In this guide, we’ll explore the 2025 Travvy Award-winning cruise ships that were chosen by thousands of travel advisors across more than 140 categories. From the biggest ships in the world to small intimate luxury cruises, each of these ships has earned its place as one of the best cruise ships in the world. Let’s dive into these spectacular floating resorts and see what makes them so extraordinary.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas: The Largest and Most Thrilling Ship on the Water!
Gold Award: Best Cruise Ship Overall
At the top of the list, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has secured the Gold Award for Best Cruise Ship Overall at the 2025 Travvy Awards. As the largest cruise ship ever built, this remarkable vessel takes cruising to a whole new level. Spanning an impressive 365 meters (1,198 feet), the Icon of the Seas is a floating city designed for ultimate family fun, adventure, and luxury.
A Thrilling Experience for Families and Adventure Seekers
With a capacity of up to 7,600 passengers, the Icon of the Seas is the epitome of grandeur. Onboard, you’ll find an enormous water park—the largest at sea—featuring six thrilling water slides, a surf simulator, and an AquaDome, a stunning glass-domed venue for performances with panoramic ocean views. There’s also a Hideaway Beach Club with an infinity pool, designed for adults seeking relaxation while their kids enjoy the excitement.
Perfect for large families, groups, and those looking for endless thrills, this ship ensures that everyone has something to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with high-speed water slides, dine in world-class restaurants, or simply relax by the pool, Icon of the Seashas it all.
Why It Stands Out
The Icon of the Seas has revolutionized the concept of family cruising, offering a variety of entertainment, dining, and relaxation options, all while being eco-friendly with LNG-burning engines. Its massive size and abundance of activities make it a must-experience for anyone seeking an all-encompassing vacation at sea.
Celebrity Cruises’ Ascent: A Perfect Balance of Elegance and Innovation
Silver Award: Best Cruise Ship Overall
Celebrity Cruises’ Ascent claimed the Silver Award for Best Cruise Ship Overall in the 2025 Travvy Awards, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a refined, elegant cruising experience. This impressive ship combines luxury with cutting-edge design, offering guests a modern cruise experience without the chaos of larger vessels.
At 327 meters (1,073 feet) long, the Ascent can accommodate 3,260 guests. This ship is designed for sophisticated travellers who enjoy fine dining, stylish staterooms, and innovative features like the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered deck that moves up and down the side of the ship.
For the Design-Conscious Traveller
The Ascent offers an immersive experience that blends modern luxury with elegance. Its Infinite Veranda rooms allow guests to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, while the gourmet dining experience, including restaurants curated by Michelin-starred chefs, is sure to impress even the most discerning travellers.
The Ascent is perfect for couples and those looking for a premium cruise experience. The atmosphere is elegant and refined, and the ship’s cutting-edge design offers plenty of options for relaxation, dining, and entertainment.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua: The Contemporary Ship That Brings Thrills
Bronze Award: Best Cruise Ship Overall
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aquaearned the Bronze Award for Best Cruise Ship Overall at the 2025 Travvy Awards, making it the perfect choice for those who want a combination of family fun and thrills with a more contemporary feel. With a guest capacity of 3,571, the Aqua is set to launch in March 2025 and promises to be one of the most exciting ships on the water.
A Ship for the Whole Family
At 322 meters (1,056 feet) in length, the Aqua features a hybrid Aqua SlideCoaster, a thrilling ride that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the splash of a water slide. The ship also boasts an Ocean Boulevard—an expansive outdoor deck that wraps around the ship, offering stunning ocean views.
Designed for families and thrill-seekers, the Aqua offers plenty of activities for every age group. Whether you’re enjoying one of the many onboard restaurants, relaxing in your spacious stateroom, or zooming down the waterslides, there’s never a dull moment on this ship.
For Families and Thrill Seekers
The Aqua provides unmatched funwith exciting features like the SlideCoaster and plenty of spaces for relaxation. For guests looking for a more contemporary and fun-filled cruising experience, this ship is the ideal choice.
National Geographic Islander II: The Ultimate Expedition Adventure
Gold Award: Best Cruise Ship – Expedition/Adventure
For the adventurous souls, National Geographic Islander II has earned the Gold Award for Best Cruise Ship – Expedition/Adventure at the 2025 Travvy Awards. With a focus on exploration and discovery, this ship is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Galápagos Islands and other remote destinations.
An Intimate Exploration Experience
The Islander II carries just 48 guests, offering an intimate, bespoke adventure. The ship’s Science Hub and climate-controlled marina provide all the tools needed for hands-on exploration, with kayaks and paddleboards available for guests who want to get up close with nature. Onboard, guests can enjoy teak decks, indoor-outdoor dining, and breathtaking observation areas.
For Nature Lovers and Eco-Tourists
This ship offers the perfect balance between luxury and adventure. If you’re looking to explore some of the most remote and breathtaking locations on earth, the Islander IIoffers an immersive experience that combines comfort and discovery.
Seven Seas Grandeur: A Luxury Cruise Experience Like No Other
Gold Award: Best Cruise Ship – Luxury
For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of luxury, Seven Seas Grandeur by Regent Seven Seas Cruises has won the Gold Award for Best Luxury Cruise Ship. This all-suite vessel is perfect for high-net-worth individuals looking for an exclusive, intimate, and ultra-luxury cruise experience.
With just 750 guests on board and a 55,500 GT tonnage, this ship offers an exclusive onboard experience with designer boutiques, a multi-million-dollar art collection, and exquisite fine dining. Every stateroom features a private balcony, and the ship offers an all-inclusive luxury experience, including top-tier dining, spa treatments, and excursions.
For the Elite Traveller
If you’re seeking a floating palace, the Seven Seas Grandeur delivers on every level. The attention to detail, impeccable service, and exclusive atmosphere make it ideal for travellers who want to enjoy the finest things in life while exploring the world.
Carnival Jubilee: A Family-Focused Fun Ship
Bronze Award: Best Cruise Ship – Contemporary
Carnival Cruise Line’s Jubileeearned the Bronze Award for Best Contemporary Cruise Ship, cementing its place as one of the best choices for families seeking fun and entertainment at sea. With a guest capacity of 5,374 passengersand 183,900 GT tonnage, the Jubilee is a giant packed with activities for every age group.
From massive waterparks to a wood-fired grill restaurant, there’s something for everyone on this ship. Its family-oriented amenities make it a perfect choice for those looking for a high-energy vacation on the water.
For Families Looking for Fun and Adventure
If you want a ship that has it all—water slides, themed restaurants, and exciting entertainment—then the Jubilee is the ship for you. This vessel is ideal for large groups and families who want a fun, action-packed vacation.Windstar Star Legend: A Small Ship with Big Luxury
Gold Award: Best Small Cruise Ship (Under 500 Cabins)
Windstar’s Star Legend has won the Gold Award for Best Small Cruise Ship. This intimate vessel carries just 312 guests and provides an ultra-luxury experience with spacious all-suite staterooms and personalised service.
For Guests Seeking Intimacy and Elegance
If you prefer a more intimate cruise experience without the crowds, the Star Legend offers a perfect balance of luxury and exclusivity. With its understated elegance and personalised service, this ship is ideal for those who want to sail in comfort and style.
Conclusion: The Best Cruise Ships for Every Type of Traveller
Whether you’re looking for the largest cruise ship with thrilling activities, a luxury voyage with designer touches, or a small intimate expedition to remote destinations, the 2025 Travvy Awards have recognised some of the finest cruise ships in the world. These ships offer everything from adventure-packed itineraries to exclusive, all-inclusive experiences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Make sure to choose the perfect ship for your next adventure, and get ready to set sail on the world’s best cruise ships that are redefining what it means to travel by sea.
Image Credit: Royal Caribbean
source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/royal-caribbean-joins-celebrity-cruises-norwegian-cruise-line-regent-seven-seas-and-carnival-to-redefine-luxury-travel-in-2025-who-is-leading-the-charge-and-more-you-need-to-know/
