The list of the top cruise lines for 2025 is out. Find out who dominated this year’s rankings.
US News & World Report makes identifying the best cruise operators easier by evaluating 18 cruise lines based on six consumer-oriented classifications.
2025 Highlights
Viking Ocean Cruises took the top spot across three categories: Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean, and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. This is the fourth consecutive year the European cruise brand earned prestigious spots in the annual release.
Viking’s Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, acknowledged the win, saying, “We are honored to be recognized once again by US News & World Report for our commitment to delivering the highest quality experiences for our guests. Thank you to our entire Viking family around the world for helping make these awards possible.”
“We have always done things differently, and we are pleased that our approach continues to resonate with guests and industry experts,” he added.
Disney Cruise Line was also notably present, ranking first in two categories—Best Cruise Lines for Families and Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, one of the list’s most popular categories, the Best Cruise Lines for the Money, announced a new champion. Celebrity Cruises was recognized as 2025’s top contender, replacing last year’s Virgin Voyages.
Here are the top three picks across categories:
Best Cruise Lines for the Money
#1: Celebrity Cruises
#2: Virgin Voyages
#3: MSC Cruises
Best Cruise Lines for Families
#1: Disney Cruise Line
#2: Royal Caribbean International
#3: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Cruise Lines for Couples
#1: Viking Ocean Cruises
#2: Seabourn Cruise Line
#3: Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
#1: Disney Cruise Line
#2: Celebrity Cruises
#3: Virgin Voyages
Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
#1: Viking Ocean Cruises
#2: Seabourn Cruise Line
#3: Celebrity Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Lines
#1: Viking Ocean Cruises
#2: Seabourn Cruise Line
#3: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
You can view the complete rankings here.
The US News & World Report employs a comprehensive industry-wide selection process based on traveler reviews, expert opinions, and the input of destination writers and editors.
Virgin Voyages merited the top spot in 2024 under Best Cruise Lines for Money, followed by Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises.
