The cruise experts at Cruise Critic have named the best cruise lines of the year in the annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards -- naming the best of the best in 25 categories.
Over 45 new cruise ships and a number of new programs, features and amenities were unveiled in 2015. This year's winners include:
Best New Ship (Ocean Category): Viking Star -- Viking Ocean Cruises
The first ship in the Viking Oceans fleet, the 930-passenger Viking Star offers inclusions like complimentary Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner, and a free shore excursion in every port.
Best for Families (Ocean Category): Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean has something for all ages on board - from nurseries for babies and toddlers to activities and hangouts for teens.
Best for Luxury (Ocean Category): Crystal Cruises
With one of the best staff-to-passenger ratios in cruising, Crystal Cruises is known for its stellar focus on service and dining.
Best Nightlife (Ocean Category): Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a double-digit number of bars and lounges, including options like live music, an ice bar and deck parties.
Best Shore Excursions (Ocean Category): Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises has a range of tour options - from small-group cultural experiences during the day, to tours and outings in the evening.
Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld's ships offer lavish on board offerings and amenities, along with new itineraries and innovative excursion offerings.
Best New River Ship: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection's S.S. Maria Teresa
With indulgent dining and an elegant atmosphere, S.S. Maria Teresa stands out as one of the prettiest ships out there.
Best Value-for-Money (River Category): Emerald Waterways
Emerald Waterways provides guests with complimentary shore excursions and transfers, prepaid gratuities and free beverages - including wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
Additional winners include:
Ocean Category
Best Ship Refurbishment: Star Breeze -- Windstar Cruises
Best Value-for-Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Itineraries: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Adventure: Un-Cruise Adventures
Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Inside Cabins: Disney Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: MSC Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best North American Homeport: Port Canaveral (FL)
River Category
Best Dining: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Enrichment: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Best Shore Excursions: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
To learn more about each winner, visit the 2015 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards.
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