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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.

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Cruise News

Celebrity Cruises to Refurbish Entire Fleet

(10 a.m. EDT) -- As part of its Celebrity Revolution program, Celebrity Cruises is investing more than $500 million in a fleetwide refurbishment program that will include upgrading the suites on all ships, renewing all Millennium-class cabins with new designs, rolling out its popular Qsine restaurant to all ships, and redoing the entire spa on Millennium-class ships.

Pandaw Puts More River Cruise Ships In India

(11:25 a.m. EDT) -- River cruise operator Pandaw will devote two additional ships to India, a country that is growing quickly as a river cruise destination.

Luxury Line Silversea to Cruise the Northeast Passage

(11:38 a.m. EDT) -- Silver Explorer will become the most luxurious cruise ship to sail the Northeast Passage through the Arctic when it sets sail from Nome, Alaska, to Tromso, Norway, on August 10, 2019.

Sun Princess Cruise Ship Emerges from Dry Dock with New Features

(1:10 p.m. EDT) -- Sun Princess has returned to service in Singapore after a two-week dry dock that introduced a new Princess livery, Club Class mini-suites and a reimagined Camp Discovery kids club. The refurbishment was part of the line's $450 million "Come Back New Promise" program. Below is a breakdown of what was added.

Hurricane Season 2018: Where Do Caribbean Cruise Ports Stand?

(Updated 6:45 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.

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