These are the best cruise lines for 2025

If you’re looking to spend a vacation at sea but haven’t decided which cruise line is best for your specific needs, a new online ranking shows the best options for every type of traveler, from families to luxury seekers.

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings, highlighting 18 of the most popular cruise lines across six categories ranging from couples and families, to which distinct parts of the globe you’re looking to experience.

From cruises that offer the best bang for your buck to experiences that spare no expense, the rankings aim to help travelers select the perfect cruise vacation based on expert evaluations, traveler ratings and other key factors.

Viking Ocean Cruises topped three categories: Best Luxury Cruise Lines, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, and Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.

Disney Cruise Line also made a strong showing, maintaining its No. 1 positions in Best Cruise Lines for Families and Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean.

And for thrifty vacationers, Celebrity Cruises earned the title of Best Cruise Line for the Money.

“Given the variety of cruise lines available, these rankings provide travelers a way to compare features, amenities, and offerings to find the right cruise,” said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News.

2025 Best Cruise Lines Highlights

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 Luxury Cruise Lines

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The rankings were based primarily on three main factors: expert evaluations (30%), traveler ratings (50%), and health ratings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program (20%). Expert ratings assessed the ship’s luxury, facilities and services, while traveler reviews provided first-hand insights into the experience of being onboard one of the ships.

Each cruise line was also evaluated on factors including price, family suitability, and destination options. Cruise ships and lines were only included in rankings if they met a minimum threshold for traveler reviews or itinerary availability.

For a full list of rankings and insights, visit U.S. News Cruise Rankings.