As you know, cruising is one of the best ways to see the world. You see the world one port at a time while enjoying some of the best entertainment, food and amenities your floating hotel offers. And the best part is you only unpack once. There are so many vessels to choose from it can feel overwhelming, so once a year cruise experts nominate their top picks for cruise lines and ships across multiple categories. Readers then vote for their favorites and the results are released. Here they are. The number ones as voted by readers in USA Today’s 10Best.
If you’re a solo cruiser, Holland America Line is the cruise line for you. Holland America offers inclusive programming for solo cruisers like dance classes, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and more. Every sailing has a solo travelers party, and a roommate matching service that pairs same sex travelers in a shared stateroom to save on surcharges.
If you’re a foodie, Carnival Horizon is where you want to be. She won top honor as Best Cruise Ship for Dining. Options include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse, Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Seafood Shack. In other words, there is an option for everyone.
Celebrity Beyond comes in at number one for Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment. The Theatre aboard the Celebrity Beyond features state-of-the-art floor projection technology immersing guests in amazing acrobatic performances and stunning visuals, Broadway shows and West End musicals. The Club offers gaming and a live DJ while the Jazz Joint offers an evening with jazz vocalists. If you are interested in cabaret singing and dancing you’ll find that at the Eden.
If you’re looking for the best cruise for your family, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess wins that category. Kids love the SeaWalk, a glass bottomed walkway 28 feet beyond the ship’s edge. There are dedicated kids’ spaces for three different age ranges, along with connecting staterooms and Family Suites like no other.
Princess Cruises also took the top spot for Best Large Cruise Ship with the Sky Princess. She boasts some of the largest balconies, a European-style Piazza atrium, a jazz theater and one of the best wine bars at sea.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine won Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship. Carnival Sunshine has all the fun as all Carnival ships just had a smaller size. It features SportSquare with outdoor games and activities, Seuss at Sea and Punchliner.
Taking the top honor for Best Ocean Cruise Line is Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival offers fun to everyone who boards their fleet of ships. The ships offer water parks, casinos, live entertainment, and food for every palate which includes a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri all at an affordable price.
What’s your opinion? Did the readers get it right? Would these choices be number 1 in your book?