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.
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.
Ocean Cruise Lines Rated
In the table below, we show the latest results from our annual survey of Which? members. Viking takes the crown, with Hurtigruten, Noble Caledonia, Regent Seven Seas and Saga, also all receiving a Which? Recommended Provider rating.
| Brand | |
|---|---|
| 57% | |
| Using the table: *WRP stands for Which? Recommended Provider. Results based on a September 2019 survey of 2,254 Which? members and members of the public. The more stars the better. Passenger to space ratio Number of people on ship compared to its size. On-board facilities Quality of communal facilities, e.g. swimming pool, shops, cinema, gym, etc. Cabins Cleanliness, condition of furniture, comfort. Port excursions Quality of excursions, e.g. organisation, availability and price. Overall value for money Price in relation to experience. Customer score Combination of overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommending, if asked. |
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What Do I Wear Or Can I Be Nude
Depending upon time and place on the ship, you can be totally nude. Some ships allow topless activity only. In most areas, casual attire is widely accepted. Dress codes vary depending upon the time, place and specific event.
Be sure to check the schedule for theme nights that encourage dressing for the occasion. Some theme nights include leather and lace, a glow party and toga night.
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Large Ship Line #: P& o Cruises
The United Kingdoms premier cruise lineand the worlds oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837P& O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. As such, prepare for the ships amenities to have a British bent . Three of the fleets five current ships fall into the large category, while its two upcoming ships, MS Iona and her as-of-yet unnamed sister, will be mega-ships.
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The Best Cruise Destinations For Singles
The next thing to think about is the destination. Youll probably want to pick somewhere warm, as the combination of sunshine and swimwear will set you off on the right path.
If youre in the US, then a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas is a great option. These short cruises tend to include a day at a private island where you can spend the day at the beach with people from the ship.
If you live in the UK, then a short cruise with an overnight stop in Amsterdam would be a great option for people who like to have a good time. Consider booking an excursion with the cruise line as a way to get to know your fellow passengers better.
Shorter sailings, particularly weekend cruises tend to attract more groups of friends and solo travellers. On a longer cruise, youre likely to find more couples and families.
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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Best Cruises For Couples Looking For A Smaller Ship
Couples looking for a romantic vacation with an intimate feel love the smaller ships of Viking Ocean Cruises, all of which accommodate fewer than 1,000 guests. The dedicated staff on each of Vikings cruise ships is there to serve your every whim as your travel from port to port.
And because Vikings ships are smaller in size compared to ocean liners like those of Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line, they can dock and spend quality time in smaller ports around the world.
One of the best cruises for couples offered by Viking is the North Pacific Passage voyage, which starts in Tokyo and ends in Vancouver. The couples cruise is 23 days long and visits four different countries.
Medium Ship Line #: Silversea Cruises
Silverseas fleet has five ships, of which just two are technically medium-sized, with passenger counts around 600 peoplebut thats considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller vessels, including five ships in its expedition fleet. Silversea Muse is the newest and largest ship, making her maiden voyage in 2017. Despite her relatively small size, Muse has eight restaurants for her passengers, all of whom are accommodated in spacious suites. As a cruise line, Silversea sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.
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Large Ship Line #: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises currently sails around the world with a fleet of 14 ships, ranging in size from its petite Xpedition-class vessels, which carry 16 to 100 passengers, to its large 2,800- to 3,100-passenger Solstice class and 2,900-passenger Edge class, which debuted in late 2018 with Celebrity Edge, an edgy ship designed to appeal to a non-cruising clientele with innovations like Eden, a three-story hybrid experiential restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, and performance venue and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout the course of your meal. Celebrity Edge will be joined by three sister ships in the next five years, starting with Celebrity Apex as soon as this year.
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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Best Cruise Line For Older Couples
The sort of vacation you want as a couple at 60 years old is likely a little different than what you wanted at 30 years old. In fact, you likely want something a little quieter and more luxurious.
For those more mature couples, wed suggest looking at a cruise with Celebrity especially aboard their new Celebrity Edge ship.
Celebrity is a luxury-level cruise line. The emphasis is on stately design, high-end service, and delicious food. Entertainment is geared toward adults, including shows focused on Motown, cabaret shows, and even croquet and bocce ball on the ships Lawn Club. Looking to do shopping? The new Celebrity Edge features Tiffany, Bulgari, and Cartier stores, in addition to others.
Put simply, Celebrity isnt for everyone. If you are traveling with kids, its likely youll want a different line. But if you are a distinguished couple wanting to enjoy the finer things in life, Celebrity should be exactly what youre looking for.
Best Cruise Lines For Couples On The Go
Couples looking for an active vacation can look to Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, which offer action-packed activities and entertainment onboard their biggest ships.
Carnival Cruise Lines fun ships have multiple entertainment venues, as well as hopping bars and night clubs, ensuring a lively onboard atmosphere day and night. Outdoor activities include pools and hot tubs, twisting waterslides, volleyball, mini-golf, and more. Onboard the Carnival Vista and the Carnival Horizon, you can find the SkyCourse, a thrilling ropes challenge perfect for adventurous couples. Another new attraction is BOLT the ultimate roller coaster at sea that will be available onboard Carnivals upcoming new ship, the .
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a long list of activities onboard its newest ships. The Norwegian Bliss, Joy, and Encore all have the Racetrack the first go-kart course at sea, an outdoor laser tag, and thrilling waterslides. The Joy and Encore also have the Galaxy Pavilion, a large arcade with VR games, rides, and race cars. Headline shows include Broadway hits such as Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots, and other entertainment includes a comedy club, and a Beatles cover band. There is no shortage of bars and lounges onboard, ranging from a mojito, wine, and whiskey bar, to a brewpub.
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Many Of The Best Port Excursions Cater Specifically To Adults
Disney Cruise Line offers all kinds of excursions when you disembark at various ports. There are hundreds to choose from but these notable choices stand out as well-suited for grown-ups.
Bacardi Rum and Distillery Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Disney Fantasy
While docked in Puerto Rico, take a guided tour through the Bacardi Rum Distillery where you’ll learn about the company’s history, how they make their liquor, and taste some, of course.
ATV Adventure available on select sailings
For a dose of adventure alongside nature, several destinations such as Bonaire, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic offer ATV tours for adults, which are often paired with perks like lunch or a beach break.
Temezcal Ritual in Mexico on Disney Wonder
Recharge your spirit in this experience akin to a sweat lodge. A ceremonial leader will guide guests on a rejuvenating 90-minute purification ritual.
Insider Tip: Culinary and cocktail excursions are a great way to get a taste of the destinations you’re visiting. They’re also usually among the more affordable options.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for: Luxury seekers
Why: Regent Seven Seas is arguably the most inclusive of the biggest luxury brands. Its fares include all-suite accommodations , meals in main and specialty dining venues, pre- and post-cruise tours and hotel stays, gratuities, shore excursions and beverages from liquor to sodas . The ships are on the larger size for luxury, carrying 490 to 750 passengers each — small enough to create a social onboard atmosphere without the crowds of a big ship, but large enough to offer spacious cabins and enough dining and entertainment venues to prevent boredom. Luxury touches abound, whether it be a butler in your penthouse suite or exclusive premium bath amenities designed by the L’Occitane line. The 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer has over-the-top suites and the highest staff-to-passenger ratios in the industry. Wherever in the world you choose to sail, you will be truly pampered.
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Best Couples Cruises On A Luxury Cruise Line
Luxury is top priority at Celebrity Cruises, and for partners on a couples cruise that means a fully furnished suite that can be a place of refuge after a busy day of new experiences around the world. It also means romantic dinners at some of the best restaurants at sea, with menus created by a Michelin-starred chef worthy of the seas finest luxury lines.
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After dinner, you can enjoy a drink on your romanic cruise at the Sunset Bar , where you can take in panoramic ocean views with your partner or with new friends youve met on board.
Best Traditional Cruise: Tauck
- Ship Name: MS Savor
- Itinerary: Bratislava, Slovakia Vienna, Austria Melk, Austria Passau, Germany Prague, Czech Republic
Adventure tour provider Tauck has been in the travel industry since 1882, and in addition to a number of land tours, the company operates its own fleet of river vessels. Tauck has dedicated family voyages called Tauck Bridges, but the more traditional themed cruises have excursions that are aimed at adults. Built in 2014, the 130-passenger MS Savor has a gorgeous main atrium with a dripping chandelier, a putting green, and some innovative features like loft-style cabins with windows that open with the touch of a button. On the Musical Magic on the Blue Danube river cruise, interactive musical workshops, onboard performances, and themed excursions like a trip to the Opera House in Bratislava or a private performance at a palace in Vienna are included.
Take a look at other river cruising options with some of the best European River cruises.
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Small Ship Line #: Ecoventura
As Ecoventura operates a fleet of three expedition yachts with a capacity of only 20 passengers, you know youre getting a personalized experience on board. The ships sail two week-long itineraries in the Galápagosyou can combine them both if you want more time with the islands incredible wildlife. The luxurious ships each have 10 well-appointed cabins, a lounge where naturalists provide lectures and briefings before excursions, a dining room and bar, a library filled with scholarly tomes on the Galápagos, and a sundeck for relaxation.
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 a form of luxury expedition-style cruising, each featuring an infinity pool, an underwater viewing lounge, and itineraries that include destinations as far-flung as Papua New Guinea and West Africas Bissagos Islands. It also acquired Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2019, adding another ship to the fleet. Ponant will launch Le Commandant Charcot, an ice-breaking expedition ship, in 2021.
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Mega Ship Line #: Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for its colorful ships, Norwegian Cruise Line first broke into the mega-ship category in 2010 with the launch of Norwegian Epic, which can carry just over 5,000 passengers at full occupancy, and have since introduced five others in the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. The crowd aboard these vessels, which primarily sail in North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, often consists of families who take advantage of amenities like waterparks, virtual-reality gaming, and go-kart racing, though the cruise lines newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, has a decidedly more mature atmosphere. In November 2019, Norwegian launched the newest member of its fleet, Norwegian Encore, which is the most luxurious of its mega-ships.
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.
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Best Cruise Lines For Young Adults
- Young Adults
For decades, the ocean cruise industry catered toward either retired travelers or young families. Those days, however, are long gone. Nowadays, going a cruise is incredibly popular among the younger crowd as well. Its not unusual at all to go on cruises as a 20-something year old. In fact, many cruise lines now have plenty of amenities and facilities that focus on young people. In this post, we focus on the millennial audience, and have made an overview of the best cruise lines for young adults.
Before we begin, keep in mind that some cruise lines have minimum age requirements. Similar to renting a car, there are cruise lines that require you to be at least 21 years old. Make sure to ask your travel agent about any restrictions. If you decide to book with us , our agents will work with you to identify the best cruise line for you.
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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Top 3 Romantic Cruise Holidays
Azamara Club Cruises are perfect for couples, especially the routes that sail along the French and Italian Riviera as these give a laid-back charm filled with nightly events and romantic dinners for young lovers.
Princess Cruises offer sweeping romantic trips around the Caribbean and allow you to dine at luxury restaurants, have your own private balcony and see original and exciting nightly entertainment.
To get away from the children and spend a week or two on a relaxing break, cruises might just be the best way to spend quality time with your loved one.