River cruises have become the rock stars of the cruise industry, so it’s no surprise to see a river cruise line’s first ocean vessel take home first prize in the latest cruise awards.
The industry site Cruise Critic announced today that the Viking Star is the Best New Ocean Ship in its 2015 Editors’ Choice Awards. The understated boutique hotel feel of the Viking Star is in contrast with last year’s flashier, high-tech Best New Ship winner, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.
For the first time, Cruise Critic also released a separate set of river cruise awards, with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection taking home Best River Cruise Line and Best Shore Excursions, and Uniworld’s Maria Theresa winning Best New River Ship.
Some of the catagories for 2015 include
Best new ocean ship - Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Star (you have to love the infinity pool)
Best entertaiment - Royal Caribbean
Best suites - Royal Caribbean
Best for Families - Royal Caribbean (suprised this was not Disney Cruise Lines again)
Best standard cabins - MSC Cruises
Best inside cabins - Disney Cruise Line
Best value - Carnival Cruise Line
Best for luxury - Crystal Cruises
Best dining - Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore excursions - Azamara Club Cruises
Best nightlife - Norwegian Cruise Line
Best for romance - Windstar Cruises
I can see no fault in the selections made for 2015 although I am surprised that Disney did not get the best family cruise line.
Do you agree or disagree?
