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Norwegian Cruise Line has always recognized this in its Mandara Spa, which keeps getting better. Norwegian Viva and Prima boast the first charcoal saunas at sea in a thermal complex that includes a two-story waterfall, gorgeous salt pools, an ice room and infrared sauna. Nearly every cruise line offers a high standard of onboard service, but Holland America Line’s gracious crewmembers craft something truly special. Service is thoughtful and casually personal, with crewmembers remembering names and preferences.
A World Wandering Fleet Favorite
The bigger ship lines offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines. Encore was the first ship in the Seabourn fleet to feature Adam D. Tihany’s bespoke interior design appointments. Despite this, the ship managed to strike a balance between the laid-back sophistication of a yacht and the opulence of a country club. There is a lot to admire, such as the buttery leather chairs, the marble-drenched baths, the curvaceous lines, and the gleaming brass. Well-being can be taken to new heights by receiving instruction from a mindful living coach who is also a certified yoga and meditation practitioner.
Viking’s ocean ships
And if you love balconies, the suites on Regent Seven Seas Splendor are some of the largest afloat, ranging from 83 to 1,292 square feet. Granite and Italian marble are found all over, and there are almost 500 chandeliers made of Czech crystal and glass throughout the ship. There are also 2,500 pieces of art on display, including works by masters such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro. A great cruise ship specialty restaurant should feel like date night at an exciting venue – and that’s exactly what Norwegian Cruise Line delivers on its ships.
Windstar Cruises
The cuisine shines, which is not surprising since Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. I suggest accompanying the head chef as they gather ingredients at local markets. The ship is slated for a two-part redesign of public spaces in 2024 and suite updates in 2026, which will likely make a good thing even better. The line's ships are sleek and modern, and sail to some of the world's most interesting ports of call. A focus on the destination at hand means that Viking Ocean Cruises stay longer in port -- often overnight -- so passengers can get a true taste of the destination. As a tip of the hat to its river cruise roots, the line offers a choice of included tours in every port (though there are for-fee options available as well).
ENTERTAINMENT
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.
Disney cruise line reviews
So much so that Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 34,000-mile world trip for 2024 sold out in just over two hours, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages, which aims to throw cruise stereotypes overboard, rose to first place in Large Ships. And we’ve brought back last year's new category showcasing the expedition cruises – small, often sustainable vessels with a shoal of scientific experts onboard – that follow in the wake of adventurers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton. But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent. The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.
Seabourn’s “Seabourn Ovation”
Never mind the moniker, a world cruise may visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports. Both cruises sail across the Pacific Ocean for Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, before heading to ports in Asia and the Middle East. The world cruises then journey to the Mediterranean and disembark in London.
Best Specialty Dining
Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. "With world class entertainment, fabulous food and amazing service, we will be cruising again with Celebrity in the future."
Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena. MSC’s gorgeous MSC Yacht Club is proof that not all luxury suite complexes are created equal. This private enclave boasts all the requisite perks you might expect, from lavish suites to grand lounges and private dining areas. MSC sets itself apart by making that complex more accessible than ever before, thanks to the line’s value-priced MSC Yacht Club Inside Staterooms that provide a lot of luxe for a little dough. Perhaps because its 2025 sailing is nearly sold out, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2026 world voyage, also on Seven Seas Mariner.
Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities. MSC Cruises is doing something a little different with its 2025 world cruise. It's offering a choice of four embarkation ports — Rome and Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Exciting destinations along the way include Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.
Chefs spend the day preparing for this pull-out-all-the-stops event at which they serve roast suckling pig, carved meats, pasta, salads and an array of mouth-watering desserts. On Viking ocean ships, Scandinavian design details, such as the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, with high ceilings and natural lighting in its pool and lounge areas, are showcased throughout. Read our full review of sailing a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2. Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.
For 2025, Princess offers two 116-day world cruise itinerary options on Island Princess, one round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and the other round-trip from Los Angeles. Queen Anne's maiden World Voyage in 2025 will span 111 nights, beginning and ending in Hamburg, Germany. The itinerary will include a pre-sailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks. See the lines and ships that best represent excellence in ocean and luxury cruising, chosen by Cruise Critic's international team of editors. Get to know the best cruise lines in a variety of categories, based on member review ratings for cruises taken in the last year. Depart in San Francisco, or continue the voyage back to Miami for a total of 168 nights.
On this cruise, applause goes to a private tour of Cairo's 500-room Abdeen Palace and an inimitable evening at Versailles in lavish Marie Antoinette style (pre-guillotine, of course). However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests. No matter what shores you visit on your adventure, you’re in for global culinary experience on deck. Izumi takes you to the exotic Far East with fresh Asian-inspired cuisine, while Giovanni’s Table roams the rolling hills of Tuscany with hand-made pastas and Italian classics. And at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, you’ll get to venture down the rabbit hole to a world of dream-like delights. Nothing makes us more excited to get up and go than putting together our annual Hot List, now in its 27th year.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on the tallest slide at sea, tasting your way from Italy to Wonderland, or lounging the day away as you sail from one exotic shore to the next — there’s no shortage of ways to pass the time on these decked-out top-rated cruises. At the heart of every great vacation is incredible service, and that’s exactly what you’ll enjoy on our award winning cruises. This is your getaway, and there’s no idea or request too big or small for our dedicated staff. So go ahead and dream a little, because anything is possible when you sail with the best cruise line in the world Royal Caribbean®.
Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service. Oceania Riviera dining is legendary across all of the cruise ship's dining venues, including complimentary specialty restaurants.
