What are the best cruises in the world? Viking, Disney are big
U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday published its ranking of the “best” cruise lines of 2022.
The publication evaluated 17 cruise lines through a combination of expert evaluations (30%), traveler reviews (50%) and health ratings published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program (20%).
Scores were then analyzed by category to determine winners, ranked highest to lowest, in six areas.
Best cruise lines for the money
The 2022 rankings for best valued cruises are:
- Celebrity Cruises — “Gold Award”
- Holland America Line — “Silver Award”
- Royal Caribbean International — “Silver Award”
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Carnival Cruise Line
Here, average daily rates accounted for 60% of scores, while expert, traveler and health ratings accounted for the other 40%. Cruise lines with average daily rates of $300 or more did not qualify for this category.
The Celebrity Edge cruise ship, the first revenue-earning cruise to depart from the U.S. after a pandemic-induced hiatus, docks during a stop in Costa Maya, Mexico on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Celebrity Cruises was named the best cruise for the money. It’s part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also operates Royal Caribbean International, which took home a “Silver Award” in this category.
Wi-Fi, tips and drinks — like cocktails, wine and specialty coffees — are included in most Celebrity cruise bookings, however the cheapest rates can be purchased without them. Right now, a four-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas is around $440 per person, including taxes, for an inside state room.
Also on the list: Princess Cruises (No. 6), Costa Cruises (No. 7) and MSC Cruises (No. 8).
Best cruise lines for luxury
Smaller cruise lines — with ships that fit hundreds rather than thousands of guests — dominated U.S. News’ luxury rankings list.
- Viking Ocean Cruises — “Gold Award”
- Seabourn Cruise Line — “Silver Award”
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises — “Silver Award”
- Azamara
- Crystal Cruises
The Viking Sea cruise ship arrives at Bodrum Cruise Port in Mugla, Turkey on March 13, 2021.
Ali Balli | Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Viking, a cruise line based in Basel, Switzerland, is no stranger to accolades. It topped U.S. News’ luxury list last year too — despite Chairman Torstein Hagen indicating he isn’t a fan of the word.
“I have outlawed the use of the word ‘luxury’ … I think we are elegant, we are … understated and hopefully timeless,” he said at a naming celebration for seven new river boats in March 2019, according to cruising website QuirkyCruises.com.
Also on the list: Silversea Cruises (No. 6) and Oceania Cruises (No. 7).
Best cruise lines for couples
Awards for the best cruises for those traveling in twos are:
- Viking Ocean Cruises — “Gold Award”
- Seabourn Cruise Line — “Silver Award”
- Azamara — “Silver Award”
- Crystal Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Viking dominates this category due to its “adult-focused environment…
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