On November 12, 2009, Zagat released the results of its first cruise line survey. The survey covers twenty-two major cruise lines as voted on by 2,379 regular cruise-goers who had taken taken a total of 22,700 separate cruises (average of over nine each).
The cruise lines were categorized by size: large (1,500+ passengers), mid-size (200 to 1,500) and small (less than 200). Each line was then rated on Zagat's 30-point scale cabins, service, dining, facilities, and shipboard activities.
The top cruise lines, based on overall scores: Cunard Line (large), Regent Seven Seas (mid-size) and SeaDream Yacht Club (small).
Lines with mid-size ships tended to get the highest overall ratings. Following Regent were Crystal, Seabourn and Silversea all with a score of 26 out of a possible 30. Following with overall rating of 25 are Cunard and Disney.
Category: Large, Mid-Size, Small
Top Rooms: Cunard, Regent, SeaDream
Top Service: Cunard, Seabourn, SeaDream
Top Dining: Cunard, Seabourn, SeaDream
Top Facilities: Cunard, Crystal, SeaDream
Top Activities: Disney, Crystal, Lindblad
Top Overall: Cunard, Regent, SeaDream
Personal Favorites: Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, Windstar Cruises
Top Fitness Centers
Top Live Entertainment
Top Nightlife
Top Spa Services
Top Onboard Shopping
Top Excursions
Best for Singles
Top Itinerary Choices
Best for Romantic/Honeymoon
Best for Kids
Best for Families
Best for Seniors
Best for Weekend Getaways
Best for Budget Cruises
Best for Expedition Cruises