These are the ‘best’ cruise lines in the world, as voted by travellers

A cruise line beloved in Australia has been named among the best in the world by travellers. Princess Cruises took out the top prize by an acclaimed travel publication.

It was named best for Mega Ships in the Condé Nast 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards Best Cruise Lines in the World.

The company’s biggest ships are Sun Princess and Star Princess, which carry up to 4300 passengers.

Slightly smaller ship, Discovery Princess sailed in Australia earlier this year.

“Princess Cruises has come a long way since its Love Boat days; the TV show was filmed on its former ship Pacific Princess, which only carried up to 626 passengers,” Condé Nast said.

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Royal Caribbean International, which also has ships in Australia during cruise season came second.

European cruise line MSC landed third, followed by Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line rounding out the top five.

NCL launched new ship, Luna, this year.

In the large ships category of 2500 to 4000 passengers, a cruise line which pulled out of Australia was the winner.

Adults-only specialist Virgin Voyages, which has four ships, was hailed for its dining and “sexy, party-hard atmosphere”.

Dropping in size to medium ships and if you want a great cruise, the publication reckons Viking is your best choice.

Hot on its heels were Crystal Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Viking also scooped the title for best river ships.

And if you want an ultra-exclusive holiday, the go-to recommended cruise line with under 500 passengers has also been crowned.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the best in that category, according to the 800,000 votes cast by travellers from around the world.

If you’re ready to take that bucket-list expedition cruise to somewhere like Antarctica, the best company to choose, according to the magazine, is andBeyond.

A big surprise on that ranking was Celebrity Cruises in third place.

Wile it’s best known for mammoth cruise ships, it has one highly lauded explorer ship, Celebrity Flora, which sails in the Galápagos.

Best cruise line for mega ships

1. Princess Cruises
2. Royal Carribean
3. MSC Cruises
4. Carnival Cruise Line
5. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best cruise line for large ships

1. Virgin Voyages
2. Disney Cruise Line
3. Holland America Line
4. Celebrity Cruises
5. Princess Cruises

Best cruise line for medium ships

1. Viking
2. Crystal Cruise
3. Explora Journeys
4. Hurtigruten
5. Disney Cruise Line

Best cruise line for small ships

1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2. American Cruise Lines
3. Paul Gauguin Cruises
4. Grand Circle Cruise Line
5. The Boat Company

Best cruise line for river ships

1. Viking
2. A&K Sanctuary
3. Tauck River Cruising
4. Riviera Travel
5. Aqua Expeditions

Best cruise line for expedition ships

1. andBeyond
2. Quasar
3. Celebrity Cruises
4. Viking
5. Swan Hellenic