Best Cruises for 2020

Just about everyone you talk to says the same thing…2019 went by in a flash!  There’s every reason to believe 2020 will fly by just as fast. The start of a new decade will no doubt bring resolutions of every kind, but one that should be at the top of everyone’s list is planning a vacation.  Cruises remain an extremely popular vacation option for families, singles, DINC’s (double income no children), millennials, boomers and everything in between. Here’s a line-up of the best cruises for 2020 by category, according to the travel gurus at U.S. News & World Report.

  1.  For the Money

The top 3 cruise lines offering the biggest bang for your buck are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian.  The size of Royal Caribbean’s ships and the ability to accommodate over 5,000 guests on one cruise helps to keep fares affordable.  Celebrity’s large ships, though not as large as Royal, have distinguished themselves by offering a standard of service and intimacy typical of smaller ships.  Norwegian bucks traditional cruise norms like assigned dining and seating and dress codes, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

  2.  Bring the Kids

No surprise that Disney tops this list, with Royal Caribbean and Carnival rounding out the top three.  Disney speaks for itself. Their cruise experience is filled with beloved characters roaming the ship, pool area and dining rooms.  And if mom and dad want a date night, Disney has adults only dining rooms. Royal’s ships have entertainment options to suit all ages; zip lining, rock climbing, bumper cars, ice rinks and water slides. They offer fun and educational programs for kids and teens giving everyone plenty to choose from.  Carnival offers budget friendly fares with fun itineraries that make cruising with the family a reality. Water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses are some of the activities offered onboard. In 2020 Carnival will add a roller coaster to their roster of non-stop fun onboard.

  3.  Just The Two of Us

Couples looking to get away will likely choose Viking, Seabourn and Crystal.  Viking’s common area fireplace and veranda staterooms create an atmosphere of quiet elegance where couples can reconnect. Seabourn’s ships accommodate no more than 600 guests, and with couples massages and sophisticated dining venues, the vibe is intimate.  Crystal’s small luxury ships provide an ocean view in every stateroom, romantic dining venues and amazing itineraries. Look for Virgin to join this distinguished list. Virgin will launch its first ship in 2020 and has marketed their cruises as “adults only.”

 4.   The Caribbean’s Best

For the winter weary, a Caribbean beach is a great remedy, and the top 3 choices to beat the winter blues are Disney, Royal and Seabourn.  Disney offers a great variety of island itineraries that include Barbados, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, and their private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay, gives cruisers a day of uncrowded bliss.  Royal Caribbean also offers some of the best the Caribbean has to offer, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten. Royal Caribbean’s Cococay has taken the private island experience to an entirely new level, making it a destination and experience unto itself.  Although only one of Seabourn’s ships will be in the Caribbean in 2020, it offers high end luxury in the form of gourmet dining and incredible spas, while visiting some of the most intoxicating islands.

  5.  Cruising the Med

Seabourn, Crystal and Viking top the list for cruising this region.  Seabourn and Crystal have both distinguished themselves in the luxury market, providing guests with small ship and big luxury experiences.  With Seabourn, all dining and drinks are included, and because Seabourn and Crystal have smaller ships they can visit destinations the mega ships can’t.  Viking offers destination-focused itineraries that immerse guests in the places they visit, and a free shore excursion in each port.

 6.   Best In Class

Cruisers looking for luxury, exclusivity, class and elegance have Viking, Seabourn and Crystal as their top 3 choices.  Viking’s small ships have verandahs in every stateroom, TED talk screenings, cooking classes, after-hours museum visits and culinary tours.  Seabourn has all suite accommodations and exceptional upscale dining. Covered in the cruise fare are meals, fitness classes, enrichment activities, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  Crystal’s Michelin-inspired cuisine, penthouse suites and fascinating enrichment programs make this a top pick in the luxury sector, with exceptional guest service thanks to a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio.

It’s time to start planning!

Happy New Year!