ALL THE BEST!
It’s OK to exhale now! Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has announced their “Best Cruise Lines in the World Reader’s Choice Awards” for 2016. I realize that many of you were just waiting for this announcement before contacting me to book your next holiday, so here you go. For those of you that understand this is just a reader’s poll and should be taken with a grain of (sea)salt, here you go as well:
Large Ship Cruise Line (greater than 2,500 passengers)
No. 1: Disney
Disney’s two largest ships carry around 4,000 passengers each, so they easy fit into this category and no one on earth knows more about customer relations. Whether you are a wide-eyed child or a haggard parent, Disney provides an unforgettable experience.
No. 2: Cunard
If you crave the cruise experience of yesteryear, this is the cruise line for you. Cunard offers the classic cruise feel with formal evenings, afternoon teas and ballroom dancing. However, if you can’t imagine hitting the high seas without Fido or Fluffy, Cunard offers the only pet-friendly cruise available.
No. 3: Princess
There's a reason Princess has been voted Travel Weekly's Best Cruise Line in Alaska 9 years running.
No. 4: Celebrity
No. 5: Norwegian
Medium Ship Cruise Line (500 to 2,500 passengers)
No. 1: Crystal
Crystal touts it’s All Exclusive travel style with all-inclusive amenities and highly personalized service and experiences. Both of their medium sized cruisers are laden with the finest fittings from stem to stern.
No. 2: Disney
Just squeezing into the medium size category, Disney’s two 2,400 passenger ships offer oodles of options for kids as you would expect, but truly awesome touches for adults as well.
No. 3: Regent Seven Seas
Their 3 mid-sized ships purport to offer “The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience” at sea.
No. 4: Cunard
No. 5: Oceania
Small Ship Cruise Line (less than 500 passengers
No. 1: Seabourn
With less than 300 cabins per ship, Seabourn sails into smaller and more picturesque ports than some of its larger competitors. Their sailings offer all-suite accommodations and all-inclusive amenities, including an award winning staff and masterful dining additions by Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller.
No. 2: Paul Gauguin
The 322 passenger Paul Gauguin is clearly focused on the islands of French Polynesia. Its small size, 5-star service and an onboard watersports marina truly create a unique experience. They also offer one-of-a-kind family opportunities in conjunction with J.M. Cousteau’s Ocean Future Society and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
No.3: Regent Seven Seas
Offering the same Regent luxury and amenities on a more intimate ship.
No. 4: Windstar
No. 5: SeaDream
So whether you are a veteran cruiser or are preparing for your initial sailing, make sure you check in with your favorite travel professional to help insure your next cruise is the cruise of a lifetime.
Safe Travels, Dean
