Cruise Critic Names Picks for Best Cruise Lines of 2016

Carnival Vista

Cruise Critic has named the winners of its ninth annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards, naming the best cruise lines of the year across dozens of categories. The winners were chosen by the site's international team of editors, with 2016 being the first year that editors could vote on a luxury-specific category.

Carnival Vista, launched in May 2016, was named the year's Best New Ship, and was praised for its variety of amenities, including an onboard water park, brewery, and 14 restaurants. The line also won Best Value for Money for the third consecutive year for its affordable fares and complimentary activities and dining venues.

In the river category, AmaWaterways was named the year's Best River Cruise Line for its wide range of amenities for an equally wide range of travelers. The line was also named Best for Families for its new partnership with Adventures by Disney. Disney Cruise Line was named Best Dining and Best for Families for non-river cruises.

Both Viking River Cruises and Emerald Waterways won awards for the second consecutive years: Best Itineraries for the former; Best Value for Money for the latter.

In the inaugural luxury category, Seabourn was named the Best Luxury Cruise Line for its impressive service, creative itineraries and sophisticated touches. 

2016 Cruise Critic Editor's Picks Awards

Best New Ship: Carnival Vista
Best Ship Refurbishment: Cunard's Queen Mary 2
Best Dining: Disney Cruise Line
Best Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: Holland America Line
Best Inside Cabins: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Itineraries: Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Princess Cruises
Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions
Best for Romance: Princess Cruises
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
Best North American Homeport: Seattle, WA

River Category
Best River Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Best New River Cruise Ship: Crystal Mozart
Best Luxury River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Dining: Tauck River Cruising
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Scenic
Best Enrichment: American Cruise Lines
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
Best Value for Money: Emerald Waterways

Luxury Category
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best New Luxury Ship: Regent's Seven Seas Explorer
Best Refurbishment: Azamara Journey/Azamara Quest
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Cabins: Regent Seven Seas
Best Itineraries: Silversea Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best Enrichment: Crystal Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Value for Money: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises

To view the full details on each category, visit www.cruisecritic.com/editors-picks.