The 5 Best Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines

For the World’s Best Awards 2022 survey, Travel + Leisure adjusted cruise categories to reflect changes in the industry and traveler experiences. Ship categories are now based on the number of cabins and the large ship category now covers ships with 800 to 1,499 cabins. Several previous large ship winners, including Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn, have moved into the mid-size ship category.

Every year, as part of our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to give their opinion on travel experiences around the world – to share their opinions on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, etc. Readers rated individual cruise ships based on their staterooms and amenities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. These ratings were combined to generate results for cruise passengers in six categories, including river cruising.

In second place is the venerable Cunard Line, with its three ocean liners. T+L readers applauded the classic decor and elevated atmosphere on board. “We love everything about this ship,” wrote a fan who sailed the Queen Mary 2. “We have both crossed the Atlantic and sailed the Caribbean on the QM, and the experience is always exceptional.”

Celebrity Cruises, with state-of-the-art ships Celebrity benefit and Celebrity Summit, claims the #3 position. Says a reader who has sailed on Summit: “Amazing ships. Perfect size for my family.” A sister ship, Celebrity Beyond, debuted in April 2022. Celebrity also leads this year’s mega-ship category with its largest Celebrity reflection.

Holland America Line, which turns 75 in Alaska in 2022, ranks fourth. “The food is great, the crew is friendly and attentive, and the cabins are large compared to other cruise lines,” one voter wrote. Royal Caribbean International, with its smaller 1990s ships such as Enchantment of the seas and Vision of the seas, arrives at No. 5.

Impressively, all of the major lines that readers have chosen as the best cruise lines for large ships are WBA Hall of Fame winners. Read on to find out why Disney Cruise Line is the crème de la crème.

1. Disney Cruise Line

There’s nothing like seeing a child’s eyes light up when they meet Mickey and Minnie, or Elsa from Frozen, or Spiderman. But the amusement park-level attractions, carefully orchestrated children’s programs, entertainment and family dining on Disney ships are also big wows. Perhaps most remarkable, however, is that these ships manage to meet the needs of families with children and adults without children. Adults have separate hangouts, such as an adults-only nightlife area, pool, and specialty restaurants. “Great for families and for singles,” said a T+L reader. “Best memories,” said another. All four ships in the line are back in service, but that’s not all fans have to look forward to as the highly anticipated fifth ship in the line, Disney Wishdebuted in early July.

Member of the WBA Hall of Fame. Rating: 89.55

More information: disneycruise.disney.go.com

2. Cunard

Member of the WBA Hall of Fame. Score: 88.18

More information: cunard.com

3. Celebrity Cruises

Member of the WBA Hall of Fame. Score: 86.56

More information: celebritycruises.com

4.Holland America Line

Member of the WBA Hall of Fame. Score: 85.43

More information: hollandamerica.com

5. Royal Caribbean International

Member of the WBA Hall of Fame. Score: 81.26

More information: royalcaribbean.com