What Makes A Which Recommended Provider Cruise Line
Which? Recommended Providers are the cream of the crop and, as a minimum, we only consider giving the accolade to cruise lines with the highest customer scores.
Thats not all. We know that pricing transparency is important, so we only make a company a WRP if it provides clear information about gratuities, excursions and drinks at the booking stage. After all, it’s hard for customers to compare prices if they can’t find these details before parting with their cash. If the companies fall down in more than one area, theyre not eligible to be Which? Recommended Providers, whatever score they receive in the survey.
Similarly, a cruise company can only be a WRP if it is committed to refunding customers promptly for any cancelled cruises, and is prepared to offer alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries are changed due to travel restrictions.
Which? is independent. You can be sure that our recommendations are influenced only by our survey results and policy analysis. We’re not influenced by third parties and we don’t accept freebies from product manufacturers, retailers, or providers.
Small Ship Line #: Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s four expedition ships stop in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Galápagos, and Antarctica on shorter duration sailings, but they also offer around-the-world itineraries for an international clientele. Off-the-beaten-path excursions make for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like penguin spotting in Antarctica or private catamaran tours in tropical locales. In September 2019, Silversea completed its first journey through the Northwest Passagea monumental featwith the Silver Explorer, a 144-passenger expedition vessel. The fleet was joined by the new Silver Origin, a Galápagos-specific ship, in 2020.
South Carolina Man Charged After His Baby Childs Mother Found Dead
The wealthy owner of Tiffanys jewelry empire in Turkey is believed to have plunged to her death from a cruise ship during a dream vacation with her Swiss lover who has been questioned and released in the mysterious case.
Dilek Ertek, 71, fell off the Norwegian Spirit into the South Pacific off the coast of Tahiti on Oct. 26 and her body has not been recovered, Newsflash reported.
The tycoons son Gokce Atuk said jewelry had disappeared from the safe in her cabin.
Closed-circuit camera footage shows that Ertek went overboard about 3 a.m., yet her unnamed 74-year-old boyfriend only reported her missing about 20 hours later, according to local reports.
Experts wondered how the 5-foot-1 woman ended up going over the 3-foot-high railing in her cabin.
It is difficult to fall from this type of passenger and cruise ship, Mustafa Can, a ship captain, reportedly told Turkish media.
At the familys urging, police questioned Erteks lover after the crew kept him under observation until the ship docked in Tahiti three days later.
The man reportedly returned to Switzerland after being released due to a lack of evidence.
Ertek boarded the ship in Papeete, French Polynesia, on Oct. 24 and planned to celebrate her birthday in Bora Bora on Nov. 5, en route to Honolulu, according to Newsflash.
Ertek, who opened the first Tiffany & Co shop in Istanbul in 1995, was a graduate of Mimar Sinan Universitys Department of Architecture, the Daily Mail said.
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Large Ship Line #: Disney Cruise Line
If theres one thing Disney Cruise Line does well, its hospitality. The company has taken every lesson its learned from its parks and resort operations and implemented that into its four cruise ships, the 2,400-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The ships are designed for families through and throughthere are numerous themed activities every day, from meet-and-greets to full-blown parties with Disney charactersbut there are plenty of adults-only areas that provide a respite from little ones. That said, the ships are not over-the-top when it comes to Disney decor. In fact, theyre quite elegant, taking design inspiration from early-20th-century ocean liners and sporting Art Deco and Art Nouveau aesthetics. The four ships currently sail the Caribbean , Alaska, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. Three more ships, including Disney Wish, are scheduled to be added to the fleet between 2022 and 2025.
Is The Tap Water On My Cruise Ship Recycled Toilet Water
No. Wastewater on cruise ships is separated into grey water and black water. Grey water is from showers and sinks. Black water comes from toilets. Both are processed and treated to make them safe enough to bring them up to drinking-water standards in many countries — yet they are not used as drinking water onboard. Instead, the treated water is discharged into the ocean at the distance from land that is prescribed by both the International Maritime Organization and local laws.
River ships must pay to have wastewater pumped out of their holding tanks while in ports.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for: Luxury seekers
Why: Regent Seven Seas is arguably the most inclusive of the biggest luxury brands. Its fares include all-suite accommodations , meals in main and specialty dining venues, pre- and post-cruise tours and hotel stays, gratuities, shore excursions and beverages from liquor to sodas . The ships are on the larger size for luxury, carrying 490 to 750 passengers each — small enough to create a social onboard atmosphere without the crowds of a big ship, but large enough to offer spacious cabins and enough dining and entertainment venues to prevent boredom. Luxury touches abound, whether it be a butler in your penthouse suite or exclusive premium bath amenities designed by the L’Occitane line. The 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer has over-the-top suites and the highest staff-to-passenger ratios in the industry. Wherever in the world you choose to sail, you will be truly pampered.
Meet Your Cabin Attendant
More than likely, your cabin attendant will be around in the hallway. It is nice to say hello to him or her on the first day. Let them know if you need anything such a fan, or pack and play for kids. Those items may not be available or in limited supply, so make sure to touch base as soon as you can.
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Large Ship #1: Costa Cruises
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises, which operates under parent company Carnival, has quite a history: it was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company, transporting olive oil and textiles around the world. Transferring to the leisure cruise side of the business in 1959, Costa currently operates 11 shipsthe majority of which accommodate between 2,800 and 5,300 passengersthat sail all over the world. Its next ship, Costa Toscana, will debut in December 2021.
The 5 Best Destinations You Can Visit On A Norwegian Cruise Line Ship
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Thinking of booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line? You have a lot of choices. The Miami-based line operates vessels in almost every corner of the world, with a wide range of itineraries in many destinations.
Youll find Norwegian ships everywhere from the Caribbean and Bahamas to Europe, Asia and Australia. The line is also a big player in Hawaii.
For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter.
In addition, Norwegian is particularly known for cruises to Bermuda out of Boston and New York City, and it offers Canada and New England cruises regularly. It also operates some Panama Canal sailings and trips from the West Coast of the U.S. to the Mexican Riviera.
In North America, Norwegian ships sail from a relatively wide range of home ports including Boston New York City Miami and Tampa San Juan, Puerto Rico New Orleans San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco Seattle Honolulu Vancouver, British Columbia Quebec City and Quebec in Canada and Seward, Alaska.
Here, a look at the best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.
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Best Cruise Ship For Families: Carnival Horizon
The young and young at heart will find something fun aboard Carnivals latest ship
Carnivals latest and greatest ship, Carnival Horizon, sails from Miami to the Caribbean with plenty of family fun onboard. Kid-approved amenities include two movie theaters , Dr. Seuss Waterworks waterpark, nighttime babysitting and reduced prices for kids at some specialty restaurants.
The Caribbean And Bahamas
The Caribbean and Bahamas have always been a big area of operations for Norwegian. In fact, for a long time, the regions were so much the focus that the line included the word Caribbean in its name. Up until 1987, Norwegian was known as Norwegian Caribbean Line.
These days, Norwegian usually keeps just two of its 18 vessels in the Caribbean and Bahamas year-round . But it really ramps things up in the region in the winter, when it sends a large portion of its ships here.
Norwegian currently has 15 of its 18 ships scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas for at least part of 2023 including its newest and most advanced ship, the 3,100-passenger Norwegian Prima.
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Medium Ship Line #1: Royal Caribbean International
While it’s true that Royal Caribbean is better known for its large and mega-ships, the cruise line also has a fair number of medium-size ships whose maximum capacities are just shy of 2,500 guests. Each of these ships belongs to the Vision class or Radiance class, two families of older vessels whose smaller sizes allow them to explore more adventurous destinations, such as Alaska and Cyprus. But they also sail the Caribbean, offering Royal Caribbean loyalists a more intimate experience than the fleet’s larger ships.
Medium Ship Line #1: Princess Cruises
Of Princess Cruises 14-ship fleet, its five smallest include the Coral Princess, Island Princess, Sun Princess, Sea Princess, and the infamous Pacific Princess, which was the star of the TV show The Love Boat. The Pacific Princess is by far the smallest, holding just 680 passengers. The four other ships carry around 2,000 passengers and are the perfect size to sail through the Panama Canal.
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Small Ship Line #1: Ponant
Fine French cuisine, Hermès bath products, and personalized service come standard on Ponant’s fleet of globe-circling ships. The line has recently expanded its original fleet of four expedition ships and one sailing yacht with six new Explorer-class ships designed for luxury expedition-style cruising. Each features an infinity pool, an underwater viewing lounge, and itineraries that include destinations as far-flung as Papua New Guinea and West Africas Bissagos Islands. In 2019, Ponant acquired Paul Gauguin Cruises, adding another ship to the fleet, and just this year launched Le Commandant Charcot, an ice-breaking expedition ship.
Small Ship Line #1: Crystal Yacht Cruises
In early 2015, Crystal brought a yacht into its fleet for the first time, and following its success, the cruise line decided to custom-build a polar-class expedition megayacht. The ultra-luxe Crystal Endeavor, which sails to remote locations like the Arctic and the Antarctic, as well as urban ports around the world, launched in 2021, and can carry up to 200 passengers.
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The Best Cruise Lines In The World 2021
Mega ships
3. MSC Cruises 84.43
Large ships
10. Norwegian Cruise Line 82.779. Carnival Cruise Line 82.788. Marella Cruises 84.017. Royal Caribbean International 84.856. MSC Cruises 84.975. Holland America Line 86.874. Princess Cruises 87.18
Medium ships
15. Royal Caribbean International 83.2014. Carnival Cruise Line 83.5813. Celebrity Cruises 84.2612. Holland America Line 87.0311. Azamara 88.3910. P& O Cruises 88.579. Hurtigruten 88.634. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 92.683. Seabourn 93.33
Small ships
15. Sea Cloud Cruises 87.1414. Star Clippers 87.7713. Crystal Yacht Cruises 89.3312. Ponant 89.3410. SeaDream Yacht Club 91.469. Metropolitan Touring 92.206. American Cruise Line 93.185. Windstar Cruises 94.083. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 94.802. Paul Gaugin Cruises 95.51
10. Delfin Amazon Cruises 90.339. Avalon Waterways 92.278. Crystal River Cruises 93.227. American Queen Steamboat Company 93.416. AmaWaterways 93.535. Vantage Deluxe World Cruises 94.284. Grand Circle Cruise Line 96.003. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection 96.742. Tauck River Cruising 97.51
Azamara Club Cruises 45 To 5 Stars
Azamara Club Cruises is an up-market boutique cruise line operating two 690 guest ships. Perhaps the most affordable of the five-star class of ships, Azamara is luxury without ostentation.
The pool deck on board the upmarket boutique Azamara Journey.
The mid-size ships feel like boutique hotels, with a friendly, relaxed service that makes guests feel at home.
This is pitched firmly at couples, who want to take things slow and relaxed with a high level of service and refinement. The on-board entertainment is cabaret with a little bit of Broadway and opera thrown in.
Luxury accommodation on board Azamara Journey .
But the real focus for Azamara Club Cruises is destination immersion as opposed to fly-by, 10-hours-only-in-port visits. The ships will usually stay longer in destinations, so guests can go out late or even stay overnight in port.
Azamara cruises in Sydney Harbour
In early 2020, Azamara Journey will return Down Under for the season, making her way from Tahiti, around New Zealand and then on to Australia.
Azamara ships you might see in Australia Azamara Journey
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Which Cruise Brand Is Best For You A Guide To The Most Popular Lines
Editors note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
Thinking about booking your first cruise? The sheer range of choices can be daunting. There are more than two dozen lines marketing to North Americans no two alike.
The list of brands includes everything from giant companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, which are household names, to lesser-known small operators such as Windstar Cruises.
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. Others specialize in intimate, boutique hotel-style ships.
For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter.
Some lines, such as Carnival, are aimed at a budget crowd. 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 thatll cost you as much as $11,000 a day.
Where to begin? Below, youll find our quick guide to some of the most popular brands. As youll see, its not meant to be an in-depth review of the lines. Its just a short overview enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you.
Related: TPG’s ultimate guide to picking a cruise line
With Relaxed Covid Guidelines Is It Safe To Take A Cruise
That’s up to you, your level of comfort, and your own medical situation.
Traveling by cruise will expose you to other people in an enclosed location for long periods of time, not a great thing for easily-spread respiratory viruses. Fortunately, the immunity from being fully vaccinated seems to have helped arrest the spread.
If you have a weakened immune system, however, or are at increased risk for severe disease, or you’re traveling with someone with those risk factors, you should talk to your healthcare provider first.
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Do not travel or board a cruise ship if you tested positive for COVID-19 less than 10 days ago. Follow the CDC recommendations for isolation. If you were exposed to a person with COVID in the past 10 days, get tested yourself at least 5 full days after the last exposure and wear a high-quality mask around other people.
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What Are The Best Cruise Ships And Cruise Lines Vote Now
Cruising is among the most popular ways to see the world. Unpack once and take in the sights of the worlds rivers and seas from your floating hotel. More than a dozen new vessels are introduced each year, making the sheer variety of cruises overwhelming.
To help narrow it down, we asked a panel of cruise industry experts to nominate their favorite cruise lines and ships across 10 categories. Help us name the best by voting for your favorites each day until voting closes on Monday, July 11th at noon ET. The winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, July 22nd.
Cruising On The Comeback
Though mass Covid-19 outbreaks early in the pandemic exposed health concerns surrounding cruising, a new survey indicates travelers may not abandon ship travel after all.
Before the pandemic, 2% of prior cruisers said they wouldn’t cruise again, while as of August 2021, 4% said the same, according to an ongoing survey conducted by U.S. News & Report.
The pandemic hasn’t scared off non-cruisers either. Pre-pandemic, 62% of people who had never cruised indicated they wanted to try it. Now, 61% of people say the same.
Sentiments may be softening with time too. Before the pandemic, about 10% of people that had never cruised said they “never” would. According to the survey, this number rose to 17% in June 2021, but fell to 14% by August.
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Small Ship Line #: Lindblad Expeditions
This fleet of 15 vesselswith passenger capacities ranging from just 28 to 148sails to rugged, far-flung destinations, including Arctic Svalbard, Antarctica, Indonesia, and the Galápagos. A Lindblad cruise typically prioritizes adventure over luxury. On most ships, expect small, simple cabins, but plenty of memorable excursions, like snorkeling in Borneo or hiking an ice field in Patagonia. But some of its recent fleet additions are truly luxe, from its two polar-sailing expedition ships, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, to the elegant Oberoi Philae, which sails the Nile. Each sailing has an expedition team made up of experts in fields like marine biology and photography.
