Tired of vacationing on land? Why don’t you take it on the seas on your next vacation? That’s right, there are cruises that you can take right now, but this isn’t like your ordinary cruise, as they’re packed with features and benefits so unexpected that you’ll be sharing this list in your vacation group chats. Here are the 12 best cruises to take on your next vacation.
12. Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises has swept awards for Best Luxury Cruise Line, Best for Couples, and Best in the Mediterranean. So if you and your partner need a vacation on a cruise, you’ve got the best option. They have an adults-only policy, which creates an atmosphere far from the noise of your family homes, where you get to enjoy a romantic vacation without the kids. Their inclusive pricing covers everything from shores to Wi-Fi if you need to check at home.
11. andBeyond Galapagos Explorer
Want to explore the Galápagos Islands without all the tourists? Book your next vacation at andBeyond’s Galapagos Explorer, which is the first ship from a renowned safari outfitter. It only features six suites and a maximum of 12 guests. That’s right, you’ll have access to expert naturalists and face those giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. The ship’s small size also allows you to navigate to remote areas, which is an experience that no cruise ship could offer.
10. Explora Journeys’ Explora II
Want to enjoy a luxury but family-friendly cruise vacation? Explora Journeys’ Explora II does that. This 922-passenger ship offers everything you need on a cruise. From the top-deck Sky Bar for adults to the foosball table and Nautilus Kids Club for the little ones. The ship also has pickleball and basketball courts. There’s also a Conservatory Pool with a retractable roof for after-hours movies and five restaurants to choose from.
9. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima and Viva Ships
At Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima and Viva ships, you can go Mario Kart racing on their three-level go-kart track. Nope, it’s not a slow-moving bumper car ride, but a 1,400-foot track of racing experience with competitions, a podium for winners, and a fastest lap scoreboard. That’s only $15 a race, which is an experience you can’t get from other cruise lines.
8. Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
There’s a cruise ship where you can do so much that you won’t get to experience them in one trip. That’s Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, which is a megaship that’s a floating city for entertainment. They offer showsm activities and dining options that you’ll want an itinerary for. Maybe a Wild West dinner show or an Olympic-grade high divers in their open-air AquaTheater is what you want. That’s just two of the experiences they offer.
7. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises was recently crowned as the #1 cruise line for value. But it isn’t all that, as they have a cool feature in their Edge-class ships called Magic Carpet. It’s a floating platform the size of a tennis court that moves up and down the side of the ship. Throughout the day, it brings you to different venues, and as it turns into an open-air lounge on the upper decks. You’ll have a good view of the ocean as well as the sea breeze.
6. UnCruise Adventures
You don’t have to view glaciers from a crowded deck anymore with UnCruise Adventures. Experience Alaska’s icy giants up close and personal as this small-ship cruise line takes you to a shore in a skiff to face the glaciers. Compared with other cruise lines, UnCruise focuses on adventure-based travel with activities of kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking in Alaska’s remote wilderness areas.
5. Silversea Cruises
If your idea of vacation is getting pampered, then Silversea Cruises is what you need to choose. This all-inclusive cruise line features suite butlers who can provide personalized pampering for their guests. The real luxurious surprise? It’s their free-flowing caviar that you can enjoy whenever you please.
4. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay
With Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, you get to land on a private island, which is the destination itself. Much of what you can do on the island is free to enjoy. You can choose to relax on the beach or dip by the Oasis Lagoon pool. You can also enjoy a complimentary lunch without spending a dime. But if you want a real thrill, you can pay for access to the Thrill Waterpark with its record-breaking slides.
3. AmaWaterways’ AmaLilia
Ever dreamed of cruising by the Nile in style? Then, AmaWaterways’ AmaLilia is the best option as it’s a luxury river cruiser that combines a five-star hotel experience with a university lecture series. There’s a team of Egyptologists onboard that accompanies you on every excursion, from a three-day Cairo land tour to the Grand Egyptian Museum. The ship also features spacious suites with a French balcony and a walk-out veranda. There’s also a sun deck pool, and a gourmet restaurant for your comfort.
2. Azamara’s 2027 World Cruise and Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise
Ever dreamed of quitting your job to travel the world? Then don’t miss your chance to cruise with Azamara’s 2027 World Cruise, which is a 188-night journey to 5 continents, 37 countries, and 103 destinations. There’s also a 50-late-night stays and 15 overnights waiting for you. There’s also Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, which is 274 days long. That’s some serious planning and saving for you, but you still have time to do so.
1. P&O’s Arvia and Carnival Cruise Line
If you’re a film buff searching for the perfect cruise to vacation, then consider P&O’s Arvia, which caters to what you enjoy. It’s a full cinematic experience with their three-screen movie theatre showing multiple different films throughout the day. Also consider Carnival as they’re the only cruise line to offer a full IMAX experience at sea!