The votes are counted, the results are in, and this year’s Member Choice Awards have crowned their champions! Some familiar favorites held their ground, while a few surprises shook up the rankings. One cruise line in particular made waves, sweeping major categories and setting a new standard for onboard excellence.
But which ships took home the top prizes? And what makes this year’s winners stand out from the competition? From jaw-dropping entertainment to next-level service, these awards reveal the absolute best in cruising right now.
Royal Caribbean Triumphs at 2025 Member Choice Awards
Royal Caribbean sailed to victory at the 2025 Member Choice Awards, securing nine top-category recognitions including Best Mainstream Cruise Line, Best Cruise Ship, and Best New Cruise Ship of the Year. This success highlights the company’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences at sea.
The cruise line’s fleet offers more than just floating accommodations; they’re vibrant communities packed with activities and amenities. The Icon of the Seas, named Best Overall Cruise Ship, exemplifies this approach with its diverse range of entertainment options and dining experiences.
Award-Winning Features
- Best Onboard Activities and Entertainment
- Best Cruise Line for Service
- Innovative ship designs
- Diverse dining options
Passengers can expect a blend of innovation and luxury aboard Royal Caribbean ships. The award for Best Onboard Activities and Entertainment underscores the variety of options available to guests. Additionally, winning Best Cruise Line for Service reflects the staff’s dedication to ensuring guest satisfaction throughout the journey.
For travelers considering a cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean’s performance at the awards serves as a strong endorsement. Whether you’re new to cruising or a frequent sailor, the line offers carefully crafted experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences.
Spotlight on Award-Winning Ships
The Icon of the Seas, crowned Best Overall Cruise Ship at the 2025 Member Choice Awards, showcases Royal Caribbean’s innovative approach to cruising. This vessel combines the excitement of a theme park with the sophistication of a luxury resort, offering a diverse array of experiences for guests.
Notable Features of Icon of the Seas
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Broadway-style shows
- Cutting-edge entertainment venues
- Diverse dining options
Onboard activities are a key feature of the Icon of the Seas, earning it the award for Best Onboard Activities and Entertainment. From the FlowRider surf simulator to Broadway-style shows, the ship provides numerous options to keep guests engaged throughout their voyage.
Royal Caribbean’s commitment to service excellence was also recognized with the Best Service award. This accolade reflects the crew’s dedication to creating memorable experiences for passengers.
"We extend our congratulations to Royal Caribbean for their outstanding performance in this year's rankings, as well as to the other leading cruise lines, ships, and destinations, for earning exceptional ratings from reviewers." – Jamie Cash, Chief Operating Officer of Cruiseline.com
Other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet also received recognition. The Utopia of the Seas performed well in several categories, while Celebrity Beyond from the Celebrity Cruises fleet was noted for its culinary offerings and stylish design.
These award-winning ships represent the current pinnacle of cruise experiences, offering guests the opportunity to explore the seas in comfort and style.
Top Cruise Destinations of 2025
The 2025 Member Choice Awards also highlighted several standout cruise destinations. Willemstad, Curaçao, was named Best Cruise Port, captivating visitors with its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and Caribbean charm.
Notable Cruise Ports
- Skagway, Alaska: Offers a unique blend of Gold Rush history and stunning natural landscapes. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway provides passengers with breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness.
- Barcelona, Spain: Continues to be a favorite port of call, combining historical sites with modern attractions. The city’s renowned cuisine and beachfront add to its appeal for cruise passengers.
- Castaway Cay, Bahamas: Disney’s private island won Best Cruise Line Private Destination. This tropical retreat features Serenity Bay, an adults-only area, alongside family-friendly activities like snorkeling and biking.
Each of these destinations offers distinct experiences, from cultural immersion to natural wonders, providing cruise passengers with diverse and memorable port visits.
| Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Willemstad, Curaçao | Colorful colonial architecture |
| Skagway, Alaska | White Pass & Yukon Route Railway |
| Barcelona, Spain | Historical sites and modern attractions |
| Castaway Cay, Bahamas | Adults-only Serenity Bay |
These top-rated destinations showcase the diversity of experiences available to cruise travelers, from the Caribbean’s warm waters to Alaska’s rugged landscapes and Europe’s rich history.
2025 Member Choice Awards – Winners at a Glance
🏆 Best Cruise Lines
- Best Mainstream Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean – Known for its innovative mega-ships and action-packed entertainment, setting the gold standard for mainstream cruising.
- Best Premium Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises – A leader in small-ship luxury, offering elegant, all-inclusive voyages with cultural enrichment.
- Best Luxury Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Renowned for all-suite accommodations, world-class dining, and personalized service.
- Best River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises – Dominates river cruising with its sleek Scandinavian design and immersive itineraries.
- Best Cruise Line for Food and Dining: Celebrity Cruises – A foodie’s paradise at sea, featuring Michelin-level dining experiences.
- Best Cruise Line for Onboard Activities and Entertainment: Royal Caribbean – Home to skydiving simulators, surf machines, and Broadway-caliber shows.
- Best Cruise Line for Service: Royal Caribbean – Consistently praised for its friendly and attentive crew.
- Best Cruise Line for Staterooms: Celebrity Cruises – Modern, stylish accommodations with a focus on comfort and luxury.
🚢 Best Cruise Ships
- Best Overall Cruise Ship: Icon of the Seas – The ultimate floating resort, blending adventure, relaxation, and over-the-top amenities.
- Best New Cruise Ship: Icon of the Seas – A revolutionary ship setting new standards in cruise experiences.
- Best Cruise Ship for Food and Dining: Icon of the Seas – A diverse array of gourmet dining options, from fine dining to casual eats.
- Best Cruise Ship for Onboard Activities and Entertainment: Icon of the Seas – Packed with thrill rides, live performances, and endless fun.
- Best Cruise Ship for Service: Icon of the Seas – Exceptional hospitality and attention to detail from crew members.
- Best Cruise Ship for Staterooms: Icon of the Seas & Celebrity Beyond (TIE) – Offering spacious, well-appointed accommodations with modern designs.
🌍 Best Cruise Ports & Private Destinations
- Best Cruise Port: Willemstad, Curaçao – A vibrant Caribbean gem with colorful Dutch colonial architecture and a lively waterfront.
- Best Cruise Line Private Destination: Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line) – A picture-perfect private island paradise designed for Disney magic at sea.
These award-winning cruise lines, ships, and destinations represent the best of the best in 2025, delivering unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler!
- Cruiseline.com. 2024 Cruiseline.com Member Choice Awards. Cruiseline.com. 2024.
- Cash J. Cruiseline.com Announces 2025 Member Choice Awards Winners. PR Newswire. February 26, 2025.
- Cruiseline.com. 2025 Member Survey Results. Cruiseline.com. 2025.