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2018 Cruisers’ Choice Awards

The most popular cruise ships - based on consumer reviews shared on Cruise Critic over the past 12 months - were revealed in Cruise Critic's 8th annual Cruisers' Choice 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 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.

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

AmaWaterways Christens New River Cruise Ship in Germany

(11:41 a.m. EDT) -- With the smash of a Champagne bottle, AmaWaterways christened its newest ship, the 154-passenger AmaLea, today under sunny skies at a ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany.

Live from AmaWaterways: Staying Active on a River Cruise

(10:10 a.m. EDT) -- Thinking about taking a river cruise, but fear that all that schnitzel and strudel will throw your diet off track? Indulging in the local delicacies is part of the fun of exploring Europe, yet no one wants to come home with an extra five pounds.

Hurricane Season 2018: Where Do Caribbean Cruise Ports Stand?

(12:45 p.m. EDT) -- It's hard to believe, but barely eight months after the destructive forces of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria swept the Caribbean, it is once again hurricane season -- officially beginning on June 1. While most islands with cruise ports made a swift recovery, working to bring tourism dollars back into the economy just weeks after the storms, other destinations were less fortunate.The good news is that every single Caribbean cruise port is open and welcoming cruise ships and visitors. Dominica, which experienced widespread destruction, will host Carnival Cruise Line beginning in July; Barbuda, which evacuated all inhabitants of its small island in the wake of Irma, is expected to be back on track to receive cruisers onboard Windstar ships this November.

Royal Caribbean Will Sail Longer Cuba Cruises in 2019, Including 3 Cuban Ports of Call

(1:37 p.m. EDT) -- Expanding on its cruise itineraries in Cuba, Royal Caribbean has added seven- and eight-night sailings onboard Empress of the Seas that will call on Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, in addition to Havana.

Here's What the NOAA's 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Prediction Means and How Cruisers Can Prepare

(1:45 p.m. EDT) -- What will the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season bring? That's the question everyone's asking after last year saw 17 named storms. Ten of those storms became hurricanes, including six major hurricanes, making 2017 the seventh-most active season since 1851, based on the Accumulated Cyclone Energy index.

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