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The memories of the challenges European cruisers faced last year surely contribute to U.S. cruises’ popularity boost. Besides, it’s so much easier (and far less costly) to find ports to drive to, or only require a short flight. Most American cruises possess the added allure of international flair, visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. Nearby waters deliver breathtaking natural beauty, adventurous shore excursions, and ship vibes that range from nonstop high-energy to pampering luxury. Here, several upcoming voyages sailing from American ports that rival any cruise in far-flung locales. While travel credit cards offer some trip protection, we suggest you check out our list of best cruise travel insurance, as these plans are geared specifically for cruise trips.
Celebrity Cruises
Accommodations are designed with families in mind by including privacy curtains, divided bathrooms and storage space in most staterooms. On board, your family will enjoy live shows that rival Broadway performances, evening fireworks displays and visits from popular Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page.
Best cruise line for younger travelers
Families love Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International for an abundance of amenities befitting multi-generations. Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruises are extremely popular for U.S. cruises, too. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar could be the answer.
Avoid hidden fees and higher prices with this range of cruise operators that cater to solo travellers
There are plenty of solo cabins – their inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, has 46 – and itineraries include solo meet-ups, activities and excursions with plenty of opportunities to meet other single travellers. U.S. News serves the environmentally conscious traveler by spotlighting cruise lines practicing sustainability. Additionally, the guide expands its scope by delving into niche cruising experiences, like the best gay cruises and the top cruise lines for solo travelers. This comprehensive editorial compilation serves as a valuable resource for planning, featuring advice and tips ranging from essential packing lists to appropriate cruise attire.
These Are the Best Cruises of 2024, According to T+L's Expert
Silversea Cruises topped the list as Best Luxury Cruise Line for the second year in a row. Pre-pandemic, 62% of people who had never cruised indicated they wanted to try it. Disney has been named the top cruise line in the Caribbean for the past eight years, according to U.S.
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By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service. You’ll travel aboard the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet—expedition ships that can navigate narrow waterways and small harbors that aren’t accessible on larger vessels, so you can get as close as possible to amazing sights. The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration. If you’re looking for something a little more kitsch, these themed cruises will be right up your alley.
Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens." If you're wondering what is the best cruise line for luxury travelers, look no further. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an unrivaled experience for the most discerning travelers.
The Best Ways to Book a Cruise - NerdWallet
The Best Ways to Book a Cruise.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:01:35 GMT [source]
Families can experience Disney magic by booking a cruise through Disney Cruise Lines. With over 19 ports of departure to choose from, your family can take a Disney cruise from almost anywhere in the world. Departure cities include Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, New Orleans and San Diego. McDaniel notes other ways in which ship size affects the cruising experience. “There’s also a greater space ratio onboard, allowing for less crowding and more space for guests to spread out and enjoy,” she says.
A storied line with roots that go back to the 1800s, this three-ship brand is perhaps best known for its 2,695-passenger flagship, Queen Mary 2. The ship lives up to its billing as a true ocean liner with semiregular, transatlantic service between Southampton, England, and New York. In short, Celebrity aims for sophisticates, not the party crowd (although it's not a luxury product). There are more than two dozen lines marketing to North Americans — no two alike. The luxury liner will spend the summer sailing the British Isles and Scandinavia, among other European destinations.
Setting Sail With Excellence: US News 2024 Rankings Highlight Leading Cruise Lines for Globetrotters - Carroll Daily Times Herald
Setting Sail With Excellence: US News 2024 Rankings Highlight Leading Cruise Lines for Globetrotters.
Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:41:00 GMT [source]
The cruise line equivalent of glamping, National Geographic Expeditions gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature without skimping on comfort. Choose from more than 90 itineraries that let you visit some of the most remote destinations in the world and focus on everything from photography and history to marine biology and conservation. Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, tech, cleaning, humor and fun facts all week long. Before the pandemic, about 10% of people that had never cruised said they "never" would. According to the survey, this number rose to 17% in June 2021, but fell to 14% by August. In every instance, it is followed by Seattle-based Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation's ultra-luxury brand.
Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, MSC Cruises operates big, resort-like vessels that appeal to a broad audience. Among the highlight of its cruises in North America are stops at its new private island in the Bahamas, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you.
If in the budget, book a Princess Grill Suite; less costly than the Queens Grill, it’s still awash in extra amenities (such as an exclusive private restaurant) and especially attentive service. The other perks included in your cruise fare will depend on how much you pay; many larger cruise lines offer multiple tiers of fares. The lowest tier will be the cheapest, but you should expect to pay out of pocket for extras like drinks, certain restaurant meals and activities and excursions once you’re on board. Higher fare tiers include more amenities but are significantly more expensive. Despite a rocky couple of years due to the pandemic, cruising is back, and it’s stronger than ever. In fact, travel insurance comparison site SquareMouth.com reported a 41% increase in the number of travelers taking cruises in 2022 compared with 2019.
Themed cruises are cruises where a part of the trip is based on a theme or special interest such as Broadway shows, music, media or even crafts like knitting. Some themes are cruise-wide, while others are group itineraries with exclusive activities. These cruises are a step up from those on mainstream ocean liners, and so tend to cater to a slightly older crowd. They typically boast more sophisticated amenities, too, like art collections and educational classes on sea days. Unfortunately, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer an alcoholic drinks package like other cruise lines. However, to offset this drawback, drink prices are reasonable ($5-6 for a beer and $9 for basic cocktails), including the tip.
Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “Sailors”) to customize their space. Opt for a suite and you’ll be considered—and treated like—”Rock Stars,” given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into sailors. As an avid cruiser who’s been everywhere from Alaska and Iceland to Russia and the United Arab Emirates aboard cruise ships, I’m recommending these specific cruise lines based on my own experiences and those of my friends and colleagues. My husband and I scouted out the best cruises for kids when our own children were young, and since becoming empty nesters, we’ve found the best adults-only cruises and couples cruises.
Before booking, read reviews of the ship and specific cabins on websites such as Cruise Critic or watching YouTube reviews. Previous travelers can offer invaluable insight into noise levels, views, and overall satisfaction. You could also save money by booking a saver fare offered by some cruise lines. Cabins on higher decks will provide better views from balconies and suites, and good access to many of the ship’s amenities, but passengers may feel the ship's movement more.
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