2022 Member Choice Awards: Best Ships Overall and Best New Ships
In 2021 the return to cruising was a gradual reintroduction of ships to various destinations worldwide. Cruise lines faced many challenges in gaining approval to re-start ships, implementing strict health and safety protocols. Ships had to make changes by upgrading air filtration systems, creating quarantine cabins, and more. Further, cruise lines announced they would be sailing at reduced capacities, so finding a sun lounger was easier!
With more than eighteen months without a cruise, passengers were eager to get back to sailing the high seas. As soon as cruise lines announced their return to sailing plans, cruises were booked with confidence, and many die-hard cruisers booked multiple cruises.
The 2022 Member Choice Awards for Best Ships Overall and Best New Ships are cumulative scores on reviews collected from June through December 2021. Since not all ships re-entered service simultaneously, that does not affect the overall ratings and ranking. Ships are rated on a 5-point scale by Cruiseline.com and Shipmate members as part of the review collection process.
The following ships were rated the highest overall by Cruiseline.com and Shipmate members.
Best Overall Cruise Ship
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Mariner of the Seas - 4.482
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Oasis of the Seas - 4.469
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Allure of the Seas - 4.468
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Freedom of the Seas - 4.455
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Mardi Gras - 4.419
Mariner of the Seas taking top honors was a bit of a surprise. The ship debuted in 2003 and then completely refurbished in 2018 as part of Royal Caribbean’s Amplified upgrades. The ship returned to service on August 23, 2021, sailing 4- and 5- night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, departing roundtrip from Port Canaveral. The shorter sailings allowed passengers to ease back into the “new normal” of cruising. Additionally, for families looking to combine an Orlando pre or post-stay, the Mariner of the Seas is a great choice to add on for a week or longer vacation. The Amplified upgrades and shorter sailings are making a big splash with cruisers.
Before the pandemic, many cruise lines had new ships on order. Typically the time frame from order to delivery is 2-3 years. Many ships ordered several years ago were slated for delivery during the eighteen-month shutdown. Most new ships arrive to great fanfare, media attention, special inaugural festivities, and events. Unfortunately, the vessels delivered during the shutdown had to wait to receive guests and make their grand debut. Therefore, all ships delivered to a cruise line fleet from 2019 through 2021 were eligible for ranking as Best New Ships. The highest-rated new ships based on review data are:
Best New Ships
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Mardi Gras - 4.337
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Odyssey of the Seas - 4.281
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Celebrity Apex - 4.193
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Norwegian Encore - 4.049
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Carnival Panorama - 3.908
The eagerly awaited Mardi Gras is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to bear the name. Originally ordered in 2016, construction began in 2020 at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. Currently, the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet, the Mardi Gras set sail on its maiden voyage on July 31, 2021, from Port Canaveral. The ship offers alternating Eastern and Western seven-night Caribbean itineraries. Carnival was eager to welcome families onboard for their summer vacations and therefore postponed the typical new ship inaugural festivities and christening ceremonies. The Mardi Gras continues to wow passengers each week and has already developed a loyal following.
Related Article: New Ship Guide: Mardi Gras
Don’t see your favorite ship listed in the Top 5? Be sure to write a review after each cruise! Help spread the word about the return to cruising by sharing your review on social media. Not sure how to write a review? We make it easy! Check out Tips to Write a Cruise Review.
See more 2022 Member Choice Awards:
2022 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines
2022 Member Choice Awards: Cruise Line Onboard Experience
2022 Member Choice Awards: Cruise Ship Overall Onboard Experience
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