vacations to go cruise ship ratings

Ships & Ratings

Ship Ratings Key

Demystifying Cruise Ship Ratings

Cruise ship ratings exist to help customers find the level of quality they want, and are willing to pay for, at sea. Our ratings range from 1 to 6 stars, with 6 stars representing exceptional quality in every way.

As a general rule, we do not recommend or represent any ship rated less than 3 stars, but occasionally an older ship with an established cruise line might drop below 3 stars before being sold or refurbished.

A 6-star cruise ship is not only the best of the best for sea-going vacations, but in my opinion, it also delivers the highest overall service and quality of any vacation on the planet.

Many elements are considered in rating a ship, including the service level (room steward, waiters, purser's desk, etc.), food quality and presentation, the onboard facilities and amenities, and the physical condition of the ship's accommodations and public areas.

Some inaccuracy is inherent in the process of assigning a single numerical rating to an entire ship. For example, a vessel might deliver 5-star food service and 4-star entertainment, and a star rating of 4.5 would not perfectly describe either aspect.

Many ships change in ratings over time. An aging ship may decline a half-star or more due to physical condition, and then be brought back to its original condition (and rating) by a major refurbishment. We list the dates of refurbishments on the ship profile pages on our site.

Personal preference also plays a big part in the perception of a ship's overall quality. After receiving tens of thousands of post-cruise surveys in the past year alone, I can say that even the most experienced cruisers do not agree on a ship's rating. One may weight the dining experience most heavily, while another may be more focused on kid's programs, including facilities and counselors.

Still, the imperfect rating system is the best method for comparing one ship to another in the selection process, and you can see all of our ship ratings by clicking here . Our ratings are based on industry standards, the personal experience of our 500+ cruise counselors and managers, and the surveys and feedback we receive from our customers.

I've gathered all the best deals according to ship rating, for sailings in the next 90 days. Keep in mind that prices reflect the ship's quality, and whatever rating you select, you'll be getting the best vacation value for your money.

Click any link below to see for yourself:

Best deals in the next 90 days, by ship rating

6-Star ships (Exceptional) 5- and 5½-Star ships (Excellent) 4- and 4½-Star ships (Very Good) 3- and 3½-Star ships (Good)

Alan Fox Executive Chairman Vacations To Go

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Vacationstogo   Reviews

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Reviews 2.4.

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Their price quarantee is a bad joke and they tell you whatever it takes to get you to book a cruise. If you buy directly from cruise lines, you will get better prices and they do not lie to you.

Date of experience : April 14, 2023

I’ve always had excellent service from…VTG

I’ve always had excellent service from Vacations to Go, first from Miguel Conner and now from Evan Rosen, nothing is too much trouble for them. I find them extremely courteous and helpful. I have used them quite a few times now, I shop around and go with the cheapest price which quite often they are, I don’t understand these bad reviews at all!

Date of experience : February 27, 2024

Best if the wound go of business

Best if the wound go of business! We bought the sosalled insrucnce what a JOKE !

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

I booked through the vacations to go a…

I booked through the vacations to go a solo cruise. They recommended a single solo travel group called VTG I signed up. I was sexually assaulted on an elevator on the princess cruise line on day, three of my cruise by a member of the group. The men were absolutely inappropriate and sexually harassing me if you are female and slightly attractive beware . I filed police reports and reported to the cruise ship who did not protect me. They let the attacker roam the ship while I had to stay in my room for five of the seven days out of fear of running into him and retaliation for reporting the assault the assailant was a retired police captain females beware of the single travel groups you are not protected

Date of experience : January 16, 2024

Very unprofessional

Very unprofessional! The customer service alone is the reason not to go. A bunch of kids running the place. It appears you can skip booking through them and save a lot of money as well.

Date of experience : February 14, 2024

1/2 day Snorkel trip

We were set up on a snorkel trip thru Vacation to go, while waiting for 2 hours on the dock for another cruise ship to dock, I called to get my money back and leave the excursion but keep getting put on hold. No one could help me so would not recommend this service at all. So went on trip but still cut the trip short because we did not have enough time.

Date of experience : December 24, 2023

One and done- never use this company!

We booked our family cruise with Vacations to go and only got lip service from Donell. She always had an excuse why she didn’t get back with us. She made promises that we found out later were never going to happen. When we booked the cruise we told her from day one we wanted to have our 5 rooms on the same floor, this did not happen, she indicated she would make notes in our reservation, only to be told later by her manager this was impossible to do in there system. They got our money and could have cared less in helping us with any concerns/questions we had. Oh and the cruise line basically said we were SOL because we did not book directly with them. Never again will I use a booking company they are there for the commission only not customer service. One and done is there motto.

Date of experience : January 11, 2024

Excellent website

I've booked vacations with them in the past and have one currently booked now. We've had excellent customer service, the prices are excellent, and their website is really easy to navigate. I like that they partner with shoreexcursiongroup which we've used several times to book cruise excursions at a much better rate than the boat offers

Date of experience : October 15, 2023

Great Customer Service

Don’t understand why some of the other reviewers have found Vacations to go falling below standards. I have used them twice and found them brilliant. This time Thomas Kaminski was so helpful, always replied promptly and has gone above and beyond to make the booking process as easy and trouble free as possible … 5 stars from me!

Date of experience : January 20, 2023

Terrible customer service

I have booked interline travel on many occasions with vacations to go. Most recently I booked a 10 day cruise on Princess cruises. I asked to add the Princess Plus and they said they were unable to do this. The very next day I saw the same cruise on Perx and called and they could book the cruise cheaper and they were able to add the package we wanted. VTG has terrible customer service. I've contacted them, including supervisors several times with no resolution.

Date of experience : August 29, 2022

Incredible service

Incredible service. We had several requests and changes and Annie Duffy really went the extra mile to make sure that we found the right cruise and got the best deal. And she made every step very easy. Highest recommendation. Also this was my first experience booking with Vacations to Go. Very easy, integrated with the cruise line, and great prices.

Date of experience : November 17, 2022

DO NOT TRUST VACATION TO GO

I have booked the cruise to Panama Canal trough Vacationtogo. Upon the booking they have guarantted that in case of prices will change I will get opgrade or other compensation. I got this guarantee on my boocking confirmation’ Unfortunatly they rejected my requet to get compensation/upgrade when the price for the same category of cabin fall down. They informed that the new price is only for new bookings. Do not trust Vacationtogo. best regards Peter Rojtburg

Date of experience : February 13, 2019

Booked for 50th wedding anniversary

Booked for 50th wedding anniversary. Assured we had an ocean view after paying extra. Assured they had 24 hour room service. I called and asked Justice if they had elevators as my husband has a cane. No answer. Arrived put on 4th floor. Changed to ground floor and we’re put across from loud disco party. No room service had to rent a scooter to get anywhere. Terrible customer service. I have written to Justice three times no answer

Date of experience : July 15, 2023

We love Vacationstogo.com

We love Vacationstogo.com! We've booked several cruises with Ryan Holland, Master Cruise Counselor. US and Canada: 1-800-338-4962 ext. 7395 Ryan is very prompt in replying to our emails and calls and goes out of his way to make certain our cruise vacations run smoothly and are affordable. There's a total of four couples who travel together and Ryan takes good care of all of us. We have never had a problem. Another thing I like about Vacationstogo.com is the best prices, discounts and promotions offered. Ryan is top notch in searching for the best deal and promotions.

Date of experience : September 05, 2022

Kathleen McClintock - Two Thumbs Down

Kathleen McClintock was the agent that book my family’s first family vacation. EVERTHING was terrible. Once we were all booked there was no getting in contact with the agent (Kathleen McClintock). It was 5-families we did NOT want adjoining rooms; my sister and her family and brother and his family had adjoining rooms. Our elderly patents were assigned to a different shuttle. The agent (Kathleen McClintock) recommended The Royalton Blue Waters Resort because the had a “kids club”. The kid’s club was closed! Most of the restaurants on the resort was closed. This was the worst vacation of my life. I will NEVER use Vacations To Go again. I will never recommend Vacations To Go.

Date of experience : June 19, 2023

Booked with Vacations To Go a few times…

Booked with Vacations To Go a few times in the past and when I went to book a carribean cruise for six people with Celebrity sailing on the Equinox from Fort Lauderdale. The agent informed me I could not have the perks it was no perks only so no WiFi no drinks and no gratuities only . So I went and booked with Viva Voyage 5 minutes later with all perks drinks package plus WiFi plus gratuities. So not sure why Vacations to go did this to me but it's their loss.

Date of experience : July 13, 2022

Brilliant...Great prices

I really don't recognise the negative reviews. I have sailed twice through VTG and cannot fault their advice and efficient support. If you are available to go with a month or two notice you can get great deals. I had two Cunard cruises 2013 and 2018 at excellent prices, '18 Baltic, 14nts, £140 per night, balcony, 8th deck, solo use. Fabulous.

Date of experience : September 28, 2020

Have booked 2 cruises over the last 18…

Have booked 2 cruises over the last 18 years and service has always been perfect. Changes and customer service is first rate. Never dealt with another company but Vacations to Go!

Date of experience : August 31, 2023

Extremely poor service

I bought a cruise with Vacations to go. My consultant was Piper Sereni. While I was experiencing difficulty in obtaining my visa where I had to travel to another country, all Piper could do was to threaten me: staring the full paymebt will be lost. It is something beyond my control and I even took out insurance against incidentals but she cannot stop threatening me. This is our 24th cruise and we cruised with the same cruise lines on 5 occasions previously. This is poor service from NCL as well as Vacations to go. Need I say more. I will not be using either of them going forward. Full payment was lost because only emergency medical treatment and death is covered with the cancellation policy purchased. Air line gave a future dated air ticket to be used in the next 3 years without any insurance policy for the same reason.

Date of experience : February 21, 2023

Last Minute Unnotified Cancellation

Book a 40th year anniversary trip with VtoG. The representative initially contacted Norwegian Cruise Lines and all seemed to be as planned. About two weeks from travel departure the VtoG rep. was not responding to any of our request for service. No return phone calls or E mails, nothing. We had all the documents needed to proceed on the trip. We finally got in touch with Norwegian after (finally) hours and hours on the phone, They (Norwegian) stated the trip was cancelled. Our bags were packed, only hours from leaving our home and heading off to the airport. So far out $14,000 U.S. and no one is talking.

Date of experience : July 04, 2022

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Ships & Ratings

Ship Ratings Key

Vacations To Go: Can You Find Bargain Cruises?

There’s a very simple way to see what ship is sailing where in the world, what ports you can visit on that ship and how much the whole thing will cost you.

I have tips to share with you about using the Vacations To Go website, but I strongly suggest you use it only to gather information and not to book a trip. (More on that is coming up later in this article.)

You’ll find that there are hundreds of cruises back in business now, so choosing the right one for your budget and vacation is key. And this website can help you do your research.

Vacations To Go: Finding Cruise Deals

When you land on the homepage of VacationsToGo.com , you’ll need to sign up with an email to view the deals. You’ll find Daily Deals (promotions) on the right of the page, but you can start searching for the perfect cruise on the left side.

Here’s where you’ll need to be specific with the following filters. Depending on what you chose you may have to fine-tune a second time to view the results:

• Choose your month to sail (narrow to no more than a three-month window)
• Choose a region of the world
• Choose a cruise line (or leave blank)
• Choose a cruise ship (or leave blank)
• Select the number of nights
• Choose a departure port

You can also narrow your search by discounts available to certain groups and professions including:

• Firefighters
• Past Guests

It’s important to note that these discounted rates may not always be the lowest price on the site, so compare rates with and without using this section to search.

Also on the homepage are additional filters including Theme Cruises, Family Friendly, Special Needs, Singles sailings that offer low single supplement rates (no roommate).

You’ll want to play with all combinations of available filters, and there are plenty of them.

See a departure and/or ship you want to see more about? Click on the # in the yellow FastDeals column corresponding with the date and ship.

On this same page, you may see that additional discounts and promotions may be available. It’s here that you’ll also find out about a specific voyage’s COVID-19 requirements.

At the bottom of the page you’ll see headers for more particulars of the ship you’re considering:

• Ship’s Itinerary and Ports
• Ship Information and Amenities
• Ship Photos
• Cabin Selection Information
• Port Information and Highlights
• Dining Information
• Wi-Fi Rates

Next Step: Contact a Cruise or Travel Agent

While Vacations To Go is a great way to find bargains, the consumer reviews are very poor. We recommend compiling the information and sending it directly to a travel agent to better protect your money.

Email the pages of interest or print the results page to present to a travel or cruise agent . Your choice of ship(s) will be invaluable for your agent to learn what kind of cruise you’re looking for (all-day fun or restful luxury), destinations (Is the ship your destination, or do you want to see more of the world?) and, of course, your budget.

Be open to suggestions to ships that could get you even more amenities for your dollar. Agents will also help with other needs such as booking flights, pre-and post-cruise hotels, shore excursions (and good intel on what to skip in certain ports). In most cases, there is no charge for this help (commissions are paid by the cruise lines), but always ask ahead of time.

You may have friends or co-workers who are crazy about cruising and will encourage you to sail on their favorite cruise line or ship. Remember that their ideal cruise may not be yours! That’s why a certified agent can direct you to a ship that meets your goals and needs.

Bon voyage!

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Find the Best Cruise for You

U.S. News has ranked more than 150 cruise ships. Find the best cruise for your vacation.

Cruise Line Rankings

U.S. News has made it easier to find the cruise that's right for you with our Best Cruise Lines rankings, which identify the best cruise lines for a variety of traveler types in a range of regions.

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

• # 1 Virgin Voyages
• # 2 Celebrity Cruises
• # 3 Princess Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families

• # 1 Disney Cruise Line
• # 2 Royal Caribbean International
• # 3 Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

• # 1 Viking Ocean Cruises
• # 2 Seabourn Cruise Line
• # 3 Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

• # 3 Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

• # 3 Celebrity Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Lines

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Rankings & reviews, cruise ships by region.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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• Intelligent Traveler

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

Travel + Leisure hand-selected 16 different types of on-the-water adventures to consider in the year ahead.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Cruising is in the midst of an epic comeback . Travelers are turning to trusted lines to help minimize the hassles of country hopping and maximize relaxation time in each destination. With 2023 poised to be a big year for both new and frequent cruisers — thanks in part to an abundance of new ships and itineraries — Travel + Leisure has hand-selected 16 different types of adventures to consider in the year ahead.

The Nile on Viking Osiris

Alastair Miller/Courtesy of Viking

Viking Osiris is the line’s newest on the Nile, with just 41 suites and staterooms, a pool deck, and cool Scandinavian design. The ship sails between Aswan and Luxor, with pre- and post-sail touring in Cairo included with the 12-day itineraries.

Alaska on Ocean Victory

The Alaska trips on Ocean Victory , a fuel-efficient, 93-cabin ship from American Queen Voyages, come with the opportunity to kayak past glaciers and spot bald eagles and grizzlies. The vessel, which first debuted in 2021, represents an evolution in ship design for American Queen, with its cutting-edge X-Bow design (which helps reduce fuel burn) and chic suites, including many with private verandas.

The Galápagos Islands on Quasar Expeditions’ Evolution

In June, Quasar Expeditions is offering a Galápagos cruise on the 32-passenger Evolution for children with autism spectrum disorder, hosted by an expert in supporting families with special needs. The trip, which departs June 24, is a seven-night expedition that takes in many of the most notable sites on the islands, with programming specially tailored for both kids and adults.

Cruising Antarctica on Silver Cloud or Silver Endeavour

Adrian Wolodarczyk/Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea gives Antarctica travelers the option to skip two days of sailing the often-rocky Drake Passage. Instead, they can fly in comfort over the waters separating South America from the continent, then hop aboard the 127-suite Silver Cloud and 100-suite Silver Endeavour for trips along the frosty coastline.

The Caribbean, South Pacific, and Australia With Windstar Cruises

Windstar has a series of 2023 itineraries on the 156-cabin Star Pride and 171-suite Wind Surf that hit yachty Caribbean ports like Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla. The small-ship line, which is known for both its sleek “Star Plus Class” ships and its classic vessels with their dramatic sails, also has an array of itineraries along the coast of Australia and in the South Pacific.

Cold-weather Cruises on Le Commandant Charcot

A game changer in lowering emissions, Ponant’s brand-new hybrid-electric Le Commandant Charcot can operate on less-carbon-intensive battery power and liquefied natural gas and has room for 245 guests. The game-changing ship, which has already hosted eclipse watchers on a trip to Antarctica and sailed to the geographic North Pole, also offers adventures in places such as Iceland and Svalbard.

Cruises Closer to Home With American Queen Voyages

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of American Queen Voyages

American Queen Voyages will offer the longest trips in the line’s history in 2023, with two 23-day river itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio aboard the 123-stateroom American Countess . “The ship will sail more than 1,700 miles from Minnesota down the Ohio River and Upper Mississippi River , calling on more ports and offering more guided tours than ever before,” as T+L reported in August .

The South Pacific on Paul Gauguin

Just refurbished, the 165-cabin Paul Gauguin will be exploring the Pacific in 2023, with trips to the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marquesas, and the Society Islands. The single-vessel brand was voted the very best small-ship cruise line in the World’s Best Awards 2022 , as T+L readers gave particularly high marks to the Paul Gauguin ’s on-board staff.

Mystery Cruising With Uniworld

Courtesy of Uniworld

Next year, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will offer two nine-night “mystery cruises ,” with the European destinations revealed only as guests depart: similar trips in 2022 sold out. Travelers on the June 2023 trip will meet in Amsterdam, while the July 2023 sailing rendezvous in Nice, France — from there, the itinerary is anybody’s guess.

Expedition Cruising With Seabourn

Courtesy of Seabourn

Seabourn Venture , the luxury line’s first 132-suite expedition ship, launched in late summer with itineraries in northern Europe; trips in Japan, the South Pacific, and Antarctica are on tap for 2023. Seabourn Pursuit , which will be a sibling ship to Venture, is scheduled to arrive in 2023, the second in Seabourn’s growing expedition fleet.

Seeing Europe’s Gems by Small Ship

Slated to launch in the spring, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II will visit ports from Dublin to Lisbon, as well as both polar regions, in 2023 and 2024. The innovative vessel, which is similar in design to Scenic Eclipse , will have luxurious suites complete with butler service and all sorts of extras, including helicopters (plural) and a submarine.

Visiting Wild Places With Fewer Impacts

Aurora Expeditions, whose newest vessel is the 71-cabin Sylvia Earle , guarantees that all operations are carbon neutral, pledging to offset all emissions. The newly launched ship, with its fuel-saving X-Bow design, doesn’t skimp on expedition necessities: guests on Antarctica expeditions can explore by Zodiac or snowshoe and even, when conditions allow, go scuba diving in polar waters or camping on the ice.

Solo Cruising With a New Line

Upstart cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers all-inclusive fares on its two 98-suite vessels, and, in a departure from industry norms, the brand doesn’t charge solo travelers a single supplement. The line’s second ship, World Traveller , launched in November 2022 . It will sail nine-, 10-, 11-, and 12-night round-trips from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica through March 2023 before heading to the Mediterranean to hit Spain, France, and Portugal.

The Galápagos Islands on Celebrity Flora

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Another ship that sails the Galápagos, the Celebrity Flora , has 50 suites, many with large verandas, plus a stargazing deck and a fleet of comfortable tenders. Two itineraries are available, the first of which is a seven-night “northern loop” that visits the volcanic island of Santiago and has guests spotting red-footed Boobies on Genovesa Island, a place sometimes called Bird Island thanks to its famed animals. The line’s “outer loop” also includes plenty of wildlife watching, plus a stop at the less-frequented Daphne Island.

Doing Wine Country on Seadream II

SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II . The highly regarded intimate-ship line wins frequent accolades from T+L readers for its on-board service and well-appointed vessels.

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. Cruising means seeing the world while unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids and teens -- all for free. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship for you. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with staying at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- all their extras.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their cabins but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors.

Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes lower. Here's a tip: Many times, the smaller ships from these lines offer the smallest prices.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

Being flexible will get you the best last-minute cruise deals. If you live near a cruise port and can drive, you're probably going to be able to jump on those deals that might pop up a week or two before the ship is set to sail.

If you don't have flexibility with dates and locations, be willing to bend on destination. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise costs on average. When you see it drop, pounce! Many cruise lines update pricing several times every day, so be prepared.

Best cruises in 2020

Part of the appeal of cruising is that there's truly something for everyone. Ships come in an array of sizes, some loaded with so many activities, you couldn't get to them all in a week.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations to which they sail. The Caribbean is a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, also is a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, MSC and Holland America for a family cruise.

River cruising has been heating up over the past few years, with itineraries that send passengers down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to even more exotic locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam or the Volga River in Russia. Popular river cruises embark in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. Popular river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal.

If you're a thrill-seeker, consider an expedition cruise. These cruises, often onboard small ships, offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world, including Antarctica, Alaska, Australia and Greenland. Passengers will spend their time kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Quark Expeditions.

Luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard smaller ships with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be smaller, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships can't -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Oceans and Silversea.

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Vacations To Go has a rating of 2.04 stars from 53 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Vacations To Go most frequently mention cruise line, and customer service problems. Vacations To Go ranks 34th among Cruises sites.

This company responds to reviews on average within 10 days

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Read the cancellation policy before you confirm You're going to lose your money They will blame it on the cruise line

“Makes it real easy”

We have used Vacations to Go at least 5 times to book cruises and have not had any issues at all. In fact, their customer service has been excellent.

“Unprofessional”

I was trying to book a cruise and they said that I went on one 10 years ago and they had a problem with me over a credit and I could not book. When I asked what it was about, they said I'd represented myself incorrectly as they travel agent, first of all, I'm not a travel agent so they have me mixed up with somebody and I paid full price for my cruise. I didn't expect 10 years later to be insulted by a bunch of kids.

Reviews (53)

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Dot, we apologize for the pricing change you experienced, and for any negative impression this experience has given you. The prices shown on our site are per-person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. They fluctuate often and because our site does not reflect live inventory, prices must be verified when you call. Unfortunately, the $5,950 rate for a Classic Veranda Suite was no longer available when you contacted us. We see that J.R. Quoted you the latest Veranda Suite rate of $6,950 per person, for a total of $13,900 for two passengers. The discount percentages we show on our site are a comparison between the current rate we are authorized to sell and the original brochure price of the same cruise when the itinerary was announced. We receive this information directly from the cruise line. We apologize again that the rate you were interested in was no longer available, and for any confusion these prices may have caused. We hope you’ll give us the opportunity to assist you in the future.

Hoya, we truly appreciate your loyal business through the last few years. It's been a pleasure to work with you and your groups, and we're glad to hear that you find the process easy and your agent dependable. We see that you've already booked another cruise since returning from your last voyage! We know you have many options when it comes to choosing your travel partner, and we're thankful for the opportunities to keep earning your business and trust. Thanks again and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. We look forwarding to continuing to be of service!

• Follow Maureen M.

Over 20 years I have purchased many cruise... All with no problems. Not sure why they don't have a better rating. I feel they have the biggest inventory and most of the time they have the best rates.

Products used: Buying a cruise.

Thank you for your kind words and support, Maureen! We're so glad to hear that you're happy with the service you've received, and that you find our site helpful when searching for your next adventure! Statistics show that people are more likely to leave a negative review after a disappointing experience than they are to leave a positive review after a good experience. For this reason, we truly appreciate the time you took to share your positive impression of working with Vacations To Go through the years. Thank you for your loyalty, and we look forward to working with you again soon!

Q&A (3)

Do we need a passport to go on a cruise to the bahamas do we need a passport to go on a cruise to the bahamas.

Thanks for your question, Brenda. If you're a U.S. citizen interested in a cruise to the Bahamas that starts and ends at the same U.S. port then you may be able to use other forms of identification. These can be an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization and a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license). Our travel counselors would be happy to verify the documentation requirements for any sailing you're interested in. Thanks again!

Could i get a direct number for king dorsey Could i get a direct number for king dorsey

Thank you for writing, Anthony! King can be reached by dialing 800-338-4962 x 7595 or at [email protected]. Thanks again!

Where do i find thelist of people who went on the halloween cruise to panama canal Where do i find thelist of people who went on the halloween cruise to panama canal

Thanks for writing, Roger. We hope you had a great time on the hosted singles cruise over Halloween through the Panama Canal! In an effort to respect passenger privacy, we aren't able to release a list of everyone that traveled with the Vacations To Go singles group. We do set up a Facebook page before the cruise so passengers have the opportunity to get to know one another beforehand if they choose. That page is still active and I will ask one of our managers to reach out to you with the web address so that you can reconnect with some of your fellow travelers. We look forward to seeing you on another hosted singles cruise soon!

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Vacations To Go specializes in discount cruises of all sorts.

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• Houston, TX, United States
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About Vacations To Go

Vacations To Go is America's clearinghouse for deeply discounted cruises. Since our founding in 1984, we have provided more than eight million savvy shoppers with a dream vacation at a fraction of the regular price.

Vacations To Go is the largest seller of cruises worldwide and is among the largest for every cruise line. Click here to read what cruise line executives have to say about Vacations To Go's exceptional customer service and experience.

Best of all, our customers love us! Click here to read current reviews of Vacations To Go from customers who have recently cruised.

Vacations To Go is a fully accredited travel agency and a member in good standing of the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) and the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).

FinanceBuzz

10 Types of People Who Should Never Go on a Cruise

Posted: November 7, 2023 | Last updated: February 7, 2024

Some people spend their entire lives dreaming about — and saving up for — their dream cruise vacation.  For other would-be vacationers, a cruise isn’t so much the perfect dream as the perfect nightmare.

No one wants to put a charge on their travel credit card or waste their paid time off on a vacation they end up hating, so it pays to figure out if you’re the cruising type or not before you book those tickets.

We describe the 10 types of people who should avoid a cruise at all costs. Read on to figure out if you’re one of them.

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People who worry about getting sick

Embarking on an adventure exposes you not just to new sights, sounds, and experiences but also to fun and exciting new diseases. 

Cruises in particular have a special reputation for spreading disease — specifically the norovirus, which causes acute gastrointestinal distress, and the flu. If you're worried, you can avoid the mistake of wasting money on something you won't enjoy.

The CDC also warns that diseases might spread faster on cruise ships because of their tight quarters. Flu outbreaks are a problem on cruise ships, which can deter retirees who want to take a cruise in their golden years.

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People who want an authentic cultural experience in another country

Even if you cruise around the Caribbean or Mediterranean, you shouldn’t count on having an immersive cultural experience in Greece or the Bahamas. 

Most ships only dock for a few hours before cruising to the next destination, so you won’t have time to explore. Plus, cruise ships are ocean-based resorts, and resorts aren’t built with the local population in mind. 

You’re walled off from the local culture and people, sometimes literally: Royal Caribbean, for instance, owns a private beach in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world.

People who don’t like enclosed spaces

Cruise ships are massive. With dozens of floors and amenities like pools and gyms. They can feel more like floating city blocks (or just plain cities) than what they really are: Enclosed spaces surrounded by nothing but the endless ocean.

Some people feel as free on a vast, entertainment-filled ship as they do on land. But if you tend to avoid small spaces and get panicky if you don’t have several obvious escape routes from any given room, avoid cruises too.

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People who care more about the destination than the journey

When you’re traveling by cruise ship, the journey is the entire point. You might stop at a few locations, but most of your time will be spent on the ship itself. 

If you’re more interested in exploring fascinating new locations than spending time in transit, or if you’re longing for a journey with more variation than different ship decks, skip the cruise.

Pro tip: No matter the vacation you go on, you could benefit from booking with a credit card that enables you to earn cash back so that your money can go further.

People who are afraid of the ocean

If your fear of the ocean stems from “Jaws” or “The Meg,” you could end up enjoying a cruise in spite of its watery locale. 

But if your ocean fears were inspired more by “Titanic” or “The Poseidon Adventure,” you may want to steer clear of a cruise. A rogue wave isn’t likely to capsize a cruise ship, and there have only been a handful of cruise-sinking incidents in the last 100 years. 

But if you aren’t reassured by the knowledge that cruise ships can roll 60 degrees to either side before capsizing or that most cruise ships were built to withstand 50-foot waves, we don’t blame you — and we don’t recommend that you take a cruise anytime soon.

People who tend to get motion sickness

Some passengers don’t notice the constant motion of the sea when they’re on a cruise ship. The ships themselves are built for maximum balance and stability, so if the seas aren’t choppy you shouldn’t feel much motion. 

However, some people are more prone to motion sickness than others. If you usually get queasy on small boats or during car rides, you could feel the same way on a cruise.

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People who don’t drink

Not every cruise has to be a booze cruise, but there’s no denying that alcohol is one of the main drivers of the cruise ship industry. 

One study found that cruise ship passengers typically have around five drinks a day, and the Carnival cruise line’s current alcohol policy lets passengers consume up to 15 drinks a day before cutting them off.

As any non-drinker knows, it’s not fun to be the only sober person in the room, much less on a massive cruise ship. 

Pro tip: If you're trying to keep more money in your wallet when booking your cruise, you'll want to ditch most of the alcohol purchases because it can get expensive fast. 

People who hate crowds

If alone time is your favorite thing about vacationing, skip the cruise. Depending on the ship, you’ll be spending your vacation with 3,000 to 6,000 fellow passengers plus thousands of crew members. 

You can escape the crowds for a bit by chilling in your cabin, but rooms on cruise ships aren’t large. The most wallet-friendly rooms can be as small as 85 to 100 square feet.

You won’t find a reprieve from the crowd at mealtime either. On most cruise ships, meals are served buffet-style in massive meal rooms that can accommodate hundreds of people.

People who want to save money

Drinks might be the priciest part of cruise life, but they’re definitely not the only expense. Cruise ships usually have their own mall areas with boutiques, gift shops, electronics stores, and (you guessed it) bars. 

Since you’re at sea, there’s nowhere to shop except the ship itself, so don't expect any bargains. It's better to  avoid throwing away money  by buying the products you want somewhere else for a much better price.

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People who hate waiting in lines

Not all of your 3,000 fellow passengers will disembark at a dock, but enough of them do that you could spend ages waiting in line to get off the ship, then ages waiting to get back on the ship.

For some people, waiting in line is a necessary but survivable evil. (Maybe a tolerance for long lines explains why Disney cruises are so popular.) 

For others, waiting in line is the worst form of torture and is a foolish mistake that needs avoiding . If that’s you, we can safely say you’re going to hate cruises unless you don't intend to get off at a port.

Bottom line

Some individuals love cruises so much that they live frugally, save plenty, and supplement their Social Security income so they can spend as much post-retirement time on the sea as possible. 

But if cruises don’t sound like your thing, don’t worry — and don’t listen to anyone who insists a cruise is crucial to your bucket list. 

You have infinite options for meaningful vacations, and you deserve to spend your money on a trip you’ll absolutely love.

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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Tell us as much as you can about the ship you're looking for and we'll list all the ships that meet your requirements. You may make as many or as few selections as you'd like using the form below. When you're ready, click "Show Me the Ships!"

Staterooms that accommodate more than 3 people are limited and must be confirmed at time of booking. Few ships can accommodate more than 4 or 5 passengers in a single stateroom. The largest stateroom on any ship accommodates 8 people.

Family suites generally accommodate 6 to 8 people but are extremely limited in number and are often quite expensive. It may be more economical for large families to book two cabins, either side-by-side or across the hall from each other. There are a few ships with adjoining cabins connected by a private door. If you are interested in adjoining cabins, please specify that at the bottom of this page.

Cruise lines require at least one person in each cabin to meet a minimum age requirement. If at least one person in the cabin is 25 or older, this requirement will be satisfied for all cruise lines.

If the oldest member of your party is younger than 25, some cruise lines will not accommodate you. The lowest minimum age requirement for any cruise line is 18. This does not apply to children traveling in a cabin that is adjacent to their parents' cabin. An exception is made for underage married couples, as long as they are both 18. These couples may be asked to show proof of marriage.

In isolated cases, cruise lines may change age requirements on individual sailings. Please confirm restrictions in place at time of booking.

Only those ships that offer open seating in their main dining room are classified as such here. Many ships also feature alternative dining options beyond the main dining room which may offer open seating. There are a few ships that offer both assigned seating and open seating in their main dining rooms. Those ships will be listed under both seating options here.

For more detailed information about dining options,  click here .

Babysitting may be in-room or group and may be seasonal. Youth programs must be confirmed at time of booking.