Virgin Voyages, Explora Journeys Shine in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys posted impressive results in the 12th installment of the U.S. News & World Report Best Cruise Lines rankings. Disney Cruise Line and Viking Ocean Cruises were also standout performers.

Virgin Voyages was named a first-time winner in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money category, while also being honoured with the title for Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Mainstream. The up-and-coming Explora Journeys ranked in the top three in six different categories.

“The 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings recognize the top cruise lines in a variety of categories, allowing travellers to compare features, amenities and itineraries across multiple lines. Now, four brand-new ranking lists give even more comprehensive choices for cruisers to create their ideal experiences at sea,” said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News.

The No. 1-ranked cruise lines in the new categories include Viking Ocean Cruises for Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Luxury; the previously-mentioned Virgin Voyages in Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Mainstream; Celebrity Cruises for Best Cruise Lines for Wellness; and Crystal in Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers. 

Disney Cruise Line won top spot in both the Best Cruise Lines for Families and Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean rankings, while Viking Ocean Cruises continued its reign as No. 1 in three categories: Best Luxury Cruise Lines, Best Cruise Lines for Couples and Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.

The rankings are based on a methodology that takes into account expert evaluations of ship quality, traveller ratings, health assessment results and other relevant factors. 

The U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

See the full rankings here.

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

1. Virgin Voyages
2. Celebrity Cruises
3. Royal Caribbean International

Best Luxury Cruise Lines

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Explora Journeys
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families

1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Royal Caribbean International
3. Norwegian Cruise Lines

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Explora Journeys
3. Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

1. Disney Cruise Line
2. Virgin Voyages
3. Explora Journeys

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Explora Journeys
3. Silversea Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Luxury

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Explora Journeys
3. Oceania Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Mainstream  

1. Virgin Voyages
2. Celebrity Cruises
3. Disney Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

1. Crystal
2. Norwegian Cruise Line
3. Oceania Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Wellness

1. Celebrity Cruises
2. Explora Journeys
3. Virgin Voyages