Alaska’s Glacier Bay named the top cruise destination in the world; Disney’s Castaway Cay named Best Cruise Line Private Island for the third year in a row; Celebrity Cruises dominates cruise line accolades.
EWING, N.J. – Cruise Critic has announced the winners of its third annual Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards, naming the world's most popular cruise destinations, based entirely on consumer ratings submitted with reviews on Cruise Critic. The awards name the top cruise destinations across 18 regions worldwide. New in 2018, the awards also highlight the best cruise lines to visit each region.
"Our data regularly shows that whether you're a first-time cruiser or you've sailed dozens of times, destination is a top consideration when shopping for a cruise," explains Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of Cruise Critic. "While tropical destinations will always be popular among cruisers, what's really exciting to see is the rise in esteem of destinations more known for their immersive and experiential offerings – places like Havana, Edinburgh and Arles.
"By awarding top destinations and now the best lines that visit them, we're even better able to connect travelers with standout experiences available in the incredible places they're looking to explore."
Highlighted Awards:
Glacier Bay in Alaska was named the Most Popular Cruise Destination in 2018 – receiving the highest ratings among cruise destinations across the globe. Glacier Bay was also the top-rated destination in Alaska for the third year in a row. It's one of the best Inside Passage locations for glacier and wildlife viewing, with its Margerie Glacier considered one of the most photogenic glaciers.
Cuba's capital city of Havana was named the Best Cruise Destination in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya for the first time. While international cruise lines have long visited Cuba, U.S. travelers have only been legally visiting since 2016. Today, 17 cruise lines visit Cuba, and cruise travel is considered one of the best – and easiest – ways to visit the island as U.S. regulations continue to evolve.
Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay received the award for Best Cruise Line Private Island for the third consecutive year. The port also ranked as the top overall island in the Caribbean, across all three regions (Eastern, Western and Southern). The island is an all-ages hit with families, offering the same character experiences that Disney is famous for, while also including an adults-only retreat for those looking for some quiet time.
Celebrity Cruises was a big cruise line winner, receiving awards in nine of the 18 regional categories – including Best Cruise Line in Alaska, Australia & New Zealand and all three Caribbean regions.
Viking Ocean Cruises stood out among the small cruise lines, receiving four awards, including Best Cruise Line in the Baltic & Scandinavia, Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya, British Isles & Western Europe, and Western Mediterranean.
The full list of first-place winners includes:
- Top-Rated Port in Alaska: Glacier Bay
- Best Large Ship Line in Alaska: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in Alaska: UnCruise Adventures
- Top-Rated Port in Asia: Singapore
- Best Large Ship Line in Asia: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in Asia: Azamara Club Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in Australia & New Zealand: Sydney
- Best Large Ship Line in Australia & New Zealand: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in Australia & New Zealand: Coral Expeditions
- Top-Rated Port in the Baltic & Scandinavia: St. Petersburg
- Best Large Ship Line in the Baltic & Scandinavia: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in the Baltic & Scandinavia: Viking Ocean Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda: King's Wharf
- Best Large Ship Line in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda: Island Windjammers
- Top-Rated Port in the Southern Caribbean: Curacao
- Best Large Ship Line in the Southern Caribbean: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in the Southern Caribbean: Island Windjammers
- Top-Rated Port in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya: Havana
- Best Large Ship Line in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya: Viking Ocean Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in the British Isles & Western Europe: Edinburgh
- Best Large Ship Line in the British Isles & Western Europe: Royal Caribbean International
- Best Small Ship Line in the British Isles & Western Europe: Viking Ocean Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in the Eastern Mediterranean: Dubrovnik
- Best Large Ship Line in the Eastern Mediterranean: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in the Eastern Mediterranean: Variety Cruises
- Top-Rated European River Port: Arles
- Best European River Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
- Top-Rated Port in the Western Mediterranean: Villefranche
- Best Large Ship Line in the Western Mediterranean: Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises)
- Best Small Ship Line in the Western Mediterranean: Viking Ocean Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in Hawaii: Kauai
- Best Large Ship Line in Hawaii: Carnival Cruise Line
- Top-Rated Port in the Mexican Riviera: Huatulco
- Best Large Ship Line in the Mexican Riviera: Princess Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in the Panama Canal & Central America: Puerto Quetzal
- Best Large Ship Line in the Panama Canal & Central America: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Best Small Ship Line in the Panama Canal & Central America: Windstar Cruises
- Top-Rated Port in South America & Antarctica: Buenos Aires
- Best Large Ship Line in South America & Antarctica: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Best Small Ship Line in South America & Antarctica: Australis
- Top-Rated Port in the South Pacific: Mystery Island
- Best Large Ship Line in the South Pacific: Carnival Cruise Line
- Best Small Ship Line in the South Pacific: Ponant
- Top-Rated Port in the U.S. & Canada: Quebec City
- Best Large Ship Line in the U.S. & Canada: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small Ship Line in the U.S. & Canada: Pearl Seas Cruises
- Best River Line in the U.S. & Canada: American Cruise Lines
- Top-Rated Cruise Line Private Island: Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
