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Azamara Journey Deck Plans & Reviews

Azamara Journey

Activities & entertainment

• Dance Classes
• Enrichment Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Hot Tubs (2)
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• Shuffle Board
• The Drawing Room
• The Sanctum Spa *
• The Sanctum Spa Terrace *
• Cabaret Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• The Patio - Casual
• Windows Café - Casual
• Discoveries Bar - Clubby Bar
• Spirits - Cocktail Bar
• Mosaic Café - Coffee Bar
• Discoveries Restaurant - International
• Aqualina Specialty Dining - italian *
• Swirl & Top - Low-fat Yogurt
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar
• Sunset Bar - Pool Bar
• Prime C Specialty Dining - Steakhouse *
• The Living Room - Tapas

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My quick Journey review.

By Xcelsior , July 10, 2022 in Azamara

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Disembarked on Friday.  Itinerary was great - 12 night Greece and Turkey.   Only 217 passengers and 370 crew.  Service was excellent as always.  Entertainment was terrible - the worst entertainment of my 35 cruises by far.  To be completely honest, I think Azamara has slipped badly, and I now consider it a significant step down from Celebrity. I realize this opinion will upset Azamara loyalists, but honestly, the food is certainly no better, the ships are older and the cabins are smaller of course.  The shower size drove me crazy. The bedding and the linens though were  great and I like the table on the balcony vs the reclining chairs on other ships.  Makes breakfast in balcony very enjoyable.  The pluses of Azamara are ship size, service and itineraries.  For me, everything else paled in comparison to Celebrity. That being said I will sail Azamara again for the itinerary, but will not pay through the nose to do it.  I will go with Oceania or Viking at the same price as they are just a better quality product for the same cost. 

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Thanks for taking time to post your review. I really enjoyed my pre-covid 2019 Azamara cruise and have another booked for November. I’ve been reading some not so great things concerning Azamara lately on CC so I’ve been debating cancelling my November cruise before final payment is due the 23rd and booking something with Celebrity, which I’ve cruised with about a half-dozen times. Things may get better with Azamara and Onward by November but I’m kind of afraid to take that chance. November will be my first time off work in 18 months so I really don’t want to be disappointed with my choice. I guess Celebrity could disappoint me but hasn’t yet. I’ll have to make up my mind in the next two weeks. 

7 minutes ago, Zoey said: Thanks for taking time to post your review. I really enjoyed my pre-covid 2019 Azamara cruise and have another booked for November. I’ve been reading some not so great things concerning Azamara lately on CC so I’ve been debating cancelling my November cruise before final payment is due the 23rd and booking something with Celebrity, which I’ve cruised with about a half-dozen times. Things may get better with Azamara and Onward by November but I’m kind of afraid to take that chance. November will be my first time off work in 18 months so I really don’t want to be disappointed with my choice. I guess Celebrity could disappoint me but hasn’t yet. I’ll have to make up my mind in the next two weeks. 

I think it really depends what you’re looking for.  If you want to just completely relax and have a good itinerary Azamara will do the trick.  If you enjoy entertainment in the evenings and not going to bed early, stick with Celebrity.  I am completely puzzled as to why anyone would pay more for fewer options, older ships, smaller cabins  and very similar quality in food and service. 

31 minutes ago, Xcelsior said: Disembarked on Friday.  Itinerary was great - 12 night Greece and Turkey.   Only 217 passengers and 370 crew.  Service was excellent as always.  Entertainment was terrible - the worst entertainment of my 35 cruises by far.  To be completely honest, I think Azamara has slipped badly, and I now consider it a significant step down from Celebrity. I realize this opinion will upset Azamara loyalists, but honestly, the food is certainly no better, the ships are older and the cabins are smaller of course.  The shower size drove me crazy. The bedding and the linens though were  great and I like the table on the balcony vs the reclining chairs on other ships.  Makes breakfast in balcony very enjoyable.  The pluses of Azamara are ship size, service and itineraries.  For me, everything else paled in comparison to Celebrity. That being said I will sail Azamara again for the itinerary, but will not pay through the nose to do it.  I will go with Oceania or Viking at the same price as they are just a better quality product for the same cost. 

Thanks for the review. A follow up question: Where would you purchase Oceania or Viking cruise at the same price as Azamara? 

takemewithyou

@Xcelsior Appreciate your review.

Can you tell us more what the entertainment was on your cruise that you disliked?

 My last cruise in Dec on Quest I enjoyed the entertainment, so I wonder if something has changed or if we just have different tastes in entertainment.

24 minutes ago, takemewithyou said: @Xcelsior Appreciate your review. Can you tell us more what the entertainment was on your cruise that you disliked?  My last cruise in Dec on Quest I enjoyed the entertainment, so I wonder if something has changed or if we just have different tastes in entertainment. Thanks.

The guest comedian was absolutely terrible.  Not a single person laughed at anything he ever said in 2 shows.  The cast had a couple of good singers, the rest not.  The shows were just really lame.  I will say that they did an excellent white night though.  Lots of fun. Other than that there was absolutely nothing to do in the evenings other than listen to the same songs played over and over by the DJ who told me he didn’t have a lot of music.  Can you believe I asked him to play some Tina Turner and he didn’t have anything?  Unless it was Abba, Bruno Mars or Kool and the Gang you were out of luck on that front.  

57 minutes ago, andrcan said: Thanks for the review. A follow up question: Where would you purchase Oceania or Viking cruise at the same price as Azamara? 

I can absolutely sail on them for same price if I take a lower category of cabin. Oceania usually includes air. But more importantly, I can sail in a much better category on Celebrity and in my opinion, have a better experience all around. 

1 hour ago, Xcelsior said: The guest comedian was absolutely terrible.  Not a single person laughed at anything he ever said in 2 shows.  The cast had a couple of good singers, the rest not.  The shows were just really lame.  I will say that they did an excellent white night though.  Lots of fun. Other than that there was absolutely nothing to do in the evenings other than listen to the same songs played over and over by the DJ who told me he didn’t have a lot of music.  Can you believe I asked him to play some Tina Turner and he didn’t have anything?  Unless it was Abba, Bruno Mars or Kool and the Gang you were out of luck on that front.  

Thanks!  Comedians can be good or fall flat, like yours did.  And I love Tina Turner, too.  Thanks for the extra details you gave.  I hope the entertainment budget isn’t being cut.

excitedofharpenden

Thanks for your review and absolutely no need to fear upsetting loyalists here. It's always good to get another perspective. Sorry to hear the entertaininment fell far short.  There's no doubt the Celebrity hardware is better than Azamara.  It's not such an issue for me. It never has been, from my first Azamara cruse, but realise everyone is different. 

Thank you for your rewiew @Xcelsior ! As we will be on Journey in August, may I ask you if Patio was open for dinner. Thanks in advance!

1 hour ago, Xcelsior said: I can absolutely sail on them for same price if I take a lower category of cabin. Oceania usually includes air. But more importantly, I can sail in a much better category on Celebrity and in my opinion, have a better experience all around. 

Some 3 weeks ago I did some Celebrity vs Azamara cruise pricing comparison for the same routes, time of year, and trip duration. Celebrity with the "always included" package, which is comparable to basic Azamara, was some 25% more expensive. I really want to see what agencies sell much better category on Celebrity with "always included" for the price Azamara offers at the moment - we will consider it for the next year.

Well, I have held off posting for months - we were Azamara loyalists - but still waiting for the probably never to appear refund due last December and followed up regularly through all possible avenues - always being told next week or next month - contemplating the old saying "tomorrow never comes."

Much as we have enjoyed our 30 cruises, interaction with crew and friends made on board, we will definitely not be booking another Azamara cruise unless those thousands reappear.

A few months ago we booked a Sky Suite (with all it's perks) on Celebrity for AU$20 per person per day more than a Cat.5 on Azamara, both out of Sydney. No long haul flights either!

We were regular Celebrity cruisers and then we went back to Azamara for the last couple of cruises.  We will be cruising again on Celebrity in September, so we will be making some comparisons of our own.

It s been since 2015 since we were last on Celebrity.

I think it’s good to vary it up a bit! 😀

I am a Big Celebrity cruiser in many classes of cabins over the years and I will be taking my first Azamara cruise in November, on Onward.   I usually travel in a suite so we dine in Luminae or specialty restaurants onboard X.   We rarely go to the mediocre Vegas shows that X has so perhaps we will enjoy the smaller entertainment venues or speakers AZ has onboard.  We are keeping an open mind and will report back our thoughts.   We were last on Celebrity in June up to the Nordic, we have another X in August and then Onward in Nov.   Looking very forward to a new experience as not much changes on the Celebrity ships...... 

5 hours ago, Baynanno1 said: Well, I have held off posting for months - we were Azamara loyalists - but still waiting for the probably never to appear refund due last December and followed up regularly through all possible avenues - always being told next week or next month - contemplating the old saying "tomorrow never comes."   Much as we have enjoyed our 30 cruises, interaction with crew and friends made on board, we will definitely not be booking another Azamara cruise unless those thousands reappear.   A few months ago we booked a Sky Suite (with all it's perks) on Celebrity for AU$20 per person per day more than a Cat.5 on Azamara, both out of Sydney. No long haul flights either!

I am sad to read this. If Azamara lose “loyalists” they lose not only them but those they talk with in their community who know them to love the line etc. 

Your post again highlights the challenges non US guests fact 

Is there no consumer legislation in Australia you could resort to?  I think in the UK people starting that process focused the minds of the refund department in several cruise lines 

10 hours ago, takemewithyou said: Thanks!  Comedians can be good or fall flat, like yours did.  And I love Tina Turner, too.  Thanks for the extra details you gave.  I hope the entertainment budget isn’t being cut.

I can remember walking out of a comedian show on a Carnival ship and I was half hoping he was going to pick on me as we left. "We are off to find where the comedian is tonight... Thought it was in here but obviously got that wrong."

What nationality was the comedian and was it an international failure to amuse?  I find cruise ship comedians are so hit and miss. It all depends how international and new their material is 

7 hours ago, Baynanno1 said: Well, I have held off posting for months - we were Azamara loyalists - but still waiting for the probably never to appear refund due last December and followed up regularly through all possible avenues - always being told next week or next month - contemplating the old saying "tomorrow never comes."   Much as we have enjoyed our 30 cruises, interaction with crew and friends made on board, we will definitely not be booking another Azamara cruise unless those thousands reappear.   A few months ago we booked a Sky Suite (with all it's perks) on Celebrity for AU$20 per person per day more than a Cat.5 on Azamara, both out of Sydney. No long haul flights either!

Trish, this is so bad and I too am sorry to read it. Not good at all. I know how much you have enjoyed Azamara. It's also a dead end here now. When Bonnie was here at least we had a conduit for issues like this. Is there any legal redress for you?  Maybe the threat of such action will give the required kick.  Sometimes that's what it takes. Do you have anything in Australia like the Small Claims Court that we have here?  Just a thought. 

I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your cruise as much as you have enjoyed others in the past. It does sound like some of your sources of unhappiness are things that have always been present with Azamara. The entertainment has always been a bit hit or miss, especially the comedians. On our May cruise, I actually found the food to be slightly better than I remember it pre-Covid, but that is very subjective. I do have to wonder why you seem surprised at the size of the balcony, cabin or shower, though. They are the same size they always were.  I agree that some things have changed for Azamara since the change of ownership, and some not for better, but the size of the ships and the cabins are not one of them, and you must have known that the shower was going to irk you. Maybe it wasn’t such an issue in the past, because you were happier with other aspects of the cruise, and this time it was just the last straw?

Nippy Sweetie

As a newbie to Azamara I was dismayed to read this report. However, we never go to the 'entertainment' on cruise ships so not bothered about that. Ambience, staterooms and food matter to us.

Viking Ocean suits us very well but we thought we'd try Azamara for the itinerary. Just hoping the ship is OK. 

8 hours ago, Baynanno1 said: Well, I have held off posting for months - we were Azamara loyalists - but still waiting for the probably never to appear refund due last December and followed up regularly through all possible avenues - always being told next week or next month - contemplating the old saying "tomorrow never comes."   Much as we have enjoyed our 30 cruises, interaction with crew and friends made on board, we will definitely not be booking another Azamara cruise unless those thousands reappear.   A few months ago we booked a Sky Suite (with all it's perks) on Celebrity for AU$20 per person per day more than a Cat.5 on Azamara, both out of Sydney. No long haul flights either!

I’m sorry to hear this too. I don’t know if it’s the same issue, but I have also been waiting on a very delayed credit. After one more prod from our travel agent, it did finally appear, with apologies. There seems to have been a lot of things that went sideways during Covid, or Covid had been used as an excuse. I hope your problem gets straightened out.

Norn Iron Man

55 minutes ago, Nippy Sweetie said: As a newbie to Azamara I was dismayed to read this report. However, we never go to the 'entertainment' on cruise ships so not bothered about that. Ambience, staterooms and food matter to us. Viking Ocean suits us very well but we thought we'd try Azamara for the itinerary. Just hoping the ship is OK. 

We are the same as you. Im quite content to sit in a lounge in thieving sipping a few after dinner drinks. The compact size of the Azamara ships appeals to us. Too old now for all those crowds on the monster liners. Our very first cruise was on one of the smaller RCCL ships and enjoyed it but sometimes size isn't everything nowadays. Azamara was chosen for its relaxed ambience, good food and always included items. 

kool kruiser

23 minutes ago, Norn Iron Man said: We are the same as you. Im quite content to sit in a lounge in thieving sipping a few after dinner drinks. The compact size of the Azamara ships appeals to us. Too old now for all those crowds on the monster liners. Our very first cruise was on one of the smaller RCCL ships and enjoyed it but sometimes size isn't everything nowadays. Azamara was chosen for its relaxed ambience, good food and always included items. 

And also for us, based on our recent first Azamara cruise, terrific service and great itineraries, with those ports only accessible to smaller ships.

11 hours ago, Baynanno1 said: Well, I have held off posting for months - we were Azamara loyalists - but still waiting for the probably never to appear refund due last December and followed up regularly through all possible avenues - always being told next week or next month - contemplating the old saying "tomorrow never comes."   Much as we have enjoyed our 30 cruises, interaction with crew and friends made on board, we will definitely not be booking another Azamara cruise unless those thousands reappear.   A few months ago we booked a Sky Suite (with all it's perks) on Celebrity for AU$20 per person per day more than a Cat.5 on Azamara, both out of Sydney. No long haul flights either!

Like many others, I am so disappointed that Azamara has forced you to make this decision.

At this point their refunding service has completely failed you.

I hope that you do receive your funds and sooner rather than later. 

Was on Journey for 3 weeks (B2B) in May and June and had a different experience, acknowledging in advance that food and entertainment are very subjective.

Pax load was about the same (184), onboard crew # about the same, but lots of COVID, close contact with crew so crew # very reduced.  Noticed no deterioration in service though (with only 184 less those quarantined, not a surprise).

Entertainment is pretty much what it always has been.  Cast of 6 (this cast is 4 singers/2 dancers which varies from cast to cast).  Thought the 4 singers were quite good, and Stephen Millett as CD and a very talented singer added to the mix.  We enjoy the low key entertainment on Azamara, especially after over 30 sailings on Celebrity and watching that entertainment deteriorate badly after they took it in house.  Generally a bunch of contemporary/Broadway songs stitched together with no cohesion with an aerialist floating above and dancers on the stage.  Meh.

Still find Azamara food a notch above Celebrity and almost an equal of Oceania.  Prefer the staterooms on Celebrity (who wouldn't?) but since we generally sail O on R class ships there is no difference, save the fact that we actually prefer the shower curtain on Azamara to the awful shower doors on the repurposed Oceania R class ships. 

Our 3 weeks on Journey only solidified our desire to enjoy the 6 future cruises on Quest and Pursuit.

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Azamara Journey Deck Plans & Reviews

Azamara Journey

Activities & entertainment

• Dance Classes
• Enrichment Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Hot Tubs (2)
• Jogging Track
• Shuffle Board
• The Drawing Room
• The Sanctum Spa *
• The Sanctum Spa Terrace *
• Cabaret Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• The Patio - Casual
• Windows Café - Casual
• Discoveries Bar - Clubby Bar
• Spirits - Cocktail Bar
• Mosaic Café - Coffee Bar
• Discoveries Restaurant - International
• Aqualina Specialty Dining - italian *
• Swirl & Top - Low-fat Yogurt
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar
• Sunset Bar - Pool Bar
• Prime C Specialty Dining - Steakhouse *
• The Living Room - Tapas
• Excellent 30
• Very Good 13
• Terrible 11
• All languages ( 73 )
• English ( 71 )
• German ( 1 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

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• Guests may need to buy all-inclusive packages to save money on food and drinks

Norwegian has 20 sailing ships, many quite large and accommodating more than 4,000 guests. Fares cover standard dining but not specialty venues; however, money-saving all-inclusive packages can be booked for dining and drinks. Ranked #4 in Best Cruise Lines for Families , it features colorful cruise ships, abundant onboard amenities, and children's clubs to make a family vacation fulfilling.

The cruise line’s Freestyle Dining policy has no fixed dining times or assigned seating. Like other big cruise lines, Norwegian ships offer complimentary activities and amenities, making it one of the best all-inclusive cruise lines in the U.S. Norwegian Cruise Line also partners with Caesars Entertainment, meaning guests can earn points between companies.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 20
• Popular Destinations: Australia, Alaska, Asia, New Zealand, Mediterranean, Europe, Caribbean, Southern America, Transatlantic, Hawaii, Africa
• Recommended Cruise: Norwegian Joy's Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Duration: 11 Nights, 12 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 559 per person

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Cruise critic rating: 3.7/5.

• All-inclusive packages include specialty dining, shore excursions, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages
• Cruise costs include round-trip airfare and ground transfers

Regent Seven Seas Cruises was ranked #3 in the Best Luxury Cruise Lines as it received high ratings from experts and cruisers alike for its all-inclusive packages and luxury services. All six of Regent's ships have all-suite rooms, a personnel-to-passenger ratio of almost one to one, and personalized experiences. Its popular routes stop at more than 500 ports across the United States, Alaska, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and other regions. Each experience, from exploring amazing places, dining at specialty cruise restaurants, and taking in the evening's onboard entertainment to relaxing in a private haven at sea, is absolutely priceless.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 6
• Popular Destinations: Alaska, Arabia, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South Pacific, South America, Transoceanic, World Tour
• Recommended Cruise: Regent Seven Seas Navigator's Cruise to the Mediterranean
• Duration: 10 Nights, 11 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 4,099 per person

Silversea Cruises

Cruise critic rating: 3.8/5.

• Smaller ships with all-suite accommodations travel to less-traveled locations
• Included in the cruise ticket is one complimentary shore excursion per port

Silversea Cruises is known for its ultra-luxurious all-inclusive cruises with unlimited drinks and gratuities. With excellent service and butlers for every guest, it's ranked #5 among the Best Luxury Cruise Lines . Its fleet of small cruise ships provides a wealth of chances for global exploration in over 900 intriguing locations throughout all seven continents. Travelers can pick any classic voyage, visiting well-known ports and emphasizing total destination immersion, or consider an expedition trip, which visits some of the most remote and breathtaking locations on Earth.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 12
• Popular Destinations: Caribbean, Alaska, Africa, Antarctica, Arctic, Asia, Australia, Canada, French Polynesia & Pacific, Galápagos Islands, Kimberley, American West Coast, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, South America, Transoceanic
• Recommended Cruise: Silver Spirit's Cruise to the Caribbean
• Duration: 7 Nights, 8 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 3,450 per person

Cunard Line

• Cunard is a British ship and among the Best Cruise Lines for Couples
• These ships tend to be more classic-feeling
• Some of the Cunard Line's best voyages are through Europe

The Cunard cruise line is one of the smaller brands on the market. This cruise company was started in 1840, so Cunard has a rich history. Furthermore, Cunard offers one-way, round-trip, and transatlantic sailings to major US cities and extensive European trips.

Furthermore, Cunard sails to a variety of North American ports, including New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 4
• Popular Destinations: Australia, Alaska, Asia, New Zealand, Baltics, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Central America, Europe, South America, Transatlantic
• Recommended Cruise: Queen Mary 2's Cruise to Australia and New Zealand
• Duration : 10 Nights, 12 Days
• Price : Starting at USD 5,279 per person

Carnival Cruise Line

• Carnival Cruise Line is often called the "Fun Ships" line
• These cruises are budget and family-friendly
• Most dining is included in the original fare (minus specialty restaurants)

Carnival Cruise Line , aka the Fun Ships line, is considered budget-friendly because its base fares are typically low. The cruise line offers many short cruises of three or four days and longer itineraries. Traditional dining is covered in the fare, but specialty restaurants are not.

Guests can minimize costs by avoiding those venues. Also, drinks and dining packages are available, and the line frequently offers discount promotions. U.S. News named Carnival as the third-best cruise line for families .

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 27 and 1 upcoming
• Popular Destinations: Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, Alaska, Europe, Transatlantic, Australia, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Canada
• Recommended Cruise: Carnival Celebration's Cruise to the Caribbean
• Price: Starting at USD 589 per person

Princess Cruises

• Princess Cruises generally includes onboard events in the fare price
• This cruise line is more adult-friendly than family-oriented
• Guests must pay a fee to dine at specialty restaurants

Princess Cruises fares typically cover onboard events such as cooking classes and lectures and offer an atmosphere geared more toward adults than families with children. Main dining rooms are included in the cruise fare, and guests pay a fee to dine at specialty restaurants.

Packages are offered to cruisers who expect to dine frequently at a special venue, and there are also drinks packages. All in all, Princess Cruises stands out for its amenities and services and was ranked #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money by U.S. News.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 29 and 3 upcoming
• Popular Destinations: Caribbean, Bermuda, Jamaica, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska, Cozumel and Cancun, Europe, Asia, North America, South Pacific, Transatlantic
• Recommended Cruise: Regal Princess' Cruise to the Southern Caribbean
• Duration: 12 Nights and 13 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 779 per person

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Oceania Cruises

• Oceania Cruises are on the more luxurious side of the market
• This cruise line is based in Miami, Florida
• Most Oceania voyages last between 10 and 14 days

Oceania Cruises , #4 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines , may be worth considering for those wanting more elegance and luxury on the open waters. This cruise company's stand-out feature is its longer-than-average trip schedules.

For example, most Oceania cruises are out at sea for between 10 and 14 days, with some cruises lasting 195 days. The boats are mid-size, often boasting lavish decor and beautiful rooms/suites.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 8
• Popular Destinations: Caribbean, South America, Panama Canal, Europe, Mediterranean, Mexico, Holy Lands, North America, Central America, South Pacific, Transatlantic, Asia, Around the World
• Recommended Cruise : Oceania Regatta Cruise to Around The World
• Duration : 41 Nights, 42 Days
• Price : Starting at USD 14,499 per person

Holland America Line

Cruise critic rating: 3.9/5.

• Holland America is a more exclusive luxury cruise ship option
• There are better deals for those headed to the Caribbean
• Each guest will receive attention on this line

Considered a premium cruise line, Holland America can be a good bargain, particularly for Caribbean cruises, which can cost under $300 per person for five days of sailing. The ranking shows that the line does not skimp on service but offers individualized attention to guests.

The line provides free room service and several all-inclusive pricing options that can be booked as packages before sailing, ranking it as #5 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money . The cruise line attracts mainly an adult and older adult crowd and offers many onboard programs such as lectures, cooking classes, and music performances.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 11
• Popular Destinations: North & South America, Europe, Asia, South Pacific, Transatlantic
• Recommended Cruise: Holland America Nieuw Statendam's Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Duration: 7 Nights and 8 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 999 per person

Holland America is a fancier, more exclusive cruise line option. If someone prefers to live lavishly on the open seas, this company may be the best choice.

Related: Explore Far-Flung Ports With This All-Suite Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean International

• Royal Caribbean owns some of the largest cruise ships
• Rates for Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to be affordable

Royal Caribbean has 29 ships in its fleet, including some of the largest sailing vessels . The ranking survey found that it can keep overall rates low because it accommodates many cruisers per ship. Some cruises can start at under $250 per person . The line offers itineraries across the globe and, like some other cruise lines, has its own private island in the Bahamas .

Overall, Royal Caribbean is #2 in Best Cruise Lines for Families and is also a great choice for those traveling solo, as there is always something to see, do, and experience.

• Recommended Cruise: Oasis of the Seas' Cruise to the Western Mediterranean
• Price: Starting at USD 1,028 per person

Windstar Cruises

Cruise critic rating: 4.1/5.

• Small cruise ships for an intimate and personalized experience
• The onboard dining is seasonal and sourced from a port along the journey

For those looking for an intimate experience packed with luxuries with fewer passengers around, Windstar Cruises serves all purposes. With a fleet of six yachts, each accommodating between 148 and 342 guests and providing intimacy, space, and freedom, it is one of the best small-ship cruise lines in the U.S. Also, it offers modern amenities and immersive entertainment to ensure a vacation full of priceless memories. It offers luxury trips to more than 50 countries and 150 ports worldwide, including Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, the US West Coast, and Central America.

• Popular Destinations: Canary Islands, Caribbean, South America, Panama Canal, Latin America, Europe, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, U.S. Coastal, Tahiti
• Recommended Cruise: Windstar Star Legend's Cruise to Greece
• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 3,599 per person

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises are known to have excellent service and employees
• Rates are historically cheaper for those headed to the Bahamas and the Caribbean
• Room service is free on this ship, minus specialty drinks

Celebrity Cruises has a good reputation for service. Furthermore, some prices for the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises can be less than $250 per cruiser, ranking it as #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money . The survey points out that the line offers perks such as free room service and many complimentary amenities. Dining, drinks, spa, and Wi-Fi packages can be bought in advance , helping cut costs.

• Number of Ships in Fleet: 16 and 1 upcoming
• Popular Destinations: Alaska, Antarctica, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Galápagos, Greek Island, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico
• Recommended Cruise: Celebrity Silhouette's Cruise to the Bahamas
• Duration: 4 Nights 5 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 250 per person

Celebrity Cruises may be a good choice for travelers wanting to go to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. This cruise line offers various packages to help cut down on Wi-Fi, food, drink, and spa prices.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

• Hurtigruten Expedition provides fascinating global adventure cruises to several interesting locations
• Every ship in the fleet today has been thoughtfully designed to combine contemporary amenities with authentic charm

Originally well-known for its trips to the Arctic and Antarctic, Hurtigruten Expeditions (now HX) has expanded its offerings. At present, it operates expedition cruises to some of the most secluded and unspoiled locations in the world. Its fleet includes small boats built for difficult waters that make their way to places like the Galápagos Islands, Africa, Antarctica, and the Arctic. Every expedition ship provides visitors with the finest possible expedition experience and exploration while also taking advantage of the first-rate leisure and wellness facilities available.

• Popular Destinations: Alaska, Antarctica, British Isles, Caribbean, Europe, Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, North America, South America, Canada, Norway, Svalbard, Transoceanic, West Africa
• Recommended Cruise: Hurtigruten Roald Amundsen's Cruise to the USA
• Price: Starting at USD 3,202 per person

Seabourn Cruise Line

• Known for offering the crème de la crème cruise experiences
• It is an all-suite cruise, with each suite offering majestic ocean views

Sebourne is one of the cruise lines ranked as the #2 Best Luxury Cruise Lines , with an abundance of upscale amenities and trips to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Alaska, as well as exotic destinations in Asia, Australia, and even the Arctic. There is a wide range of dining choices, onboard entertainment options, and excursions on all cruises.

The cruise line's eight ships feature a fitness center, spa, salon, casinos, pools, nine-hole golf courses, and live music venues, among other features. All the ships have suites with ocean views as accommodations.

• Popular Destinations: Europe, South Pacific, Transatlantic, North & South America, Asia, Australia
• Recommended Cruise: Seabourn Ovation's Cruise to the Southern Caribbean
• Price: Starting at USD 3,799 per person

Virgin Voyages

• U.S. News named Virgin Voyages as the Best Cruise Line for the Money
• This cruise line is all-inclusive, meaning food/drink/Wi-Fi costs will not be added
• Virgin ships are adult-only, so those with children can not book a trip

Virgin Voyages ranked at the top of the list for value. The cruise line created by British mogul Richard Branson is mostly all-inclusive, meaning nearly everything is covered in the cruise fare. The exception is some high-end spirits at certain venues.

However, all restaurants and virtually all beverages are included, along with sports facilities and group fitness classes, including yoga. Even crew tips are covered . Virgin Voyages ships are among the industry’s best cruise lines for adults only , with a minimum guest age of 18.

• Popular Destinations: South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Transatlantic, Australia, Mediterranean, Adriatic
• Recommended Cruise: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady's Cruise to the Caribbean
• Price: Starting at USD 726 per person

Cruise Critic Rating: 4.2/5

• Comparatively, small ships offering an intimate atmosphere for couples
• Cruise cost includes gratuities and most nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages

Azamara , the fourth-best cruise line for couples , provides its passengers with a variety of exciting activities, delectable food, and luxurious cabins. Whether passengers choose a four-night cruise or a 26-night trip, each offers amenities such as onboard lounges, fitness centers, dance classes, wine tastings, and evening dance and music performances.

Along with onboard activities, passengers have the opportunity to learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the port cities, making this small-ship cruise line a favorite among frequent travelers.

• Popular Destinations: America, Caribbean, Transoceanic, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East
• Recommended Cruise: Azamara Quest's Cruise to South America
• Duration: 17 Nights, 18 Days
• Price: Starting at USD 2,380 per person

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families
• This company offers the magic of its theme parks onboard each ship

Disney Cruise Line is one cruise ship company that continues to grow and improve. This company, which started in 1995, has become a premier option for travelers wanting a luxurious yet family-friendly option on the open waters.

It's also worth mentioning that Disney Cruise Lines allow visitors to experience character meet-and-greets, interactive experiences, and one-of-a-kind dining, shopping, and amenities. All in all, Disney Cruise Line is the best for families traveling with younger kids (particularly for children under 10 years).

• Popular Destinations: Bermuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico, Alaska, Bahamas, Cozumel and Cancun, Asia, North America, Europe, South Pacific, Transatlantic
• Recommended Cruise: Disney Dream's Cruise to the Bahamas
• Duration : 4 Nights, 5 Days
• Price : Starting at USD 1,114 per person

Viking Ocean Cruises

Cruise critic rating: 4.6/5.

• Viking Ocean Cruises are often smaller ships
• This company is based in Switzerland and specializes in European destinations

Wondering which cruise line has the highest rating? Well, Viking Cruises has the highest ranking on this list. This company is based in Basel, Switzerland, and its marketing headquarters are in Los Angeles, California. This company mainly focuses on river, ocean, and expedition cruises.

Viking ships tend to be on the smaller side, so this could be a great way to meet others on board and have a more intimate experience at sea. The smaller boat sizes also allow them to move effortlessly along less-traveled paths, which is neat. Ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples by U.S. News , Viking Oceans is ideal for a romantic retreat at sea.

• Popular Destinations: America, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Australia
• Recommended Cruise: Viking Venus' Cruise to the Baltic Sea
• Duration : 12 Nights, 13 Days
• Price : Starting at USD 10,999 per person