Consumer Reports Has Named The No. 1 Cruise Line For Overall Satisfaction

Expectations can be sky high when it comes to cruising. Ads from top names in the industry suggest that you will embark on a vacation of a lifetime, visiting dreamy ports of call and spending nights canoodling under the stars. When it comes to delivering on those promises, however, one cruise line sails away as the clear winner. Consumer Reports named National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions as the world's No. 1 line for overall customer satisfaction, earning the company's coveted "Recommended" status. It bested Windstar Cruises and Viking, who tied for second. 

Consumer Reports, a non-profit media organization known for independent product reviews, surveyed its nearly 19,000 members about their cruise experiences in the last three years. Members rated their satisfaction with the five most salient reasons people choose this method of travel, including cruise value; meal quality and variety; customer service standards; and the caliber of onboard activities, entertainment, and onshore excursions. Digging deeper, the organization also sought feedback on cruise cleanliness, price transparency, the embarkation and disembarkation process, and disability accessibility.

With a score of 93, Lindblad Expeditions earned top honors among 19 cruise lines. Before you call your travel agent, however, know that this isn't a mainstream cruise where you party all day on the lido deck, a reason you may avoid taking a cruise. The collaboration between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, with the latter a pioneer in ecotourism and the first to take passengers to Antarctica, is about adventure-filled voyages, often to remote destinations. That means you may journey to the ends of the Earth, walking amid gentoo penguins in Antarctica or snorkeling among sea lions in the Galapagos. And these all-inclusive vacations don't come cheap, with some expeditions costing tens of thousands of dollars; airfare is usually extra.

To give you your money's worth, Lindblad does things differently than other mainstream cruises, including going places others don't. With more than 100 expedition cruises, it sails to about 70 countries spanning every continent, such as the wild Arctic shores of Iceland, Indonesia's Spice Islands, and the basalt peaks of the Azores. In contrast, big ship lines like Royal Caribbean may "drive by" Antarctica for photos but don't typically get too close to the action.

Unlike other itineraries, Lindblad cruises, which last from five to a whopping 69 days (for the Epic Northwest Passage trip fetching $108,000 per person), often sail just one way. So, the Coastal Norwegian Voyage will start in Edinburgh, Scotland, and disembark in Tromsø, Norway, for example. Another trip highlight is that naturalists accompany each group to provide photo tips and insights about your excursion's geography, history, and wildlife, whether you're hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling. Getting you up close and personal to those ice floes is also an expedition hallmark, achieved via the ship's Zodiac boats, sturdy rubber vessels used for landings through tougher terrain.

Guests should keep in mind that plans are a bit more nimble on these expeditions. With the cruise line's focus on safety and respect for wildlife, ships will often pivot to plan B if the seas are too stormy or if too many fur seals are in a landing spot, says one Reddit reviewer. At the same time, the crew may reorient the boat for a prime view of whales feeding while you dine, notes another Reddit reviewer. And, your view will not be blocked by crowds: Lindblad keeps capacity tight, with no more than 150 passengers, so accessing those breakfast and lunch buffets isn't a headache.

What you don't get on Lindblad Expeditions are heaps of unique ship attractions, like go-carts or non-stop on-board activity, something to keep in mind for those days at sea. Images posted on the cruise line's website showing passengers reading in hammocks or doing morning stretches evoke serenity and relaxation. The wellness theme continues with fitness centers, yoga studios, glass-walled saunas, and infinity hot tubs. Adventurous guests can bunk overnight in on-deck, glass igloos but should wear sunblock for that midnight Arctic sun. Evening entertainment focuses on recaps of the day with the expedition team and fellow travelers or short, informational talks, while some ships offer live performances reflecting the local cultures. Save the gambling and dance moves for other cruise lines.

While some cruisers who reviewed Lindblad Expeditions thought the food could be better, most past customers praised the caliber of these trips. "This was my 7th Lindblad expedition and I loved this as much as all the others," writes one Yelp fan. "I am in awe we were able to give a grey whale a belly rub [and] snorkel with sea lions." Another satisfied traveler appreciated the personal touch from the crew. "They quickly learned names and personal preferences," comments blogger Adventures In Sweets, adding that expert guides "were available to chat with guests during meals and looked for ways to make the experience special for each passenger." And one tipster from Cruise Critic liked pushing her limits. "The expeditions off of the ship are exhilarating and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. ... Looking forward to our next adventure." If you're not quite ready to commit to the price or the expedition lifestyle, check out these cruise lines for travelers who want luxury on a budget.