily offers seven-to-10-day voyages, April through October 2024, on multiple ships.

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Passengers on Seven Seas Explorer Alaska cruises can enjoy fresh-caught salmon at the Taku Glacier Lodge.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Taku Lodge Feast and Seaplane Discovery

The Alaska-sailing 746-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is mega glam, with a museum-worthy art collection. This writer gives a shoutout to the Taku Lodge Feast and Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery excursions. Soar by floatplane over the majestic Juneau Icefield, land in a river near Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, and feast on fresh-caught wild salmon by a roaring fire at a 100-year-old lodge. On this outing, I inhaled two salmon filets that slid down my throat like silk. Spoiler alert: After this culinary escapade, I couldn’t eat salmon for two years anywhere else.

Ships and sailings to know: Regent's Seven Seas Explorer mostly offers eight-day cruises running between Seward and Vancouver, from May to September 2024. On this ultra-luxury line, fares include airfare, unlimited shore excursions (other than select tours), alcohol, dining, WiFi, valet laundry, and gratuities.

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The Kroschel Wildlife Refuge in Haines, Alaska is home to orphaned and rescued animals.

Royal Caribbean International: Kroschel Wildlife Refuge

Animal lovers of every age relish visiting the Kroschel Wildlife Refuge in Haines, a popular excursion among Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise passengers. Steven Kroschel, a wildlife expert who devoted decades to training wild animals for TV and films, owns the center that is home to orphaned and rescued animals, like lynx, Kodiac bears, arctic fox, porcupines, and wolverines. It’s also interactive; get close for photos and learn how the refuge protects these animals.

Ships and sailings to know: Royal Caribbean's nearly 4,000-passenger megaships, Quantum of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas , thrill families via free-fall skydiving, outdoor movies, and escape room games. Their Alaska cruises run from 8-14 days, April to September 2024.

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The Alaska Railroad is one of the most scenic train journeys in the US.

Viking: Scenic Train and Rafting

The Scenic Train and Rafting excursion delivers an inspired eight-hour shore tour, beginning with a train ride on the Alaskan Railroad through the vast wilderness. Gaze out windows, eying otherworldly views of the Placer River Valley and soaring peaks of Spencer Glacier, while enjoying a box lunch. Then meet guides to go rafting, paddling between dramatic icebergs and down the serene and scenic Placer River.

Ships and sailings to know: Viking’s adults-only 930-passenger Viking Orion sails 11 days May to September 2024, between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver. Viking ocean-liner fares include amenities like king-bed accommodations with spacious baths equipped with heated floors and anti-fog mirrors, dining, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and spa access.

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Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program highlights Alaskan ingredients and recipes.

Silversea: Sitka Culinary Adventure

Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program features Alaskan ingredients and recipes on all its S.A.L.T. Kitchen menus, S.A.L.T. Lab culinary classes, and S.A.L.T Bar mixology offerings. Soon-to-be-scheduled S.A.L.T excursions will showcase regional chefs and ingredients. Meanwhile, foodie fun unfolds with Sitka’s Culinary Adventure shore excursion. Visit a tap room, tasting beers made with filtered glacial water. Then graze about town, tasting pelmeni (popular dumplings evoking Sitka’s Russian heritage), and other local goodies like chowders, shrimp, black cod tips, and “reindeer dogs.”

Ships and sailings to know: Three ultra-luxury Silversea ships offer 7-16 day sails from May to September, but only the 728-passenger Silver Nova presents Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butler service, most dining, alcohol, a shore excursion in each port, caviar, WiFi, and gratuities.

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Through this UnCruise excursion, passengers can explore one of the most remote national parks in the US.

UnCruise Adventures: Explore Glacier Bay National Park’s Rarely Visited Outback

Attracting high-energy explorers drawn to less conventional shore excursions, this expedition-driven small-ship line visits bays and coves inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Traditional ships just cruise UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay; on Wilderness Discoverer , the captain drops anchor in Fern Harbor, Sawmill Bay, and Dundas Bay during the Explore Glacier Bay National Park’s Rarely Visited Outback excursion. Count on a full day of activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff expeditions, and beach strolls. Expert-led hikes take you deep into the breathtaking beauty of the backcountry of one of Alaska's most remote national parks . Few Alaskan cruisers can ever claim this experience.

Ships and sailings to know: The 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer offers eight-day voyages from April to August 2024.

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Oceania wants travelers to live on its new luxury cruise ship for 6 months while it sails to 43 countries. A trip starts at $60K — see what it'll be like.

  • Oceania announced a 180-day 2026 world cruise from Miami to 101 ports, starting at $59,700 a person.
  • The premium cruise brand tapped its new luxury ship, Vista , for the 43-country itinerary.
  • Oceania's 2024 world cruise set sail in January after it sold out in 30 minutes.

Insider Today

Oceania Cruises wants you to spend at least $59,700 — and 180 days — living on its newest cruise ship while it sails 360 degrees around the globe.

And if the itinerary's bookings are anything like the company's previous global sailings , this six-month cruise could sell out — fast. Bookings for this cruise officially open on March 13.

The brand's around-the-world itineraries have become wildly hyped over the last few years. In January, its most recent world cruise on the fully booked Insignia departed from Los Angeles on a similar 180-day, 96-port journey.

When reservations opened two years prior, that ship was sold out in 30 minutes. Oceania is a high-end brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Looking ahead, Oceania’s 2026 global itinerary is set to be bigger, better, and on a newer ship.

the best ship cruise

The premium cruise line has frequently picked the 684-guest Insignia as its world cruise vessel of choice.

But this time, it's switching "ship" up: The company has tapped its newest vessel, the 1,200-guest Vista, for its 2026 itinerary. And it won't be a light trial run: The sailing is set to include 101 ports across 43 countries — and the cruise line says tours will hit 81 UNESCO World Heritage sites .

On January 6, 2026, Oceania says the Vista will depart Miami and spend the first six weeks sailing to destinations along the coast of South America.

the best ship cruise

The ship would then head back north to ports in Mexico, Southern California, and Hawaii before chugging along to South Pacific islands like Bora Bora.

From there, the itinerary includes several ports in Australia.

the best ship cruise

After these stops, the ship would head north and west, continuing to destinations like Singapore and Mumbai as it sails from Southeast Asia to India.

From the world’s most populous country, the Vista would then journey to Middle East destinations like Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Muscat, Oman.

the best ship cruise

After sailing through the Suez Canal, the ship would begin hitting a series of ports throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, and the British Isles.

And following a few stops in Iceland, the Vista would finally begin its journey back to North America.

the best ship cruise

After pit stops in Halifax, Canada, New York, and Charleston, South Carolina, the half-year journey would finally conclude where it started: in sunny Miami.

Whew, what a journey!

Throughout these six months, travelers would get to live out their “Suite Life on Deck” dreams.

the best ship cruise

The new 791-foot-long Vista flexes cabins that start at 240 square feet.

Seafaring guests could spend their days at sea luxuriating in the ship's spa and library.

Folks who prefer to occupy their time with more hands-on activities can instead take cooking and art classes.

Oceania says its culinary program and “destination-focused” itineraries are its bread-and-butter.

the best ship cruise

The latter has already been covered: The 2026 world cruise is set to hit 101 ports, after all.

As for the former, Oceania's Vista could have enough restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies.

The almost one-year-old ship has 11 dining options, from afternoon tea to dishes created by the ship's godmother, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.

Guests could spend their mornings grabbing an espresso at the coffee shop.

the best ship cruise

And at night (or any time: it's five o'clock "somewhere" when you sail through every time zone, right?), guests can sip on flashy bourbon and rye-based cocktails at the Founders Bar.

Six months at sea isn’t for everyone. But for some travelers, the itinerary’s starting cost of $59,700 per person could be an absolute steal.

the best ship cruise

Planning a multi-country trip can be complex: Think of all the hotels, flights, and land transportation you'd have to coordinate.

But on a world cruise, these logistics are all planned for you. Oceania's fare also includes first-class roundtrip flights and transfers, internet, and laundry.

The best part?

the best ship cruise

You'll probably lose fewer pairs of socks on a world cruise versus a do-it-yourself vacation: No need to unpack and repack every few days when you'll be living in the same cabin for the entire vacation.

the best ship cruise

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First look: Sun Princess, the giant new ship from Princess Cruises

Gene Sloan

Editor's Note

Call it a new era for Princess Cruises .

The California-based line's new ship, Sun Princess, is its biggest ever by far . But it's not just size that sets it apart.

As I am seeing this week during an early look at the still-not-quite-finished, 4,300-passenger vessel, its design marks a turn for the line as it tries to appeal to a younger audience and more "new to cruise" customers who might not have considered the brand before.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Sun Princess is more lively, more kid-friendly and more chock-full of dining, drinking and entertainment options than any other Princess ship that has come before.

It's also the first Princess ship with a separate suite complex aimed at the growing number of big-ship-loving vacationers willing to pay big bucks to be extra pampered while at sea.

Will it be a hit? Only time will tell. Princess regulars know what they like, and what they like isn't necessarily giant, activity-packed vessels. But that might not matter if Sun Princess succeeds in drawing in a new wave of Princess fans.

Here are my first impressions of the ship after three days aboard Sun Princess.

It's more kid-friendly

Princess has never been known as a family brand. Until recently, the average age of a Princess cruiser was nearly 60, and its ships catered heavily to older couples and retirees. But with Sun Princess, the line is making a big move to make families with younger kids feel more welcome, even if they're still not the target market.

Notably, a large chunk of the top deck of Sun Princess is covered with a family-friendly play zone called Park19 — the sort of thing that, until now, Princess just hasn't done. Park19's marquee attraction is Sea Breeze, a hang-gliding-like ride experience that is billed as a first on a cruise ship.

the best ship cruise

The area also has a ropes course with swinging bridges and balance beams and a climbing wall-like experience that will take visitors to a lookout at the very top of the ship, with slides that will take them back down. There's a splash zone with water jets, too.

Alas, none of these attractions were open this week, as they weren't quite ready. I thus didn't have a chance to try them. But from what I saw, it will be a major upgrade to the family-fun experience on a Princess ship.

In addition, younger travelers will find major new tween and teen hangout zones (called Neon Grove and The Underground, respectively) within the ship, plus a large playroom for the littlest Princess cruisers called Firefly Park.

the best ship cruise

Neon Grove and The Underground have all the sorts of games your tweens and teens will love, from PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles to foosball and air hockey tables, and they're home to movie and disco nights, scavenger hunts and the like. Firefly Park is set up for arts and crafts, themed parties and group games aimed at the little ones.

Another major family-friendly upgrade for Sun Princess is the addition of far more connecting cabins (100) than is typical for a Princess ship, as well as a new category of larger Cabana Mini-Suite cabins that will appeal to families looking for more space.

the best ship cruise

In adding all the above, Princess is doubling down on a market that is already in its wheelhouse: multigenerational groups that often include the grandparents, their middle-aged children and their younger grandchildren. It's giving that demographic just enough family fun to make sure the younger set in those groups feels at home.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

That said, Princess isn't trying to be a family line like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line . You won't find the truly over-the-top family attractions such as giant water parks, go-kart tracks and water coasters that those lines offer sprawled across Sun Princess' top decks. And for the typical Princess cruisers, that's probably just fine.

It's got a lot more options for foodies

Are you the sort of cruiser who never likes to eat in the same place twice? Sun Princess is the Princess ship for you. The vessel has a far more diverse array of eateries than any Princess ship to date — a conscious effort by the line to offer its customers more options.

In addition to the two specialty restaurants found on almost every Princess ship (the Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria), Sun Princess is home to the Butcher's Block by Dario, a new meat-focused grill designed in partnership with celebrity Italian butcher Dario Cecchini (if you've seen Netflix's "Chef's Table," you know who he is).

the best ship cruise

It also has three new Asian dining options: Makoto Ocean, a sushi eatery designed by James Beard Foundation honoree Makoto Okuwa; teppanyaki-serving Umai Teppanyaki; and hot pot venue Umai Hot Pot (the latter two outlets share the same space).

In addition, Sun Princess is just the fifth Princess ship to get a version of the new Princess seafood eatery, The Catch by Rudi, designed by Princess head of culinary arts Rudi Sodamin. (Holland America fans know Sodamin as that line's longtime master chef.)

Yet another new venue, Love by Britto, is coming to the ship soon. Billed as an "artistic-inspired dining experience" designed in partnership with the artist Romero Britto, it'll overlook the wake of the ship in a space that isn't quite ready.

the best ship cruise

During my sailing, I've only had a chance to try Makoto Ocean and Umai Teppanaki. Makoto Ocean serves up the Edomae-style sushi that Okuwa showcases in his restaurants in Miami, Brazil, Mexico City and Panama. (You might also know Okuwa from his stint on The Food Network's "Iron Chef.")

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess cruise

Overlooking the ship's central Piazza, Makoto Ocean wows with a tasting menu of well-presented and quality sushi and handrolls (at a fixed price of $45 per person).

Alas, it's a venue marred by its location, as the noise from entertainment in the Piazza is overwhelming. While I dined, there was the cacophony of a live game show with cheering crowds taking place just steps away, followed soon after by a high-volume tribute to Motown. If you're sensitive to sound, bring your noise-canceling headphones.

Umai Teppanyaki (also $45 per person, fixed price) is a classic Teppanyaki eatery, complete with chefs yukking it up while they cook in front of you in a way your kids will love.

Among other dining changes, Princess has shaken up its no-extra-charge main dining room format with the debut of Sun Princess to offer more diversity. The top level of the three-level venue is now known as Americana and offers a speedier meal service with an all-day menu of comfort food items such as fish and chips, chicken wings, fried chicken and breakfast burritos. (Yes, you can order the breakfast burrito and other breakfast items for dinner.)

It's a great option if you want a quick bite without braving the madness that is The Eatery, the ship's too small and crowd-packed buffet.

the best ship cruise

The middle level of the main dining room (called Horizons) offers come-when-you-want anytime dining with the normal drawn-out service. The lower level (also called Horizons) offers the more traditional fixed-seating dinner format that once was de rigeur at Princess.

I was impressed with the presentation and quality of the Horizon menu items. It was a definite step up from what you'll find in the included restaurants on some other big, mass-market ships.

Taken together, the additions and changes to dining on Sun Princess as compared to earlier Princess ships amount to a major new direction in dining for the line. Unlike such rival big-ship lines as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, Princess has never been known for offering a lot of dining choices on its ships.

It's bustling at night

Sun Princess has the liveliest night scene of any Princess ship in the fleet. And that's a saying a lot, as Princess ships are traditionally lively at night. Princess has long been known for having lots of entertainment running at once in multiple venues.

On Sun Princess, a trip down the vessel's main entertainment drag on Deck 7 in the evening takes you past one bustling nightspot after another, from an Irish pub with live music to a comedy club that doubles as a karaoke lounge.

Among the biggest changes as compared to earlier Princess ships is that the main theater (at the front end of Deck 7) has gotten a major upgrade to allow for more high-tech shows. Dubbed the Princess Arena, it's an innovative, 990-seat space that can be configured three different ways: As an "in-the-round" theater, a 270-degree "keyhole" theater and a traditional proscenium theater.

the best ship cruise

Princess is calling the arena the most technologically advanced entertainment venue at sea ever, though we're sure Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean (two lines known for some very high-tech shipboard theaters) would quibble with that.

Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained

The Princess Arena will eventually be home to four mostly new production shows, none of which are ready. For now, the line is using the space for performances by feature entertainers such as magicians and vocalists.

Among other big changes, the ship's central hub, The Piazza, has been transformed into much more of a showroom (more on that in a moment), and there's yet another major new entertainment space at the top of the ship in The Dome — an unusual glass-covered venue. Princess is promising aerial shows in The Dome, but those, too, aren't quite ready to go (if you've noticed, this a theme with this ship; lots of its most notable new venues aren't ready).

the best ship cruise

The Dome itself felt much smaller than it looked in the drawings the line released in advance of the ship's debut. There was also a limited amount of space for seating during nighttime shows or lounging during the day (when it serves as a solarium-like lounge and pool space). For shows, it's billed as having a capacity of just 250, about a fourth the amount of the Princess Arena.

The Dome on Sun Princess isn't anything close in size (or impressiveness) to the massive new glass-covered dome atop Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — the new world's biggest cruise ship.

One other new entertainment venue, a magic-infused nightspot called Spellbound by Magic Castle, debuts Wednesday. Stay tuned for a full report here at TPG later this week.

Its pepped-up Piazza might turn off regulars

If Princess ships have a signature element, it is The Piazza, a central atrium-like space found on most Princess ships that serves as a sort of town square. You'll typically find an espresso drink-serving, conducive-to-conversation cafe at the base of each of these spaces and other venues for conversation, such as wine and Champagne bars, plus a few shops. Some of the piazzas are surrounded by pizzerias and seafood bars, too.

For many longtime Princess fans, The Piazza has always been a lovely place to relax with a coffee, as you would at a square in Italy, and talk with friends or take in the occasional low-key entertainment that Princess has traditionally put on — violinists, guitarists, jugglers and the like. It is, as Princess says on its website, a "diversified and relaxing experience" — to me, relaxing always being the operative word.

It is relaxing no more. On Sun Princess, The Piazza has been turned into much more of a full-blown entertainment space, one that is home to an almost nonstop rotation of musical performances, game shows and group activities like line dancing, that is broadcast across speakers at sometimes ear-splitting decibels.

Rising three decks, the circular space features stadium-like seating around its second and third levels that gives it the feel of a theater in the round. It has a large LED screen at one end and a stage that can rise from the floor.

the best ship cruise

It's also rigged for aerial performances, which were not running when I was on board as they weren't quite ready. But they'll be coming.

There's also a DJ booth, from which a DJ was blasting music at close to dance club levels on the first day of our voyage.

Related: Don't miss these perks when sailing with Princess

As a longtime Princess cruiser, I find it all a bit much. I miss my quieter atrium, and I suspect other Princess regulars will feel the same. That said, The Piazza as a bigger entertainment space might be just what Princess needs to draw in younger, more entertainment-driven customers, particularly the coveted "new to cruise" crowd that hasn't sailed with the line before.

Judging from the fact that The Piazza has often been packed with onlookers this week during the many performances taking place in it, it might be that Princess has played this move to more piazza pizzazz just right.

Its cabins get the basics right ...

The standard rooms on Sun Princess aren't flashy, but they get the basics right — more than right. In many respects, they are superbly designed. And you can't ask for much more on a mid-priced cruise ship.

While the finishings aren't luxurious, Deluxe Balcony Staterooms (the type of cabin that I was in and the most common cabin category on the ship) have an inviting, modern look with the right amount of furnishings and amenities, all in the right places.

the best ship cruise

Measuring 200 square feet, not including the balcony space, the Deluxe Balcony Staterooms are just big enough to fit in a queen size bed flanked by two small nightstands and an adjacent sitting area with a sofa and a (very) small coffee table.

There's also a built-in desk area across from the sofa with a chair and a generous amount of built-in closet storage near the entryway. The closet is deep enough to contain my large-size men's shirts and jackets on hangers without crushing them sideways, something that isn't always the case with built-in closets on newer ships.

The desk area is just about as perfectly designed as can be, with a large-for-a-cruise-ship work surface, a large lighted mirror, three useful built-in drawers, and more outlets and USB ports than even the most device-laden traveler could want. (We're talking multiple U.S.-style outlets, a European-style outlet, multiple USB ports and even USB-C ports!)

Related: Everything you need to know about Princess cabins

More power points are above the nightstands next to the bed — a U.S.-style outlet, a USB port and a USB-C port on each side. Plus, the nightstands have little drawers and shelves that augment the room's storage.

the best ship cruise

The bed itself is cloud-like comfortable, with high-thread-count cotton sheets that had me drifting into a deep slumber in no time. For those of you who want to watch a show before bedtime, a large and crisp TV is positioned perfectly on the wall just beyond your toes.

Among the room's little touches, I loved the hidden nightlights under the nightstands that snap on as you walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night, illuminating your way just enough so you don't crash into the wall. Another nightlight in the bathroom flips on as you approach. Why don't more cruise lines add these?

The bathroom itself is a lesson in everything-in-its-place efficiency. Sleek and modern, it offers a glass-walled shower just big enough to let you get all soapy in comfort without any wasted space and a just-big-enough sink area topped with a large lighted mirror.

the best ship cruise

If there is one flaw to the rooms (and this one is a head-scratcher), it is that their "do not disturb" buttons are on the outside of the cabins. In other words, when you're ready to go to sleep or otherwise be left alone, you have to open your door and reach around to switch on your "do not disturb" light. To me, that's just weird. Why not have the button on the inside?

Nearly 1,000 of the 2,157 cabins on Sun Princess are Deluxe Balcony Staterooms. Several other cabin categories on the ship, including Premium Oceanview and Interior cabins, have a similar look and features but lack a balcony.

... but its new suite zone is a miss

Princess is nearly 20 years behind some of its big-ship competitors in adding suite zones to ships. But the line is finally acknowledging it might have made a mistake in not jumping on the trend.

Sun Princess is the first vessel in the line's 59-year history to have a large grouping of suites — 50 in all, ranging in size from a relatively modest 304 square feet (for what's known as a Signature Penthouse Suite) to a sprawling 1,260 square feet (for a Signature Sky Suite).

Even more notably, all of these suites, dubbed the Signature Collection, come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, a two-deck-high lounge overlooking the ship's wake and an outside sun deck — a first for Princess.

the best ship cruise

These exclusive suite-only areas represent Princess' first move toward offering the sort of upscale "ship within a ship" luxury zones that have been a mainstay on many of the big vessels operated by Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises for years and that have more recently been popping up on Royal Caribbean ships and Celebrity Cruises vessels, too.

Unfortunately, Princess didn't cluster all the new suite features in one area, which seems odd given the line's executives said they started from a blank slate when designing this new class of vessels.

The Signature Restaurant, exclusive to suite guests, is in a busy (and noisy) public area off the ship's central Piazza on Deck 7, far from most of the biggest suites. Those accommodations are at the back of the ship on decks 15, 16 and 17.

And while the Signature Lounge is logically nestled among the biggest suites on Deck 16, it's relatively modest in size and not well tied into the suites around it. While you'll need a suite keycard to get into the lounge, the suites themselves are not within a keycard-access-only area and thus can be reached by any passenger on the ship — a turn-off to privacy-seeking suite guests. This is not the way most other cruise lines do these special suite areas.

the best ship cruise

The Signature Sun Deck, meanwhile, is just above some of the biggest suites. But it's just a breakout section of The Sanctuary, the extra-charge, adults-only lounge area found atop Princess ships. It also seems small given the number of people staying in Signature suites (100, assuming two people for each of the ship's 50 suites).

The suites themselves, while big in many cases, lack the sort of high-end design that you'll often find in top cruise ship suites. Each of the Signature Sky Suites, for instance, has an enormous master bathroom, but the space is poorly used with a bizarrely small shower in one corner, a narrow bathtub laid out sideways along the wall next to it, an almost amusingly tiny toilet jammed into the far corner and a narrow sink area, all on the edges of what is a huge empty space in the middle of the room.

the best ship cruise

It's as if the ship's architects forgot to specify what was going to go into the bathroom until it was too late, and the shipyard just stuck in whatever it had.

My take: Princess still has a ways to go if it wants to offer a truly world-class suite experience.

Bottom line

Sun Princess is the first of an all-new class of ships at Princess Cruises that are far bigger and more venue-packed than any vessel the line has debuted before. For vacationers who like a lot of choice when they travel, whether it be for dining, drinking or entertainment, it'll no doubt be the best Princess ship yet. For those who prefer an older-style, more intimate Princess experience, it might be a ship to skip.

That said, as I am seeing this week, there's still a lot on Sun Princess that Princess regulars will recognize. It's a ship designed to be evolutionary for the brand, not revolutionary.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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the best ship cruise

The Best New Small-Ship Cruises to Book in 2024

A uthentic. It was Merriam Webster's top searched word for 2023 and one that has dominated the travel vernacular in recent years. And while many would not necessarily associate the word with ocean cruising , the growth in popularity of small-ship cruises-particularly sailings with 500 guests or fewer-indicates that in the cruising world, passengers are seeking a more intimate, less crowded, and yes, arguably more authentic sailing experience.

Take expedition cruising , for example. As the number of adventure-focused ships and yachts has exploded in recent years, these cruises are no longer just about extreme voyages in polar regions. They are also about offering a deeper look into the culture, food, history, and environmental fragility of remote wonders of the world.

Although there isn't a huge number of new small ships being introduced, there are a few notable vessels that have either recently launched or are launching this year with a focus on the idea that smaller is not just better, but more sustainable, too. These new small-ship cruises bring with them some exciting and more immersive new itineraries to destinations both warm and wintry that have us ready to pack our bags and sail away.

Sea Cloud Cruises' "Sea Cloud Spirit"

  • Suggested itinerary: Reset your mind and body on an eight-night sailing through Spain's Canary Islands and on to Morocco on a special cruise featuring experts in restorative health. Pricing starts at $4,895 per person.

What's more authentic-and sustainable-than setting sail on a tall ship where the sails are hoisted up each day by hand? Although not technically new (it was launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its two sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , are upping their game in a push to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises' unique product to North American travelers. The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. Sea Cloud Spirit , the largest of the three-ship fleet with 69 cabins, was meticulously designed to pay homage to the original Sea Cloud , which was the world's largest private sailing yacht when Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton had it built in 1931 for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. There's a large fitness center and spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; and a main dining area, plus a more casual bistro. The action, however, is out on deck, where passengers can stargaze at night or simply gaze in awe at the impressive sails blowing in the wind.

Atlas Ocean Voyages' "World Navigator"

  • Suggested itinerary: Go searching for Arctic wildlife on a 12-night cruise from Reykjavík, which sails along the eastern coast of Greenland and to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas and home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and other Nordic wildlife. Pricing starts at $6,499 per person.

World Navigator , which sailed its maiden voyage in Antarctica this past November, is the third vessel to join the fleet of one of the newest players in small-ship expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages. The company's 100-cabin expedition yachts are almost identical and provide a hybrid of sorts between traditional expedition and luxury cruising. Cabins are spacious, almost all with balconies, desks, and seating areas. The bathrooms have glass-mosaic tiled showers with rain showerheads, wall jets, and even benches.

Everything on the ship-including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows-is designed to provide maximum views. The ships also have spacious pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the sea, a spa, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards. There's even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas's expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. With the addition of World Navigator , the company is launching more Arctic Circle cruises during the North American summers while also adding a host of new epicurean and cultural expeditions in South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe this year.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's "Ilma"

  • Suggested itinerary: Spend a little extra time in port on a 10-day sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, which has three overnight stays, in Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain, and in Lisbon, Portugal, one of Europe's oldest cities. Pricing starts at $10,600 per person.

Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma , this year. With 224 suites, the ship is larger than the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, the 149-suite Evrima , which launched in October 2022. On the Ilma , all the suites will have private terraces, including a two-story suite with soaking tub; the coveted, 1,000-square-foot owner's suite has a private outdoor whirlpool. Even the smallest suites are not all that small, at 300 square feet, and come with a personal concierge and 24-hour room service. The yacht boasts what Ritz-Carlton says is the highest ratio of space per guest at sea.

And you can expect to find the same meticulous service standards that you would find at Ritz-Carlton resorts throughout the world as the line aims to impress hotel guests seeking a luxury hotel experience at sea. Onboard are five dining venues, including S.E.A., a European tasting experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany; Talaat Nam, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine and a sushi bar; and Mistral, a casual come-as-you-are alfresco grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Light bites are served at the marina at the aft of the ship, where you can also hop on a borrowed paddleboard. Oh, and did we mention there are two outdoor pools, too?

Book a terrace suite on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's newest vessel, Ilma , launching in 2024.

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10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

These are the best Greece cruises for island hopping with ease.

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Courtesy of Variety Cruises

With its stunning beaches, rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, a trip to Greece is always a great idea. However, since the nation is home to more than 6,000 islands — some of which are only accessible by boat — your best bet is to explore via cruise. Just take it from Rob Clabbers, Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder, who tells T+L that “Greece and the Greek isles are just the perfect destinations to explore by ship” since “a cruise allows you to see more islands and gives you a unique vantage point.” Several of the best Greece cruises also include visits to neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, for example, which allow travelers to experience several cultures and countries in one action-packed trip. Intrigued? We don’t blame you: Ahead, check out our favorite Greece cruises for every type of traveler, along with itinerary recommendations and expert insight.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations.

Megan Guinnup is a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar

According to Clabbers, this small luxury cruise line is perfect for those who prefer “a smaller, more casual yacht-style experience.” Per the pro, the onboard vibes are best described as “upscale, but not stuffy or over-the-top.” It’s also worth noting that “each ship offers a water sports platform with kayaks, water trampolines, stand-up paddling, snorkel gear, floating carpets, and other ‘toys’ that are deployed (weather and location permitting, of course) at least once on most Greek itineraries.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Windstar’s Greece itineraries, Clabbers is quick to call out the popular Treasures of the Greek Isles voyage, which sets sail each week from May through October. Passengers can visit beloved ports of call like Mykonos and Santorini, along with “lesser-known (and less-crowded!) places like Monemvasia and Patmos.” As part of the experience, guests have the unique opportunity to feast among the ruins in neighboring Turkey as part of the line’s complimentary Evening in Ephesus “after-hours” event, which, per Clabbers, features a decadent five-course dinner accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Speaking of culinary offerings, it’s worth mentioning that Windstar is the official cruise line partner of the esteemed James Beard Foundation, which means you can expect some of the top eats at sea.

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Cruises

“A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht-inspired Explora I and, launching later this year, Explora II, ” explains Clabbers. The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Instead, says Clabbers, guests can choose from a selection of “excellent restaurants that other companies would call specialty restaurants,” as well as “four swimming pools, each with their own vibe,” and all-suite accommodations, some of which boast private plunge pools. Per the pro, it’s worth noting that “Explora Journeys is the first luxury line that offers a dedicated youth activity program and facility year-round;” as such, it’s an excellent option for multi-generational families looking to cruise Greece in style. 

Itinerary: Sailing round-trip from Athens, the aptly named eight-night A Journey from Athens to Athens itinerary includes a mix of popular ports like Mykonos and Santorini, along with hidden-gem locales like Syros, which is famous for its neoclassical architecture, a buzzy main town, and (essentially) crowd-free beaches. The cruise also visits the serene resort town of Marmaris in Turkey before heading to its final port of call, Kos , a gorgeous Greek island known for its sandy beaches, white-washed buildings, and historical sites.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

According to Clabbers, " Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. What’s more, he says, "When you visit Greece, they are taking you to their homeland, and it shows in their passion and love of the Hellenic nation." The line offers a range of larger ships and, thus, more options between accommodations (from economical inside rooms to luxurious suites in The Retreat), itineraries, restaurants, and entertainment; as such, Celebrity is "a great option for adults and families who like more activities on their ship." 

Itinerary: The nine-night Best Of Greece itinerary cruises round-trip from Athens on select dates from May to October and takes place aboard the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity , which Clabbers described as one of the line’s “smaller and more seasoned ships.” The first port of call is Santorini, followed by Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos. “Additionally,” says Clabbers, " Infinity   travels to Volos and Thessaloniki, ports that are not typically visited by large ships.” Kavala, located in the northern part of the country, serves as the final port of call before heading back to Athens. Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Courtesy of Silversea cruises

Silversea offers a variety of Greece cruise itineraries, and it’s one of few truly luxe all-inclusive cruise lines. Per Clabbers, the 596-passenger Silver Moon offers all-suite accommodations and a classic small-ship feel — complete with excellent meals, beverages, and shore excursions all included in your cruise fare. Speaking of the latter, he says, “The inclusion of shore excursions also makes it easy to dive deeper into Greek culture and culinary experiences.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Silversea’s Greek itineraries, Clabbers especially recommends the seven-night Athens to Athens cruise, which “calls on highlights, but adds places like Souda Bay in Crete, Nafplion, Patmos, and Rhodes ,” where he recommends visiting the “temple ruins at Lindos, with views over the Mediterranean, and then walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders in the old town.” The cruise also stops in Nafplion, which, despite its romantic seaside setting and lovely beaches, is yet to be uncovered by most American travelers — for now, at least.

Variety Cruises

According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry , this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises.

Itinerary: Travelers craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience can book the seven-night Unexplored Greece voyage, which sails round-trip from Athens. The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Then, it’s off to Patmos, known for its fascinating history and unspoiled beaches, before overnighting in Lipsi, a laid-back isle famous for its gorgeous scenery. On board, guests can taste the destination’s famous wine, Aposperitis. The fun continues in Levintha, inhabited by a single family who raises animals and runs a restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh-caught fish. After, it’s off to Amorgos, where scenic hiking and beautiful beaches abound. The next day, you’ll stop at Panagia Hozoviotissa, a cliffside monastery dating back to the 10th century, before heading to Koufonisia, which boasts majestic caves and rock pools accessible only by boat (thankfully, Variety as you covered). The final stop of the day is the serene island of Iraklia, which offers clear-blue waters ideal for swimming. After remaining here overnight, you’ll head to the final port of call, Serifos, where guests can visit a remote beach, followed by an onboard BBQ feast to refuel before heading to Chora, a fairy-tale village.

Courtesy of Ponant Cruises

This French-owned cruise line offers an impressive fleet of small luxury ships. Additionally, says Curry, “Most cabins have private balconies, and travelers who plan early are rewarded with excellent value for the money.” What’s especially unique about Pontant, explains the pro, is that they “partner with Smithsonian Journeys on select departures to offer an enrichment program of included lectures and shore excursions in each port.”

Itinerary: Curry especially recommends the seven-night Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean sailing, which will cruise round-trip from Athens in July and October 2025. The cruise calls on aforementioned spots like Patmos, Rhodes, and Amorgos before visiting Adamas in Milos, a volcanic island teeming with postcard-worthy white-washed towns and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Adamas itself is a tiny fishing port where colorful boats shimmer against the blue waters. Finally, it’s off to Mykonos and Napflion before finally disembarking in Athens.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is world-famous for its exciting onboard offerings for children of all ages — including character and superhero meet-and-greets, dining options themed after beloved Disney princesses, and live performances galore — making it a favorite for families hoping for a fun-filled Greece vacation.

Itinerary: "Setting sail aboard the Disney Dream on the seven-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles itinerary is nothing short of magical!" says Megan Guinnup , a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels . Cruising round-trip from Rome, the ship calls on Naples before exploring Greece. In addition to popular ports like Athens and Mykonos, you'll also visit Chania on the island of Crete, which offers a bustling harbor, exquisite architecture, and cobblestone streets that look like they were plucked straight from a (Disney) fairy tale. After exploring each locale, the fun continues back on board, where, per the pro, "there is enchantment everywhere — meeting beloved characters, enjoying deck parties with Mickey and Minnie, and indulging in exquisite cuisine."

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship line truly has it all: Flashy entertainment and onboard activities — which, depending on the ship, can include everything from water slides to zip lines — and plenty of drinking and dining offerings to appease even the pickiest eaters. Guinnup and Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, recommend setting sail aboard Odyssey of the Seas , which offers several Greek itineraries. "On board," says Guinnup, "There's a plethora of activities to enjoy, from bumper cars and roller skating to exquisite dining and a bionic bar — there's something for everyone!"

Itinerary: The seven-night Greek Isles itinerary sails round-trip from Rome with stops in Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples. Keep in mind that because the ship is so large, Santorini and Mykonos are both tender ports. With that in mind, Dillon recommends springing on The Key, an optional add-on that includes priority tender access so that you can spend as much time as possible on land basking in its beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s adults-only line has taken the industry by storm with its innovative offerings, including 20-plus restaurants instead of buffets, an onboard tattoo parlor, adult-focused entertainment offerings, and a two-story nightclub.

Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. She continues, telling T+L, “Not only does this sail to the islands of Santorini and Rhodes, but it [also] has an overnight in Mykonos, which is world-famous for its lively party atmosphere.” As a bonus, the cruise also calls on Bodrum in Turkey, which boasts beautiful beaches, flower-filled cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Celestyal Cruises

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path. Options — including walking food tours and pottery-making demos at a local factory — abound, depending on the particular port of call.

Itinerary: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean voyage visits Thessaloniki (which offers an eclectic combination of history, nightlife, and gastronomy), Kuşadası (a popular Turkish resort town), and Heraklion (the capital of Crete) before heading to iconic isles like Santorini and Mykonos, where the ship will remain overnight. Before returning to Athens for disembarkation, you’ll also stop in magnificent Milos.

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On The Red Carpet

Season 7 of '9-1-1' kicks off with a cruise vacation turned living nightmare.

'9-1-1' on ABC embarks on its most dramatic season yet.

OTRC logo

LOS ANGELES -- "9-1-1" is back for a seventh season on its new network, ABC, and the stars could not be more excited about the edge-of-your-seat premiere episode!

Season 7 kicks off with chaos, where a honeymoon cruise turns into a living nightmare. The disaster spans three episodes, in what will be one of the biggest catastrophes the team has yet to face.

On The Red Carpet asked Peter Krause why he believes the show is such a fan favorite.

"It's pure entertainment most of the time. We make disaster films on this show, which are the first three episodes of this season. We do romantic comedies. We do thrillers. We do horror. We do comedy, drama, everything," he explained.

Season 7 will be the show's first on its new network, ABC, and it will include more drama, more action and more chaos than ever before.

"It's bigger than anything we've ever done," said Angela Bassett.

Jennifer Love Hewitt chimed in. "It's insane, per usual for '9-1-1.' It's exciting! It has love. It has romance. It has scary moments, and it's '9-1-1.' ...It's been a really fun season so far."

Don't miss the mayhem, Thursday, March 14 at 8p/7c on ABC.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC and this ABC station.

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  1. THE BEST CRUISE SHIPS IN THE WORLD

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  2. Video: Why Celebrity Is Known For Having The Best Cruise Ships

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  3. The best cruise ships of 2018 according to passengers

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  4. Our Travel Experts Rate the Top Cruise Ships

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  5. The 5 Best New Cruise Ships of 2018

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  6. Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2024-2025: Top 7 Cruise Lines

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VIDEO

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  3. Cruise ship progress!

  4. Boarding one of the biggest cruise ships in the world! #cruiseship #cruise #shorts

  5. Massive cruise ship part 1

  6. Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship

COMMENTS

  1. 15 Best Cruise Ships

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    The best new cruise ship of 2022 holds 3,099 guests and 1,506 crew. A 24-hour butler serves its most luxurious suites, and there's a three-level race track and slides that are 10-stories tall.

  4. Best Cruises 2024: See Photos, Reviews and Start Planning

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

    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.

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  7. The best cruise ships as rated by everyday cruisers

    The top rated cruise ships as ranked by 125,000 unbiased cruise reviews from our community, sorted by the highest average review score. Find your perfect ship by filtering the list by price ($), ship size or destination. Cruise ships with less than 20 reviews are not rated (NR) and listed at the bottom.

  8. The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

    Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers ...

  9. The Best Cruise Ships in the World

    Best for: Destination experiences; Suggested itinerary: 14-night Viking Homelands itinerary between Bergen, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden, from $6,999 per person Book now; When river cruise line Viking debuted its ocean ships with the 930-passenger Viking Star in 2015, it was with the goal of creating a better, value-packed cruise experience for adults aged 55 and up.

  10. Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021

    The top large-ship line for 2021 was Seabourn, which readers said seamlessly delivered a decadent on-board experience on all five of its ships around the world. Three of those vessels are slated ...

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

    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.

  12. The 26 Best New Cruise Ships for 2024

    Oct. 25, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. The Best New Cruise Ships. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship. Cruising is one ...

  13. 2023 Member Choice Awards: Best Ships Overall & Best New Ships

    Our rankings combine cruise ships of all sizes and varieties, ranging from mainstream to premium, luxury, and river vessels. Here are the 2023 Member Choice Awards for Best Ship Overall and Best New Ship winners. Best Ship: Overall Allure of the Seas - Photo by Royal Caribbean International . Allure of the Seas - 4.37; Oasis of the Seas - 4.32

  14. Best Cruise Ships: Discover Our Top Rated Ships

    Explore the best cruise ships in the world with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or entertainment, you will find it onboard the stunning ships like Allure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Oasis of the Seas. Cruise to amazing destinations like New Zealand, Europe, or Mexico and enjoy the shore excursions, dining, and activities that suit your taste ...

  15. 11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024

    Best cruise line for budget travelers Carnival Cruise Lines. The world's largest cruise line, Carnival boasts 23 ships that are favorites among those looking for less expensive fun on the sea ...

  16. Best Cruise Ships: Luxury Cruise Ships

    Set Sail on the Best Cruise Ships with Celebrity Cruises. Travel the world aboard Celebrity Edge, Apex, and Beyond. Three of the most innovative ships in the industry. With dazzling spaces and avant-garde design that bring the outdoors in, these ships will forever change the way you think about cruising. Dine at any of the 29 restaurants, bars ...

  17. Best Carnival cruise ships: Here's which ship you should sail

    The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras. Not only is it one of Carnival's newest vessels, but it's also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy. At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games.

  18. The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

    The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore — the biggest of them all — is our top pick. At 169,116 tons and carrying 3,958 passengers, Norwegian Encore ...

  19. The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

    Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here's one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to ...

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  21. Best Cruise Ships for Families in 2024

    Each of these ships offers a unique blend of thrills, family-friendly experiences, amenities, and various stateroom categories for families of all sizes. The following are the best cruise ships for families in 2024: Disney Fantasy - 4.770. Disney Magic - 4.689. Disney Dream - 4.580.

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    Here, an array of Alaska-bound ships with the best cruise excursions, sure to resonate long past your vacay. Take in Alaska's glaciers and ice fields from above during this Princess Cruises excursion.

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  26. First look: Sun Princess, the giant new ship from Princess Cruises

    Call it a new era for Princess Cruises. The California-based line's new ship, Sun Princess, is its biggest ever by far. But it's not just size that sets it apart. As I am seeing this week during an early look at the still-not-quite-finished, 4,300-passenger vessel, its design marks a turn for the line as it tries to appeal to a younger audience ...

  27. The Best New Small-Ship Cruises to Book in 2024

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