Cruise Critic’s Best Cruise Ships of 2022

(CNN) — The best new cruise ship of 2022 can accommodate 3,099 guests and 1,506 crew members. 24-hour butlers service the most luxurious suites, along with a 10-story three-story runway and slide.

The awards come as cruise returns to its pre-pandemic state.

“Most lines no longer have pre-test guidelines or vaccine requirements,” Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Colleen McDaniel told CNN Travel via email.

“Cruise ships no longer have capacity restrictions, which has resulted in a much more lively environment on board than we have seen in the months since the return, and more areas on the ship are open to cruise ships – from lounges and entertainment venues, to restaurants and fitness center classes.”

Cruise is back and “exceeding expectations,” according to Cruise Critic.

Norwegian Cruise Line also took home Best Entertainment and Best Solo Traveler honors in the Oceans category of the awards.

According to the 2022 Ocean category awards, Celebrity Cruises has the best cabins, while Virgin Voyages offers the best dining and nightlife and is best for LGBTQ+ travelers.

luxury and adventure

In the luxury category of the awards, Silversea Cruises won the honor of Best Luxury Cruise Line, and the line also won Best Dining in that category.

The Emerald Azzurra is the best new luxury cruise ship. The Emerald Cruises “luxury yacht” can accommodate 100 guests and 72 crew members.

Travelers who are ready for the cruise adventure of a lifetime will find the Cruise Critics Awards’ new Expeditions category helpful in their selection.

The category, debuting in 2022, lists the best itineraries to the most popular destinations: Alaska (UnCruise Adventures), Antarctica (Silversea Expeditions), Arctic (Ponant Cruises) and Galapagos Islands (Lindblad Expeditions).

Viking took home awards in the Expedition category for Best New Luxury Ships – the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris – and Best Scientific Product. Quark Expeditions was voted the best company for adventure.

“Kayaking, mountain biking, hiking—even arctic ballooning: whatever you want to get active in the polar regions, Quark can do it,” Cruise Critic editors said in a news release.

What’s next for cruising?

The innovations accelerated by the pandemic are here to stay.

“Technology is ingrained in the cruise experience and is being used to help limit crowds while also creating a more efficient experience for passengers,” McDaniel said.

She cited facial recognition technology making it easier to board ships, the ability to order food and drinks through an app from anywhere on board, and in-cabin muster drills that are replacing live drills.

Next year, a series of new ships will enter service, including new ships from Royal Caribbean, Oceania and Mediterranean Shipping Company, as well as some “sister” ships that will be 2.0 or 3.0 versions of other ships in its fleet.

“The desire for cruises continues to rise through 2023 — we’re seeing some very strong shopping and booking numbers, especially in the summer,” McDaniel said.

Here’s the full list of top picks Cruise Critics considers for future cruisers:

2022 Cruise Critic Editors’ Choice Marine Category Awards

Marine category:

Best New Ship: Norwegian Prima

Best Cabin: Celebrity Cruises

Best Dining: Virgin Voyages

Best Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for Families: Disney Cruise Lines

Best Innovation/Technology: Princess Cruises

Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages

Best nightlife: Virgin Voyages

Best Service: Holland America Line

Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Spa: Holland America Line

Best Specialty Dining: Celebrity Cruises

Best Suite: Royal Caribbean International

Best Integrated Suite: MSC Cruises

Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Lines

Best App: Royal Caribbean International

Best Homeport in North America: Vancouver

Winners in the Luxury and Adventure categories

Luxury category:

Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises

Best New Luxury Cruise Line: Emerald Azzurra

Best Cabin: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Dining: Silversea Cruises

Best Fulfillment: Viking Ocean Cruises

Best Itinerary: Oceania Cruises

Best Service: Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Shore Excursion: Windstar Cruises

Best for Solo Travelers: Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises

Best value for money: SeaDream Yacht Club

Adventure Category:

Best New Luxury Ship: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris

Best for Adventure: Quark Adventures

Best Cabin: Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Dining: Views

Best for Light Adventures: American Queen Voyages

Best for Luxury: Silversea Expeditions

Best Science Product: Viking Expeditions

Best Service: Scenery

Best value for money: Hurtigruten

Best of Alaska: UnCruise Adventures

Best of Antarctica: Silversea Expeditions

Best of the Arctic: Ponant Cruises

Best of the Galapagos: Lindblad Expeditions