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Cruise Critic Unveils 2024 Best in Cruise Awards

Cruise Critic®, a prominent name in the world of cruise reviews and community insights, has officially revealed its selections for the 2024 Best in Cruise Awards. This annual event marks the 16th installment of the awards and is the most comprehensive yet, reflecting a blend of expert opinions and traveler ratings.

In a lengthy process, Cruise Critic’s editors have spent considerable time at sea throughout the year. According to Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief, the editorial team has thoroughly explored various cruise lines across diverse regions. Their experiences led to an insightful analysis, allowing them to recognize the standout lines in multiple categories.

Highlights from the Awards

1. Mainstream Category

• - Best Mainstream Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

> Royal Caribbean is lauded for its remarkable year, characterized by the launch of Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, which are celebrated as the largest cruise ships ever built.

• - Best New Ship: Icon of the Seas

> This vessel has created a significant buzz, setting a new standard for family cruises.

• - Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line

> Carnival continues to impress cruisers with its charming ships and exceptional service provided at affordable prices.

2. River Category

• - Best River Cruise Line: AmaWaterways

> Renowned for its elegant ships and unique itineraries, AmaWaterways stood out among its competitors, with exciting new sailings planned for 2025.

• - Best New River Ship: Viking Hathor & Viking Sobek

> Both ships offer travelers an elegant experience on the Nile, featuring premium service and stunning onboard accommodations.

3. Luxury Category

• - Best Luxury Cruise Line: Explora Journeys

> With exceptional onboard experiences akin to luxury hotel standards, Explora’s offerings are a true delight for discerning travelers.

• - Best New Luxury Ship: Ilma by Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

> Continuing to set the luxury bar high, Ilma delivers superior service and high-quality cuisine, marking a significant addition to upscale cruising.

4. Expedition Category

• - Best Expedition Cruise Line: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

> Acknowledged for its impressive educational offerings and exploration-focused itineraries, this veteran line reaffirms its status as a top choice for adventure seekers.

• - Best Itineraries: Ponant

> Known for innovative and enthralling routes, Ponant continues to be a trailblazer in expedition cruising.

5. Cruisers' Choice

Based on ratings and reviews from travelers, the awards celebrate favorites such as Margaritaville at Sea (Top-Rated Mainstream), Avalon Waterways (Top-Rated River), Crystal Cruises (Top-Rated Luxury), and Viking Cruises (Top-Rated Expedition).

The event not only showcases the achievements of these cruise lines but also serves as a valuable guide for potential travelers, highlighting what they can expect based on collective insights from industry experts and fellow cruisers. This year’s awards emphasize how diverse the cruising experience can be, catering to all types of travelers looking for varied experiences at sea.

For those interested in exploring the complete list of winners and their respective categories, more information can be found on the Cruise Critic website, where the insights and recommendations continue to support cruise travelers in their journey planning.