Get to know the best cruise ships in a variety of categories, based on member review ratings for cruises taken in the last year.
1 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member F W E
"The hotel staff learned our names and used them since the first day ... We will return for another Viking cruise one day, for sure!"
Member Review: mariners_gurl1
2 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member mkearney
"This was my first EVER cruise ... I don't know how any other cruise line could have done it better than Viking."
Member Review: shoxmix
3 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member taylorblues
"We chose this cruise because it would be a once in a lifetime experience ... This was an adventure we’ll never forget."
Member Review: Bojean1973
4 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member nrfc05
"First time cruising, but absolutely not the last ... Everything went smoothly, from the booking to the debarkation."
Member Review: mikkelhansen
5 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member Stiltwalker36
"We loved everything about the ship ... this was a great first cruise for my new husband and I."
Member Review: erically
6 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member Rengbrandt
"We were recommended to try cruising and the first cruise line mentioned to us was Royal Caribbean. ... The food, the shows, the activities, the staff; it was all a fantastic experience."
Member Review: JoshHensley
7 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member stevemarr
"While searching for a first cruise for my husband and I, I stumbled on Marella Discovery 2 ... Everything lived up to our expectations."
Member Review: lisaanddan
8 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member Lisa96631
"Fabulous ship ... I was so impressed with the cabins, pool areas, fitness area, buffet set-up, theaters, shops, specialty restaurants, promenade... "
Member Review: RWilbourn
9 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member sblech
"Everything blew us away ... entertainment, food, and especially the attitude of the staff. You can tell that everyone onboard is excited to be here."
Member Review: rcfreak91
10 of 10 Best Cruises for First Timers
Photo by Cruise Critic member tamalero
"We highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend Royal Caribbean to everyone!!! This was our first cruise and honeymoon cruise and it was just extraordinarily fantastic!"
Member Review: Gigglebox1108
Best Overall
Best for Cabins
Best for Dining
Best for Embarkation
Best for Entertainment
Best for Fitness & Recreation
Best for Public Rooms
Best for Service
Best for Shore Excursions
Best for Value
Best for Families
Best for First Timers
Best River
Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards
View top-rated cruise destinations and lines around the globe according to cruisers, based on member review ratings for trips taken in the last year.
Editors' Picks Awards
See the lines and ships that best represent excellence in ocean and luxury cruising, chosen by Cruise Critic's international team of editors.