Cruise Critic, a leading cruise reviews website, released the winners of its 2012 Cruisers' Choice Awards, which are based on ratings and reviews submitted by cruisers. The Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards highlight the best cruise ships in three ship classes according to passenger capacity -- small (1,199 passengers or fewer), mid-sized (1,200 to 1,999) and large (2,000+).

Awards are presented to the top 10 ships in each class in the following categories: Overall, Cabins, Dining, Embarkation, Entertainment, Fitness, Public Rooms, Service, Shore Excursions, Value-for-Money and Family. This year, for the first time, awards were also given to the best ships by destination and by the regions from which they sail. In the best large ship category, the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox took the overall top spot, beating out Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, which claimed the number-one spot last year. Celebrity Equinox is also the highest-rated large ship in the Value-for-Money and Public Rooms categories, while Oasis of the Seas held on to its title as the Cruisers' Choice for Entertainment.

For best mid-sized cruise ship, the 1,506-passenger Thomson Dream, owned by the U.K.-based line Thomson Cruises, was awarded first place, also winning the Best Entertainment and Best Service awards. Oceania's Marina was also a favorite in this class and came first for Dining, Fitness and Public Rooms.

For best small cruise ship, Azamara Journey won along with Best Fitness and Best Service. Crystal Symphony also achieved high ratings from cruisers and came first for Dining, Embarkation and Public Rooms.

This year, Cruise Critic introduced awards in destination categories to highlight the highest-rated ships sailing to the most popular destinations, as well as those sailing from some of the busiest cruise regions. Winners include: Best Alaska Cruise: Amsterdam, Holland America Line; Best Bahamas Cruise: Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line; Best Caribbean Cruise: Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Cruises; Best Mediterranean Cruise: Azamara Quest, Azamara Club Cruises; Best Cruise from Florida: Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Cruises; Best Cruise from the Northeast: Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Cruises; Best Cruise from the West Coast: Amsterdam, Holland America Line. For a complete list of all 2012 Cruisers' Choice Awards winners in all categories, click on Cruise Critic Winners.