Cruise Critic, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has announced the winners of its 8th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, naming the best of the cruise industry in 25 categories, chosen by Cruise Critic’s international team of editors. Focused primarily on ocean cruises in the past, this is the first year a full list of awards for river cruises has also been announced.
“Our editors live and breathe cruising, sailing year-round and covering every aspect of the industry – from new ships and programs to updated amenities and features,” explained Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. “With so many wonderful cruise options available, it’s never an easy list to narrow down, but these awards truly represent the lines that our experts have recognized as the best of the best. This year we also highlight the top river cruise lines, reflecting the growth of this sector – in terms of both interest and options.”
In this year’s awards, announced today, Viking Star was named Best New Ship of 2015 in the ocean category. As the first ship in the Viking Oceans fleet, the 930-passenger Viking Star offers an entirely new product for cruisers. Beyond the ship’s overall design – which editors compared to a boutique hotel – Viking also carried over its more inclusive price structure from its river offerings, with inclusions like complimentary Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner and a free shore excursion in every port.
Carnival Cruise Line was named Best Value-for-Money for the second year in a row for its range of affordable fares and well-rounded offerings onboard. In the river category this award went to Emerald Waterways for its variety of inclusions and onboard amenities.
Azamara Club Cruises was awarded Best Shore Excursions for the second consecutive year, a nod to the line’s range of tour options – from small-group cultural experiences during the day, to tours and outings in the evening. Azamara also received Best Itineraries for its ability to visit less frequented ports, and its commitment to destination immersion.
In the river category, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection received awards for Best River Cruise Line, Best New River Ship – for the new S.S. Maria Theresa – and Best Shore Excursions. Editors praised the line’s lavish onboard offerings and amenities, new itineraries and innovative excursion offerings.
2015 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards (Ocean)
Best New Ship: Viking Star (Viking Ocean Cruises)
Best Ship Refurbishment: Star Breeze (Windstar Cruises)
Best for Luxury: Crystal Cruises
Best for Families: Royal Caribbean International
Best Itineraries: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Adventure: Un-Cruise Adventures
Best Value-for-Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Inside Cabins: Disney Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: MSC Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best North American Homeport: Port Canaveral
2015 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards (River)
Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best New River Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa (Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection)
Best Dining: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Enrichment: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Best Shore Excursions: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best Value-for-Money: Emerald Waterways
Source: Cruise Critic
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