If you are looking to plan the perfect summer vacation this year, there are plenty of options for cruises all over the globe on some of the hottest new ships offering amenities that everyone in the family will love. So, whether you are cruising with the kids, are considering a multi-generational family trip, or just want to get away with your significant other, check out our list of the Best Summer Cruises for 2019.
Best Summer Cruises for 2019
Bahamas
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perhaps one of the most talked about cruise destinations this summer is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s newly renovated private island in the Bahamas. This resort now offers amazing thrills like the tallest waterslide in North America and a zipline, as well as the new Oasis Lagoon pool area complete with a swim up bar, several beaches, and plenty of kid-friendly areas.
For a quick summer getaway to this private oasis, you can hop onboard either Mariner of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas for a 3 or 4 day trip to the Bahamas. Mariner of the Seas is currently sailing out of Port Canaveral, while Navigator of the Seas is sailing from Miami. Both ships have recently been amplified adding some of the coolest venues and features at sea. The most difficult decision might be which ship to choose!
Related Post: Read our Complete Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review
Disney Dream
Disney Dream is another great alternative for a Bahamas cruise with the family this summer. Disney Dream is sailing 3, 4, and 5 night cruises from Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. At Castaway Cay, you can enjoy the best of both worlds- a relaxing beach day and some Disney magic like exclusive character meet and greets. Back onboard the ship, your family can enjoy Disney-themed production shows, Pirate Night, or some quiet adult time in the upscale restaurant Remy.
Caribbean
Carnival Horizon
If you want to take a trip to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship this summer, then you will want to hop onboard Carnival Horizon. This ship offers plenty of activities for families and big kids at heart. Featuring an IMAX theater, a Dr. Suess waterpark, the Skyride (a bicycle track suspended over the ship), Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, plenty of other great dining and bar options, as well as adult only areas, Carnival Horizon offers something for everyone in your family. This summer, the ship will be alternating between Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami.
MSC Seaside
Maybe you are looking for a cruise to the Caribbean this summer that offers something a bit different but at a discount price. Then, MSC Seaside might be your best option. This family-owned company has recently entered the American cruise market with the addition of MSC Seaside. This ship offers 3 pools and a large waterpark area, a variety of unique specialty restaurants, a waterfront boardwalk, and plenty of fun for the kids including waterslides, rope bridges, and a zipline that crosses the entire length of the ship. MSC Seaside departs from Miami, Florida offering both Eastern and Western Caribbean routes.
Norwegian Breakaway
The original Breakaway class ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Breakaway, is sailing 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami this summer. The ship will be visiting popular ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, St. Thomas, Nassau, and the cruise line’s new private island in Belize, Harvest Caye.
With its Free at Sea promotion and freestyle approach to dining, NCL Breakaway offers a great family summer cruise option that is laid back and won’t break the bank. Onboard Breakaway, you can enjoy 3 Broadway shows, waterslides, a ropes course, and several restaurant and bar options like the line’s signature Cagney’s Steakhouse.
Symphony of the Seas
For some cruisers, bigger is better. If you fall into that category, then you will want to book your summer cruise on one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships- Allure, Harmony, or Symphony of the Seas. Each of these 3 vessels will be sailing the Caribbean this summer offering slightly different Eastern and Western Caribbean routes with some even stopping at the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas for your own Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean leads the pack when it comes to cruise ship entertainment featuring multiple different venues like the outdoor Aqua Theater, Studio B ice rink, and Broadway productions in the main theater. Not to mention, these ships are so massive that they even have neighborhoods like the Boardwalk and Central Park!
Related Post: Read our Complete Symphony of the Seas Cruise Review
Alaska
Norwegian Bliss
If you are planning a summer cruise to Alaska this season, Norwegian Bliss should certainly be on the top of your list. This ship offers several unique features with firsts at sea, like a racetrack and outdoor laser tag. Yes, it is a great ship for families, but also for us big kids.
The line’s unique Freestyle Dining lets you choose when and where you want to eat with over a dozen dining options. These include Q Texas Smokehouse and the new Los Lobos Mexican restaurant. At night, the main theater comes alive with the award-winning musical Jersey Boys. Norwegian Bliss is sailing the classic Alaskan itinerary from Seattle in 2019 with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria, BC.
Related Post: Read our Complete Norwegian Bliss Alaska Cruise Review
Norwegian Joy
Not to be outdone, Norwegian Cruise Line added a second Breakaway-Plus class ship to Alaska in 2019. Norwegian Joy offers many of the same amenities and onboard experiences as NCL Bliss but has some surprises of its own. The ship offers cruises stopping at Icy Strait Point, along with alternative timed stops at other ports.
Norwegian Joy is home to the Galaxy Pavilion, an interactive digital playground with virtual reality experiences, 5-D ride simulators, and other technologically-enhanced entertainment options. The ship is also home to the highly acclaimed show Footloose and the Observation Lounge offering unparalleled views while you are cruising the North Pacific Ocean.
Ovation of the Seas
The largest ship to ever cruise in Alaska, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas offers some of the most innovative features at sea. Built for cold water cruising, the ship’s SeaPlex is a massive indoor complex featuring bumper cars and roller skating. There is also the innovative North Star. This aerial gondola that extends 300 feet above sea level will give you a one of a kind view of the Alaskan landscape. There is even a sky diving simulator and distinct entertainment in several venues like the digitally enhanced Two70. Ovation of the Seas is sailing 7-day round-trip cruises from Seattle visiting ports that have the berths to handle a ship of this magnitude.
Bermuda
Norwegian Escape
If you are thinking about taking a cruise to Bermuda this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape is one of the best ship’s sailing to the region this season. Offering 7-night cruises from New York, this itinerary boasts 2 overnight stays in Bermuda in addition to 3 full sea days. This will give you plenty of time to experience all the best things to do in Bermuda like exploring the Royal Naval Dockyard or visiting one of the world famous pink sand beaches.
Norwegian Escape has some of the best bars and lounges at sea including the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and the District Brewhouse. With a ropes course, water slides, the adult’s only Spice H20, and specialty children’s programs, cruisers of all ages will have plenty to keep them occupied on sea days.
Anthem of the Seas
A sophisticated Quantum-class ship, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has headed back to Bermuda this season. The ship offers 5-night voyages to Bermuda from Cape Liberty, NJ. With one overnight in Bermuda, cruisers can enjoy two full days of sightseeing. Whether you choose to explore historic St. George’s or spend the day lounging at one of the beautiful beaches, like Horseshoe Bay Beach, you are sure to have a blast.
Back onboard, Anthem of the Seas boasts plenty of amenities to keep you entertained like signature nightly entertainment, the North Star aerial gondola, the elegant Esplanade lined with bars and restaurants, bumper cars, roller skating, and more.
Related Post: Read our Complete Anthem of the Seas Bermuda Cruise Review
Celebrity Summit
For those who have more refined tastes, we suggest heading to Bermuda on Celebrity Summit this summer. The premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises, is known for its modern luxury. Not to mention, Celebrity Summit has just undergone an expansive modernization including adding new staterooms, a new suite class experience, and re-imagined restaurants. Departing from Cape Liberty, Celebrity Summit is sailing regular 7-night itineraries that include 2 overnights on the island and 3 sea days, giving you plenty of time to experience Bermuda as well as the newly revolutionized ship. There are also a couple select 11-night sailings that include stops in New England and Bermuda.
Mediterranean
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge is certainly one of the most anticipated ships of the year and is on the top of many cruisers’ 2019 wish list. The largest ship to date for Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Edge is home to a variety of new dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences including the dynamic entertainment space Eden, the new Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Petit Chef and Friends dining experience, the SEA Thermal Suite, the larger than life Martini Bar, and much more.
This summer, Celebrity Edge has transitioned to Europe to offer cruises visiting popular ports in Italy, France, and Spain. These one way cruises from either Barcelona or Rome offer a one of a kind way to experience a Mediterranean cruise this summer.
Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic is another great option for a summer cruise to the Mediterranean. Offering 7-night roundtrip sailings from either Barcelona or Rome, Norwegian Epic offers plenty of family friendly activities to keep you entertained when you are not exploring the exciting ports of call. Home to many of Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature bars and restaurants, this ship also offers signature entertainment like Cirque Dreams Epicurean, Burn the Floor, and the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Not to mention, there is also the popular Howl at the Moon dueling Piano Bar, the Cavern Club with a Beatles cover band, and the one of a kind Ice Bar.
Oasis of the Seas
If you are cruising with kids to the Mediterranean this summer, they will love Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. This larger than life ship is offering 7-night roundtrip Western Mediterranean cruises from either Barcelona or Rome visiting all the popular ports of call in this region. While you will have long days exploring ashore, you will need to make time for all the exciting onboard amenities as well. With a carousel, a zipline, a surf simulator, mini-golf, some of the best signature entertainment at sea, and even the tranquil greenspace of Central Park, you will certainly be tired trying to experience it all on this port intensive cruise. You might need a vacation from your vacation by the end of the week!
Hawaii
Pride of America
As the only ship sailing in Hawaii year-round, NCL’s Pride of America is an easy choice for a summer cruise to the Pacific this year. This Americana-themed ship sails a 7-night roundtrip itinerary from Honolulu offering a comprehensive Polynesian experience. Featuring some familiar favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, in addition to some unique Hawaiian themed venues, Pride of America serves as a great backdrop to your long days ashore. With unlimited beverages now included as one of the Free at Sea offers, you can’t go wrong.
This cruise visits Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai with overnight stops in both Maui and Kauai giving you even more time to explore the volcanoes, waterfalls, and other picturesque landscapes of Hawaii.
What are you waiting for? Have you booked your summer cruise yet?
Comments
Have you sailed on any of these great ships? Which of these destinations are you visiting this summer? Drop us an anchor below to share your picks for the Best Summer Cruises of 2019.
