Let’s take a look at the best cruise ships of 2025 for your next vacation on the high seas
We all want to go out on an amazing cruise vacation.
Let’s be honest - stepping onto a cruise ship and enjoying free food for a few days (or even several weeks) is amazing. Most of the time, it doesn’t even matter which ship we’re boarding. Escaping life’s problems on land, watching the endless ocean, and visiting a charming private island for a relaxing day on the beach… yeah, it’s incredible. Now I feel like traveling!
Still, with so many cruise lines and ships out there, it can be hard to pick your favorite vessel for your next vacation. That’s why Famvia has put together a list of the best ships of 2025 to help you decide. Sure, there are plenty of amazing ships not included here, but we based our selections on how fun the ship is and how recent it is, so you can enjoy fresh rooms and some of the most advanced technology available.
It was tough to narrow down hundreds of ships to just six, but we did our best. To keep things fair, we limited the list to one ship per cruise line. Now, let’s dive into our picks for the best cruise ships of 2025!
The Top Cruise Ships in 2025
Celebrity Apex
- Company: Celebrity Cruises
- Year: 2019
- Good for: if you want a more adult-focused ship, you want elegance above anything else
The Celebrity Apex hasan incredible design, plenty of space for passengers to move around, stunning art galleries, and the iconic Magic Carpet - a stylish platform on the side of the ship that functions as an elevator, bar, restaurant, and a relaxing spot to chill.
This ship never feels too crowded and is tailored for a more adult audience. If you’re looking to spend quality time with your significant other, this is the place to be. Enjoy amazing food and some of the most unique features a cruise ship has to offer. Seriously, have you ever imagined sipping a piña colada while sitting on a moving platform attached to the side of the ship? The Magic Carpet is as awesome as it sounds and offers a truly unforgettable experience.
The Celebrity Apex is also one of the most beautiful ships on our list. Its interiors exude luxury, making it a perfect destination for shopping or admiring world-class art galleries. The top deck is absolutely breathtaking, with sculptures adorning the main pool area and a garden where you can take a leisurely stroll, grab a book, and bask in the sun. Yes, there are gardens aboard the ship - in the outdoor areas - allowing you to enjoy vibrant greenery alongside the endless blue of the ocean.
Disney Treasure
- Company: Disney Cruise Line
- Year: 2024
- Good for: families, families with children, Disney fans.
The Disney Treasure is the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, having set sail on December 21, just in time for Christmas. As one of the most highly anticipated ships, it’s still making waves with excited guests eager to discover the surprises it holds. While it shares many similarities with the Disney Wish - both are part of the same Wish-class, after all - the Treasure features unique enhancements that might just make it a fan favorite.
Unlike the Wish, which focuses on shorter 3- to 4-night sailings, the Disney Treasure primarily offers longer 7-night itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also boasts several exciting “world firsts,” including a Coco-themed restaurant, a Moana-inspired stage show, and an extraordinary Haunted Mansion bar. Guests can also enjoy lounges themed after The Lion King and Jungle Cruise, the family-friendly Hero Zone, and stunning modern suites, making this ship a standout.
Early reviews are glowing, with passengers calling the Disney Treasure “truly spectacular” and even the best ship in the fleet. For families with children, this ship is an excellent choice, offering unparalleled service and unforgettable experiences. While prices may lean on the higher side, the Disney Treasure delivers a magical adventure that’s worth every penny!
Sun Princess
- Company: Princess Cruise Line
- Year: 2023
- Good for: Adults, guests that want a romantic moment, if you want to chill and relax above all else, if you love a good casino.
In many ways, the Sun Princess shares similarities with the Celebrity Apex, which also made our list. Like the Apex, the Sun Princess exudes elegance and prioritizes a sense of luxury above all else. As the largest ship in the Princess Cruise Line fleet, it’s impressive that it never feels overcrowded. Designed with adults in mind, this ship is perfect for those looking to enjoy a special time together, whether relaxing in an elegant bar or trying their luck at the casino.
While the food is generally good across the ship, the true highlight is the Spellbound Victorian-themed bar. This unique experience combines a multi-course dining event with a unique magic show, priced at $150 per guest. The atmosphere is fantastic, blending fine dining with some very fun magic performances. Talented magicians showcase a variety of tricks, creating a captivating evening while you enjoy a drink at the bar and enjoy the magical ambiance.
The Sun Princess also features the largest casino in the Princess fleet. It has over 200 traditional slot machines, including the first-ever Buffalo zone at sea. Buffalo slots are a new type of machine that, in theory, offer 243 different ways to win and are rapidly gaining popularity. In addition to the slot machines, the casino offers 13 game tables, where you can play poker, blackjack, and even discover some lesser-known games.
Carnival Jubilee
- Company: Carnival Cruise Line
- Year: 2023
- Good for: young adults, guests that are looking to party, if you prioritize fun and entertainment above all else.
Carnival is famously known as the “fun cruise line,” where cruises are affordable, and you can party all day. That reputation still holds true for the Carnival Jubilee, but with a twist: the Jubilee shifts Carnival’s mindset slightly, making it an excellent option for families with kids. The ship is packed with activities for children and teenagers, including multiple waterslides, waterparks, splash zones, and even a roller coaster onboard.
Yes, you read that right, there’s a roller coaster on the Carnival Jubilee, and it’s a fun one! Called Bolt, it accommodates two guests per ride, and you can even control the speed of your vehicle. With countless entertainment options onboard, you will never get bored. However, it’s worth noting that this is still very much a ship for young adults and those who love to party, so it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
The best part? Despite its impressive offerings, the Jubilee remains affordable. For example, a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Jubilee costs around $790 per person, while a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is priced at $1,790 per guest. That’s a significant price difference! Carnival continues its tradition of providing great value, and it’s exciting to see the Jubilee keeping that spirit alive while delivering so much onboard.
Scarlet Lady
- Company: Virgin Voyages
- Year: 2021
- Good for: Adults, if you want elegant and fun parties, if you are looking for the love of your life, if you want great food onboard your cruise.
At Famvia, we’re huge fans of the Scarlet Lady and Virgin Voyages overall. Virgin stands out as one of the few cruise lines that pack fantastic perks into their cruise fares, including gratuities, free basic Wi-Fi, and more. For 2025, the Scarlet Lady remains the crown jewel of their fleet and an excellent choice for anyone wanting the ultimate Virgin Voyages experience.
Stepping aboard the Scarlet Lady feels nothing like boarding a typical cruise ship. This vessel exudes a sleek, modern design that feels like it was crafted by a team from Apple or Nvidia. Its bold use of colors and edgy tones gives it a true rockstar vibe. On top of that, it features a music store where a live DJ sets the mood, and you can throw on a pair of headphones to groove to hits from artists like Taylor Swift or David Guetta.
The food? Simply outstanding. Virgin Voyages has made a name for itself with incredible dining, and the Scarlet Lady takes it to the next level. With standout restaurants like Pink Agave, Gunbae, Extra Virgin, and Test Kitchen, you’re in for a treat. All these dining options are included in your fare and consistently earn rave reviews from guests around the globe.
And then there’s the entertainment. Signature events like Scarlet Night and the legendary PJ Party (held on every Virgin Voyages ship) have solidified their place among the best cruise parties in the industry. As a reminder, Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, so you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to sail.
Icon of the Seas
- Company: Royal Caribbean
- Year: 2024
- Good for: if you want the mega-resort experience at sea, if you want to travel onboard the biggest cruise ship in the world, if you want entertainment above all else.
Of course, we had to include the Icon of the Seas in our list! Widely regarded as the most hyped cruise ship of the decade, the Icon earned numerous accolades in 2024, including being named the Best Cruise Ship by various publications. This ship epitomizes the term “mega-resort at sea,” boasting multiple swimming pools, huge waterparks, theaters, zip-lines, mini-golf, gyms, and so much more. There’s truly no shortage of things to do aboard this floating paradise.
The Icon of the Seas is perfect for travelers who dream of experiencing a theme park at sea. With so much to explore, it’s likely you won’t be able to see or do everything during your first cruise. Beyond its multiple pools and splash zones, the ship’s entertainment options are top-tier. One standout is the Broadway-caliber production of The Wizard of Oz, a faithful recreation of the beloved classic with a runtime of around three hours.
This ship is an excellent choice for families and children, with something to keep every age group entertained. While the Icon of the Seas isn’t a budget-friendly cruise, prices may dip slightly after the Star of the Seas debuts in August 2025.
For seasoned cruisers who have already sailed with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian, the Icon offers a great and fun experience. Its diverse neighborhoods, innovative entertainment, and jaw-dropping amenities make it the perfect choice for anyone looking to try something fresh and exciting.
