U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs, has released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines.

The 2023 rankings highlight 17 cruise lines to help every type of traveler find the cruise that's right for them. For the first time, Virgin Voyages takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money ranking, offering the best value among cruise lines. U.S. News considered the overall cruise line quality and average base fare per night, as well as extra benefits such as free gratuities, Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

For the ninth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families. The family-oriented line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more. Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.

"After more than two years of sailing restrictions and limited voyage options due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruisers and cruise lines are excited to be on the seas again,'' said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings evaluate a variety of cruise types, making it easy for travelers to find the best options that fit their budgets, cruising styles and desired destinations."

U.S. News ranks cruise lines in six categories: Best Cruise Lines for the Money, Best Cruise Lines for Families, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in expert evaluations of ship quality, traveler ratings, health assessment results and more.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

Best Cruise Lines for the Money	Best Cruise Lines for Families
1. Virgin Voyages	1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Carnival Cruise Line	2. Royal Caribbean International
3. Celebrity Cruises	3. Carnival Cruise Line
4. MSC Cruises	4. Norwegian Cruise Line
5. Princess Cruises	5. MSC Cruises
6. Royal Caribbean International	6. Costa Cruises
7. Holland America Line
8. Norwegian Cruise Line
9. Costa Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Couples	Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
1. Viking Ocean Cruises	1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Seabourn Cruise Line	2. Virgin Voyages
3. Azamara	3. Celebrity Cruises
4. Virgin Voyages	4. Royal Caribbean International
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	5. Carnival Cruise Line
6. Celebrity Cruises	6. Holland America Line
7. Oceania Cruises	7. Norwegian Cruise Line
8. Silversea Cruises	8. Princess Cruises
9. Holland America Line	9. MSC Cruises
10. Cunard Line

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean	Best Luxury Cruise Lines
1. Viking Ocean Cruises	1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line	2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Azamara	3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
4. Celebrity Cruises	4. Azamara
5. Oceania Cruises	3. Silversea Cruises
6. MSC Cruises	6. Oceania Cruises
7. Costa Cruises
8. Royal Caribbean International
9. Norwegian Cruise Line
10. Princess Cruises