Sunday, March 31, 2024

Cruise Critic announced the 2023 Best Cruise Lines of The Year

best cruise in usa

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history. A rare and delicious cruise itinerary I found while researching this post is yet another with American Cruise Lines. This enchanting 8-day cruise takes you through the San Juan Islands, with abundant wildlife and natural scenery, to the Puget Sound and Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada. If you are a first-timer looking for a great cruise experience, then you should consider a cruise to the Bahamas.

Help me choose: which Alaska Cruise is right for me?

You can travel the west coast with fewer than 275 passengers on Silver Wind, which is one of the smaller ships in Silversea’s fleet. What better way to cruise in the U.S. than to celebrate July 4th in Boston, sailing 2,691-passenger Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 round trip New York? How fitting to walk the historic Freedom Trail and tour the Boston Tea Party ship on this holiday. Queen Mary 2, widely hailed for its transatlantic crossings, is a wonderful ship to call home.

Mississippi River

San Diego’s atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter is waiting to be explored, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a fascinating history lesson. Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans. If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship. Humpback whales often follow schools of herring and other small fish during the summer and can be seen anytime between May and September before they migrate to Hawaii or Mexico. 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. Living up to its name, the Miami-based Celebrity Cruises partners with well-known names in the arts and entertainment industry.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

While you can island-hop around the Aloha State via ferry or plane, it’s not exactly seamless. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Hawaii Inter-Island, which sails year-round from Oahu to Kauai, takes the stress out of planning a multi-island Hawaiian vacation. Cruisers will have the incredible opportunity to visit four Hawaiian islands—Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai— without having to schlep their luggage, unpack or worry about booking inter-island flights or ferries. Overnights in Maui and Kauai are also included in the itinerary, allowing travelers to immerse themselves and uncover the beauty of each locale. The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum.

These are the top 4 cruise lines in the world, according to travelers - CNBC

These are the top 4 cruise lines in the world, according to travelers.

Posted: Sat, 21 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areasConsider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten. Silversea gives Antarctica travelers the option to skip two days of sailing the often-rocky Drake Passage. Instead, they can fly in comfort over the waters separating South America from the continent, then hop aboard the 127-suite Silver Cloud and 100-suite Silver Endeavour for trips along the frosty coastline.

Night Canada & New England DiscoveryDetails

If you prefer a more extended cruise with more days at sea, Holland America has a 10-day itinerary from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale with stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, and Portland instead of Bar Harbor, Maine. These Atlantic crossings make for great cruises and are often significantly cheaper than other cruises. Passengers can enjoy many amenities onboard, such as swimming pools, theatres, multiple restaurants, evening entertainment, and many activities. If you prefer to take your time and immerse yourself in the culture and sights of each destination, a world cruise is the perfect option.

MSC Cruises

These companies are well-versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships are full of trip hazards and watertight door jambs and require bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest, glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion.

Cumberland And Tennessee Rivers

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025 - The Points Guy

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. “For the most part, luxury cruises appeal to a segment of travelers looking for similar experiences on land – more luxurious offerings, fewer crowds, and phenomenal activities. Luxury cruises tend to be longer than other cruises, so they appeal to guests who have ample time for vacation,” she adds. Spotting wildlife and sipping wine go hand-in-hand on this UnCruise Adventures expedition around the Pacific Northwest. The seven-night round-trip journey from Portland isn't your typical leisure cruise. Instead, passengers get to go on rainforest hikes, rafting adventures, winery visits, and scenic kayaking excursions through dramatic canyons.

SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II. The highly regarded intimate-ship line wins frequent accolades from T+L readers for its on-board service and well-appointed vessels. The Alaska trips on Ocean Victory, a fuel-efficient, 93-cabin ship from American Queen Voyages, come with the opportunity to kayak past glaciers and spot bald eagles and grizzlies. The vessel, which first debuted in 2021, represents an evolution in ship design for American Queen, with its cutting-edge X-Bow design (which helps reduce fuel burn) and chic suites, including many with private verandas.

best cruise in usa

You’ll see glaciers, rocky shorelines, historic gold rush towns, and flower-strewn mountain meadows. Along the way, you can hike, kayak, spot bears, go whale-watching, and feast on fresh salmon. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.

Moreover, it offers unique excursions on the shore, as its smaller ships are able to dock into ports around the world that aren’t equipped to handle large or medium-sized liners. Each cruise also hosts a signature White Nights party, a memorable gathering atop the pool deck where attendees get to revel under the stars. American Cruise Lines was the first to introduce the option of travelling on modern riverboats, with novel front-opening bows for easy embarkation. It has options for more than 35 river and coastal cruises traversing through 30 states. While the choice of itineraries is huge, ships are small and intimate, carrying a maximum of 190 passengers.

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. Families love Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International for an abundance of amenities befitting multi-generations. Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruises are extremely popular for U.S. cruises, too.

In Santa Barbara, a notable curated outing promises a delicious meal at a leading local restaurant and a visit to a family-owned farm and “ground to glass” winery. Live it up at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, or admire the stunning art collection and striking modern architecture at Getty Center museum. The San Diego Zoo is a must, as is desert ziplining in Baja—although driving an ATV through Guadalupe Valley’s wine country is pretty darn cool, too.

Holland America offers several New England and Canada cruise options, including a 10-day getaway from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale or a 6-to-8-day journey from Boston to the culturally rich Montreal or Quebec City. The latter option includes stops in Bar Harbor, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and back. In Bel Harbor, on the Atlantic side, test your swing with a round of golf, go whale-watching or step back in time on a Victoria walking tour. Along the Pacific, tours from San Francisco include boarding the Napa Valley Wine Train to savour the famous wine region of California, and getting behind bars in the infamous island prison of Alcatraz. This huge country, with the Atlantic on one side and the Pacific on the other, is freckled with headline cities and equally famous natural wonders. A cruise removes the hassle of a road trip and constantly changing hotels and allows you to see the States from its network of lakes and rivers instead.

This line runs small-ship adventure cruises geared to appeal to active people who might not normally cruise – hence the name. The focus is on land- and water-based pursuits rather than traditional port calls and long periods cruising, and there’s a multigenerational Family Discoveries programme, as well as solo-friendly sailings. Opt for a round-trip Columbia and Snake river trip from Portland, Oregon, and you can kayak through canyons and test your nerve with white-water rafting. UnCruise also sails to Hawaii, with the chance to spot whales and dolphins from the bow or snorkel in waters teeming with life.

18 of the best cruises in the USA

best cruise in usa

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. Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light. Most luxury cruise lines allow kids, though they often don't cater to them the way the larger lines do. Wi-Fi, tips and drinks — like cocktails, wine and specialty coffees — are included in most Celebrity cruise bookings, however the cheapest rates can be purchased without them. Right now, a four-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas is around $440 per person, including taxes, for an inside state room.

Best all-inclusive: Viking Expedition Cruises’ Great Lakes Collection

If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail. Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Best cruise lines for families

U.S. News Announces the 2024 Best Cruise Lines - PR Newswire

U.S. News Announces the 2024 Best Cruise Lines.

Posted: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Connect with other travel lovers, gain valuable travel advice, and make unforgettable memories through our events, meet-ups, and luxury getaways. Ultimately, the best time to go on a cruise depends on where you want to go within the United States. New England cruises operate in September and October and Caribbean or Southern United States cruises tend to occur between November and April. Hawaiian cruises are more common than other cruises as they occur all year round, thanks to the warm tropical climate.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

The cruise line also has a partnership with BBC Earth, under which it hosts seminars and musical performances themed towards exploring nature and wildlife. Moreover, it also hosts other intellectual seminars to familiarize travelers with the culture and festivities of the region it visits. Although the most popular cruise destinations for American tourists are in the Caribbean, River and Expedition cruises are also becoming increasingly popular. Expedition cruises provide tourists a chance to sail to remote destinations alongside a team of seasoned guides (and in some cases intellectuals) and take part in adventure activities.

best cruise in usa

Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. Seabourn Venture, the luxury line’s first 132-suite expedition ship, launched in late summer with itineraries in northern Europe; trips in Japan, the South Pacific, and Antarctica are on tap for 2023. Seabourn Pursuit, which will be a sibling ship to Venture, is scheduled to arrive in 2023, the second in Seabourn’s growing expedition fleet. Travelers are turning to trusted lines to help minimize the hassles of country hopping and maximize relaxation time in each destination. With 2023 poised to be a big year for both new and frequent cruisers — thanks in part to an abundance of new ships and itineraries — Travel + Leisure has hand-selected 16 different types of adventures to consider in the year ahead.

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

THE 25 BEST 3 Day Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST 3 Day Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:39:22 GMT [source]

Princess Cruises offers voyages to over 330 destinations over the world, more than almost any other cruise line. Its vast fleet of cruise ships is tailored to have destination specific itineraries, enabling cruisers to fully explore some of the most breathtaking sights nature has to offer. While most onboard activities are included in the ticket, offshore excursions often come at a premium.

Carnival Cruises takes you on a 10- or 11-day journey to wondrous Alaska, departing from Seattle or San Francisco. Expect breathtaking views of natural wonders such as glaciers, fjords, and Alaska wildlife, namely bears, moose, and whales. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Night Canada & New England: Unesco Sites & Quebecois Nig...Details

It's newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, has Gwyneth Paltrow as its "wellbeing advisor" and a restaurant created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, according to its website. Disney dominates the family cruise category, as it has every year since U.S. Viking, a cruise line based in Basel, Switzerland, is no stranger to accolades. News' luxury list last year too — despite Chairman Torstein Hagen indicating he isn't a fan of the word. It certainly begs the question “What is the number 1 cruise line in America? Well, as always, we are here to partake in this debate with our list of best cruise lines in the US.

History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature. You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.

Viking dominates this category due to its "adult-focused environment and luxurious and romantic amenities, such as fireplaces in each ship's common area and private verandas in every stateroom," according to a U.S. It's part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also operates Royal Caribbean International, which took home a "Silver Award" in this category. Most commonly, cruises from the East Coast go to exciting destinations such as Transatlantic, Bermuda, Panama Canal & Central America, World Cruise, and Spain. From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995. In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour.

Raise a toast on a cruise to California’s wine country — one of several American itineraries offered by Princess. Choose this sailing to visit Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, first visited in 1872, and head on an excursion to a glass-blowing studio to create your own masterpiece to take home. The choice of cruise route will depend on what you and your family or friends want to see.

Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks. The line, designed with Brits in mind, offers round-trip Southampton cruises on its adult-only ship Arcadia. There’s an overnight in historic Boston which is a key port for passengers wishing to see the dazzling colours of the autumn foliage. You can also follow the Freedom Trail in this walkable city, dubbed the cradle of liberty for its role in the American War of Independence. Other ports of call include Newport, Rhode Island, to admire fabulous mansions and scenery along the famed ten-mile Ocean Drive.

Besides, it’s so much easier (and far less costly) to find ports to drive to, or only require a short flight. Most American cruises possess the added allure of international flair, visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. Nearby waters deliver breathtaking natural beauty, adventurous shore excursions, and ship vibes that range from nonstop high-energy to pampering luxury. Here, several upcoming voyages sailing from American ports that rival any cruise in far-flung locales. With its varied landscapes—ranging from majestic mountains and volcanoes to stunning beaches to lush tropical rainforests—a trip to Hawaii offers something for everyone.

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