The 16 Best Cruises to Book in 2023, According to T+L's Expert

Luxury Ocean Cruises

For those seeking unparalleled pampering and exquisite amenities, luxury ocean cruises are the way to go. These cruises typically feature smaller ships, personalized service, and gourmet dining experiences.

1. Seabourn Venture: Ideal for adventure travelers, this expedition ship explores remote destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic with Zodiac landings and expert-led excursions. Expect exceptional service and spacious suites.

2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Known for its all-inclusive offerings, Regent Seven Seas covers everything from flights and shore excursions to premium beverages and specialty restaurants. Perfect for a hassle-free luxury cruise experience.

3. Silversea Cruises: Silversea combines luxury with a focus on immersive experiences. Their itineraries often feature unique ports of call and culturally enriching shore excursions. This caters to sophisticated travelers seeking authentic connections.

River Cruises

River cruises offer a more intimate and immersive way to explore Europe, Asia, and beyond. These cruises often dock in the heart of cities, allowing for easy access to local attractions and cultural experiences.

4. AmaWaterways: Renowned for its innovative ship designs and active excursions, AmaWaterways caters to travelers who want to explore destinations both on and off the ship. They offer a variety of themed cruises, including wine cruises and Christmas market cruises.

5. Viking River Cruises: A leader in river cruising, Viking offers a wide range of itineraries on rivers around the world. Their ships feature comfortable accommodations, enriching onboard programs, and included shore excursions.

6. Avalon Waterways: Avalon Waterways distinguishes itself with its innovative Suite Ships, featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows that provide stunning views of the passing landscapes. This is a good choice for those who prioritize in-cabin comfort and scenic views.

Expedition Cruises

For adventurous travelers looking to explore remote and pristine environments, expedition cruises offer unforgettable experiences. These cruises often involve Zodiac landings, hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational lectures.

7. Hurtigruten Expeditions: Specializing in polar expeditions, Hurtigruten takes guests to destinations like Antarctica, Greenland, and the Norwegian coast. Their ships are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experienced expedition teams.

8. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic: Partnering with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions offers immersive expeditions led by expert naturalists, photographers, and historians. Their itineraries focus on wildlife encounters and cultural immersion.

9. Quark Expeditions: Quark Expeditions focuses solely on polar adventures, offering a variety of itineraries to Antarctica and the Arctic. They provide a range of activities, including kayaking, snowshoeing, and polar diving.

Mainstream Cruises

Mainstream cruises offer a balance of affordability, entertainment, and a wide range of activities. These cruises are ideal for families, couples, and groups looking for a fun and relaxing vacation.

10. Royal Caribbean International: Known for its innovative ships and a plethora of onboard activities, Royal Caribbean caters to all ages. From water parks and rock-climbing walls to Broadway-style shows and a variety of dining options, there's something for everyone.

11. Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival offers a fun and lively atmosphere, with a focus on entertainment and value. Their cruises are popular with families and groups looking for a budget-friendly vacation.

12. Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which allows guests to dine when and where they want, without fixed dining times or assigned seating. This is perfect for travelers who value flexibility.

Specialty Cruises

For travelers seeking a unique and tailored experience, specialty cruises offer themed itineraries and niche experiences.

13. Disney Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line is designed for families with children, featuring character meet-and-greets, themed dining experiences, and Broadway-quality shows based on Disney movies.

14. Windstar Cruises: Windstar offers a more intimate and elegant cruise experience on smaller sailing yachts and all-suite ships. Their itineraries focus on unique ports of call and personalized service.

15. Star Clippers: Star Clippers operates a fleet of tall ships, offering a unique sailing experience that harkens back to the golden age of sail. Their itineraries focus on smaller ports of call and a more relaxed pace.

16. Atlas Ocean Voyages: Atlas Ocean Voyages focuses on "luxe-adventure" cruising, blending luxurious accommodations with adventurous itineraries. They visit smaller and less-traveled ports, offering a more immersive and authentic experience.

Cruise Comparison Chart

To help you visualize the key differences between these top cruises, here's a comparison chart highlighting their strengths:

With so many incredible options, finding the best cruise for your 2023 vacation is within reach. Consider your travel style, budget, and desired destinations, and use this guide to narrow down your choices. Happy cruising!