Best cruises of 2025 for every traveler: Find your perfect vacation

Cruising is among the most popular ways to see the world. Unpack once and take in the sights of the world’s rivers and seas from your floating hotel, all while enjoying top-notch entertainment, dining, and amenities. And with more than a dozen new vessels introduced each year, the sheer variety of cruises can be overwhelming.

To help narrow it down, we asked a panel of cruise industry experts to nominate their favorite cruise lines and ships across 10 categories. Then, readers voted over a period of four weeks to decide the winners, and the results are in.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

Best Adults-Only Cruise: Resilient Lady – Virgin Voyages

When it’s come to adults-only cruises, the Resilient Lady can’t be beat — Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, which has been sailing since 2023, continues the line’s tradition of incredible, inclusive, adults-only cruises. The ship showcases a variety of cuisine at its specialty restaurants, plus an array of activities like unlimited group workouts, shows, and parties. All tips are included in the fare, and you even get free Wi-Fi. All passengers must be at least 18 years old to sail on the Resilient Lady.

Full list of winners: Best Adults-Only Cruise »

Best Alaska Cruise: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line

See the wonders of Alaska aboard the Carnival SpiritSee the wonders of Alaska aboard the Carnival Spirit — Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

On the Carnival Spirit, passengers can set sail from Seattle through Alaska’s Inside Passage for a week to 10 days. Passengers can explore port cities like Ketchikan and Skagway, and marvel at natural wonders like Tracy Arm Fjord, the ice-capped mountains of Juneau, and the Icy Strait Point’s beautiful, verdant shoreline.

Full list of winners: Best Alaska Cruise »

Best Boutique Cruise Line: SeaDream Yacht Club

Personalized service awaits with SeaDream Yacht ClubPersonalized service awaits with SeaDream Yacht Club — Photo courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club

Passengers aboard SeaDream Yacht Club’s twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, visit small ports around the world on seven- to 15-day itineraries. Each ship welcomes a 95-person crew and a maximum of 112 guests, so each passenger receives personalized service. Also included in every SeaDream experience is complimentary access to WaveRunners, Hobie Cats, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other water sports equipment. A golf simulator lets players practice their swing at sea.

Full list of winners: Best Boutique Cruise Line »

Best Cruise Line for Families: Adventure Canada

Make the ultimate family vacation memories with Adventure CanadaMake the ultimate family vacation memories with Adventure Canada — Photo courtesy of Dennis Minty

If your intent is to offer your kids the experience of a lifetime, look no further than Adventure Canada, which cruises to the vast wonders of the North on a mix of sailing yachts and ice-defying exploration vessels. Expert-led excursions introduce young travelers to everything from archaeology and botany to the science of glaciers through interpretive hikes, photography outings, and other unique programs.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Families »

Best Cruise Line for Shore Excursions: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers equally great experiences both aboard the ship and offCarnival Cruise Line offers equally great experiences both aboard the ship and off — Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

While Carnival Cruise Line has earned acclaim for its onboard environment, the company also excels at the art of shore excursions. There’s something for every occasion — family-friendly excursions, romantic excursions, cultural and historical excursions, you name it.

For nature lovers, Eco Tours include options like Icelandic forest bathing and dolphin diving in French Polynesia, foodies can look forward to Finnish cuisine tours in Helsinki or Costa Rican chocolate tastings, and couples looking for a little getaway can rent a beach cabana for the day or private sailboat for the evening.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Shore Excursions »

Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers: Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea offers an ideal escape for singlesMargaritaville at Sea offers an ideal escape for singles — Photo courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea

If you’re looking for a quick mid-week getaway for one, Margaritaville at Sea offers solo travelers a special deal — an inside room with no additional single supplement fees. What a fun way to escape to paradise for some much-needed alone time and refreshments.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers »

Best Cruise Ship for Dining: Resilient Lady – Virgin Voyages

Resilient Lady serves up delicious food at a variety of restaurantsResilient Lady serves up delicious food at a variety of restaurants — Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ menus are crafted by Michelin-starred chefs like Brad Farmerie of New York City’s PUBLIC and Matt Lambert of Test Kitchen. That’s no small feat, given there are more than 20 dining venues on board the Resilient Lady, and none of them are buffet-style. Korean BBQ, American diners, upscale Mexican spots, and classic 20th century steakhouses are just the tip of the iceberg.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Dining »

Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment: Resilient Lady – Virgin Voyages

With a number of entertainment options, you'll never be bored aboard the Resilient LadyWith a number of entertainment options, you’ll never be bored aboard the Resilient Lady — Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages

In between off-ship excursions, Virgin Voyages guests can experience all sorts of dazzling shows and events aboard the Resilient Lady. The cabaret-influenced Another Rose is certain to wow viewers with its many acrobatic stunts, while Persephone offers a twist on a centuries-old Greek tale through modern theater storytelling. There’s a casino and a two-story, three-bar nightclub as well, so be sure to pack some going-out clothes.

Full list of winners: Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment »

Best Ocean Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line wins Best Ocean Cruise Line for third year in a rowCarnival Cruise Line wins Best Ocean Cruise Line for third year in a row — Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line caters to families and casual cruisers with its fun fleet. It’s impossible for passengers of any age to feel bored on these large vessels, even while spending multiple days at sea. Ships come equipped with water parks, glitzy casinos, live entertainment, and a diversity of dining venues.

Full list of winners: Best Ocean Cruise Line »

Best River Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways

See the rivers of the world with Avalon WaterwaysSee the rivers of the world with Avalon Waterways — Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways

On river cruisers with Avalon Waterways, passengers enjoy spacious and luxurious standard staterooms and suites. This fleet cruises the waterways of Europe, South America, Egypt, and Southeast Asia. Onboard amenities include a fitness center, a sky deck with a whirlpool and shade system, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a self-serve beverage station.

Full list of winners: Best River Cruise Line »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers’ Choice Awards.

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