USA TODAY 10Best
10 best ocean cruise lines for 2023
Best Ocean Cruise Line (2023)
Thankfully, ocean cruise lines are not one size fits all. Some offer long days at sea, while others provide ample time in diverse ports of call. Some offer megaships packed with entertainment, while others set sail on intimate yachts. To find the top ocean cruise lines, a panel of experts and 10Best editors made their nominations, then readers voted for their favorites. These are the 10 best ocean cruise lines for 2023.
- Disney Cruise Line
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Hurtigruten
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Virgin Voyages
- Princess Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Carnival Cruise Line
Photo courtesy of Matt Stroshane / Disney Cruise Line
No. 10:
Those who've never been on a Disney cruise might be tempted to think they're only for families, and while they certainly excel in that arena, they deliver for adults as well. Strong yet subtle theming caters to Disney lovers of all ages, and the live stage productions rank among the best at sea. While grown-ups enjoy the fleet's adults-only areas, little ones participate in children's program unmatched by other cruise lines.
Photo courtesy of dardespot // Getty Images
No. 9:
With the motto that “small is the new big,” Atlas Ocean Voyages invites you to travel on some of their small luxury expeditions to iconic destinations and remote ports. Experience adventure travel designed for seasoned explorers – journey to unique places like Antarctica and the Arctic North, sail around Iceland or view incredible ruins in Eastern Mediterranean countries on once-in-a-lifetime excursions.
Photo courtesy of Espen Mills
No. 8:
Hurtigruten specializes in voyages to Norway, Iceland and Greenland, as well as Europe, Africa, South America, Central America and Antarctica. While the Hurtigruten fleet of expedition ships is designed to sail to remote areas, onboard facilities are modern and comfortable – a perfect base for enjoying spectacular scenery, immersive shore excursions and nature-based activities.
Photo courtesy of Seabourn
No. 7:
Seabourn’s fleet of all-suite, low-capacity ships carry a maximum of 600 guests each, allowing them to sail to some of the world’s most desirable destinations. Passengers enjoy a nearly 1-to-1 ratio with crew and one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. Each of the luxury ships offers complimentary water sports, open bars serving wine, champagne and spirits, and world-class cuisine.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
No. 6:
Royal Caribbean International designed its fleet with the active cruiser in mind. Sure, you can laze away sea days on a deck lounger or in the ship library, but you can also go rock climbing, skydiving, zip-lining, surfing, ice skating or bowling – all at sea. Royal Caribbean operates the five largest ships in the world, with Wonder of the Seas leading the pack.
Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages
No. 5:
Bring your inner child along for the cruise, but leave the kids at home for adult-by-design voyages on Virgin. Enjoy several different eateries with diverse menus, indulge in a yoga or meditation class, enjoy evenings with never-before-seen-at-sea immersive and modern entertainment, or try your luck at the casino. Stay connected with Wi-Fi wherever you are on the ship and whenever you want, and relax on your journey – because all food, tips, group workouts and basic beverages are included in a one-cabin price.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
No. 4:
Princess Cruises' line of large and mega-sized ships sail nearly everywhere big ships can go, and they do so with traditional style and innovative touches. Adults-only deck areas and poolside movie screens were largely Princess innovations, and the fleet's atriums (called Piazzas) drove the idea of an atrium gathering place, filled with dining and drinking options.
Photo courtesy of White Rain
No. 3:
Viking Cruises earned its reputation through its affordable, destination-focused river cruises. After making a grand entrance into the world of ocean cruising, the line now has 10 ocean vessels. All cabins come with balconies and are notably larger than the industry average, and while the ships lack a casino and kids club, they offer the same destination-intensive programming that made their river cruises so popular.
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
No. 2:
Holland America Line offers guests enriching journeys in distinctively classic cruise style, connecting them to the most fascinating people, places and cultures on Earth. Itineraries span the globe with more than 400 ports of call and more than 500 carefully crafted itineraries. With elegant fine dining and gracious service, Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships welcome guests onboard to discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
No. 1:
Carnival Cruise Line caters to families and casual cruisers with its fleet of ships. On these cruises, passengers have no excuse to feel bored; ships come equipped with water parks, glitzy casinos, live entertainment and a focus on diverse, casual dining, highlighted by a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring Guy's Burger Joint to the fleet. All of this comes at affordable price points.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Danielle Fear
Danielle Fear is one of the UK’s most recognized... Read More
Danielle Fear is one of the UK’s most recognized and trusted cruise bloggers and is better known to her audience as CruiseMiss. As well as maintaining an award-winning cruise blog, she also works as a freelance writer, content manager and social media professional covering all aspects of sea travel. Having embarked on more than 75 sailings, including 2 world cruises, it’s fair to say that Danielle knows a thing or two about cruising.
Danielle Fear
Danielle Fear is one of the UK’s most recognized and trusted cruise bloggers and is better known to her audience as CruiseMiss. As well as maintaining an award-winning cruise blog, she also works as a freelance writer, content manager and social media professional covering all aspects of sea travel. Having embarked on more than 75 sailings, including 2 world cruises, it’s fair to say that Danielle knows a thing or two about cruising.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert... Read More
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents' shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes "he said, she said" cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents' shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes "he said, she said" cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been... Read More
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
