The best ocean, river and luxury cruise lines across dozens of categories selected by Cruise Critic’s global panel of impartial cruise experts are revealed today (12 December) in its 9th annual UK Editors’ Picks Awards.
“With more Brits than ever before trying a cruise for the first time, it’s evident that a holiday at sea is becoming a more compelling proposition,” said Cruise Critic’s UK managing editor, Adam Coulter.
“These awards combine our editors’ impartial cruise expertise, based on first-hand experiences and industry knowledge, to ultimately help travellers select the best cruise choice for them, from the myriad of amazing options now available.”
MSC Meraviglia Yacht Club deluxe suite
Screen goddess Sophia Loren christened ‘Best Newe Ship’ MS Meraviglia in June
Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise reviews site and online cruise community, and their awards were as follows:
The Ocean’s Best
The award for Best New Ship on the ocean went to MSC Cruises’ 4,475-passenger MSC Meraviglia, which debuted in June. It was commended by editors for innovations such as introducing Cirque du Soleil at sea, and the exclusive suite-class Yacht Club. MSC Cruises also won the Best for Familiesaward for the first time ever.
Marella (formerly Thomson) Cruises, whose fares include all tips and service charges, as well as alcohol drinks on some of its ships, was awarded Best Value for Money. Celestyal Cruises won a new award for 2017 – the Best for Service award.
Another new accolade for 2017, Best for Solo Travellers, went to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. It also won the Best Itineraries award.
Other ocean cruise line award winners included Celebrity Cruises, which kept its awards for Best Cabins and Best Shore Excursions, while sister company Royal Caribbean also held onto two of its titles or Best Entertainment and Best Suites.
River’s Crème da le Crème
SS Catherine is one Uniworld’s luxurious vessels
Retaining its 2016 titles for Best River Cruise Line and Best for Luxury, the judges felt that Uniworld’s Boutique River Cruise Collection brought the atmosphere of opulent hotels to the rivers. Uniworld also took the new 2017 award for Best for Service.
Avalon secured the Best Cabins accolade for installing window-facing beds with memory foam mattress toppers and a choice of pillows. It additionally took the Best for Active Travellers award.
Luxury’s Finest
In the luxury awards, Seabourn held onto the title for Best Luxury Cruise Line. Judges were especially bowled over by Seabourn Encore, with its sumptuous, yacht-like feel and finest boutique hotel ambience. Seabourn also, once again, secured the Best Enrichment award.
The Best Dining award went to Crystal for its imaginative menus and quality range of restaurant offerings. The line also secured the Best for Service and Best for Solo Travellers awards, as well as the Best Ship Refurbishment accolade for Crystal Symphony.
Viking Ocean Cruises was once again handed awards for Best Value for Money and Best Spa.
Award-winning Ports
Southampton Port kept the Best UK Departure Port title for the ninth year in a row. Guernsey took the award for Best UK & British Isles Port of Call.