TravelChannel.com Names the Top 10 TRAVEL'S BEST: CRUISES for 2015

The awarded cruises were divided into the following categories and destinations: Alaskan, Caribbean, European River, Family, Hawaiian, Luxury, Mediterranean, Mexican, Theme and Unexpected Food.

TravelChannel.com editors enlisted a panel of experts to help determine the 10 best cruises for 2015, including: Anne Campbell (editor, CruisingFromNewYork.com), Stewart Chiron (president and CEO of CruiseGuy.com), Fran Golden (cruise expert and writer, USA Today), Jason Leppert (editor, PopularCruising.com) and Bill Panoff (publisher and editor-in-chief, Porthole Cruise Magazine).

The 2015 “Travel's Best: Cruises” (in alphabetical order by category):

Best Alaskan Cruise: Celebrity Cruises; Celebrity Solstice

Aboard the Celebrity Solstice, the dramatic sights of glaciers calving, whales breaching and eagles flying overhead enhance the already stunning scenery in Alaska. Full of “firsts,” the ship has the first Lawn Club – a half-acre of real grass on the top deck – and is the first ship to have staterooms redesigned by five women known as “the Leading Ladies.”

Best Caribbean Cruise: Sea Dream Yacht Club; Sea Dream I and Sea Dream II

The Sea Dream I and Sea Dream II are private mega-yachts carrying only 112 passengers each, making an exclusive luxury experience and venturing to the most exotic ports, including St. Barts, Bequia and St. John. This year, the cruises unveiled the “Champagne & Caviar Splash” – guests wade into the surf to indulge in premium caviar and sparkling wine, served on a surfboard covered in white linen, followed by a barbecue feast on a secluded white sand beach. Relax with a Thai massage, dive into the ship's retractable marina, explore a small Caribbean island on a mountain bike or unwind under the stars in a plush Balinese daybed. With all these enviable options, these ships are the epitome of luxury in the Caribbean.

Best European River Cruise: AmaWaterways; AmaCerto

River cruising is a growing trend, especially in Europe, and AmaWaterways' AmaCerto provides an intimate ambiance, amazing food and service and the ability to dock right in the heart of Europe's most fascinating cities. As the small, intimate and stylish riverboats sail along the Danube and Rhine rivers, guests are enveloped by picture-perfect views of European landscapes and can explore different cities through culinary tours or castle and cathedral excursions. AmaCerto is one of the few river cruises to offer passengers complimentary bicycles onshore, affording guests the option to see Europe in a way they never have before.

Best Family Cruise: Royal Caribbean; Anthem of the Seas

After a season in Europe, this fall the Anthem of the Seas will be cruising year-round from Bayonne, N.J., to ports including the Bahamas and Bermuda. Fun for families of all ages, the new ship, with capacity for 4,180 passengers, is one of the most exciting ships to set sail in years. Parents will certainly crowd the new Bionic Bar where robot bartenders serve your favorite drinks. At the SeaPlex sports center, you can ride bumper cars, roller-skate, fly high on a trapeze or simulate a skydiving experience -- a new activity for teenagers and adults. For something less heart-pumping, the new North Star ride takes you high above the sea in a glass capsule for spectacular ocean views.

Best Hawaiian Cruise: Norwegian Cruise Line; Pride of America

Back as a repeat winner, the Pride of America remains the champion in the Best Hawaiian Cruise category. Since this ship sails year-round from Honolulu, it's the only U.S.-flagged cruise ship offering passengers nearly 100 hours of port time on all four main Hawaiian Islands during a seven-night trip. When compared to ships that sail from California and are only in port for 52 hours to see three islands on a 15-night cruise, this is a major bonus in vacation time that visitors should not pass up. This cruise provides almost twice the time to explore the beauty of Hawaii and its many well-known tourist attractions.

Best Luxury Cruise: Seabourn Cruise Line; Seabourn Odyssey

Get pampered aboard the Seabourn Odyssey. It boasts 225 ocean-view luxury suites with spacious marble bathrooms, the largest spa facility on any luxury cruise ship and warm-water activities including waterskiing, kayaking and paddleboating on the marina. The cruise line has partnered with UNESCO to promote sustainable tourism, visiting over 170 World Heritage Sites including Thebes in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru and the temple complex of Borobudur on the Indonesian island of Java.

Best Mediterranean Cruise: Viking Ocean Cruises; Viking Star

Viking Ocean Cruises' first ship, the Viking Star, is living up to the reputation of its acclaimed sister line – Viking River Cruises – while offering perks all its own. The 930-passenger ship pleasantly draws guests' attention to the picturesque Mediterranean and Baltic scenery thanks to a double-decker observation lounge and two-story panoramic windows in the Explorers' Lounge. Passengers can then indulge in alfresco dining options that will expose them to the beautiful shorelines throughout their voyage at sea.

Best Mexico Cruise: Carnival Cruise Line; Carnival Miracle

With upgrades to include the new Fun Ship 2.0 features, six or seven day journeys aboard the Carnival Miracle are a perfect choice for heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Sailing year-round, passengers can enjoy the RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar watering holes; Seuss at Sea for kids; Hasbro, the Game Show for families; and new, energetic on-stage performances, such as Motor City. Once docked, let the exploration in Mexico begin with excursions including driving an ATV through the desert to the Candelaria oasis, fly fishing in the Sea of Cortez, horseback riding through the Sierra Madre or humpback whale watching on Banderas Bay.

Best Theme Cruise: Carnival Cruise Line; Carnival Live

Feel the beat on Carnival Live concert series cruises, where different performers are brought on board at every port. Guests are treated to an intimate concert in the ship's theatre, creating an amazing show-at-sea experience. Past artists have included Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum and Journey; and upcoming performers include Heart, Boston and Lionel Richie. Concert tickets start at $40, or passengers can splurge for a VIP ticket at $150 to get the best seats and a chance to meet the performers.

Best Unexpected Cruise for Food: Carnival Cruise Line; Carnival Breeze

The quality of the food on the mid-priced Carnival Breeze surpasses even the best cuisine on its pricier competitors. With 10 restaurants on board, there is something for every palate. From Guy's Burger Joint – owned by Food Network personality and restaurateur Guy Fieri – to tasty Thai barbecue at the Mongolian Wok, this cruise ship has a smorgasbord of options. A food excursion in Cozumel, Mexico, is even more surprisingly delightful as passengers visit a private beach house with a private chef, get five-star service and take an optional cooking class.

For more details on the “Travel's Best: Cruises” for 2015, go to: https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travels-best/articles/travels-best-cruises-2015