How close is voting in Readers’ Choice? How about just 0.21%?

Our Readers’ Choice judging panel – you, our loyal readers – is at the halfway stage of its deliberations. And some fascinating battles are breaking out.

How close is voting? Our new innovative ship category sees Avalon Waterways just 0.21 per cent ahead of Princess Cruises. That’s a wafer thin margin.

All the more reason for you to get voting! Your favourite ships and crews are on tenterhooks!

There is just 1% is between old adversaries Silversea and Regent Seven Seas in our luxury category. Both have new ships: Silver Nova for Silversea and Grandeur launches for Regent Seven Seas in December.

Last year’s voting was also tight and had a last minute rush to favourite ships as lines mustered their fans on social media.

And in the ever-popular premium category, Princess Cruises is battling to stay ahead of Celebrity Cruises – which this year brings Celebrity Edge to Australia – and Oceania Cruises which has just launched ground-breaking Vista and Allura.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are lining up in the family’s race, and the same three are tops in the thrills and spill ‘Best for onboard activities’ category.

Expedition on thin ice

Viking is fighting off Hurtigruten and Ponant in expedition – given Viking have only two ships, that’s a remarkable performance! – with newcomer Captain Cook, which this year launches the luxury Fiji cruise ship Caledonia Sky, coming up the rear.

Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity Cruise feature the best onboard entertainment so far,

Expect Disney Cruise Line to make inroads next year when they complete their first season.

Disney is already leading Best for Families – and they haven’t even arrived in Australia yet!

Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity continue to slug it out in Ocean, with Viking apparently falling behind for this year. 

In river, Avalon are storming away with Scenic a close contender on best line, while best luxury line features Viking along with the same two.

Avalon and Celebrity are battling for best food with perpetual winner Oceania battling to be in contention.

Vote here