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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. 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

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.

8 Best Cruise Ships for Sea Days

Discover which ships offer the most complete selection of activities (other than staring out at the open ocean) for lazy sea days!

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.

More Ships

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Cruise News

Cruise Lines Eliminate Plastic Straws From Ships, Pledge to Ban Single-Use Plastics

(Updated 11:57 a.m. EDT) -- Start saying goodbye to single-use plastics on cruise ships. A handful of lines have either eliminated straws or other single-use plastics, or pledged to ban all single-use plastics in the near future. Carnival Cruise Line: The line has stopped placing plastic straws in glasses when drinks are ordered.

Virgin Voyages Floats Out First Cruise Ship, Reveals Name; Steel Cut for Second Vessel

(7:00 a.m. EDT) -- In keeping with Virgin Group's "red" theme, the first ship for Sir Richard Branson's new cruise line, Virgin Voyages, will be called Scarlet Lady. The name was officially revealed by the line during a press conference July 20 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, drawing from the name of one of the first planes to fly under Virgin Atlantic.

Lindblad Expedition Orders Additional Polar Cruise Ship

(12 noon EDT) -- Lindblad Expeditions has ordered an additional polar expedition ship, to be delivered in 2021. It will be the fourth polar ship in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, but only the second built specifically for Lindblad.

Windstar Adds Luggage Shipping Service for Cruise Passengers

(11:39 a.m. EDT) -- Windstar has revealed a new partnership with baggage shipping company Luggage Forward to ease the travel process for cruise passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line Will Move Another Mega Ship to Alaska in 2019

(11:40 a.m. EDT) -- Beginning spring 2019, Norwegian Joy -- Norwegian Cruise Line's China-based Breakaway-Plus class ship -- will join fleetmate Norwegian Bliss in offering cruises to Alaska. The line revealed the move today, along with a slew of other adjustments to its previously announced 2019 and 2020 itineraries.

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