Top 10 Cruise Ships of 2025: A Year-End Recap of the Ships That Owned This Year
2025 Really Showed Out on the Seas
Let’s keep it all the way real — 2025 did not come to play in the cruise world. This year gave us everything: bomb new ships, glow-ups from old favorites, better food, better entertainment, and cruise lines trying their absolute best to make sure we stay booked and unbothered.
And honestly? I’m proud of them.
As we close out the year, I kept seeing the same question pop up over and over again from y’all:
“Addy… which ships were actually THAT ship in 2025?”
So you know me — I pulled my receipts, my notes, and all the vibes from travelers across the industry to break down the 10 cruise ships that dominated 2025. Some were brand-new, some were the seasoned veterans who aged like fine wine, but all of them delivered a vacation worth talking about.
So whether you’re planning your 2026 getaway or just being nosy (no judgment, boo), here’s the real rundown.
Let’s get into these ships that did what needed to be done in 2025.
1. Royal Caribbean — Icon of the Seas
The Ship That Snatched Everybody’s Edges (Again)
Why It Dominated 2025
Icon of the Seas came into the year already breaking records, and sis… she kept that same energy all year long. Families, couples, groups — everybody was on that ship. It stayed sold out like Beyoncé tickets, and every review just kept saying the same thing: “This ship is wild.”
What Made It Special This Year
Biggest ship at sea all 2025
Thrill Island stayed packed every sailing
Adults-only Hideaway became the “grown folks only” hangout spot
Perfect Day + Icon combo was basically the cruise world’s undefeated duo
Details
Class: Icon Class
Size: 250,800+ GT
Guests: Up to 7,600
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Sailed Miami year-round on 7-night Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises with Perfect Day at CocoCay — and sis, those itineraries stayed in demand.
2. Virgin Voyages — Resilient Lady
The Grown & Sexy Queen of 2025
Why It Dominated 2025
Virgin Voyages stayed in its soft-life bag all year, but Resilient Lady especially? Whew. She was booked and busy from spring through winter. Adults-only, no kids running around, incredible food — it gave luxury without stiffness. And every sailing felt like a curated vibe.
What Stood Out in 2025
Entertainment got even BETTER this year
Food quality stayed unmatched
Greek Isles + Med cruises were the talk of summer
Late-night energy stayed elite
Details
Class: Lady Class
Size: 110,000 GT
Guests: 2,770
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
She hopped around — Piraeus (Athens), Barcelona, Australia, Transatlantic repositionings. Virgin kept her global.
3. MSC Cruises — MSC World America
The Miami Glow-Up That Had Everybody Talking
Why It Dominated 2025
MSC World America debuted with a bang and became the ship for travelers wanting something new but affordable. The design? Sleek. The vibes? Modern. The Yacht Club? The luxury girlies were pleased.
What Made Waves This Year
The World Promenade became the ultimate selfie spot
Entertainment was surprisingly strong and consistent
Food improved throughout the year
Ocean Cay nights stayed magical
Details
Class: World Class
Size: 215,863 GT
Guests: 6,700
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Based in Miami, running Caribbean itineraries all year with stops at Ocean Cay.
4. Princess Cruises — Star Princess
Princess Said “New Era Who This?” And Delivered
Why It Dominated 2025
As Princess’s newest ship, Star Princess had a lot to prove — and she did. Guests loved her modern design, the chill elegance, and the way Princess leaned into elevated experiences without losing the romance and calm they’re known for.
2025 Highlights
The Dome became the most photographed spot onboard
Shows were consistently praised
Medallion tech made everything smoother
The Wakeview infinity pool? A whole mood
Details
Class: Sphere Class
Size: 175,500 GT
Guests: 4,300
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Cruised Europe, especially the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and British Isles through fall.
5. Celebrity Cruises — Celebrity Ascent
The Adulting Ship of the Year
Why It Dominated 2025
Celebrity Ascent was out here serving modern chic luxury like a private resort floating across the Caribbean. Travelers ate it UP. Couples loved it. Friend groups loved it. The food stayed winning, and Edge-class ships just kept proving they’re in their own lane.
2025 Highlights
Eden’s shows and cocktails stayed packed
The Magic Carpet continued being an iconic flex
Dining was consistently some of the best at sea
Infinity verandas got upgraded love this year
Details
Class: Edge Class
Size: 140,600 GT
Guests: 3,260
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Ran Caribbean winters out of Fort Lauderdale, plus summer European itineraries.
6. Norwegian Cruise Line — Norwegian Viva
The “Let Me Have Fun But Still Relax” Ship
Why It Dominated 2025
Viva kept winning people over, especially travelers who wanted thrills but not the chaos of a 7K-passenger mega-ship. The Speedway, the slides, the food hall — this ship kept getting love all year long.
2025 Highlights
Ocean Boulevard stayed one of the best outdoor spaces
Indulge Food Hall delivered AGAIN
Shows remained consistent crowd-pleasers
Staterooms had some of the best modern designs of the big brands
Details
Class: Prima Class
Size: 142,500 GT
Guests: 3,200
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Moved between San Juan, Miami, and Europe, depending on the season — and all the itineraries performed well.
7. Disney Cruise Line — Disney Treasure
The Family Favorite That Still Let Adults Live Their Best Life
Why It Dominated 2025
Disney Treasure carried the momentum from its late-2024 debut and completely owned family travel in 2025. The ship’s theming? Stunning. The food? Elevated. The entertainment? Disney ALWAYS nails it.
2025 Highlights
Plaza de Coco was the standout restaurant
Adults-only areas stayed booked
Themed lounges delivered full immersion
Kids’ clubs remained untouchable
Details
Class: Wish Class
Size: 144,000 GT
Guests: 4,000
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Sailed from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
8. Holland America — Rotterdam
The Chill, Grown-Folk Ship That Stayed a Hidden Gem
Why It Dominated 2025
Rotterdam kept proving that you don’t need gimmicks to have a good time. The ship carried a classy, calm vibe all year and delivered incredible itineraries, especially for travelers who care more about culture and music than water slides.
2025 Highlights
Music Walk venues stayed packed nightly
Holland America’s food continues to trend upward
Service remained top-tier
Amazing longer itineraries drew repeat guests
Details
Class: Pinnacle Class
Size: 99,500 GT
Guests: 2,668
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Rotterdam sailed Europe, Caribbean, and multiple Transatlantic routes.
9. Carnival Cruise Line — Carnival Jubilee
The Fun Ship That Ate All Year Long
Why It Dominated 2025
Carnival Jubilee owned Texas all year. This ship kept the vibe fun, friendly, and full of energy — exactly what Carnival does best. It’s family-friendly but still perfect for grown folks who want a good time.
2025 Highlights
BOLT roller coaster stayed a fan favorite
Currents zone was a hit with all ages
Restaurants stayed consistently good
Entertainment was lively and modern
Details
Class: Excel Class
Size: 183,900 GT
Guests: 5,400
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
Sailed Galveston year-round to Western Caribbean ports.
10. Windstar Cruises — Star Breeze
The Boutique Darling of 2025
Why It Dominated 2025
If 2025 had a “soft life at sea” award, Star Breeze would’ve won it — no contest. This small-ship beauty delivered intimate, upscale cruising without the crowds, noise, and chaos of the mega-ships.
2025 Highlights
Small-ship luxury stayed unmatched
Crew remembered guests by name
Itineraries were unique and harder to find on big lines
Suites were spacious and elevated
Details
Class: All-suite small ship
Size: 12,995 GT
Guests: 312
Homeport & Itineraries (2025)
She moved all over: Tahiti, Alaska, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Costa Rica & Panama Canal.
2025 Was a Whole Era — And These Ships Carried It
As we wrap up this year of nonstop travel, unforgettable group trips, new ship launches, amazing food, soft-life moments, and let-me-book-another-cruise energy… one thing is clear:
2025 was one of the best years to be a cruiser.
These ten ships didn’t just show up — they dominated their lanes, made new trends, elevated experiences, and gave us stories we’ll be telling into 2026 and beyond.
Whether you were chasing adventure, fine dining, family time, or grown-woman peace… there was a ship on this list for you.
And if you didn’t get to sail any of these in 2025?
Baby… 2026 is calling your name.
Alright boo, your turn — which ship owned 2025 for you?
Drop a comment, spill the tea, or tell me which one you’re adding to your 2026 wish list.
And if you want:
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Go ahead and join our email list or reach out so we can plan your next sailing.
2026 is loading, boo. Let’s get you on the right ship.
