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.
Safety Tips For Your Cruise
Beau Prichard from USA Today published a list of safety tips for beginners that are preparing for an upcoming cruise. In the wake of the overturned Costa Concordia, and the crap-covered Carnival Triumph its important to pay closer attention to emergency measures AND general safety precautions when getting ready for your vacation aboard. Remember these safety tips for your cruise and have smoother sailing on your next vacation!
Winner: P& o Cruises Australia
The homegrown Australian cruise brand, P& O Cruises, has for the third year in a row, taken out the award for the Best Contemporary Cruise Line. P& O has invested heavily in modernising its fleet for the new Australian cruiser. The Pacific Explorer, the flagship and sweetheart of the fleet, has some cool Aussie features onboard including a dedicated gin bar in partnership with Sydney-based distillery Archie Rose, and new concept restaurants from Luke Mangan and Johnny di Francesco, the creator of the worlds best pizza.
Also onboard is the raunchy and risqué show, Love Riot. The comedic show, from Australian director, producer and choreographer Scott Maidment has combined the best of burlesque with some hilarious elements. Next year, P& Os new Pacific Adventure will be joining the fleet. Shell have a private area called the Byron Bay Beach Club and designed in a sleek Scandi style. While more details are yet to be revealed, P& O has confirmed the Pacific Adventure will have the Blue Room live music venue where guests can listen to blues, soul and R& B in the evenings.
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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.
Viking Ocean Cruises Review Which Recommended Provider
Yet again, Viking has held onto the number one spot in our survey, earning an outstanding five stars in every category. It specialises in small to medium, adult-only ocean cruises, with all of its ships carrying fewer than 1,000 guests. It’s not cheap, but the classy atmosphere, excellent food and unusual destinations are a winning combination, so it’s no surprise customers rated value for money as outstanding.
, or read our full Viking review for more information.
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Highly Commended: Norwegian Cruise Line
While Norwegian Cruise Line only has one ship in Australia, the ships sailing globally have some amazing entertainment options on board. On the Norwegian Bliss, the line has some fantastic shows like the Tony-award winning musical Jersey Boys. Guests can sing along to timeless hits like Big Girls Dont Cry, Cant Take My Eyes Off You and Walk Like A Man. On some of other vessels, guests can watch shows like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Rock of Ages and more.
River Ship Line #: Delfin Amazon Cruises
Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isnt quite like other river journeysits a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotellike accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients.
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List Of Largest Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing. Unlike ocean liners, which are used for transport, they typically embark on round-trip voyages to various ports-of-call, where passengers may go on tours known as “shore excursions”. They can carry thousands of passengers in a single trip, and are some of the largest ships in the world by gross tonnage , bigger than many cargo ships. Cruise ships started to exceed ocean liners in size and capacity in the mid-1990s before then, few were more than 50,000 GT. In the decades since, the size of the largest vessels has more than doubled. There have been nine or more new cruise ships added every year since 2001, most of which are 100,000 GT or greater. In the two decades between 1988 and 2009, the largest cruise ships grew a third longer , almost doubled their widths , doubled the total passengers , and tripled in volume . As of June 2020, the largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 228,081, is 361 metres long, 65.7 metres wide, and holds up to 6,680 passengers.
Best Cruise Line To Work For
Before I start writing about the best cruise line to work, I would like to say a brief about myself. I am a seafarer since 2015 and I have seen lots of pros and cons of the Cruise Industry.
Here I will explain the reality of Cruise Ship Jobs, What I personally feel onboard? What is the feeling of other crew members on board? What is the basic salary of seafarers when someone start from scratch level jobs? and What are facilities they will get on board, Life onboard, Opportunity of crew members, policies of cruise company and basic requirements, etc?
But we need to understand the difference between the Best Cruise Line in the World and Best Cruise Line to Work.
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Best For Affordable Elegance
MSC: MSC sailings can be booked for rates similar to those you’d find with Carnival, but you’ll see a lot less kitsch and a lot more swank. Throughout each ship, passengers will notice sophisticated touches like fine art and staircases inlaid with sparkling Swarovski crystals.
Celebrity: Perfect for 30- and 40-somethings who have left their college frat party days behind, Celebrity is reasonably priced and offers the modern touches of mainstream cruise ships but with a more refined vibe.
Holland America: With fares that appeal to budget-conscious travelers, Holland America tends to attract an older demographic of cruisers who appreciate traditions like the Captain’s Dinner and formal attire. Passengers will often find understated glitz, rather than flashy colors or garish neon lights.
Medium Ship Line #1: P& o Cruises
The British line P& O Cruises is the oldest in the world, established in 1837 to ferry mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula, but it began to offer leisure operationsthe very first cruises as we know themas early as 1844. The ships cater to a primarily British audience, and they provide good value for a classic cruising experience. Guests enjoy traditional activities like shuffleboard, dance classes, and pub quizzes. The ships typically sail in Europe, though they do have ports of call in Asia and the Middle East.
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Best Cruise Company Reviews
Many cruise line passengers book with the same company over and over again. Its that comfort of knowing what to expect on board, from the facilities and food to the general atmosphere. But the truth is that if youre willing to try a different line youll probably have a better holiday. While passengers of the most popular cruise lines, like Cunard, P& O and Celebrity rated them well, there are eight brands rated far better.
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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Im Ready To Start Planning My Cruise How Can I Score The Best Deals
Whether youre looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise lines email list. Once youve signed up, youll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination, kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings dont end when you book your cruise, though. Once youve made a reservation, youll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via Cruise Planner.
Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club
Becoming a member of Disney Cruise Lines rewards program takes no more effort than booking a cruise. You are automatically enrolled after your first cruise with Disney, and after your first sailing you will be a Silver member.
Unlike some other reward programs that are based on the number of nights youve sailed with them, Disney counts the number of cruises. After 5 cruises you will be a Gold member and after 10 you will be at Platinum level.
Silver, Gold, and Platinum are the 3 reward levels offered by Disney and here are the perks provided for each tier:
Silver Castaway begins after the first cruise is completed.
- Early booking for new itineraries
- Early access to activity planning online
- Communications just for Castaway Club members
- Dedicated Castaway Club phone number
- Exclusive terminal check-in
- Welcome back aboard gift
Gold Castaway is achieved after 5 completed cruises. It includes the above perks in addition to the following:
- Early booking for new itineraries
- Early access to select port arrival times
- Gold and Platinum onboard reception
- Gold and Platinum discounts
Platinum Castaway is achieved after 10 completed cruises. It includes the above perks in addition to the following:
- Early booking for new itineraries
- Platinum priority check-in at cruise terminal
- Platinum complimentary dinner at Palo
See Disneys PDF of rewards listed here.
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Large Ship Line #: Holland America Line
As its name indicates, Holland America is a cruise line that was established in 1873 to primarily ferry passengers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States. Of course, these days, the cruise line sails more broadly to more than 470 ports around the world on its 11 shipsand its highly regarded for its Alaska itineraries. While passengers can enjoy classic cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is particularly noted for its culinary and musical programs: it has a partnership with the TV show Americas Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, and a number of live music venues , and stage productions dedicated to the history of music on many of its ships. It also partners with O, The Oprah Magazine, on lifestyle programming, like daily meditation classes. The next addition to Holland Americas fleet will be the Rotterdam, which is due to set sail in 2021, with a capacity of 2,650 passengers.
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
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Winner: Regent Seven Seas
This is a new category in this years Cruise Passenger Readers Choice Award, and it was a highly contested one at that. Every cruise line, no matter what category offers amazing service. But this year, the award has gone to luxury line Regent Seven Seas. The line is known for its intimate service, so a butler will be at your service at the drop of a hat. One is assigned to every suite and it is their personal touch which makes the experience of the cruiser. From choosing the type of toiletries, to beverages, to even pillows, it is this personal touch that attracts cruisers back.
From unpacking your case at the beginning of your voyage to shining your shoes to facilitating your laundry requests, the team of butlers are here to serve guests. The attendants and butlers will maintain your suite just the way you like it, ensuring a fresh, warm and comfortable home is awaiting your return each day. The direction of the maitre d, the expertise of the chef, the guidance of the sommelier and the attentiveness of the wait staff will make each dining experience feel like a symphony of refined flavours and impeccable service. The officers pride themselves in providing a safe and smooth voyage and should you desire anything off the menu, the concierge staff awaits you, desiring to fulfil your every request.
Small Ship Line #1: Quark Expeditions
If youre after white sand and turquoise waters, Quark Expeditions isnt for you. This line specializes in polar expeditions: each of its six ships is an icebreaker or an ice-strengthened vessel capable of bringing guests to the farthest reaches of the northern and southern seas. While youre guaranteed to explore some incredible rugged terrain, you might also sail in a pretty rugged shipthe two icebreakers, in particular, are nothing to write home about in terms of luxurious decor. But the access they provide to the polar regions is unparalleled and well worth the authentic expedition experience. The swanky new Ultramarine, however, is another story entirely.
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Noble Caledonia Review Which Recommended Provider
If a small ocean cruise is what you’re looking for, you’ll want to consider Noble Caledonia. Its cruise ships carry between 36 and 250 guests, making them some of the smallest you can sail on. As well as a personal on-board experience, it’s one of just three companies to earn a full five stars for the quality of its port excursions, making it a compelling way to say to see the world.
, or read our full Noble Caledonia review for more information.
Small Ship Line #: Windstar Cruises
The lines six shipsthree sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachtsspecialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed island of Bequia in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Those smaller ports can give a sense of intimacy that isn’t always present in the most common cruise destinations, allowing for wholly different experiences. In 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, introducing further special itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs.
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Best Safety Steps For Cruising
Amie Clark