October 14, 2026, 12:21 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
If you’re planning a cruise, the winners of this year’s World Cruise Awards might offer some inspiration. From luxury liners to family ships and river cruises, the best providers and ships in the industry were honored at a gala in Jamaica. One cruise line, in particular, stood out against strong competition.
Norwegian Cruise Line secured the industry’s most prestigious award. The company won the title of “World’s Best Cruise Line 2026,” beating out MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea. Meanwhile, Australis was honored as the “World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line.”
German cruise lines did not fare well at the awards. Although the “Aida Nova” was nominated for the title of “World’s Best Large Cruise Ship,” the “Icon of the Seas” from Royal Caribbean ultimately won. The “Royal Clipper” was named “Best Small Cruise Ship,” and the “Celebrity Millennium” was awarded “Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship.”
The Best Cruise Ships for Every Type of Vacation
In addition to cruise lines, the World Cruise Awards also recognize ships for different interests and travel styles.
For Gourmets, Families, and Romantics
- Those who value culinary experiences will find seven specialty restaurants on the “Sun Princess” from Princess Cruises. The ship was awarded “World’s Best Cruise Ship for Gourmets.”
- Families can look to the “Disney Wish,” which was named the “World’s Best Family Ship.”
- For couples and romantic getaways, the “Celebrity Apex” won the title of “Best Ship for Romantics.”
Entertainment, Action, and Gambling
- With five pools, three water slides, 21 restaurants, and 23 bars, the “Utopia of the Seas” secured the title of “Best Ship for Entertainment.”
- The “Icon of the Seas” was particularly successful. In addition to being named “Best Large Cruise Ship,” it also won the category of “World’s Best Cruise Ship for Activities.” Furthermore, the ship received the title of “Best Cruise Ship for Gambling.”
Royal Caribbean thus garnered a total of four titles with their ships “Utopia of the Seas” and “Icon of the Seas.” Additionally, the cruise line received awards as “Best Cruise Line in North America” and “Best Cruise Line in Oceania.”
Awards for River Cruises
Numerous awards were also given in the river cruise category. Pandaw received the title of “World’s Best River Cruise Line.” The company was founded in 1995 by Scottish historian Paul Strachan and began its river cruise business in Myanmar.
Vietnam is the “World’s Best River Cruise Destination.” The South African Pangolin Voyager was named the “World’s Best River Cruise Ship.”
DouroAzul from Portugal won the award for “Best River Cruise Line in Europe.” The “MS Cyrano de Bergerac” from CroisiEurope was chosen by the jury as the “Best River Cruise Ship in Europe.”
Among destinations, Lisbon was named the “Best European Destination” for river cruises. Despite the current crisis situation there, Abu Dhabi was chosen as the “World’s Best Cruise Destination.”
Notably, no award was given for the “Best Ocean Cruise Line in Europe” or the “Best Ocean Cruise Ship in Europe” at the World Cruise Awards.