Cruise Critic, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, announced the winners of its 11th 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.
In this year’s Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, Disney Cruise Line earned Best for Families for the third consecutive year. Adventures by Disney picked up a Best for Families Editor’s Pick Award for their river cruises with their partnership with AmaWaterways. Additionally, AmaWaterways earned an award for Best for Active Cruisers.
“These awards speak volumes about our incredible cast and crew and their attention to detail,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Signature Experiences. “Whether families are sailing the Caribbean aboard one of our award-winning ships or enjoying a European river cruise with Adventures by Disney, our teams deliver only the most exceptional experiences. Once again, we are honored to be recognized by the editors of Cruise Critic.”
2018 Cruise Critic Editor’s Picks Awards
Ocean Category
Best New Ship: Celebrity Edge
Best Ship Refurbishment: Mariner of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International
Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions
Best Cabins: Princess Cruises
Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Itineraries: Princess Cruises
Best Nightlife: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Service: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Shore Excursions: Princess Cruises
Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Value for Money: Holland America Line
Best North American Homeport: San Juan, Puerto Rico
River Category
Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best New River Cruise Ship: The A – U by Uniworld
Best Ship Refurbishment: S.S. Beatrice – Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Dining: Crystal River Cruises
Best Enrichment: American Queen Steamboat Company
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney
Best for First-Timers: Viking River Cruises
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best for Luxury: Crystal River Cruises
Best Service: Tauck River Cruising
Best Shore Excursions: Scenic
Best for Solo Travelers: American Cruise Lines
Best Value for Money: Emerald Waterways
Luxury Category
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best New Luxury Ship: Viking Orion
Best Ship Refurbishment: Silver Spirit – Silversea Cruises
Best for Adventure: Silversea Cruises
Best Cabins: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Enrichment: Crystal Cruises
Best Itineraries: Ponant
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Service: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Solo Travelers: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Value for Money: Viking Ocean Cruises
“As the cruise industry continues to evolve, travelers are rewarded with extraordinary options and experiences,” explains Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of Cruise Critic. “Cruising already is one of the most groundbreaking travel industries, and cruise lines continue to raise the bar when it comes to guest experience – both onboard and in port. This year’s list of winners includes cruise lines that visit every continent, offer technologies that provide an even more personalized travel experience and boast features like a high-tech planetarium, cabins with infinite verandahs and even an onboard silent disco. These are the absolute best experiences at sea, and what’s most exciting is that there’s even more to look forward to in 2019.”
To view the full details on each category, visit the 2018 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards.
In my book not just best for Families, but best for 65 and over. My husband and I love doing Disney Cruises. Let’s hear it for “Disney for Adults”
It always get’s best for Families. When does it get another category-?
Deann, my husband and I did 8 DCL cruises before we got our “unexpected blessing” at age 43 (me) and 48 (him). We’ve done one with baby and have another in a few weeks. We love both experiences.
My question about this list is this: Carnival seriously beat DCL and RCI for service? Really?