Top cruise lines of 2018

As we countdown to the start of a new year, the cruise line industry begins to reflect on the last 12 months and see which cruise lines have made waves in 2018.

From huge fleet expansions to innovative new on-board experiences, see which cruise lines have been top of our list this 2018.

Winners of the Annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

This year sees the 11th Annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, with many mainstream cruise lines making the final list.

The winners of the ocean category are listed below:

Best New Ship: Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge took her maiden voyage earlier this month and rocked the cruising industry with many innovative new dining experiences, sumptuous staterooms and exciting features such as a luxury spa, immersive and interactive venue, Eden, and the world’s first multi-level cantilevered platform – the Magic Carpet.

Learn more about Celebrity Edge

Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises

Dining on-board Celebrity Cruises incorporate a number of influences and extraordinary ways to enjoy your culinary experience while at sea. From rustic fare to sushi, there are plenty of choices in a variety of complimentary dining venues when sailing with Celebrity.

See all Celebrity Cruises sailings

Best Ship Refurbishment: Mariner of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Mariner of the Seas was refurbished earlier in 2018 as part of the cruise line’s $900 million investment in the renovation of its fleet. She set sail fully refurbished in June with plenty of additional and improved venues on-board including the all-new SkyPad bungee experience, Escape Rooom, Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z, and a number of exciting new dining options.

Learn more about Mariner of the Seas

Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International

From the glitz and glamour of West-End style productions to the high-diving antics of the AquaTheatre, Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is like nothing else. Comedy, live music and stunning ice-skating shows all offer exciting events for you to enjoy on-board.

Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International

Life the suite life with Royal Caribbean, with more space and plenty of perks, like priority check-in reserved seating. The cruise line offers a number of suites to pick from, including the unique Loft Suite which is set over two decks and the Ultimate Family Suite which is is every kid’s wildest dream – complete with games consoles, chalkboard wall, cinema screen and a slide!

See all Royal Caribbean sailings

Best Cabins: Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a wide range of staterooms to suit all budgets and offer the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Take your pick from the Interior cabin, right through to the Suite Class for the ultimate luxuries at sea.

Best Itineraries: Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises live to bring the world closer to their guests, with voyages to over 360 destinations. Explore the world and visit tranquil beaches, historic temples and catch a glimpse of incredible wildlife.

Best Shore Excursions: Princess Cruises

Princess ensures you make the most of your time both on-board and onshore, with some of the best shore excursions to select from. Enjoy small group tours of 25 people or less and maximise your exploration time in port for unforgettable adventures. Take your pick from Discovery Tours, Local Connections, Bon Appétit, and Animal Planet.

See all Princess Cruises sailings

Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line

Offering entertainment and fun for the all the family, Disney Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines to choose from when sailing with your loved ones. Their on-board activities include unique offerings with the signature Disney twist you won’t find anywhere else!

See all Disney Cruise Line sailings

Best Nightlife: Carnival Cruise Line

Compete with friends at the Lip Sync Battle, join in the interactive fun with the Hasbro Game Show, enjoy belly-aching laughter at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and finish it off with a boogie on the dance floor. Carnival is a cruise line which offers some of the best nightlife at sea – and that’s without mentioning the bars and not-to-be-missed stage shows!

Best Service: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is an advocate for fun – ensuring all guests experience the best both on-board and ashore. As soon as you step on-board a Carnival ship, the cruise line makes everyone feel at home, from their comfy staterooms and attentive staff to both casual and elegant dining.

See all Carnival Cruise Line sailings

Best for Solo Travellers: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line have been voted Porthole Magazine’s Best Cruise Line for Solo Travellers five years in a row, meaning they must be doing something right! Those travelling alone, or in their own room with a group, have plenty of options as a solo traveller. The cruise line offers singles meet-ups to help alleviate those lonely feelings and has reduced the single supplement fare on selected sailings.

See all Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Best Value for Money: Holland America Line

When sailing with Holland American Line, your cruise fare covers pretty much a lot of your on-board experience. From meals in the Main Dining Room, Lido Restaurant, 24-hour in-room dining and the Terrace Grill; entertainment and activities including culinary lessons, use of the gym, production shows and comedy acts; Club HAL for children aged 3 – 17 years; and use of the Library – it’s all included while you sail.

Finalists of the Wave Awards shortlist announced

As well as the Cruise Critic Awards, the 2019 Wave Awards Finalists have also been released, with full details below. These awards are in their fourth year, offering a number of premier accolades for the cruising industry.

The winners will be announced during a prestigious black-tie event in March 2019, celebrating the very best in the cruise industry.

Finalists of the Ocean category include: