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Compare: 10 Most Popular Cruise Ships

Nearly everyone has a favorite cruise ship. In this chart, we outline the key distinctions among the 10 most popular cruise ships in the industry. Look for highlights of onboard accommodations, dining and entertainment, as well as ship itineraries. Don't have a favorite cruise just yet? Our

12 Best Cruises for First Timers

Planning your first cruise can feel like an overwhelming undertaking. There are indeed so many choices, from "party boats" in the Caribbean and luxury yachts in the Mediterranean to river cruises in Asia and expedition ships in Antarctica. You need to put some careful thought into

5 Ways to Get a Cruise Ship Cabin Upgrade

We wish there were a magic elixir you could whip up to get a free or low-cost cabin upgrade on a cruise ship. We'd be chugging it all the time. But sorry -- no can do. Even if there was, as Cruise Critic member wisely pointed out when we polled message board readers on how to nab upgrades, "Do ya

22 Do's and Don'ts for Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

If you're a first-timer or haven't settled into a familiar cruise routine, here's a list of embarkation day do's and don'ts, culled from our many years cruising, as well as input from Cruise Critic's Facebook fans.

Cruising 101

Featured Destinations

Alaska

The 49th State, the largest in the U.S., is perfect for cruisers, with numerous opportunities to appreciate its vast natural beauty. Sail along the Inside Passage to visit the immense ice formations of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, as well popular ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, the only U.S. state capital that's not accessible by car. Or travel further north to the Kenai Peninsula and nearby Anchorage, a perfect jumping-off point for cruise tours to Denali, Fairbanks and Canada's Yukon. Maybe you'll see a bear!

Caribbean

With an island for every taste, the Caribbean is the ultimate place for relaxation. You'll find white sands and turquoise water throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Some islands are lush, with rainforests and mountain trails, while others have desert climates and coral beaches. Wherever you visit, taste regional specialties such as conch fritters and get out on the water with snorkeling and sailing excursions.

Mediterranean

From the pristine beaches and ancient ruins of the Eastern Mediterranean to the artsy and flavorful countries of the Western Mediterranean, this region is easily one of the most diverse in the world. Revel at Spanish and Italian architecture, soak up some sun in Greece, explore antiquities in Istanbul and Malta or get a taste of the French countryside on the outskirts of Nice, Monte Carlo or Cannes. Some Med itineraries dip down into northern Africa; the Canary Islands are also a popular stop for repositioning cruises.

Europe

Your biggest difficulty planning a European cruise is narrowing down where you want to go. A Western Mediterranean itinerary usually includes stops in Barcelona and Monaco, as well as ports in Italy. Eastern Mediterranean cruises encompass eastern Italy, Croatia and Greece, and sometimes even Turkey and Israel. A Baltic Sea voyage brings you to Scandinavia and Russia; the Norwegian Fjords carry their own beauty. Don't forget about British Isles cruises, which allow you to visit castles in England, Scotland and London. For sun lovers, it's hard to beat the Canary Islands.

Canada & New England

New England and Canada cruises offer sophisticated, eye-catching ports of call. Take in the sights of the Atlantic Ocean coast, enjoy whale watching, and see the beautiful fall foliage. Newport, Portland and Bar Harbor are quaint towns with lighthouses and crab shacks. Explore Canada's Maritime provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Finally, immerse yourself in French Canada with stops in Quebec's cities and countryside.

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Featured Ships

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

World's largest cruise ship featuring high-energy attractions including zip lining, water slides, surf simulators, rock climbing and 18 dining venues.

Norwegian Escape

Carries some 4,500 people; features Broadway-style entertainment, an expansive ropes course and 17 restaurants including the first at-sea Margaritaville.

MSC Divina

One of the most multinational ships sailing in North America, with a decidedly Mediterranean flare, active nightlife and the suites-only Yacht Club.

Norwegian Breakaway

An NYC-themed mega-ship, carrying some 4,500 cruisers; highlights include outdoor restaurant seating, a ropes course, multistory water slides and 18 dining venues.

Norwegian Epic

19-deck mega-ship carrying about 4,500 people; features "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" stage show, the Beatle's-inspired Cavern Club lounge and solo cabins.

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Cruise News

Best Fall Cruise Deals 2017

With peak family travel season coming to an end and the end of the year approaching, fall is a fantastic time to find a cruise bargain. Both deals on last-minute sailings as well as early-booking incentives for next year's cruises, are cropping up, and we've collected all the current cruise promos – including ocean and river sailings -- for your bargain-hunting pleasure. Also keep in mind that October is National Plan a Cruise Month, which brings its own special promotions.

Keel Laid for New Hapag-Lloyd Expedition Cruise Ship

(6:36 a.m. EDT) -- German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has started construction on the second of two new expedition ships at a keel-laying ceremony in Romania.

Azamara's Larry Pimentel Talks New Ship and Future Plans

Much to the delight of the line's loyalists, Azamara Club Cruises recently announced that it had purchased P&O Cruises' Adonia and will transform the ship into Azamara Pursuit, the third identical ship for the line. We spoke with Azamara president and CEO Larry Pimentel about the decision, what to expect from the new ship and the future of Azamara.

Live From Gate 1 Travel's Monarch Empress: First Impressions

We're spending the week onboard Monarch Empress, the newest of the four riverboats operated by Gate 1 Travel and the first to be built for the line.

A Discussion with the Director of Puerto Rico Tourism on the Recovery of San Juan's Cruise Business

(11:30 a.m. EDT) -- As Puerto Rico's port of San Juan continues to slowly reopen to cruise passengers, questions about the island's current state of recovery might come to mind. To give you a glimpse of which ships are visiting, what's open to visitors, and how residents feel about the return of cruise tourism to the region, Cruise Critic caught up with the executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Jose Izquierdo, via email.

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