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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

Norwegian Cruise Line Takes Delivery of New Ship Norwegian Bliss

(10:15 a.m. EDT) -- Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of its third Breakaway-Plus Class ship, Norwegian Bliss, today in Bremerhaven, Germany. The ship is the 13th to be built for the cruise line by Meyer Werft.

Live from U By Uniworld's The A: The Millennial Influence on River Cruising

After much buzz, what is it really like to cruise aboard the inaugural sailing of U By Uniworld's river ship The A, the first so-called millennial cruise line?

Live From Carnival Horizon: First Impressions

When Carnival first announced it would be building a new ship to debut in spring 2018, the cruise line quickly affixed to it the cute moniker Vista's Sista, a nod to identical fleetmate Carnival Vista. That ship eventually got a name -- Carnival Horizon -- and it's no longer just the sibling to the most innovative ship in Carnival's fleet. It is the new standard-bearer for the line, with bold features and inventive technology, alongside a whole lot of fun. We're onboard the new 3,960-passenger ship, which is on its second sailing, in the Mediterranean. Here are our first impressions of Carnival Horizon.

Victory Cruise Lines' First Ship Makes Inaugural Miami Call

(2:15 p.m. EDT) -- A sun-kissed skyline rendered a welcoming backdrop as Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I celebrated its maiden call at PortMiami. The 210-passenger ship kicks off the line's first-ever Cuba cruise on Friday, April 20.

Carnival Joins Other Cruise Lines in Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

(2:35 p.m. EDT) -- Say goodbye to plastic straws on Carnival Cruise Line. The line has stopped placing plastic straws in glasses when drinks are ordered in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. It follows recent pledges by Royal Caribbean and Carnival sister brands P&O Cruises and Cunard to go plastic-free.

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