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Are you ready for a long-haul cruise that offers an immersive and unforgettable experience? Say yes to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and let’s dive in. Imagine sailing across multiple destinations, watching a myriad of landscapes, experiencing different cultures, and exploring the rich history of different places in one seamless trip. All without endless rounds of packing and unpacking, stressful planning, hopping on various flights, etc. Just endless relaxation and exploration. We list the 6 top cruise lines that take you on an immersive journey across multiple destinations. So, let’s sail to see the world in style on a long-haul cruise!
Top Long-Haul Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Freestyle Cruising
Norwegian Cruise Line, known for its vibrant ships, was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida (USA). With 19 world-class vessels, it has been the primary innovator in the industry for over 57 years. The award-winning fleet was built for “Freestyle Cruising” offering passengers the flexibility and freedom to choose – no fixed dining time (Freestyle Dining), relaxed attires, and freedom to choose fun entertainment activities (Freestyle Entertainment) and more. It operates a fleet of ships that travel to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and more. From waterparks, go-kart racing, virtual reality games, freestyle dining, and other world-class onboard amenities, NCL is among the top long-haul cruise line choices.
Recommended Voyages: Mediterranean & Greek Isles, Transatlantic, Caribbean, Maldives, Thailand & Seychelles, Northern Europe
Ships: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Dawn and more
Highlights: The Haven, The Waterfront, Studio Complex & Lounge, Garden Café, Broadway Musical Footloose, Laser Tag, Spa, Racetrack, Casino, Mini-Golf, Fitness Center, Aqua Parks, Bar City and more
Royal Caribbean: Floating City
Royal Caribbean is a top long-haul cruise line offering experiences from sun-soaked Caribbean Islands to blissful Asian temples and the vast ocean, in between. Every moment at sea is priceless from being on board the world’s best cruise ships to enjoying exciting itineraries at top destinations. Fun-filled entertainment, next-level dining, Broadway shows, staterooms with balcony views, and game-changing thrills make this cruise line award-winning. With 27 ships in its fleet, this cruise liner sails to more than 280 destinations in 71 countries worldwide. Ready to cruise control?
Recommended Voyages: Southern Caribbean, Ultimate Asia Pacific, Ultimate America Cruise, Europe Extravaganza
Ships: Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and more
Highlights: Bionic Bar, Aqua Theatre, R Bar, Boardwalk Arcade, Bumper Cars at Seaplex, Casino Royal & Golden Room, Ice Bar, Pool Bars and Sand Bar, Coral Theatre, and more.
MSC Cruises: Art of Mega Ships
MSC Cruises is headquartered in Switzerland and is more than just a cruise. It mastered the art of mega-ships each holding between 5300 to 6700 passengers. Experience MSC Cruises which combines European elegance with world-class amenities. Step onboard the first world-class mega ship MSC World Europa to embark on a long-haul cruise, ticking off a bucket list experience. Cruise to the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, South America, and more, and discover the beauty of a mega-ship.
Recommended Voyages: Transatlantic, Alaska, Mediterranean, Caribbean
Ships: MSC World Europa, MSC Seaside, MSC Euribia, MSC Virtuosa and more
Highlights: LED Dome, Carousel Lounge, MSC for Me, Art Gallery, Pantheon Theatre, SeaView Bar, Brass Anchor Pub, Broadway-Style Theatres, The Champagne Bar, The Red Bar Piano & Lounge, and more
Costa Cruises: La Dolce Vita
This Italian fleet of ships is a cruise line known for its spacious staterooms and over 2000 shore excursions. Their fleet of 10 ships offers voyages to exotic destinations from the Baltic & Russia, Western Mediterranean destinations, the Far East, and more. Its parent company Carnival launched leisure cruises in 1959 and now operates nine ships that sail worldwide. Most of their mega-ships carry around 2800 to 3700 passengers for a luxury at-sea adventure.
Recommended Voyages: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, North Cape/Fjords, Canary Islands, Dubai, Qatar and Oman, Asia, South America, Transoceanic, Eastern & Western Caribbean
Ships: Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda, Costa Fascinosa, Costa Fortuna and more
Highlights: Grand Suite Jacuzzi Veranda, Poolside games, talent shows, Squok Club, Teen Zone activities, family activities, shore excursions, gourmet dining, and more
Holland America: Have It All
Yet another top long-haul cruise line – Holland America was established in 1873. Interestingly, it used to ferry passengers between the Netherlands and America. Today, the cruise line has a fleet of 11 ships that sail to over 300 ports worldwide! The Alaska itineraries are the most popular for expedition experiences getting up close to wildlife, glaciers (Glaciers Bay or Hubbard Glacier), and mountains. Passengers can enjoy classic amenities, shore excursions, beverage packages, dining, wi-fi, and more with the “Have It All” cruise fare. From immersive culture to icy thrill to scenic excursions, Holland America has it all!
Recommended Voyages: Grand World Voyage, Alaska, the Amazon, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, New England, Europe, Hawaii & Tahiti, the Panama Canal, and South America.
Ships: MS Oosterdam, MS Westerdam, MS Eurodam, MS Noordam and more
Highlights: Trivia Challenges, Sports Court, Casino, Arts & Crafts, Crow`s Nest, The Retreat, Library, Children`s Play Centre and more
Havila Cruises: Norway Excursions
Havila Voyages excursions offer stunning Norwegian coastal scenery, akin to a ferry ride with stops from port-to-port coastal points. The itinerary includes historical city walks, kayaking along crystal clear waters, and bike rides. The highlight of these voyages is the view of the Northern Lights and the midnight sun (during the season). Imagine catching the natural phenomenon while sitting on a comfortable lounge chair under a glass roof. Also, the food onboard is traditional dishes from the local towns and villages. The ship`s decor is inspired by the surrounding sea, sky, glaciers, and mountains near the Arctic Circle. These battery-powered ships take you on a Norwegian voyage like no other.
Recommended Voyages: Northern Norway Lights Voyage
Ships: Havila Castor, Havila Capella, Havila Polaris, Havila Pollux and more
Highlights: Deck 8, Jacuzzi, Observation Lounge, The Gym, Relax Chairs, Sauna, Cafes & Restaurants, Shopping, Conference Hall and more
Do remember that cruise itineraries and prices are subject to change. It is highly recommended to consult travel experts or visit our Travelwings website for information. Stay tuned for further updates!
