Cruising is among the most popular ways to see the world. Unpack once and take in the sights of the world’s rivers and seas from your floating hotel, all while enjoying top-notch entertainment, dining, and amenities. And with more than a dozen new vessels introduced each year, the sheer variety of cruises can be overwhelming.
To help narrow it down, we asked a panel of cruise industry experts to nominate their favorite cruise lines and ships across nine categories. Then, readers voted over a period of four weeks to decide the winners, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best Adults Only Cruise: Wind Spirit – Windstar Cruises
Enjoy adult-oriented experiences aboard the intimate Wind Spirit — Photo courtesy of WhitneyLewisPhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus
When sailing on Windstar’s Wind Spirit, guests will feel like they’re on their own private yacht. This four-masted sailing yacht accommodates just 148 guests, so intimacy rules throughout your cruise. Amenities include two primary restaurants, a spa, swimming pool and hot tub, and a water sports platform. Plus, you’ll find fresh fruit in your room each afternoon. To sail on the Wind Spirit, guests must be at least 8 years old, but the intimate nature of the ship is geared more towards adults.
Full list of winners: Best Adults Only Cruise »
Best Alaska Cruise: Eurodam – Holland America Line
Go on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure aboard the Eurodam — Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
Eurodam, an exquisite Holland America Line vessel, invites passengers to experience Alaska’s magnificence in elegance and style. With a 2,100-passenger capacity, it’s the largest of the Holland America “Signature Class” ships. Gourmet dining, cultural enrichment, and enthralling shore excursions (including whale watching and seaplane tours featuring jaw-dropping scenery), ensure an enjoyable and adventurous cruise.
Full list of winners: Best Alaska Cruise »
Best Boutique Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Boutique is done best with Windstar Cruises — Photo courtesy of Michael Nalley / Windstar Cruises
With fewer than 350 guests per sailing, Windstar Cruises promises passengers a cruising experience free of lines and waiting. Since their six boutique ships are smaller than typical cruise ships, they can sail into small European villages, off-the-beaten-path harbors, and hidden coves, giving guests the opportunity to visit both major capitals and smaller ports. Windstar’s shore excursions offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves into the local culture and cuisines of these special ports of call.
Full list of winners: Best Boutique Cruise Line »
Best Cruise Line for Families: Adventure Canada
Enjoy a unique and memorable family vacation with Adventure Canada — Photo courtesy of Steve Rose
If your intent is to offer your kids the experience of a lifetime, look no further than Adventure Canada, which cruises to the vast wonders of the north with a mix of sailing yachts and ice-defying exploration vessels. Expert-led excursions introduce young travelers to everything from archaeology and botany to the science of glaciers through interpretive hikes, photography outings, and other unique programs.
Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Families »
Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Grand Circle Cruise Line makes it easy to cruise solo — Photo courtesy of Grand Circle Cruise Line
Grand Circle Cruise Line has been an industry leader when it comes to solo travel, thanks to small-group (no more than 47 people) shore excursions and free or low-cost single supplements. A roommate matching program helps pair same-gender travelers, and an online forum allows solo travelers to start connecting well before the departure date.
Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers »
Best Cruise Ship for Dining: Carnival Celebration – Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Celebration offers the best food at sea — Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
The Carnival Celebration features many of Carnival Cruise Line’s favorite eateries such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Cucina del Capitano, but it also includes Emeril’s Bistro 1397, serving up international dishes finished with the famed chef’s unique flair. The ship also includes Street Eats, which emulates food truck fare with such dishes as cheesesteak fries, pot stickers, and kebabs.
Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Dining »
Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment: Carnival Celebration – Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Celebration features endless entertainment — Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is known as the “fun” cruise line and their Celebration ship is made for good times! This lively vessel boasts an abundance of high-caliber entertainment venues, live music happening throughout the ship all day long, a Punchliner comedy club, thrilling waterslides, and their famous roller coaster at sea, Bolt. With many casual and upscale dining options and nightly deck festivities, the Carnival Celebration is truly a nonstop party.
Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment »
Best Ocean Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line wins Best Ocean Cruise Line for second year in a row — Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line caters to families and casual cruisers with its fleet of “Fun Ships.” On these large cruises, passengers have no excuse to feel bored; ships come equipped with water parks, glitzy casinos, live entertainment, and a focus on diverse, casual dining, highlighted by a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring Guy’s Burger Joint to the fleet. All of this comes at affordable price points.
Full list of winners: Best Ocean Cruise Line »
Best River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
When it comes to river cruises, Viking River Cruises is a clear winner — Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises
Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises plies the waterways of Europe, Asia, the U.S., and Egypt with its fleet of more than 60 vessels. While Viking has also launched an award-winning ocean cruise line, the company built its reputation in river cruising. These all-inclusive cruises feature outside staterooms, Wi-Fi, wine and beer with meals, shore excursions in every port, and cultural enrichment programs.
Full list of winners: Best River Cruise Line »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in our other Readers’ Choice Awards contests.
