“Big Drum Roll” – The Winners Are…….

Every year there is a band of international cruise editors who pick  winners based on the cruise lines and ships they feel best represent excellence in different categories.  These categories can range from best cabins, best bar, best UK departure port etc etc.

P&O, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity were big winners with two categories each, so on that note here are the list of winners these cruise editors have picked:

Best New Ship – goes without saying it is the Quantum Of The Seas. This ship is the most eagerly and anticipated ship in years and although only recently set sail on its maiden voyage it seems to be delivering all it promised, from easy check in, breathtaking technology, to all the fantastic activities on board such as the sky diving and the north star.

Best Refurbishment – This goes to Thomson Cruises who have been been investing time and money into the ships.

Best Luxury – Regent Seven Seas get the gong this year. 5 star cruising at its best, including free shore excursions, all inclusive, and speciality restaurants at no extra charge.

Best For Families – P&O are the winners here. 4 family friendly ships with clubs which appeal to different ages.

Best Value For Money – Fred Olsen picks up the gong on this category. Offering two for one offers, and drinks cheaper then you would get in a UK pub.

Best Dining – P&O again! They have of course invested heavily in getting top chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochar and James Martin to name but a few. The White room on Ventura is meant to be outstanding.

Best Entertainment – Royal Caribbean.  From bumper cars to Broadway productions as well as the old “sing along songs” there is something for everyone.

Best Suites – Celebrity Cruises win in this category  with the Solstice class of cabins. This is all about attention to detail and the different type of suites they have available in this class.

Best Cabins – Celebrity again! The cabins are larger then the industry average, with lots of little extras to appeal.

Best Shore Excursions – Azamara win this one.  This is based on the fantastic “Azamazing”  evenings they host which are so very different to everyone else. Such as an evening with the 3 tenors, watching an elephant dance show in a temple in Burma to a private tour of a historical home in Buenos Aires!

Best Cruise Ship Bar – this goes to Cunard’s Commodore Club. This bar is right at the front of the ship with beautiful views. White gloved waiters serve you cocktails to order. Perhaps some would say a nod to the old bygone days of cruising.

Best UK Departure Port – this goes to Southampton. I guess it is no surprise as it is the UK’s biggest port and holding the top spot in Europe. In 2013 the port had 1.64 million total passengers – wow!

Best New River Ship – This goes to Emerald Star and Sky. Emerald are the newest river cruise line in Europe and certainly making a name for themselves! The best feature I think is the pool which has a duel purpose. It transforms into a cinema at night!

So there you go, nearly all the list of winners.  Of course you may disagree with some of them, if you do, I would love to hear from you with your choices of the best cruise lines.