The Best Cruise Lines of 2025: Which One Is Right for You?

By Matt Gerard

Planning a cruise in 2025? You’ve got options, and let me tell you, we’ve got some spectacular options waiting for you! From ships that feel like floating theme parks to intimate luxury yachts, the cruise industry has something for every style of traveler. At JoMar Travel, we’ve personally sailed with Royal Caribbean and have fallen in love with their mix of fun and food. But we’ve also done our homework (and then some) on other lines that our clients rave about. Here’s our guide to the best cruise lines of 2025 and what makes each one worth considering.

Before we dive in, a quick note: these are our personal opinions. We haven’t been on a cruise we didn’t enjoy, so if your favorite line isn’t on this list, it doesn’t mean we don’t like it. We simply believe the cruise lines featured here provide the best overall value and experiences for the money in 2025.

Best Family Cruise Lines 2025

Royal Caribbean Cruises

If you’re traveling with kids — or if you’re just a big kid at heart like me — Royal Caribbean is tough to beat. I practically live on the FlowRider surf simulator every time I sail, and that’s only one of the endless activities. Think ziplines, bumper cars, ice skating, laser tag, escape rooms, and yes, even mini golf. It’s impossible to be bored.

Dining is equally fun. The main dining room is consistently solid, but it’s the complimentary options like Sorrento’s pizza and El Loco Fresh tacos that keep me coming back between activities. On the new Icon Class ships, the AquaDome Marketplace has quickly become a favorite, with crepes, gyros, and Thai dishes that feel way beyond standard cruise fare. Specialty restaurants raise the bar even higher, with Chops Grille for steak, Izumi Hibachi for family fun, and 150 Central Park as my personal favorite for a date night feel.

Entertainment on Royal Caribbean is in a league of its own. We’re talking Broadway-caliber musicals, ice skating shows with Olympic-level talent, and AquaTheater diving shows that make you forget you’re on a ship altogether. This is where family cruises turn into lifelong memories.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney at sea is every bit as magical as you’d expect. The service is top-notch, character meet-and-greets happen daily, and the ships themselves are packed with fun. Most of them even feature water coasters that twist and turn high above the decks.

Dining is a highlight with Disney’s unique rotational dining system. You get to experience different themed restaurants throughout your sailing while your servers come with you, so they know your favorites by night two. Newer Disney ships are also full of imaginative lounges and highly themed spaces, which make evenings just as fun as the days.

The staterooms are designed with families in mind. Many feature split bathrooms (one with a tub, one with a toilet and sink), which is a lifesaver for families with kids. Yes, Disney cruises come at a premium, but the combination of service, family-friendly design, and that extra dash of pixie dust makes it worth it.

Best Premium Cruise Lines 2025

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is like Royal Caribbean’s sophisticated sibling. It’s part of the same family of brands, but the vibe is sleek, quiet, and grown-up. Their Edge Class ships look more like boutique hotels than cruise ships, with rooftop gardens, futuristic lounges, and jaw-dropping design.

Celebrity is also serious about dining. From elegant restaurants to inventive cocktails, it feels more “city night out” than “vacation buffet.” And while kids are welcome onboard, the line is not kid-focused, making it perfect for couples or adult groups who want to relax. For something truly bucket-list worthy, I love their Galapagos-based Celebrity Flora, a purpose-built, all-suites luxury yacht that takes expedition cruising to another level.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises deliver that classic cruise feel — and yes, the “Love Boat” connection is real. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is calm, and the onboard programming has a more traditional style.

Where Princess really shines is their Alaska itineraries. They bring the destination onboard with lectures from local experts and menus featuring Alaskan favorites like fresh-caught salmon. It’s immersive and authentic in a way few other lines can match. On top of that, Princess is often one of the most affordable premium lines, making it a smart pick for travelers who want quality without the big price tag.

Holland America Line

For foodies, Holland America is a dream. They’ve teamed up with Iron Chef Morimoto (if you’ve ever booked a Disney World vacation with us, you know how much we LOVE his restaurant in Disney Springs, Morimoto Asia) and the onboard dining is some of the best at sea.

The vibe is refined and very quiet, which makes it ideal for those who want to unwind without crowds or constant noise. Add in stellar service, and Holland America becomes a top choice for travelers who value peace, culinary excellence, and an old-school cruise feel done right.

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 2025

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is where elegance meets ease. Their ships are small, intimate, and absolutely beautiful, with suites that all come with butler service. Dining is five-star and all-inclusive, and beverages and shore excursion credits are included as well.

What makes Silversea stand out are the extras — like cooking classes — that add unique experiences onboard. If you want luxury that feels effortless, Silversea is a line we admire deeply.

Ponant Cruises

Ponant is the definition of adventurous luxury. Their fleet ranges from small sailing yachts with just a handful of cabins to high-tech expedition ships and even polar icebreakers. No matter what kind of trip you’re dreaming about, Ponant has a ship for it.

They also have a strong focus on fine dining, often with Michelin-level chefs designing menus. Add in their personalized service, and it feels less like a cruise and more like a private yacht experience. If you’re looking for exploration without sacrificing luxury, Ponant delivers.

Star Class on Royal Caribbean: The Ultimate Cruise Upgrade for Families

Okay, so Star Class isn’t a cruise line, but it’s such a game-changer that it deserves a category of its own. If you are looking for a cruise that the whole family will love but don’t want to compromise on the service that only luxury cruise lines can provide, Star Class with Royal Caribbean is the option for you! Available only in the top suites on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships, Star Class comes with unlimited specialty dining, unlimited drinks, and the ultimate perk: a Royal Genie.

A Royal Genie is part butler, part concierge, and part magician. They don’t just handle logistics, they create experiences. Think surprise birthday celebrations, private events, and behind-the-scenes opportunities you didn’t even know to ask for. The level of service goes beyond even traditional luxury cruise lines, which is why I can’t wait to experience it firsthand this December. You can bet we’ll be sharing every detail here on the blog and social media pages!

Honorable Mention Luxury Cruise Lines

There are so many great cruise lines that could make this list. Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas, Viking, Oceania, Star Clippers, and Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection all deserve a nod. Each brings its own unique style, whether that’s yacht-like luxury, cultural immersion, or intimate sailing adventures.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Cruise in 2025

Choosing the best cruise line for 2025 really comes down to matching your style with the right brand. Families might fall in love with Royal Caribbean or Disney, while couples may prefer the calm of Celebrity, Princess, or Holland America. Luxury travelers have Silversea and Ponant to choose from — or the Star Class experience if they want the best of both worlds.

No matter what you’re looking for, our job at JoMar Travel is to help you find the perfect fit. After all, a cruise isn’t just a vacation — it’s an adventure, and we’d love to help you plan yours. Oh, and did I mention that our services are 100% FREE of charge? 

This month only, if you book your next cruise with us, we will send you a $350 Visa gift card! Click here for details. Restrictions apply. 

To get started planning your next adventure, click here to schedule a call with us, or send me an email at matt.gerard@jomartravel.co. 

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