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Expert travel advisors reveal the best cruise lines on the high seas — with categories covering on-board cuisine, entertainment and more
Travel advisers have ranked cruise lines across 140 categories at the 2026 Travvy Awards, with thousands of votes deciding Gold and Silver winners. The results highlight how different companies lead in particular areas, from family holidays and expedition voyages to food and entertainment.
Royal Caribbean won several major categories, including Caribbean, large and contemporary cruise lines, as well as onboard entertainment and its private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Disney won the family category, Princess took Gold for Alaska and the Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific region, Viking led luxury cruising, and Regent Seven Seas won ultra-luxury. Oceania topped onboard cuisine, while Silversea was named the best small cruise line.
In short
- Royal Caribbean won several major categories.
- Disney led the family cruise category.
- Oceania won for onboard cuisine.
Explained simply
Cruise lines offer holidays at sea, with ships ranging from large vessels carrying thousands of passengers to smaller ships focused on particular destinations or styles of travel. Some sail on set routes through regions such as the Caribbean or Alaska, while expedition cruises visit more remote places.
The Travvy Awards are travel industry awards, and advisers voted across 140 cruise categories in 2026. The categories reflect different priorities, including family trips, luxury, food and entertainment, so the results show how cruise lines are positioned across a varied market.
These distinctions can help travellers compare options, but the best fit depends on their budget, destination and preferred experience. Cruise lines also differ in ship size, activities and what is included in the fare.
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