U.S. News & World Report Releases the 2018 Best Cruises with Disney Cruise Line Earning Top Billing for Families and Caribbean Sailings

Today, U.S. News & World Report released the 2018 Best Cruise Lines Rankings with Disney Cruise Line holding the #1 spots Best Cruise Line for Families and Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean for the fifth consecutive year. Overall, U.S. News & World Report evaluated 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.

“Our goal is to make dreams come true for every person who steps aboard our ships,” said Anthony J. Connelly, president of Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney Vacation Club, Golden Oak, and Disney’s Aulani. “It’s an honor to earn this recognition for the fifth consecutive year, and it speaks volumes about the dedication and attention to detail delivered by our Cast and Crew Members.”

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. Interestingly enough, DCL did not even rank in the Best for the Money category.

 

“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.”

U.S. News 2018 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

  1. Royal Caribbean International
  2. Celebrity Cruises
  3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Luxury Cruises

  1. Crystal Cruises
  2. Seabourn Cruise Line
  3. Viking Ocean Cruises

Best Cruises for Families   

  1. Disney Cruise Line
  2. Royal Caribbean International
  3. Carnival Cruise Lines

Best Cruises for Couples

  1. Seabourn Cruise Line
  2. Viking Ocean Cruises
  3. Crystal Cruises

Best Cruises to the Mediterranean        

  1. Viking Ocean Cruises
  2. Seabourn Cruise Line
  3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Cruises to the Caribbean

  1. Disney Cruise Line
    Royal Caribbean International
    Celebrity Cruises

Check out the complete rankings for Best Cruise Lines rankings on U.S. News & World Report’s dedicated Cruise ranking webpage.

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.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.