Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Seabourn and Viking lead cruise rankings
The results divide cruise companies by ship capacity and also assess river and expedition operators.
Royal Caribbean earned the highest score in the mega-ship category, receiving 91.79 for vessels carrying more than 4,000 passengers. Cunard led the large-ship ranking, covering capacities of 2,500 to 4,000 passengers, with 93.69.
Seabourn topped both smaller capacity groups. It scored 98.12 for medium ships carrying 500 to 2,499 passengers and 98.73 for small ships accommodating fewer than 500 passengers.
Viking placed first in two specialist categories, earning 97.31 for river cruising and 98.34 for expedition cruises. The report said Viking achieved high marks across three categories, helped by its selection of itineraries, including a new Japan route, as well as its expedition equipment.
The report also highlighted Celebrity Cruises’ immersive onboard programming. Its activities include a Caribbean carnival spanning three decks, while the company’s first cruise focused on yacht rock is planned for 2027. Celebrity received 93.11 in the large-ship ranking, placing behind category leader Cunard. Other category-leading scores included Seabourn’s 98.73 for small ships and Viking’s 98.34 for expedition cruising.