MSC Cruises, Holland America Line and Viking Cruises were among the big winners at the recent Cruise Critic Awards in the US.
Holland America Line (Carnival Corporation)
Holland America Line once again received Cruise Critic’s award for “Best Service” (Ocean Category), the first cruise line to win the award four years in a row. Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards are selected by the site’s team of cruise experts and based on ratings and reviews from travelers.
“Our ‘Best Service’ category is one of the most coveted in our annual awards, as it highlights the above-and-beyond level of service that travellers can expect from the thousands of crew members across a cruise line’s full fleet,” said Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic. “The fact that Holland America Line has won this award over the past four years proves that phenomenal service is not just lip service – it’s what the line truly lives and breathes.”
According to its editors: “Holland America Line shines when it comes to service, thanks to a crew known for warmth, longevity and attention to detail. The line’s staff, many who have spent decades with the company, deliver not just efficiency but also genuine hospitality that makes guests feel at home. Whether it’s being greeted with a smile at the Grand Dutch Café, savoring a surprise cup of hot pea soup in Alaska or being led with a rousing crowd through the Bar Hop, service on Holland America Line goes beyond expectation. It’s this thoughtful blend of tradition and care that keeps travellers returning year after year.”
“Our crew members are truly special, so we’re thrilled that Cruise Critic’s editors and readers have once again recognised them for the highly personalised service they provide,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. “From the moment our guests step on board, they are greeted with warm smiles and a genuine hospitality that makes each journey a treasured memory.”
Additionally, Holland America Line has been awarded by Cruise Critic as 2025 ‘Best Itineraries’ (Ocean Category).
Cruise Critic editors noted: “Holland America Line excels with thoughtfully crafted itineraries that balance variety and depth. In Europe, the line sails from multiple homeports — including Rotterdam, Dover and Lisbon — making it easier for passengers to pick a sailing that works for them. Special sailings, like Oktoberfest-themed cruises, Culinary Ambassador cruises and those developed in conjunction with the History Channel, add extra flair. In Alaska, Holland America Line remains unmatched in its options, with exclusive Glacier Bay access on many routes, cruisetours that bring travelers into the Yukon and unusual itineraries that bring cruisers to the Aleutian Islands.”
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises was recognised twice in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards, receiving Best for Families and Best Suite Complex for its MSC Yacht Club in the Ocean category. The honors underscore the cruise line’s continued investment in innovation, elevated guest experiences and offerings for travelers of all ages.
Cruise Critic’s 17 annual Best in Cruise Awards recogniSe the best cruise lines and destinations of the year, as selected by the site’s esteemed team of cruise experts, as well as guest reviews submitted by traveLers.
Best for Families: MSC Cruises
This year’s Best for Families award reflects the momentum of MSC Cruises’ expanded family entertainment programme, led by the new Family Aventura district aboard MSC World America. At its center is The Harbour, an outdoor park overlooking the sea with standout attractions including Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea; the two-level High Trail Ropes Course; and Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, an 11-deck dry slide. Family Aventura also features the fleet’s largest and most advanced Doremiland kids’ area, offering age-specific spaces, extended programming and high-tech play.
Cruise Critic editors noted: “As a family-owned cruise line, MSC Cruises has a long-standing tradition of offering family-friendly experiences at sea. From expansive kids (and baby) clubs and unique partnerships with LEGO and Chicco to varied menus that cater to months-old cruisers all the way up to teenagers, the cruise line exudes multigenerational charm. And it keeps getting better. The launch of MSC World America this year took its family-friendly credentials up several notches, with entire sections of the ship devoted to the youngest cruisers.”
Best Suite Complex: MSC Yacht Club
MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s signature ship-within-a-ship concept, is known for privacy, comfort and personalized service. Guests enjoy keycard-only access to spacious suites, a private restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck, along with 24-hour butler service and dedicated concierge for everything from spa bookings to special celebrations.
Cruise Critic editors shared: “MSC Cruises keeps perfecting the ship-within-a-ship concept with its Yacht Club suite complex. Offering its own restaurant, pool deck, lounge and dedicated concierge, the Yacht Club’s benefits extend well beyond the confines of the suite complex, giving cruisers a well-rounded luxe treatment. With 152 suites (including inside cabins), newcomer MSC World America boasts the fleet’s largest Yacht Club to date, and the cruise line continues to retroactively add the suite complex to its legacy ships.”
Viking Cruises
River cruise specialist Viking received four awards: #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line, Best Enrichment, Best for Remote Workers and Best Spa—an award it has won every year since introducing ocean voyages in 2015. In the River category, Viking was recognized as Best for First-Timers and Best for Remote Workers. Additionally, for the third consecutive year, Viking was awarded Best for Light Expedition and Best Spa in the Expedition category.
“We are honoured that Cruise Critic’s editors and community members, many of whom are our guests, continue to recognize Viking across our river, ocean and expedition voyages,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Thank you to our entire Viking family for consistently delivering experiences that make accolades like these possible. We take great pride in doing things differently, and we are pleased that our approach continues to resonate with both our guests and the respected experts at Cruise Critic.”
Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards
Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards honor the best lines and destinations of the year, as selected by the site’s team of experts. The awards also recognize the highest-rated lines of the year, based on reviews submitted by travelers themselves. Cruise Critic’s members and editors shared the following comments:
- #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line (Luxury Category): “Viking is the best…no detail [is] too trivial for the staff, from cabin assistance to meals and service…staff and crew were so warm and friendly. The onboard dining was great. My highest recommendation[s] for Viking are ports and locations…the excursions that Viking offers are the most diverse and interesting at each of their ports of call. Most importantly are the local guides Viking hires. I have never seen a more knowledgeable and dedicated group of people whose hospitality and warmth shine easily through them.” –Cruise Critic member CRF1
- Best Enrichment (Luxury Category): “Viking calls itself ‘The Thinking Person’s Cruise,’ and it delivers. Guests enjoy TED-style talks, lectures from Resident Historians…Viking.TV brings enrichment straight to your stateroom, while every itinerary includes complimentary cultural excursions, with extra hands-on learning experiences like shopping with the chef for regional ingredients. With no casinos or kid-oriented distractions, Viking makes learning the ultimate luxury.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for Remote Workers (Luxury Category): “With their cozy and sophisticated Scandinavian design, Viking’s ocean ships are ideal for cruisers looking to put in some work during their travels. Whether you’re cozying up in Mamsen’s, soaking up the sun in the Wintergarden or chilling in The Atrium, Viking’s ships provide numerous quiet and semi-private spaces to catch up on tasks. And did we mention Wi-Fi is always included? Moreover, all Viking ocean ships are designed virtually the same so no matter which vessel you choose, you’ll find the same appealing environment.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best Spa (Luxury Category): “Viking’s LivNordic Spa redefines relaxation with an experience rooted in authentic Scandinavian wellness. Every guest enjoys complimentary access to the serene thermal suite, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, cold bucket shower and even a snow grotto so you can complete a full Nordic bathing ritual. Treatments are designed in-house by Viking, not an outside brand, and they blend signature Nordic ingredients and techniques for a serene spa experience that’s rejuvenating and unique among luxury cruise lines.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for First-Timers (River Category): “Viking is tops for first-time river cruisers. The cruise line that has been sailing Europe’s rivers and beyond since 1997 has perfected its itineraries, offering the best docking spots in virtually every port and city. Viking has thought of every detail, removing any worry from cruisers who will feel supported from the time they book to the moment they return home. Transfers are easy, cruise extensions are plentiful and customer service is prompt. Viking creates a seamless journey so first-time cruises can relax and explore with total peace of mind.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for Remote Workers (River Category): “Viking has built an impressive fleet of nearly identical river ships, filled with spaces to get away and find a little privacy, which makes it a great fit for anyone trying to blend a little work with their vacation. Internet on board is strong, and it’s included in the price of your cruise. You can even find a good connection in your stateroom, which isn’t always possible when cruising. The low-key vibe on board, with few interruptions, allows guests to meet virtually and keep up with work without distraction.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best for Light Expedition (Expedition Category): “Viking makes exploration accessible without sacrificing comfort. Its purpose-built expedition ships feature The Hangar, housing submarines, Special Operations Boats, kayaks and Zodiacs at water level for quick deployment. Guests venture into the wilderness safely under expert guidance, with a relaxed, inclusive pace ideal for those seeking adventure without extremes. Quality gear, a science lab, lecture theater and Nordic-inspired design enhance every voyage. From Antarctica to the Great Lakes, Viking’s ‘light expedition’ style blends scientific curiosity, modern luxury and thoughtful accessibility for all travellers.” –Cruise Critic editors
- Best Spa (Expedition Category): “While spas are a luxury and often an afterthought—on most expedition cruise lines—Viking’s expedition ships deliver unparalleled relaxation and thermal suites that are unmatched. The LivNordic spa, a guest favorite on Viking’s ocean ships, brings the line’s distinctive Scandinavian approach to wellness to its expedition fleet, complete with a hot-and-cold journey through cold dump buckets and steamy saunas. After a day exploring, especially in destinations like Antarctica, it’s tough to imagine anything more rejuvenating than time in the thermal spa and a deep massage. On Viking’s expedition ships, it’s a luxurious reality.” –Cruise Critic editors
