New rankings: World's best cruises

"Having the ability to accommodate thousands of guests per ship allows Royal Caribbean to keep rates low," says the U.S. News and World Report rankings on Best Cruise Lines. "Cruisers won't have trouble finding itineraries costing less than $100 per person per day."
Character meet and greets, diverse kids' programs and kid-free zones for parents are reasons this Disney ship is named the best for family cruises.

In North America alone, the cruise industry projection for 2013 is 17.6 million passengers, up from 17.2 million last year, according toCruise Lines International Association.
Globally, the number is more than 20 million.
For would-be cruisers who just can't deal with choice overload, U.S. News and World Report has ranked the best cruise lines and ships according to traveler type.
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The magazine calls Celebrity Cruises' "Reflection" the world's "Best Affordable Cruise," and says the recent publicity hits across the industry have translated into bargain prices for passengers.
Crystal Cruises' "Symphony" is the top pick for "Best Luxury Cruise."
"The Crystal Symphony's calling card isn't only its delectable cuisine or its stylish staterooms," says the report. "Seafarers opt for this vessel year after year for its superior service and stimulating onboard entertainment."
The magazine based its rankings on traveler ratings from data collected in collaboration with Cruiseline.com, opinions from travel experts and official safety evaluations.
The top cruises by category are summarized below. See the comprehensive rankings here.
Best Cruise Lines
Best Cruise Line for the Money: Royal Caribbean International 
Best Cruise Line for Families: Disney Cruise Line 
Best Cruise Line for Romance: Crystal Cruises 
Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean: Disney Cruise Line 
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises
Best Cruise Ships
Best Affordable Cruise: Celebrity "Reflection 
Best Luxury Cruise: Celebrity "Symphony" 
Best Cruise for Couples: Crystal "Symphony" 
Best Cruise for Families: "Disney Dream" 
Best Cruise for Groups: Silversea "Silver Shadow" 
Best Cruise for Singles: Silversea "Silver Spirit"
Best Cruises by Region
Alaska: Silversea "Silver Shadow" 
Caribbean: Crystal "Symphony" 
Europe: Crystal "Symphony" 
Mediterranean: Silversea "Silver Spirit" 
Mexico: Holland America "ms Statendam" 
Pacific: Crystal "Symphony"
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