Virgin Voyages named the 'Best Cruise Line of the Year' in the Ocean Category; Explora Journeys, Avalon Waterways and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions also named top cruise lines
NEEDHAM, Mass., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Critic®, the world's leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has announced the winners of its 17th annual Best in Cruise Awards, naming the best cruise lines and destinations of the year, based on expert insight and traveler ratings.
"The growth of the cruise industry is astounding – with nearly 40 million travelers expected to cruise in 2026,"1 shares Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. "And as demand for cruise travel continues to grow, so do the array of options available."
"What makes Cruise Critic's awards stand out among a sea of 'best of' lists is the expertise behind the selections," explains Mark Patscher, General Manager of Cruise Critic. "Our team of editors has sailed on hundreds of cruise ships – from the largest mega-ships, to the smallest expedition vessels. We comb every corner of the globe to gather first-hand insights into a wide range of cruise offerings available to travelers. That, combined with the ratings, reviews and opinions from our community of more than two million cruisers, ensures these awards are a true gauge of which cruise lines stand out as the absolute best of the best this year."
2025 Award HighlightsSelected by Cruise Critic's international team of cruise experts
Ocean Awards
- Best Ocean Cruise Line: Virgin VoyagesAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Virgin Voyages has redefined cruising, delivering cutting-edge innovation, nearly all-inclusive fares and exceptional onboard experiences, exceeding every expectation along the way."
- Best New Ship: Celebrity XcelAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Celebrity Xcel elevates and reinvents Celebrity Cruises' acclaimed Edge-class of ships. From the transformative experience of The Bazaar, to delicious new specialty restaurants and enhanced entertainment, Xcel feels familiar yet boldly refreshed – pushing Celebrity in a new and exciting direction."
- Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise LineAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Carnival Cruise Line continues to deliver the best value for your vacation dollar. Its base fares are lower than many other cruise lines, but it doesn't skimp on inclusions or leave you feeling nickle-and-dimed."
- Cruisers' Choice Award: Margaritaville at SeaAccording to Cruise Critic Member JD94: "From the moment we stepped aboard, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. From seamless onboarding and deboarding to the incredible crew and entertainment, there's truly nothing that could've made this experience better. We can't wait to sail again – and highly recommend Margaritaville at Sea Islander to anyone looking for a truly special voyage!"
River Awards
- Best River Cruise Line: Avalon WaterwaysAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Avalon Waterways stands out across the board in its offerings. We love the line's well-thought-out Panorama Suites; itineraries that offer a wide choice of active, classic and discovery excursions; and food that is fresh and varied."
- Best New River Ship: AmaMagdalenaAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Custom-built to travel Colombia's Magdalena River, AmaMagdalena is a celebration of the vibrant South American country. The 60-passenger, three-deck river ship is thoughtfully designed with locally made, handcrafted furniture and decor, but the ship's biggest triumph might be unlocking new frontiers for river cruising."
- Cruisers' Choice Award: Avalon WaterwaysAccording to Cruise Critic Member Kentavo: "The ship was magnificent, comfortable rooms, delicious meals and a staff that went above and beyond continuously. Every single staff member was courteous, engaging, smiling, welcoming and friendly. Enough positive words cannot be said about the staff."
Luxury Awards
- Best Luxury Cruise Line: Explora JourneysAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Explora Journeys has redefined the luxury sector with its two boutique vessels – delivering an onboard experience that sets new standards in service, cuisine and accommodation."
- Best New Luxury Ship: Oceania AlluraAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Oceania Allura boasts exquisite design, spacious staterooms and an emphasis on culinary excellence. Its dramatic atrium sets the tone for luxury from the moment you board, and its wide variety of restaurants – from menus from multi-Michelin-Starred Jacques Pepin, to a venue dedicated to clean-eating – leave every palate satisfied. It's clear Allura has set the tone for the future for Oceania Cruises."
- Cruisers' Choice Award: Viking CruisesAccording to Cruise Critic Member T L M: "Viking made our cruise experience effortless. From beginning to end the staff and crew anticipated our needs and exceeded our expectations. Our experience was superior overall: food options = excellent; entertainment = superb, enrichment lectures = informative; cabin = well appointed and cozy."
Expedition Awards
- Best Expedition Cruise Line: National Geographic-Lindblad ExpeditionsAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "While others chase trends, National Geographic-Lindblad keeps redefining exploration. On every voyage, you'll find passionate guides, excellent enrichment learning and guests with a shared sense of curiosity."
- Best for Adventure: Quark ExpeditionsAccording to Cruise Critic's Editors: "Quark Expeditions goes above and beyond to ensure cruisers discover polar regions in true adrenaline-pumping style. From kayaking and paddleboarding the icy, marine life-rich waters to alpine trekking, heli-hiking and camping in dramatic settings, the cruise line delivers unparalleled experiences in unforgettable places."
- Cruisers' Choice Award: Aqua ExpeditionsAccording to Cruise Critic Member Estelle1961: "Without a doubt one of the best cruises we have been on. The ship and rooms are absolutely beautiful, but it is the incredible staff, great food and amazing excursions that really made this trip so memorable. Our only regret is not booking a longer trip....hope to sail with Aqua again soon!"
2025 Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards
Ocean Category
Best Ocean Cruise Line: Virgin VoyagesBest New Ship: Celebrity XcelBest Cabins: Disney Cruise LineBest for Couples: Princess CruisesBest Dining: Virgin VoyagesBest Entertainment: Virgin VoyagesBest Enrichment: Cunard LineBest for Families: MSC CruisesBest Itineraries: Holland America LineBest for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin VoyagesBest Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise LineBest for Remote Workers: Royal Caribbean InternationalBest Service: Holland America LineBest for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise LineBest Spa: Norwegian Cruise LineBest Specialty Dining: Celebrity CruisesBest Suites: Royal Caribbean InternationalBest Suite Complex: MSC Cruises' MSC Yacht ClubBest Value for Money: Carnival Cruise LineBest Digital Experience: Princess CruisesBest North American Homeport: Port Canaveral, FloridaBest Cruise Line Private Destination: Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay
River Category
Best River Cruise Line: Avalon WaterwaysBest New River Ship: AmaMagdalenaBest for Active Cruisers: Avalon WaterwaysBest Cabins: Avalon WaterwaysBest for Couples: VIVA CruisesBest Dining: Riverside Luxury CruisesBest for Entertainment: ScenicBest Enrichment: AmaWaterwaysBest for Families: Adventures by DisneyBest for First-Timers: VikingBest for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Uniworld Boutique River CruisesBest for Luxury: Riverside Luxury CruisesBest for Remote Workers: VikingBest Service: ScenicBest for Solo Travelers: American Cruise LinesBest Value for Money: Gate 1 Travel
Luxury Category
Best Luxury Cruise Line: Explora JourneysBest New Luxury Ship: Oceania AlluraBest Cabins: Explora JourneysBest for Couples: SeaDream Yacht ClubBest Dining: Explora JourneysBest Enrichment: VikingBest for Families: Explora JourneysBest Itineraries: Crystal CruisesBest for LGBTQ+ Travelers: AzamaraBest for Remote Workers: VikingBest Service: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionBest Shore Excursions: Oceania CruisesBest for Solo Travelers: Oceania CruisesBest Spa: VikingBest Value for Money: Windstar Cruises
Expedition Category
Best Expedition Cruise Line: National Geographic-Lindblad ExpeditionsBest for Adventure: Quark ExpeditionsBest Cabins: Seabourn Cruise LineBest Dining: ScenicBest for Education and Enrichment: National Geographic-Lindblad ExpeditionsBest Itineraries: PonantBest for LGBTQ+ Travelers: QuasarBest for Light Expedition: VikingBest for Luxury: Silversea ExpeditionsBest Service: Aqua ExpeditionsBest Spa: VikingBest Value for Money: Swan Hellenic CruisesBest in Alaska: UnCruise AdventuresBest in Antarctica: Quark ExpeditionsBest in the Arctic: Ponant CruisesBest in the Galapagos: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Cruisers' Choice Category
Top-Rated Ocean Cruise Lines
- Margaritaville at Sea
- Virgin Voyages
- Celebrity Cruises
Top-Rated River Cruise Lines
- Avalon Waterways
- Viking
- Emerald Cruises
Top-Rated Luxury Cruise Lines
- Viking
- Explora Journeys
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Top-Rated Expedition Cruise Lines
- Aqua Expeditions
- Quasar Expeditions
- Quark Expeditions
To view the full details of each category, visit the 2025 Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards.
12026 forecast numbers based on data from the Cruise Lines International Association
About Cruise Critic
Cruise Critic® is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 650,000 cruise reviews and hosts the world's largest online cruise community where travelers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers. Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet, launched in October 1995 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.
About Tripadvisor, Inc.
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Media Contact:Aubrey Manzo Dunnaubrey@cruisecritic.com
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