Cruise Critic Announces Worlds Most Popular Cruise Destinations
Windows to sea on a cruise ship
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Cruise Critic just announced the winners of its fourth annual Cruisers Choice Destination Awards. Culled from thousands of consumer ratings and reviews of more than 500 ports worldwide posted on the popular online review site, the list captures the ports that were most appealing to cruisersrather than those with the greatest number of bookings.
One of the biggest surprises this year was the addition of four Norwegian ports to the list of the Top Overall Cruise Destinations: Flam, Eidfjord, Oso and Geiranger. All of these Norwegian ports are destinations on ocean cruises.
According to Cruise Norway, the destination marketing company for the ports in Norway, passenger visits have nearly doubled in the last seven years. We can certainly attribute much of the interest in the release of the blockbuster;Frozen; giving a true spotlight to the region and its beauty, comments Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic.
While some popular European river cruise ports, like Budapest and Arles, fell off last years Top Overall list, France is still an exceedingly popular cruise destination. Visiting Avignon, which topped this years list, is like walking into a fairytale, says McDaniel. Cruisers rave about its charm. And because its so close to Marseille, its also a popular starting point for cruises.
The top ten overall Most Popular Cruise Destinations for 2019 are listed below :;
Top 10 Cruise Destinations For 2020 Revealed
The top 10 cruise destinations have been revealed for 2020, with the likes of the Canadian Rockies and Singapore topping the list.
The industry body Cruise Lines International Association surveyed 409 UK travellers who have taken a holiday, both cruise and land-based in the last three years to understand their perceptions on travel.
The study found that 64 per cent of respondents have returned to a destination they first visited on a cruise, and 95 per cent considered a cruise holiday to be a great way to sample multiple destinations.
CLIA UK & Ireland director, Andy Harmer, said: Its fantastic to see that many travellers see cruise as a great way to explore new destinations. A cruise offers the opportunity for guests to experience the places they may have never previously heard of, and in future return as part of a land-based holiday.
Following the study, CLIA has compiled a list of our top 10 must-visit destinations for 2020, including both iconic cities and lesser-known locations, all of which can be visited as part of a cruise holiday.
The study also revealed that travellers are likely to extend their stay in the embarkation or debarkation port city, with more than 60 per cent of respondents stating they add on pre- or post-cruise stays.
Findings further revealed a positive attitude to cruising among those who have never cruised before, with almost two-thirds of respondents stating they would consider booking one in the future.
Cruise Destinations To Inspire Your 2020 Travel Plans
The Caribbean still reigns supreme when it comes to cruising, but theres a whole new world to explore. Classic ports such as the Bahamas are recovering, new itineraries are opening up in Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympics, and luxury options abound in the Seychelles. Here are eight places to prioritize in 2020.
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Top 10 Caribbean Cruise Destinations
Update: Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering vacations that are as safe as they are memorable. We are thrilled to welcome our guests to experience the memorable vacations we are known for once again, starting summer 2021. As you plan your next trip with your loved ones, well be here with inspiration in all forms whenever you need it.
Dont miss the chance to scale Dunns River Falls in Jamaica.
Were all thinking about the trips weve taken and the places we cant wait to explore. One thing is for sure, any getaway that includes warm Caribbean waters and beautiful beaches and incredible cultural and historical sites is an escape worth daydreaming about. With more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean Sea, which ones top your list? Until Royal Caribbean can set sail again, weve picked 10 cant-miss destinations to accommodate adrenaline junkies and beach bums alike.
While youre thinking about your next adventure,check out our list to find the Caribbean island of your dreams:
Colorful townhouses line the old seaport of Willemstad.
The largest of the six islands that comprise the Netherlands Antilles, you might know Curacao for its distinctive blue liqueurbut Curacao has so much more.
Visit the colorful island of Curacao for yourself.
Head here to book your vacation to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Labadee is home to the Dragons Breath Flight Line, the worlds longest overwater zip line.
Medium Ship Line #1: Msc Cruises
Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many! The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size shipsthe Lirica classwhich accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. Theyre also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSCs Renaissance program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspirationthough its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the worldso youll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.
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Medium Ship Line #: Seabourn Cruise Lines
Dont think of Seabourn as a typical cruiseit ships are much more akin to mega-yachts, with ultra-luxurious decor, service, and dining. The fleet currently has five vessels, the largest of which carry 600 passengers. 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.
Vancouver To Los Angeles
Have you ever wanted to view the pacific coastline, but didn’t want to hop on a plane to do it? Pacific Coastal Cruises are the perfect getaway. Cruise ships that travel from Vancouver all the way down to Los Angeles give vacationers the perfect opportunity to experience both the US and Canadian west coasts all in one trip.
Ranging anywhere from one night to two months, a cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles lets you experience two cultures at once. From the colder weather of British Columbia to the sunshine that washes over the streets of LA, a Pacific Coastal Cruise is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to travel too far away from a warmer climate – and in the time it takes to get from Canada to California, you’ll be having the luxury cruise time of your life.
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Caribbean & Bahama Islands
There are plenty of reasons why the Caribbean remains the top incentive travel destination. Whether sailing in the Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean, every alluring island offers pristine beaches and its own unique beauty, culture and history. Year-round Caribbean/Bahama cruises are three to seven days long, with plenty of opportunities for special group activities and teambuiding events ashore. Think zip lines plunging across rainforests, hiking through waterfalls, world-class golf, snorkeling with stingrays, beach olympics on private islands, deep-sea diving and fishing.;
Medium Ship Line #1: Marella Cruises
U.K.based cruise line Marella, which is operated by TUI UK, has a fleet of six ships that hold between 1,100 and 2,000 passengers, sailing itineraries around Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean, with some special journeys to Asia. The sailings are billed as all-inclusive, and they do include alcoholic beverages and tips, but some of the specialty restaurants cost an extra fee.
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Best Ocean Cruise Destinations For 2020
- Discover a world of ocean cruise destinations from the popular Mediterranean to the spectacular scenery of Alaska
- Learn which cruise best suits you, from relaxing Maldives cruises to expedition cruises to Antarctica
- What to see on an ocean cruise from hand-picked excursions, mesmerising sights, and incredible wildlife
Whether youre a first-timer or a seasoned ocean cruise traveller, theres a fascinating range of global destinations to discover on a luxury ocean cruise. In Europe, the sun-drenched delights of the Mediterranean and the dramatic landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords beckon. Travel further afield and youll discover the spectacular glacial scenery of an Alaskan cruise.
Unlike the mega ocean cruise ships that can carry thousands of passengers, the majority of our cruises are aboard smaller cruise ships that create a more intimate, personal experience with luxurious, well-appointed cabins and attentive staff. Youll travel in style with fewer passengers many of whom may become lifelong friends and be able to enjoy delicious cuisine and incredible excursions, complete with local guides and a dedicated tour manager on hand.
If youre planning to set sail on an adventure this year, weve collected 10 ideas for some of the best cruise destinations you can explore in 2020.
best cruise destinationsland excursionshand-picked cruisesfirst-class serviceexclusive shore excursions
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, and the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. 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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Top 10 Hottest Cruise Destinations For 2018
On our search for the best places to cruise in 2018, we went global, selecting destinations on every continent, and suggesting sailings that range from river and expedition, to your typical Caribbean cruise. It’s a list for the adventurous — taking you beyond the Outback, into the heart of Asia’s Mekong, to new cities from a familiar European country, and to a place that’s technically Europeanbut also Canadian.;
Small Ship Line #1: Seadream Yacht Club
Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDreams two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination. In 2021, SeaDream will launch a 110-cabin luxury expedition yacht, SeaDream Innovation, that will sail to all seven continents.
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Medium Ship Line #1: Princess Cruises
Of Princess Cruises 17-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.
River Ship Line #: Amawaterways
AmaWaterways cruises the waters of Europe, Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a handful of new ships debuting in the past few years. In 2019, the line launched AmaMagna, a double-wide river cruise on the Danube that features massive 710-square-foot suitesa size unheard of on a river-going vessel. Despite the ship being so much larger than its sisters, the passenger count only increased by 20 percent to 196 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.
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Small Ship Line #: Metropolitan Touring
Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.
Large Ship #: Msc Cruises
Nearly half of MSCs fleetnamely those ships in the Musica and Fantasia classesfalls into the large cruise category, with its newer builds firmly taking a bigger is better stance. The eight large vessels primarily sail in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, though they do offer itineraries in North and South America, Asia, and Northern Europe, too. The family-friendly ships skew on the upscale side, and theyre known for their incredibly international crowds.
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The 15 Best Cruise Destinations In The Entire World
When youre taking a cruise, most of your experience is going to be dominated by the cruise ship itself. However, getting the most out of your cruising experience isnt just about booking passage on the right ship; its also about finding the right itinerary.
If youre going to be traveling from port to port, then you want to make sure that your cruise ships itinerary includes some of the best destinations in the world. Thats why we wanted to share this list with you. It includes the 15 best cruise destinations in the entire world as selected by the cruising experts over at Cruise Critic.
From the frigid tundra of Alaska to the warm climes of the South Pacific, these destinations cover the entire globe We only wish there was one ship that could take us to all of them in one trip! Lets take a look
Best Cruise Destinations In The World
- River
Are you ready to go on another cruise and looking for the best cruise destinations? After some online research, youll have noticed that there are plenty of options. And as the cruise industry continues to expand its reach while at the same time sometimes narrowing down its themes and focuses, there will be many more options for you to choose from.
From epic wilderness cruises in Antarctica to beach cruises in the tropics, from cultural voyages to adventure-focused sailings, everything is readily available nowadays. This is all amazing, of course! In this post, well give you an overview of the best cruise destinations in the world right now.
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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, spending time in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe on week-long to three-month-long sailings.
Of The Most Beautiful Cruise Journeys In North America
These cruise journeys are breath-taking, and can be found right in North America. Consider taking one for some beautiful sights.
If you’re someone who has always wanted to take your family or your friends on vacation, but can’t really afford a trip out of the country, cruises are a great way you can still get the relaxing vacation you’re hoping for and to see new parts of the world without breaking the bank. Most North American travelers may not know that many cruise lines offer a variety of trips across the continent that come with a full tourist experience.
From seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska to sailing all the way down to beach Cabo San Lucas, here are 10 of the most beautiful cruise journeys North America has to offer.
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Small Ship Line #1: Hapag
German company Hapag-Lloyd is not just in the shipping business: its building a luxury expedition cruise empire, too. Though it currently only has two ships in its fleet, the MS Europa and MS Europa 2, the line has impressed its customers with suite-style cabins, impressive itineraries across all seven continents, and extremely polished service thats anything but stuffy. Hapag-Lloyds budding empire will expand with three new expedition ships scheduled to launch in 2021.
Small Ship Line #1: American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines has the unique distinction of operating not only old-school paddlewheelers in the United States, but also contemporary river ships. And they dont just sail on the Mississippiyou can also explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, too. Beyond that, the 13-strong fleet also has oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Medium Ship Line #: Holland America Line
Of Holland Americas 10 ships, eight of them fall into the medium-size category, carrying between 1,400 and 2,500 passengers. The refined ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line is Alaska. When cruising resumes, we think you should check out the Noordam, which was refurbished in 2019, as it sails itineraries around the Japanese archipelago, China, and Southeast Asia.
Small Ship Line #: Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourns five 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. In 2021, the line will debut its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture.
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