Get to know the best cruise ships in a variety of categories, based on member review ratings for cruises taken in the last year.
1 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member kennicott
"There can't be a cruise line that does embarkation better than Princess."
Member Review: Lskravy
2 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member Tiffhunny01
"This was by far the easiest embarkation and disembarkation we have ever experienced. One would think that a large ship would have long lines, but rarely did we encounter a line or have to wait for something."
Member Review: deetampacruiser
3 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member mitooki
"Embarkation was quite simply the easiest, quickest we’d ever experienced! From taxi to walking on the ship: 12 minutes! Royal has this down!"
Member Review: travelfreak
4 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member CAM1444
"Embarkation was the fastest we'd ever experienced. From the time we got out of the Uber to the time we walked on the ship was about 15 minutes. Everything was very organized and Royal Caribbean's new terminal was spacious and worked great."
Member Review: mattb31
5 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member Don and Char
"Embarkation was a snap. We had downloaded the app; we had taken and added our own photos at home when we did online check-in; and key cards are waiting for you outside your cabin!"
Member Review: May B
6 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member Funny in the sunny1
"Princess embarkation is expertly orchestrated."
Member Review: Z0nker
7 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member OR_Cowboy_1952
"Embarkation was done very smoothly. Everyone has a specific boarding time. The cruise staff handles all your luggage and delivers them right to your cabin."
Member Review: Todd Miller
8 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member brettandciel
"This is my second time on this ship and I would go again. Embarkation and disembarkation was a breeze, no waiting."
Member Review: Marie Green
9 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member Helen Ray
"Embarkation was a super fast, as soon you walk on the ship they greet you with a glass of bubbles, nice touch."
Member Review: Maniapure
10 of 10 Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation
Photo by Cruise Critic member
"The embarkation experience went pretty smooth - especially with the Faster to the Fun package with an appointment time. I think we made it on board in record time, I'd be surprised if it took 20 minutes from the time we walked into the cruise center until we put our carry ons in our cabin."
Member Review: DeanRiggs1976
Best Overall
Best for Cabins
Best for Dining
Best for Embarkation
Best for Entertainment
Best for Fitness & Recreation
Best for Public Rooms
Best for Service
Best for Shore Excursions
Best for Value
Best for Families
Best for First Timers
Best River
Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards
View top-rated cruise destinations and lines around the globe according to cruisers, based on member review ratings for trips taken in the last year.
Editors' Picks Awards
See the lines and ships that best represent excellence in ocean and luxury cruising, chosen by Cruise Critic's international team of editors.