Cruise Critic awards honor Virgin, Celebrity, Margaritaville

Port Canaveral has been singled out as the best North American homeport and Virgin Voyages has been named the best cruise line by Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards.

The Celebrity Xcel was recognized as the best new ship and the Oceania Allura was chosen as the best new luxury ship in the 17th annual awards. Margaritaville at Sea took the top spot in the cruisers’ choice ranking for the best ocean line.

With more passenger demand than ever, cruise lines are all racing to compete for customers with new ships coming online every year, plus top-tier onboard experiences, service and dining. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to figure out the best cruise line to book, but this ranking helps customers find a trip that’s most suitable for them.

The awards are chosen by combining the experience of Cruise Critic staff members with reviews of real travelers.

Here are the takeaways from Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards.

Best Cruise Line

Virgin Voyages, named the best cruise line for ocean voyages, increased its Florida-based footprint this year by bringing its fourth ship, the Brilliant Lady, to Miami for the winter sailing season. Since 2021, Virgin has been challenging the norms of the cruise industry, and that bet seems to be paying off.

Cruise Critic praised the cruise line’s “cutting-edge innovation, nearly all-inclusive fares and exceptional onboard experiences.” The summary goes on to say, “Virgin consistently brings high-wattage fun, boundary-pushing food, dazzling entertainment and cool vibes to the high seas. This adults-only line is highly inclusive, has a come-as-you-are policy for all and embraces self-expression while delivering a great time.”

Virgin Voyages’ new Brilliant Lady brings adults-only fun to Florida

Virgin Voyages was also recognized in the awards for having the best dining of any major ocean cruise line.

Explora Journeys was named the best luxury cruise line, while Avalon Waterways was crowned as the best river cruise line and National Geographic-Linbald Expeditions won for the best expedition cruises.

Not mentioned above: The AmaMagdalena from AmaWaterways was chosen as the best new ship for river cruises for its custom build to travel Colombia’s Magdalena River.

Cruisers’ Choice

Margaritaville at Sea won the cruisers’ choice for best ocean line thanks to its “laid-back vibe and welcoming ‘island time’ atmosphere.” Cruise Critic also recognized the line’s entertainment, service, cabins, value and short itineraries for quick getaways.

Virgin Voyages ranked second in the cruisers’ choice category, just in front of Celebrity Cruises at number three. Avalon Waterways, Viking and Emerald Cruises were chosen as first, second and third, respectively, in the river category. Aqua Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions and Quark Expeditions were named as the top three, in descending order, in the expedition category.

Best Cabins, Dining and Service

When it comes to overnight accommodations on a cruise line, Disney Cruise Line has the best places to stay, according to Cruise Critic, which pointed out the line’s split bathroom, thoughtful touches and comfort. Explora Journeys has the best cabins in the luxury category, noted for their spaciousness, style and balconies.

Cruise Critic says Avalon Waterways has the best cabins for river cruising, while Seabourn Cruise Line has the best expedition cabins. Royal Caribbean was named for having the best suites and MSC Cruises for having the best suite complex with its Yacht Club.

Review: Disney Destiny brings storytelling magic to experiences at sea

Virgin Voyages ranked in the top spot for ocean cruise dining; Explora Journeys came in first for the luxury category. Riverside Luxury Cruises was chosen for having the best river cruise dining and Scenic for having the best expedition dining. Cruise Critic says Celebrity Cruises has the best specialty dining.

In the best for service category, Holland America Line ranked top for ocean cruises, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection top for luxury cruises, Scenic top for river cruises and Aqua Expeditions top for expeditions.

Best Value for Money

During a time when many travelers may be feeling strapped for cash, the value for money on a cruise is an increasingly important consideration.

Carnival Cruise Line has the best value for ocean cruises with low fares that include many restaurants, plus the signature fun that the cruise line advertises. Windstar Cruises has the best value for luxury cruises, while Gate 1 Travel has the best value for river cruises and Swan Hellenic has the best value for expeditions.

Port Canaveral shoutout

Port Canaveral received the designation of the best North American homeport shortly after the news that the Space Coast port edged PortMiami to become the world’s busiest cruise port in the last year.

Cruise Critic appreciates Port Canaveral’s draw for some of the “biggest and newest ships around,” like Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Disney Treasure. It’s worth noting that the port became home to Royal’s massive Star of the Seas earlier this year.

The site also noted Port Canaveral’s $500-million improvement plan in the years to come and the availability of affordable hotels in the area.

Other categories

While the top honors in each of the main categories are certainly noteworthy, Cruise Critic goes a step further in its ranking, breaking down the best options for different types of travelers.

Best for Families

MSC Cruises – ocean winner

Explora Journeys – luxury winner

Adventures By Disney – river winner

Best for Remote Workers

Royal Caribbean – ocean winner

Viking – luxury winner

Viking – river winner

Best for Solo Travelers

Norwegian Cruise Line – ocean winner

Oceania Cruises – luxury winner

American Cruise Lines – river winner

Best for LGBTQ+

Virgin Voyages – ocean winner

Azamara Cruises – luxury winner

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – river winner

Quasar Expeditions – expedition winner

Best for Couples

Princess Cruises – ocean winner

SeaDream Yacht Club – luxury winner

Viva Cruises – river winner

Best for Adventure

Quark Expeditions

Best for Active Cruisers

Avalon Waterways

Best for First Timers

Viking River Cruises

Best Light Expedition

Viking Expeditions

Best for Luxury

Riverside Luxury Cruises – river winner

Silversea Expeditions – expedition winner

Cruise Critic ranks the best onboard experiences, including entertainment, relaxation and enrichment.

Best Entertainment

Virgin Voyages – ocean winner

Scenic – river winner

Best Nightlife

Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Spa

Norwegian Cruise Line – ocean winner

Viking – luxury winner

Viking – expedition winner

Best Enrichment

Cunard Line – ocean winner

Viking – luxury winner

AmaWaterways – river winner

Best Digital Experience

Princess Cruises

Best for Entertainment and Enrichment

National Geographic-Lindbald Expeditions

Cruise Critic’s awards also name the top itineraries and excursions.

Best Itineraries

Holland America – ocean winner

Crystal Cruises – luxury winner

Ponant – expedition winner

Best Private Destination

Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean)

Best Shore Excursions

Oceania Cruises

Best for Alaska

UnCruise Adventures

Best for Antarctica

Quark Expeditions

Best for Arctic

Ponant

Best for Galapagos

National Geographic-Lindbald Expeditions

See the full list at cruisecritic.com.

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