What Is The Best Rated Cruise Line

Best For Casual Party People

Carnival: Of all cruise lines, Carnival is most synonymous with parties and fun. Passengers choose this line to relax, let loose and indulge without worrying too much about dress codes, diets or taking themselves too seriously. You’ll find them at sailaway parties, by the pool for belly-flop contests and dance parties, and in the club, drink in hand, until the wee hours of the morning.

Norwegian: Norwegian is so casual that there are no official formal nights. In terms of celebrations, passengers can head to the top decks for sailaway or take advantage of one of many poolside dance celebrations. The line also features themed nighttime shindigs that include Latin, 70s, 80s and, of course, its signature White Hot night, where cruisers wear white and dance under black lights.

Royal Caribbean: With plenty of clubs, bars and lounges, and enough live music for just about every taste, there’s always a casual party vibe on Royal Caribbean’s ships. All passengers can enjoy sailaway parties, and exclusive siorees are held for the highest-tiered members of the line’s loyalty program. Passengers on ships with Royal Promenade thoroughfares can also expect lively parades.

Compare: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line

What Makes A Which Recommended Provider Cruise Line

Which? Recommended Providers are the cream of the crop and, as a minimum, we only consider giving the accolade to cruise lines that achieve a customer score of 70% or above.

Thats not all. We know that pricing transparency is important, so we only give the award to the companies that provide clear information about gratuities, excursions and drinks at the booking stage. After all, it’s hard for customers to compare prices if they can’t find these details before parting with their cash. If the companies fall down in more than one area, theyre not eligible to be Which? Recommended Providers, whatever score they receive in the survey.

Similarly, a cruise company can only be a WRP if it is committed to refunding customers promptly for any cancelled cruises. Neither Azamara or Seabourn could make this commitment for bookings cancelled due to COVID-19, so both have had their WRP status removed for 2021.

Which? is independent, you can be sure that our recommendations are influenced only by our survey results. We’re not influenced by third parties and we don’t accept freebies from product manufacturers, retailers. or providers.

Best Overall: P& o Cruise

Courtesy of P& O Cruise

• Ship Name: Aurora
• Itinerary: Andalsnes, Norway Romsdalsfjord, Norway Tromso, Norway Alta, Norway Stavanger, Norway Southampton, UK

After undergoing a refurbishment in early 2019, the 1,874-passenger Aurora is now one of three adults-only vessels that sail under P& O cruises . Aurora is ideal for cruisers who enjoy ocean cruising on a mid-sized ship, with an array of dining options and several cabin choices ranging from interior to spacious suites. Dance classes, a full-service spa, a theater, movie cinema, casino, and a number of bars and lounges including the bustling, four-story central atrium are all available onboard the vessel. For a chance to see the northern lights, Aurora sails round-trip on a breathtaking voyage through Norwegian fjords and dramatic scenery.

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Travel Insurance And Covid

The novel COVID-19 has forced many people to rethink their vacation plans, or even cancel them outright. Whether or not travel insurance covers COVID-19 depends on each companys policy. Many companies are now rushing to cover it to satisfy consumer demand, but as of September 2020, coverage is still limited. So far, the few policies that have been written with COVID-19 include at least one of the following:

• emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage if a traveler contracts the virus while on a cruise.
• trip cancellation coverage if a traveler contracts coronavirus, or is quarantined, and unable to travel as planned.

If you have already purchased travel insurance and your provider has not updated their policy to include situations that could result from exposure to COVID-19, your best bet might be upgrading to a Cancel for Any Reason policy. This is an optional upgrade that can reimburse 75% of the traveler’s trip cost. It is also the only option that allows travelers to cancel their trip for any reason not covered by a standard policy, such as travel bans or fear of traveling due to coronavirus.

Best For Cabin Choice

Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean features a large selection of cabin types. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, with family or as part of a large group, there’s a cabin to accommodate you and your budget. Those with the highest price tags offer jaw-dropping amenities like two decks of space and private kids’ play areas.

Disney: Disney Cruise Line gets a nod for the sheer functionality and thoughtfulness of its staterooms. Done up in nautical decor, they include touches like virtual portholes that make inside cabins feel more open and curtains that can separate kids’ sleeping areas from those of their parents.

Celebrity: With its large number of stateroom choices, dedicated spa suites and chic style, Celebrity offers some of the most well-appointed and functional cabins at sea.

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Best Cruise Ship For Families: Carnival Horizon

The young and young at heart will find something fun aboard Carnival’s latest ship

Carnivals latest and greatest ship, Carnival Horizon, sails from Miami to the Caribbean with plenty of family fun onboard. Kid-approved amenities include two movie theaters , Dr. Seuss Waterworks waterpark, nighttime babysitting and reduced prices for kids at some specialty restaurants.

Medium Ship Line #: 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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Mega Ship Line #: Msc Cruises

Though MSC is headquartered in landlocked Switzerland, this cruise line has mastered the art of mega-ships, building five of the 15 largest in the world: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia,MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Seashore. Each can hold between 5,300 and 6,300 passengers at maximum capacity. MSC Seashore, a New York Citythemed ship, is the newest of the five, setting sail in November 2021. It’s the longest vessel in the fleet at 1,100 feet, allowing for more than 140,000 square feet of outdoor space, plus 7,500 square feet of dedicated space for kids, including the Pirates Cove Aquapark. MSC has some plans for mega-growth, too: it has four World-class mega-ships in the pipeline, each with a capacity between 5,800 and 6,850 passengers.

Best Luxury Expedition: Ponant

With cruise roots dating back to 1988, Ponant shifted its direction in 2009 and took the luxury cruise industry by storm with the introduction of Le Boréal, followed by four sister ships. The French-influenced cruise line blends modern technology with traditional French luxury in its yacht expedition vessels that boast more space and fewer passengers. Better yet, there are some cutting-edge industry firsts like an underwater viewing lounge with reinforced glass to gaze out below the water line, all while ocean sounds and visuals are projected. The current fleet consists of the four sister ships and six small-sized Ponant Explorers. Dining onboard features French cuisine with plenty of open-air venues. Plus theres a spa, fitness center, theater, and heated saltwater pools and solariums.

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Best Small Ships: Silversea

If youre ready to be completely pampered, Silverseas five-star service, smaller ships, and all-inclusive pricing is difficult to beat. Onboard, passengers enjoy free-flowing wines, in-suite dining, gourmet cuisine, enrichment lectures, 24-hour butler service, and included gratuities. Since most Silversea ships carry less than 300 guests, the company is a hybrid between yachting and cruising. Silverseas entertainment is very relaxed, so expect to unwind in luxurious lounges or in the onboard spa. There is no shortage of dining choices on Silversea vessels, ranging from intimate venues serving Asian fusion to open-air patios highlighting regional specialties.

Hurtigruten Review Which Recommended Provider

It’s all about the destination on a Hurtigruten ocean cruise. Its vessels may not be the most luxurious around, but they are compact enough to access smaller ports and towns that large ships can’t. Throw in exceptional customer service and there are few better ways to explore Norway and the Arctic.

, or read our full Hurtigruten review for more information.

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Small Ship Line #1: Ponant

Fine French cuisine, Hermès bath products, and personalized service come standard on Ponant’s fleet of globe-circling ships. The line has recently expanded its original fleet of four expedition ships and one sailing yacht with six new Explorer-class ships designed for luxury expedition-style cruising. Each features an infinity pool, an underwater viewing lounge, and itineraries that include destinations as far-flung as Papua New Guinea and West Africas Bissagos Islands. In 2019, Ponant acquired Paul Gauguin Cruises, adding another ship to the fleet, and just this year launched Le Commandant Charcot, an ice-breaking expedition ship.

Best Traditional Cruise: Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

• Ship Name: Royal Princess
• Itinerary: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier

Royal Princess is a gorgeous ship that like all Princess cruises focuses on a more traditional experience . As passengers sail through Glacier Bay or the College Fjord they can stroll around the stunning skywalk a glass walkway that overhangs the vessel or relax next to a lovely water fountain in the pool area. In the evenings, passengers catch movies under the stars. The cruise concludes in Whittier, Alaska, where most cruise lines do not visit. Although Whittier is industrial, its ideal for those extending their stay in Alaska on land. The Alaska railroad connects Whittier to Anchorage so travelers can also enjoy a scenic ride to Anchorage and hop on a connecting flight.

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Regent Seven Seas Review Which Recommended Provider

For a luxurious, all-inclusive ocean cruising experience, it’s hard to beat Regent Seven Seas. Almost every cabin has a balcony, staff are friendly and helpful, and the port excursions are consistently enjoyably and well-organised. The only real downside is the cost.

, or read our full Regent Seven Seas review for more information.

Big Ships Can Offer Big Value

Youll also find cruise reviews of such popular large-ship cruise lines as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. These cruise lines typically offer the best lead-in rates.

Families traveling together may want to look at Disney Cruise Line, although any of the big ship cruise lines mentioned in the preceding paragraph also do a great job with families.

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Cdc Is Investigating 86 Cruise Ships With Covid

Since mid-December, the number of cruise ships reporting Covid-19 has jumped from 32 to 89.

Getty

Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Protection updated its color-coded list of ships that tracks where passengers or crew have tested positive for Covid-19. The list is updated multiple times a week.

The agency currently identifies 86 ships where the number of Covid-19 cases meets the threshold for investigation a 178% jump in 10 days as the omicron variant spreads quickly across the U.S..

CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about omicron, as we continue to monitor its course, wrote Jasmine Reed, a CDC spokesperson, via email. We are still learning how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and how well available vaccines and medications work against it.

Eighty-six ships are on yellow status, which signifies that the number of reported Covid-19 cases exceeds .10% or one-tenth of one percent of the total number of people onboard the ship. According to the CDC website, 49 of the 86 ships on yellow status have been investigated and remain under observation, while the investigations are still underway for the remaining 37 ships.

The agencys color-coding system is based on both surveillance data collected over the previous 7-day period as well as the findings of any CDC investigations.

Meanwhile, the 86 cruise ships currently under CDC investigation continue to sail.

River Ship Line #: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld’s 21 ships cruise around the globe in Europe, Egypt, Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peru. Their excursions offer passengers the opportunity to get a little closer to their destinations of choice, with visits to local homes, farms, and artisans, and every excursion is rated by ability level. In 2018, two of its ships were overhauled for a new venture, U by Uniworld Cruises, with itineraries, dining, and activities that appeal to younger prospective passengersthink silent discos, mixology classes, and rooftop camping.

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Medium Ship Line #1: Holland America Line

Of Holland Americas 11 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, check out the Noordam, which was refurbished in 2019, as it sails itineraries around the Japanese archipelago, China, and Southeast Asia.

Cruise Line Stocks With The Least Sales Decline

These are the cruise line stocks with the least year-over-year sales decline for the most recent quarter. A companys ability to maintain sales in a difficult business environment can be a sign of good management and/or a strong business model.

Source: YCharts

• Royal Caribbean Group: See above for company description.
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.: Norwegian Cruise Line operates a fleet of passenger cruise ships. The company offers itineraries and theme cruises. The company announced in early August financial results for Q2 FY 2021, ended June 30, 2021. Norwegian Cruise Line posted a net loss of $717.8 million, a slight deterioration from the net loss of $715.2 million reported in the year-ago quarter. Total revenue sank 74.2% YOY. The company said that it expects its full fleet of 28 ships to return to service by April 1, 2022.
• Carnival Corp.: See above for company description.

These are the cruise line stocks that had the highest total return over the last 12 months.

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.: See above for company description.
• Carnival Corp.: See above for company description.
• Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc.: See above for company description.

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River Ship Line #: Crystal River Cruises

Crystal River Cruises launched in 2016 with custom-built river ships. The company is dead-set on matching the top-of-the-line service of its ocean ships, and it certainly has readers convinced. The fleet has five river shipsfour of which, Crystal Bach, Mahler, Debussy, and Ravel, are Europes only all-suite, all-balcony river shipssailing the Moselle, Rhine, Danube, and Main rivers. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience, with free butler service, unlimited drinks , Wi-Fi, and fitness classes.

Best Yacht Cruise: Seadream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club

For a yachting experience, SeaDream Yacht Club operates two ships carrying from 94 to 112 guests to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Transatlantic crossings plus dedicated wine-themed voyages. In addition, a third yacht, the Seadream Innovation, is planned to complete in 2021 with three marinas and wave runners, sailboats, and kayaks. Suites feature gorgeous wood furnishings, soaking tubs, living and dining areas, flat screen televisions, and 24-hour room service. For active adults, theres a golf simulator, mountain bikes , water skiing, and snorkel gear. Enjoy a movie under the stars or relax in the Balinese spa. All meals, beverages, and gratuities are also included in the fare.

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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.

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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