Celebrity Cruises has toppled Cunard as the top cruise line based on passenger ratings via the www.cruise.co.uk website.
The survey, which includes 6,500 new passenger reviews since January 2011, shows Cunard’s Queen Victoria holding onto its position as best ship and offering the best food for the second year running.
Celebrity Eclipse, which operates from the UK in summer, was rated as having the best accommodation for the second year in succession.
Thomson Dream is seen as offering the best entertainment over last year’s winner Independence of the Seas. The Thomson Cruises ship was also seen to offer the best service against last year’s winner Adventure of the Seas.
P&O Cruises’ Ventura regained the top position as being best for children from fellow ship Oriana after winning the category in 2010. The UK company’s Oceana was rated as offering the best shore excursions, beating last year’s winner Queen Victoria.
Cruise.co.uk managing director Seamus Conlon said: “For the first time Celebrity Cruises has taken top spot as Best Cruise Line, making excellent progress in winning over the UK passenger market over the last three years.
“Not only are they the top cruise line this year but they also command a top three position in five out of the eight categories including top spot for accommodation, held for the last three years, and probably one of the most important categories.
“We continue to see Thomson and Cunard well placed, delivering excellent products at different ends of the cruising spectrum. Their combined loyal following, as well as great products have ensured they both have positions in a number of categories.
“Cunard’s Queen Victoria continues to hold on to its position as best cruise ship and best for food.
“P&O’s Ventura regains its position as best ship for families, although it has dropped in a number of other categories, with her sister ship Azura coming in third. The latter ship features in every section, showing its diverse appeal and strength across all categories.
“Four Royal Caribbean Ships are in the top 10 for families, showing how their activity-based positioning wins over the growing family market.
“Surprisingly, Independence of the Seas, like Ventura, has dropped back in several categories which perhaps shows that tastes are changing with consumers. Big isn’t always best.”