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2018 UK Editors' Picks Awards

Cruise Critic's editors name the best ships of 2018 in the annual UK Editors' Picks awards

Compare: UK's 10 Most Popular Cruise Ships

Nearly everyone has a favorite cruise ship. In this chart, we outline the key distinctions among the 10 most popular cruise ships in the industry. Look for highlights of onboard accommodations, dining and entertainment, as well as ship itineraries. Don't have a favorite cruise ship just yet? Our picks just might inspire you to find the perfect vacation match. Want more info about these top 10 cruise ships? Click on the vessel name below to read about ship highlights and find links to itineraries, a photo tour of the ship, a comprehensive expert review and hundreds of reader-submitted critiques.

14 Best Cruises for First Time U.K. Cruisers

We recommend the best cruise lines for first timers in a variety of categories, as well as runners-up. So dry your cruise planning tears, and get ready to find your perfect cruise line.

5 Ways to Get a Cruise Ship Cabin Upgrade

We wish there were a magic elixir you could whip up to get a free or low-cost cabin upgrade on a cruise ship. We'd be chugging it all the time. But sorry -- no can do. Before you sit by the phone, waiting for the upgrade fairy to call, there are a few basic things to know about cruise ship cabin

22 Do's and Don'ts for Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

If you're a first-timer or haven't settled into a familiar cruise routine, here's a list of embarkation day do's and don'ts, culled from our many years cruising, as well as input from Cruise Critic's Facebook fans.

Cruising 101

Featured Destinations

Baltic Sea

Once sailed by explorers of the Viking Age, the Baltic is home to a myriad of cultures, languages and storied pasts. The northernmost region of Europe encompasses the Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Most Baltic cruises overnight in glorious St. Petersburg, Russia; stops in historic Tallinn, Estonia, and Warenmude, Germany - gateway to Berlin - are also possible. The breathtaking Norwegian fjords represent a world all in its own.

Caribbean

With an island for every taste, the Caribbean is the ultimate place for relaxation. You'll find white sands and turquoise water throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Some islands are lush, with rainforests and mountain trails, while others have desert climates and coral beaches. Wherever you visit, taste regional specialties such as conch fritters and get out on the water with snorkeling and sailing excursions.

Alaska

The 49th State, the largest in the U.S., is perfect for cruisers, with numerous opportunities to appreciate its vast natural beauty. Sail along the Inside Passage to visit the immense ice formations of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, as well popular ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, the only U.S. state capital that's not accessible by car. Or travel further north to the Kenai Peninsula and nearby Anchorage, a perfect jumping-off point for cruise tours to Denali, Fairbanks and Canada's Yukon. Maybe you'll see a bear!

Eastern Mediterranean

if you're a fan of art and antiquities, a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean is right up your alley. With itineraries that include the Adriatic/Dalmation Coast, Black Sea, Greek Isles and Holy Land, the region is a treasure trove for history lovers. Ports such as Venice and Athens have their own unique flavor, while the Greek Isles, Crete and Cypress lure beachgoers. Religion in the Eastern Mediterranean is varied, do don't miss Dubrovnik's ancient churches, Istanbul's breathtaking mosques or Jerusalem's vibrant synagogues.

Europe

Your biggest difficulty planning a European cruise is narrowing down where you want to go. A Western Mediterranean itinerary usually includes stops in Barcelona and Monaco, as well as ports in Italy. Eastern Mediterranean cruises encompass eastern Italy, Croatia and Greece, and sometimes even Turkey and Israel. A Baltic Sea voyage brings you to Scandinavia and Russia; the Norwegian Fjords carry their own beauty. Don't forget about British Isles cruises, which allow you to visit castles in England, Scotland and London. For sun lovers, it's hard to beat the Canary Islands.

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Featured Ships

P&O Britannia

Britannia was named by HM The Queen on March 10, 2015, in a glittering ceremony in Southampton. The Queen last named a P&O Cruises' ship almost 20 years ago -- the 1,800-passenger Oriana -- then the largest ship in the fleet, which ushered in a new era of modern UK cruising.

Marella Dream

Marella Dream features multiple restaurants, lively bars and lounges, and solid value-for-money family fun in a British setting.

Norwegian Epic

19-deck mega-ship carrying about 4,500 people; features "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" stage show, the Beatle's-inspired Cavern Club lounge and solo cabins.

Celebrity Silhouette

Cultured vibe; features the country club-style Lawn Club with extra-fee Hamptons-inspired The Porch, suites-only restaurant and multimillion-dollar art collection.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages Magellan

Offering a traditional cruise experience and excellent value for money, Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Magellan remains a popular choice for British cruisers.

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Cruise News

P&O Cruises Launches Artwork Competition for New Cruise Ship, Iona

(1:50 p.m. GMT) -- P&O Cruises has launched a photography competition for passengers to create two large pieces of art for Iona, its new ship to be launched in 2020. From January 20 you can post pictures of the sea and sky -- the specific theme the line is looking for -- on social media with

MSC Cruises Releases More Details on Private Island Ocean Cay; Expect Food Carts & Local Shopping

MSC Cruises has released more details about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line's private island in the Bahamas, set to open in November. The island's features will include: • **Seven distinct beaches with lifeguards on each.** Sun beds will be available on every beach, and some will

MSC Cruises Releases More Details on Private Island Ocean Cay; Expect Food Carts & Local Shopping

MSC Cruises has released more details about Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line's private island in the Bahamas, set to open in November. The island's features will include: • **Seven distinct beaches with lifeguards on each.** Sun beds will be available on every beach, and some will

Wave Season Cruise Deals 2019

The Christmas and New Year celebrations may be over but the good news is the January sales are here -- and in cruise talk that means the wave season. The season, which typically runs from now until March, provides cruise lovers with the chance to grab a seagoing or river cruise bargain, or bag

6 Reasons Why a Wind Star Cruise is the Ideal Romantic Vacation

(11:15 a.m. EST) -- Everyone has their own idea of what a romantic vacation entails. On Windstar Cruises' flagship, Wind Star, a romantic vacation means soaking up the sunset beneath wind-blown sails, dining under the stars and venturing into off-the-beaten-path ports. We've just returned from a

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