Is picking the top ships of the year more of an art or a science? Is it a matter of quantifiable parameters, or is it more gut instinct?
The answer is: It's all those things. When examining the mainstream and luxury ships currently in service for the American market and beyond, we looked for true standouts: ships that offer unique services or experiences, ships that surpass the competition, and ships that point the way toward new or better ways of doing things.
When it comes to these Top 12 Ships of 2012, the itineraries may almost seem beside the point.
Photo Caption: The Disney Fantasy under construction
