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2018 Editors' Picks Awards

Cruise Critic's editors name the best ships of 2018 in the annual Editors' Picks awards

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 yet? Our picks just might inspire you to find the perfect vacation match. Want more info about these top 10 cruise ships? Click on the vessel name below to read about ship highlights and find links to itineraries, a photo tour of the ship, a comprehensive expert review and hundreds of reader-submitted critiques.

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

12 Best Cruises for First Timers

We recommend the best cruise lines for first timers in a variety of categories, as well as runners-up. So dry your cruise planning tears, and get ready to find your perfect cruise line.

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

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge is the first of four new cruise ships that will debut under Celebrity's Edge Class moniker. Edge launches in 2018.

Celebrity Reflection

Sophisticated vibe; attractions include the country club-style Lawn Club, the Martini Bar, suites only restaurants and multimillion dollar art collection.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Mega-ship holding upwards of 6,400 passengers; features zip lining, surf simulators, rock climbing and an open-air Central Park with shops and restaurants.

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.

Carnival Vista

Holds a bit more than 4,000 passengers; offers a waterpark, suspended-in-midair recumbent bike thrill ride, ropes course and the first IMAX cinema at sea.

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Cruise News

Sixth Oasis-Class Cruise Ship Ordered By Royal Caribbean

(4:35 p.m. EST) -- A sixth Oasis-class ship will be delivered in the autumn of 2023 after [Royal Caribbean](/reviews/cruiseline.cfm?CruiseLineID=32) announced it has entered into an agreement with shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique. It will follow sister ships Symphony of the Seas, Harmony

New Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ship Floats Out During Shipyard Ceremony

(8:35 a.m. EST) -- Regent Seven Seas Cruises celebrated a major milestone on February 9 when its new ship -- Seven Seas Splendor -- touched the sea for the first time during a float-out ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. To kick off the [ceremony](/articles.cfm?ID=3016),

Scenic Eclipse Cruise Ship Launch Delayed for Third Time

(Updated 12:33 p.m. AEST) -- The long-awaited Scenic Eclipse expedition ship will launch a whole year later than originally planned. According to [Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours](/reviews/cruiseline.cfm?CruiseLineID=144), the maiden voyage is now likely to be 15 August 2019 -- a 12-night Iceland and

Princess Cruises Celebrates Three Shipyard Milestones for New Medallion-Class Ships

(9:40 a.m. EST) -- Princess Cruises leveraged its "Love Boat" heritage on Valentine's Day by marking three shipyard milestones for their next new ships -- Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and a third yet-to-be-named ship -- all of which will have the line's new Ocean Medallion technology. The

Virgin Voyages Unveils Entertainment, Introduces The Beach Club Shoreside Experience

(10:30 a.m. EST) -- When it begins sailing in April 2020, Virgin Voyages' first ship, [Scarlet Lady](/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=1323), will offer a festival-like lineup of evening entertainment that features aerialists, comedy, pop-up music, interactive theater and more. Off the ship, all of

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