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.

The 2022 rankings for best valued cruises are:  

1. Celebrity Cruises — “Gold Award”
2. Holland America Line — “Silver Award”
3. Royal Caribbean International — “Silver Award”
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
5. 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.

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).

Smaller cruise lines — with ships that fit hundreds rather than thousands of guests — dominated U.S. News’ luxury rankings list.

1. Viking Ocean Cruises — “Gold Award”
2. Seabourn Cruise Line — “Silver Award”
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises — “Silver Award”
4. Azamara
5. Crystal Cruises

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).

Awards for the best cruises for those traveling in twos are:  

1. Viking Ocean Cruises — “Gold Award”
2. Seabourn Cruise Line — “Silver Award”
3. Azamara — “Silver Award”
4. Crystal Cruises
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Viking dominates this category due to its “adult-focused environment…