Last Updated
Cruises are back with a vengeance and are welcoming passengers in record numbers, despite soaring prices.
While it has long been a favorite way to travel, cruising is only becoming more and more popular as travelers continue to seek out stress-free vacations where much of the planning is done for them.
Often, the only stressful part is making sure to choose a cruise that suits your travel desires (that and making sure you don’t miss the boat!).
But with so many options in the world of cruising, it can be hard to know where to start.
Conveniently, USA Today has just released its list of the best in cruising for 2023. To determine the winners, a curated list was ranked by readers, and the result was a comprehensive ranking of all types of cruises. So who came out on top?
Best Adventure Cruise Line
For the sixth year in a row, Adventure Canada topped the Adventure Cruise category. The company offers a variety of small-ship expedition cruises in both off-the-grid locations and more mainstream destinations.
Popular cruises include a trip around the entirety of Iceland, a journey through the Northwest Passage, and an Antarctic Whale Journey.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
Best Boutique Cruise Line
SeaDream Yacht Club was voted the top Boutique Cruise Line. The line’s two ships have an impressive crew-to-passenger ratio. With an onboard staff of 95 and a maximum passenger capacity of 112, guests can expect superior service.
Best Cruise Line For Solo Travelers
With solo traveling on the rise, cruise lines are putting more effort into welcoming passengers who are setting sail alone. The cruise line that is doing the best in this realm is Holland America Line.
While the company’s robust programming offers plenty of opportunities for solo travelers to join in, they also offer solo-specific events like parties just for solo travelers and a roommate matching service.
Best Cruise Line For Dining
Cruisers have spoken and determined that Carnival Horizon is hands down the best when it comes to food. Guests have so many options to suit their tastes.
Some of the most popular options include a Teppanyaki restaurant, a family-style Italian trattoria, and two restaurants perfect for meat lovers with menus designed by Guy Fieri.
Best Cruise Ship For Entertainment
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond has been voted the best ship for onboard entertainment.
This is a well-deserved title, as the ship is home to a state-of-the-art theatre and several lively venues, including a jazz club, a speakeasy, and a three-story venue that changes each night.
Best Family Cruise
Families who choose Princess Cruises Regal Princess will not have to worry about entertaining their kids. The ship is a literal playground for families with so much to do.
With age-specific clubhouses with non-stop activities and staterooms designed for families, the Regal Princess is a great choice for a family vacation.
Best Large Cruise Ship
With a capacity of 3,660 passengers, the Sky Princess has been ranked as the best large cruise ship.
The ship is Princess Cruise’s newest boat and has become a fast favorite for its classy entertainment venues, great dining options, and comfortable staterooms.
Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine was voted the best mid-sized cruise ship.
With room for 3,000 passengers, it is smaller than many of the other Carnival ships but still has all the fun guests have come to expect.
The WaterWorks waterpark is a favorite place to cool off, while adventure-seekers love the ropes course for a thrill.
Best Small Cruise Ship
SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream II prides itself on offering more of a yacht experience than a cruise.
With room for just 112 passengers and a high crew-to-guest ratio, the SeaDream II offers an intimate experience and is perfect for a romantic getaway.
By day, couples can enjoy a variety of watersports or lounge on the deck on the comfortable Balinese Dream Beds.
By night, passengers have a choice of delectable dining and drinking options, as well as entertainment at the casino, the cinema, and the elegant piano bar.
Best Ocean Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line takes the cake as the best ocean cruise line. Carnival has always been known for its variety of entertainment onboard its ships and is no stranger to awards.
There is always something fun to do, making it a great option for cruisers who just want to relax and enjoy all the amenities of an ocean cruise at their fingertips.
Best River Cruise Line
For the second year in a row, Avalon Waterways has been crowned the best river cruise line. Avalon is known for providing guests with a luxury personalized experience, meaning that passengers get exactly what they want out of their cruise.
While most of its ships sail throughout Europe, Avalon also has sailings in Asia, South America, and Africa.
Best River Cruise Ship
The best river cruise ship is the Avalon Envision – one of Avalon Waterway’s newer ships.
Panorama Suites offer passengers wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air balconies to enjoy the passing scenery along Europe’s waterways. The Envision also boasts excellent dining options and an impressive observation lounge.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.