The world's best cruise ships revealed

13.02.2016 10:30

Do you know what makes the world's best cruise ship out of some 500 of the world's most popular journeys?

For UK holidaymakers, the ships that are making waves are those that have elevated their itinerary, facilities, food and the entertainment offerings.

This year, family-friendly Norwegian Spirit, gastronomy focused Oceania Riviera and luxury all-inclusive Seven Seas Voyager have been voted the best cruise ship for large, mid-size and small ship category respectively.

The results, based on thousands of UK member reviews of cruises taken in 2015, were compiled by Cruise Critic.

For each review, members had to give ratings for categories including service, value for money and entertainment.

Family-friendly Norwegian Spirit, which was voted best for shore excursions and value for money, also won the title of the best overall cruise ship in the large-ship class.

Its size gives room to the spacious atrium, which will impress most cruisers.

First debuted in 1998, it caters to 2,018 passengers with its 17 dining options and includes a theatre and a casino to keep guests occupied.

Despite its size, members of Cruise Critic have reflected that the ship was small enough for the staff to remember them.

Podie, who sailed in January this year, wrote: 'The Spirit is NCL's oldest and smallest ship yet it had everything I wanted.'

The flexible dining options, including a 24-hour restaurant, were one of the many highlights for her.

Passengers can choose from itineraries to the Caribbean or closer to home in the Mediterranean Sea.

For a mid-sized cruiser, the UK community picked Oceania Riviera as the best overall cruise.

The 1,250-passenger vessel also won the categories for best in dining and for service.

One of its best features is the culinary centre were guests can watch chef demonstrations and take cookery classes.

It is the only cruise where guests can have a hands-on experience at sea.

There's also a wine bar that's approved by US magazine Wine Spectator.

Aside from the culinary offering, the enrichment programme was also strong.

Jacqueline34, who travelled in January this year, wrote: 'The enrichment programme was excellent, both lecturers very informative entertaining and quirky. And terrific variety.'

The liner has a diverse roster of experts from Smithsonian lecturers to jazz musicians and sports broadcasters for on board guests to engage with.

Holidaymakers looking for something a bit more intimate might like the all-inclusive Seven Seas Voyager, which has sailings to Asia and Africa.

It has room for just 700 people - making embarkation a whole lot quicker.

One member, who sailed in August 2015, recalled that within 15 minutes of arriving at the pier, he was able to board and have a drink in his hands.

Boblerm wrote: 'We arrived at the pier at 12 noon, and at approximately 12:15 we were enjoying our first cocktail on the pool deck.

'We were told that rooms would be available at 2:30, and at 2:30 on the dot, an announcement was made that rooms were ready. Luggage was delivered minutes later.'

There's unlimited shore excursions, which made it an easy choice as the winner for the shore excursions category.

The on-board lectures are generally related to the destinations, meaning that you get a more in-depth cultural experience.

Other notable winners included Thomson Majesty from Thomson Cruises, which was voted as the best ship for families.

It has a dedicated area for children with staff to keep the kids busy, giving parents time to relax.

Ajs1993 wrote: 'My youngest brother went to the kids club everyday 3-4.30 and 7-9 which gave us a nice break and he absolutely loved it, they kept the kids thoroughly entertained.'

First timer cruisers should look to Arcadia, an adult-only liner that was one of the first P&O ships to offer weddings on board.

Although it was voted the best for cruising newbies, it offers around the world sailings for more adventurous travellers.

Bobupandown, who sailed for the first time in November 2015, had already 'booked again for next November same ship but with a different Itinerary'.

(www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3440320/Family-friendly-entertainment-gourmet-dining-inclusive-luxury-world-s-best-cruise-ships-revealed.html#ixzz3zwCHMUhN)