Oct. 21, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

PENNINGTON, N.J., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Critic® (http://www.CruiseCritic.com), the popular independent cruise reviews and news site, reveals the cruise lines and ships that offer the very best in cruising -- with the announcement today of the 2009 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards.

The awards honor the world's top cruise lines, as selected by Cruise Critic's editors, and highlight the best of the best in 33 categories. Categories reflect the wide range of cruises and ships available to travelers -- from fun-packed family ships to more serene luxury vessels -- providing a useful guide to the best ships for each type of cruiser and style of cruise.

The Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards evaluate cruise lines and ships according to the types of passengers to whom they cater. Categories include: "Best Family Cruise Line," awarded to Royal Caribbean; "Best for Romance," awarded to Princess Cruises; and "Best for First-Timers," awarded to Carnival Cruise Lines. More specific categories include "Best for Healthy Dining," awarded to Celebrity, and "Best Spa," which went to Costa Cruise's Samsara Spa.

"There's no 'one-size fits all' in cruising but, rather, a whole host of options for every type of cruiser," explains Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of Cruise Critic. "Choosing the winners is never easy, and each year, cruise lines raise the bar, as new amenities are added, ships are refurbished, and new vessels are launched.