The World's Best Cruises of 2026, According to the World Cruise Awards

On October 12, the winners of the 2026 World Cruise Awards were announced in Jamaica. Norwegian Cruise Line took home the top prize, and the best cruise ships included those designed for family vacations, romantic getaways, culinary cruises, and entertainment. Awards were also given to the best cruise destinations in the world and in Europe. Here’s a look at who won in the main categories and which cruises are worth considering for your next trip.

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World Cruise Awards 2026: Who Took Home the Top Honors

The World Cruise Awards were held for the sixth time in 2026. The winners were announced on October 12 during a gala ceremony in Jamaica. Awards were presented to cruise lines, ocean and river cruise ships, ports, and travel destinations in various regions around the world.

Norwegian Cruise Line was named the World’s Best Cruise Line of 2026, beating out nominees MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea. The company also earned the title of Europe’s Best Cruise Operator.

Other winners in key international categories include:

- Star Clippers – World’s Best Boutique Cruise Line

- Australis – Best Expedition Cruise Line, particularly for voyages through Patagonia

- Princess Cruises – Best Operator for Organizing Shore Excursions

- Pandaw – Best River Cruise Line, offering itineraries throughout Asia

- Grand Pioneers – Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line, according to the awards

Cruise ships of various sizes received individual awards. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was named the world’s best large cruise ship, the Celebrity Millennium was named the best medium-sized cruise ship, and the Royal Clipper was named the best small cruise ship.

Abu Dhabi in the UAE received the top award among tourist destinations, while Vietnam was named the best destination for river cruises. In Europe, Lisbon took the top spot among ocean cruise destinations, while Portugal was recognized for river cruises. The full list of winners is published on the official World Cruise Awards website.

In a previous article, we wrote about the best countries for honeymoons and wedding trips in 2027.

The World’s Best Cruise Ships of 2026 for Different Types of Vacations

World Cruise Awards 2026 recognized not only cruise lines but also individual ships for the quality of their entertainment, dining options, and vacation amenities. The list of winners included ships from Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.

Disney Wish – Best Cruise Ship for Family Vacations

Disney Wish from Disney Cruise Line received the 2026 World’s Best Cruise Ship for Families award. The ship is designed for travel with children but also features separate relaxation areas for adults.

Onboard, there are themed restaurants inspired by “Frozen” and the Marvel universe. Entertainment options include theatrical productions of “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” water attractions, sports facilities, and a movie theater. For adults, there’s a spa, cocktail bars, and a pool with a panoramic ocean view.

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Sun Princess—the Best Cruise Ship for Dining

Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess was named the winner in the “World’s Best Cruise Ship for Dining 2026” category. The ship’s main feature is its seven specialty restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience.

Passengers can visit the American steakhouse Crown Grill, the Italian Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the seafood restaurant The Catch by Rudi, or the Japanese restaurants Makoto Ocean, Umai Teppanyaki, and Umai Hot Pot. The Butcher’s Block by Dario—a restaurant concept by Italian butcher Dario Cecchini—deserves special mention.

Celebrity Apex—The Best Cruise Ship for Romantic Getaways

Celebrity Apex from Celebrity Cruises has been named the best cruise ship for romantic getaways in 2026. The ship offers panoramic spaces, restaurants, evening shows, and relaxation areas for couples.

Among the most interesting spots are the adults-only indoor Solarium pool and the Magic Carpet. This is a retractable platform on board the ship that adjusts its height and is used for relaxation, drinks, and events. The cruise ship also features a casino and hosts live performances.

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Utopia of the Seas—the best cruise ship for entertainment

Utopia of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International won the 2026 World’s Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment award. It is one of the world’s largest cruise ships, designed for an action-packed vacation with a wide variety of entertainment venues.

Onboard amenities include:

- 5 pools and 3 water slides

- 21 restaurants offering a variety of dining options

- 23 bars, including a karaoke bar

- 2 casinos

- concert and theater venues featuring live music, comedy acts, and shows

The ship is particularly well-suited for travelers who want to combine a sea voyage with a full-fledged vacation at an entertainment complex.

The World’s and Europe’s Best Cruise Destinations in 2026

The World Cruise Awards 2026 also named the best destinations for sea and river cruises. Among the winners are Abu Dhabi, Lisbon, Vietnam, and Portugal. Individual awards were given to cruise ports, notably in Dubai and Iceland.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – the world’s best cruise destination

Abu Dhabi received the World’s Best Cruise Destination 2026 award. The capital of the UAE is one of the most popular stops on Persian Gulf itineraries. The cruise season here mainly falls during the cooler months, when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing.

During a port call, tourists can visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the theme parks on Yas Island. Popular itineraries in the region also include Dubai, Doha, and other ports in the Persian Gulf.

Lisbon, Portugal – Europe’s Best Cruise Destination

Lisbon has been named Europe’s Best Cruise Destination for 2026. The Portuguese capital welcomes cruise ships traveling along Europe’s Atlantic coast, through the Mediterranean, and on transatlantic voyages.

The cruise terminal is located near the historic center. In just one stop, passengers can explore the Alfama district, Praça do Comércio, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the famous Belém Tower. A highlight of the trip is the ship’s entry into the Tagus River estuary, offering views of the April 25 Bridge.

Learn more about the world’s best hotels in 2026 by following the link.

Vietnam – the best destination for river cruises

Vietnam won the “World’s Best River Cruise Destination 2026” award and also received awards for Asia’s best cruise and river cruise destinations.

Trips through the Mekong Delta are particularly popular. The itineraries pass by floating markets, small settlements, fruit plantations, and traditional fishing villages. Some cruises combine Vietnam with Cambodia and include visits to Phnom Penh and the Angkor temple complex.

Portugal – Europe’s Best River Cruise Destination

Portugal was named Europe’s Best River Cruise Destination for 2026. The country’s most famous river routes run through the Douro Valley, renowned for its vineyards, wineries, and picturesque hills.

Cruises typically depart from Porto and travel inland through wine-growing regions to the border with Spain. Popular stops include Regua, Pinhão, and Barca d’Alva. The Portuguese company DouroAzul received a separate award, having been recognized as Europe’s best river cruise operator.

In addition, DP World Mina Rashid in Dubai was named the world’s best cruise terminal, while the European award in this category went to the Vör Cruise Terminal in Reykjavík. The Port of Funchal in Madeira was recognized for the sustainable development of its cruise infrastructure.

Learn more about the world’s best restaurants in 2026 by following the link.

How to choose a cruise and what to look for before booking?

When planning a cruise for 2026–2027, it’s important to consider not only the ship’s rating but also the itinerary, trip duration, seasonality, and additional costs. Even on ships operated by the same company, the travel experience can vary significantly depending on the cabin category and fare selected.

Before booking, pay attention to a few important details:

- Itinerary and duration. For your first trip, it’s best to choose a 3–7-night cruise. Popular destinations include the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Persian Gulf, and the Norwegian fjords.

- Travel season. Mediterranean cruises are especially popular from spring through fall, Caribbean cruises are popular in winter, and Norwegian fjord itineraries are mainly available from May through September.

- Cruise cost. The base fare typically includes accommodations, meals in the main restaurants, and some entertainment. Alcohol, specialty restaurants, internet access, shore excursions, and service charges may be billed separately.

- Cabin category. Inside cabins are usually the most affordable. Cabins with a window or balcony cost more, and suites may include additional amenities.

- Documents and visas. Before paying, check the entry requirements for all countries on the itinerary, including transit stops. Some trips may require a multiple-entry visa, even if the passenger does not plan to go ashore.

- Cancellation policies. Confirm the deposit amount, final payment deadlines, and cancellation fees. It’s also a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers medical care onboard and medical evacuation.

The winners of the 2026 World Cruise Awards can serve as a good guide when choosing a cruise. However, before booking, it’s worth comparing several itineraries, checking the total cost of the trip, and reviewing the terms and conditions of the specific cruise line.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or luggage problems can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Skyscanner has highlighted 10 travel destinations for 2027 that have seen a noticeable surge in interest: from Bishkek to Samos, Greece. Read more about the top picks, their main attractions, and the best time to visit.

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