Just in time for peak cruising season, experts have released their picks for the top cruise lines and ships, giving top nods to a new behemoth vessel that features onboard skydiving and bumper cars, and another that’s become a perennial favorite for both adults and children alike.
For the 7th edition of the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas was named this year’s best new ship for ushering in a new era of cruising, with everything from bumper cars, a skydiving simulator, and London Eye-inspired observation capsule that sails 90 meters (300 feet) above sea level.
In addition to its innovative new features, the ship is also praised for its technological advancements, including improved Wifi speeds and details like USB ports in cabins and interactive kiosks for booking onboard activities.
Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Lines emerged the overall favorite among editors at US News & World Report, who gave the family-friendly brand the top spot in categories like best cruise line for families and best cruise line in the Caribbean.
Here are the full list of winners in the 2014 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards:
Best New Ship: Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas
Best Ship Refurbishment: Oceania Cruises (R-Class)
Best for Luxury: Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Itineraries: Princess Cruises
Best for Adventure: International Expeditions
Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Lines
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Suites: Celebrity Cruises
Best Inside Cabins: Royal Caribbean International
Best Standard Cabins: Holland America Line
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Bar: Celebrity Cruises' Martini Bar
Best North American Homeport: New Orleans
Best New River Ships: Emerald Waterways' Emerald Sky and Emerald Star
Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises
Here are the winners from US News & World Report:
Best cruise line for families: Disney Cruise Line
Best cruise lines for romance: Silversea Cruises
Best luxury cruise line: Crystal Cruises
Best cruise line for money: Royal Caribbean
Best cruise line in the Caribbean: Disney Cruise Line
Source: Relaxnews