Cruise Deals

Pros

Attractively refurbished ship with lots of dining and entertainment options

Cons

Water slide was removed in the 2018 makeover

Bottom Line

Choose this Jewel-class flagship if you like a vessel that's comfy and fun.

Pros

One of the largest cruise ships in the world offers plenty of choice

Cons

Can feel crowded and busy, despite clever design to combat congestion

Bottom Line

Fantastic ship for families and those looking for great entertainment and activities

Lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere and Mediterranean style

Family-friendly with free kids fares and water play areas

Good choice for budget-conscious cruisers

Pro

Pool deck never feels overcrowded

Con

Older ship showing signs of wear

Bottom Line

Simple ship with a laidback atmosphere

Pros

Phenomenal enrichment, excellent specialty dining and only kennels at sea

Cons

Poor food quality in dining room, abysmally slow internet and mediocre nighttime entertainment

Bottom Line

QM2 retains its unique sense of occasion, melding tradition with fresh touches

Pros

The ship's ambience is contemporary and elegantly casual with plenty of options

Cons

Service on a vessel known for intuitive crew was surprisingly inconsistent

Bottom Line

The ship is ultra-comfortable, social and small enough to nip into offbeat ports

Pro: Service is exceptional; cruise is all-inclusive with a country club atmosphere

Con: Shore excursions need improvement; best to book your own or a private driver

Bottom Line: If you're looking to explore the world in comfort, it's hard to do better than Seabourn

Pros

Technologically advanced ship offers exceptional cabins and activities.

Cons

Ship has been modified for Chinese cruisers; Western dining is limited.

Bottom Line

Best if you get the ship's Asian focus and are fine sailing with other cultures/customs.

Pros

A ship for music-lovers, with venues representing rock, pop, jazz, classical and the blues

Cons

Free dining is strong, but some higher-cover specialty restaurants aren't worth the extra money

Bottom Line

Perfect for the modern cruiser who is interested in exploration, music and culinary arts

Pros

Smaller size, veteran crew and repeat clientele give the ship a homey feel

Cons

Cabins feel old; ship lacks line's newest bells and whistles

Bottom Line

Affordable ship in Baltimore draws families, seniors and everyone in between

Pros

Exceptional dining, entertainment, bar and club options abound.

Cons

A la carte fees and cover charges add up quickly

Bottom Line

There's something for everyone on Escape, but you might pay extra for it.

Pros

Exceptional dining, entertainment, bar and club options abound.

Cons

A la carte fees and cover charges add up quickly

Bottom Line

There's something for everyone on Escape, but you might pay extra for it.

Elegant with plenty of opportunities for formal dressing

Varied enrichment program

Sense of occasion on every cruise

Pros

One of the largest cruise ships in the world offers plenty of choice

Cons

Can feel crowded and busy, despite clever design to combat congestion

Bottom Line

Fantastic ship for families and those looking for great entertainment and activities

Pros

Jam-packed with 24/7 entertainment for singles, couples, families and groups

Cons

Confusing corridors and congested main decks

Bottom line

Fun, fun, fun for everyone

Pros

Exceptional dining, entertainment, bar and club options abound.

Cons

A la carte fees and cover charges add up quickly

Bottom Line

There's something for everyone on Escape, but you might pay extra for it.

Pros

Technologically advanced ship offers exceptional cabins and activities.

Cons

Ship has been modified for Chinese cruisers; Western dining is limited.

Bottom Line

Best if you get the ship's Asian focus and are fine sailing with other cultures/customs.

Pros

Exceptional dining, entertainment, bar and club options abound.

Cons

A la carte fees and cover charges add up quickly

Bottom Line

There's something for everyone on Escape, but you might pay extra for it.

Pros

Technologically advanced ship offers exceptional cabins and activities.

Cons

Ship has been modified for Chinese cruisers; Western dining is limited.

Bottom Line

Best if you get the ship's Asian focus and are fine sailing with other cultures/customs.

Pro

Pool deck never feels overcrowded

Con

Older ship showing signs of wear

Bottom Line

Simple ship with a laidback atmosphere