Earlier this year, the Cruise Lines International Association forecasted a steady and solid growth in the cruise industry. It means an increase in the number of passengers traveling and going on cruises. It is nice to note that the industry’s positive performance can also be attributed to the aggressive advancements made by the mainstream and major cruise lines to their services, amenities and facilities, and customer service. Aside from that, one of the many driving factors that contributed to the growth is the developments of new ships due to be built and delivered between 2018 to 2026.
With the arrival of new ships, impressive innovations, and an extensive list of activities, it is time for us to look at the world’s best of the best in the cruise industry.
1) Royal Caribbean International
Whether you are looking for luxury, entertainment for the kids, or a stateroom for you and your partner, the Royal Caribbean International being one of the largest cruise lines in the world definitely has something for you. They cater to everyone’s needs and wants, making them one of the most in demand lines that sail our seas. Their extensive itineraries with a massive number of destinations are all taken care of by their 25 operating ships.
They are not showing any sign of stopping, as additional ships are underway. In fact, the world’s biggest cruise ship that is Symphony of the Seas started sailing this year under the company’s Oasis-class. To experience their world-class cruise shows, nightlife at sea, awe-inspiring Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals, ice skating at sea, youth programs, and dive shows.
2) Norwegian Cruise Lines
If you are looking to get a bang for your buck and want your family, especially the kids to have fun, enjoy and relax, take them to one of the Norwegian Cruise Lines cruise destinations. The cruise line is considered one of the best not just for family adventures, but for the value of your money. They are continuously upgrading their fleet by adding more ships.
They have recently launched Norwegian Bliss this year and are set to introduce Norwegian Encore in 2019. Onboard their ships, travelers can expect award-winning entertainment presentations including acrobatic shows and great performances of Cirque Dreams and Dinner. You also do not want to miss their Rock of Ages and After Midnight Broadway shows. If you ever get hungry, their dining options will surely take care of your hunger.
3) Princess Cruises
This Santa Clarita-based cruise lines is known for their extensive onboard entertainment selection, which is considered one of the best among the world’s top lines. You can expect nothing short of perfection when you board one of its 17 ships that are currently sailing the world’s oceans.
No dull and idle moment for you and the kids is guaranteed. In fact, channels such as Science and Discovery have partnered with the company to provide fun and education kids and teens activities. Depending on your destination, Princess Cruises’ Festivals of the World will entertain you with their varied list of performances, including
- Mexican Fiesta
- Carnevale Di Venezia
- King Kamehameha Festival
- Matariki Festival
- Midsommarfest
- Celtic Festival
- Carnaval de Panama
- Rio’s Carnival
- Oktoberfest
- Mardi Gras
- Klondike Festival
4) Holland America Line
Like its rival companies, the Seattle-based Holland America line offers a wide-array of leisure activities to its passengers. But if you want some unique experiences onboard their ships, American’s Test Kitchen that
offers onboard cooking shows and BBC Earth Experiences are for you. They currently have 14 operating ships offering tours from Alaska, North America, Europe, Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia, South Pacific, and more.
5) Celebrity Cruises
As a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., you can expect great service and excellent entertainment offerings from Celebrity Cruises. This award-winning cruise company, currently headquartered in Miami, Loria, is the recipient of Travel Weekly’s 2017 Best Premium Cruise Line and Best Premium Cruise Ship, cementing their stop
on the list of world’s powerhouses. Celebrity Cruises not only offers all-inclusive experiences aboard their ships, but they also offer a variety of vacation excursions to special and unique locations such as the Galapagos Expedition.
6) Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises is your budget-friendly cruise line. They definitely scored high on affordability because they are known to offer shorter, low-cost, but fun-filled tours aboard their 26 vessels. They are now the leading cruise line in terms of the number of fleet and they are showing no signs of stopping as they are adding four more ships
in the next four years. Among the popular signature entertainment services that Carnival offers include Skyride, IMAX, Spa Carnival, WaterWorks, and Seuss at Sea. Excited to start planning your trip with Carnival without emptying your pocket?
7) MSC Cruises
With package offerings priced reasonably low compared to its competitors, without compromising quality service, MSC Cruises is here to stay to offer the most affordable luxury. Speaking of affordable luxury, if you take your kids with you aboard their ships, the kids can share a cabin with you for free as long as they are eighteen years old
and below. Your life onboard their ships will never be boring and idle, since they have a wide-array of engaging activities for you and your little ones. The kids can kill time at the Aqua Park, Swimming Pools and Water Slide, or the teens can also spend time playing on PS3. If ever you want to go online, a number of their ships also offer free Internet service.
8) Disney Cruise Line
The happiest place on earth is not only limited to Disneyland, but it extends to the world’s oceans. Thanks to Disney Cruise Line, considered to be the top choice of families with kids who love to experience the wonderful life of cruising. As a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, what else can you expect from Disney Cruise Line?
Aside from enjoying their over-the-top services and performances onboard, fireworks, and live shows, you can also spend your special occasions at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved just for you.
