Top 10 Cruise Lines in USA To Explore
Top 10 Cruise Lines in USA To Explore – Cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 35 million passengers slated to set sail in 2024 alone: and it’s easy to see why. Not only do cruises make for a convenient vacation option—you just need to unpack once, and you’ll never have to travel too far from your stateroom (if at all) for your next meal or drink—but they also offer plenty of onboard activities and amenities to appease all types of travelers.
Moreover, cruises are available across various price points and lengths. Whether you prefer oceans or lakes, islands or cities, spotting wildlife or sitting on the beach, here we have covered the industry for nearly five years—to narrow down the best cruises from the U.S. to suit all individuals, regardless of travel style and personal preferences.
List of Top 10 Cruise Lines in USA To Explore
No. 10: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International designed its fleet with active cruisers in mind. Sure, you can spend your sea days lazing on deck loungers or reading in the library, but you can also go rock climbing, skydiving, zip lining, surfing, ice skating, or bowling. This ocean cruise line is one of the world's most inventive — their massive ships' sizes, amenities, and activities are constantly leveling up.
No. 9: Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises' fleet sails nearly everywhere big ships can go, and they do so with traditional style and innovative touches. The cruise line has been a leader in ensuring passenger autonomy — Princess Cruises was the first line to offer 24-hour dining and was a pioneer of affordable private balconies. As a result of these and many other innovations, Princess' passengers can travel the open ocean in comfort and style.
No. 8: Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers enriching journeys in distinctively classic cruise style, connecting passengers to the most fascinating people, places, and cultures on Earth. Travelers can choose from a wide range of itineraries, as there are more than 300 ports of call across all seven continents. With elegant fine dining and gracious service, Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships welcome guests to discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.
No. 7: Azamara
Azamara’s boutique ships accommodate just about 700 guests and focus on longer stays, night touring, and more overnights — passengers have more time to immerse themselves in the various ports of call. Inclusive amenities include AzAmazing Evening events, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, self-service laundry, concierge services, and shuttles to and from port communities.
No. 6: Crystal Cruises
Voyages with Crystal Cruises promise the classic elegance of luxury sea travel. Onshore excursions are curated by leading travel company Abercrombie & Kent — guests can embark on three-day safaris or luxury train journeys through the wilderness. Dining options include Nobu's only at-sea location, though the poolside grill and gelato bar are just as opulent.
Operating a fleet of small luxury ships, Windstar Cruises offers passengers a unique, luxury experience when sailing throughout the globe. Service and accommodations are first-rate, emulating the comfort and ease of traveling on a private yacht. And special themed cruises allow guests access to exclusive destinations like the Panama Canal, the Dalmatian Coast, and some lesser-known Caribbean islands.
No. 5: Viking
Viking brings a destination-centric mentality to its ocean cruises — its ships are designed to access interesting, hard-to-reach destinations like the fjords of Norway and England's Thames River. Through partnerships with the BBC as well as resident historians, Viking offers an unparalleled mix of onboard educational opportunities and onshore guidance for a deep dive into each destination.
No. 4: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages passengers can enjoy over 20 different eateries with diverse menus, relax in yoga or meditation classes, enjoy evenings with never-before-seen-at-sea entertainment, or try their luck at the casino. Ship-wide Wi-Fi allows guests to stay connected, and all food, tips, group workouts, and basic beverages are included in the cabin fare. Passengers on transatlantic voyages have more time to experience long-voyage benefits like special performances and talks, week-long spa passes, and specialty dining.
No. 3: Margaritaville at Sea
Whether or not you're a Jimmy Buffett fan, you'll have plenty of fun aboard a Margaritaville at Sea cruise. Spend time relaxing in the sunshine, try your luck in the casino, or sing along with the bands. You can have a self-care day at the spa, enjoy an iconic margarita at one of the bars, or relax in your comfortable stateroom.
No. 2: Windstar Cruises
Operating a fleet of small luxury ships, Windstar Cruises offers passengers a unique, luxury experience when sailing throughout the globe. Service and accommodations are first-rate, emulating the comfort and ease of traveling on a private yacht. And special themed cruises allow guests access to exclusive destinations like the Panama Canal, the Dalmatian Coast, and some lesser-known Caribbean islands.
No. 1: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line caters to families and casual cruisers with its fun fleet. It's impossible for passengers of any age to feel bored on these large vessels, even while spending multiple days at sea. Ships come equipped with water parks, glitzy casinos, live entertainment, and a diversity of dining venues.
Conclusion
With their diverse itineraries, luxurious amenities, attentive service, and commitment to guest satisfaction, these cruise lines offer the perfect getaway for travelers of all ages and interests. Embark on a journey with any of these cruise lines and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
FAQs on Top 10 Cruise Lines in USA to Explore
Q1. What is the best time to cruise to the USA?
A: The best time to cruise in the USA will vary greatly depending on the region. Cruises sailing from or stopping in Florida or Southern California are available year-round, but regions like Alaska, New England and the Pacific Northwest are primarily summer and early-fall destinations. Beyond ocean cruises, river cruises also depend greatly on the region.
Q2. Which cruise lines go to the USA?
A: All of the major U.S.-based cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, Holland America and Disney among others have ships that homeport in the U.S. and some itineraries that feature port stops in U.S. destinations (especially Hawaii and Alaska). Princess Cruises offers a number of itineraries that call on the ports of the scenic Pacific coast. Some international cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Cunard also have ships that homeport in the U.S.
Q3. What are some things to do in the USA?
A: Unless you book a cruise that has an actual port stop in the U.S. or you're taking a river cruise, much of what you can do and see will be before and after your sailing, particularly in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Seattle. If you have time you can see a Broadway show in New York, check out the art deco architecture in Miami's South Beach, visit Pike Place Market in Seattle or tour the Kennedy Space Center near Orlando.
Q4. Do you need a passport to take a cruise to the USA?
A: No, U.S. citizens do not need passports to cruise within the United States or for cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port.
Q5. What should I pack for a cruise to the USA?
A: What you pack will be highly dependent on the region of the U.S. and time of year of your cruise. Light layers and sun protection are always a good idea.
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