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Win a 11-Day France River Cruise for Two with Vantage!

Enter for a chance to win a FREE Classic France river cruise for two from the City of Light to the iconic countryside.

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 ship just

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

2018 Cruisers’ Choice Destinations Awards

Cruise Critic members named the top cruise destinations in the third annual Cruisers’ Choice Destinations Awards.

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. Before you sit by the phone, waiting for the upgrade fairy to call, there are a few basic things to know about cruise ship cabin

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

German Chancellor Angela Merkel On Hand as Crystal Lays Keel for New 'Expedition Yacht' Cruise Ship

(10 a.m. EDT) -- A colorful, red carpet ceremony with flowers, sparklers and an appearance by German Federal Chancellor Doctor Angela Merkel marked the keel laying of Crystal Endeavor, luxury line Crystal's first purpose-build expedition yacht and the first in its new expedition arm, Crystal Yacht Expeditions. Merkel was among many other dignitaries at the ceremony, which took place at MV Werften's Stralsund shipyard in Germany.

Enchanted Princess to Join Princess Cruises in 2020

(9 a.m. EDT) -- Princess Cruises' fifth Royal Class cruise ship, debuting in June 2020, will be named Enchanted Princess, the cruise line announced today.

Viking Raises Minimum Age to 18

(2:45 p.m. EDT) -- Viking Cruises has always positioned itself as an adult experience, but now the company has made it official by no longer accepting guests under the age of 18 on new bookings for its river cruise itineraries.

Summer Cruise Deals 2018

It's summertime and the cruising's easy. Lines are offering incentives to get families onboard for break, or couples booking that vacation for next year. We'll be rounding up all of the offers and promotions right here all summer long. Check back for the latest cruise deals. What it is: Norwegian's Free at Sea perks include up to all five offers. Offers include a drinks package, specialty dining package, $50 per port to spend on shore excursions, 250 minutes of free internet, and free third and fourth passengers to a cabin. Studios and inside cabins qualify for one offer; passengers staying in an ocean-view, balcony and mini-suite cabins receive two perks; select Haven and suites receive up to all five offers. For a limited time, passengers can also receive up to $500 in onboard credit.

Maine Cruise Port Cracks Down on 'Large' Ships

(11:20 a.m. EDT) -- The Rockland City Council has voted 3 to 2 to limit the number of large cruise ships that can sail into the harbor in Rockland, Maine. Large cruise ships are being defined as vessels carrying more than 500 passengers.

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