Virgin Voyages was the dominant winner of the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards. The 11th Annual Cruiser’s Choice Awards were announced in March 2023 at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The Virgin Voyages sweep in the large ship category was unprecedented. No other cruise line has accomplished a sweep in the history of the awards, a major achievement for the fledgling cruise line.
What are the Cruisers’ Choice Awards?
The world’s largest online cruise community, Cruise Critic has more than 650,000 cruise reviews on its site. The awards are based on the previous years’ consumer reviews and ratings on the Cruise Critic website. Cruise Critic also releases Editors’ Picks Awards each year. Each honors the best cruise lines in a variety of categories.
The Cruisers’ Choice Awards were paused for the last two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, this year’s awards are especially significant.
“With the successful return of the cruise industry, and a global demand that continues to grow, this year’s awards are positioned to be more important and impactful than ever before,” says McDaniel. “And as the cruise industry has returned to its new normal, it continues to prove its resiliency and dedication to delivering guests truly memorable vacations — as evident by this year’s list of winners.”
What Awards did Virgin Voyages win?
In the Large Ship category, Virgin Voyages took home every major award. Virgin’s trophy haul included Best Overall Cruise Line. The category’s runners-up were Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises. Virgin also won the Cruisers’ Choice for Best Dining, Best Service, Best Cabins and Best Value for Money.
Virgin also finished as runner-up in the Best Cruises for First-Timers category, with Viking Ocean Cruises taking the top honors. Viking also won the Best River Cruise Line award by Cruise Critic readers.
Premium line Oceania Cruises swept the Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice awards in the Midsize category. Cruisers were especially fond of the line’s service and dining.
Is Virgin Voyages a Good Cruise Line?
Absolutely! Not only did Virgin Voyages sweep the Cruise Critics Awards, it has won a number of other cruise line awards since launching in October 2021. Its first Lady Ship, Scarlet Lady, won the Cruise Critics Editor’s Pick for Best New Cruise Ship in its inaugural year. That same year, Cruise Adviser UK honored Virgin with Best Interior Design.
Virgin has won praise for its unique approach to cruising. The adults-only cruises offer specialty dining, tips, and wifi as part of the cruise fare. Onboard experiences include a pub crawl (the “grog walk’), cocktail-making classes, an 80s themed aerobics class, and Virgin’s answer to formal evening, “Scarlet Night.” Its ships also feature surprising amenities like an on-board tattoo parlor.
How do I Book a Virgin Cruise?
Booking a cruise on Virgin Voyages is easy, thanks to our special booking link. You can also complete our no-obligation inquiry form, email us at info@seavixenvoyages.com or call Sea Vixen Voyages directly at 941-479-8980 Sea Vixen Voyages is a Virgin Voyages’ gold tier First Mate agency, which means we’re Virgin Voyages experts!
