Sunday, March 31, 2024

7 best US river cruises

best cruise in usa

Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980. If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise. You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa). There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. Olympic National Park is another unique cruise with American Cruise Lines that will allow you to witness breathtaking vistas.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Explore Belize, Mexico, and Honduras

Golf enthusiasts can also take advantage of the world-renowned Port Royal Golf Course, which is considered one of the best public golf courses in the world. Admire the colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami’s South Beach, and taste Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Browse the shops along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and explore the canals by gondola. Treat your kids to a day in the theme parks around Orlando—and meet astronauts at the Kennedy Space Center. To discover Alaska’s rich historyYou can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels.

The Best Cruise Insurance Plans of April 2024 - MarketWatch

The Best Cruise Insurance Plans of April 2024.

Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Night Southern CaribbeanDetails

Virgin Voyages is an adult only cruise line, with a minimum traveler age of 18. It offers all-inclusive trips at a price point more economical than most of its competitors. If you’re a solo traveler or a libidinous couple interested in a salacious holiday, you might wonder which is the best cruise line to travel with in such circumstances. Being an adult only cruise, it offers a very party-centric experience in the form of raves, musicals, nightclubs, and casinos. Moreover, Virgin cruises has its very own private beach club in the Bahamas where its cruises make port, allowing travelers to spend an entire day at the resort. Other amenities include complementary spas, saunas, gyms, and yoga classes.

best cruise in usa

Celebrity Cruises: An inaugural voyage through the Eastern Caribbean

Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary. Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Slated to launch in the spring, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II will visit ports from Dublin to Lisbon, as well as both polar regions, in 2023 and 2024. The innovative vessel, which is similar in design to Scenic Eclipse, will have luxurious suites complete with butler service and all sorts of extras, including helicopters (plural) and a submarine. A game changer in lowering emissions, Ponant’s brand-new hybrid-electric Le Commandant Charcot can operate on less-carbon-intensive battery power and liquefied natural gas and has room for 245 guests. The game-changing ship, which has already hosted eclipse watchers on a trip to Antarctica and sailed to the geographic North Pole, also offers adventures in places such as Iceland and Svalbard.

You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing. The California Coastal departs Los Angeles and stops in San Francisco; Astoria, Oregon; and Seattle, and ends in Vancouver. Princess Cruises offers a variety of onboard amenities, such as culinary experiences, the best afternoon tea at sea, and Broadway-style entertainment. Princess Cruises offers several itineraries, with my favorites being California Coastal or the Pacific Wine Country and Coastal, with stops in San Francisco and Santa Barbara, ending in Vancouver, Canada. The 7-day itinerary, which currently runs less than $500 for an inside cabin, is particularly popular.

UnCruise Adventures

Taking a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions Book a small ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau for a week or longer in the nooks and crannies of southeast Alaska. You’ll hike where there are no trails, paddle without another human in sight, and get to know the traditional lands of Alaska’s Coastal Native tribes. We like Alaskan Dream Cruises, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions for smaller, more sustainable cruises. Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier. In between, passengers usually stop in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, and then sail up College Fjord to see glaciers stretching their icy fingers into the sea. You'll see plenty of stunning scenery along the way but not up close – for most cruisers, it's more than enough to satisfy.

The itinerary is offered on four different 180-passenger ships, including the American Serenade and the classic American Splendor paddle wheeler. Prior to the pandemic, cruise ships were one of the most desirable avenues for entertainment, leisure, and luxury. Each year, cruise lines would dispatch hundreds of ships, each packed with hundreds or thousands of travelers, sailing into the seven seas for weeks at a time.

USA Cruises

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship. Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

best cruise in usa

All this is yours, from the luxurious setting of one of our award-winning, contemporary ships. Look to shoulder season sailingsNot only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call. Know your physical limitsIf mobility or other health issues may affect your ability to enjoy a cruise to the fullest, consider traveling with a larger operator.

“And if someone has cruised before–or considers themselves an avid cruiser–we hope this list helps introduce them to new options, whether an entirely new line or new possibilities offered by some of their favorites. Cruise Critic just announced its annual list of the Best Cruise Lines of The Year. This is the 15th iteration of the list compiled by the online cruise community’s international team of cruise experts.

Contemporary lines are the most economical, premium fall in the middle, and luxury cruises are the priciest. You can find weeklong cruises that cost under $100 per person per day—talk about a deal. Indulge in a relaxing journey across the warm Pacific from Vancouver to the lush, volcanic islands of Hawaii, where waterfalls tumble from verdant peaks and the ocean is home to abundant whales and dolphins. Visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls from Hilo, and admire the fiery antics of Mount Kilauea.

Conversely, the 1,350-passenger Balmoral is small enough to navigate waterways such as the Hudson River and Cape Cod Canal. These navigations are only possible for small ships and provide close-up views of riverbanks cloaked in a mantle of golden brown and red leaves. When it comes to sailing in the US, Norwegian has it sewn up from Alaska to the Caribbean.

What are the best cruises in the world? Viking, Disney are big winners

best cruise in usa

Each cruise company offers distinct options, so there is something for everyone, regardless of the time frame. As you sail, you’ll discover all the wonderful amenities that make a vacation on board our award-winning ships such a luxurious experience. Live life at your own pace, whether you want a workout in the Fitness Center or a private cabana by the pool.

River Awards

20 Best Cruise Lines In The U.S. (Ranked By Rating) - TheTravel

20 Best Cruise Lines In The U.S. (Ranked By Rating).

Posted: Sun, 11 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It is especially lauded for its land expeditions, including some which explore the farthest regions of Alaska. Passengers are allowed to venture ashore the ice cloaked terrain with trained teams of guides and geologists, interact with the area’s wildlife, and drink in the sight of colossal glaciers, icy waterfalls, and radiating hot springs. Silversea has a long list of accolades from various outlets including being the “Ultra-luxury Cruise Line of The Year” and the “Expedition/Adventure Cruise Line of the Year” in 2024.

The Best U.S. Cruises in 2023

best cruise in usa

Its ships conform to the medium size category and travel to destinations all around the world. It is extremely popular among seniors and retirees, partly because it offers extended travel duration which can last up to 195 days! It offers one of the most diverse culinary experiences in the industry, with options ranging from southern Porterhouses, to steamy Callaloo, to delicious Bouillabaisse.

Night Canada & New England DiscoveryDetails

You could choose to sail from buzzing Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan, the second oldest city in the Americas, and visit El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest on US territory and a part of the United States National Forest system. It also sails along the Pacific coast to the Mexican Riviera from San Diego and has New York round-trips, with the option to visit Orlando. Ships are equally inclusive; expect great facilities to suit everyone from families to solo travellers. This line knows a thing or two when it comes to entertaining the young and young at heart. Little ones can soak up the magic at sea by meeting their favourite Disney characters or be transformed into superheroes at Marvel’s Adventure Academy while parents and grandparents escape to sleek, adult-only areas. Itineraries include three-night breaks from Miami to Key West, plus Pacific Coast sailings from San Diego with a visit to San Francisco and the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush). Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 23rd, 2024.

American Rivers (Multiple)

Bermuda is best known for its beautiful pink-hued stretches of sand, which pop perfectly against the clear blue waters. Passengers will sail aboard the massive MSC MeraViglia, which conveniently cruises to and from Brooklyn. The dazzling ship is complete with a two-deck promenade, oceanview lounge areas, an amusement area and an outdoor water park. While the kids are at play, grown-ups can bask in the sun from the adults-only Solarium, where I spent most of my time on board my Caribbean cruise. 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.

of the best cruises in the USA

The trip, which departs June 24, is a seven-night expedition that takes in many of the most notable sites on the islands, with programming specially tailored for both kids and adults. To develop our list of best cruise lines in the US, we began by combing the internet for research in this area. While most of the material online pertained to reviews on specific ships, our interest was intended towards comparing Cruise Lines rather than individual voyagers. Using a consensus approach, we shortlisted the cruise lines which had been recommended most frequently. A list of the best cruises in the U.S. would only be complete with mentioning a classic Mississippi River cruise. This iconic American river flows through a stunning variety of landscapes, from rich forests to revered southern cities and towns.

Celebrity Cruises: An inaugural voyage through the Eastern Caribbean

best cruise in usa

Once this list was obtained, we used several different metrics to score each cruise line against. The first was the number of times each cruise had been recommended in our previous search. Ratings on platforms such as Cruise Critics and Cruiseline became 2 other metrics for our research. According to Reuters, over 35 million tourists around the world are looking to cruise in 2024. The US contributes more tourists to the cruise industry than any other country in the world.

On board, elegance prevails, with a formal evening dress code reflecting Cunard’s sense of occasion. Afternoon tea, a humongous library, ballroom dancing, and a planetarium are among numerous onboard activities keeping passengers engaged. If in the budget, book a Princess Grill Suite; less costly than the Queens Grill, it’s still awash in extra amenities (such as an exclusive private restaurant) and especially attentive service. 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.

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%). U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday published its ranking of the "best" cruise lines of 2022.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington. Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise. You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836.

A Hawaiian cruise can be easily combined with a French Polynesia cruise to experience the untouched South Pacific islands. With an array of amenities such as drinks packages, multiple restaurants, entertainment, swimming pools, and other activities, you can enjoy an all-inclusive experience while exploring new destinations and even new countries. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.

Departing from Richland, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, this cruise is a bit pricey but well worth the investment for its educational enrichment and natural beauty. Learn about the Native American history of the area, take in breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, and indulge in delicious regional cuisine. Onboard, you can find a wide range of bars, nightclubs, skating rinks, water slides, wave pools, kids clubs, outdoor movie theaters, evening entertainment, and much more to experience. Mexican cruises tend to stop in Ensenada in Mexico and/or Catalina in the United States, depending on the number of nights you decide to do.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Expect moonshine, Civil War historical sites, country music, Nashville traditions, and the birthplace of the blues — Memphis. While in Memphis, visiting the one and only home of Elvis Presley at Graceland is a must! I’m most intrigued by seeing Paducah, also known as Quilt City and a UNESCO World Heritage Creative City.

These tours are essentially Disney’s way of transforming a day in one of their theme parks into a week-long voyage aboard a luxury sea vessel. If your idea of a vacation is one in which you can immerse yourself in a mythical universe, Disney is perhaps the best cruise line in the US. Live productions of Aladdin, Marvel themed dining centers, and Star Wars themed recreations allow your children to be immersed in some of their favorite pop culture fandoms. Most of the cruise’s interior is themed to Disney movies while mascots in costumes of your children’s favorite characters roam around the decks.

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