As 2018 comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on which cruise lines have topped Cruise Critic’s annual Editors’ Picks Awards.
CruiseCritic is the world’s leading cruise reviews site, recognising the best cruise lines of year across a number of categories, each of which are chosen by the team’s international site of editors.
Winners of the 11th Annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards
The winners of the luxury categories are listed below:
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn offers an unmatched sense of style and elegance during sailings, perfectly paired with a sophisticated and luxurious journey like no other.
Best Service: Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn offers the Seabourn Difference which promotes intuitive service that meets your expectations, all provided by staff who are passionate about exceeding guests needs.
Best for Solo Travellers: Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn offers solo travellers a reduced single supplement on selected voyages, meaning luxury cruisers have the opportunity to sail on some of the cruise line’s most intriguing itineraries without large supplementary costs as a solo traveller.
Best New Luxury Ship: Viking Orion
Viking Orion joined the cruise fleet earlier this year as the fifth 930-passenger ship offering luxury sailings for the cruise line. The ship combines Scandinavian style with sumptuous textures and relaxing colour palettes to create a homely, luxurious atmosphere on-board.
Best Ship Refurbishment: Silver Spirit – Silversea Cruises
The all-new Silver Spirit was refurbished back in March this year, with works including extending the ship by 49 feet! The full refurbishment comprised 34 new suites, including a top-level Balsorano Suite.
Learn more about Silver Spirit
Best for Adventure: Silversea Cruises
Silversea are experts in providing immersive experiences and unforgettable itineraries, offering the ultimate adventures to over 900 destinations across all seven continents.
Best Cabins: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
All-suite accommodations come as standard with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, featuring luxurious amenities, elegant decor, custom-crafted furnishings and marble accents – plus much more!
See all Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises offers the Finest Cuisine at Sea™ , supported by contributions from the legendary Master Chef, Jacques Pépin, who provides impressive feats of gastronomic wizardry. Dining options range from Toscana’s Italian dishes; Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare; Red Ginger’s bold Asian flavours; Jacques French country fare; the Grand Dining Room’s continental cuisine; made-to-order American favourites at Terrace Cafe; and the exclusive La Reserve by Wine Spectator – only available on-board Marina and Riviera.
Best Enrichment: Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises’ offer an engaging enrichment program on-board their sailings, allowing guests on-board to take part in a number of new possibilities. These include discovering a new languages; learning to play a new instrument; taking part in the cruise line’s Wellness at Sea program; attending insightful lectures by noted authors and world leaders; or be entertained by top-name stars from the screen and stage.
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises are well-known for their Destination Immersion® experiences, which encompass UNESCO World Heritage sites, hidden gems and immersive encounters in awe-inspiring destinations.
Best Value for Money: Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking is also an extraordinary cruise line for value for money, offering Viking Inclusive Value for all ocean cruises. Just some of the inclusions are return flights, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, complimentary use of the spa, and included shore excursions in almost every port.
Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean ships offer The Spa as the perfect space to relax after a day of exploration, surrounding yourself with a soothing sanctuary of Nordic wellness. The Spa includes a sauna, snow grotto and fitness centre.
Would you like to set sail on-board some of these award-winning cruise lines? Which is your top choice for 2018? Let us know in the comments below!