Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Viking Among Top Cruise Lines for 2026

Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Viking are among the top cruise lines for 2026, according to the results of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The annual awards are based on votes from nearly 800,000 travelers.

Best Megaship (4,000+ passengers): Princess Cruises

Known as the real-life "Love Boat," Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 ships and sails to over 345 destinations globally. Its newest vessels, Sun Princess (2024) and Star Princess (2025), can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers. Voters recognized Princess for its itineraries and onboard comfort, particularly highlighting its signature Alaska voyages which include access to Glacier Bay National Park and wilderness lodge stays. The line also features technological advancements such as the OceanMedallion system for keyless room entry and on-demand delivery services.

Best Large Ship (2,500 to 4,000 passengers): Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages, an adults-only (18+) cruise line launched in 2021, offers a boutique, yacht-inspired experience across its four-ship fleet: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. With ships accommodating 2,770 passengers, the line is noted for its revamped nightlife, featuring nightclubs and live shows. Amenities include an onboard tattoo parlor and interactive dining experiences. While catering to an adult audience, Virgin Voyages also offers spa treatments, yoga, and themed evenings.

The Virgin Voyages cruise ship Scarlet Lady approaches the dock at the Gran Turk Cruise Port, with the bright blue Caribbean Sea and a coastline visible in the background.

Best Medium Ship (500 to 2,499 passengers): Viking

Viking's ocean fleet has expanded to nine ships, including the Viking Vesta, which arrived in June 2025. These ships carry approximately 930 guests in all-balcony staterooms. The line includes a shore excursion at every port, complimentary beer and wine with meals, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Onboard features include a three-deck Living Room atrium and an Explorer’s Lounge, alongside a Nordic Spa. Viking emphasizes an adult-only environment (18+) focused on enrichment, with onboard historians and classical music performances.

The Viking Polaris expedition ship on the water in Velsen, the Netherlands.

Best Small Ship (Fewer than 500 passengers): Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises provides small-ship luxury with vessels like the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator, which has a crew of 345. The all-inclusive model covers shore excursions and open bars, with itineraries ranging from one week to three months. The line is characterized by its ultra-luxury focus, offering amenities such as complimentary laundry service. Destinations include New Zealand and Dubai.

The cruise ship Seven Seas Grandeur sails on the River Thames during sunset in Tilbury, Essex, UK.

Best River Cruise Line: Viking

Viking also leads in river cruises, operating on waterways such as the Danube and Rhône in Europe, and the Volga in Russia. The company offers a Nile land-and-cruise package that includes visits to the pyramids. Its 15-day Grand European Tour, from Amsterdam to Budapest, is a top-rated itinerary. In North America, Viking provides Mississippi River cruises. The line's "Culture Curriculum" features regional wine tastings and destination-specific menus.

The Viking Vidar river cruise ship docked on the Rhine in Koblenz, Germany, with Fortress Ehrenbreitstein and the cable car in the background.

Best Expedition Line: andBeyond

Safari operator andBeyond has expanded into cruising with the Galapagos Explorer, an exclusive yacht for Galápagos expeditions that accommodates 12 guests. The yacht features spacious cabins with Galápagos-inspired decor. The company also offers Caribbean charter boats to St. Thomas, with prices ranging from $19,000 to $90,000 per week, including a private chef and captain, and capacity for 4-10 guests.

Illustration of the andBeyond Amazon Explorer ship cruising down a river surrounded by lush rainforest.