Cruise Critic Announces 2016 Editors’ Picks Awards – DCL Awarded Best for Foodies & Families

Cruise Critic, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has announced the winners of its 9th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, naming the best cruise lines of the year across dozens of categories, as chosen by the site’s international team of editors. This is the first year that Cruise Critic has named a full list of winners in a luxury category.

Disney Cruise Line was named Best Dining and Best for Families, with editors highlighting the standout service and food in the line’s dining venues, and the variety of onboard venues for family members of all ages – from kids clubs to adults-only venues.

In the river category, AmaWaterways was named the year’s Best River Cruise Line for its attractive amenities for a wide range of travelers – including families and active cruisers – helping to expand river cruising’s audience and offerings. The line was also named Best for Families for its new partnership with Adventures by Disney.

“Cruising has evolved an incredible amount over the past few years,” explains Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of Cruise Critic. “With so many innovations in technology, onboard offerings and the overall vacation experience, there are some great options out there for those looking to plan a cruise. This list – hand-selected by our cruise experts based on their own first-hand experiences and extensive coverage of the industry — highlights those lines that stand out among an impressive line-up helping travelers narrow down their choices and feel confident when making a booking decision.”

Carnival Vista – Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, launched in May 2016 – was named the year’s Best New Ship, with editors stating it may be Carnival’s best ship ever. The ship was praised for its wide-ranging amenities, including an onboard water park, brewery and 14 restaurants. The line also won Best Value for Money for the third consecutive year for its affordable fares and complimentary activities and dining venues.

Viking River Cruises received Best Itineraries for the second year in a row, for providing river cruising’s widest range of river options. Emerald Waterways received Best Value for Money – also for the second consecutive year – for its competitive pricing and number of base price inclusions.

In the inaugural luxury category, Seabourn was named the Best Luxury Cruise Line for its impeccable service, creative itineraries and sophisticated touches.  Viking Ocean Cruises was named Best Value for Money for its extensive list of inclusions.

Seattle was named the Best U.S. Homeport in this year’s Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards for its numerous attractions and new Central Link light rail system, making it easier than ever for cruisers to enjoy the port’s charms.

2016 Cruise Critic Editor’s Picks Awards
Best New Ship: Carnival Vista
Best Ship Refurbishment: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
Best Dining: Disney Cruise Line
Best Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: Holland America Line
Best Inside Cabins: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Itineraries: Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Princess Cruises
Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions
Best for Romance: Princess Cruises
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
Best North American Homeport: Seattle, WA

River Category
Best River Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Best New River Cruise Ship: Crystal Mozart
Best Luxury River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Dining: Tauck River Cruising
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Scenic
Best Enrichment: American Cruise Lines
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
Best Value for Money: Emerald Waterways

Luxury Category
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best New Luxury Ship: Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer
Best Refurbishment: Azamara Journey/Azamara Quest
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Cabins: Regent Seven Seas
Best Itineraries: Silversea Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best Enrichment: Crystal Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Value for Money: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises

To view the full details on each category, visit the 2016 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards.

6 Replies to “Cruise Critic Announces 2016 Editors’ Picks Awards – DCL Awarded Best for Foodies & Families”

  1. Beth

    The food award for Disney kind of surprises me. We have never been impressed with the food on dcl except for Palo and Remi. Not complaining or anything, just would not give it any awards!

    Reply
    1. Rosaline

      I agree. When people ask me about the food after I get back from a DCL cruise, I say just “eh”. It’s not bad, but it’s not overly impressive – it’s just food. Though, there are definitely some really good meals to be had on some of the MDR menus.

      Reply
  2. David

    I don’t have anything else to compare the food with as I’ve only done Disney, have read other cruise reviews on here before and has left me less then impressed so we’ve stayed Disney. But actually, I am surprised Disney has NOT won for best stateroom. The reason I mention this is because everytime (and I do mean everytime) I encourage someone to take a Disney Cruise they come back and the moms always tell me how great the double bathroom is…. I would think that would be a sure winner.

    Reply
    1. Rosaline

      Agreed. I was shocked to see they didn’t win best stateroom. I’ve sailed on Holland America (a present from my parents) – there was nothing impressive about the rooms other than they have king sized beds instead of the queens DCL has. Even still, absolutely nothing compares to the bath and a half on DCL! Even for just my husband and I. He gets his bathroom and I get mine. Works out perfectly!

      Reply
  3. Rhonda

    I’m not surprised at all. I think the no upcharge rotational dining is incredible! (specifically crave the Grand Marnier Souffle all the time!) The only food I’ve been underwhelmed with onboard comes from the quick service locations (as well as a few Cabanas items–we rarely eat there at all). Admittedly, the included pub snacks on the Magic were dreadful.

    Reply

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