U.S. News & World Report Reveals Top Cruise Line Rankings

Royal Caribbean was named the number one “Best Cruise Line for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report, in its annual “Best Cruise Lines” ranking, taking the title from last year’s winner, Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity came in second this year, followed by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Disney Cruise Line topped the list again for the fifth consecutive year for both the Best Cruise Line for Families and the Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean, besting second-place family finisher Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Lines in third. Royal and Celebrity came in second and third respectively in the Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean category.

Similarly, Crystal Cruises was again named Best Luxury Cruise Line; but Seabourn, new to the rankings this year, took the top spot for the Best Cruise Line for Couples. U.S. News & World Report said Seabourn’s “intimate ships and an abundance of fine dining options on board,” secured the top couples spot.

The report upped the number of cruise lines it evaluated to 17 this year, from 15 in 2016, including Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line for the first time.

As a result, Viking took 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.” Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas came in second and third respectively.

The magazine’s evaluation criteria included: 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.