For those who live and breathe cruising: Cruise Critic Names the Best Cruise Lines of 2015.
With so many cruise options available, it’s never an easy list to narrow down. Cruise Critic, the world’s leading online cruise community, has announced the winners of its 8th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, naming the best of the cruise industry in 25 categories. Focused primarily on ocean cruises in the past, this is the first year a full list of awards for river cruises has also been announced.
In this year’s awards, Viking Star was named Best New Ship of 2015 in the ocean category. As the first ship in the Viking
Oceans fleet, the 930-passenger Viking Star offers an entirely new product for cruisers. Beyond the ship’s overall design –
which editors compared to a boutique hotel – Viking also carried over its more inclusive price structure from its river
offerings, with inclusions like complimentary Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner and a free shore excursion in
every port.
Crystal Cruises was named the best luxury brand, while Royal Caribbean International won in the “Best Entertainment” category.
Carnival Cruise Line was named Best Value-for-Money for the second year in a row for its range of affordable fares and well-
rounded offerings onboard. In the river category, this award went to Emerald Waterways for its variety of inclusions and
onboard amenities.
Azamara Club Cruises was awarded Best Shore Excursions for the second consecutive year, a nod to the line’s range of tour
options – from small-group cultural experiences during the day, to tours and outings in the evening. Azamara also received
Best Itineraries for its ability to visit less frequented ports, and its commitment to destination immersion.
In the river category, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection received awards for Best River Cruise Line, Best New River Ship – for the new S.S. Maria Theresa – and Best Shore Excursions. Editors praised the line’s lavish onboard offerings and amenities, new itineraries and innovative excursion offerings.
The 2015 winners:
2015 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards (Ocean)
Best New Ship: Viking Star (Viking Ocean Cruises)
Best Ship Refurbishment: Star Breeze (Windstar Cruises)
Best for Luxury: Crystal Cruises
Best for Families: Royal Caribbean International
Best Itineraries: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Adventure: Un-Cruise Adventures
Best Value-for-Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Inside Cabins: Disney Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: MSC Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best North American Homeport: Port Canaveral.
2015 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards (River)
Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best New River Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa (Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection)
Best Dining: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Enrichment: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Best Shore Excursions: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best Value-for-Money: Emerald Waterways.
