THE BEST CRUISE LINES OF 2023

Cruise Critic has announced the Best Cruise Lines of 2023 at its 15th annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks awards. The 15th annual awards recognise the best cruise lines of the year for UK travellers, as chosen by the site's international team of cruise experts.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Award Highlights

This year's awards are the most comprehensive to-date, naming winners across four key areas – Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Luxury Cruise and Expeditions.

2023 Ocean Awards

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises new megaship Arvia was named Best New Ship of the Year, for its combination of the line's popular spaces with new and exciting attractions onboard. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Arvia has all the P&O Cruises' favourites like The Epicurean, Sindhu and Keel & Cow – plus new venues including Tidal Rum Bar (with distillery), the stunning Dome and a top deck high ropes course and swim-up bar – firsts for P&O Cruises."

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises Marella Voyager was named Best Ship Refurbishment, after a 36-day bow-to-stern makeover that updated public spaces, cabins and suites – as well as introduced new venues. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "We love that cabins and suites were included in the refurbishment, making them feel almost new, with public spaces and dining venues also given a complete makeover. Marella Voyager boasts an impressive array of new venues, from the speakeasy-style Exchange, to Silver Fork, one of the 17 dining venues onboard."

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line was named Best Value for Money, praised for its competitive fares and special offers. According to Cruise Critic's Editors: "This UK-based, no-fly cruise line is a solid choice for cruisers seeking maximum value for money on one of its two ships. Buy-one-get-one-half-price savings, last-minute deals and reductions, combined with affordable lead-in fares, make Ambassador Cruise Line a clear winner in the Best Value category." Ambassador Cruise Lines has a fleet of two ships, Ambition and Ambience.

Best UK & British Isles Port of Call

Belfast was named the Best UK & British Isles Port of Call for its overall experience provided to cruise visitors. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Belfast's outstanding cruise terminal, located next to the vibrant Titanic Quarter, welcomed its 2-millionth cruise ship visitor this summer following a record 165 calls in 2023. The Titanic Belfast unveiled four new themed galleries following a £4.7-million investment, and the cruise terminal is also close to all the city's other main attractions."

2023 Luxury Cruise Awards

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises received the award for Best Luxury Cruise Line for a second year in a row, as well as Best New Luxury Ship for the line's newest ship, Silver Nova, as well as Best Enrichment. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Silversea's constant innovation and a desire to set the luxury bar ever higher sets it apart from all others. Sure, the line has suites, butlers, Champagne and caviar across the fleet, but it's more than that – Silversea's restaurants rival Michelin-starred establishments, its S.A.L.T. enrichment program is outstanding, and its art and décor are reminiscent of a five-star hotel. And Silver Nova is a giant step forward for a cruise line that has never been content with the status quo."

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises – recently relaunched by new owner, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group – received this year's award for Best Service in the Luxury Category. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Crystal has built a reputation on exceptional service, and it comes down to the crew onboard, who are empowered to keep guests happy and satisfied, no matter the issue. Sailing on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity feels like a vacation with family. No ask is too small – or too big – and service always comes with a sincere smile."

2023 Expedition Cruise Awards

Scenic

Scenic Eclipse II was named this year's Best New Expedition Ship, for the ship's seamless combination of five-star luxury and destination immersion. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Whether you're traveling to Antarctica, the Arctic and Greenland or Australia's wild Kimberley, the ship allows you to get the most of your destination, by Zodiac, kayak, helicopter and submersible – and return to the best in creature comforts."

Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was named the Best Value for Money in the Expedition Category, praised by editors for its thoughtful inclusions and pricing. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Pair thoughtful inclusions like alcoholic drinks (not just at meals) and Wi-Fi, to gratuities and return regional flights and pre-cruise accommodations, with five-star luxury vessels, Minerva, SH Diana and SH Vega complete with outstanding expedition guides and top-notch food from internationally acclaimed chefs – all for less than £10,000 to the Antarctic – Swan Hellenic is tough to beat when it comes to value for money."

2023 River Cruise Awards

Viking River Cruises

Viking received the award for Best River Cruise Line of the Year, for its consistency, breadth of offerings and fare inclusions. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Viking River Cruises has earned its reputation as the leader on Europe's rivers, where it sails with an enormous fleet designed in serene Scandinavian style. Ships are consistent and instantly feel like home; staterooms are thoughtfully designed; and cruises are inclusive of things like excursions and drinks at mealtimes."

Viva Cruises

Viva Cruises' Viva Two received the honor for Best New River Cruise Ship, for its standout offerings in the river cruise category. According to Cruise Critic Editors: "Viva Two is decidedly different from other riverboats and showcases an innovative split-level layout – plus an extensive use of glass, allowing light to flood in. The ship also stands out for having three distinct restaurants – all free – and include an extra-special dinner with wine pairings." 

2023 Cruise Critic UK Editors' Awards

Ocean Cruise Category

• Best New Ship: P&O Cruises' Arvia
  
• Best Ship Refurbishment: Marella Voyager
  
• Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
  
• Best Dining: Virgin Voyages
• Best Entertainment: Virgin Voyages
  
• Best for Families: Royal Caribbean International
  
• Best Innovation/Tech: Princess Cruises
  
• Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages
  
• Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
  
• Best Service: Celestyal Cruises
  
• Best for Solo Travelers: Cunard Line
  
• Best Spa: Celebrity Cruises
  
• Best Specialty Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line
  
• Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
  
• Best Suite Complex: MSC Cruises
  
• Best Value for Money: Ambassador Cruise Line
  
• Best App: Royal Caribbean International
  
• Best UK Departure Port: Dover
  
• Best UK & British Isles Port of Call: Belfast
  

Luxury Cruise Category

• Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
• Best New Luxury Ship: Silversea Cruises' Silver Nova
• Best Cabins: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
• Best Enrichment: Silversea Cruises
• Best Itineraries: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Best Service: Crystal Cruises
• Best Shore Excursions: Oceania Cruises
• Best for Solo Travelers: Crystal Cruises
• Best Spa: Viking Cruises
• Best Value for Money: Viking Cruises

Expedition Cruise Category

• Best New Luxury Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
• Best for Adventure: Quark Expeditions
• Best Cabins: Seabourn Cruise Line
• Best Dining: Scenic
• Best for Luxury: Silversea Expeditions
• Best Service: Silversea Expeditions
• Best Spa: Viking
• Best Value for Money: Swan Hellenic
• Best in Alaska: UnCruise Adventures
• Best in Antarctica: Scenic
• Best in the Arctic: Hurtigruten
• Best in the Galapagos: Lindblad Expeditions
  

River Cruise Category

•  Best River Cruise Line: Viking
•  Best New River Cruise Ship: Viva Cruises' Viva Two
•  Best for Active Cruisers: Emerald River Cruises
•  Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
•  Best Dining: Riverside Luxury Cruises
•  Best Enrichment: AmaWaterways
•  Best for Families: A-ROSA
•  Best for First-Timers: TUI River Cruises
•  Best for Luxury: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
•  Best Service: Viking
•  Best for Solo Travelers: Riviera River Cruises
•  Best Value for Money: TUI River Cruises

Cruise Critic® is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travellers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts.

Do you agree with the Cruise Critic Editors? What are your personal favourite cruise lines and ships? Tell us in the comments below.