Best in Cruise Awards

Reviewers praise Margaritaville at Sea for offering a unique blend of affordability, laid-back vibes and exceptional service, attracting guests seeking fun, carefree cruises. With shorter and longer cruise options, guests have choice when it comes to their itinerary. The cruise line holds true to the Jimmy Buffett tradition, but you don’t have to be a Parrot Head to love Margaritaville at Sea. With competitive pricing, deals often geared to families and delicious food options, Margaritaville provides excellent value for money.

Virgin Voyages captivates cruisers with its adults-only atmosphere, top-notch service and diverse dining. Reviewers say everyone feels welcome on Virgin Voyages, thanks to its “be yourself” vibe. The cruise line is refreshingly transparent with its pricing: Fares include gourmet delights at specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi and a host of other amenities. Its ships are modern and inviting, creating a cool and sophisticated feel. Virgin Voyages attracts a diverse range of passengers, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable.

Celebrity Cruises consistently receives high praise for its friendly service, outstanding food and beautiful ships. Reviewers frequently laud the ships for their modern and stylish design, immaculately clean spaces and comfortable cabins. Celebrity's theatrical productions are often compared with Broadway or Las Vegas-style shows. Embarkation and disembarkation are efficient and well-organized, minimizing waiting times. Reviewers love that Celebrity Cruises consistently delivers a premium cruising experience.

Reviewers consistently praise Crystal for its impeccable service. The crew is attentive and friendly, going above and beyond to cater to guests' every need. The outstanding cuisine, featuring innovative menus no matter the restaurant, sets Crystal apart. The smaller size of Crystal’s two ships contributes to an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, offering spacious public areas and luxurious staterooms with thoughtful amenities. The inclusive pricing and tight-knit feel onboard – no matter the sailing – makes Crystal a great luxury value.

Relative newcomer Explora Journeys is winning over reviewers thanks to its excellent service, refined atmosphere and mostly inclusive sailings. The culinary experience is a highlight, with rave reviews for the high-quality, diverse and artistically prepared food across all restaurants. The crew, known as "hosts," are praised for their attentiveness and personalized service: Guests feel genuinely cared for. Explora Journeys offers itineraries that explore lesser-known ports, allowing guests to experience more authentic exploration.

Viking offers attentive, friendly service and excellent dining. Reviewers say crew members immediately remember your name and provide personalized service. Every detail is meticulously considered, from well-organized excursions to a heavenly thermal spa that’s included in your cruise fare. Guests appreciate the line’s spacious cabins – all with balconies – and enrichment is top-notch and specific to the itineraries. The adults-only line’s all-inclusive approach to cruising eliminates unexpected costs.

Avalon Waterways is consistently lauded by cruisers for its service, and reviewers praise its food for consistently offering a great variety, featuring local specialties and relying on fresh ingredients. Cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, with spacious bathrooms and panoramic windows offering stunning river views. Itineraries offer a variety of excursions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. Guests say Avalon's smaller ships create an intimate atmosphere, fostering connection with fellow travelers.

Reviews praise Emerald Cruises for offering excellent service, great food, well-planned tours, comfortable ships and a great value for money. Impressive meals, often featuring regional specialties and wine pairings, delight cruisers, while diverse excursions cater to all interests. Reviewers say Emerald's inclusive pricing and commitment to personalized service, such as thoughtful touches like welcome receptions and chocolates on pillows, make it a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable, worry-free river cruise.

Reviewers praise Viking for its impeccable service, from airport greetings to personalized attention on board, which creates a warm, caring atmosphere. Meals are crafted with fresh, local ingredients, and well-planned tours led by knowledgeable local guides offer a deep dive into each destination. Guests say cabins are comfortable and well-designed, with lovely touches like heated bathroom floors, fog-free mirrors and storage space galore. Viking's seamless logistics, intimate atmosphere and mostly inclusive nature make cruisers feel as though it’s a worry-free cruise vacation.

Reviewers applaud Viking’s focus on a cruise that comfortably combines luxury, adventure and environmental responsibility. Guests are impressed by Viking's culinary offerings , boasting diverse menus and unlimited wine and beer, rivaling high-end restaurants on land. Engaging and informative excursions, led by expert guides, offer unique perspectives through Zodiac landings, kayaking and even submarine dives. The adults-only line offers cruisers the opportunity to participate in scientific research and engaging lectures that enhance the expedition experience.

Quark Expeditions shines among travelers for its knowledgeable and passionate expedition teams, which provide engaging lectures, insightful commentary during excursions and a genuine enthusiasm for the polar regions. Reviewers applaud Quark for offering a variety of activities, including Zodiac tours, shore landings, hikes, kayaking and even helicopter flights. Guests appreciate Quark's commitment to responsible travel and environmental protection, which minimizes the line’s impact to particularly sensitive regions of the world.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions reviewers praise the cruise line’s unique blend of adventure, education and luxurious comfort. The line’s knowledgeable naturalists create an immersive learning experience. Lindblad's expeditions to destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands offer travelers a diverse range of activities catering to different interests. Guests adore the wildlife encounters and the expertise of the naturalists in explaining animal behavior. Lindblad's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism is important to its guests.