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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.

More Ships

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Cruise News

AmaWaterways Releases Details on Supersized River Cruise Ship AmaMagna

(10:53 a.m. EDT) -- AmaWaterways has put out more details on AmaMagna, a river ship debuting in May 2019 that will be twice as large as other vessels in the fleet, with a multitude of restaurants, an expansive wellness studio and a water sports platform off the back of the ship.

Emerald Waterways to Offer Nile River Cruise Sailings in 2019 and 2020

(1:05 p.m. EDT) -- Emerald Waterways will begin Nile River cruises in February 2019, offering two different itineraries.

Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship Spa to Feature Sea, Earth and Air Theme

(6 a.m. EDT) -- When it debuts in late November, 2018 Celebrity Edge will feature a 22,500-square-foot spa -- the largest in its fleet -- dedicated to bringing cruisers closer to the elements. "The spa on Celebrity Edge is really a revolution in relaxation," Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, told Cruise Critic. "Like everything else on Edge, it was inspired by the soothing and rejuvenating elements of nature and bringing our guests close to the elements and nature, which is why it's named SEA after sea, earth and air, and all of our treatments and all of our services follow through with that inspiration."

Princess Cruises Reveals Itineraries for Next Ship; Teases New Suite Category

(10:15 a.m. EDT) -- Princess Cruises' newest ship, Sky Princess, will sail its maiden Caribbean season starting in December 2019. The Royal-class ship also will introduce a new suite category to the line.

Sneak Peek: The Most Exciting Cruise Ships Still to Come in 2018

(5 p.m. EDT) -- A cantilevered deck that "floats" up and down alongside the ship; a cluster of live music venues headlined by big names like Billboard, Lincoln Center and B.B. King's Blues Club; a six-star expedition yacht with two helicopters and a submarine! While the launches of 2018's largest ships might have passed, there's still plenty of new hardware to look forward to, including several first-at-sea innovations that will blow you away.

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