Press release
Cruise Critic Releases the 2025 'Best in Cruise Awards,' Naming the Best Cruises of the Year
Virgin Voyages named the 'Best Cruise Line of the Year' in the Ocean Category; Explora Journeys, Avalon Waterways and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
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[{"type":"text","content":"Virgin Voyages named the 'Best Cruise Line of the Year' in the Ocean Category; Explora Journeys, Avalon Waterways and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions also named top cruise linesNEEDHAM, Mass., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Critic®, the world's leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has announced the winners of its 17th annual Best in Cruise Awards, naming the best cruise lines and destinations of the year, based on expert insight and traveler ratings.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\"The growth of the cruise industry is astounding – with nearly 40 million travelers expected to cruise in 2026,\"1 shares Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. \"And as demand for cruise travel continues to grow, so do the array of options available.\"\"What makes Cruise Critic's awards stand out among a sea of 'best of' lists is the expertise behind the selections,\" explains Mark Patscher, General Manager of Cruise Critic. \"Our team of editors has sailed on hundreds of cruise ships – from the largest mega-ships, to the smallest expedition vessels. We comb every corner of the globe to gather first-hand insights into a wide range of cruise offerings available to travelers. That, combined with the ratings, reviews and opinions from our community of more than two million cruisers, ensures these awards are a true gauge of which cruise lines stand out as the absolute best of the best this year.\"2025 Award HighlightsSelected by Cruise Critic's international team of cruise experts Ocean AwardsBest Ocean Cruise Line: Virgin VoyagesAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: \"Virgin Voyages has redefined cruising, delivering cutting-edge innovation, nearly all-inclusive fares and exceptional onboard experiences, exceeding every expectation along the way.\"Best New Ship: Celebrity XcelAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: \"Celebrity Xcel elevates and reinvents Celebrity Cruises' acclaimed Edge-class of ships. From the transformative experience of The Bazaar, to delicious new specialty restaurants and enhanced entertainment, Xcel feels familiar yet boldly refreshed – pushing Celebrity in a new and exciting direction.\"Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise LineAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: \"Carnival Cruise Line continues to deliver the best value for your vacation dollar. Its base fares are lower than many other crui...