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The most deluxe lines tout vessels that range from megayachts (for only a hundred or so privileged guests) to midsize ships, which are considered large for this category. You can expect to be welcomed as a valued guest and treated to all the courtesies and comforts you would expect at any five-star resort. Space is often so abundant that you might wonder where all the other passengers are hiding. Top international chefs are tapped for their culinary expertise in designing menus to please the palate.
National Geographic Expeditions
“Travelers who want to benefit from a standby fare should keep in mind that once confirmed, Holland America Line assigns their room,” says Rob Clabbers, founder and president of the agency Q Cruise + Travel. “While that might result in savings, it means travelers may end up in the last remaining and likely less preferred location—above a theater or night club [or] all the way forward or aft. While this may work for some, it is definitely not recommended for those who fear seasickness, have mobility issues, would like to be close to travel companions, [or] want to be near or away from elevators,” he says. Once you're on the list, you'll be charged $49 per person per day (not including taxes, fees and port expenses, which can cost several hundred dollars more).
List of river cruise lines
Designed to be a cut above mainstream options such as Carnival while remaining relatively affordable, this Miami-based "premium" line is known for some of the most stylish big ships at sea. Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you. McDaniel notes other ways in which ship size affects the cruising experience. “There’s also a greater space ratio onboard, allowing for less crowding and more space for guests to spread out and enjoy,” she says.
Viking Cruises
If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar could be the answer. This relatively new cruise line, backed by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is reinventing mainstream cruising with a hipper, more inclusive, younger vibe (though not too young; its ships are adults-only). Its growing fleet of small expedition ships will take you everywhere from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea in style.
The line’s new Standby List Program allows travelers to put their names on a list of prospective passengers to be confirmed for a voyage if there are unsold rooms on the ship. Standby cruisers only pay $49 a day, but they receive as little as two days’ notice to get ready for the trip. Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft. The world’s largest cruise line, Carnival boasts 23 ships that are favorites among those looking for less expensive fun on the sea.
Mainstream Ocean Cruise Lines
And they’ve won numerous awards for not just being LGBTQ-friendly but for being totally inclusive and wholeheartedly embracing and encouraging diversity. Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “Sailors”) to customize their space. Opt for a suite and you’ll be considered—and treated like—”Rock Stars,” given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into sailors. Romantic types will love Windstar's three vessels with sails — a relative rarity. Foodies can choose one of the James Beard-themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demonstrations with a James Beard Award-winning chef.
Activities could include anything from wildlife-watching to spelunking, photography and even submarine rides. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first timer, our list of cruise lines below is a great starting point when planning your vacation. The following is a list of defunct ocean cruise lines where their shipping line is still in service. Water that goes down any drain on the ship — in hand sinks, showers, hot tubs and pools — could still end up in the ocean with little to no filtration, depending on each ship's technology. It's considered "gray water," not sewage, and thus allowed to be discharged in the open ocean (not in ports).
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Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements. Cruise Critic is an online cruise community with more than 650,000 ship reviews of 700 ships from experts and cruise aficionados. “And if someone has cruised before–or considers themselves an avid cruiser–we hope this list helps introduce them to new options, whether an entirely new line or new possibilities offered by some of their favorites.
Ships are small and intimate, with one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. You’ll also be treated to exclusive dining options, including the acclaimed restaurant The Grill by Thomas Keller. A unique, fun and educational option for families with older kids who want to experience nature with a touch of Disney magic, these expedition cruises are the stuff of lifelong memories.
Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, MSC Cruises operates big, resort-like vessels that appeal to a broad audience. Among the highlight of its cruises in North America are stops at its new private island in the Bahamas, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Tradition long has been a touchstone for this storied line, which dates to 1873 and is known for carefully crafted, globe-circling itineraries on midsize ships.
Princess Cruises' customers also like its wide range of itineraries, including voyages in Asia and Australia, as well as closer-to-home places like the Caribbean. Celebrity's four newest ships, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, feature "infinite veranda" cabins that are open to the sea in a way we haven't seen with other ocean ships. They boast a glass wall that opens from the top to create a balcony-like effect.
For years, it was considered the ultimate luxury cruise operator, and our take after sailing on Crystal Serenity after its relaunch is that the line is even better than before. But it recently announced plans to expand rapidly with four more ships over the next six years. The line prides itself on offering longer stays in ports, including multi-day visits. Pricing is higher than at the big, mass-market lines but not quite as high as you'll find at luxury lines. Others operate vessels that are as luxurious as any upscale resort found on land. A few small luxury players such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises have ships with lavish suites that'll cost you as much as $11,000 a day.
This fast-growing line has dominated the world of river cruising for North Americans for years, and in the last few years, it's become a significant player in upscale ocean cruising as well. Viking's 80 river ships operate on just about every major river in the world, and its 10 ocean ships (up from just one in 2015) can be found in a growing number of destinations, too. Exquisite service, refined dining and well-appointed accommodations are hallmarks of this Monaco-based luxury line with 12 vessels. Silversea Cruises is also known for its industry-leading array of off-the-beaten-path itineraries. Another leader in luxury cruising, this seven-ship brand offers all-suite vessels, top-notch service and elegant cuisine.
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