This Was A Banner Year For The Cruise Industry: The Best Cruise Lines of the 2023

Cruise Critic, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has named the winners of its 15th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards – the industry’s most comprehensive awards – recognizing the best cruise lines of the year, as chosen by the site’s international team of cruise experts.

Sailing in Excellence: Cruise Critic Unveils the Best Cruise Lines of 2023

In a glittering affair that mirrored the opulence of the high seas, Cruise Critic recently unveiled the crème de la crème of the cruise industry through its 15th annual Editors’ Picks Awards. As the sun sets on 2023, the prestigious accolades illuminate the path toward unparalleled luxury, showcasing the cruise lines that have raised the bar for sophistication, service, and sheer indulgence.

The Crown Jewel: Silversea Cruises Shines Again

Luxury finds its true expression with Silversea Cruises, reigning supreme for the second consecutive year as the Best Luxury Cruise Line. Silversea’s commitment to excellence extends to its crown jewel, Silver Nova, which secures the title of Best New Luxury Ship. The epitome of sophistication, Silversea continues to redefine luxury at sea, offering an unrivaled experience that tantalizes the senses and transcends expectations.

Elegance Redefined: Crystal’s Soaring Ascent

Under the new ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, Crystal Cruises emerges as a beacon of elegance, earning accolades for its exceptional service. Crystal’s commitment to providing a refined and indulgent experience is unwavering, proving that under new management, the brand continues to soar to new heights of luxury. For those seeking an exquisite blend of opulence and impeccable service, Crystal Cruises stands as an unrivaled choice.

Expedition Bliss: Scenic Eclipse II Takes the Crown

Venture into the unknown with Scenic Eclipse II, the undisputed champion of expedition cruising. Awarded the Best New Expedition Ship, Scenic Eclipse II seamlessly marries luxury with destination immersion, offering travelers an unparalleled experience of discovery. As the boundaries of exploration expand, Scenic Eclipse II leads the way, inviting passengers to savor the thrill of the unknown in the lap of absolute luxury.

Blue Horizons: Ocean Awards Navigate Excellence

The vast expanse of the ocean mirrors the diversity of winners in the Ocean Awards. Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady sails into the limelight as the Best New Ship, while Carnival Cruise Line’s Venezia dazzles after a brilliant refurbishment. For families seeking the magic of the high seas, Disney Cruise Line secures its place with a dedication to excellence. Carnival Cruise Line takes a bow as the Best Value for Money, making luxury accessible to all who seek the thrill of the open water.

River Rhapsody: Viking’s Domination and American Serenade’s American Debut

Viking River Cruises commands the tranquil waters, named Best River Cruise Line for its unwavering commitment to consistency and inclusive experiences. Breaking new ground, American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade becomes the first American vessel to earn the Best New River Cruise Ship award. The river awards flow with recognition, honoring AmaWaterways for Best for Active Cruisers and Avalon Waterways for Best Cabins, creating a harmonious symphony of excellence.

2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

• Ocean Category

Best New Ship: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Venezia
Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
Best Dining: Virgin Voyages
Best Entertainment: Virgin Voyages
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Innovation/Tech: Princess Cruises
Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages
Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
Best Service: Holland America Line
Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Spa: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Specialty Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suite Complex: MSC Cruises
Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best App: Royal Caribbean International
Best North American Homeport: Miami

• Luxury Category

Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
Best New Luxury Ship: Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova
Best Cabins: Viking
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Enrichment: Windstar Cruises
Best for Families: Explora Journeys
Best Itineraries: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Service: Crystal
Best Shore Excursions: Oceania Cruises
Best for Solo Travelers: Crystal
Best Spa: Viking
Best Value for Money: Emerald Yacht Cruises

• Expedition Category

Best New Luxury Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
Best for Adventure: Quark Expeditions
Best Cabins: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best Dining: Scenic
Best for Light Expedition: Viking
Best for Luxury: Silversea Expeditions
Best Science Offerings: Hurtigruten
Best Service: Silversea Expeditions
Best Spa: Viking
Best Value for Money: Atlas
Best in Alaska: UnCruise Adventures
Best in Antarctica: Scenic
Best in the Arctic: Ponant Cruises
Best in the Galapagos: Lindblad Expeditions

• River Category

Best River Cruise Line: Viking
Best New River Cruise Ship: American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Dining: Riverside Luxury Cruises
Best Enrichment: Tauck River Cruising
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
Best for First-Timers: Viking
Best for Luxury: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Best Service: Viking
Best for Solo Travelers: Avalon Waterways
Best Value for Money: Emerald River Cruises.