January 6, 2018

Viking Cruises Dominates the 10th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

Picture of Chris Weatherhead
Chris Weatherhead

VP, Hotel Relations & Marketing

(CNN) — Viking Cruises dominated the 10th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards with five wins.

Crystal Cruises came in second place with four awards, while Disney and Celebrity Cruises each picked up three awards, all of which were revealed on Tuesday.

“The breadth of these awards — from mainstream ocean lines, to river and luxury — exemplifies the wide range of cruise options available today and the impressive quality of offerings,” said Colleen McDaniel, Cruise Critic’s senior editor.

“Our editors keep close tabs on the industry throughout the year, and this list of winners is a compilation of our first-hand experience and industry expertise, highlighting the lines that have truly stood out as being exceptional throughout the year,” McDaniel said.

Read the full article on cnn.com

Viking Ocean Cruise Lounge
Viking Ocean Cruise Lounge

The awards come in three categories: ocean cruises, luxury cruises (all on ocean ships) and river cruises.

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

Viking also dominated the website’s Cruisers’ Choice Awards in February, which are chosen by reviews posted by travelers registered with the site.

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1. Best Enrichment


As part of its onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

World-Class Lectures. Viking’s lecture program is designed to shed light on your destination’s art, architecture, music, geopolitics, natural world and more. They are hosted by a wide range of experts, from authors and archaeologists to former diplomats and news correspondents, eager to share their knowledge with you.

TED. Viking Cruises is proud to partner with TED, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to spreading bold new ideas and sparking conversation. Curious minds watch TED’s short, powerful talks focused on the arts, history, geography, science, longevity and more to gain a deeper understanding of the world. TED Talks are screened on board Viking’s ocean fleet and are also available on stateroom televisions.

2. Best For First-Time Cruisers


Viking launched Viking Ocean Cruises to reinvent the category. And it didn’t take long for them to rise to the top. If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, the world’s best ocean cruise line was created for you.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, Viking offers behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set them apart from other travel companies. While their included and optional shore excursions cover cultural and historic highlights, they also go beyond, sharing with you The Viking Way with their Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences—opening doors to people and places otherwise difficult to visit.

3. Best Shore Excursions


Viking Cruises creates excursions that enhance your understanding of everyday life in the world’s best destinations. From intimate home visits and folkloric performances to architectural achievements, Viking shore excursions take you beyond familiar landmarks to explore the hidden secrets of intriguing lands and cultures.

4. Best (Ocean Cruise) Spa

Viking Ocean Cruise - Best Spa
Viking Ocean Cruise - Best Spa

5. Best Value for Your Money

Viking Ocean Cruise - Best Spa
Viking Ocean Cruise - Best Spa

See for yourself what makes Viking one of the best cruise lines in the world as voted by Cruise Critics, as well as Travel + Leisure’s World’s best 2 years in a row! Talk to us to help you find the cruise for you.

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