The cruise industry is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity this year, with a record 35.7 million people expected to embark on oceanic adventures by the end of 2024. This boom has been highlighted by a new study from Bounce, revealing the best cruise lines of 2024, based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors including itineraries, fleet size, and ship capacity.
An ocean cruise could be the perfect way to get away from the city and breathe in the fresh salty sea air rather than the polluted vapour in the Big Smoke.
Topping the list is Royal Caribbean, achieving an impressive score of 9.32 out of 10. The cruise line leads in six of the seven factors analyzed, making it the top choice for 2024. Royal Caribbean’s new ships, Star Of The Seas and Icon Of The Seas boast the highest passenger capacity, accommodating up to 7,600 guests. The line’s significant social media presence, with 2 million Instagram followers and 5.3 million Facebook likes, further cements its popularity.
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MSC Cruises secures second place with a score of 8.80. The line excels in social media engagement, holding the second-highest number of Facebook likes at 5.2 million. It also ranks consistently well across other metrics with the third largest fleet size, the second biggest capacity of its biggest ship and the second highest number of itineraries to go for.
Carnival Cruise Line takes third place, noted for its extensive fleet of 26 ships (the second biggest of the top 10) and a substantial number of rooms, highlighted by the Carnival Celebration and Carnival Mardi Gras ships. Carnival also shines on YouTube, boasting 115,000 subscribers.
Other notable entries in the top 10 include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Costa Cruises, each offering unique advantages such as diverse itineraries, impressive fleet capacities and substantial social media followings. Costa Cruises, for example, provides over 1,750 itineraries, allowing passengers to embark and disembark at different ports, making it a versatile choice for travellers.
Here is the table of the top 10 cruise lines:
Top Cruise Destinations
Santorini has been named the best cruise destination for 2024, scoring 8.13 out of 10. Known for its stunning vistas and charming villages, Santorini remains a favorite among cruisers. For those seeking warmer climates, Abu Dhabi stands out with its scorching average temperature of 42ºC in August, the hottest month of the year.
Plan Your Next Voyage
As the cruise industry continues to flourish, now is the perfect time to plan your next sea voyage. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a newcomer, the top-rated cruise lines of 2024 offer something for everyone. From the unparalleled luxury of Royal Caribbean to the diverse itineraries of Costa Cruises, the options are plentiful and enticing.
For a detailed look at the study and to explore the full list of rankings, visit Bounce’s 2024 Cruise Index.
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