The Most Popular Cruise Ships Right Now
Coveted Cruise Ships
While travelers are eager to cruise however they can more than 19 months into the COVID-19 pandemic some cruise ships continue to draw more interest than others. Online cruise marketplace CruiseComplete.com recently published its CruiseTrends report for October 2021, revealing the most popular vessels based on thousands of actual consumer quote requests and transactions. Here are the nine with the most momentum heading into the holidays.
Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International is the most popular premium cruise line this fall, based on CruiseComplete’s latest trends report, and the brand’s Oasis-class Allure of the Seas is the most popular cruise ship among premium customers. The ship became the world’s largest passenger ship upon its debut in 2009 but has since been surpassed. Nonetheless, Allure of the Seas has been racking up the awards over the past decade-plus, including honors for the best onboard entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Oasis of the Seas
Allure of the Seas’ sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, is also in high demand as of October. The vessel was already among the industry’s most diverse, appealing to guests of all ages and interests. However, Oasis underwent a Royal Amplification in 2019 that saw some awesome additions, including Royal Caribbean’s first barbecue restaurant and the tallest slide at sea in Ultimate Abyss.
Celebrity Edge
The latest CruiseTrends report shows Celebrity Cruises to be the second-most popular premium cruise line this fall and its cutting-edge Celebrity Edge is the third-most-popular premium cruise ship trailing only Royal Caribbean’s aforementioned Oasis-class vessels. According to the cruise line, the ship “marks a turning point in our approach to ship design.” The award-winning Celebrity Edge features a unique outward-facing design that aims to connect guests with the sea and onboard highlights include private plunge pools in the ship’s two-story Edge Villas and a terraced pool deck.
Crystal Symphony
The second-most sought-after luxury cruise line heading into the holiday season is Crystal Cruises and no ship is more popular among luxury cruise guests than the Crystal Symphony. Although launched in 1995, the ship was enhanced as recently as 2017, receiving modern upgrades and additional dining options that provide luxury guests with an impressive selection comparable to that of a larger cruise ship.
Oceania Vista
Oceania Cruises is the most popular cruise line among luxury travelers and the line’s highly anticipated Vista is the second-most popular cruise ship in the luxury segment at the moment, according to CruiseComplete’s latest research. Boasting residential-style luxury with all-veranda accommodations and the finest cuisine at sea, Vista will make its long-awaited debut in 2023 during an inaugural season that will feature the Mediterranean, French Riviera, Canada, New England, the Panama Canal and more.
Crystal Serenity
Travelers are also showing considerable interest in Crystal Symphony’s sister ship Crystal Serenity. The 900-guest vessel boasts an incredible 1 to 1.5 staff to guest ratio, a variety of lavish staterooms and suites, an array of sensational dining venues, several inviting lounges and clubs and world-class entertainment highlighted by Broadway-inspired shows.
American Queen
The largest steamboat ever built, American Queen Steamboat Company’s flagship American Queen is the most popular river cruise ship based on the total number of quote requests this fall. The iconic ship embodies the one-of-a-kind region it sails and offers guests luxe suites in addition to exceptional entertainment and amenities such as the two-story Grand Saloon, Engine Room Bar, Emporium Mark Twain Gallery and much more.
Queen of the Mississippi
American Cruise Lines is the most popular river cruise line as of October and the Queen of the Mississippi is the second-most coveted river cruise ship. The relatively new paddlewheeler—built in 2015—offers guests splendid views of the American South and Midwest from the legendary Mississippi River as well as spacious staterooms featuring private balconies, hotel-style bathrooms and complimentary room service.
America
Another authentic paddlewheeler from American Cruise Lines gaining momentum in late 2021 is America, the third-most requested river cruise ship, based on CruiseComplete’s data. America launched a year after Queen of the Mississippi (2016) but features 14 additional rooms allowing for a capacity of 185 guests. The intimate ship also features multiple lounges, a sun deck, fitness room and putting green, among other highlights.