Best Cruises to the Pacific

Viking's newest ocean ship, which set sail in 2018, can accommodate up to 930 guests. 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 2018-19, Viking Orion sails to Australia and New Zealand, Alaska and Vancouver, Tokyo, Bangkok, Sydney 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 multiple dining venues, including two specialty restaurants, a main dining room and three causal venues.

The ship's staterooms were recently refurbished 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 at one of Quest's multiple bar areas. 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.

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 2018-19, Sojourn sails to destinations in Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Canada, Alaska and more. Itineraries are as short as eight days and as long as 72 days. Soujourn is set to begin cruises to various ports in Cuba, including Havana, in October 2019.  

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 by Relais & Châteaux.

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 2018-19, Silver Muse sails to a number of areas, including Hong Kong, Bali, Sydney, Vancouver and Anchorage, Alaska. 

Oceania's Marina accommodates up to 1,250 passengers and employs 800 crew members, maintaining the personalized service that the line is known for. Last refurbished in 2016, Marina offers signature amenities like the Canyon Ranch Spa, a casino and a 2,000-book library. Onboard entertainment includes nightly live shows, painting and sketching lessons at the Artist Loft and cooking demos at The Culinary Center.

Cruisers can choose from seven dining venues, including specialty restaurants like Jacques (with menus crafted by chef Jacques Pépin) and the Asian-inspired eatery Red Ginger, which recent passengers highly recommend.

Similar to its sister ship, Riviera, cabins range from 174-square-foot Inside staterooms to 2,000-square-foot Suites. Higher category Veranda cabins and Suites come with perks like balconies, access to a Concierge Lounge, in-room iPads and more. All staterooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, full-size bathtubs, and minibars stocked with soda and bottled water.

In 2018-19, Oceania Marina sails to destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, South America 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 five eateries available to guests, with a sixth to be added in spring 2019. Current dining options include the main dining room, a buffet, The Grill by Thomas Keller (a Michelin-starred chef) and more.

In 2018-19, Ovation sails throughout Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Recently refurbished in 2016 (and first launched in 2008), the 2,852-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.

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts 10 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 2018-19, Celebrity Solstice sails to Australia and New Zealand, Alaska and Hawaiian ports in Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

Oceania Regatta was built in 1998 and last overhauled in 2014. 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.

The 684 passengers on board 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. Some recent passengers felt that for the price, the ship could use a facelift. It is set to receive just that in the fall of 2019.

In 2018-19, Regatta sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and ports in the South Pacific, like Tahiti. 

Similar to its sister ships, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager, the 698-passenger Seven Seas Mariner makes service a top priority with a 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio.

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 Canyon Ranch Spa 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 have 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 2018-19, Seven Seas Mariner will mostly sail through the Pacific Northwest, between Vancouver, Canada, and Anchorage, Alaska. Additionally, one sailing departs from Vancouver and ends in Los Angeles.

Launched in 2007 and most recently updated in May 2017, Queen Victoria features all the hallmarks of the Cunard line (personalized customer service and elegant entertainment options geared toward an older crowd), plus upgraded staterooms, new Britannia Club dining, a revamped sun deck and more. With a passenger capacity of roughly 2,000, Queen Victoria is Cunard’s smallest ship. 

Queen Victoria features Cunard's standard upscale accommodation options, including Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites. The ship also offers Single cabins designed for solo travelers. All cabins feature amenities like minifridges and flat-screen TVs. Suites include walk-in closets and bathrooms with tubs.

When it comes to dining, Queen Victoria offers six options ranging from casual fare at Lido to contemporary French cuisine at the specialty Verandah Restaurant (for an extra fee). The ship also offers a variety of activities and entertainment options, including lectures, fitness classes and spa treatments.

In the evenings, guests can participate in themed galas or enjoy theatrical productions and live music. Keep in mind that there is an elegant dress code for nighttime activities. Some may find this a hassle, though many recent cruisers were pleased with this extra air of sophistication that's typically absent on other ships.