The Best Cruise Ships In The World

The Best Cruise Ships In The World


May 2, 2025 | Ethan Vestby

The Best Cruise Ships In The World


Set Sails On These Boats

A cruise is certainly a big investment in terms of time and money. But these 14 ships will offer the very best of what’s available in terms of experience and, well, decadence. 

Aqua Mare

The Aqua Mare cruise definitely offers a lot of incentives to animal lovers. Seeing penguins and chicks in person as part of the destination is one of them.

Aqua Mare cruise shipAqua Expeditions' new 2022 destination - Aqua Mare sets sail in the Galapagos Islands., Aqua Expeditions

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Aqua Mare

You’ll get to see parts of the world you haven't been to via this cruise’s destination, but you’ll also get to taste things you hadn’t before either. The food options on deck, made by expert chefs, hail from Ecuador and Peru.

Aqua Mare cruise shipAqua Expeditions' new 2022 destination - Aqua Mare sets sail in the Galapagos Islands., Aqua Expeditions

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Aqua Mare

Taking you on a trip through the Galapagos, this cruise is definitely built on exclusivity, admittedly. It’s essentially a yacht built for only 16 guests.

Aqua Mare cruise shipAqua Expeditions' new 2022 destination - Aqua Mare sets sail in the Galapagos Islands., Aqua Expeditions

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Celebrity Edge

The name Celebrity Edge definitely makes you think you’re going to run into someone famous on board. Well, certainly this ship is built for a modern king or queen.

New cruise ship Celebrity Edge departing from Fort Lauderdale.majaiva, Getty Images

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Celebrity Edge

Given the opportunities to see Alaska, Australia, and the Caribbean, you’ll certainly feel like the most worldly person you know after taking this ship. Also, a reminder to pack for a variety of different temperatures, should you go on it.

Celebrity Edge cruise shipCelebrity EDGE cruise ship tour 4K, Cruise Passion

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Celebrity Edge

You’ll be paying a hefty four-figure sum for this cruise, but you’ll also be treated like royalty. Just think of the food—including sushi, Greek kebabs, and oysters—that is served onboard. 

Celebrity EDGE cruise ship tour 4K, Cruise PassionCelebrity EDGE cruise ship tour 4K, Cruise Passion

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Crystal Symphony

This cruise ship has been recently refurbished, and thus is ready to impress a number of deep-pocketed customers. Plush carpets, polished stonework, and beautiful art on the walls are sure to make this feel like the most luxurious cruise imaginable.

Crystal Symphony cruise shipI Put 30-Year-Old Crystal Symphony To The Test! Here's What I Found!, Tips For Travellers

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Crystal Symphony

There are other features too, like the multiple sections of the cruise, be it The Connoisseur Club with its tufted leather banquettes for savoring rare Irish whiskey, or the sunlit Palm Court, offering oversized loungers for enjoying afternoon tea with a great view of the ocean. The suites also include grand walk-in closets and marble showers.

Crystal Symphony cruise shipCrystal Symphony ship tour & review (Refurbished), The Luxury Cruise Review

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Crystal Symphony

Expect the butler on board to deliver customized orders suited to your many whims. Also, as it’s a considerably large ship, you won’t have to worry about ever feeling claustrophobic amongst all the passengers. 

Crystal Symphony cruise shipCrystal Symphony ship tour & review (Refurbished), The Luxury Cruise Review

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Disney Wish

Disney’s brand extending to cruise ships may have made some guffaw, but the continuing success of it to their business has proven itself. You don’t have to be a child to take wonder in it. 

Disney Dream is a cruise ship operated by Disney Cruise Line, part of The Walt Disney CompanyWayleebird, Getty Images

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Disney Wish

The 4,000-passenger ship will make you feel like royalty. Luxe adult-only areas include the Quiet Cove with infinity pools and Enchante, a high-end restaurant featuring a menu by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. 

Disney Dream is a cruise ship operated by Disney Cruise Line, part of The Walt Disney Company.Wayleebird, Getty Images

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Disney Wish

The Disney back catalogue certainly comes into play, with your ability to enjoy, say, a The Little Mermaid-themed musical show on the ship. You might also run into Mickey Mouse at some point. 

Disney Wish cruise shipIntroducing The Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line, Disney Parks

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Explora I

Since you’re going to be staying on it for a while, you probably want a cruise to feel like a swanky hotel. This is exactly the experience the Explora I offers, with Italian marble interiors, an impressive art collection, and crystal art installations.

 Cruise ship Explora 1 in portGestur Gislason, Getty Images

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Explora I

Extra impressive about the cruise are the suites, very spacious at 377 square feet and resembling perfectly designed studio apartments with private balconies, fancy dressing areas, and heated bathroom floors. You can expect amenities like a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer or a pair of binoculars.

Explora I cruise shipExplora 1 | Full Ship Walkthrough Tour & Review 4K | Explora Journey, Live a Little

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Explora I

Not to mention, there are excellent spa, exercise, and dining options onboard. We’ve heard particularly good things about the pistachio gelato and the veggie burger.

Explora I cruise shipExplora 1 | Full Ship Walkthrough Tour & Review 4K | Explora Journey, Live a Little

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National Geographic Islander II

This ship can be described as luxurious and exclusive, only having room for 48 guests onboard. This is one of the fanciest ways to see the Galapagos. 

National Geographic Islander II cruise shipNational Geographic Islander II FPV Ship Tour | Galapagos Islands | Lindblad Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions

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National Geographic Islander II

One of the joys of such a voyage is the ability to see creatures you’ve never encountered before. Think of all the fish and sea lions you’ll encounter while swimming or snorkeling. 

National Geographic Islander II cruise shipNational Geographic Islander II FPV Ship Tour | Galápagos Islands | Lindblad Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions

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National Geographic Islander II

Some of the Galapagos stops include the ability to do yoga on the beach. You’ll also enjoy some fancy Ecuadorian cuisine onboard the ship. 

National Geographic Islander II cruise shipNational Geographic Islander II FPV Ship Tour | Galápagos Islands | Lindblad Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions

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Norwegian Viva

The Norwegian Viva targets families across its many trips, be it in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. The ships offer go-kart tracks, escape rooms, and an aqua park to please the younger ones. 

Norwegian Viva cruise shipNorwegian Viva 2024 Full Cruise Ship Tour, Cruise Blog

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Norwegian Viva

You’ll feel very pampered onboard this cruise with exclusive butler-attended suites. For public dining, the food hall includes a variety of options ranging from dosas to tacos to ramen. 

MAILAIMAILAI, Pixabay

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Norwegian Viva

There’s also a bevy of onboard entertainment like game shows and virtual reality arcades. If you have a hyperactive kid, don’t expect them to ever grow bored. 

File:NCL Viva.jpgConmat13, Wikimedia Commons

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Oceania Riviera

If design is important to you when picking a cruise, then the Oceania Riviera is among your best options. Ever since being renovated in 2022, the ship has featured a sleek, yet lavish look that impresses all its passengers. 

Oceania Riviera cruise shipOceania Riviera Cruise Review and Ship Tour | Mediterranean Cruise | Deluxe Oceanview Cabin, Wanderlust Journey

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Oceania Riviera

One great feature of the ship is its Martinis Bar, which, beyond just great drinks, has fantastic design with tufted couches and gold decor. There are also eight complimentary dining venues that cater to the variety of tastes passengers would demand. 

Oceania Riviera cruise shipOceania Riviera Cruise Review and Ship Tour | Mediterranean Cruise | Deluxe Oceanview Cabin, Wanderlust Journey

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Oceania Riviera

Amongst the other features onboard, an artist workshop led by resident painters and a lavish spa. This ship goes out of its way to cater to every interest. 

Oceania Riviera cruise shipOceania Riviera Cruise Review and Ship Tour | Mediterranean Cruise | Deluxe Oceanview Cabin, Wanderlust Journey

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Seven Seas Grandeur

If you’re fond of art, the Seven Seas Grandeur ship is likely the right cruise for you. For one, it’s the only place where a Fabergé egg is displayed at sea. 

Seven Seas Grandeur cruise shipRegent Seven Seas Grandeur: Full Cruise Ship Tour, In The Loop Travel

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Seven Seas Grandeur

There are a number of great restaurants onboard, too. The Pacific Rim has killer Asian food, while The Compass Rose dining room encourages patrons to customize their entrees. 

Seven Seas Grandeur cruise shipSeven Seas Grandeur Ship Tour! Regent Seven Seas New Luxury Cruise Ship!,Up Close Travel with Jerzy

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Seven Seas Grandeur

There’s also something for golfing fanatics aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur. The upper deck contains a putting green inspired by famous golf holes throughout history. 

Seven Seas Grandeur cruise shipSeven Seas Grandeur Ship Tour! Regent Seven Seas New Luxury Cruise Ship!,Up Close Travel with Jerzy

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Scenic Spirit

The Scenic Spirit separates itself from other cruises by promising a whiff of spirituality or personal fulfillment. After all, the trip does take you to many Buddhist locations in Asia.

Scenic Spirit cruise shipScenic Spirit, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

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Scenic Spirit

The same day you get a massage, you can visit young monks at a Buddhist temple via the ship’s journey. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t also a lot of good food and alcohol on board to partake in.

Scenic Spirit cruise shipScenic Spirit, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

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Scenic Spirit

Admittedly, with the nine-night voyage being $7,075 per person, this is a rather expensive spiritual journey you can take. But there’s also the option of a more austere one. 

Scenic Spirit cruise shipScenic Spirit, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

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Seabourn Pursuit

The Seabourn Pursuit will let you see many of the most beautiful sights in Australia. I mean, how can you not be thrilled by the prospect of counting crocodiles while sipping on champagne?

Seabourn Pursuit cruise shipSeabourn Pursuit Antarctica | Ultimate Luxury Cruise | November 2024, Flo Nass

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Seabourn Pursuit

Cruises are set to run this year and next before heading to Antarctica. That’ll be a considerably chillier voyage, though all the amenities will still be there.

Seabourn Pursuit cruise shipSeabourn Pursuit Antarctica | Ultimate Luxury Cruise | November 2024, Flo Nass

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Seabourn Pursuit

Expect a decadent wine selection onboard for the best cruise ship bar imaginable. Everyone is sure to be in a good mood when on this ship.

Seabourn Pursuit cruise shipSeabourn Pursuit Antarctica | Ultimate Luxury Cruise | November 2024, Flo Nass

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Silver Dawn

Some cruise lines pride themselves on specific amenities to draw in customers. In the case of Silver Dawn, it’s definitely their impressive spa.

File:Croisière SILVER DAWN au port.jpgFarid mernissi, Wikimedia Commons

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Silver Dawn

In what’s called the Otium spa, you can get a Golden Radiance facial with real gold leaf and a nearly two-hour massage. After treatment, a butler prepares a bath, accompanied by truffled popcorn, with the Otium suite service menu offering even more options.

Silver Dawn cruise shipSilver Dawn - FULL SHIP TOUR | New Silversea Cruises Ship, CruiseLineVideos

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Silver Dawn

Outside of the spa, there are, of course, opulent jazz clubs and dining options. You’re going to feel spoiled aboard this ship for sure.

File:Croisière SILVER DAWN au port de Casablanca.jpgFarid mernissi, Wikimedia Commons

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SS La Venezia

This ship is a feast for the eyes with custom Fortuny fabrics that cover the ceiling as well as walls, headboard, and even the doors. The Venetian decor will take you back.

File:L00 344 SS La Venezia.jpgFalk2, Wikimedia Commons

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SS La Venezia

The lobby also features elegant design, with black-and-gold palm-fringed walls and a Murano chandelier. Your evenings will also feature decadent Italian dinners.

SS La Venezia cruise shipVenetian Elegance: Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia, The Cruise Web, Inc.

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SS La Venezia

Stops on the ship’s journey include a private after-hours tour of Saint Mark's Basilica. Expect a cruise that makes you really feel Italian culture.

SS La Venezia cruise shipVenetian Elegance: Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia, The Cruise Web, Inc.

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Viking Octanis

Having “Viking” in the name should allude to the kind of journey you’ll be going on with this ship. Probably visiting Antarctica is the kind of thing that earns it its moniker. 

Viking Octanis cruise shipViking Octantis Ship Tour in HD | Deck-by-Deck Tour of ALL VENUES!, Eat Sleep Cruise

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Viking Octanis

For one, you’ll get a great view of the Antarctic while residing in extreme comfort. The staterooms offer views of the icy waters where you may even spot a penguin or humpback whale.

Viking Octanis cruise shipViking Octantis | Full Ship Walkthrough Tour & Review 4K | Viking Expedition Cruises, Harr Travel

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Viking Octanis

Beyond the splendid views, service, and dining onboard the ship remain excellent too. There’s even an onboard wildlife photographer to answer any questions you have. 

Viking Octanis cruise shipViking Octantis | Full Ship Walkthrough Tour & Review 4K | Viking Expedition Cruises, Harr Travel

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