Disney Cruise Line won top accolades in the 6th annual Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards. Reviews website Cruise Critic announced the winners this month, based on ratings and reviews for cruises taken last year. Ships were ranked in three categories based on passenger capacity, with large ships containing more than 2,000, mid-size ships carrying 1,200-1,999 and small ships holding 1,999 or less.
Out of 30 first place winners, Disney scored 11 first place slots, including nine in the large ship category. For the second year in a row, Disney Dream was named “best overall” among large ship cruises, and also earned “best for families,” “best cabins,” “best public restrooms,” “best entertainment” and “best service” rankings. Disney Dream, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy also scored top marks in various other categories, from dining and embarkation to entertainment, service and fitness and recreation.
Viking Star, which was started by Viking Ocean Cruises last year, was the only new cruise ship to make the list. It was appropriately named “best for first-timers” and also received recognition for having the “best cabins” and “best public restrooms” in the small ship category. Viking Ocean Cruises will launch Viking Sea later this year.
Several ships under Oceana Cruises were awarded first place. It was no surprise that Oceana Marina won “best dining” in the mid-size category, as the company has recently begun to offer culinary immersion programs and cooking classes. Oceana Riviera had “best cabins” and “best fitness & recreation” among mid-size ships.
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Freedom won “best value for money” for a third year in a row. Holland America Maasdam was another budget-friendly option, receiving “best value for money,” as well as “best overall” and “best embarkation” among mid-size cruises. For small ships, Windjammers’ Sagitta, which holds 24 passengers, was found to have the most value.
First-place winners of Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards include:
Best Cruises Overall:
Disney Dream (Large)
Holland America Maasdam (Mid-Size)
Celebrity Xpedition (Small)
Best Cruise Ship Cabins:
Disney Dream (Large)
Oceania Riviera (Mid-Size)
Viking Star (Small)
Best Cruise Ships for Dining:
Disney Fantasy (Large)
Oceania Marina (Mid-Size)
Island Windjammers Sagitta (Small)
Best Cruise Ships for Embarkation:
Disney Fantasy (Large)
Holland America Maasdam (Mid-Size)
Windstar Wind Surf (Small)
Best Cruise Ships for Entertainment:
Disney Dream (Large)
Disney Wonder (Mid-Size)
Pacific Princess (Small)
Best Cruise Ships for Fitness & Recreation:
Disney Fantasy (Large)
Oceania Riviera (Mid-Size)
Oceania Nautica (Small)
Best Cruise Ship Public Rooms:
Disney Dream (Large)
Oceania Riviera (Mid-Size)
Viking Star (Small)
Best Cruise Ships for Service:
Disney Dream (Large)
Disney Wonder (Mid-Size)
Windstar Star Breeze (Small)
Best Cruise Ship Shore Excursions:
Norwegian Jewel (Large)
Coral Princess (Mid-Size)
Celebrity Xpedition (Small)
Best Cruise Ships for Value:
Carnival Freedom (Large)
Holland America Maasdam (Mid-Size)
Island Windjammers Sagitta (Small)
Best Cruise Ship for Families: Disney Dream
Best Cruise Ship for First-Timers: Viking Star
