The Top Cruise Lines In The World: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, now in their 35th year, continue to highlight the travel experiences that our readers adore most, from hotels and airlines to cruises and islands. Also included are eulogies for the locations that draw you back, reflections on cherished cities, and more.

The statistics confirm what we previously knew: Over a quarter of a million of you who responded to this year’s study show that there has never been more enthusiasm for travel. This year’s list, which includes several newcomers to take into consideration, is a monument to the endurance of longtime favorites, from the top large U.S. city to the top foreign airline. Think of it as a primer on where and how to sail next. The greatest cruise companies and ships in the world, as chosen by Traveler readers, are listed below.

Large ships (More than 4,000 passengers)

3. Norwegian Cruise Line, a mega ship operator

Norwegian Cruise Line, known for its vibrant ships, entered the mega-ship market in 2010 with the introduction of Norwegian Epic, which can accommodate just over 5,000 passengers at full occupancy. Since then, the company has introduced five additional ships in the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. Although the cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, has a distinctly more mature atmosphere, families frequently board these ships, which primarily sail in North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Families take advantage of amenities like waterparks, virtual reality gaming, and go-kart racing. The newest and most opulent of its mega-ships, Norwegian Prima, was introduced to the public in August 2022.

2. The megaship operator MSC Cruises

Despite having its headquarters in the landlocked country of Switzerland, MSC has mastered the art of building mega-ships, having constructed five of the world’s fifteen largest vessels: the MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Seashore. Each has a maximum capacity of 5,300 to 6,300 passengers. The newest of the five ships is MSC Seashore, which has a New York City motif. With a length of 1,100 feet, it is the longest ship in the line and can accommodate more than 140,000 square feet of outdoor area as well as 7,500 square feet of kid-specific space, including the Pirates Cove Aquapark. In addition to the 5,100-passenger MSC Seascape and the 4,800-passenger MSC Euribia, MSC has four World-class mega-ships with a capacity between 5,800 and 6,850 people in the works.

1. Royal Caribbean International is a megaship line.

Given that it operates the four largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you if you want to really feel like you’re residing in a floating metropolis. In terms of passenger count (about 6,700 at full capacity), length (almost 1,200 feet long), and gross tonnage, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas are at the top of the list (more than 225,000 tonnes). Given their size, these ships offer every amenity you can imagine—and plenty more you can’t—from waterparks to world-class musical shows to autonomous bars manned by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. They also have autonomous bars that serve themselves. Throughout the year, you can find these enormous ships cruising the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, but with so much to do on board, you might not even want to get off the ship.

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

10. Royal Caribbean International is a significant ship line.

The 3,100-passenger Voyager-class ships, for example, were previously the largest ships in the world before Royal Caribbean introduced the larger Freedom class and then the Oasis class. Despite the fact that Royal Caribbean is likely best known for its mega-ships, it also has quite a few huge ships. Each class boasted a unique set of firsts: Freedom of the Seas debuted the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea, while Voyager of the Seas was the first ship to offer an ice rink and a rock climbing wall.

9. Carnival Cruise Line, a major ship operator

Carnival Cruise Lines focuses on providing quality family entertainment at a reasonable cost. With 25 ships that travel between North America and Europe with a passenger capacity of between 2,500 and 3,900, it is the largest cruise line in the world in terms of both fleet size and yearly passenger volume (more than five million). With water slides, ropes courses, mini golf, and attractions like SkyRide, where visitors pedal a hanging vehicle along a suspended track, Carnival is well renowned for its entertaining upper decks that resemble an entertainment park at sea.

8. MSC Cruises, a major cruise line

The Musica and Fantasia class ships make up about half of MSC’s fleet, and most of its more recent additions have a strong “larger is better” philosophy. Although they do offer itineraries through North and South America, Asia, and Northern Europe, the eight huge ships primarily travel in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. The family-friendly ships tend to be more luxurious and are well-known for drawing tourists from around the world.

7. Princess Cruises, a line with large ships

Princess Cruises, a member of the Carnival group, has a cute claim to fame: the old Pacific Princess ship served as the setting for the television programme The Love Boat. You’re in luck if you’ve never watched an episode because one of the onboard TV stations continuously broadcasts replays. But after you learn about all the activities offered on the 14 ships, you won’t want to be cooped up in your stateroom. In addition, Discovery at SEA offers a number of activities based on TV shows from the Discovery, Inc. family of networks, including Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, and the Science Channel. The cruise line partners with breweries around the world as part of its unique Seawitch craft beer programme. The newest ship for Princess Cruises, Discovery Princess, sailed in 2022, and two additional Sphere-class ships, each of which will accommodate 4,300 guests, are scheduled to debut in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

6. Cunard is a large ship line.

Cunard is the company to choose if you yearn for the nostalgic romance of bygone transatlantic voyages. The world’s only true transatlantic ocean liner, built specifically for ocean crossings, and the only pet-friendly ship (dogs and cats are required to stay in the kennel, a designated playroom, and a specific walking deck), the legendary cruise line was founded in 1840 and has had dozens of ships in its fleet. However, today there are only three active ships: the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Elizabeth, and the Queen Victoria. There are still formal afternoon teas, black-tie dinners, and ballroom galas, so not much has changed in the last 180 years. With all the contemporary safety precautions, of course, it feels a little like stepping back in time. The Queen Anne, the following Cunard vessel, is slated to depart port in 2024.

Holland America Line is a fifth-large ship line.

The cruise line Holland America was founded in 1873 with the primary purpose of transporting travellers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States, as suggested by its name. Of course, the cruise company now operates 11 ships that travel to more than 470 ports worldwide, and it is well known for its Alaska itinerary. Even though cruisers can partake in standard cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is renowned for its culinary and musical offerings. The company has a partnership with the TV programme America’s Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, and a number of live music venues, including a B.B. King’s Blues Club, as well as stage productions centred on the history of music on many of its ships. The Rotterdam, the newest vessel to join Holland America’s fleet, made its first voyage in July 2021 and can accommodate 2,650 people.

Disney Cruise Line is a fourth big ship line.

The hospitality aspect of Disney Cruise Line is one of its strong suits. The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, which will debut in 2022, are among the five cruise ships that the corporation has built using the lessons it has learned from operating its parks and resorts. The ships are completely geared toward families; there are daily themed events ranging from meet-and-greets to full-blown Disney character parties; nevertheless, there are plenty of adults-only spaces that offer a break from the small ones. The fleet now travels to Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas (where they stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay). Disney Treasure, scheduled to debut in 2024, will be the following vessel to join the fleet.

3. Celebrity Cruises, a major cruise line

Celebrity Cruises currently operates a fleet of 16 ships that travels the world. These ships range in size from the small Xpedition-class ships, which accommodate 16 to 100 passengers, to the large Solstice class ships, which accommodate 2,800 to 3,100 passengers, and the 2,900-passenger Edge class, which made its debut in late 2018 with Celebrity Edge. With novel features 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 with a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout your meal, this edgy ship (pun intended) was created to appeal to a non-cruising clientele. Later, Celebrity Edge‘s sister ships Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond joined it. Celebrity Ascent is scheduled to be delivered in 2023.

2. Virgin Voyages, a major ship operator

With the “Mermaiden” trip of Scarlet Lady departing from Miami in October 2021, Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages made its eagerly anticipated debut. The 2,770-passenger ship caters to adults only, and with its risqué live acts, glamorous nightclub, and unique services like a tattoo shop, it encourages a sensual, party-hard attitude. But it also stands out for its unusual dining alternatives, such the Korean BBQ joint Gunbae, where each meal starts with a round of drinks for the entire table. Valiant Lady, the cruise line’s second ship, had her Mediterranean premiere in March 2022, and Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady are scheduled to debut in 2023.

1. Norwegian Cruise Line, a large ship line

The cruise line went from operating medium-sized ships to mega-ships almost immediately (well, over eight years), with only a handful of the ships in its current fleet falling somewhere in between. But that will soon change. The first of six 3,300-passenger Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima, debuted in August 2022. Among its highlights are the world’s first free-fall dry slide, the fastest slides at sea, a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theatre that converts into a nightclub following the evening’s performance. The next flight, Norwegian Viva, is scheduled to take off in 2023.

Large Ships (500 to 2,500 passengers)

17. MSC Cruises is a medium ship line.

MSC Cruises has appeared on our list three times, demonstrating how well-liked they are. Only four medium-sized ships of the Lirica class, which can carry between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers, are part of the Swiss cruise line’s fleet. Although they have all undergone renovations as part of MSC’s “Renaissance” initiative to update interiors and increase their size, these are the fleet’s oldest ships. Although the line’s fleet travels far beyond the region, visiting at ports all over the world, it is famed for its Mediterranean inspiration, so no matter where your ship is going, you will discover delectable Italian food on board. There is a lot of partying on MSC sailings, especially at night when many passengers stay out late at nightclubs.

Carnival Cruise Line, 16. Medium Ship Line

Carnival hasn’t built a ship so small since 2004 and doesn’t have any plans to build any more. The eight ships in the Fantasy and Spirit classes, which together hold 2,100 passengers apiece, are the only ones in that size. However, these smaller ships offer the same level of carefree fun on every voyage as the considerably larger (and more recent) Carnival ships. They travel on itineraries from the Panama Canal to the South Pacific and offer shorter sailings from Florida to the Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line, 15. Medium Ship Line

Norwegian Cruise Line historically focused on mid-sized ships that carry roughly 2,000 people until it introduced Norwegian Epic in 2010, followed by the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively. These ships still make up the majority of the fleet today. The ships have a vibrant environment as guests take part in activities like bingo night, water slides, and funny pool competitions like synchronised swimming. The itineraries of Norwegian’s ships are extensive, with many of them concentrating on North America.

14. Celebrity Cruises, a medium-sized ship line

The Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation are the company’s Millennium-class ships, which are the smallest in the fleet and can accommodate between 2,100 and 2,200 guests. (Celebrity’s three excursion ships are not included.) The ships were among the first to use more environmentally friendly engines that blended gas and steam power when they were first launched in the early 2000s, and they recently received a plethora of new and refurbished staterooms as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide makeover. The four ships leave from ports in Europe, North America, and Asia, all of which are their home ports.

13. Marella Cruises, a medium-sized ship line

The four ships in the fleet of the U.K.-based cruise company Marella, which is run by TUI UK, can accommodate 1,100 to 2,000 passengers and travel on special trips to Asia in addition to routes around Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean. Although the sailings are advertised as all-inclusive and do include drinks and tips, some of the specialty eateries have additional costs.

12. Hurtigruten is a medium ship line.

What began in Norway in 1893 as a coastal ferry service has grown to encompass trips to places like Antarctica, Cape Verde, and Greenland. Five of the seven expedition ships in Hurtigruten’s 14-ship fleet can accommodate 500–1,000 passengers each. (The two anomalies, MS Santa Cruz II and MS Fram, are considerably smaller!) The two newest ships of the cruise company, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, are hybrid-powered vessels, underlining Hurtigruten’s commitment to operating as sustainably as possible.

11. Royal Caribbean International is a medium ship line.

Even if it’s true that Royal Caribbean is best renowned for its big and mega-ships, the cruise line also operates a good number of medium-sized ships, each of which can accommodate a maximum of just under 2,500 passengers. Each of these ships is a member of the Vision class or Radiance class, two older ship families whose smaller proportions enable them to visit more exotic locations like Cyprus and Alaska. However, they also travel the Caribbean, giving fans of Royal Caribbean a more personal experience than the fleet’s bigger ships.

10. P&O Cruises is a medium ship line.

The oldest cruise line in the world is the British company P&O Cruises, which was founded in 1837 to transport mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula. However, it started offering leisure operations—the first cruises as we know them today—in 1844. The ships offer exceptional value for a traditional cruise experience and cater mostly to British passengers. Visitors take part in classic events including pub quizzes, dance lessons, and shuffleboard. The ships frequently go across Europe, but they also stop at ports in Asia and the Middle East.

9. Azamara is a medium ship line.

Although Azamara‘s four 700-passenger ships are beautiful, have excellent food, and a variety of onboard activities to keep passengers occupied during long periods at sea, travellers pick this cruise line for the experiences it offers at its destinations, which cover all seven continents. Azamara not only provides customised shore excursions (so no one needs to be trapped in a slow-moving group with a flag-toting guide), but they also run a number of overnights, enabling passengers to see more places further interior. If they so want, travellers can spend an evening out on the town during the overnights at port cities.

Holland America Line is a medium-sized ship line.

Eight of Holland America’s 11 ships, which can accommodate 1,400–2,500 passengers, are classified as medium-sized. Despite the fact that the majority were constructed in the early 2000s, several have undergone significant restorations over the past three years, giving their interiors sophisticated new designs. Although the elegant ships travel to many different places across the globe, Alaska is one of the cruise line’s most popular stops.

Cunard is a medium ship line.

When compared to her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth (QE) and Queen Victoria (QV), Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 can accommodate more than 2,600 passengers as well as a number of cats and pets. The QE and the QV have different designs, although having a layout that is relatively similar. Both pay homage to the legendary ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE’s decor is more overtly Art Deco while the QV’s is more restrained but no less exquisite. On both ships, visitors are expected to enjoy afternoon tea before dressing elegantly for dinner.

Disney Cruise Line is a medium-sized ship line.

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the original two ships of the Disney Cruise Line, have been enchanting families for more than 20 years. However, while being a part of the Disney company, the 2,400-passenger ships don’t go overboard with Disney decorations. They are actually rather lovely, with Art Deco and Art Nouveau design elements that were influenced by early 20th-century ocean liners. It was announced in 2022 that Disney Wonder would make its inaugural voyages to Australia and New Zealand for a series of “Disney Magic at Sea” sailings in 2023 and 2024. During its two transpacific voyages, the ship will stop at a port in the South Pacific as well.

5. Silversea Cruises, a medium-sized ship line

Despite the fact that only three of Silversea’s fleet of ten ships are considered to be “medium-sized” and have passenger capacities of roughly 600, it is nevertheless thought to be a sizable amount for the opulent cruise company, which specialises on more intimate expedition ships. The biggest ships are Silversea Dawn, Silversea Muse, and Silversea Moon, which all made their debuts in 2021 and can each accommodate up to 596 guests. The line travels to more than 900 locations worldwide.

4. The medium-sized ship operator Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas is the genuine deal when it comes to all-inclusive cruises. The rates cover everything, including airfare in business class if you’re flying internationally, customised excursions, dinners, and alcoholic beverages. The mini-bar is also free! The only expenses you’ll have are for spa services, laundry, and gambling. The cruise line’s five ships can accommodate no more than 750 passengers each, but they are actually fairly big and give every passenger lots of privacy, especially in their cabins. The company Regent Seven Seas is an expert in round-the-world voyages. Next up for Regent is the 2023 launch of the Seven Seas Grandeur.

3. Seabourn is a medium ship line.

Think of a Seabourn trip as more akin to a megayacht than a regular cruise, with ultra-luxurious accommodations, food, and service. Currently, the fleet consists of five ships, the two largest of which can accommodate 600 passengers apiece. The ships’ diminutive size enables them to dock in little ports all over the world (in Indonesia, for example, they have collaborated with regional tourism organisations to develop ports like Celukan Bawang and Probolinggo). Many of the cruise line’s passengers are lifelong learners, and they frequently attend the Seabourn Conversation programme, which invites a variety of fascinating people on board for lectures and casual conversations, including Steve Wozniak and Elaine Paige. Celebrity chef Thomas Keller and Seabourn established a partnership in 2015, with Keller creating new menus for the three already-operational ships and spearheading the opening of new eateries on the two newest cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. The cruise line also debuted Seabourn Venture, its first exploration ship, in 2022. Seabourn Pursuit, her sister ship, is slated to follow in 2023.

2. Oceania Cruises, a medium-size ship line

On Oceania Cruises, the food takes centre stage. The 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera have Jaques Pepin restaurants, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a flight of three vintages, a cooking centre where guests of all skill levels can attend classes, and excursions with a culinary focus, like a trip to the Nice market with a chef. Apiece of its four smaller Regatta-class ships, which can carry 684 guests each, has top-notch eating establishments including the Polo Grill and Toscana, an Italian restaurant. Oceania will receive two new ships with a capacity of 1,200 passengers in 2023 and 2025.

1. Viking Ocean Cruises, a medium-sized ship line.

Viking, which started out as a river cruise company, has launched seven ocean-going ships since 2015 (excluding expedition ships), the most recent of which, the Viking Mars, made its maiden voyage in May 2022. Each ship can accommodate 930 persons in balcony staterooms and is almost identical. While not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean provides passengers unrestricted Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and one free excursion in each port (the ships typically sail Northern Europe, though there are some Mediterranean itineraries, too). Viking Neptune and Viking Saturn, the next two vessels in the ocean fleet, will debut in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Small Boats (Fewer than 500 passengers)

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a small ship operator

The Seven Seas Navigator, which accommodates just 490 passengers, takes its all-inclusive claim seriously by providing limitless shore excursions, open bars with fine wine (and minibars in each cabin), limitless Wi-Fi, and eating in specialised establishments. The ship travels on routes lasting a week to three months all over the world, from New Zealand to Dubai.

8. Star Clippers is a small ship line.

Three ships make up Star Clippers’ fleet, with the Royal Clipper, its flagship, holding the title of largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world. All three are sailing boats with traditional exteriors and elegant interiors that include multiple bars, a swimming pool, a library, and a formal dining room. They spread their sails for voyages around the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia.

SeaDream Yacht Club is a small ship line.

Getting to know your fellow passengers while travelling on one of SeaDream’s two 112-passenger yachts is a breeze whether you’re sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic. A pool, whirlpool, and casino are among the amenities on the six levels, but the marina for watersports that can be lowered to the water’s edge for convenient ocean swimming, kayaking, and other activities is the true draw. The ships frequently spend the night in port, giving passengers the chance to take in the local nightlife before departing for their next destination.

6. Windstar Cruises is a small ship line.

The six ships in the line—three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts—are known for visiting ports where larger ships are not permitted, such as the tranquil Caribbean island of Bequia and the Byzantine hilltop village of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands. With a sense of closeness that isn’t necessarily evident in the most popular cruise ports, those smaller ports can provide completely unique experiences. With the addition of more unique itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs in 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation.

5. Seabourn is a small ship line.

Less than 300 suites are available on each of Seabourn’s seven ships, but they take advantage of their small size to gain access to some of the world’s most popular yacht ports, including St. Tropez in the south of France, the Greek island of Kos, and well-liked big ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Thomas Keller, a Michelin-starred chef, creates exclusive dishes for the ships, and a relationship with UNESCO guarantees shore tours and environmentally friendly tourism methods at some of the world’s wildest and most beautiful locations. The line just debuted the adventure ship Seabourn Venture, and plans call for the launch of her sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, in 2023.

4. American Cruise Lines, a small ship line

Although the 14-ship fleet of American Cruise Lines includes seven oceangoing ships that explore the country’s coastlines from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico, the company is perhaps best known for its antique paddlewheelers. Just 90 passengers can board its Independence-class ships, whereas 170 can board its Constellation-class vessels. Two Coastal Cats (yep, they are catamarans) will make their debut in 2023 and accommodate 109 passengers apiece, filling the gap in the middle of the spectrum. They’ll travel via the South, New England, and the Chesapeake Bay.

3. Silversea Cruises, a small ship operator

The four expedition ships of Silversea make port calls in the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Galápagos Islands, the Caribbean, and Antarctica on shorter voyages, but they also provide round-the-world itineraries for a global clientele. One-of-a-kind experiences can be had on off-the-beaten-path adventures, such as private catamaran tours in tropical regions or penguin spotting in Antarctica. With the 144-passenger adventure ship Silver Explorer, Silversea conducted its first voyage across the Northwest Passage in September 2019—a significant accomplishment. In 2020, the new Silver Origin, a ship designed specifically for the Galápagos, joined the fleet.

2. Paul Gauguin Cruises, a small ship line

The purely Pacific-focused Paul Gauguin offers its 332 passengers year-round access to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji’s picture-perfect beaches and stunning landscapes. Passengers can enjoy beverages from the floating bar or take kayaks and paddleboards directly from the ship’s water sports marina to the line’s private island, Mota Mahana, in French Polynesia. An onboard PADI scuba programme certifies divers in some of the world’s clearest waters for those who desire to go under the water. The very best? The cost of the ship is all-inclusive. Ponant bought the cruise line in 2019.

Ponant is a small ship line.

Onboard Ponant’s fleet of ships that travel the world, fine French food, Hermès bath products, and individualised treatment are commonplace. Six additional Explorer-class ships created for luxurious expedition-style cruising have recently been added to the line’s original fleet of four expedition ships and one sailing yacht. Each has an infinity pool, a lounge where guests can see the undersea world, and itineraries that take them as far away as Papua New Guinea and the Bissagos Islands in West Africa. Le Commandant Charcot, an ice-breaking expedition ship, was only recently launched.

River Craft

9. The French Country Waterways River Ship Line

Five exquisite barge cruises run by French Country Waterways slowly tour the canals of Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Alsace-Lorraine, and Champagne. The itineraries usually emphasise wine tastings and fine meals, as one might expect. Each vessel only accommodates eight to eighteen travellers, guaranteeing a cosy experience that resembles a floating inn than a river cruise.

8. AmaWaterways is a river ship company

AmaWaterways operates riverboat cruises across Europe, Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia. A few new ships have just made their debuts. The line introduced AmaMagna in 2019, a double-wide Danube river cruise with enormous 710-square-foot suites—a size unheard of on a river-going ship. Despite the ship being significantly bigger than her sisters, only 20% more passengers—196 total—were added, guaranteeing a more intimate voyage. The cruise line operates 22 ships throughout Europe, one on the Nile in Egypt, one on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and one on the Chobe in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. The AmaLilia, AMAWaterways’ second Nile ship, will make her debut in 2024. The company will also extend into Latin America, sailing the AmaMagdalena in Colombia.

7. American Queen Voyages, a River Ship Line

Book a trip with the American Queen Voyages, whose four paddlewheelers cruise the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers, if nostalgia is your thing. Most of these sailings last nine days, although there are a few exceptions, including the 15- or 16-day trip from Minneapolis to New Orleans. Along with two ships that cruise lakes and oceans, the cruise line also has one adventure ship that travels to Alaska.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is the sixth river ship company.

The 18 river ships operated by Uniworld go to destinations in Europe, Egypt, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peru. With trips to nearby houses, farms, and artisans, its excursions provide travellers the chance to go a little closer to the places they want to go, and each excursion is evaluated according to difficulty. The S.S. So Gabriel, a cruise line’s newest vessel, travels the Douro River in Portugal. In 2020, the River Countess, a previous vessel, will be extensively rebuilt and renamed S.S. La Venezia.

Grand Circle Cruise Line is the fifth river ship line.

The immersive itineraries of Grand Circle Cruise Line are well-known. The eleven river ships in this smaller cruise line’s fleet are all part of the trip operator Grand Circle Travel. The eleventh, suitably named Nefertiti, cruises Egypt’s Nile, whereas the other ten sail in Europe.

4. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, a River Ship Line

16 opulent riverboats operated by Scenic travel the rivers of Europe and Asia, from the Danube in Germany to the Mekong in Vietnam. Each trip is entirely all-inclusive; transfers, excursions, all meals and drinks (even the mini-bar! ), and gratuities are all included in the price, ensuring a stress-free and really enjoyable vacation. Did we also mention that each cabin has a butler available? Additionally, Scenic unveiled Scenic Eclipse, its first expedition ship, which spends the majority of its time in the arctic areas.

3. Tauck River Cruising, a river ship company

With itineraries that highlight the castles of Germany’s Rhine River or visit Paris and Monet’s gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise, Tauck’s nine river ships are experts in travelling through Northern Europe. A unique service among river cruise lines, special departures throughout the year accept multigenerational family groups with small children.

2. American Cruise Lines, a river ship company

American Cruise Lines has the rare distinction of operating both modern river ships and traditional paddlewheelers in the United States. The Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest can also be explored, so it’s not just the Mississippi that they sail on. American Symphony, the newest riverboat, will sail in 2022 and spend her first season on the Mississippi River.

1. Viking River Cruises is a river ship company.

With more than 60 river ships and seven ocean liners in its fleet, parent business Viking Cruises has been growing rapidly lately. The company’s riverboats go on far-off routes on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, as well as well-known waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, under the banner of Viking River Cruises. Additionally, Viking River Cruises offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a few shore excursions, and a “Culture Curriculum” that promotes hands-on learning through activities like seasonal wine tastings and rotating cuisines.

Explorer Ships

11. UnCruise Adventures: Expedition Cruise Line

Everything is in the name. UnCruise Adventures is, to put it mildly, unique among cruise lines. Although all expedition cruises include some element of adventure, UnCruise is adventure through and through. Examples include “yak-and-whack” outings, which last five, six, or seven hours and combine kilometres of kayaking with backcountry hiking. From Alaska to Mexico’s Sea of Cortez to the Panama Canal, the cruise line’s fleet of nine small ships can accommodate 22 to 86 guests as they travel around North and Central America. As they go off on their excursions, passengers immediately become close.

10. Celebrity Cruises’ Expedition Cruise Line

Celebrity’s three expedition ships, Celebrity Xpedition (a catamaran! ), Celebrity Xploration (only 16 passengers! ), and Celebrity Flora (100 passengers! ), are by far the smallest ships in the cruise line’s fleet. All three cruise the Galápagos; some itineraries also include pre- or post-sailing excursions to Ecuador’s mainland or even Peru, where visitors can see Machu Picchu.

9. Hurtigruten from Expedition Cruise Line

Seven ships that travel the seven seas make up Hurtigruten’s adventure fleet. Their itineraries span from polar excursions to trips to West Africa and Cape Verde to the Caribbean and Central America. The 528-passenger MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, who are identical to one another and both powered by hybrid engines, are the newest ships in the fleet (and named after famed Norwegian explorers). The 2007 construction of the 250-passenger MS Fram resulted in a complete renovation in 2022.

8. Ecoventura by Expedition Cruise Line

You can be sure that your time on board Ecoventura’s fleet of three expedition yachts, each holding 20 guests, will be individualised. If you want to spend more time with the amazing wildlife of the islands, you can combine the two week-long itineraries that the ships run in the Galápagos. Each of the opulent ships has 10 tastefully furnished cabins, a lounge where naturalists provide lectures and briefings prior to excursions, a dining area and bar, a library stocked with scholarly works on the Galápagos, and a sundeck for unwinding. Evolve, Ecoventura’s upcoming megayacht, will debut in the first half of 2023.

7. Quark Expeditions is an expedition cruise line.

Quark Expeditions is not for you if all you want is white sand and turquoise ocean. Each of the cruise company’s four ships is an icebreaker or an ice-strengthened vessel that can transport passengers to the farthest points of the northern and southern oceans. The cruise line specialises in polar adventures. The two icebreakers, in particular, are not particularly luxuriously decorated, though upgrades have made them pleasant. While you are certain to explore some spectacular rough landscape, you may also travel in a quite rugged ship. However, the access to the arctic zones they offer is unmatched and well worth the really realistic expedition experience. However, the posh new ships Ultramarine and World Explorer are a completely different matter. Even two helicopters are included with the former.

6. Quasar from Expedition Cruise Line

Quasar Expeditions, the first luxury line to cruise the Galápagos, is most renowned for its in-depth voyages aboard its two small ships, each of which holds fewer than 32 passengers. But take note of the reputation of said ships: Princess Grace of Monaco’s former yacht, the Grace, is one of the two. The Evolution will let you follow in Darwin’s footsteps as he explored the Galápagos.

5. Atlas Ocean Voyages, a cruise line run by Expedition

The 196-passenger World Navigator, the first ship of Atlas Ocean Voyages, was introduced to the cruise market in 2021. The five-continent luxury expedition cruise line mostly sails in the Arctic and Antarctica, but it has aspirations for further expansion. Later this year, the fleet’s second ship is scheduled to be launched, and three more will follow until 2024. Leisurely sailing trips in the Mediterranean and the British Isles, as well as a 17-night excursion from Cape Town to Tenerife, are among the itineraries offered beyond the polar regions.

4. Silversea Cruises and Expedition Cruise Line

The five expedition ships operated by Silversea, which is renowned for providing opulent hospitality, are no exception. The cruise line’s oldest ship, the 144-passenger Silver Explorer, was constructed in 1989 and ran its Antarctica cruises up until this season. This season, those routes will be replaced by the 200-passenger Silver Endeavor (formerly known as Crystal Endeavor). The 100-passenger Silver Origin is another ship run by Silversea that is based in the Galapagos.

3. National Geographic Expeditions’ Lindblad subsidiary, Expedition Cruise Line

This fleet of 15 ships travels to arduous, remote locations such Arctic Svalbard, Antarctica, Indonesia, and the Galápagos, with passenger capacity ranging from 28 to 148. Adventure often takes precedence over luxury on a Lindblad cruise. Small, basic accommodations are typical aboard cruise ships, but there are many memorable excursions available, such as diving in Borneo or traversing an ice field in Patagonia. However, some of its most recent fleet acquisitions are genuinely opulent, including the National Geographic Islander II, a beautiful ship that began sailing the Galápagos this year, as well as its two polar-sailing expedition ships, the National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. An expedition team for each sailing is composed of professionals in disciplines like marine biology and photography.

2. Viking Expedition Cruises is an expedition cruise line.

When Viking was established in 1997, it only offered European river cruises. It quickly began operating in other rivers all around the world, and in 2013 it began operating in the oceans. However, Viking Expeditions was only established in 2020, and its first ship, the 378-passenger Viking Octantis, debuted in early 2022. Later in the year, Viking Polaris, her sister, had her maiden trip.

1. Ponant Expedition Cruise Line

Over the past four years, Ponant has made a significant investment in expedition cruising, introducing seven specially designed ships. Six are part of the cruise line’s Explorer class, which is renowned for its underwater lounges that have hydrophones that pump in ambient noises from the surrounding waters. Le Commandant Charcot, a Polar Class 2-rated icebreaker that arrived at the Geographic North Pole on September 6, 2021, is the seventh and newest ship.