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Norwegian Cruise Line Sail-Away Giveaway

Enter for the chance to win a 7-day cruise for two on Norwegian Joy!

2018 Cruisers’ Choice Destinations Awards

Cruise Critic members named the top cruise destinations in the third annual Cruisers’ Choice Destinations 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

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

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

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

Just Back From Quantum Of The Seas: Tips For Sailing On A China-Based Cruise Ship

(11:15 a.m. EDT) -- When Quantum of the Seas debuted in 2014, the 4,180-passenger megaship -- the first of Royal Caribbean's Quantum class -- arrived as a game-changer. Now-copied features such as the Bionic Bar, the North Star, the SeaPlex and iFly skydiving simulator were all new. Loyal to Royal cruisers couldn't wait to make Quantum their next favorite ship.

WOD on the Waves Fitness Cruise: A Chat With Athletes Spencer Hendel and Chyna Cho

(2:05 p.m. EDT) -- We all know the old adage that cruises are for the overfed, newly wed and nearly dead. But when you take a group of fitness enthusiasts and put them on a ship for four days with healthier dining options and scheduled workouts led by some of the "fittest on Earth" -- the title CrossFit bestows on its most elite competitive athletes -- those stereotypes are swept out to sea.

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

(Updated 6 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. Here's a breakdown of the lines that so far have implemented bans onboard:

Six Months After the Biggest Ship Debuts of Spring 2018: What Cruisers Are Saying

(5:40 p.m. EDT) -- Spring 2018 saw the debut of three exciting cruise ships, one each for the three biggest cruise lines in the industry: Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.Symphony of the Seas, Norwegian Bliss and Carnival Horizon all debuted within weeks of one another, generating lots of buzz for the cruise industry and immediately drawing the attention of veteran and first-time cruisers alike. Cruise Critic was among the first onboard all three. You can read our reviews for a thorough analysis, but with about half a year in the water, the ships have garnered a slew of member reviews that are starting to paint a picture of what your fellow cruisers really think of them.

8 Reasons You Should Go on a Family Cruise: Just Back From a Princess Cruise in Alaska

Almost every person I know has a cruise to Alaska on their travel bucket list. It's one thing to go tour the stunning landscape Alaska, but it's another to take in sights that can only be seen or accessed via the ocean. The idea of waking up surrounded by glaciers and seeing whales from my bedroom seemed like something that could only happen in the best kind of dreams.

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