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Travel + Leisure Names Best Cruise Lines for 2024

Quasar Expeditions got the highest ratings of any cruise line. Photo: Quasar

Along with the best hotels, airlines, cities, and rental companies, Travel + Leisure readers also voted for the favorite cruise lines. Readers rated ships – in several categories – based on cabins, food, service, itineraries, excursions, value, and more.

The results were mostly unsurprising, but there were some new entries this year, including Explora Journeys, Riverside Luxury Cruises, HX, and the newly relaunched Crystal. Additionally, in some categories niche cruise lines, such as Quasar Expeditions and Oberoi Cruises, took top five spots despite not being well-known among many cruisers.

Here are the best cruise lines and ships, as voted by Travel & Leisure readers.

Top 10 Intimate Ocean Cruise Lines (<150 cabins)

1. Quasar Expeditions (97.81) 2. Overseas Adventure Travel (97.55) 3. Aqua Expeditions (94.81) 4. Lindblad Expeditions (94.40) 5. Seabourn (94.35) 6. Celebrity Cruises – Galapagos (93.94) 7. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (92.86) 8. Variety Cruises (92.35) 9. Ponant (91.73) 10. Silversea (91.33)

Top 5 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines (150 to 299 cabins)

1. Viking (96.69) 2. HX (96.08) 3. Windstar Cruises (92.99) 4. Paul Gauguin Cruises (91.26) 5. Silversea (88.49)

Top 10 Mid-Size Ocean Cruise Lines (300 to 799 cabins)

1. Viking (94.09) 2. Explora Journeys (92.81) 3. Crystal (90.16) 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises (89.68) 5. Seabourn (88.90) 6. Silversea (87.96) 7. Oceania Cruises (87.31) 8. Holland America Line (86.27) 9. Azamara (86.13) 10. Celestyal Cruises (82.63)

Top 5 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines (> 1,500 cabins)

1. Virgin Voyages (89.71) 2. Celebrity Cruises (85.85) 3. Princess Cruises (82.58) 4. Norwegian Cruise Line (80.90) 5. Royal Caribbean International (80.81)

Top 10 River Cruise Lines

1. Aqua Expeditions (98.85) 2. Avalon Waterways (95.91) 3. The Oberoi Cruises (95.75) 4. Tauck (95.71) 5. Grand Circle Cruise Line (95.61) 6. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (94.83) 7. Viking (94.73) 8. Riverside Luxury Cruises (94.62) 9. Scenic (91.00) 10. AmaWaterways (90.09)

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2024

Readers in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024 saved their highest marks for intimate cruise ships.

Sometimes the best things come in small packages and Travel + Leisure readers say the same thing about the most intimate cruise ships . In fact, these ships with 150 or fewer cabins had some of the highest marks in the cruise category of our World’s Best Awards voting. See which ones came out on top in this year’s rankings.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on number of cabins.

Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below:

Cabins/facilities

Itineraries/destinations

Excursions/activities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Courtesy of Quasar Expeditions

What Readers Loved

All the intimate ships in this category received top scores in this year’s voting, readers showing delight in having a ship practically to themselves. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) moved up from No. 4 last year to claim the No. 2 spot, voters citing friendly staff as a differentiator: “Every one of the crew was the most personable and helpful that I have ever seen,” said one reader.

Aqua Expeditions (No. 3), with vessels such as the 20-suite Aqua Mekong , held onto its same spot in the tankings. “Unique excursions and experiences that you could not get anywhere else,” praised one voter of the company. Rounding out the top five are well-known brands Lindblad Expeditions (No. 4) and the expedition ships of Seabourn (No. 5).

The top line once again this year is Quasar Expeditions, with its intimate exploration of the Galápagos.

World's Best Awards 2024

Quasar Expeditions

With two intimate ships, the 32-passenger Evolution and 16-passenger Grace , Quasar remains a perennial favorite of T+L readers, many voters calling a cruise with the small company a trip of a lifetime. “The Grace was the best cruise I've ever been on and one of the top three travel experiences of my life (and I've traveled several million miles around the world!),” said one reader. “I travel extensively and can honestly say that my Quasar Evolution expedition was the most amazing vacation adventure I have taken in my life.” said another. “Service was first class, yet the entire trip was casual, friendly, and unpretentious.”

"I travel extensively and can honestly say that my Quasar Evolution expedition was the most amazing vacation adventure I have taken in my life. Service was first class, yet the entire trip was casual, friendly, and unpretentious."

The Full List

1. Quasar Expeditions

Reader Score: 97.81

2. Overseas Adventure Travel

Reader Score: 97.55

3. Aqua Expeditions

Reader Score: 94.81

4. Lindblad Expeditions

Reader Score: 94.40

5. Seabourn

Reader Score: 94.35

6. Celebrity Cruises

Reader Score: 93.94

7. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Reader Score: 92.86

8. Variety Cruises

Reader Score: 92.35

Reader Score 91.73

10. Silversea

Reader Score 91.33

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

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SNOB'S GUIDE

A Snob's Guide to Cruising

There literally are no better ways to watch the world float by.

At its best, cruising might just be the grandest way to travel—watery vistas, rousing breezes, the promise of parts (and ports) unknown, and the pleasure, of course, of seeing the world while having to unpack only once. And there have never been more and better ways to sail, and to more places, than now.

If you’re thinking of the Med for next summer, try it by small ship: The crowds of last summer are here to stay, and this is how to avoid them. Also, the vessels we recommend can anchor in charming little ports where the larger ones cannot venture, and are so sleek the locals won’t hate you for spoiling their view. If the excitement of approaching new and unfamiliar islands is what you’re after (isn’t that at least partly why Odysseus stayed away from home so long?), we know just the ships to take you stylishly around archipelagos in the Caribbean, Indonesia, South Pacific, and Seychelles (yes, it is possible to live on a different island each day). Travel to the poles is the ultimate frontier—and all the rage. We parse the options: Which ships are the best match for your interests, should you go first to the Arctic or the Antarctic, and what’s the difference, anyway? And listen up, all you secret sybarites: there’s a new crop of ultra-luxe vessels whose onboard coddling—think uniform butlers, state-of-the-art spas, celebrity chefs, formal dress dinners, and caviar by the pool—are reason enough to set sail (and proof, as T.S. Eliot once said, that the journey can be as important as the destination). Lastly, river cruising. It may have once had a staid reputation but it’s a beautiful and ancient pastime (think pharaohs on the Nile) and there are new and refurbished river ships on which to sail—on the Nile, of course, but also the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, Danube, and Chobe, that wildlife-rich tributary of the mighty Zambezi.

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There are few travel sensations quite as stirring and elemental as approaching an unknown island by sea., .css-2fy5mg{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;--data-embed-display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;margin-bottom:0.9375rem;clear:both;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;}@media(min-width: 20rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 30rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 75rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}@media(min-width: 90rem){.css-2fy5mg{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:100%;}}.css-2fy5mg.size-screenheight img{width:auto;height:85vh;}.css-2fy5mg img:not([data-dynamic-svg]){display:block;width:100%;height:auto;-webkit-align-self:flex-start;-ms-flex-item-align:flex-start;align-self:flex-start;}.css-2fy5mg a{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;position:var(--position, relative);}.css-2fy5mg a span{right:1rem;} .css-uwraif{width:100%;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;} @media(min-width: 20rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 30rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 75rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 90rem){.css-swqnqv{padding-left:0rem;}}, .css-2pml7w{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#ffffff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;word-break:break-word;display:inline-block;font-weight:bold;padding:0.6rem 0.7rem;background-color:#9a0500;width:auto;font-family:termina,termina-weightbold-upcase-roboto,termina-weightbold-upcase-local,helvetica,arial,sans-serif;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.0225rem;}.css-2pml7w:hover{color:#ffffff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#030929;}.css-2pml7w:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;} get the guide, the meditterranean, the crowds are here to stay. the smart move is to travel by sea., .css-1p5z8fr{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;--data-embed-display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;margin-bottom:0.9375rem;clear:both;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;}@media(min-width: 20rem){.css-1p5z8fr{margin:auto calc(50% - 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by Klara Glowczewska

Sue Bryant is an award-winning writer and editor specializing in travel, in particular cruising and experiential travel. She is cruise editor of London's The Times and The Sunday Times and also contributes to  Cruise Critic , Sunday Times Travel Magazine , Cruise Passenger , Travel Weekly , National Geographic Traveller and Insight Guides .

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Posted: July 9, 2024 | Last updated: July 9, 2024

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• Winner: Best U.S. Hotel Bar
• Plus One: Top U.S. Hotel Bars
• Winner: Best International Hotel Bar
• Plus One: Top International Hotel Bars
• Top Cruises for Food and Drinks
• Winner: Best Cruise for Food & Drinks
• Plus One: Best Cruises for Food & Drinks
• Top Airports for Food and Drinks
• Top Airlines for Food and Drinks
• Winner: Best Airline for Food & Drinks
• Plus One: Top Airlines for Food & Drinks
• Plus One: Top Airports for Food & Drinks
• Winner: Best Airport for Food & Drinks
• Global Tastemakers

10 Top Cruises for Food and Drinks, According to the Experts

Dining at sea is more adventurous than ever with highly curated cruise ship concepts and menus, onboard culinary classes, and shore excursions.

Dining while cruising has never tasted better. Onboard restaurants can match land-based eateries in sophistication and style, with chefs as driven by seasonal ingredients as their peers ashore. The 2024 Global Tastemakers, selected by food and travel journalists this year, favor luxury ocean lines, which invest heavily in food and wine, yet also embrace expedition ships and riverboats. All operate small vessels by today’s standards; kitchen crews can more readily cook with artistry and ingenuity for fewer passengers. 

These Tastemakers share passion and vision; they’re reshaping shipboard norms by introducing dining venues and cuisines rarely spotlighted at sea, such as Virgin Voyages, with a Korean barbecue restaurant among 20 complimentary eateries. Global Tastemakers are also offering more adventurous culinary classes and shore excursions. Silversea, the winner, scores for its multifaceted S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, devoted to the sailing region’s food and beverages. Crystal (formerly Crystal Cruises) reclaims its stellar reputation from its prior incarnation, including a renewed partnership with iconic chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuted a glam new ship and elevated menus fleetwide, with novel dishes inspired by the culinary team’s extensive research trips. As this year unfolds, expect even more allures: On HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), local chefs on some itineraries may hop onboard to cook regional specialties. Oceania Cruises debuts both a Culinary Masters Cruise hosted by two Master Chefs of France, and the highly anticipated Editor’s Cruise, with Hunter Lewis, Food + Wine ’s editor-in-chief. These are the best cruises for food and drinks.

Winner: Silversea

Silversea’s impactful S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program secures the luxury line’s winning spot. S.A.L.T. Kitchen devotes an entire ever-changing menu to reflect sailing itineraries. S.A.L.T. Lab’s cooking instructors share regional cultural and culinary history with passengers during hands-on classes. In S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers sip locally inspired mixologists’ cocktails. S.A.L.T. shore excursions range from foraging in Puglia to lunching at a hyper-local Lisbon tinned-fish eatery and exploring a Patagonian organic farm. S.A.L.T. outings have proven so successful, Silversea is adding selections.

Crystal Cruises

The brand relaunch of luxurious Crystal Cruises (acquired by A&K Travel Group) now sails as Crystal , with two beautifully remodeled ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Eight distinctive restaurants include Umi Uma, showcasing the inimitable Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine of Crystal partner, legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa . Osteria d’Ovidio, named for Crystal’s Italian owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, presents poetic plates anchored in simplicity and  primo ingredients, such as lobster in tomato essence with basil olive oil.

Oceania Cruises

This line pursues compelling culinary exploits onboard and ashore, like cooking demonstrations at a Venetian master chef’s private villa or a Latvian “farm to table” experience in which guests shop at a market with the Culinary Center chef before cooking and consuming a Latvian lunch on board. Shipboard chefs are so ingredient-obsessed, they even order custom-milled French flour. Among updates, Oceania has reimagined numerous dishes, highlighting local sourcing. On Marina, Riviera, and Vista, a must-try six-course menu with a Dom Pérignon pairing perpetually marvels.

This luxe line debuted modern Mediterranean restaurant Solis on Seabourn Quest as an inspired replacement to Thomas Keller’s Grill, before Seabourn Encore, Ovation, and Sojourn rollouts. Seabourn restaurants may differ stylistically fleetwide, yet never vary in quality. Exemplary venues include Sushi for primo fish; the Restaurant with intricate entrees like carved lamb loin with crisp lamb spring roll; and Earth & Ocean for fine dining al fresco. Consider complimentary caviar and 24-hour in-suite service as bonuses.

Hurtigruten/HX

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal) and HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) ships explore the world, including polar regions, the Galápagos, the Caribbean, and of course, Norway. Both HX and Hurtigruten aim to serve cuisine as compelling as adventures ashore and feature menus reflecting their Norwegian heritage. Supporting local communities, Hurtigruten relies on some 50 suppliers along the Coastal Express route for about 80% of ingredients, while more than 75% of HX’s ingredients used on Antarctica and Alaska routes are local.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This luxury line’s six ships deliver exemplary dining, with its three newest ships (Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor, and Explorer) exhibiting boundless flair. Among venues, Prime 7’s juicy steaks, Chartreuse’s French plates, and Pacific Rim’s pan-Asian dishes particularly dazzle. Beyond dining, the hands-on cooking school and Regent’s chef-led Epicurean Explorer Tours are part of the draw. Passengers may market-shop for a paella cooking class and feast on the famed rice-based dish at a seaside eatery in Valencia, Spain.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s six small ships possess yacht-like vibes, with a culinary direction to match. Chefs eagerly source fresh sustainable ingredients in ports to prepare imaginative dishes. On Star Plus class all-suite ships, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso packs a modern Spanish punch while Star Grill by Steven Raichlen dishes up aromatic barbecue deckside. Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership ensures guest chefs board for demonstrations and dinners; the line also features their recipes on fleet eateries.

Viking Cruises

Viking commands attention on all waters, with riverboats, ocean liners, and expedition ships plying every continent. So many touches sum up Viking’s willingness for menus to reflect itineraries, and regional dishes and wines are a given. Flourishing herb gardens allow riverboat chefs to pluck the freshest herbs to grace dishes daily. On ocean-going vessels, specialty restaurant Manfredi’s excels in Italian cuisine (bistecca alla Fiorentina is legendary), and Mamsen’s triumphs the line’s Nordic heritage — all bow to the signature waffles.

Virgin Voyages

With 20 complimentary eateries, Virgin Voyages allows a younger, perhaps less-traveled, cruiser to sample so many cuisines. This line eschews food halls and buffets, preferring to showcase intimate boîtes, instead. Each possesses an oversized personality and emboldened plates, such as Razzle Dazzle for dishes like black garlic bowtie pasta with fennel braised pork and chanterelles, and Gunbae, knocking it out of the foodpark with complimentary soju shots and Korean barbecue.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has taken food and wine seriously since its 2002 inception. The line, inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, finds its culinary cues in its riverboats’ itineraries, selecting local ingredients and intriguing wines like Rieslings from Austria’s Wachau Valley. AmaWaterways ’ wine-themed voyages, like Flavors of Burgundy with excursions to Beaune and Mâcon, win consistent praise. Onboard gastronomic pinnacles include the Chef’s Table, a small-group dining adventure where a chef prepares wine-paired multi-course meals before passengers.

Plus one: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Exuding an exclusive boutique hotel aura, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection consists of superyacht Evrima, and in September, Ilma debuts, with Luminara arriving in 2025. This line lavishes passengers with attention, elegant design, and superb dining with an international spin. Each yacht offers five restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining, and six lounges. The wine vault features more than 200 wine labels, with many exclusive red wines and vintages on a private reserve list.

Global Tastemakers is a celebration of the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. We asked more than 180 food and travel journalists to vote on their favorites, including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. We then entrusted those results to an expert panel of judges to determine each category’s winners. In many categories, we’ve included a Plus One, hand-selected by our expert panel, to shout out more culinary destinations we don’t want our readers to miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers .

Related Articles

Best river cruise lines around the world

River cruising is the original slow way to travel, as you cruise the calm waters of inland waterways just like Cleopatra did on the Nile. The best river cruise ships are floating hotels with views galore, such as the castles and vineyards of the Rhine or the rice paddies and villages on stilts along the Mekong.

River ships dock near key attractions and feature mostly-inclusive pricing; fares include such perks as basic daily walking tours and wine and beer at meals. But beyond that standard, there are differences in the products. One person's idea of a great vacation may be extraordinary excursions such as an exclusive dinner in a chateau, while others may want spacious cabins or as much foie gras and French cheese as you can possibly eat. Want to relax in a swimming pool? That's doable on some but not all ships. And some river cruises are much more active than others with, for instance, biking and hiking tours.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's a rundown of the best river cruise lines traversing inland waterways around the world.

The world's largest river cruise line, Viking has a fleet that in Europe includes dozens of cutting-edge, 190-passenger "longships" with light-filled atriums, an appealing contemporary Scandinavian decor, and cabins with step-out balconies. An outdoor restaurant on the bow means you never miss a chance to take in unobstructed views.

The value-packed experience is geared toward adults and is consistently high quality. Destinations include all the popular rivers of Europe — such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Bordeaux, Rhone, Elbe and Douro — as well as the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Mississippi.

For those seeking consistency and value, Viking is the best of the mainstream river companies.

Learn which card in your wallet will help you reach your travel goals for 2022 – just download the free TPG App .

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers such popular upscale features as a top-deck swimming pool with swim-up bar and a big focus on cuisine; its multiple dining venues use high-quality ingredients and its Chef's Table experience is focused on fine local food and wine. The 106- to 196-passenger ships in Europe also have a wellness focus with small spas and fitness rooms and a fleet of bikes for use either on your own or on organized excursions.

AmaWaterways' partnership with Adventures by Disney means families are on board select chartered sailings on the Seine, Rhine and Danube. In addition to a big presence on all the main rivers of Europe, the line sails the Mekong and Nile, as well as the Chobe River of Botswana.

AmaWaterways hits a sweet spot for both foodies and active travelers (and families on the Disney sailings).

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

Uniworld positions itself as a high-end luxury line. Its ships are designed as floating palace hotels, employing marble, Murano glass and expensive fabrics in its over-the-top decor. Don't be surprised if you find yourself lounging in a room decked out in animal prints. The 159-passenger S.S. Catherine on the Rhone and Saone, for instance, boasts a $1 million art collection.

For foodies, foie gras, fresh oysters, regional cheeses and other local delicacies appear on menus. Guests in suites on select ships have butlers on call. Bikes are available to borrow, and the ships have gyms and spas, and, on some ships, lavish indoor pools. Family departures add active excursions, arts and crafts, and visits to amusement parks.

In addition to the major rivers of Europe, Uniworld cruises the less-traversed Po River in Italy (from Venice) and has ships on the Nile and Mekong as well as the Ganges in India.

If you are looking for Old World-style luxury with dramatic flair, Uniworld is your line.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Sleek ships with marble lobbies, mid-century furnishings and impressive art collections mark the Australian-owned Scenic as all about luxurious, high-end river cruising. Butler service is part of the scene, and so are free-flowing cocktails, e-bikes and six dining options – all for a passenger contingent of fewer than 170.

Included shore excursions go beyond the standard tours that most lines offer, such as a visit to the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. If you prefer independent travel, Scenic provides a nifty GPS gadget about the size of a cellphone, loaded with maps and commentary that is automatically activated at points of interest. Most of the ships have a pool on the sun deck, along with a fitness center and spa.

Routes include the Rhine and Danube, the Seine, Saone, Rhone, Garonne and Dordogne in Bordeaux, and Portugal's Douro, as well as the Mekong.

When it comes to an active, contemporary, luxury experience, Scenic is at the top.

Emerald Cruises

A sister line to Scenic but priced for budget-conscious travelers, Emerald continues the cool decor on its 182-passenger "Star Ships." The design highlight is an amazing infinity-style indoor/outdoor pool that converts (with a cover) into a movie theater at night.

Fares include most tours, even well-programmed full-day tours with lunch ashore. Destinations include the Danube, Rhine, Main, Rhone, and Douro, as well as the Mekong.

For those watching their pennies, Emerald is the best of the budget-priced ships.

Related: Are river cruises right for kids?

Leading luxury tour operator Tauck has its own fleet of award-winning 84- to 130-passenger river ships cruising the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhone and Seine. The big selling point here is that a Tauck tour director and three Tauck cruise directors are on board all departures, assuring that guests are catered to.

The ships deliver great food and wine and beyond-the-norm experiences on shore, such as the chance to sip local varietals in a wine cave. Special family departures — Tauck Bridges — cater to multigenerational families, adding such kid-friendly adventures as a scavenger hunt at the Louvre in Paris. Some staterooms on the newer ships are lofts with high ceilings and a raised seating area; some ships have a Jacuzzi and putting green on the sun deck. Local performers including dance troupes come on board to entertain.

The hand-held, everything-taken-care-of luxury experience that Tauck provides is hard to beat.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon is owned by the Globus Family of Brands, a tour operator company, and that experience comes into play on shore, with such VIP experiences as skipping the line at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Pricing on this line is middle of the road, with everything comfortable, reliable and not overly fussy. That said, on the company's sleek, 166-passenger Suite Ships, you can splurge on a Panorama Suite with sitting areas and glass doors that open to bring the fresh air in.

The company lets you personalize your experience down to the kind of pillows you prefer. All ships have a fitness room and fleet of bikes for tours in places such as Amsterdam and Cochem, Germany. There are also hiking excursions. The ships traverse waterways that include the Seine, Rhine, Danube, Douro, Main, Moselle, Rhone, Saone and Mekong.

Avalon is your best choice in the affordable, active category.

CroisiEurope Cruises

French line CroisiEurope caters to travelers on a tight budget and does river cruising in a friendly European style. Among the differences here is you won't just be cruising with fellow Americans. The passenger contingent is mostly bargain-seekers from France and Germany, and you'll hear onboard announcements in multiple languages. Everything from the food and service to the entertainment caters to that crowd. Some will love the idea of cruising like a European, while others may miss, for instance, a wide breadth of entree choices at dinner.

The family-run line has several dozen mostly older ships that operate on rivers that include the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Saone but also such less-traversed waterways as the Elbe between Berlin and Prague, France's Loire, Spain's Guadalquivir and the Markermeer in the Netherlands. CroiseEurope also has ships on the Nile, Mekong, and Chobe River in Africa.

Try CroisiEurope if you want to grab super-low bargain fares and see Europe with a local crowd.

Grand Circle Line

Part of tour company Grand Circle Travel, this line is a popular affordable choice for travelers age 55-plus in Europe. The fleet of 46- to 140-passenger ships cruises waterways that include the Seine, Rhine, Mosel, Main, Danube and Rhone. Always onboard are Grand Circle program directors supplementing the onboard team and assuring a certain amount of handholding on ship and shore; your American tastes and expectations will be catered to. The line focuses attention on onboard enrichment, such as lectures, dance performances and cooking demonstrations. On shore, Grand Circle's signature experiences are a home visit with a local family and a school visit.

Grand Circle is a top choice company for solo travelers because the ships feature a good number of small cabins designed and priced for one, plus reduced single-supplement pricing for solos who want larger rooms.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers cruises on more U.S. waterways than any other river line. Of course, the company's fleet of U.S.-flagged 100- to 190-passenger river ships (including authentic paddlewheelers) travels the popular Mississippi and Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. But it also offers itineraries along the rivers of the San Francisco Bay Area (including a stop in Napa Valley's wine country), Florida's east coast (visiting Amelia Island and St. Augustine) and New York (offering overnight trips on the Hudson). Multi-state trips via the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers round out the offerings.

The crew is all-American, and the ships play up the American theming. Civil War theme cruises are particularly popular.

The river cruises command big prices — from about $575 per person, per night for an ambiance that is comfortably upscale. Particularly on the newer ships, guests stay in big, hotel-like staterooms with indoor sitting areas and balconies (on the 175-passenger American Symphony, for instance, cabins range from 250 to 650 square feet). Local entertainment comes on board, the food is often locally sourced, and cocktail parties are included in the cruise fare.

These river cruises attract mostly older travelers. There are no bars, but that's a bonus in terms of socializing. Everyone goes to the cocktail parties, and getting to know your fellow passengers is a big part of the experience.

Aqua Expeditions

Crowd-free and high-end luxury cruises are this line's calling card both on the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong. On the 32- to 40-passenger ships, you are embraced in designer decor and expanses of glass, so you don't miss any views. Exquisite gourmet cuisine in both destinations is overseen by top chefs known for their award-winning land-based restaurants, with local ingredients a focus. Tours ashore (sometimes two a day) are often via private, 10-passenger skiffs.

For the privilege of sailing with this line, you may have to pay $1000 per person, per night. The shortest sailings are three nights on the Amazon. Families with kids ages 7 and up are welcome.

Aqua Expeditions is hands down the best luxury product on the Amazon and Mekong; intimate cruising at its finest.

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Virgin Voyages is Travel + Leisure’s best cruise ship… again!

Travel + leisure world’s best awards 2024 was just announced with our lady ships taking home the top honors for the second consecutive year..

With only three years at sea, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been voted Travel + Leisure’s Best Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Line in 2024 . Inspired by the Golden Age of sea travel, we wanted to bring back the romance of the open ocean, redesign it for travel enthusiasts of today, and of course, add a signature Virgin twist. Having first received this award in 2023, and now earning it again reaffirms our commitment to doing just that. 

We’d like to thank and congratulate our amazing Crew, whose dedication to delivering brilliant service remains steadfast and unwavering, and of course our valued Sailors. This win is possible due to your continued support and trust in our brand, and we’re so grateful you've chosen Virgin Voyages to make all your holiday dreams an amazing reality. With so many ships to choose from, securing this top honor depended on multiple factors, and both Sailors and critics have taken notice. 

Becoming The Best Cruise Line

“Virgin Voyages was not only voted the best mega-ship ocean liner in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, but absolutely knocked it out of the park by receiving top marks in every cruise amenity category . The cabins and facilities? Excellent. On-ship dining? Delicious. The value of the experience? Incomparable.” - Travel + Leisure.

Luxury Inclusions Meets Innovative Execution

State-of-the-art technology has created an onboard experience where luxury and sustainability work in tandem — ushering in the future of eco-conscious travel. By swapping buffets and basic beverage plans with all-inclusive dining in 20+ specialty eateries with made-to-order meals (plus Michelin-chef designed menus) and anytime essential drinks — our ships reduce food waste and single-use plastics like water bottles, utensils, throw-away cups, and condiment packets. Plus, with the Sailor App acting as an onboard concierge and program finder, and The Band (a multi-functional wearable made from recycled products, functioning as both a room key and onboard bank), we’ve cut down on paper consumption and plastic key cards — bonus points for a low percentage of Sailors getting locked out of their rooms.

Plan Ahead, Last-Minute & Anytime in Between

Right now, our three lady ships are making waves on both sides of the Atlantic. Valiant Lady is spending her summer in the best tropical locations on our Caribbean Weekenders — perfect for anytime getaways and last-minute luxury cruise deals , while Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady are spending theirs on the shores of the Mediterranean. From Barcelona and Athens, respectively, sail to the dazzling shores of Italy, France, and Spain, or famed Greek Island hot spots (Santorini, Corfu, Mykonos), Croatia and Montenegro this summer through October.

There's more to come between 2025 and 2026. More stops will be added to these itineraries, and brand-new destinations including Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland can be explored out of Portsmouth — with all itineraries open to book right now.

Our fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, debuting in 2025, is making her way on a sea-defined roadtrip to the four corners of the USA , stopping in some of America’s most exciting destinations (like NYC, Los Angeles, and Alaska!), plus Canada, Mexico, and across the Panama Canal too.

With all the hype surrounding our multi-award-winning lady ships , check out our incredible itineraries that sail to over 100 ports, and experience it all for yourself on the exclusively adult voyage of a lifetime .  

© 2024. Travel + Leisure® is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc. Travel + Leisure® World’s Best Awards is used under license. Travel + Leisure® is published by TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a Dotdash Meredith company, which is not affiliated with Wyndham Destinations, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

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Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with opulent cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. But with cruise lines continuously upping the industry standard, how do you know which one will deliver the best experience? Based on a methodology that factors in price class, health ratings and approval among experts and travelers, U.S. News determined the best luxury cruise lines.

Read Best Cruises Methodology

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Smaller ships (with verandas in every cabin) and destination-focused itineraries set Viking Ocean Cruises apart from other cruise lines. Viking's emphasis on cultural enrichment means you can expect activities like TED Talk screenings, cooking classes and riveting stage performances, as well as shore excursions like exclusive after-hours museum visits or culinary tours.

• 4.57 Overall Rating
• 9 Ships in Fleet

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn treats travelers to a luxury cruising experience with its all-oceanfront suites, personalized service and excellent upscale dining options. Cruisers sailing with Seabourn can relax knowing that almost everything is covered in their cruise rate, including meals, fitness classes, enrichment activities and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Travelers can indulge in excellent food and drinks at Regent's sophisticated dining venues and enjoy various spa treatments at the decadent Serene Spa & Wellness center. Onboard enrichment programs offer culinary and cultural history lessons, and travelers will have access to unlimited complimentary shore excursions, such as vineyard tours in Bordeaux, France.

• 6 Ships in Fleet

Oceania Cruises

Oceania's gourmet dining, cooking classes and culinary shore excursions cater to foodies. Plus, Oceania's midsize ships offer a high level of personalized attention, with four of its seven vessels hosting less than 700 passengers each. Passengers also praise the ships' elegant decor and onboard activities.

• 4.30 Overall Rating
• 7 Ships in Fleet

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises specializes in exclusivity and personalization, with all-suite accommodations, exotic itineraries and gourmet restaurants. While its ships are smaller, Silversea still sets the bar high for upscale cruising. On board, you can attend stimulating lectures or take advantage of butler service while in your suite.

• 4.26 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Azamara's small ships can reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing the cruise line to offer unique shore excursions. Thanks to the AzAmazing Celebrations program, guests can enjoy immersive experiences day and night in their destinations, at no additional cost (available on most cruises). Azamara also offers outstanding service and elegant suites.

• 4.05 Overall Rating
• 4 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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I've sailed on 50 cruises. Here are 4 I'd book again as someone without kids.

• I've been on over 50 cruises with eight different lines and almost always travel without kids .
• I love Virgin Voyages since the line is dedicated to its adults-only ships.
• Celebrity Cruises is also a great adult-centric cruise with elevated dining and entertainment.

I've been cruising for over a decade and in that time, I've sailed on more than 50 ocean ships across eight different cruise lines .

Since I don't have kids and rarely travel with children, I've learned that some cruise lines cater to adults better than others.

Here are my top four cruises to book for an adults-only vacation .

I love Virgin Voyages for its clear adults-only policy.

Virgin Voyages is one of the few major ocean cruise lines that does not allow children under 18, which I enjoy.

The Richard Branson-owned brand is known for its beautiful Lady Ships, which have ample outdoor space and nightclubs and party spots inside.

Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages' dining concept is truly unique.

You won't find massive rooms or long buffet lines. Instead, the ships have specialty restaurants, including an Italian eatery and a stunning steak house, which are all included in the cruise fare.

I love the line's fast-casual pizza spot, but my favorite place to eat on a Virgin Voyages cruise is Gunbae. The Korean barbecue-inspired restaurant has shared tables with grills in the center and delicious food.

Disney Cruise Line is perfect for adults looking for some childhood nostalgia.

I love going to Disney theme parks , so it's no surprise that I also love Disney Cruise Line.

The brand definitely leans more into family travel, but there are plenty of dedicated adults-only areas on each of the line's ships.

One of my favorite places to hang out on the Dream or Fantasy ships is Meridian, an adults-only bar nestled between Palo and Remy, the two adults-only dining options.

This space has great views of the ocean and incredible bartenders who can shake or stir up just about anything.

After the sun goes down, the party really gets started at the nightclubs on the Disney ships . On a recent sailing on the Magic, I watched game shows, sang karaoke, and played trivia.

Celebrity Cruises is a great option for luxury sailing.

I recently tried out Celebrity Cruises for the first time, and it was a luxurious step up from its family-friendly sister company, Royal Caribbean . The cruise line is known for its beautifully decorated ships, intimate spaces, and over-the-top entertainment.

While sailing on the Ascent ship, I spent a lot of time at the Sunset Bar, which features Mediterranean-style drinks , incredible views, and live music in the evenings.

I also loved watching live shows in the theater every night. They combined acrobatics, magic tricks, dancing, and singing into spectacular events that left my jaw on the floor.

Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for younger adults looking for a fun time.

I've sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line a few times, and I think it's the perfect brand for young adults. The ships are easy to navigate and feature some of the best staterooms at sea, with plenty of storage.

The top decks of the line's newer ships, like Prima and Viva, feature epic water slides, a go-kart track , and infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

It's certainly geared toward the young at heart, but I think the spaces are ideal for anyone looking for a good mix of fun and relaxation.

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Mekong river cruise including vietnam & cambodia, book your trip from, view hotels, your escorted mekong river cruise holiday overview.

Sail with us down the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia on this 14-night guided holiday. As well as a 7-night, full-board river cruise, we’ll enjoy multiple guided shore excursions and 4 Star hotel visits in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. In Vietnam, we’ll discover Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and witness the sights and sounds that have made this place one of the most exciting in South East Asia. On our 7-night Mekong River Cruise, we’ll travel towards the Cambodian border, discovering floating villages and enjoying wonderful scenery en route to Siem Reap. We'll uncover the country's dark history under Pol Pot's regime and visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. In Siem Reap, we’ll explore the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the Cambodian sunset in one of the most iconic locations on earth.

Please note that visas are required for travel on this tour. Please visit our visa information page for more information.

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Busy

Travel to vietnam, depart for ho chi minh.

Depart for your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh and begin this trip of a lifetime.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to hotel.

Upon arrival in Vietnam, you will be met by our local representative before being transferred to our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. We will have the afternoon at leisure to relax and settle into our new surroundings.

Explore Ho Chi Minh & Chu Chi Tunnels

Experience chu chi tunnel tour.

Today we will embark in an excursion to discover the Chu Chi network of underground tunnels. These tunnels were the location of many of the Viet Cong’s military campaigns during the Vietnam War (or American War, as it is called in Vietnam). The tunnels were used as hiding places during combat; also serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food storage and living quarters for the Vietnamese fighters. 

For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. The more daring among us can enter some of the tunnels with our guide. As this requires crawling along on hands and knees in the darkness of the tunnel, it is certainly not for the faint hearted.

 Lunch is included today.

Uncover Ho Chi Minh

After lunch, join us for the chance to explore Ho Chi Minh, we will take in the highlights like the former Presidential Palace, the Historical Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

This evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Commence River Cruise

This morning after breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and settle any extra charges incurred before transferring to Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. 

Let’s enjoy a stop at the rustic riverside town of Cai Be where we will enjoy a local lunch served at the Le Longanier Restaurant set amidst fruit trees by the river.

Embark on Your River Cruise

Join us tonight for welcome drinks & evening dinner served onboard as the ship cruises towards Long Xuyen, here we will enjoy the sunset over the Hau River before experiencing a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance known as don Đờn Ca Tài Tử.

Discover Long Xyyen and Tiger Island.

Uncover long xyyen.

Join us today to visit the famous Long Xuyen Floating Market and the An Giang Museum, with fascinating exhibits on Kinh, Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures in the region before returning to the ship for lunch.

Explore Tiger Island

After lunch on board, we will sail towards Tiger Island, we will explore Tiger Island by 3-wheeled "xe loi", visiting cottage industries such as plant pot making and incense making, followed by a visit to locally known site as “Mr. Tiger’s Temple” and we will uncover the story that won the island its name. 

This evening, we will enjoy dinner on board with some local entertainment as we sail to Van Nao.

Discover Tan Chau.

This morning, we will set sail from Vam Nao to Phu Tan, the capital of An Giang in the Mekong Delta. 

Let’s enjoy a visit to a craft village famed for the handmaking Ca Rang clay stoves. Used for hundreds of years by the southern Vietnamese, these stoves have a unique design which allows them to block the wind, retain heat, and keep ash from dispersing. 

We will return to our ship for some lunch before continuing exploring attractions along the Mekong Delta, including floating fish farms and a sacred temple, the spiritual centre for the local residents. 

Tonight, we will enjoy dinner on board along with a traditional Vietnamese lion dance

Cross into Cambodia

At leisure on board.

This morning, we will sail towards the Vietnam – Cambodia border, enjoy a leisurely morning on board. Relax on our sun deck as we enjoy the scenery as cross the border sail towards Phnom Penh or take advantage of the many activities on board. 

Arrive in Phnom Penh

This afternoon we will arrive at the charming capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient” for its French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic river walk Join us for an onboard performance of the traditional Khmer Apsara dancing before dinner.

Discover Phnom Penh City Tour & Killing Fields

Guided phnom penh city tour.

After breakfast we will disembark in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh where we will enjoy a city tour on a three-wheeled cyclo. We will explore the Royal Palace and The Silver Pagoda here we can admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejewelled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. 

Our tour will continue to the Khmer Craft at the national museum a beautiful sandstone building that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art

Explore The Killing Fields

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, which tell the story of Cambodia's horrific past under the Khmer Rouge. 

In the evening, we will return to the ship for dinner and local entertainment. 

Discover local villages of Koh Chen, Oudong and Silk Island

Join us today after breakfast for a walking tour of the village of Koh Chen, here we will uncover the highlight of meeting a local copper and silversmith.

Oudong & Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre.

We will travel onwards to Oudong, the ancient capital of Cambodia with a stop at the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre, a peaceful retreat where people practice Vipassana meditation, an ancient Buddhist method for developing mindfulness and insight.

Silk Island

In the afternoon we will enjoy a tuk tuk ride to Silk Island where you will learn about the process of silk weaving, from worm to loom, along with a chance to observe local families weaving the iconic Cambodian krama. 

Join us this evening for dinner on board our cruise.

Explore Angkor Ban & Wat Nokor Bachey

Join us this morning as we explore the village of Angkor Ban famous for its wooden stilt houses, here we will experience what rural life in Cambodia is. We will notice most of the wooden houses are Blue as most locals believe the colour blue is lucky and it is a way to allow happiness to enter the home.

Wat Nokor Bachey

After lunch, we will visit the Wat Nokor Bachey famous for the many cultural and historical sites before returning to the ship.

Disembark cruise and travel to Siem Reap

Today it’s time to say goodbye to the Mekong and depart our cruise. We will disembark our cruise at Kampong Chham and travel through the beautiful Cambodian countryside to Siem Reap. 

Upon arrival in Siem Reap we will enjoy lunch together before continuing onto our hotel. 

After we have checked in at our hotel we will have the afternoon at leisure to relax and settle into our new surroundings.

Experience Angkor Temple Tour

Explore angkor wat.

Today, let’s explore the Angkor Temples of Cambodia. The first tour is to Angkor Thom and then you will travel on to Ta Prohm. 

After lunch we visit the most famous of them all and the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat. The temple was first a Hindu, then a Buddhist shrine and is the top attraction in Cambodia. Before our tour ends, we will enjoy sunset views over this beautiful site before returning to our hotel. 

Please Note: Angkor Wat temple is still considered a sacred site and appropriate attire must be worn during the visit of the Bakan Tower. Please ensure to cover your knees and shoulders during the visit. Angkor Wat temple will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, religious days and four days a month in accordance with the Lunar calendar.

Experience a full day community village tour of local Khmer communities

Today we will enjoy exploring the local Khmer communities, where we will experience some wonderful interactions with some of Asia’s warmest people. We will begin our tour at the CMAC museum which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia and to highlight the work being done to clear these remnants of war.

Our tour will continue onto the local community village of Kok Sangkai, our guide will describe how the locals live and how today’s visit will help to financially support several projects planned to help create a sustainable future for the villagers themselves, we will meet local families who earn a living by growing vegetables, raising chickens & ducks as well as making bamboo sticky rice. We will enjoy a simple Khmer style lunch at the community before walking to a local fish farm and an ancient pagoda where you will witness a traditional monks blessing.

Afternoon at Leisure

In the afternoon we will return to our hotel and have the afternoon at leisure to explore Siem Reap at our own pace. You might like to visit the Psar Chass open air market where you haggle with vendors while enjoying the unique local atmosphere.

Farewell Dinner

Let’s get together for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant with a cocktail included and enjoy our final night in Cambodia.

Return Home

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and transferred to Siem Reap airport and check in for our homeward flights.

Arrive Home

Arrive home following your adventures in fantastic South East Asia.

* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

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You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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• All-Inclusive Cruises

Are Cruises All-inclusive? What to Know Before You Book

Here's what you should know before you book your next cruise, plus seven of the best all-inclusive cruise lines.

What is included on a cruise?

What is not typically included on a cruise, all-inclusive cruise lines, tips for picking the best all-inclusive cruise.

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While cruises are often grouped into the all-inclusive vacation category, exact inclusions can vary by line — and it's important that you know exactly what you're getting before you book. “The question most people ask when booking their first cruise vacation is, ‘What is included in my base cruise fare?' The answer is relatively simple: food, drinks, entertainment, kids/teens clubs, and recreational activities,” says Nikki Kennedy , a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels . “However,” she adds, “it truly depends on the cruise line.”

Ahead, we’ve tapped several cruise advisors to weigh in — and we’ve rounded up our favorite all-inclusive cruise lines and tips for picking the best one to suit your specific travel preferences.

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As we mentioned above, inclusions vary by cruise line. Travel + Leisure A-list advisor Mary Curry explains, “As a general rule , small-ship cruises tend to be more inclusive than large ships. Often, they will include the shore excursions and even, on many, the alcohol on board.” In some cases, extra perks like gratuities and Wi-Fi are included.

Meanwhile, mainstream mega-ship ocean lines like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line offer excellent value since they include meals (usually excluding specialty dining), accommodations, and select onboard entertainment, activities, and facilities (including kids clubs). Many aren’t technically all-inclusive; however, per Jennifer Travis , another travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, passengers can upgrade their vacation package or purchase add-ons in advance that include perks like drinks, specialty dining, or Wi-Fi, to name a few.

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While specifics will vary depending on the cruise line, Travis notes that many “do not include beverages (soda, tea, coffee, wine, spirits, etc.), specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, or gratuities as part of the base cost of the cruise.” That said, she says that Virgin Voyages is among the only large-ship lines that include “non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and all restaurants as part of the base fare package.”

When it comes to small-ship cruise lines, Curry explains that it’s optional services, such as “premium alcohol, laundry, travel insurance, or satellite telephone,” that aren’t typically included since “only a select number of guests onboard” will utilize them.

On the contrary, “Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, and Princess Cruise Lines all offer upgrade packages that come with an additional cost that you can add on to your cruise and pay over time so that you have more of an all-inclusive package by the time you board the ship.” Also, says Travis, other cruise lines, “such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer a la carte options such as beverages packages, Wi-Fi, and more that can be purchased after you book your cruise.” Meanwhile, Kennedy is quick to note that room service and evening childcare may also cost extra, depending on the line. Spa treatments cost extra, too.

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Although they are typically more expensive, all-inclusive cruises provide excellent value and peace of mind for cruisers. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite all-inclusive cruise lines, plus a few mega-ship lines that offer comprehensive add-on packages.

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According to Curry, luxury cruise line Silversea “allows travelers to choose the fare category that best matches their desired inclusions from Door to Door to Essential (cruise only - excursions not included).” The former is among what she deems “the most inclusive in the industry” since fares include flights, a pre-cruise hotel stay, airport transfers, gratuities, a menu of shore excursions, gourmet dining, complimentary beverages, and butler service.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is among Curry’s favorite all-inclusive river cruise lines since the company includes a selection of shore excursions in each port. “This is great for travelers who want a lot of variety as they can choose between foodie experiences, hiking, biking, traditional city tours, gondola rides, canal cruises, and more without having to weigh the costs,” she says. “I find that encourages travelers to choose the excursions that most interest them rather than feeling constrained to basic city tours included and having to pay extra for everything else.” Some alcoholic beverages are included, too, depending on the itinerary.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, or Uniworld for short, is known for its all-inclusive sailings across four continents. Guests enjoy unlimited premium wine and spirits, fantastic farm-to-table fare, and a selection of curated excursions, including private after-hours tours of popular attractions along with hiking, cycling, kayaking, and golfing activities. Back on board, passengers enjoy ship-wide Wi-Fi, entertainment and enrichment offerings, fitness center access, and wellness classes. Gratuities and airport transfers are also included.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Small-ship luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers premium all-inclusive fares that come with a slew of perks, including unlimited shore excursions, unlimited alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, valet laundry service, and more, plus included one-night pre-cruise hotel stays and butler service for guests staying in certain room categories.

Viking offers adults-only cruises to destinations around the world. Voyages include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call; Wi-Fi; 24-hour coffees, teas, and bottled water; beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; specialty dining; and lectures and entertainment.

Virgin Voyages

As previously mentioned, Virgin Voyages offers a slew of amenities included in the standard cruise fare, including access to all on-site restaurants (some of which would be considered specialty dining on other lines), as well as group fitness classes, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and what the company calls “essential drinks” (like coffee, tea, soda, and water). The onboard entertainment offerings — which run the gamut from live music to themed parties to acrobatic performances — add to the fun.

French cruise line Ponant offers luxury sailings across the globe, and, according to Curry, many sailings include dining, alcoholic beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi, and excursions on certain itineraries. 

Honorable Mentions: Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises

“Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises are my two favorite cruise lines when it comes to cruisers looking for that all-inclusive experience,” says Travis. She’s quick to call out Norwegian’s Free At Sea promotion, which includes an unlimited open bar, up to $180 in specialty dining savings, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi, free third and fourth guests, and two-for-one airfare. Per the pro, “This is a huge value to consider for any cruiser."

Additionally, Travis explains that Princess has a similar offer with its Princess Premier package upgrade . For an additional $80 per person per day, the package includes Wi-Fi on up to four devices, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gratuities, two specialty meals per sailing, unlimited premium desserts, room service, and fitness center access. This, she says, “makes the cruise experience as close to all-inclusive as possible.”

Consider your travel style.

To narrow down the best all-inclusive cruise to suit your needs, Curry recommends considering not only your travel style but also the “relative value you place on flexibility, convenience, independence, budget, and experience.” For example, “Some all-inclusive lines may require you to choose your shore excursions in advance while others will have more flexibility to book these onboard.” Similarly, while some have a large range of choices, others may only include one to two excursion options. 

Factor in your non-negotiables.

What are your non-negotiables on a cruise? Ask yourself which amenities are most important to you and narrow down your options from there. For example, in Kennedy’s case, she prioritizes complimentary kids club access since she has three young children. Another person may prioritize included specialty dining or alcoholic beverages, which, per the advisor, can add up quickly.

Reach out to an expert.

Combing through the different choices can feel overwhelming, so consider reaching out to an experienced travel advisor. Curry especially recommends finding “an agent who represents a wide variety of options in an area” so that they can “truly provide objective advice tailored toward your specific interests.”

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