The Leader in Enriching Cultural Experiences since 1958
Award-Winning River Cruise Line
At Grand Circle, our #1 goal is to deliver the best travel experience at the best value. We have been ranked among the “World’s Best” River Cruise Lines in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for thirteen years in a row―from 2006 to 2021. In fact, since we first launched our fleet, we’ve earned top marks to become one of the industry’s most decorated river cruise lines.
We’re proud to provide our travelers unforgettable discoveries and we’re extremely gratified when our travelers and industry experts recognize that commitment, and honor us by giving us award-winning high marks in independent surveys.
Click each icon below to see some of our most recent accolades:
Condé Nast Top 5 River Cruises
Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
#4 in 2021
#5 in 2019
#1 from 2012-2016
Listed among “World’s Best” 2010-2011, 2017-2019
Condé Nast Traveler readers are annually asked to rate the world’s best cities, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more. In the cruise line category, readers rate their experiences based on ship activities/facilities, cabins, crew/service, design/layout, food/dining, itineraries/schedule, and shore excursions.
Ranked Among the World’s Best Cruise Lines
Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
Top “World’s Best” River Cruise Lines 2018-2019
Top “World’s Best” River Cruise Lines 2012-2016
Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards celebrate readers’ favorite travel experiences in a number of different categories, including cruise lines, tour operators, and more.
#2 Best River Cruise Line
USA Today 10 Best Readers Choice Awards
2x winner
In 2015 and 2016, readers selected their favorite river cruise lines as part of USA Today 10 Best’s survey of the best of the best on the world’s riverways.
Gold List & Platinum Circle
Condé Nast Traveler
8x winner
Until 2015, Condé Nast Traveler readers were asked annually to participate in the magazine’s Readers’ Choice Survey—and the resulting Gold List honor was bestowed to a who’s who of top destinations, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and more. Those who made the list for five consecutive years—like Grand Circle Cruise Line—also earned a place in the prestigious Platinum Circle.
Now that you’ve seen our accolades, click here to start planning your next vacation with the world’s best today!
Click here to see the other commendations we’ve collected over the years, and view below to learn about awards we’ve received for our workplace and for Grand Circle Foundation.
Grand Circle Corporation
2019
Best Wellness Employer “Silver Certification” for our worksite wellness program.
The award is given by Wellness Workdays in collaboration with Harvard Medical School to recognize the significant accomplishments of employers dedicated to improving employee health and well-being.
2018
2018 WorkWell Massachusetts Award Bronze Level
Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts
2018
Boston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For
National Association for Business Resources (NABR)
2018
Best Wellness Employer “Silver Certification” for our worksite wellness program.
The award is given by Wellness Workdays in collaboration with Harvard Medical School to recognize the significant accomplishments of employers dedicated to improving employee health and well-being.
2013
Tourism Council of Bhutan
In appreciation for promoting Bhutan as a tourist destination;
largest U.S. travel company to Bhutan
2013
Top Producing Tour Operator received by O.A.T. and Grand Circle Travel
Best Value for the Money Packages received by Grand Circle Travel
South African Tourism Board
2006
Humanitarian Award received by O.A.T.
Tanzania Tourist Board
2006
Top 15 Corporate Charitable Contributors in MA
Corporate Philanthropy Summit and Boston Business Journal
2006
25 Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work for in America
Great Place to Work® Institute, Inc. and Society for Human Resource Management
2006
New England Social Entrepreneur of the Year received by Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis
Ernst & Young
2006
Excellence Award
Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy
2005
Top 20 Best Places to Work (large company division)
Boston Business Journal
2000 & 1998
Friends of Thailand Award
Government of Thailand
Grand Circle Foundation
2016
Citizenship Award received by Harriet Lewis
City on a Hill Public Charter School
2004
Cornerstone Award
Neurofibromatosis Foundation
2004
Circle of Giving Award received by Harriet Lewis
The New England Women's Leadership Award (NEWLA)
2004
Thompson Island Outward Bound North Star Award
Thompson Island Outward Bound
2003
UNESCO World Heritage Centre Partners in Conservation Program
UNESCO
2002
AIDS Action Corporate Partner Award
AIDS Action Committee
2001
Big Sister Association Achievement Award
Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
2001
Recognition Award
Shelter, Inc.
2000
Hero of Philanthropy Award
National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE)
1998
Thompson Island Founders' Award
Thompson Island Outward Bound
1996
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Founders' Award
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay
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