AwardsAwards

Travel with the World's Best

At Overseas Adventure Travel, our #1 goal is to deliver our travelers the best travel experience at the best value—to lead as the best small ship and land adventures travel company in the industry.

We’re extremely gratified when our travelers and leading travel industry experts recognize that commitment, and honor us by giving us award-winning high marks in independent surveys. Every year, we earn more of these prestigious awards—just another reminder you’re traveling with the leader in small groups on the road less traveled!

Award-Winning Experiences

Travel + Leisure Awards

Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrate readers’ favorite travel experiences in a number of different areas, with categories including cruise lines, tour and safari operators, and more.
2025	#3 “World’s Best” Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Line
2022-2025	Top “World’s Best” Intimate Cruise Ship
2018-2019	Top “World’s Best” Intimate Cruise Ship
2013	Global Vision Award for Leadership
2010	Global Vision Award for Philanthropic Travel
2010	World's Best Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter Ranked in Top 20

Condé Nast Traveler “Reader’s Choice Awards”

Condé Nast Traveler “2025 Readers' Choice Awards” recognize the cruise operators that consistently offer travel experiences their readers value most—from immersive itineraries and unique destinations to comfortable onboard accommodations.
2025	#2 Small Ships Category
2025	#7 Expedition Ships Category
2021	Best Tour Operators

USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

USA Today’s 10Best Educational Tour Companies are for curious travelers who crave immersive experiences and detailed knowledge of the destinations they visit, and the quickly growing educational travel industry provides the answer. These tour companies take learning on the road with itineraries focused on topics like culture, history, archaeology, architecture, and science.
2019	*#6 in Top 10Best Educational Tour Companies in USA Today’s* 10Best Awards**

Condé Nast Traveler

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.
2006-2014	Gold List Cruise Line

Solo Traveler

Solo Traveler's Solo Travel Awards are designed to acknowledge companies that are effectively serving solo travelers.
2017-2018	“Best Tours” Solo Travel Awards

Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Solo Traveler's Solo Travel Awards are designed to acknowledge companies that are effectively serving solo travelers.
2016	“Best in Travel for Solo Packaged Tours” 2016
2009, 2016	Top 5 “World’s Best” Small Ship Cruise Lines

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