Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
Disney Cruise Line Tops Travel + Leisure’s Large-Ship Rankings
Disney Cruise Line has been named the world’s best large-ship ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, climbing to the top spot after ranking second behind Cunard last year.
Related – Disney Cruise Line Increasing Prices for Adult Dining Across the Fleet
Jumping from second place last year to the top spot this year, Disney Cruise Line clearly captivated Travel + Leisure readers—and not just families. Adults were just as impressed, praising the themed rotational dining that keeps kids engaged and the delightful presence of Disney characters. The line’s attentive crew and meticulous attention to detail also earned high marks. As one reader gushed, “Amenities and facilities were amazing, and everything felt like the Disney atmosphere of my childhood.” Another fan added, “As an adult I am wowed; I can’t imagine what it must be like to see it through the eyes of a child.”
To determine the rankings, Travel + Leisure asked readers to rate individual ships. These ratings were then combined to score cruise lines across various categories, which are defined by the number of cabins. The “large-ship ocean cruise lines” category, for example, includes vessels with 800 to 1,399 cabins. It’s worth noting that some cruise lines might appear in more than one category if their fleet has ships of different sizes.
Readers rated each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the average of these responses across the following categories:
- Cabins/facilities
- Food
- Service
- Itineraries/destinations
- Excursions/activities
- Value
The Top 5 Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines for 2024
- Disney Cruise Line
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- Celebrity Cruise
- MSC Cruise
Rounding out the top contenders in this year’s rankings, Holland America Line secured the No. 3 spot, remaining a strong favorite among Travel + Leisure readers, especially for its long-standing presence in Alaska. The venerable Cunard came in at No. 2, celebrated for its traditional White Star service, grand ballrooms hosting formal events, and consistent transatlantic voyages.
Claiming the top position this year is Disney Cruise Line, a clear favorite for both families and nostalgic adults. Celebrity Cruises (No. 4) and Geneva-based MSC Cruises (No. 5) also made it into the top five.
How the Scores Were Calculated
Travel + Leisure‘s annual awards for the cruise category are based on reader ratings of individual ships. These ratings are then combined to generate scores for cruise lines across six distinct categories:
- Mega-ship ocean cruise lines: 1,400 cabins or more
- Large-ship ocean cruise lines: 800 to 1,399 cabins
- Midsize-ship ocean cruise lines: 300 to 799 cabins
- Small-ship ocean cruise lines: 150 to 299 cabins
- Intimate-ship ocean cruise lines: 150 or fewer cabins
- River cruise lines
It’s worth noting that some cruise lines may appear in multiple categories depending on the variety of ships within their fleet.
Ready to plan your next cruise adventure? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a wonderful vacation!
Get all the best Disney News
and more, straight to your inbox!
We don't spam. Read our privacy policy for more info.
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
