2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best ocean cruise line

Winner: Royal Caribbean

Why you love it…

Keen to explore the stunning South Pacific fuss-free? Take the family on an unforgettable voyage to New Zealand? Or perhaps laze poolside while mai tais are delivered to your sun lounge? Royal Caribbean is the fairy godmother of the seas, ensuring all your cruising dreams are granted. The cruise line’s breadth of voyages and destinations, thrilling onboard facilities (water slides, surf simulators, games rooms… you name it) and world-class accommodation make it a top pick for countless Aussie families and couples.

Hot tip…

For a speedy and seamless start, use the Royal Caribbean app to check in and get your boarding pass.

Runners-up

Princess

Expect service that anticipates your every need and desire before you can ask, diverse dining options and epic family-friendly entertainment to keep the whole clan enthralled.

Carnival Cruise Line

This fun-filled cruise line has earnt its spot among Australia’s favourites for its value for money, exciting itineraries and laid-back ‘come as you are’ attitude.

Viking

For adults seeking a calm, destination-forward voyage with enriching onshore experiences, Viking delivers on all counts. No kids, no casinos!

Cunard

This sophisticated cruise line offers timeless elegance, white glove and rich seafaring knowledge across its fleet of four ships that sail globally.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.