Top 10 Large Ocean Cruise Lines Loved by Our Readers in 2025

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2024 list of our favorite large-ship ocean cruise lines.

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2024, as destinations around the world. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories; large-ship ocean cruise lines have ships that can carry 600 to 2,199 passengers.

The 2021 edition of iBestTravel’s large-ship list held several surprises, including many changes at the top of the rankings. Some long-time favorites slipped in this year’s voting. Viking Cruises, which was the top line last year, came in at No. 2 for 2021. Furthermore, Crystal Cruises fell to No. 4 in this year’s voting after placing second in 2020.

Pool Deck At Night on the Seabourn Encore — Courtesy of Seabourn

Other cruise lines surged ahead as travelers looked back at their vacation memories. No. 3 Regent Seven Seas moved up the list one spot, achieving a strong score above 92 points (out of 100). Additionally, No. 6 Oceania Cruises also improved its score this year, rising two places, as numerous voters highlighted the high quality of the line’s onboard cuisine. “In our experience with eight different cruise lines,” said one well-traveled voter, “Oceania consistently has the best food.”

The top large-ship line for 2021 was Seabourn, which readers said seamlessly delivered a decadent on-board experience on all five of its ships around the world. Three of those vessels are slated to resume sailing in 2021, with destinations including the Caribbean and Greece; two other Seabourn ships will return to the seas in early 2022. Moreover, the company is planning the arrival of its first expedition ship in late fall of 2022, offering adventures to South America and Antarctica.

Discover more reasons why Seabourn stood out to iBestTravel readers — and see which other companies made this year’s cut — below.

1. Seabourn

Aerial of Seabourn Encore — Courtesy of Seabourn

“They’re the best,” said one traveler, who recalled a trip on the Seabourn Encore. “We never take a cruise on any other line. The accommodations are beautiful and comfortable, the service superb, and the food delicious and varied.” Other voters expressed similarly high praise for Seabourn’s offerings. “Excellent service, attractive ship with plenty of open space, and cabins are nicely appointed,” said one traveler about the Seabourn Encore. “Undoubtedly the best cruise line ever,” remarked another, who traveled aboard the Seabourn Ovation.“Great food, service, and large suites on small, intimate ships.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.74
More information: seabourn.com