Cruise Critic Names Their 2013 Editors’ Picks Awards

Looking for a cruise but not sure where to start?  Cruise Critic’s new 2013 Editors’ Picks Awards may help!

Every traveller looks for something different when they searching for the perfect voyage.  When I first started cruising we would book solely on itinerary, now we choose ships that have more for our kids.  Friends of ours love to be the first to sail on a new ship, while others just want to see the Caribbean for the lowest price.

“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,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, “This list represents the ships and lines that we feel have gone above and beyond this year.”

Best New Ship – Norwegian Breakaway

Best Ship Refurbishment – Carnival Sunshine

Best For Luxury – Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for Families – Disney Cruise Lines

Best Itineraries – Princess Cruises

Best for Adventure – Lindblad Expeditions

Best Value for Money – Azamara Club Cruises

Best Dining – Oceania Cruises

Best Entertainment – Royal Caribbean International

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

Speaking about the dining and ship bar categories Colleen McDaniel, managing editor of Cruise Critic said,

“In a crowded category, Oceania sets itself apart with ships that offer fantastic dining variety and exceptional quality. The line’s open-seating restaurants include Asian Red Ginger, French Jacques and Italian Toscana — all at no charge. La Reserve is a gourmand’s dream, with its seven-course meals and Wine Spectator-developed pairing at an additional fee.”

“Celebrity’s Martini Bar is equal parts great cocktail and evening entertainment,” said McDaniel, alluding to the Tom Cruise-style juggling displays behind the bar. “Bartenders at the frost-coated bar know a lot about mixology and are willing to show off their skills, flipping bottles and pouring a dozen drinks at once.”