THE best cruise ships of 2019 have been named by experts at Cruise Critic.
Among the winners are ships that cater to families, first timers, solo travellers and ones that offer great value for money.
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The 11th annual UK Editors’ Picks Awards is split into three separate categories – ocean, river and luxury.
Each of the categories has winners for awards such as best dining and best entertainment.
For ocean cruises, Saga’s Spirit of Discovery, which was named in Dover by the Duchess of Cornwall earlier this year, was awarded the title of best new ship.
While for families, MSC Cruises was handed the accolade.
This year’s best ocean cruise for nightlife was Norwegian Cruise Line.
And while Saga was best for solo travellers, it was Marella Cruises that was the best value for money.
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Best ocean cruise ships
Best New Ship: Spirit of Discovery
Best Ship Refurbishment: Marella Explorer 2
Best for Adventure: Hurtigruten
Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises
Best Entertainment: MSC Cruises
Best for Families: MCS Cruises
Best Itineraries: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Service: Celestyal Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Hurtigruten
Best for Solo Travellers: Saga Cruises
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Value for Money: Marella Cruises
Best UK Departure Port: Dover
Best UK & British Isles Port of Call: Belfast
The best new cruise ship for river cruising this year was AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna, which is double the size of most river cruise ships and holds a full-sized pool
For families, it was Adventures by Disney, who will be launching a new ship in 2021.
Solo travellers should book with Riviera Travel according to Cruise Critic’s experts, while Emerald Waterways offered the best value for money.
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Best river cruse ships
Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best New River Ship: AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna
Best Ship Refurbishment: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s S.S. Bon Voyage
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best Cabins: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Dining: Crystal River Cruises
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney
Best for First-Timers: Viking River Cruises
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best for Enrichment: Scenic
Best for Luxury: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Service: Crystal River Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Scenic
Best for Solo Travellers: Riviera Travel
Best Value for Money: Emerald Waterways
Finally, in the luxury category, Scenic Eclipse was named the best new ship this year.
There’s no family award in the luxury category, but plenty of options for adults.
Best for romance was SeaDream Yacht Club, while best spa was on Viking Ocean Cruises – the latter was also named best value for money.
And if you’re going solo, booked with Seabourn Cruise Line.
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Best luxury cruise ships
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
Best New Luxury Ship: Scenic Eclipse
Best Ship Refurbishment: Oceania Cruises’ Insignia
Best for Adventure: Silversea Cruises
Best Cabins: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Enrichment: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Itineraries: Azamara
Best for Romance: SeaDream Yacht Club
Best Service: Silversea Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Windstar Cruises
Best for Solo Travellers: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Value for Money: Viking Ocean Cruises
There are lots of exciting cruise ships launching next year, including one with a rollercoaster on board.
Virgin will also be launching their first ship, which will be adult-only.
Sun Online Travel previously revealed some tips everyone going on a cruise should know.
