Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean International and Thomson Cruises has all won consumer plaudits in the latest cruise passenger ratings published by online agency www.cruise.co.uk.
The ratings, formulated from more than 17,000 independently sourced cruise reviews on the site, show Cunard as the best cruise line and Queen Mary 2 both as the best ship and providing the best accommodation.
Thomson Celebration was rated highest for food and service while sister ship Thomson Spirit had the best entertainment.
Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, which is to start sailing year round from the UK in winter 2010-11, was the best ship for families and best for activities.
The ship Marco Polo, which sails out of London Tilbury, was voted best for shore excursions.
Seamus Conlon, managing director of www.Cruise.co.uk, said: “We encourage our own customers to complete reviews when they return from their holiday but have also seen a significant rise in customers who may have booked direct with the cruise line or on the high street.
“Above all we feel that the reviews are honest and fair, showing potential passengers what the cruise lines and their ships are really like.
“Some cruise lines have moved down compared to last year; some factors quoted in reviews being high drink prices and cruise lines charging for many other activities and services.”
Latest www.cruise.co.uk top performers are:
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August 2009 Figures
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January 2009 Figures
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Best Cruise Line
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Cunard Line– still number one
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Cunard Line
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Best Ship
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Queen Mary 2 – up seven places.
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Oceania Insignia
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Best Accommodation
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Queen Mary 2 – up four places.
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Costa Mediterranea
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Best Entertainment
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Thomson Spirit – up two places.
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Independence of the Seas
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Best Food
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Thomson Celebration – up four places .
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Oceania Insignia
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Best Service
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Thomson Celebration – up two places .
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Oceania Insignia
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Best for Families
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Independence of the Seas – still number one.
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Independence of the Seas
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Best for Activities
(New Category)
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Independence of the Seas
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Best Shore Excursion
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Marc Polo – new entry.
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Star Princess
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by Phil Davies
