Modern cruise ships range from small, yacht like vessels to history-steeped river boats and giant floating resorts. They sail off to tropical islands, ancient cities and glamorous Rivieras. Some focus on natural wonders – flora and fauna, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes – while others explore exotic cultures you might never visit any other way. Some sail off for a couple of days, others for a week or more. And with the current fleet of magnificent new vessels, almost all lines offer the elegance, service and amenities that were once reserved for millionaires and movie stars. To find the one that best suits you, look over our list, written by members of the Cruise Line International Association and our company.
American Cruise Lines
Sail aboard a new vessel without ever leaving the USA. The 49 pssenger Ameican Eagle and Ameican Eagle explore the American Southeast playing the rivers of Florida and stopping at such ports as Amelia Island and St. Augustine.
American Safari Cruises
For those who want to play private yacht owner for a week. Beautiful intimate yachts of divergent sizes. All inclusive Safari prices include not only flight seeing in Alaska and wine tastings in California but also the use of kayaks, sailboards, sailboard, underwter viedeo cameras, water skis & mountain bikes. The 12-21 passenger yachts are not for the average cruiser.
America West River Cruises
Climb aboard an authentic Sternwheeler and cruise into history . Luxurious sternwheelers faithfully recreate the paddlewheel experience, with period decor, exceptional dining, showboat-style enterainment, onboard historians and fascinating shore excursions. Due to their smaller size they can cruise up close and personal to the lush Pacific Norwthwest, following Lewis & Clark's expedition, Columbia, Willammette & Snake Rivers and Alaska's Inside Passage.
Carnival Cruises
One of the most popular Cruise Lines in the World, with plenty of glitz, glamour, and neon. Once perceived as a "swinging singles fun ship" it has come a long way to attract a wider audience and the young cruisers have been joined by middle aged and older fun-loving passengers. Boasts some of the largest Casinos afloat. Good entertainment. Camp Carnival's teen and children's programs
Celebrity Cruises
Exceeding expectations. Has distinguished itself by setting extraordinary standards in the cruise industry. Magnificent ships, award winning cuisine and facilities. Aqua Spa, considered to be a world-class experience. Sometimes costs a little more, but a lot worth it. Look for specials!
Costa Cruise Lines
If you can’t go to Europe – let Europe come to you with one of Costa’s beautiful new ships. The #1 Cruise Line in Europe, with one of the Top Ten Ships, is still an unknown to many in the US. It’s like a Roman Holiday with European elegance that’s relaxed and fun. The exciting new “Mediterrana” offers larger cabins with private balconies to 75% of its passengers. Costa has a well deserved reputation for unique Caribbean theme nights, including its signature "Festa Italiano" (an Italian street festival at sea). Offers special rates for parents vacationing with their children on selected cruises. You’ll find it in the Caribbean in the Winter; Europe in the Summer.
Crystal Cruises
Voted World’s Best Cruise Line, Crystal’s six-star ships offer a cruise that's luxurious yet contemporary. A world of comfort awaits you in your elegantly appointed stateroom. Personal service is their hallmark. Offers array of dining options, enrichment programs with feature speakers such as journalist Walter Cronkite; comedian Jonathan Winters. Unique travel destinations.
Cunard
The Grand Tradition of Luxury Travel. The legendary cruise line has a seafaring tradition of 158 years.. The line's classic vessels offer a sense of grandeur and luxury to a discerning group of experienced travelers, who expect the very best service and surroundings. Cunard's enrichment programs feature noted speakers. Their newest ship the Queen Mary 2; will be the largest, longest, tallest and grandest liner ever built. The only line providing regular transatlantic ocean service, making 17 crossing a year. Exotic itineraries will take you to all corners of the world.
Delta Queen Steamboat Company
The early 1800s introduced the world to the steamboat cruise. Become one with history as you experience this American tradition on a memorable journey along the mighty Mississippi River or one of America’s other historic inland rivers to charming riverports. The two paddlewheel river ladies are as gracious and congenial as they were in the days of Mark Twain. River cuisine and showboat style entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line
Discover magic aboard Disney Cruise Line’s ships “Wonder” or “Magic”. Sail on a magical 3, 4 or 7 night cruise filled with spectacular entertainment, unique dining experience and Disney service. The kids will have lots of opportunity to mingle with their favorite “characters”. And while there are no casinos onboard, the adults can find plenty of grown up fun and events. Every voyage stops at Castaway Cay Disney’s Private Island. Seven day “Land and Sea” adventure combines the best of Walt Disney World Resort with a 3 or 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. Specifically designed for families, children and adults, features unique dining, entertainment and activities for all ages. Take the magic of Disney and just add water.
Holland America Line
Premium luxury cruises aboard five star ships with impeccable service, good entertainment and exquisite dining have earned Holland America Line frequent “Best Cruise Value” awards. A leader in Alaskan cruising, offers unique cruises and cruise tours there. Itineraries include South America, Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Mediterranean Shipping Cruises
Discover Italian hospitality in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Popular destinations are combined with out of the ordinary ports of call. Eleven and 12 day cruises in the Caribbean and a wide variety of European itineraries. MSC offers a special “take your child or grandchild to Europe free this summer” program where Children 18 and under sail free with 2 adults in cabin.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL operates a modern fleet of ships well known for their entertainment, innovative dining, resort-style amenities, theme cruises and sports programs. Ships sail from a variety of US ports, including New York, Boston, Charleston, Philadelphia , Norfolk , Florida ports and Honolulu. As a US flagged ship, Pride of America offers a unique Hawaiian itinerary with more time ashore, in more Hawaiian ports including overnight stays .
Orient Lines
The destination-cruise specialists, has been named “Best Cruise Value” for eight years with the elegant thousand passenger Crown Odyssey and The 826 passenger Marco Polo. The midsize ships are small enough to enter island ports and exclusive resorts where big ships can not go. And large enough to offer a sparkling array of onboard amenities. Orient’s world wide vacations include land packages , gratuities, extra large staterooms, more time in ports, guest lecturers, and gentlemen hosts.
Princess Cruises
The famous Love Boat fleet offers 5 star richly appointed ships Thousands of affordable balconies on the youngest ships in the fleet put Princess in a class above the rest in the Caribbean and Mexico. Big Ship choice and small ship feel, you never feel lost in the crowd. Up to three nightly entertainment options. Traditional fixed seating or dine when, where and with whom you want. Grand class ships have romantic wedding chapel where the Captain can tie the knot at sea. Itineraries include Europe, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Canada and New England.
Raddison Seven Seas Cruises
Luxury goes exploring with small ship experiences and high standards of service, quality and value. Radisson Diamond, Song of Flowers, ms Paul Gauguin, Mariner, and Navigator. The new Seven Seas Voyager is all suites-all balcony. Itineraries from the Caribbean to the Antarctic and Falklands.
River Barge Excursions
The 4 to 10 day excursions on America's Inland Waterways give you an inside view of seven river regions . Informal sailing on the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Kanawha, Illinois and Archafalaya rivers as well as the island Texas Louisisna Gulf Intracoastal Waterways.
Royal Caribbean International
RCCL is one of the largest and most popular cruise brands in the world. Their ships are among the best and largest in the industry. You’ll find rock climbing , golf, ice skating , even Bungee Jumpint on the Voyager class ships. Good entertainment, competitive pricing, and a wide range of dining options. Company offers itineraries and destinations worldwide. If you can’t do a week or longer try one of their excellent 3, 4, or 5 day itineraries
Royal Olympia Cruises
The largest Greek flag cruise line offers destination oriented itineraries on friendly, intimately sized ships , specializing in the Greek Islands, Eastern & Western Mediterranean, Central and South America. ‘Conde de Naste’ Magazine Readers voted it one of the Top Ten Cruise Lines in 2002
Seabourn Cruise Line
The ultimate vacation experience, the Pride, the Spirit, the Sun and Legend – carry a maximum of 200 guests in 100 ultra luxurious suites. Operated by Cunard Line the all-suite ships are designed for round the world travel. The intimate ships visit unique ports of call inaccessible to others.
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
The largest fleet of tall ships in the world. Once used for weekend escapes, they now sail 4 to 13 day itineraries throughout the Caribbean and South America. Romantic and fun. Couples who get married onboard can return for a 50 percent discount on the cruise of their choice. Between June & August, children can sail for free when accompanied by two full fare paying adults.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar offers an alternate to the typical cruise or resort with three high tech sailing ships. See the world on a romantic ship, with luxurious accommodations, casual onboard atmosphere and exceptional service and cuisine. It’s 180 degrees from ordinary. Sails unfurl at the push of a button , while teak decks warm the soles of your bare feet. Known for cruising off the beaten path to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot access. These stately vessels turn heads from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to the Far East.
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