Ready to hit the open seas? There’s a reason why cruising is such a popular vacation getaway. Travellers can see the world while having most or all of their expense accounted for up front, all while enjoying the convenience of not having to pack and unpack suitcases in each new destination. But as cruising continues to grow in popularity, so too do the choices available to consumers.  Luxury, all-inclusive, cruising for families, or even “party boats” are all available, making it critical to match the right kind of cruise with the right kind of passenger.

Cruise Critic, a online cruise community featuring cruise reviews and advice, has just rolled out its list o the best of the best in its annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards. With dozens of categories, the top cruise lines in each category were chosen by the site's editorial team, a globally based crowd.

Now in its 9th year, the awards listing includes a new first this year, with the addition of a complete list of top vessels and lines in the luxury category.

 "Cruising has evolved an incredible amount over the past few years," explains Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of Cruise Critic. "With so many innovations in technology, onboard offerings and the overall vacation experience, there are some great options out there for those looking to plan a cruise. This list – hand-selected by our cruise experts based on their own first-hand experiences and extensive coverage of the industry -- highlights those lines that stand out among an impressive line-up helping travelers narrow down their choices and feel confident when making a booking decision."

The newest ship for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Vista, which launched in May of this year, took home the hours as the Best New Ship. With its an onboard water park, on-board brewery and 14 restaurants, editors remarked that it may be Carnival's best ship ever. Carnival also won Best Value for Money for the third consecutive year, a distinction it received for its affordable fares and complimentary activities and dining venues.

The interests of foodie travellers and family travellers collide with Disney Cruise Line, which won in Best Dining and Best for Families categories. In particular, editors noted the line's dining venues and numerous venues and activities for family members of all ages, including kids clubs and adults-only venues.

The Cruise Critic Editors Pick categories include a river category, in which AmaWaterways walked away with top honours as the Best River Cruise Line. The line’s amenities, which include activities for families and active cruisers, means the line is playing a special role in helping extend the appeal of River Cruising to new audiences. The line, which has developed a new partnership with Adventures by Disney, was also recognized as Best for Families.

For itinerary-based river cruising, Viking River Cruises was recognized for its Best Itineraries for the second year in a row. Editors recognized the line as one with the “widest range of river options.” For Best Value for Money, Emerald Waterways was recognized for the second consecutive year.

For luxury cruising, Seabourn was named the Best Luxury Cruise Line in Cruise Critic’s newest category. The cruise line earned the nod due to its “impeccable service, creative itineraries and sophisticated touches.” Viking Ocean Cruises was recognized as Best Value for Money in the luxury category.

In part due to its numerous attractions and its new Central Link light rail system=, Seattle was named Best U.S. Homeport in this year's awards.

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

For more information, visit www.cruisecritic.com/editors-picks.

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