Forbes Traveler magazine is not the place to look for bargain breaks, so it’s no surprise that when they ask a panel of “experts” to nominate the World’s Best Cruises, the results lean heavily towards ultra-luxury lines like Crystal and Regent.
Not entirely, though, because two cruise lines that you might take your family on for a summer holiday also feature in the list.
For best dining then, it’s Crystal Cruises, who were also picked for best crew and service, and best excursions, although the consensus of opinion was that no cruise line provided shore trips as good as those that could be arranged locally.
Best rooms are apparently on Regent’s ships because, after all, this is an American survey, and for them, if it’s big, it’s good. Regent’s ships might be relatively small, but their suites are on the large side.
Oceania provide best overall value, and also visit the best ports of call – which I can’t understand, because they go to pretty much the same places as almost every other line. The secret seems to be that they stay overnight in many places.
But which cruise line provides the best entertainment, the best sporting facilities, and the best family cruises? Step forward, Royal Caribbean International, whose larger ships are the only ones with ice rinks and surf simulators, for example.
For best overall vibe, Norwegian Cruise Lines take the crown because, as expert panelist Jason Coleman says, they have “the most relaxed, enjoyable overall vibes of all major cruise lines.” And on whose ships there are “no worries about what to wear, rushing to eat or watching clocks.”
Is he right? I shall find out for myself at the beginning of June, when I sail around the UK on Norwegian Jade.
Surprised to see no mention of Cunard, especially Queen Mary 2. The height of luxury and one of the finest ships afloat, surely?
I think I’d be bored to tears on one of the ultra-luxury lines. I favor RCCL because there is so much to see and do on their ships. I find them more fun than the Fun Ships!