The best cruise lines ranked for every type of traveler, according to experts

Choosing a cruise line for your next vacation can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options. Fortunately U.S. News & World Report has done some of the legwork to help you find the right fit. Their 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings spotlight the top operators for everything from action-packed family trips to dreamy romantic escapes.

Now in its 11th year, the rankings cover 18 standout cruise lines across six categories tailored to different travelers: couples, families, luxury seekers, budget-conscious cruisers, luxury-seekers and cruisers set on the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

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"With so many cruise lines to choose from, it may be hard to know where to start when it comes to finding the perfect cruise vacation," Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News, said in a news release. "The 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings not only recognize the top cruise lines, but also provide a way for travelers to compare features, amenities and offerings to find the right cruise for an exciting experience at sea."

The rankings are based on U.S. News editors’ insights, traveler reviews (courtesy of Cruiseline.com) and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program inspection scores.

The 2025 rankings include a few shakeups, including Celebrity Cruises' rise to number one in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money category. Disney Cruise Line continues to dominate in the Best Cruise Lines for Families, and also takes over the top spot for Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean. Viking Ocean Cruises once again dominates in the Luxury, Couples and Mediterranean categories.

Find the full rankings here.

Best cruise lines for families

1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Royal Caribbean International
3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best cruise lines for couples

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Celebrity Cruises

Best cruise lines for the money

1. Celebrity Cruises
2. Virgin Voyages
3. MSC Cruises

Best luxury cruise lines

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best cruise lines in the Caribbean

1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Celebrity Cruises
3. Virgin Voyages

Best cruise lines in the Mediterranean

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Seabourn Cruise Line
3. Celebrity Cruises