Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Cruise Lines: Award Winners You Should Consider Booking

The results are in! Travel + Leisure has announced their 2025 World's Best Awards for cruises, and we're sharing our favorite picks from each category. These award-winning cruise lines consistently deliver exceptional experiences that keep travelers coming back for more. With some, you may even have access to additional amenities or promotions through your Virtuoso travel advisor.

Best River Cruise: Tauck

World's Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree | Travel + Leisure's Reader Score: 96.00

Tauck sets the gold standard for luxury river cruising with their all-inclusive approach and intimate ship sizes. Their most popular routes include the Danube through Austria and Hungary, plus the Rhine, Seine, and Douro rivers across Europe. Known for exclusive cultural experiences and exceptional Tauck Directors who serve as both cruise director and guide.

Best Intimate Cruise: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Travel + Leisure's Reader Score: 93.93

Perfect for adventure seekers, Lindblad specializes in expedition cruising to remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and Alaska. Their small ships carry 48-148 guests and feature National Geographic naturalists, photographers, and researchers. Known for up-close wildlife encounters and educational experiences you can't get anywhere else.

Visit Antarctica with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Best Adults-Only Cruise: Virgin Voyages

Travel + Leisure's Reader Score: 94.80

Virgin Voyages revolutionizes cruising with their rock-and-roll approach and exclusively adult experience. Their Caribbean routes feature unique ports like Bimini and their private beach club. Known for no buffets (only made-to-order dining), included tips and Wi-Fi, tattoo parlors, and a party atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

Best Small Ship Ocean Cruise: Viking

World's Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree | Travel + Leisure's Reader Score: 97.13

Viking's elegant, adults-only ships focus on cultural enrichment and destination immersion. Popular routes include the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, and Baltic capitals. Famous for their "no nickel and diming" approach with complimentary shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and beverages included, plus Scandinavian-inspired design.

Travel the coast of Croatia with Viking.

Best Midsize Ocean Cruise: Crystal

Travel + Leisure's Reader Score: 94.85

Crystal represents ultra-premium luxury cruising with exceptional service ratios and world-class amenities. Signature routes include Asia voyages exploring Japan and Southeast Asia, plus Mediterranean itineraries. Known for partnerships with renowned chefs like Nobu, spacious suites with butler service, and Crystal Life enrichment programs.

Experience the epitome of luxury on a Crystal cruise.

Best Large Ocean Cruise: Disney Cruise Line

World's Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree | Travel + Leisure's Reader Score: 88.33

Don't let the mouse ears fool you—Disney cruises offer sophisticated experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages, whether you're traveling with kids or not. Popular routes include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska. Known for exceptional service, rotational dining with world-class cuisine, and beautifully designed ships with extensive adult-only areas including pools, restaurants, and lounges.

Ready to book your next cruise adventure? These Travel + Leisure winners represent favorites in their respective categories. Whether you're seeking river cruise elegance, expedition adventure, or luxury ocean voyaging, these cruise lines deliver unforgettable experiences that justify their award-winning status.

Find out more by emailing info@travelbyVG.com.