7 best cruise destinations for 2019, according to thousands of reviews

In 2018, cruising was estimated to be a more than $45.6 billion industry, and in 2019, 30 million passengers are expected to cruise, according to a Cruise Lines International Association report. 

So whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a veteran, choosing where to cruise can be daunting with so many options available.

On Wednesday, cruise reviews website Cruise Critic released its annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards based on thousands of customer reviews over the past 12 months to help travelers narrow down their options from people who have been there.

While the Caribbean is a hot spot for cruisers, more “off-the-beaten-path” cruise destinations gained in popularity this year, according to Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic.

This year’s “most popular cruise destination” goes to a river cruise in Avignon, France (where the Obamas recently vacationed), located in the Provence region, after receiving the highest rating from travelers among all cruise destinations across the globe.

Avignon, which is located on the left bank of the Rhone river and has a population of less than 100,000 people, was also named the best European river cruise destination by Cruise Critic.

Here are the most popular cruise destinations worldwide, according to Cruise Critic.