The editors of Cruise Critic have made their selection for the best cruise lines, ships and ports for 2013 with the 2013 Editors’ Picks Awards released Oct. 17.
Cruise lines are awarded in 18 categories, by Cruise Critic’s international team of editors.
“Over the past year, our editors have covered every major ocean and river cruise line in the world — around 75 cruise lines, representing more than 400 ships,” explains Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. “Choosing the best out of that list is always a tough task; there are so many fantastic offerings available, and lines are constantly improving their products. Taking all of this into account, this list represents the ships and lines that we feel have gone above and beyond this year.”
Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s New York-themed ship, was named Best New Ship, after debuting in April 2013. The ship was lauded for its state-of-the-art sports complex and variety of dining options — including waterfront venues and celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s new restaurant, Ocean Blue.
For the third year in a row, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line won Best Entertainment for its impressive entertainment options across its entire fleet – including Broadway performances like “Hairspray” and “Chicago,” ice skating productions and aerial shows.
Disney Cruise Line won in two categories – Best for Families and Best Shore Excursions – for its creative programming for all ages, such as family archeological digs in Athens and cigar rolling in Nassau. Azamara Club Cruises won Best Value-for-Money for its inclusive offerings, and Oceania Cruises won Best Dining for the second consecutive year. Also winning in back-to-back years is Viking Cruises, which has been named Best River Cruise Line this year, and took Best New River Ship in 2012.
The winners of the 2013 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards include:
Best New Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Sunshine
Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Itineraries: Princess Cruises
Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions
Best Value-for-Money: Azamara Club Cruises
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Best Suites: Oceania Cruises
Best Inside Cabins: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Disney Cruise Line
Best for Honeymoons: Windstar Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Bar: Martini Bar, Celebrity Cruises
Best North American Homeport: Vancouver
Best New River Ship: AmaPrima, AmaWaterways
Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises
