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These are the best cruise lines of 2019, Cruise Critic says

02:18 - Source: CNN

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CNN —

Viking Cruises dominated the 12th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards for the third year in a row with five wins in 2019.

Royal Caribbean International, AmaWaterways and Crystal Cruises tied for second place with three awards each, all of which were revealed on December 4.

“Our list of winners represents just how much the industry continues to change – and the fact that there really is a cruise for every traveler,” said Colleen McDaniel, executive editor of cruising website Cruise Critic.

“Whether you’re a family or adventure-seeker, solo traveler or foodie, these are the absolute best lines to try in the upcoming year.”

Viking still rules the waterways

Viking won five awards, the most of any cruise line.

Viking River Cruises

Cruise Critic’s editors name winners in three categories: ocean cruises, luxury cruises (all on ocean ships) and river cruises.

Viking won three luxury awards (best enrichment, best spa, best value for money) and two river cruise awards (best for first-timers and best itineraries).

It’s no surprise that Disney Cruise Line won the best for families in the ocean category, and Disney’s Adventures by Disney earned top honors for families in river cruising – and both won for the fourth year in a row.

The new Norwegian Encore

The Norwegian Encore took the prize for best new ocean cruise ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line

After Cruise Critic’s editors boarded the Norwegian Encore, they knew it was the one.

A member of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Class, Norwegian Encore is their pick for best new ocean ship.

“A number of fantastic new ships launched this year, but what made Norwegian Encore stand out to our editors was the sheer depth of offerings available for every traveler,” McDaniel said.

“From an onboard go-kart track and virtual-reality simulators, to nearly 20 restaurants and a dual-deck, adults-only escape – there’s something on board for everyone. And while the ship isn’t an entirely new concept – it’s not first-in-class – the line has clearly taken what’s worked on its previous ships and perfected it on Norwegian Encore. It’s truly an exciting addition to the industry.”

<strong>The biggest winners: </strong>Viking Cruises won the most awards at the 12th annual <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cruisecritic.com%2Feditors-picks%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards </a>for the third year in a row, with five wins.

The biggest winners: Viking Cruises won the most awards at the 12th annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards for the third year in a row, with five wins.

Viking River Cruises

<strong>By sea or by river:</strong> Viking won three luxury awards (Best Enrichment, Best Spa, Best Value for Money) and two river cruise awards (Best for First-Timers and Best Itineraries).

By sea or by river: Viking won three luxury awards (Best Enrichment, Best Spa, Best Value for Money) and two river cruise awards (Best for First-Timers and Best Itineraries).

Viking River Cruises

<strong>Royal Caribbean: </strong>The cruise line won three awards, coming in second place, including Best Entertainment, Best Suites and Best Ship Refurbishment (for Oasis of the Seas).

Royal Caribbean: The cruise line won three awards, coming in second place, including Best Entertainment, Best Suites and Best Ship Refurbishment (for Oasis of the Seas).

Royal Caribbean International

<strong>Crystal Cruises: </strong>Also earning three awards and coming in second place, Crystal Cruises won for Best Luxury Cruise Line and river awards for Best Luxury and Dining.

Crystal Cruises: Also earning three awards and coming in second place, Crystal Cruises won for Best Luxury Cruise Line and river awards for Best Luxury and Dining.

Crystal River Cruises

AmaWaterways: The river cruise company won three awards, including Best River Cruise Line and Best River Cruise Line for Active Cruisers.

AmaWaterways

<strong>Best New Ocean Ship: </strong>With exclusive accommodations, Broadway musicals, virtual-reality rides and go-kart racing, the Norwegian Encore is Cruise Critic's Best New Ocean Ship of 2019. Norwegian Cruise Line was also named Best for Solo Travelers.

Best New Ocean Ship: With exclusive accommodations, Broadway musicals, virtual-reality rides and go-kart racing, the Norwegian Encore is Cruise Critic's Best New Ocean Ship of 2019. Norwegian Cruise Line was also named Best for Solo Travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Best New River Ship: AmaWaterways' new ship, AmaMagna, was named Best New River Ship, one of three awards for the river cruise line.

AmaWaterways

Best New Luxury Cruise Ship: The Scenic Eclipse, Scenic's first-ever ocean-going ship, has two on-board helicopters, a six-person submarine and amazing destinations like the Arctic and Antarctica. Scenic also won for Best Enrichment on river cruises.

Scenic

Tops for families: Disney Cruise Line won Best for Families in the ocean category.

Disney Cruise Line

More for Disney: Adventures by Disney earned top honors for families in river cruising.

Adventures by Disney

Uniworld wins two: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection won two awards, for Best Ship Refurbishment of the S.S. Bon Voyage (shown here) and Best Cabins.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

<strong>Emerald Waterways: </strong>This cruise line won the award for Best Value for Money in the river cruise category.

Emerald Waterways: This cruise line won the award for Best Value for Money in the river cruise category.

Cruise Critic

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival won Best Value for Money in the ocean category.

Carnival Cruise Line

<strong>Best North American Homeport: </strong>Seattle, Washington, was named the best homeport in the continent.

Best North American Homeport: Seattle, Washington, was named the best homeport in the continent.

Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic's top cruise ships for 2019

The best new river ship is AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna, which is double the width of many river cruise ships. “The modern ship offers large staterooms, a full-sized pool and an array of restaurants. AmaMagna is a dream for fitness and wellness enthusiasts, with a large gym and dedicated spa space – unheard of on river ships,” say the editors in a statement.

The best new luxury ship is the 200-passenger ocean ship Scenic Eclipse, which has two helicopters and a six-person sub. Editors noted the “chic, modern design, generously sized suites and incredible dining offerings. Scenic pulled out all the stops with its first ocean ship, which seamlessly combines luxury and soft-adventure travel to exotic destinations, including the Arctic and Antarctica.”