Top Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2025 Loved by Our Readers

For the 2022 World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel adjusted the cruise categories to reflect changes in the industry and travelers’ experiences. Ship categories are now based on the number of cabins, and the large-ship category now covers ships with 800 to 1,499 cabins. Several previous large-ship awardees, including Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn, have moved to the midsize-ship category.

Each year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Ratings on individual cruise ships cover cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. These assessments culminate in results for cruise lines across six categories, including river cruising.

In the No. 2 position is the venerable Cunard line, praised for its classic décor and elevated onboard atmosphere. One fan who sailed on the Queen Mary 2 remarked, “We love everything about this ship; the experience is always outstanding.”

Celebrity Cruises, with state-of-the-art ships like the Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, ranks No. 3. A reader who experienced the Apex shared, “Amazing ships. Perfect size for my family.” A sister ship, Celebrity Beyond, debuted in April 2022, while Celebrity also leads this year’s mega-ship awards category with the larger Celebrity Reflection.

Holland America Line celebrates 75 years in Alaska and comes in at No. 4. One voter highlighted, “Food is excellent, crew is friendly and attentive; cabins are larger compared to other cruise lines.” Royal Caribbean International, known for its smaller 1990s fleet including the Enchantment of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, rounds out the top five.

All the top lines selected by readers as the best large ship cruise lines are WBA Hall of Fame honorees. Let’s delve deeper into each top contender, starting with the renowned Disney Cruise Line.

1. Disney Cruise Line

Watching a child’s eyes light up when they meet Mickey and Minnie, or Elsa from Frozen, is truly magical. Moreover, the amusement-park-level attractions, meticulously crafted kids’ programming, delightful entertainment, and family-friendly dining aboard Disney ships impress visitors of all ages. Notably, these ships cater to both families and adults without children, offering separate areas for adults with nightlife venues, pools, and specialty dining options. As one iBestTravel reader noted, “Excellent for families and for singles.” The line’s four ships are now in full operation, and the eagerly awaited fifth ship, Disney Wish, launched in early July.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.55

More information: disneycruise.disney.go.com

2. Cunard

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 88.18

More information: cunard.com

3. Celebrity Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 86.56

More information: celebritycruises.com

4. Holland America Line

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.43

More information: hollandamerica.com

5. Royal Caribbean International

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 81.26

More information: royalcaribbean.com