Virtuoso®, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, announced the winners of the network’s “Best Cruise Lines” awards on Monday, August 15th, at the 34th annual Virtuoso Travel Week. August 13-19, 2022, this year’s Virtuoso Travel Week has brought together thousands of top luxury travel professionals and providers from over one hundred countries for networking, professional development and genuine human connections. The recognition occurred during the ‘Cruise Night Out’ event for Virtuoso’s cruise partners and its advisors, who contribute to the network’s industry-leading cruise production.
This year, Virtuoso advisors and preferred partners nominated cruise leaders in Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best River Cruise Line, and Best Expedition Cruise Line. Winners were then determined by advisor voting. As the cruise category expands in market size and popularity, competition is fiercer than ever. Above all, this year’s winners share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and unforgettable travel experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
The winners are Silversea Cruises (Best Ocean Cruise Line), AmaWaterways (Best River Cruise Line), and Lindblad Expeditions (Best Expedition Cruise Line).
BEST OCEAN CRUISE LINE
This award recognizes the cruise line that offers Virtuoso travellers the best overall ocean cruise experience .
Winner: Silversea
Silversea’s small luxury ships are designed for those who delight in the thrill of discovery while indulging the mind and body in the most lavish surroundings imaginable. Silversea voyages and cruise expeditions sail to over 900 destinations on all seven continents—more than any other cruise line. Plus, sailing the world has never been so seamless with expanded all-inclusive service, door-to-door transfers, and added shore excursions for classic voyages.
BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE
This award recognizes the river cruise line which delivers the best overall cruise experience to Virtuoso travellers.
Winner: AmaWaterways
A family-owned company since 2002, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 25 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, and Africa. Each ship carries an average of just 156 guests, allowing for intimacy and personalization while including shore excursions, fleetwide wellness activities, and luxurious accommodations like twin-balcony staterooms pave the way for adventure and relaxation. AmaWaterways is proud to be the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations. The company is also planning the longest-ever river cruise in Europe in June 2023.
BEST EXPEDITION CRUISE LINE
This award recognizes the expedition cruise line which delivers the best overall cruise experience to Virtuoso travellers.
Winner: Lindblad Expeditions
The Lindblad name has been synonymous with exploration, adventure, and responsible tourism for generations. These abiding traits were born from Lindblad’s rich heritage as the first expedition company in the world, founded by Lars-Eric Lindblad in 1958 to introduce like-minded adventurers to remote lands, pristine nature and diverse cultures. Lindblad has inspired tens of thousands of explorers to discover their planet and ponder their place within it.
Virtuoso wishes to congratulate all recipients who were honoured this year.
