The cruising world is celebrating excellence once again as Cruise Critic, the world’s largest cruise review platform and online cruise community, unveils the winners of its 17th annual Best in Cruise Awards. These awards honour the finest cruise lines, newest ships, and most exceptional travel experiences across ocean, river, luxury, and expedition cruising. Built on a combination of expert editorial insights and traveller ratings, the 2025 awards reflect a travel industry experiencing unprecedented growth, with nearly 40 million passengers projected to cruise in 2026.
This year’s winners represent a dynamic new era in global cruising—one defined by innovation, elevated guest experiences, and a renewed commitment to quality. Cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Explora Journeys, Carnival Cruise Line, and Avalon Waterways emerged as standout leaders, each pushing boundaries to meet evolving traveller expectations.
Industry Growth and Expertise Behind the Awards
Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, highlighted the extraordinary growth the cruise industry continues to experience. According to international tourism forecasts, cruising remains one of the fastest-growing segments of global travel. McDaniel emphasised that the Cruise Critic editorial team—comprising specialists who have sailed on hundreds of ships from mega-vessels to intimate expedition yachts—plays a critical role in evaluating industry trends, ensuring that the awards recognise genuine excellence.
With more than two million active contributors in the Cruise Critic community, the awards are shaped by a large volume of real traveller experiences. This blend of editorial expertise and community feedback makes the Best in Cruise Awards a respected benchmark for both travellers and cruise providers alike.
Ocean Awards: Innovation, Value, and Elevated Guest Experiences
The Ocean Awards spotlight the best in traditional ocean cruising, including design, onboard entertainment, and overall guest satisfaction.
- Best Ocean Cruise Line – Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages continues to disrupt the industry with adults-only cruising, stylish ship designs, all-inclusive offerings, and an emphasis on modern, experience-focused travel. Their innovative approach once again earned them top honours. - Best New Ship – Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises)
This newest addition to the Edge-class series introduces upgraded dining, next-level entertainment, and transformative spaces designed to enhance passenger immersion. - Best Value for Money – Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival remains a favourite for delivering memorable vacations at accessible price points without compromising service or onboard enjoyment. - Cruisers’ Choice Ocean Award – Margaritaville at Sea
Travellers praised its laid-back atmosphere, warm hospitality, and lively entertainment, making it a standout for casual cruise enthusiasts.
River Awards: Scenic Journeys and Immersive Cultural Experiences
River cruising continues to grow in popularity for offering intimate journeys through historic waterways.
- Best River Cruise Line – Avalon Waterways
Avalon’s fleet, including its signature Panorama Suites, stands out for comfort, flexibility, and exceptional itineraries tailored to both leisure and active travellers. - Best River Cruise for Active Cruisers – Avalon Waterways
Its Active & Discovery routes offer hiking, cycling, and interactive cultural excursions. - Best New River Ship – AmaMagdalena (AmaWaterways)
Purpose-built to navigate Colombia’s Magdalena River, this vessel marks a new chapter for South American river tourism. - Cruisers’ Choice River Award – Avalon Waterways
Guests praised Avalon’s service excellence, well-appointed accommodations, and unforgettable dining.
Luxury Awards: Redefining High-End Cruise Travel
The luxury cruise sector continues to evolve, offering intimate ships, personalised service, and world-class gastronomy.
- Best Luxury Cruise Line – Explora Journeys
With boutique-style ships offering refined décor, elevated dining, and serene ocean experiences, Explora Journeys has set new standards for luxury travel. - Best New Luxury Ship – Oceania Allura
Oceania’s newest ship raised the bar with impressive suite designs, expansive culinary offerings, and a focus on enriching guest experiences. - Cruisers’ Choice Luxury Award – Viking Cruises
Viking received praise for its seamless service, superior cabin comfort, and sophisticated onboard atmosphere.
Expedition Awards: Adventure Meets Discovery
Expedition cruising continues to attract travellers seeking remote destinations, wildlife encounters, and immersive learning.
- Best Expedition Cruise Line – National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions
Their long-standing commitment to environmental education, exploration, and expert-led journeys secured them the top position. - Best for Adventure – Quark Expeditions
Known for polar exploration, Quark offers adrenaline-charged experiences such as snowshoeing, heli-hiking, and kayaking among icebergs. - Cruisers’ Choice Expedition Award – Aqua Expeditions
Guests celebrated Aqua’s intimate ships, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional staff across its river and ocean expedition itineraries.
Cruisers’ Choice: Travellers’ Most Loved Cruise Lines
Passenger favourites across all categories also earned recognition:
- Ocean Cruise Lines: Margaritaville at Sea, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises
- River Cruise Lines: Avalon Waterways, Viking, Emerald Cruises
- Luxury Cruise Lines: Viking, Explora Journeys, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Expedition Cruise Lines: Aqua Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions, Quark Expeditions
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Global Cruising
With millions of travellers preparing to embark on cruises in the coming years, the Cruise Critic Awards play a crucial role in guiding travellers toward the most innovative and rewarding cruising experiences. The surge in new ship designs, enhanced sustainability initiatives, and expanded itineraries ensures that the cruise industry will continue to thrive.
The 2025 winners represent the pinnacle of ocean, river, luxury, and expedition cruising—delivering extraordinary travel experiences that combine adventure, comfort, value, and discovery. For travellers seeking unmatched journeys across the world’s oceans and rivers, these award-winning cruise lines are setting the course for the future of global travel.
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