WASHINGTON - U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, announced the 2018 Best Cruise Lines rankings, evaluating 165 ships in 17 top cruise lines across six categories – up from 15 cruise lines last year. The rankings help travelers select the best cruise by brand, region, traveler type and budget. In response to the popularity of the small ship luxury cruising market and with the addition of CDC evaluations, U.S. News expanded the rankings to include two cruise lines that are upscale traveler favorites, Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.
New to the list this year, Viking Ocean Cruises snags the No. 1 spot as the Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean by offering a high percentage of itineraries in the region and including one complimentary excursion in each cruise port. Royal Caribbean is named the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for the Money, with Disney Cruise Line topping the list again for both the Best Cruise Line for Families and the Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean for the fifth consecutive year. Crystal Cruises continues its reign as the Best Luxury Cruise Line, but Seabourn, also new to the rankings this year, takes the No 1. spot for the Best Cruise Line for Couples by offering intimate ships and an abundance of fine dining options on board.
"There are a variety of cruise lines to consider when planning a vacation, and the Best Cruise Lines rankings offer insights to make that decision a little easier," said Gwen Shearman, travel editor at U.S. News. "By highlighting the best excursions, amenities and activities available on board for family vacations and romantic getaways alike, readers can narrow down their search based on their ideal vacation. If you're looking for a specific cruise line experience, we can help you find it."
The methodology for the Best Cruise Lines rankings factors in expert evaluations of cruise ship quality, reputation among travelers, results from health assessments conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other factors such as price class and itinerary offerings.
2018 U.S. News Best Cruise Lines Rankings
For the Money
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
For Luxury
- Crystal Cruises
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Viking Ocean Cruises
For Families
- Disney Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival Cruise Lines
For Couples
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
In the Mediterranean
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
In the Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
