Is MSC as good as Royal Caribbean?

Now in its 35th year, our annual Readers' Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises and islands. Plus: Odes to the properties that keep you coming back, meditations on beloved cities, and more.

The numbers prove what we already knew: Enthusiasm for travel has never been higher, as demonstrated by the nearly quarter of a million of you who filled out this year’s survey. From the top large U.S. city to the top international airline, this year’s list is a testament to the staying power of perennial favorites, through thick and thin—with some newcomers to consider. Consider it a primer on where to sail next, and how to get there. Here are the best cruise lines and ships in the world, as voted by Traveler readers.

View these Readers' Choice Award winners as a list with scores here.

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  Mega Ships (More than 4,000 passengers)

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  Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

  3. Mega Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

  Known for its colorful ships, Norwegian Cruise Line first broke into the mega-ship category in 2010 with the launch of Norwegian Epic, which can carry just over 5,000 passengers at full occupancy, and the company has since introduced five others in the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. The crowd aboard these vessels, which primarily sail in North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, often consists of families who take advantage of amenities like waterparks, virtual-reality gaming, and go-kart racing, though the cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, has a decidedly more mature atmosphere. In August 2022, Norwegian launched the newest member of its fleet, Norwegian Prima, which is the most luxurious of its mega-ships.

  Book now with Norwegian Cruise Line

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  Port Miami for MSC Cruises

  2. Mega Ship Line: MSC Cruises

  Though MSC is headquartered in landlocked Switzerland, this cruise line has mastered the art of mega-ships, building five of the 15 largest in the world: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Seashore. Each can hold between 5,300 and 6,300 passengers at maximum capacity. MSC Seashore, a New York City–themed ship, is the newest of the five. It's the longest vessel in the fleet at 1,100 feet, allowing for more than 140,000 square feet of outdoor space, plus 7,500 square feet of dedicated space for kids, including the Pirates Cove Aquapark. MSC has some plans for mega-growth, too: it has four World-class mega-ships in the pipeline, each with a capacity between 5,800 and 6,850 passengers, as well as the 5,100-passenger MSC Seascape and the 4,800-passenger MSC Euribia.

  Book now with MSC Cruises

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  Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

  1. Mega Ship Line: Royal Caribbean International

  If you truly want to feel like you’re living in a floating city, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you, given that it has the four largest cruise ships in the world. Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count (about 6,700 at full capacity), length (nearly 1,200 feet long), and gross tonnage (more than 225,000 tonnes). Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think of—and plenty you can’t even imagine—from waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. You’ll find these behemoths sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the year, but with so many activities on board, you might not even want to leave the ship.

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  Large Ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers)

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  Courtesy Royal Caribbean International 

  10. Large Ship Line: Royal Caribbean International

  Though Royal Caribbean is perhaps best known for its mega-ships, it has quite a number of large ships, too—the 3,100-passenger Voyager-class ships, for instance, were once the world’s largest, until Royal Caribbean debuted the larger Freedom class and subsequently the Oasis class. Each class had its own series of firsts—Voyager of the Seas was the first ship to have an ice rink and a rock-climbing wall, while Freedom of the Seas introduced the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea.

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  Danny Lehman

  9. Large Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line

  Carnival Cruise Lines is all about good family fun at a pretty affordable price point. The largest cruise line in the world in terms of the number of annual passengers (more than five million) as well as fleet count, it has 25 ships that sail North America and Europe, with about half of them having a capacity between 2,500 and 3,900 guests. Carnival is known for its fun upper decks that are akin to an amusement park at sea, with water slides, ropes courses, mini-golf, and attractions like SkyRide, where guests pedal a hanging vehicle around a suspended track.

  Book now with Carnival Cruise Line

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  Courtesy MSC Cruises

  8. Large Ship Line: MSC Cruises

  Nearly half of MSC’s fleet—namely those ships in the Musica and Fantasia classes—falls into the large cruise category, with most of its newer builds firmly taking a “bigger is better” stance. The eight large vessels primarily sail in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, though they do offer itineraries in North and South America, Asia, and Northern Europe, too. The family-friendly ships skew toward the upscale side, and they’re known for their international crowds.

  Book now with MSC Cruises

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  Courtesy Princess

  7. Large Ship Line: Princess Cruises

  Part of the Carnival family, Princess Cruises has a fun claim to fame—the TV show The Love Boat was set on its former Pacific Princess ship. If you’ve never seen an episode, you’re in luck, as one of the onboard TV channels airs reruns around the clock. But you won’t want to stay cooped up in your stateroom when you discover all the activities on board its 14 ships. Its special Seawitch craft beer program sees the cruise line partner with breweries around the world, while Discovery at SEA offers a series of activities based on TV shows from the Discovery, Inc. family of networks, including Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, and the Science Channel. Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Discovery Princess, set sail in 2022, and two new Sphere-class ships, which will carry 4,300 passengers each, are due to launch in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

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  Alamy

  6. Large Ship Line: Cunard

  For those longing for the romantic nostalgia of bygone transatlantic sailings, Cunard is your go-to. The legendary cruise line was established in 1840 and has had dozens of ships in its fleet, though today, there are just three active vessels: the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true transatlantic ocean liner, designed specifically for ocean crossings, as well as the world’s only pet-friendly ship (dogs and cats are required to stay in the kennel, a designated playroom, and a specific walking deck); the Queen Elizabeth; and the Queen Victoria. Activities haven’t changed all that much in the last 180 years—there’s still a proper afternoon tea, black-tie dinners, and galas in the ballrooms. It’s quite like a step back in time, with all the modern safety measures, of course. Cunard’s next ship, the Queen Anne, is scheduled to set sail in 2024.

  Book now with Cunard

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  Courtesy Holland America

  5. Large Ship Line: Holland America Line

  As its name indicates, Holland America is a cruise line that was established in 1873 to primarily ferry passengers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States. Of course, these days, the cruise line sails more broadly to more than 470 ports around the world on its 11 ships—and it’s highly regarded for its Alaska itineraries. While passengers can enjoy classic cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is particularly noted for its culinary and musical programs: it has a partnership with the TV show America’s Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, and a number of live music venues (including a B.B. King's Blues Club), and stage productions dedicated to the history of music on many of its ships. The latest addition to Holland America’s fleet is the Rotterdam, which first set sail in July 2021, with a capacity of 2,650 passengers.

  Book now with Holland America

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  Alamy

  4. Large Ship Line: Disney Cruise Line

  If there’s one thing Disney Cruise Line does well, it’s hospitality. The company has taken every lesson it’s learned from its parks and resort operations and implemented that into its five cruise ships, including the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, which launched in 2022. The ships are designed for families through and through—there are numerous themed activities every day, from meet-and-greets to full-blown parties with Disney characters—but there are plenty of adults-only areas that provide a respite from little ones. The fleet currently sails the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Bahamas (where they make port at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay), as well as Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. The next ship in the fleet will be Disney Treasure, set to launch in 2024.

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  Steve Dunlop

  3. Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises

  Celebrity Cruises currently sails around the world with a fleet of 16 ships, ranging in size from its small Xpedition-class vessels, which carry 16 to 100 passengers, to its large 2,800- to 3,100-passenger Solstice class and 2,900-passenger Edge class, which debuted in late 2018 with Celebrity Edge. This edgy ship (pun intended) was designed to appeal to a non-cruising clientele with innovations like Eden, a three-story hybrid “experiential” restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, and performance venue; and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout your meal. Celebrity Edge was later joined by its sister ship Celebrity Apex in 2020 and Celebrity Beyond in 2022, with Celebrity Ascent expected to be delivered in 2023.

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  Courtesy Virgin Voyages / Fiippo Vinardi

  2. Large Ship Line: Virgin Voyages

  Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages made its long-awaited debut in October 2021 with the "Mermaiden" voyage of Scarlet Lady out of Miami. The 2,770-passenger ship is adults-only, and it promotes a sexy, party-hard atmosphere between its glitzy nightclub, risque live performances, and unusual amenities like a tattoo parlor. But it's also a standout for its unique dining options, such as Korean barbecue restaurant Gunbae, where meals begin with a drinking game for the whole table. The cruise line's second ship, Valiant Lady, made her debut in the Mediterranean in March 2022, while Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady are expected to launch in 2023.

  Book now with Virgin Voyages

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  Courtesy Norwegian Cruises

  1. Large Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

  Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: the cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight (okay, over eight years), with just a few ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But that’s soon about to change. Norwegian Prima, the first of six 3,300-passenger Prima-class ships, launched in August 2022; some of its highlights include the fastest slides at sea (including the world's first free-fall dry slide), a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theater that transforms into a nightclub after the evening's show. Next up will be Norwegian Viva, anticipated to launch in 2023.

  Book now with Norwegian Cruise Line

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  Medium Ships (500 to 2,500 passengers)

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  Ivan Sarfatti/Courtesy MSC Cruises

  17. Medium Ship Line: MSC Cruises

  Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many. The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size ships—the Lirica class—which accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. They’re also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSC’s “Renaissance” program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspiration—though its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the world—so you’ll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.

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  Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

  16. Medium Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line

  The eight ships between Carnival's Fantasy and Spirit classes each clock in around 2,100 passengers—Carnival hasn't built a ship that small since 2004 and has no plans to order any more. But these smaller ships sail itineraries all over the world, from the Panama Canal to the South Pacific, as well as shorter sailings from Florida to the Caribbean, and bring the same amount of laid-back fun to each sailing as the much larger (and newer) Carnival ships.

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  Michele Verdure, Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Lines

  15. Medium Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

  Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengers—and they still make up the majority of the fleet. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyone’s favorite: bingo night. Norwegian’s ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America.

  Book now with Norwegian Cruise Line

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  Michel Verdure

  14. Medium Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises

  Celebrity’s Millennium-class ships—Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation—are the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. (That excludes Celebrity's three expedition ships.) The vessels just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity's fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts, they were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.

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  Courtesy Marella Cruises

  13. Medium Ship Line: Marella Cruises

  U.K.-based cruise line Marella, which is operated by TUI UK, has a fleet of four ships that hold between 1,100 and 2,000 passengers, sailing itineraries around Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean, with some special journeys to Asia. The sailings are billed as all-inclusive, and they do include alcoholic beverages and tips, but some of the specialty restaurants cost an extra fee.

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  Andrea Klaussner

  12. Medium Ship Line: Hurtigruten

  What started as a coastal ferry company in Norway in 1893 has expanded its operations to include expeditions to such destinations as Antarctica, Cape Verde, and Greenland. Of Hurtigruten's 14-ship fleet, there are seven expedition vessels, five of which fit 500 to 1,000 passengers. (The two outliers, MS Fram and MS Santa Cruz II, are even smaller!) The cruise line's two newest ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, are hybrid-powered ships, demonstrating Hurtigruten's dedication to sailing as cleanly as possible to protect the environment.

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  Oliver Leren

  11. Medium Ship Line: 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.

  Book now with Royal Caribbean

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  Courtsy P&O Cruises

  10. Medium Ship Line: P&O Cruises

  The British line P&O Cruises is the oldest in the world, established in 1837 to ferry mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula, but it began to offer leisure operations—the very first cruises as we know them—as early as 1844. The ships cater to a primarily British audience, and they provide good value for a classic cruising experience. Guests enjoy traditional activities like shuffleboard, dance classes, and pub quizzes. The ships typically sail in Europe, though they also have ports of call in Asia and the Middle East.

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  Jenna Lyn Pimentel/Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises

  9. Medium Ship Line: Azamara

  Though Azamara’s four 700-passenger ships are lovely, with top-quality dining and plenty of onboard activities to fill days at sea, passengers choose this cruise line for the experience at its destinations, which span all seven continents. Azamara not only offers personalized shore excursions (so no one has to be stuck in a slow-moving group with a flag-toting guide), they also do a number of overnights, allowing guests to explore more destinations farther inland. The overnights also allow passengers to experience an evening out on the town in port cities, if they so choose.

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  Courtesy Holland America

  8. Medium Ship Line: Holland America Line

  Of Holland America’s 11 ships, eight of them fall into the medium-size category, carrying between 1,400 and 2,500 passengers. Though most were built in the early 2000s, quite a few have undergone major renovations over the past three years, updating their interiors with elegant new looks. The refined ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line is Alaska.

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  Courtesy Cunard

  7. Medium Ship Line: Cunard

  While Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengers—and a number of cats and dogs—on board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth (QE) and Queen Victoria (QV) only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though they’re quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.

  Book now with Cunard

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  Disney

  6. Medium Ship Line: Disney Cruise Line

  Built at the end of the 20th century, Disney Cruise Line's first two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have been delighting families for more than two decades. But despite being part of the Disney empire, the 2,400-passenger ships are not over-the-top when it comes to Disney decor. In fact, they’re quite elegant, taking design inspiration from early-20th-century ocean liners and sporting Art Deco and Art Nouveau aesthetics. In 2022, it was announced that Disney Wonder will sail to Australia and New Zealand—a first for the cruise line—for a series of "Disney Magic at Sea" sailings in 2023 and 2024. The ship will also make port in the South Pacific during its two transpacific crossings.

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  Courtesy Silversea Cruises

  5. Medium Ship Line: Silversea Cruises

  Silversea’s fleet has 10 ships, of which just three are technically “medium-sized,” with passenger counts around 600 people—but that’s considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller expedition vessels. Silversea Dawn, which debuted in 2021, and its sisters Silversea Muse and Silversea Moon, are the largest, each carrying up to 596 passengers. The line sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.

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  Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  4. Medium Ship Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare (in business class, if you’re flying intercontinental) is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things you’ll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise line’s five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in round-the-world itineraries. Next up for Regent: the Seven Seas Grandeur, scheduled to launch in 2023.

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  Courtesy Seabourn

  3. Medium Ship Line: Seabourn

  Don’t think of Seabourn as a typical cruise—its ships are much more akin to megayachts, with ultra-luxurious decor, service, and dining. The fleet currently has five vessels, the two largest of which carry 600 passengers each. Their small size allows the vessels to dock in small ports all around the world (in Indonesia, for instance, they've partnered with local tourism boards in developing ports like Celukan Bawang and Probolinggo). Many of the cruise line’s guests are lifelong learners, and they flock to the nightly Seabourn Conversation program, which brings all sorts of intriguing figures, from Steve Wozniak to Elaine Paige, on board for lectures and casual chats. In 2015, Seabourn announced a partnership with celebrity chef Thomas Keller, who crafted new menus for the three existing ships and spearheaded new restaurants on the two newest cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. The cruise line also launched its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, in 2022, with her sister Seaborn Pursuit anticipated to follow in 2023.

  Book now with Seabourn

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  Courtesy Oceania Cruises

  2. Medium Ship Line: Oceania Cruises

  It’s all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jaques Pepin, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. Its four smaller Regatta-class ships, each accommodating 684 passengers, also have excellent dining options, like the Polo Grill and the Italian eatery Toscana. Two new 1,200-passenger ships are on the way for Oceania, set for delivery in 2023 and 2025.

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  Courtesy Viking Ocean Cruises

  1. Medium Ship Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

  Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched seven ocean-going vessels since 2015 (not including expedition ships), the most recent being the Viking Mars, whose maiden voyage took place in May 2022. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port (the ships primarily sail Northern Europe, though there are some Mediterranean itineraries, too), beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection. The next two ships in the ocean fleet will be Viking Neptune in 2022 and Viking Saturn in 2023.

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  Small Ships (Fewer than 500 passengers)

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  Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  9. Small Ship Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  Sailing with only 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator takes its all-inclusive promise seriously, offering unlimited shore excursions, open bars with premium wines (and in-room minibars), unlimited Wi-Fi, and dining in specialty restaurants. The ship sails all over the world, from New Zealand to Dubai, on week-long to three-month-long itineraries.

  Book now with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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  Courtesy Star Clippers

  8. Small Ship Line: Star Clippers

  Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurl their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.

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  Courtesy SeaDream

  7. Small Ship Line: SeaDream Yacht Club

  Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDream’s two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.

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  Courtesy Windstar Cruises

  6. Small Ship Line: Windstar Cruises

  The line’s six ships—three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts—specialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed Caribbean island of Bequia. Those smaller ports can give a sense of intimacy that isn't always present in the most common cruise destinations, allowing for wholly different experiences. In 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, introducing further special itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs.

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  Courtesy Seabourn

  5. Small Ship Line: Seabourn 

  Seabourn’s seven ships feature fewer than 300 suites each—but they leverage that small size into access at some of the world’s most beloved yacht ports: St. Tropez in the south of France; the Greek island of Kos; and popular large ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller designs specialty menus on the ships, and a partnership with UNESCO ensures shore excursions and sustainable tourism practices at some of the wildest and most wonderful destinations around the world. The line recently introduced the expedition ship Seabourn Venture, with her sister ship Seabourn Pursuit scheduled to launch in 2023.

  Book now with Seabourn

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  Courtesy American Cruise Lines

  4. Small Ship Line: American Cruise Lines

  American Cruise Lines is perhaps best known for its vintage paddlewheelers, but the 14-ship fleet includes seven oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. Its Independence-class ships hold just 90 passengers, while its Constellation-class ships hold 170. There's also an upcoming class right in the middle: two Coastal Cats (yes, they're catamarans) will carry 109 passengers each when they debut in 2023. They'll sail the Chesapeake Bay, New England, and the South.

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  Steven Gourlay/Courtesy Silversea

  3. 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 Passage—a monumental feat—with the Silver Explorer, a 144-passenger expedition vessel. The fleet was joined by the new Silver Origin, a Galápagos-specific ship, in 2020.

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  Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises

  2. Small Ship Line: Paul Gauguin Cruises

  The single ship Paul Gauguin focuses solely on the Pacific, treating its 332 guests to picture-perfect beaches and dramatic scenery in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji year-round. On Mota Mahana, the line’s private island in French Polynesia, passengers sip cocktails from the floating bar or paddle out over coral reefs on kayaks and paddleboards, straight from the ship’s water sports marina. For those wanting to get under the waves, an onboard PADI scuba program certifies divers in some of the clearest waters on the planet. Best of all? The ship’s rates are all-inclusive. In 2019, Ponant acquired the cruise line.

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  Philip Plisson/Courtesy PONANT

  1. Small Ship Line: 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 Africa’s Bissagos Islands. Just last year launched Le Commandant Charcot, an ice-breaking expedition ship.

  Book now with Ponant

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  River Ships

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  Bob Krist/Getty

  9. River Ship Line: French Country Waterways

  French Country Waterways operates a fleet of five elegant barge cruises that leisurely explore France's canals in Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Alsace-Lorraine, and Champagne. As you might imagine, the itineraries frequently focus on wine tastings and gourmet dining. Each ship only holds eight to 18 passengers, ensuring an intimate experience that feels more like a floating pastoral inn than a river cruise.

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  Courtesy AMA Waterways

  8. River Ship Line: AmaWaterways

  AmaWaterways cruises the waters of Europe, Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a handful of new ships debuting in the past few years. In 2019, the line launched AmaMagna, a double-wide river cruise on the Danube that features massive 710-square-foot suites—a size unheard of on a river-going vessel. Despite the ship being so much larger than its sisters, the passenger count only increased by 20 percent to 196 guests, ensuring an intimate experience. The cruise line sails 22 ships in Europe; one on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; one on the Chobe in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa; and one on the Nile in Egypt. In 2024, AMAWaterways will expand to Latin America, sailing the AmaMagdalena in Colombia, as well as debut its second Nile ship, the AmaLilia.

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  Courtesy American Queen Steamboat Company

  7. River Ship Line: American Queen Voyages

  If nostalgia’s the name of your game, book a trip with the American Queen Voyages, whose four paddlewheelers sail the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. These are leisurely sailings: most are nine days long, with some outliers like the 15- or 16-day journey from Minneapolis to New Orleans. The cruise line also has two ships that sail lakes and oceans, as well as one expedition ship that sails in Alaska.

  Book now with American Queen Voyages

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  Courtesy Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

  6. River Ship Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

  Uniworld's 18 river ships cruise around the globe in Europe, Egypt, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peru. Its excursions offer passengers the opportunity to get a little closer to their destinations of choice, with visits to local homes, farms, and artisans, and every excursion is rated by ability level. The cruise line's newest ship is the S.S. São Gabriel, which sails Portugal's Douro river; it also completely renovated its former River Countess and rechristened it the S.S. La Venezia in 2020.

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  Grand Circle Corporation

  5. River Ship Line: Grand Circle Cruise Line

  Grand Circle Cruise Line is known for its immersive itineraries. This smaller cruise line is part of tour operator Grand Circle Travel, but it does have its own fleet of eleven river ships. Ten of them sail in Europe, while the 11th, appropriately named Nefertiti, sails Egypt's Nile.

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  Scenic

  4. River Ship Line: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

  Scenic’s 16 luxurious river ships sail waters across Europe and Asia, from the Danube in Germany to the Mekong in Vietnam. Each voyage is completely all-inclusive—transfers, excursions, all food and beverage (including the mini-bar!), and gratuities are covered in the rate—making for a truly relaxing and stress-free experience. And did we mention there’s butler service for every cabin? Scenic also introduced its first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse, which spends most of her time in the polar regions.

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  Courtesy Tauck

  3. River Ship Line: Tauck River Cruising

  Tauck’s nine river ships specialize in navigating Northern Europe, with itineraries that highlight the castles of Germany’s Rhine River or explore Paris and Monet’s gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young children—a unique offering among river cruise lines.

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  American Cruise Lines

  2. River Ship Line: American Cruise Lines

  American Cruise Lines has the unique distinction of operating not only old-school paddlewheelers in the United States, but also contemporary river ships. And they don’t just sail on the Mississippi—you can also explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, too. The newest river ship, American Symphony, set sail in 2022 and will spend her inaugural season on the Mississippi River.

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  Courtesy Viking River Cruises

  1. River Ship Line: Viking River Cruises

  Parent company Viking Cruises has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 river ships and seven ocean vessels in its fleet. Under Viking River Cruises, the company's riverboats explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Viking River Cruises also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and select shore excursions in its prices, and its “Culture Curriculum” offers experiential learning through events like regional wine tastings and menus that rotate seasonally.

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  Expedition Ships

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  UnCruise Adventures

  11. Expedition Cruise Line: UnCruise Adventures

  It's all in the name. UnCruise Adventures is, well, unlike any other cruise line out there. While all expedition cruises have an element of adventure to them, UnCruise breathes adventure through every pore. Case in point: "yak-and-whack" excursions that combine miles of kayaking and backcountry hiking over a period of five, six, or seven hours. The cruise line operates a fleet of nine small ships that carry 22 to 86 passengers that sail all throughout North and Central America, from Alaska to Mexico's Sea of Cortez to the Panama Canal. Passengers quickly form bonds as they embark on their adventures.

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  Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

  10. Expedition Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

  Celebrity's three expedition vessels are by far the smallest ships in the cruise line's fleet: Celebrity Xpedition carries 48 passengers, Celebrity Xploration (a catamaran!) carries just 16, and Celebrity Flora carries 100 passengers. All three sail the Galápagos, with some itineraries including pre- or post-sailing tours to mainland Ecuador and even Peru, where guests can visit Machu Picchu.

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  Werner Kruse

  9. Expedition Cruise Line: Hurtigruten

  Hurtigruten's expedition fleet comprises seven ships that sail the seven seas—itineraries range from polar expeditions to West Africa and Cape Verde to the Caribbean and Central America. The newest ships in the fleet are the 528-passenger MS Roald Amundsen and her twin, the MS Fridtjof Nansen, both of which are powered by hybrid engines (and named after famed Norwegian explorers). The 250-passenger MS Fram was originally built in 2007, but she underwent a full refurbishment in 2022.

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  Courtesy Ecoventura

  8. Expedition Cruise Line: Ecoventura

  As Ecoventura operates a fleet of three expedition yachts with a capacity of only 20 passengers, you know you’re getting a personalized experience on board. The ships sail two week-long itineraries in the Galápagos—you can combine them both if you want more time with the islands’ incredible wildlife. The luxurious ships each have 10 well-appointed cabins, a lounge where naturalists provide lectures and briefings before excursions, a dining room and bar, a library filled with scholarly tomes on the Galápagos, and a sundeck for relaxation. Ecoventura's next megayacht, Evolve, will launch in early 2023.

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  Acacia Johnson/Courtesy Quark Expeditions 

  7. Expedition Cruise Line: Quark Expeditions

  If you’re after white sand and turquoise waters, Quark Expeditions isn’t for you. The cruise line specializes in polar expeditions: each of its four ships is an icebreaker or an ice-strengthened vessel capable of bringing guests to the farthest reaches of the northern and southern seas. While you’re guaranteed to explore some incredible rugged terrain, you might also sail in a pretty rugged ship—the two icebreakers, in particular, are nothing to write home about in terms of luxurious decor (though renovations do ensure they're comfortable). But the access they provide to the polar regions is unparalleled and well worth the very authentic expedition experience. The swanky new vessels Ultramarine and World Explorer, however, are another story entirely. The former is even equipped with two helicopters.

  Book now with Quark Expeditions

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  Courtesy Quasar

  6. Expedition Cruise Line: Quasar

  The first luxury line to sail the Galápagos, Quasar Expeditions is best known for its in-depth trips aboard its two intimate ships that carry fewer than 32 passengers each. Yet note the street cred of said ships: One of the two, the Grace, is the former yacht of Princess Grace of Monaco. The other, the Evolution, will allow you to retrace Darwin's footsteps in the Galápagos.

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  Courtesy Atlas Ocean Voyages

  5. Expedition Cruise Line: Atlas Ocean Voyages

  Atlas Ocean Voyages is a newcomer to the cruise industry—its first ship, the 196-passenger World Navigator, launched in 2021. The luxury expedition cruise line sails five continents, focusing on Antarctica and the Arctic, but it has plans for major growth. The second ship in the fleet is due to launch later this year, with three more to follow through 2024. Itineraries beyond the poles include leisure sailings in the Mediterranean and the British Isles, as well as a 17-night expedition from Cape Town to Tenerife.

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  Silversea Cruises

  4. Expedition Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises

  Silversea is known for its ultra-luxurious hospitality, and its five expedition ships are no exception. The oldest, the 144-passenger Silver Explorer, was built in 1989, and has, until this season, operated the cruise line's Antarctica voyages. This season, the new 200-passenger Silver Endeavor (formerly Crystal Endeavor) will take over those itineraries. Silversea also operates a ship in the Gálapagos: the 100-passenger Silver Origin.

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  Courtesy Lindblad Expeditions

  3. Expedition Cruise Line: Lindblad - National Geographic Expeditions

  This fleet of 15 vessels—with passenger capacities ranging from just 28 to 148—sails 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 National Geographic Islander II, which started sailing the Galápagos this year. Each sailing has an expedition team made up of experts in fields like marine biology and photography.

  Book now with Lindblad

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  Viking Cruises

  2. Expedition Cruise Line: Viking Expedition Cruises

  When Viking was founded in 1997, it focused solely on river cruising in Europe. It soon expanded its operations to other rivers around the world, followed by the oceans in 2013. Viking Expeditions, however, was only launched in 2020—the first ship, Viking Octantis, is a 378-passenger vessel that made her debut in early 2022. Her sister, Viking Polaris, made her inaugural voyage later in the year.

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  Violette Vauchelle/PONANT

  1. Expedition Cruise Line: Ponant

  Ponant has leaned heavily into expedition cruising, launching seven custom-built ships over the past four years. Six belong to the cruise line's explorer class, noted for its underwater lounges, where ambient sounds from the surrounding seas are pumped in via the ship's hydrophones. The seventh and newest ship is Le Commandant Charcot, a Polar Class 2–rated icebreaker that reached the Geographic North Pole on September 6, 2021.

  Is MSC a high end cruise line?

  MSC Cruises has stepped up the luxury quotient with its Yacht Club, a VIP section available across the line's four Seaside-class ships. Another ship-within-a-ship concept, it offers larger suites that come with verandas and round-the-clock butler service.

  What cruise line is MSC comparable to?

  MSC wants to make a bigger mark in the U.S. market and while it's a different experience than what Royal Caribbean offers, it's generally a compelling one.

  Does MSC match Royal Caribbean status?

  The dedicated enrollment page lists more than 60 loyalty programs from which you can status match into the MSC Cruises loyalty program. They include such cruise line loyalty programs as Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP program.

  Where does MSC cruise line rank?

  MSC Cruises came bottom for the second year running The Switzerland-based cruise line fell to the bottom of the 2020 ranking for the second year in a row with a score of just 57 per cent, with its customer service and food ranking poorly.