Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line cleaned up at the 2017 Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers' Choice Awards, taking home a combined 22 top honors.
Seattle-based Holland America Line won eight awards, including best shore excursions and best spa facilities. The Carnival Corp. subsidiary was also named the most eco-friendly cruise line thanks to its ambitious sustainability strategy and "Our Marvelous Oceans" partnership with the Marine Conservation Institute.
The cruise line's heavenly Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas secured the best private island award.
Holland America Line's Canada, New England and Northern Europe itineraries were recognized as the best in the industry by Porthole readers, who also lauded the cruise line for its accessibility (i.e.best facilities for guests with disabilities) and medical facilities.
"As Holland America Line continues our journey of brand evolution and innovation, it is an incredible honor to be recognized by the readers of Porthole who are the most discerning and well-experienced cruisers in the world," Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the world's largest cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line came away with six awards of its own. Its lively deck parties, Club O2 teen program and variety of free dining and entertainment options have clearly been a hit with the magazine's readers.
Carnival Cruise Line was named the best value-for-the-money line for the 19th straight year in addition to receiving the titles of best cruise line for teens, best computer facilities, best website, best nightlife and best Mexican Riviera itineraries.
"Considering our awards cover such a diverse array of areas-from our teen program and nightlife to onboard computer facilities and itineraries-it's truly gratifying to be recognized for the efforts we put forth in providing fun and memorable cruises for our guests," said Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy in a statement.
Norwegian Cruise Line earned the titles of best cruise line for solo travelers and best cruise line for short cruises. The brand's Hawaii and Bermuda itineraries were also recognized as the industry's best.
Additionally, the cruise line won for its specialty restaurants, casinos and signature cocktail. Finally, the Norwegian Escape was named the industry's best large ship.
AmaWaterways, Costa Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises were also recognized by Porthole readers for their excellence.
AmaWaterways' AmaKristina was named the best river ship while Costa Cruises and Paul Gauguin were rewarded for offering the best Mediterranean and South Pacific itineraries, respectively.
The best accommodations went to Silversea while Seabourn collected a pair of awards, including best luxury ship (Seabourn Encore) and best Africa/Middle East itineraries.
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