U.S. News & World Report, today released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines, evaluating 17 top cruise lines across six categories. The rankings are intended to help travelers select the best cruise by brand, region, traveler type and budget.
New to the list this year, Virgin Voyages snags the No. 1 spot in the "Best Cruise Lines for the Money" ranking, offering the best value among cruise companies.
Viking Ocean Cruises ranked the No. 1 spot in three categories Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Luxury Cruise Lines, and Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.
Disney Cruise Line is named the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for Families for the ninth consecutive year and Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean. The family-oriented cruise line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more.
Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2 in Best Cruise Lines for Families, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.
This year's rankings are accompanied by editorial roundups of the top gay cruises for 2023, the top cruise lines for solo travelers and the best cruise insurance; each piece aims to provide helpful advice and planning information to a wide community of cruisers.
2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings:
Best Cruise Lines for the Money
1. Virgin Voyages
2. Carnival Cruise Line
3. Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Lines for Families
1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Royal Caribbean International
3. Carnival Cruise Line
Best Cruise Lines for Couples
1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Azamara
Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Virgin Voyages
3. Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Azamara
Best Luxury Cruise Lines
1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises