12 Best Cruise Ships of 2022 | Best of Travel 2022

Now that the world is starting to get back on its feet, travelling is possible more than ever. People have a lot of catching up to do in order to cross out must-see sites on their travel-the-world bucket lists, given that we lost around two years of our lives to the pandemic. And what better way to travel the world (or at least, a part of it) than onboarding a cruise ship? These days, cruise ships are getting bigger and bigger – even fancier! They are the perfect way to see the world, with the bonus of sailing the seas in first-class style. Cruise ships are also a great place for your honeymoon, or even the ultimate family vacation of your life. In our Best of Travel series, we have rounded up the 12 Best Cruise Ships of 2022 for one of the most remarkable journeys you will ever experience post-pandemic.

This post was last updated on 8 July 2022.

12 Best Cruise Ships of 2022

1. Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

World’s biggest wonder in a cruise ship

As the world’s newest biggest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas from the Royal Caribbean truly deserves a spot on this list. Whether you want to explore the postcard-perfect Caribbean shores or to take a moment in history’s most storied beautiful European ports, Wonder of the Seas brings the best of both worlds within reach. On par with its bigger size, the Wonder of the Seas also brings bigger adventures to every passenger on board. You will probably never run out of things to do! From watching jawdropping feats at the AquaTheatre to enjoying a whole immersive spin on mini-golf. And if you travel with thrill-seeking youngsters, they would be happy to know that the Wonder of the Seas also includes the all-new Playscape, an underwater world of fun. A league tenfold your ordinary playground, Playscape is studded with slides, climbing walls, and games – perfect for both kids and kids-at-heart! 

After a day of experiencing endless thrills in the cruise ship (with a dash of some island touring, of course!), you deserve to recharge in the ship’s superior suites and staterooms. If you have the budget, you can experience prime luxury in the all-new Suite neighbourhood, which is located high up in the ship’s most prime location. Guests in this literal suite spot will be able to enjoy five-star dining at the exclusive Coastal Kitchen, soak up the sun and unparalleled ocean views in the brand-new Suite Sun Deck. And of course, relish total VIP treatment in the luxurious suites. 

Cruise ship highlights:

• 18 deck-cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 236,857
• 6,988 passengers to 2,300 crew members ratio
• Incredible dining experience onboard – from fine dining to simple on-the-go-food
• Equipped to accommodate individuals with special needs
• Total of 14 bars and lounges to choose from for the ultimate nightlife experience on the sea

2. Carnival Celebration^™, Carnival Cruise Line

Fun-filled celebratory cruise

With the sailing of the Carnival Celebration from Miami this 2022, Carnival will celebrate its 50th birthday year in the cruise line industry. And just like in an actual celebration, the guests are expected to bring unique fun spirits to match the cruise ship’s exemplary features. They are even including six “zones” in the ship, which are basically themed areas that bring incredible experiences and flavours onboard. The Carnival Celebration is also the second-ever Carnival cruise ship to feature the BOLT™, an onboard extreme rollercoaster that’s certainly not for the fainthearted. Bonus is that you get to be high, high above sea level! The cruise ship also brings back innovations like Bonsai Teppanyaki™, RedFrog® Tiki Bar, Family Feud™ Live, Havana Bar™, Seuss at Sea™, Playlist Productions™ – which are all well-loved amenities from the 50 years of the amazing sailing experience with Carnival. 

If you are travelling with the entire family, we suggest that you check out the Family Harbor Staterooms. Guests will have access to the Family Harbor Lounge, where you can spend chill nights with the company of board games, family movies, and video games. And if you want to have a date night with your partner, you can enjoy a free evening of Night Owls™ babysitting service at Camp Ocean™. If you don’t have kids yet, maybe stay in the Havana Interior staterooms wherein you get to enjoy a flavourfully decked room – old-Havana style! Plus, you get to have exclusive access to the Havana Pool area.

Cruise ship highlights:

• 19 deck-cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 180,800
• 5,374 guest capacity to 1,735 crew members onboard 
• With thrilling activities for everyone (i.e., ultimate sea coster, onboard waterpark)
• Dedicated room stewards in every stateroom
• Around-the-world dining onboard – from Japanese to Mexican to Chinese cuisines

3. Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Cruises

A chic escape

A place where the everyday gives way to the extraordinary, Celebrity Beyond is another cruise ship for you to consider. But what we really love about this cruise ship is its innovative outward-facing design, which makes it one of Celebrity’s ships in the revolutionary Edge® Series. The design creates an even closer connection between you, the sea, and every exciting place on the horizon. This means float pools, bar (with live music performances), and suite verandas cantilevered over the open ocean! While there are also plenty of fun things to do onboard, we highly suggest that you really take a moment just to relax with the ship’s incredible resort deck, outdoor garden, and wellness spas. Or if you want to stray away from kids and parents screaming, you can also check out the adults-only Solarium for a perfectly serene atmosphere to unwind.

For the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience, The Retreat on Celebrity Beyond is the place for you. Guests on the posh resort-within-a-resort will have a choice of stunning suite accommodations, including the two-story Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools and the roomy Iconic Suites that offer some of the best ocean views in the ship. Moreover, every guest will have their own Personal Retreat Host so they never have to lift a finger while relaxing in their Cashmere™ mattresses or in-room whirlpool tubs.

Take a closer look at Celebrity Beyond in the video below.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbgxUdtgHpY] 

Cruise ship highlights:

• With a tonnage of 140,600
• Autism-friendly cruising – sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and overall autism-friendly training for Camp at Sea.
• Globally-starred menu crafted by a Michelin-starred chef
• Revolutionary fun activities – Vegas-style casino, upscale shopping extravaganza, gigantic theatre, and more

4. Oddysey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Adventure for all ages

Another gem from the award-winning cruise line, Oddysey of the Seas will turn your wanderlust into reality. This cruise ship lets you discover adventure from St. Tomas to Santorini but also offers incredible thrills while navigating the seas. By thrills, we mean adventure for all ages onboard! When you hop in the Oddysey, get ready to play on a whole new level – bumper car showdowns, gravity-defying fun on the RipCord®by iFLY®simulator, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, fully immersive 4D VR experience, and so much more. The fun doesn’t stop even after the dark, as you can still enjoy memorable experiences with the epic musical productions and other ground-breaking multimedia spectaculars onboard.

Of course, you also have to rest in-between all those adventures. For the most relaxing stay, you can book a room in the Royal Suite Class. Other than the comfortable accommodation, you also get to reap exclusive access and unique cruise experiences, crafted just for you by a Royal Genie or dedicated Concierge. But if you don’t have the budget yet for a luxurious suite, the staterooms are also excellent places to unwind and to spend time with your loved ones.

Cruise ship highlights: 

• 16-deck cruise ship with 169,300 tonnage
• Can accommodate 4,284 passengers and 1,551 crew members
• Global culinary journey onboard
• Upper deck transformed as the most interactive arcade on the sea
• Resort-style pool deck with plenty of casitas, hammocks, and cocktail bars to enjoy

5. MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises

Cutting-edge environmental technology 

With the MSC World Europa, not only will you be able to travel in luxurious comfort, but also with peace of mind that the cruise ship is more on the environmentally-friendly side. As the largest LNG-fueled (cleanest marine fuel) cruise vessel ever built, this ship brings MSC’s fleet closer to the ultimate goal of “zero emissions operations”. Not only that, the ship also features a new-generation wastewater treatment system! Beyond the environmental commitment, what we love about the ship is its groundbreaking layout to match every passenger’s preference. From a tranquil zen zone for adults to a lively partially open promenade with entertainment options for everyone – you will never run out of things to do while onboard. Not to mention ‘The Spiral’, which is an 11-deck state-of-the-art slide that makes roaming around the cruise so much easier.

The MSC World Europa is also known for its MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship concept. This club offers guests a private experience in the world of luxury, including premium suites, the best ocean views, 24-hour butler service, access to the thermal suite in MSC Aurea Spa, and more. It’s the ultimate VIP experience while cruising the seas!

Cruise ship highlights: 

• With a gross tonnage of 153,516
• Can accommodate up to 5,079 passengers and 1,413 crew members
• Wide variety of fine-dining restaurants, buffets, bars, and café to satisfy every craving
• Award-winning MSC Kids Club – with dedicated play area for children and tailor-made programs designed for each age group
• Themed deck locations + waterpark onboard

6. Discovery Princess℠, Princess Cruises

Next-level technology for every passenger’s comfort

Setting sail in Spring 2022, cruise ship fans will have to look forward to the launching of the Discovery Princess℠. From the moment you step aboard, the ship would instantly make you feel at home, making it a great place to spend your holiday. But if your work seems to haunt you wherever you are, do not fret since this cruise ship offers speedy WiFi onboard. That said, you also have access to SNS at all times and will be able to post those breathtaking ocean snaps in real-time. When it comes to activities and amenities, you will find so many things to do while sailing with the Discovery Princess℠.  Perhaps indulge in the finest dining on the sea, play in the Vegas-style casino, or enjoy some spectacular new productions that are exclusive to the ship’s Princess Theatre.

The hospitality extends to the accommodation, of course. And if you really want to enjoy some panoramic sea views, we suggest that you book a room in the ship’s Sky Suites. Each Sky Suite hosts up to five guests and boasts the largest balcony at sea, dazzling you with a 270-degree panorama view throughout your entire voyage. 

Cruise ship highlights:

• 19-deck ship with a tonnage of 141,000
• 3,660 passengers and 1,346 crew capacity
• With reliable WiFi and TrulyTouchless™ experiences (contactless payments, mobile casino)
• Open-air poolside amphitheatre for feature films, concerts and sporting events
• Wide range of culinary delights – buffets, cafes, bars, and 5-star restaurants

7. Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Entertainment galore

With a name inspired by the early Virgin Atlantic plane, Resilient Lady is Virgin Voyages’ take on luxurious cruising over the waters. Guests, or what they call Sailors, will have the best holiday on the sea with a variety of immersive and modern entertainment onboard, including a sea cabaret, a circus remix of Romeo and Juliet, an acrobatics show, and pop-up shows in every deck of the ship. If you’re a foodie, you will surely find something that tickles your taste buds in the massive selection of restaurants onboard.

And since the staterooms are where you spend a huge chunk of your time while sailing, we love how the Scarlet Lady makes them more than just a place to sleep in. You can transform your room at the touch of a button to match your current mood. Adjustable coloured lights, configurable Seabed, and other in-cabin tech – we can’t ask for more!

Cruise ship highlights: 

• 17-deck cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 110,000
• 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew members capacity
• Michelin-starred chef collective for incredible dining experiences onboard
• Planet-friendly staterooms filled with natural products and energy-conserving appliances and fixtures
• WiFi onboard
  

8. Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line

Refurbished classic cruise ship

Ambience of Ambassador Cruise Line is probably one of the smallest cruise ships on this list, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have fun on your voyage. Since it’s much compact, the ship offers a sense of intimacy and camaraderie, which makes days spent at the sea more comfortable. Entertainment-wise, you will be spoilt for choices! Guests will be able to enjoy some late-night disco and cabaret shows at the Observatory, place best bets and cards forward at the bridge and card room and the Ambassador Casino, and rejuvenate in the onboard Wellness Centre. 

Moreover, the ship cabins look just like your regular hotel suite – you won’t probably even notice that you are miles away in the ocean. Even if you easily get seasick! What’s also great is that all cabins are air-conditioned, with en-suite facilities that will make anyone feel at home. 

Cruise ship highlights: 

• 19-deck cruise ship with a 70,285 tonnage
• 1400 guests capacity 
• Large screen on the pool deck for outdoor movies and sporting events

9. Prima, Norweigan Cruise Line

Unparalleled ocean views

When it comes to the best ocean views in cruise ships, the Norweigan Prima may be tough to beat. This ship has its very own Ocean Boulevard, offering you breathtaking 360-degree views of the sea. Enjoy a dip in the ship’s infinity beach, with the ocean right in front of you. The best part is, you can literally walk across the water via a glass bridge! The ship also features the first free-fall dry slide at sea for a guaranteed adrenaline rush, as well as a duelling side for some fun slide racing with your company. And did we mention that the Norweigan Prima also has a three-level race track onboard? The Prima Speedway is longer, larger, and zoomier than ever – you will forget that you are actually on a sea voyage!

Aside from the excellent entertainment options, the Norweigan Prima also provides the most spacious accommodations at sea. And if you are willing to spend more, you can enjoy world-class luxury by staying in The Haven. A stunning sundeck, exclusive amenities and personalised service – it will be like you are in a ship within a ship.

Cruise ship highlights:

• 142,500 gross tonnage
• 3,215 guest capacity
• Seaside dining with a variety of global cuisine choices
• With a high-tech recreational family centre on board complete with escape rooms, flying theatre simulators, and TopGolf
• Kids’ Aqua Park – cascading water feature and infinity hot tubs

10. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Variety of voyage choices

With a total of 148 new voyages coming soon in 2022 (up to 2023!), Seven Seas Cruises satisfies your wanderlust in every aspect. Whether you want to travel from the East to the West part of the world, you can easily do so with the variety of choices in this cruise ship line. Moreover, their cruises are great if you are looking for a long voyage – imagine, around 3 months at the sea! You will get to see a multitude of ports all over the world, with a bonus of the various tourist sites that you can go to off port. It is always a great idea if you have the budget. After all, a week-long cruise vacation may be too short for the endless attractions to explore while on board. 

11. Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line

Best cruise ship for the entire family 

A famous Disney song said that a dream that you wish for will come true, and that’s certainly what happened with the Disney Wish. Starting 2022, you will be able to experience all-enchantment while sailing through the seas, with your favourite Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters brought to life in the most unique way possible. Disney Wish is the cruise ship version of most kids’  favourite place on Earth, Disneyland, so for sure, your youngsters will have the time of their lives while on board. Not only the little ones, but even grown adults, too!  The bonus is that every guest will enjoy some amazing ocean views on the side, as well. Cinematic dining experience, spectacular Broadway-style shows, fun-filled water slides – Disney Wish is your happily ever after in the sea!

The Disney theme does not only stop at the cruise ship’s entertainment options. The staterooms are also overflowing with the Disney enchantment, which can be seen in the artworks and subtle touches that celebrate iconic elements of Disney films. From magic castles to enchanted woodlands to the spirit of the sea!

Cruise ship highlights:

• 144,000 tonnage
• 4,000 passengers capacity with 1,555 crew members onboard
• With multiple themed spaces bursting with Disney storytelling and fun activities
• Disney Uncharted Adventure interactive game onboard for everyone for the ultimate immersive Disney experience
• Variety of Disney-themed dining options

12. Cunard’s New Ship

Newest addition

Last but definitely not least, is the newest cruise ship from Cunard. We may not know its name yet, but we are already looking forward to the distinctive Cunard signatures and new experiences that await in this cruise ship. Also, this ship will be the first new Cunarder for well over a decade, so we can only expect great things from this one. After all, its construction is too many years in the making and involves a world-class design team.

We hope that our guide on the 12 Best Cruise Ships of 2022 will help you find the best cruise ship for the ultimate sea vacation of your life. If you found this useful, please share it with your friends and family! 

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