Mega Ship Line #: Royal Caribbean International
If you truly want to feel like youre living in a floating city, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you, given that it has the four largest cruise ships in the world. Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count , length , and gross tonnage . Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think ofand plenty you cant even imaginefrom waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. Youll find these behemoths sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the year, but with so many activities on board, you might not even want to leave the ship.
Nieuw Amsterdam By Holland America Line
HAL really rolls out the red carpet for gourmets, and its Chefs Table on Nieuw Amsterdam is a little piece of luxury that wont break the bank. Youll be treated to a seven-course meal designed by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin built from decadent ingredients like lobster and truffles. High-quality bottles of wine accompany this epicurean dream, and its all served on the ships best china. This is a great option for food and wine lovers who arent on a cruise to lose weight, as seven courses of rich food will probably leave you sated but a couple pounds heavier.
Small Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing with only 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator takes its all-inclusive promise seriously, offering unlimited shore excursions, open bars with premium wines , unlimited Wi-Fi, and dining in specialty restaurants. The ship sails all over the world, from New Zealand to Dubai, on week-long to three-month-long itineraries.
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The World’s Best Cruise Lines To Work For
Maybe it all started back in the 1970s when the television show The Love Boat captured top ratings and fans, and people started becoming more interested in taking cruises. It’s hard to say what sparked the increasing popularity of cruising, but it’s safe to say that its popularity hasn’t lost momentum for the last two decades, despite economic downturns. Even during the worldwide recession of 2008 through 2010, cruise line sales continued to grow – not at the rate prior to the recession – but they still didn’t suffer as much as many other segments of the travel and hospitality industry.
Global passenger traffic on cruise ships continues to increase each year. It is estimated that over 30 million people will take a cruise in 2019 which is almost a 6% increase over 2018 which was a record year.
Another indicator of the growth of the industry is the fact that a record 58 new river and ocean cruise ships are under construction and will launch over the next three years. This in in addition to the more than 150 new cruise ships that launched since 2000. These 58 new cruise ships will create over 87,000 new cruise industry jobs. You can view a list of new cruise ship launches.
Carnival Vista By Carnival Cruise Line
While Carnival Cruise Line is better known for fun than food, this budget-friendly line offers an excellent chefs table experience on Carnival Vista. It costs a little extra, but its worth it for foodies who love to cook. Take a chef-guided tour of the galley, Champagne in hand, before settling down in a dedicated dining area overlooking the galley for a multi-course meal accompanied by sommelier-picked wines. In keeping with its brand, Carnival keeps this tour open to kids 12 and up, making it a great option for foodie families.
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Cruise Ships Played A Part In Tourisms Best Summer
As St Peter Port prepares to host the final cruise liner visitor of the season, Emily Abreu speaks to those who form a part of the local cruise industry
GUERNSEYS tourism industry has flourished this year after a bumper cruise ship season, with many local businesses popular with holidaymakers reporting their best summer in years.
There were 84 cruise ships scheduled to visit the island this year, the first time any have visited since before the pandemic, after the States decided to cancel all trips in 2021.
They brought more than 182,000 passengers to the island with them since April.
The final ship of the season the Vasco de Gama is due to arrive tomorrow from Honfleur on its way to La Coruna, for a half-day visit, carrying up to 1,000 passengers.
After Covid put the brakes on tourism and stopped most operators from offering the majority of their services, many of the islands tourist attractions and businesses have experienced a surge in visitors this year.
Since launching the company in 2020, tuk tuk operator Tim Bean said his target market has been passengers from the ships.
We have had great support from locals in the pandemic years, which has been fantastic, he said.
Up to five tuk tuks are operating on any given day, and drivers will often drop off passengers and pick up more straight away.
The first ship of the season arrived on 15 April.
Guernsey Goldsmiths and Guernsey Pearl owner Andy Ison said his sales this year had been in line with that of 2019.
Medium Ship Line #1: Celebrity Cruises
Celebritys Millennium-class shipsCelebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellationare the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. The ships just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts, they were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.
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Best River Cruise Line
River cruises offer incredible scenery and a laid-back way to explore the world Photo courtesy of MelanieMaya // Getty Images
River cruising has been exploding in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. You check in, unpack your bag and let your floating hotel take you on a journey of discovery down some of the world’s great waterways, with experiential guided excursions along the way. What’s your favorite river cruise line?
Enchanted Or Discovery Princess
The fifth Royal Class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet is Enchanted Princess, and Discovery Princess will follow as the last in this class of ships.
Enchanted Princess will begin her inaugural season of 10-day cruises from Fort Lauderdale in November of this year sailing to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.
For the Summer season, the ship will transition to Europe offering Scandinavia and Russia cruises. Then, she will complete a Fall season in New York sailing Canada/New England cruises, before rounding out 2022 in the Caribbean once again.
Discovery Princess will debut in the port of Los Angeles in Spring 2022 with California Coast and Mexican Riviera cruises. She will then sail the Summer season in Alaska offering roundtrip cruises from Seattle. Then, Discovery Princess will return to California to round out 2022 with similar West Coast itineraries.
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Enchanted and Discovery Princess Features
Regardless of which ship you choose, you will be treated to the same Princess MedallionClass experience. With the use of this technology, Princess Cruises can deliver a more contactless and personalized cruise vacation. From ordering on-demand food and beverages, to having your stateroom door unlock as you approach, all of this is possible with the wearable Ocean Medallion.
The ships will also feature a redesigned adult-only Sanctuary and the Sky Suites with the cruise lines largest balconies at sea.
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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, and lounges on board, including Eden, a lush green oasis that will tantalize all of your senses. Unwind at the Resort Deck, where you can take a dip in a martini hot tub, relax in the adults-only Solarium, or admire the view from the expansive Rooftop Garden.
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 waters edge. At The Retreat, stay in one of our spectacular suites, like the Iconic Suite that offers unparalleled views from above the captains bridge, and our breathtaking two-story Edge Villas that come with their own private plunge pool.
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 forand much, much more.
Large Ship Line #: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Lines is all about good family fun at a pretty affordable price point. The largest cruise line in the world in terms of number of annual passengers as well as fleet count, it has 25 ships that sail North America and Europe, with about half of them having a capacity between 2,500 and 3,900 guests. Carnival is known for its fun upper decks that are akin to an amusement park at sea, with water slides, ropes courses, mini-golf, and attractions like SkyRide, where guests pedal a hanging vehicle around a suspended track.
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Small Ship Line #1: Crystal Yacht Cruises
In early 2015, Crystal brought a yacht into its fleet for the first time, and following its success, the cruise line decided to custom-build a polar-class expedition megayacht. The ultra-luxe Crystal Endeavor, which sails to remote locations like the Arctic and the Antarctic, as well as urban ports around the world, launched in 2021, and can carry up to 200 passengers.
Medium Ship Line #: Cunard
While Cunards Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengersand a number of cats and dogson board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though theyre quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
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Small Ship Line #1: Star Clippers
Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the worlds largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurling their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.
River Ship Line #: Viking River Cruises
Parent company Viking Cruises has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 river ships and six ocean vessels in its fleet. Under Viking River Cruises, the company’s riverboats explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Viking River Cruises also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and select shore excursions in its prices, and its Culture Curriculum offers experiential learning through events like regional wine tastings and menus that rotate seasonally.
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Medium Ship Line #: Seabourn
Dont think of Seabourn as a typical cruiseits ships are much more akin to megayachts, with ultra-luxurious decor, service, and dining. The fleet currently has five vessels, the two largest of which carry 600 passengers each. Their small size allows the vessels to dock in small ports all around the world . Many of the cruise lines guests are lifelong learners, and they flock to the nightly Seabourn Conversation program, which brings all sorts of intriguing figures, from Steve Wozniak to Elaine Paige, on board for lectures and casual chats. In 2015, Seabourn announced a partnership with celebrity chef Thomas Keller, who crafted new menus for the three existing ships and spearheaded new restaurants on the two newest ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. In December 2021, Seabourn Venture is due to join the fleet, with a not-yet-named sister arriving in 2022.
Best Cruise Lines In The Mediterranean
With another win, Viking tops three of U.S. News’ six categories, this time for its presence in the Mediterranean. In every instance, it is followed by Seattle-based Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation‘s ultra-luxury brand.
Seabourn has five ships, which hold between 450-600 passengers and cruise to more than 400 destinations. As part of a multi-year agreement, the cruise line has contributed more than $1.5 million to support UNESCO, which grants its guests “unique access” to more than 170 World Heritage Sites, according to its website.
Also on the list: Oceania Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Costa Cruises , MSC Cruises , Silversea Cruises , Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean International and Cunard Line .
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Small Ship Line #: Seabourn
Seabourns six ships feature fewer than 300 suites eachbut they leverage that small size into access at some of the worlds most beloved yacht ports: St. Tropez in the south of France the Greek island of Kos and popular large ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller designs specialty menus on the ships, and a partnership with UNESCO ensures shore excursions and sustainable tourism practices at some of the wildest and most wonderful destinations around the world. Later this year, the line will debut its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, with a sister ship to follow.
Medium Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things youll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise lines five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in round-the-world itineraries. Next up for Regent: the Seven Seas Grandeur, scheduled to launch in 2023.
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Best Pizza: Grand Royal Regal & Sapphire Princess
Princess Cruises serves up pure Neapolitan pizzas at the complimentary Alfredos Pizzeria, onboard Grand Princess, Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Sapphire Princess. While the crust might be extra thin, each hand-tossed pizza is piled high with tons of toppings, from typical mozzarella and tomatoes to avocado and squash. These pies are a far cry from the buffet slices that can be disappointing for true foodies, and Alfredos Pizzeria is definitely worth a visit.
Large Ship Line #: Norwegian Cruise Line
Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: the cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight , with just three ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But thats soon about to change. Norwegian currently has six ships on order as part of Project Leonardo, each of which will hold about 3,300 passengers. Its interesting to see a cruise line scale back from its mega-ships and opt for a more manageable size for such a large order. The first, Norwegian Prima, is expected to launch in 2022 some of its highlights include the fastest slides at sea , a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theater that transforms into a nightclub after the evening’s show.
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What Else Could We Do
The cruising industry has acknowledged the reality of COVID being a continuing threat. This could be improved by recognising the role of asymptomatic transmission in testing policies.
For instance, all passengers and crew should have a negative rapid antigen test at the start of the cruise, and during an outbreak. All close contacts and all disembarking passengers should be tested for COVID, regardless of symptoms. The cost of testing would be much less than the lost costs of large epidemics.
During a cruise epidemic, companies also need to consider the locations being visited, how much COVID is already present there and available health-care systems for locals.
Rapid use of antivirals may also help to control epidemics on board as these allow passengers testing positive to clear the virus faster.
The aviation industry does well in providing safe air in-flight. The cruise industry has also started changing ventilation to add fresh air instead of recirculated air indoors.
But there is still some way to go before we can say the threat of COVID is over, on-board or on land.
Medium Ship Line #1: Princess Cruises
Of Princess Cruises 14-ship fleet, its five smallest include the Coral Princess, Island Princess, Sun Princess, Sea Princess, and the infamous Pacific Princess, which was the star of the TV show The Love Boat. The Pacific Princess is by far the smallest, holding just 680 passengers. The four other ships carry around 2,000 passengers and are the perfect size to sail through the Panama Canal.
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