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:
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