There are a variety of cruise lines to consider when planning a vacation, and the Best Cruise Lines rankings offer insights to make that decision a little easier. The methodology for the Best Cruise Lines rankings factors in expert evaluations of cruise ship quality, reputation among travelers, results from health assessments conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other factors such as price class and itinerary offerings.
Photograph: Seabourn Cruises; facebook.com/Seabourn/
If you’re looking for a specific cruise line experience, the 2018 Best Cruise Lines rankings by U.S. News & World Report can help you find it.
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, announced the 2018 Best Cruise Lines rankings, evaluating 165 ships in 17 top cruise lines across six categories – up from 15 cruise lines last year. The rankings help travelers select the best cruise by brand, region, traveler type and budget. In response to the popularity of the small ship luxury cruising market and with the addition of CDC evaluations, U.S. News expanded the rankings to include two cruise lines that are upscale traveler favorites, Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.
“Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. But with cruise lines continuously upping the industry standard, how do you know which will deliver the best experience? Based on a methodology that factors in price class, health ratings and approval among experts and travelers, U.S. News found the cruise lines that consistently land on top,” explained travel.usnews.
New to the list this year, Viking Ocean Cruises snags the No. 1 spot as the Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean by offering a high percentage of itineraries in the region and including one complimentary excursion in each cruise port. Royal Caribbean is named the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for the Money, with Disney Cruise Line topping the list again for both the Best Cruise Line for Families and the Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean for the fifth consecutive year. Crystal Cruises continues its reign as the Best Luxury Cruise Line, but Seabourn, also new to the rankings this year, takes the No 1. spot for the Best Cruise Line for Couples by offering intimate ships and an abundance of fine dining options on board.
Photograph: Seabourn Cruises / Seabourn Encore
2018 U.S. News Best Cruise Lines Rankings:
For Luxury:
- Crystal Cruises;
- Seabourn Cruise Line;
- Viking Ocean Cruises.
Photograph credit: Crystal Cruises
I) Crystal Cruises
“With its gourmet dining, penthouse suites and engaging enrichment programs, Crystal beckons VIPs. Sailing with Crystal, you can expect first-rate customer service (the line maintains a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio) and versatile shore excursions, ranging from elephant rides in Bali to hiking in Hawaii,” commented the decision U.S. News & World Report.
Photograph credit: Seabourn Cruises
II) Seabourn Cruise Line Why choose it according to U.S. News & World Report:
Seabourn treats travelers to a luxury cruising experience with its all-suite accommodations, personalized service and excellent upscale dining options. And cruisers sailing with Seabourn can relax knowing everything is covered in the cruise rate, including meals, fitness classes, enrichment activities and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
Photograph credit: Viking Cruises
III) Viking Ocean Cruises
“Smaller ships (where all cabins feature verandas) and destination-focused itineraries are a few things that set Viking Ocean Cruises apart. The line’s emphasis on cultural enrichment means you can expect riveting performances and informative wine tastings on board and shore excursions like museum visits or architecture tours,” explaine the editors of U.S. News & World Report.
Best Cruise Lines For Couples in 2017-2018:
- Seabourn Cruise Line;
- Viking Ocean Cruises;
- Crystal Cruises.
In the Mediterranean:
- Viking Ocean Cruises;
- Seabourn Cruise Line;
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises;
In the Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line;
- Royal Caribbean International;
- Celebrity Cruises.
