When you shop for the cruise you see prices. All the Internet sites taught you that price is a king. Cheaper is better. You have to catch a ‘deal’ – and we have it for you!
In reality, you have to take into consideration cruise’s value for money. From this point of view knowing the best cruise lines and ships in cruise industry is beneficial.
In this post I will share with you results for the Best Cruise Lines 2015 made by Cruise Critic’s international team of editors. This team evaluates cruise lines on annual basis and deliver The Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. Actually, they verbalize what all travel professionals know: who is who in cruise industry. If cruise line’s niche is cruises for guests with limited funds, of course, it will be the best in the ‘most value for money.’ If cruise line’s focus is foodies, it will be the best in food category.
That is why you should pay close attention to categories and cruise lines.
2015 U.S Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards (Ocean)
Best for Families: Royal Caribbean International
Of course, Royal Caribbean International is the best for families because its focus is activities for all age groups: from infants to seniors. This is the best cruise line for family reunions and celebrations.
Best New Ship: Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises
This is the best ship to for upscale clientele with first ever infinity pool in the seas.
Best Itineraries: Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises, high-end sister brand for Royal Caribbean International, is the best kept secret in cruise industry. There itineraries are totally different from it’s sister companies with a lot of overnights. My favorite overnight is 2 nights in St.Petersburg, Russia. This translates in three full days in the city. My clients like that!
Best Ship Refurbishment: Star Breeze, Windstar Cruises
This is All Suite Yacht for only 212 guests where you feel that you are on your private yacht.
Best for Luxury: Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises is the best value for money on luxury market. Crystal Cruises announced recently that they plan to expand to river cruising and private jet service.
Best for Adventure: Un-Cruise Adventures
Un-Cruise Adventures are well-known for delivering unique experience in Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Central America, Galápagos, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, and the Pacific Northwest. They have small ships that can go where big ones can’t navigate.
Best Value-for-Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is famous for allowing guests with limited funds enjoy cruise vacations. In many situations their prices are unbeatable especially with promos as Pack and Go.
Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises, upscale sister brand for Royal Caribbean International, is very well-known for culinary experiences. From my opinion, this this the best brand in cruise industry for foodies.
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International‘s niche is innovations. This approach helps them to create unparalleled entertainment at high seas from AquaTheater on Oasis class ships to Two70° on Quantum class.
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
This is great recognition! As a suite specialist I can confirm that Royal Caribbean has a big competition in this segment. They made their suite concept on family needs: lofts, additional cabins inside suites, even flexible Family Connected Junior Suites on Quantum class ships.
Be turned: new suite amenities on Oasis and Quantum ships will be introduced in May 2016. I just finished a book about suites on Royal Caribbean fleet. It will be available on Amazon.com in November, 2015.
Best Inside Cabins: Disney Cruise Line
I like Disney’s cabins! They are extremely functional for families with 2 bathrooms. This makes cruise vacation more enjoyable and eliminates bathrooms lines in the mornings.
Best Standard Cabins: MSC Cruises
I am happy for MSC to receive this award. The Italy-based company is not known very well on American market. This company is famous for its kids sail free promotions. It is hard to find triples and quad staterooms on their ships. They are gone from qthe market in first days of promos.
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara’s focus is on cultural immersion with Azamazing Evenings which are included into price. This exclusive event that you can’t purchase anywhere else.
Personally, I experienced Azamazing Evening in Monte Carlo Oceanographic Museum when it was closed to general public. This evening was the most memorable in my life – entertainment, food, and view on Monte Carlo at night from the museum’s roof was outstanding.
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Sailing yachts and small ships with a few hundreds of guests all of that create a very relaxing and romantic experience.
Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian cruise line is well known for their bars. Have you been on their ice bars? Try it! Kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit, ice bars will feature Art Deco-style décor. Don’t worry about temperature – jackets are provided for guests.
Best North American Homeport: Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is my favorite cruise port. It is not far from my office with extremely easy access. No traffic, no confusion, a lot of parking space, so no driving level –by-level to find a parking. It takes around 10 minutes from entering port’s entrance up to entering the terminal. New terminal is simply great: spacious, airy and not crowdie.
I my next post I will share best cruise lines in river cruising.
Please feel free to contact me at 772 777-1337 if you need professional help to plan your next cruise vacation.
