Poll Results: Best Cruise Lines and Destinations

October 7, 2024 — The votes are in – thank you everyone who took a moment to add your voice! There are several interesting conclusions we can make from the two separate polls we recently conducted, one on your favorite cruise destinations, and the other your pick for the cruise line to get you there. We will detail those results, along with interesting comments, below.

Best Cruise Destinations

We listed 13 possible destinations for you to pick your favorite – either where you’ve been or want to visit. Other was another option. What we found out is there are a lot of great places to go on a cruise! When it comes to your favorites, a whole bunch of places clustered at the top. If you add all of the possible river cruises we listed, those would be the favorites, getting about 18% of the votes. Those ranged included the Rhine, Danube, other river or barge trip in Europe, plus Mississippi in the U.S. Following those was a close virtual tie for second among Scandinavia/Iceland and Alaska. Australia/New Zealand and South America/Iceland were close behind. Asia came in last place. While the number of votes cast on this poll were disappointing (gentle nudge), we feel like the results are probably pretty reasonable.

Comments made about destinations

One of the most interesting things about going on a trip is discussing where you have been and where you want to go next with your favorite travelers. Seems like many travelers are collectors – a lot of them have been everywhere. And since many experts believe that experiences are much more valuable than possessions, that seems like a good idea!

One write-in suggestion by a couple of people was the British Isles. Unfortunately, most of the “Other” votes did not mention where.

Sharon – Our riverboat cruise on the Danube and Rhine was the best in every way; food, accommodations, staff, Tours, etc.

Richpb – Been on a lot of tours in the Caribbean and one in the Mediterranean, but have tired of them. We will probably do an Alaskan cruise and maybe a river cruise.

Sally – Alaska was one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken. Alaska is just so beautiful, the air is sooo clean, and nature everywhere. We did a helicopter tour to a glacier, and another to see the bald eagle nest that felt like we were on a National Geographic trip. 

Your Editor: The most exciting cruise I ever took was to Antarctica. It was so remote and the nature viewing was unbelievable, up close and personal with humpback whales, penguins, and seals. But a close second (and my wife’s favorite) was cruising around Japan with a side trip to South Korea. So interesting.

Just as with cruise destinations, there are a lot of choices when it comes to cruise lines. They fit a range from budget oriented Carnival to luxurious lines like Cunard. Plus, people can choose itineraries and sizes for every taste. For example cruise lines have ships that range from very small ships with under 50 passengers, to mega ships like the current largest one in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which carries up to 7,600 passengers (plus 2,350 crew members).

We offered 14 choices to pick in the poll, along with Other (of which there are many). All but one got votes (Amadeus, a river cruise line). In this poll there was a clear winner: Viking. Seems like just about everyone has had about it and wants to go on one of their cruises, often on a European river like the Danube. A pack of companies were in second place: Celebrity, Holland American, Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Windstar, Carnival, and Disney were in the third tier of popularity.

Write-ins and Member favorites

Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Oceana, Uniworld, Grand Circle OAT, Avalon, Virgin Voyages, Lindblad/National Geo, Ponant, Cunard all received at least one write-in vote. Those were an affirmation that there are a lot of cruise lines to choose from – a choice for every taste and budget.

Jon- I like the luxurious positioning trips on ships that Carnival and other lines offer at the end of a season at a deeply discounted price. When winter ends the ships go back to Europe from the Caribbean, and vice versa. Long and restful days at sea.

Patricia – Royal Caribbean has got the best entertainment and newest ship, best casino program and best loyalty program!

Carol – I can not recommend Taulk highly enough for river cruises. Traveling solo, the single supplement varied from nothing to 40% depending on the cabin (vs. having to pay the same amount as 2 people on Viking). They also were gracious and expert at accommodating the no gluten, no dairy pescatarian requirements of my traveling companion. The guides were superb, too.

Your Editor – Our favorite cruise line is Windstar. They have yachts or sailing ships (with engines too) that can carry up to 350 passengers (and some less), and they go to off the beaten path destinations. That is super important as the most popular cruise ports are often completely overrun by too many ships arriving at the same time.

Final thoughts

You will hear a lot of people who say they will never take a cruise. That seems a little close minded – with so many choices you just might find a company and a destination that you really enjoy. Travelling by ship is sure a lot easier and more relaxing than by land – you are on a floating hotel with your every need taken care of. One more thing: sometimes the cruise line isn’t as important as the travel company you are going with. Many companies like Odyssey and Quark, plus alumni tours, don’t have ships, but they charter ones that fit where they are going and how many passengers.

Comments: Please share more thoughts about your favorite cruise lines and destinations in the Comments section below.

For further reading:

• Bucket List Trips
• Travel section in our Blog
• Travel tips from an experienced cruiser