Behind the wheel on the Norwegian Prima cruise ship speedway. Video / Grant Bradley
One of the most well renowned cruise publications has named their pick of the floating pleasure craft, in the first complete Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Awards since the pandemic.
Norwegian Prima, whose first star-studded first sailing was out of Reykjavik in May, was named “Best Oceangoing Ship of the Year”.
The 3099 passenger ship was given Cruise Critics the top award “for its sleek, sophisticated interior design and its wide array of onboard activities, culinary options, and bars and lounges.”
The infinity pool aboard Norwegian Prima. Image / Supplied
The Herald’s Grant Bradly was there for the maiden voyage from Iceland, attending a glitzy launch event fronted by the Cruise Godmother Katy Perry.
While the ship was far too large to fully explore during the ten-night voyage, testing out the onboard go kart track was a highlight.
“While the near-endless theme-park-at sea attractions will keep those inclined - especially kids - entertained for days, it was the more sedate parts of Prima that really appealed to us,” he said.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo/ Supplied
For the high-end experiences, Emerald Azzurra was named as the Best New Luxury Ship for 2022.
Cruise Critic called the Azzurra “an affordable entry into the small-ship, luxury yacht category”, in a category where for many cruisers, price is no obstacle. Silversea Cruises took home the Best Luxury Cruise line award for 2022.
In its 14 year Cruise Critic have not only chosen their top cruise tips of 2022, but introduced an entirely new category: Expedition Ships.
The Sky Deck of the Emerald Azzurra, Best Luxury Ship. Photo / Supplied
The inaugural Best New Luxury Expedition ship named two join winners, the sister ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. There was too little to separate the top ships, which “swept editorial staff off their feet with their intimate spaces, rugged expedition features.”
Cruise Critic’s editor in chief, Colleen McDaniel said that the quality of brand new products coming out of ship yards gave the cruise industry the feeling that the pandemic was well within the rear-view mirror.
“We’ve covered the industry extensively and have seen lines overcome incredible challenges – not only returning to near-normalcy, but delivering products that truly create incredible experiences for travellers of every interest. Cruising is not only back, it’s exceeding expectations - and this year’s list of winners proves exactly that.”
The Viking Octanis with Viking Expeditions ship Godmother, Liv Arnesen, in Antarctica. Photo / Supplied
