Cruise experts have spoken…and named the best cruise ships, lines and ports. See if you agree with the Cruise Critic’s list of winners of UK Editors’ Picks Awards 2014 (below).
The highlights include Royal Caribbean’s, Quantum of the Seas (above) which debuted in October, which won the Best New Ship award. Featuring the first skydiving simulator at sea, and a glass viewing pod providing 360-degree views from above the ship, editors commended Quantum of the Seas for being innovative and revolutionary. The line was also commended for its on-board leisure activities, winning Best Entertainment.
Celebrity Cruise Line’s Solstice Class ships won the Best Suites category for the second consecutive year, and also took the award for Best Cabins.
Other winners include Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which retains the Best Value for Money award for the third consecutive year; P&O Cruises for Best for Families; and Regent Seven Seas Cruises won Best for Luxury.
Adam Coulter, UK editor Cruise Critic, said: “The cruise industry offers a wealth of choice, and the Editors’ Picks Awards share our expert insight and provide guidance to British holidaymakers who are interested in a cruise.
“With cruise lines constantly improving their products this isn’t an easy task, but we have identified the lines which have excelled in order to help cruisers plan their perfect cruise, and ensure the time and money they invest is well spent.”
Maintaining 2013 positions as Best UK Departure Port, and Best UK Port of Call were the ports of Southampton and Liverpool respectively.
River lines were also commended; Cruise Critic chose CroisiEurope as Best River Cruise Line, and Emerald Waterways’ new sister ships, Emerald Star and Emerald Sky (which just happens to have Twiggy as her Godmother, above) share the Best New River Ship award.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Best New Ship – Quantum of the Seas
Best Refurbishment – Thomson Cruises
Best for Luxury – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for Families – P&O Cruises
Best Itineraries – Voyages of Discovery
Best for Adventure – Hurtigruten
Best Value for Money – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Best Dining – P&O Cruises
Best Entertainment – Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites – Celebrity Cruises (Solstice Class)
Best Cabins – Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore Excursions – Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Romance – Princess Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Bar – Cunard’s Commodore Club (QM2)
Best UK Port of Call – Liverpool
Best UK Departure Port – Southampton
Best New River Ship – Emerald Star and Emerald Sky
Best River Cruise Line – CroisiEurope
For more details see Cruise Critic
