Best Cruises to the Pacific

One of Viking's newest ocean ships, the 930-passenger Viking Orion set sail in 2018. All staterooms on the Viking Orion are equipped with balconies, flat-screen LCD TVs and minibars. Cabins also feature bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and heated floors.

When it's time to relax, cruisers can head to the spa for a treatment or – for a unique experience – cool their body temperatures down in the snow grotto (where snowflakes fall) before jumping into the sauna or hot tub to warm up. Recent travelers said this spa experience is not to be missed. 

The ship is also home to a fitness center, a living room that hosts live entertainment, a library, shops, a salon and two movie theaters. The main pool area is expansive, featuring ample lounge seating, a retractable roof and a poolside bar. At night, the ship screens poolside movies under the stars. 

Viking Orion's guests can enjoy meals at several onboard restaurants, including the main restaurant where menus rotate daily. Or, guests can book a private dining room for intimate gatherings. Recent cruisers raved about the service and food quality across the ship. Come nighttime, the ship's theater offers live performances ranging from themed shows to history and art lectures.

In 2019-20, Viking Orion sails to Australia and New Zealand, Alaska and Vancouver, Tokyo, Bangkok, Sydney and more. 

Silversea's largest ship to date, Silver Muse, is the line's newest flagship (it debuted in April 2017). Muse offers nearly a 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, with 411 crew members and space for 596 passengers.

Among the ship's standout features are its spacious all-suite accommodations, which range from 334 square feet to 1,389 square feet. All cabins are serviced by a butler and include Pratesi bed linens, a marble bath with Bulgari toiletries and a picture window or balcony. While all passengers are treated to a complimentary hour of internet per day, those staying in upgraded suites get extras like balconies, multiple flat-screen TVs and interactive media libraries.

When it comes to dining, Silver Muse boasts eight venues that showcase a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as French fare at the upscale La Dame.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, Silver Muse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges.

In 2019-20, Silver Muse sails to a number of areas in Asia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, as well as some transoceanic voyages. 

The 458-passenger Seabourn Sojourn debuted in June 2010 and features all-suite accommodations. About 90 percent of the suites offer verandas, and all accommodations provide 24-hour room service, flat-screen TVs, bathrooms with dual sinks and a separate living area and bedroom. What's more, cruisers are welcomed with complimentary Champagne upon arrival and can enjoy a fruit basket that's refreshed daily. A suite stewardess is assigned to each cabin to assist with requests as well. Sojourn is virtually identical to its sister ships, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Quest. 

Outside the rooms, travelers can gamble at the casino, work up a sweat in the fitness center or relax at the spa. Those interested in soaking up the sun can snag a spot by one of two swimming pools or enjoy one of six hot tubs. Cruisers can also fuel their competitive juices with a round of shuffleboard or golf on the nine-hole putting green. When anchored, vacationers in select destinations can take advantage of the ship's water sports equipment, such as kayaks and paddle boats.

There are four dining venues to choose from on the Seabourn Sojourn, including casual and fine dining options. In the evening, cruisers can enjoy cocktails at one of the bars or dance under the stars. The ship's nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio means cruisers should expect exceptional service.

In 2019-20, Sojourn sails to destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and more.

The 690-passenger Azamara Journey attracts travelers who like large-ship amenities and enriching onboard programs (think a guest lecture series, culinary demonstrations and sommelier-led wine tastings) without the crowds. Plus, with 408 crew members on board, Journey offers a higher level of personalization than a megaship. While staterooms are appointed with minibars, flat-screen TVs and modern decor, suites include extras such as 240 free internet minutes and complimentary seating in the ship's specialty dining restaurants. 

Cruisers have plenty of food options to choose from, including seven restaurants, cafes and lounges – all of which recent guests praise. Journey also offers an all-new vegan menu for passengers who follow a plant-based diet. The ship offers a complimentary cultural immersion program on sailings of seven or more nights (known as AzAmazing Evenings), entertainment options like live theatre shorts and Broadway entertainment, a spa and a fitness center. Journey was revitalized in early 2016 to include updated technology and a refreshed interior. 

In 2019-20, Azamara Journey embarks from multiple ports, including Barcelona; Miami; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Los Angeles for sailings in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and more. 

Like its sister, Seabourn Ovation, the 600-passenger Seabourn Encore is one of the larger ships in the fleet. The ship debuted in December 2016 and maintains a roughly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Every cabin in the all-suite Seabourn Encore has a veranda with ocean views. Additionally, all accommodations offer designer bath products, a stocked bar, a flat-screen TV, personalized stationery and complimentary 24-hour room service. All guests are greeted with Champagne and fresh fruit upon arrival.

As for activities and onboard amenities, Seabourn Encore features two swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, a spa and a fitness center with complimentary fitness classes. Once nighttime falls, cruisers can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor bars, as well as the Grand Salon performance venue and a casino. There are also six eateries available, including The Grill by Thomas Keller and a sushi restaurant. During their downtime, guests will enjoy The Retreat, a serene new sanctuary with comfortable lounge chairs. 

In 2019-20, Ovation sails throughout Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Recently refurbished in 2016 (and first launched in 2008), the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice offers a sushi restaurant and the Alcoves retreat (a private cabana area with dedicated attendants) in the Lawn Club. Other daytime activities range from spa treatments to cooking lessons to art classes. Young passengers ages 3 to 17 can also participate in age-appropriate youth clubs. The ship will receive its next full refurbishment in late 2021. 

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts eight restaurants, half of which are specialty spots that require an extra fee. Guests were pleased with the cuisine variety, and with a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ration, the ship makes service a priority.

When it comes to lodging, 85 percent of Solstice's cabins feature verandas. Guests can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins, all with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Those who spring for an AquaClass cabin receive additional amenities, like an upgraded room service menu. 

In 2019-20, Celebrity Solstice sails to Australia and New Zealand, Alaska and Hawaiian ports in Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

As part of Oceania's fleetwide revamp, Regatta was completely redesigned in September 2019. Passengers in Veranda Staterooms and Suites will enjoy verandas and spaces ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet, while Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller. No matter which you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, plus all-new furnishings and marble bathrooms.

The 684 passengers will receive Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guests' needs. Recent cruisers noted they rarely encountered crowds in the ship's public areas. The atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult, as the ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. All-new plant-based menu items are also available. 

In 2019-20, Regatta sails to destinations in Canada, Asia, ports in the South Pacific (like Tahiti) and more. 

The 670-passenger Pacific Princess, recently refurbished in June 2019, is the smallest ship in the Princess fleet. It caters to travelers looking for quieter, more personalized onboard experiences than those offered on megaships. Past cruisers described the 375-person staff as warm and gracious.

There's plenty of breathing room on board, with seven dining venues (including two specialty restaurants, a buffet, a main dining room and three casual eateries) and three lounges. When it comes to activities, passengers can get treatments at the Lotus Spa, participate in wine tastings, take a dip in the saltwater pool or attend expert lectures as part of the Discovery at SEA program. Come nightfall, cruisers can take in shows at the theater or play games in the casino. That said, youth-oriented programming is limited. 

At the end of the night, travelers will retreat to staterooms outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minibars. While Interior cabins measure between 158 and 162 square feet, Mini-Suites occupy a larger 323 square feet and include two flat-screen TVs and sofa beds. Pacific Princess does not yet offer the OceanMedallion wearable device on its sailings. 

In 2019-20, Pacific Princess sails to destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean, as well as extended worldwide itineraries. 

Similar to its sister ships, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager, the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner makes service a top priority with 445 crew members on board.

Refurbished in 2018 (and debuted in 2001), the Mariner features new decor and finishings throughout, a completely remodeled library in a new location and a revamped pool deck with an open layout and new tile and teak surfaces. The Serene Spa & Wellness center received a new design with light wood accents and pebble-stone tiles, while the fitness and aerobics center offers new equipment. Onboard activities include theatrical productions, casino games and sipping cocktails in one of five lounge areas.

Across the ship, there are seven eateries total. All have been stylishly redesigned, including the Prime 7 steakhouse and the flagship Compass Rose restaurant. The Signatures restaurant was replaced with Chartreuse, a guest favorite aboard other Regent ships that highlights modern French cuisine. During the day, guests can enjoy the expanded lunch offerings at the outdoor Pool Grill or snack at the informal Coffee Connection. As with all Regent Seven Seas ships, specialty dining and shore excursions are included in the cruise fare.

Best of all, the all-suite accommodations received new beds with plush leather headboards, sitting areas and new artwork. All cabins are outfitted with welcome bottles of Champagne, private balconies, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms.

In 2019-20, Seven Seas Mariner sails through Africa, Asia, Bermuda, the South Pacific and more.

Like its sister ship, the Azamara Journey, Quest appeals to travelers seeking an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. According to recent cruisers, the 690-passenger vessel is small enough to provide individualized service (thanks to its excellent crew-to-passenger ratio) but large enough to offer seven dining venues, including two specialty restaurants.

The ship's staterooms were last refurbished in 2016 and include flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Suites offer additional perks, such as 240 free internet minutes and complimentary seating at the ship's specialty dining restaurants. Cruisers can also spend time at the spa and fitness facilities, which previous passengers described as modern and comfortable.

Onboard entertainment includes seminars and wine tastings, among other enrichment programs. At night, passengers can enjoy blackjack in the Casino, watch live performances at the Cabaret Lounge or sip cocktails in The Den lounge. On top of all that, itineraries that are seven or more nights include a complimentary night experiencing local culture in a port, known as AzAmazing Evenings.

In 2019-20, Azamara Quest sails from multiple ports, including Dubai; Cape Town, South Africa; and Athens, Greece. Itineraries feature stops across the Mediterranean, Asia, Africa and more.