What's Your Favourite Cruise Ship Of 2011?

Disney Cruise Line has won several accolades in the 2011 Cruise Critic Editors Picks Awards. The Disney Dream, not to be confused with its Thomson namesake set sail on its maiden voyage earlier this year. It won both the best new ship and best inside cabin awards. So with the industry choosing it's favourite new ship, what is your vote for the best cruise ship 2011? Unlike the Cruise Critic Awards the winner does not necessarily have to be a new ship, just a ship that you think deserves this accolade. So let’s look at a few possible contenders.........

The Solstice Class on Celebrity has been a massive favourite. The Eclipse is the ship I have heard most about, as it is probably the ship I have sold the most. I have heard nothing but excellent reports on the food, the service and most of all the ship. The hot glass show on the top deck, the real grass lawn on board and the Vodka Ice Bar are all huge unique selling points that have people returning in their hundreds.

The Independence of the Sea's is a difficult one to beat. If you are a family of any age, or retired couple this ship has something for everyone. This ship is all about the WOW factor. Rock climbing walls, Ice rinks, Broadway shows, pubs, restaurants and surf machines is just the start. Yes this is a big ship but with limitless activities on offer, you may as well leave boredom at home. The American style dinner Jonny Rockets is a firm favourite, serving Burgers, Hot Dogs and French fries . The Casino is unparalleled in size, with loads of slots and games on offer, here there is plenty of money to be lost here. The Irish Pub on board is what you would expect, good drink and great fun. Finally for the kids the H20 zone or mini water park keeps the youngsters entertained for hours on end.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2. A huge ship but not packed with cabins means lots of deck space and large staterooms. If you fancy a pampering, the QM2 has unparalleled Spa facilities in the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, it has a Illuminations Planetarium at sea, it even has an award winning restaurant on board Todd English. Fancy an afternoon Tea in the queens room serenaded by a string quartet, or maybe a read in the huge well stocked library, the Queen Mary has it all. If you want to bring a slice of home with you, you can play darts in the English pub, the Golden lion. Followed by fish and chips and Karaoke. On transatlantic sailings you can even bring you Cat and Dog on board!

The Grand Princess has recently been refitted and is massively popular with the UK market. This American ship has plenty of facilities on board with very high standards of service and food. For you meat lovers there is an excellent Steak House on board. All cabins come very well equipped. The unique selling point of this cruise is Movies under the stars! On a clear warm Mediterranean night, you can take to the top deck and relax eating popcorn watching Hollywood's latest Films. And if it is a Fjords Itinerary or somewhere maybe a little cooler. Blankets are provided or if you are feeling really brave you can watch the film from the warmth of the Jacuzzi.

Of course I could not go through every contender, as I do not have a spare 3 weeks so there are quite a few not mentioned. Everyone has their own opinion and favourite, so if you have time please let me know yours! As normal, let me know if you have any questions!