Quiet relaxation or unlimited drink packages? White tablecloths or all-you-can-eat buffets? Water slides or jazz quartets?
Picking a cruise that matches your travel preferences and budget is arguably the most important part of planning a vacation at sea. It's also one of the hardest.
There are dozens of cruise lines to pick from, all with their own distinct perks and quirks.
If that wasn't enough variety, there are a total of 439 cruise ships on the water today, according to Cruise Industry News. The global cruise fleet is expected to grow by an additional 60 ships over the next five years, the trade publication reported in April.
To make the decision a little easier, U.S. News and World Report has released its annual top cruise lines rankings for 2023, with categories for best value, family vacations, couples, and more.
"This year has seen an enormous resurgence in the popularity of cruises,'' Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News said in a press release. "After the unprecedented cruising shutdown during the peak of the pandemic, people are eager to sail the world's oceans and tour multiple destinations in a single trip. The Best Cruise Lines rankings provide a variety of cruise recommendations, making it easy for cruisers to choose the best options for them."