The best cruise lines in the world, according to Cruise Critic

A LIST of the best cruise ships on Earth has been released, and it highlights the sort of luxury most of us can only dream of.

2 min read

October 7, 2015 - 2:17PM

These cruise ships are out of your wildest dreams

THE winners of the cruise industry’s very own Oscars — the 2015 US Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards — have been revealed.

The awards name the best cruise lines across the industry for families, value seekers, food lovers, couples and 21 other categories.

In the past, the list focused primarily on ocean cruises, but this year, editors from around the world also created a separate category for the best in river cruises, recognising a growing trend among cruising travellers.

“This year we also highlight the top river cruise lines, reflecting the growth of this sector — in terms of both interest and options,” said Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown.

Royal Caribbean unseated Disney Cruise Lines in the “Best for Families” category.

Carnival took home “Best Value for the Money” for the second year in a row.

The Viking Star was named the best new ship of 2015, which received top marks for its boutique hotel design and amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner.

Just wow. Picture: Roderick Eime

On the high end, Crystal Cruise held on to its title as best luxury ocean liner.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection received the top honour in the newly created “Best River Cruise Line” category for its unique upcoming itineraries, including trips through France’s Bordeaux region and India’s Ganges river and lavishly decorated ships.

Here’s how it breaks down.

• Best cruise lines — Ocean, 2015

• Best new ship: Viking Star (Viking Ocean Cruises)

• Best ship refurbishment: Star Breeze (Windstar Cruises)

• Best for luxury: Crystal Cruises