U.S. News & World Report Releases the 2016 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

WASHINGTON - November 10, 2015: U.S. News & World Report today released the 2016 Best Cruise Lines rankings, which compare the top 15 cruise lines across six categories. As the cruise market continues to expand, travelers are presented with more ship choices and a wide variety of onboard experiences. The Best Cruise Lines rankings and online tools help travelers narrow their choices by sorting high-quality cruises by brand, region, experiences and budget.

For the third year in a row, Disney Cruise Line is the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for Families and the No. 1 Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean. Crystal Cruises reclaims the top spot on the Best Cruise Lines for Romance list and continues its reign as the No. 1 Best Luxury Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean International remains the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for the Money for the third year in a row.

New this year, U.S. News launched the Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean ranking. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is No. 1 in the new category. The inaugural list was added in response to the popularity of and traveler demand for trips to the Mediterranean.

"Cruise lines are pioneering the onboard experience with new customizable amenities and expanded entertainment options, and travelers are reaping the benefits," said Gwen Shearman, travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings help travelers decipher which cruise lines and ships will meet their expectations and fit their vacation preferences."

The methodology for the Best Cruise Lines rankings factors in expert evaluations of cruise ship quality, reputation among travelers, results from health assessments conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other factors such as price class and itinerary offerings.

U.S. News 2016 Best Cruise Lines Rankings
*See the full Best Cruise Lines rankings online

For the Money                                                                                   
1. Royal Caribbean International                                    
2. Carnival Cruise Lines 
3. Celebrity Cruises                                                                  

For Families 
1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Royal Caribbean International
3. Carnival Cruise Lines

For Romance        
1. Crystal Cruises                                                                     
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises                                                   
3. Azamara Club Cruises 

For Luxury
1. Crystal Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. Azamara Club Cruises

In the Caribbean                                                                    
1. Disney Cruise Line                                                               
2. Royal Caribbean International                                    
3. Celebrity Cruises                                                                  

In the Mediterranean 
1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2. Azamara Club Cruises
3. Silversea Cruises