The winners of Signature Luxury Travel & Style’s 2025 Luxury Cruise Awards have been named, with the seventh annual ceremony celebrating the “world’s finest” cruise lines, ships and operators.
Representatives from across the realm of luxury cruise turned out in force for the lunchtime event which was held at Revy in Sydney’s Pyrmont on Wednesday, with the overall sentiment one of positivity.
“The world of luxury cruising is flourishing, with forecasts predicting a 20% growth in luxury cruise travel over the next three years and CLIA’s latest report highlighting the fact that the luxury cruise fleet has more than tripled since 2010,” Signature Media Editorial Director Christian Barker told the room.
“This boom is reflected in the exemplary standard of vessels and service – and the fierce competition – across the industry. “
A panel of 19 luxury cruise experts and travel advisors rated major cruise lines across 14 key categories including best-in-class on rivers and oceans at all sizes, family-friendly options and the most highly anticipated new ships.
Strides made in the area of sustainability were also highlighted, with Barker noting substantial investments by cruise lines in both innovation and environmental technology. “Despite accounting for only around 1% of overall ocean traffic, the cruise industry has outsize influence in this area, setting an example for the entire maritime sector and pioneering sustainability at sea,” he said.
“The number of cruise ships capable of using zero or near-zero emission fuels is set to grow from one, as of 2018, to 23 by the end of this year, and ships with Selective Catalytic Reduction technology have jumped from 7 to 81. You’re rapidly adopting cleaner on-shore power in port. Advanced wastewater and freshwater systems are near universal.
“As the passenger profile shifts toward a younger, more eco-conscious demographic, taking these important steps is not just an ethical imperative, but a commercial necessity.”
Here is a full list of the winners:
OCEAN SHIPS – MORE THAN 750 PASSENGERS
1. EXPLORA JOURNEYS Redefining the notion of sustainable luxury at sea, Explora Journeys offers exceptional curated itineraries, sumptuous suites and award-winning cuisine.
2. OCEANIA CRUISES A standout in the luxury field, Oceania Cruises offers custom guest experiences through impeccable service, enriching excursions and gourmet fare.
3. VIKING OCEAN CRUISES With sustainability, elevated comfort and cultural immersion at the fore, Viking boasts elegant interiors and unparalleled destination-focused programs.
Finalists Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Virgin Voyages
OCEAN SHIPS – YACHTS 50-300 PASSENGERS
1. THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION Combining the group’s renowned service with the luxury of a high-end hotel, Ritz-Carlton focuses on curating every detail, from world-class cuisine to authentic excursions.
2. SCENIC Scenic’s beautifully designed, all-inclusive, ultra-luxe Discovery Yachts sail to the world’s most magnificent destinations across seven continents.
3. SEADREAM YACHT CLUB SeaDream’s twin mega-yachts set a new standard for level of service and unique experiences at sea, offering unique and exclusive excursions.
Finalists Emerald Cruises
OCEAN SHIPS – BOUTIQUE 25-250 PASSENGERS
1. SILVERSEA Silver Origin is a pioneer of experiential travel in the Galápagos, with expert-led excursions, butler service and destination-specific cuisine.
2. PONANT Embodying French elegance, Le Lyrial promises an intimate voyage with exquisite gastronomy, refined interiors and signature spa treatments.
3. AQUA EXPEDITIONS Raising the bar on intimate exploration, the Aqua Blu yacht sails to remote destinations and features bespoke cabins, adventurous itineraries and fine dining.
Finalists Celebrity Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions
OCEAN SHIPS – 251-749 PASSENGERS
1. REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES Regent prioritises exceptional, all-inclusive experiences that cater to travellers seeking destination immersion, effortless attention to detail and superior space.
2. SILVERSEA CRUISES A leader in luxury cruising, Silversea’s fleet of intimate, all-suite ships delivers personalised service, diverse dining options and thoughtfully tailored itineraries.
3. CRYSTAL An acclaimed industry leader in personalised voyages, Crystal provides butler service for every suite, Broadway-quality entertainment and a signature spa.
Finalists Azamara Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Seabourn, Windstar Cruises
OCEAN SHIPS – TALL SHIPS
1. PONANT For ultimate privacy, high-quality water activities on remote shores and authentic regional gastronomy, Le Ponant delivers.
2. WINDSTAR CRUISES Windstar’s fleet of tall ships are the epitome of intimate cruising, blending the private yacht experience with the personalised service of a boutique hotel.
3. SEA CLOUD CRUISES Exuding historic charm and timeless elegance, Sea Cloud’s three windjammers are designed to host a small number of guests and craft exclusive voyages.
Finalists Star Clippers
OCEAN SHIPS – MULTIGENERATIONAL
1. CELEBRITY CRUISES Celebrity caters to all ages, offering entertainment in the form of educational programs, live performances, dining options for kids and family-friendly shore excursions.
2. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Balancing adult-oriented amenities like age-restricted lounges with kid-friendly activities including youth programs, Norwegian Cruise Line caters to all.
3. ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Royal Caribbean promises standout getaways that satisfy each generation, with adventure activities, dedicated kids’ and adults’ areas and spacious suites.
Finalists Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises
RIVER CRUISES – EUROPE
1. UNIWORLD Designed as an all-inclusive floating boutique hotel, Uniworld’s ships have revolutionised river cruising. Expect local immersion and incredible itineraries.
2. TAUCK Aligning with its pursuit of exceptional experiential cruises, Tauck provides unrivalled entertainment, high-end experiences and exclusive shore excursions.
3. AMAWATERWAYS AmaWaterways set a new standard for river cruising in Europe with themed cruises, intimate spaces and personalised service.
Finalists APT, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Les Bateaux Belmond, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Scenic, Viking Cruises
RIVER CRUISES – REST OF THE WORLD
1. UNIWORLD Uniworld’s all-inclusive boutique river ships sail waterways throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia and Peru, offering cultural enrichment and authentic cuisine.
2. AQUA EXPEDITIONS Elevated by meticulous attention to detail, culture and sustainability, Aqua Expeditions’ river cruises promise wildlife experiences and local immersion.
3.SCENIC Scenic is dedicated to unhurried river cruising that blends gourmet dining with personalised excursions connecting guests to the region’s landscape and culture.
Finalists Delfin Amazon Cruises, Pandaw River Cruises, Sanctuary Retreats
EXPEDITION SHIPS – LUXURY
1. SEABOURN Onboard luxury meets onshore exploration on a Seabourn expedition cruise to remote destinations that can only be accessed by specialised ships.
2. SILVERSEA Silversea’s fleet of specialised expedition ships voyage to unspoilt corners of the world, where guests can join destination experts on innovative itineraries.
3. SCENIC Discover polar frontiers from a helicopter or submersible, listen to educational lectures and encounter remarkable wildlife on an expedition cruise with Scenic.
Finalists Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Ponant, Quark Expeditions, Swan Hellenic, True North Adventure Cruises, Viking Expeditions
EXPEDITION SHIPS – PREMIUM
1. QUARK EXPEDITIONS Quark’s exploration cruises exclusively visit secluded polar regions with a team of seasoned expert guides that lead immersive shore excursions.
2. AURORA EXPEDITIONS Committed to providing perspective-altering and sustainable expeditions, Aurora Expeditions’ fleet of small ships delivers meaningful itineraries.
3. HX EXPEDITIONS Remote exploration experts since 1896, HX Expeditions offers voyages to the world’s wildest locations, promising transformative experiences.
Finalists Albatros Expeditions, Antarctica21, Aranui Cruises, Coral Expeditions, Heritage Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures
SHIP-IN-A-SHIP – Cruise lines that offer an exclusive ship cocoon, elevating your sailing experience.
1. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Crowning select Norwegian ships, The Haven is an opulent enclave with exclusive access to premium amenities including butler service, a sundeck and private lounges.
2. CELEBRITY CRUISES On certain Celebrity vessels, The Retreat is replete with dedicated butler service, private sundecks and exclusive bars and restaurants.
3. MSC CRUISES Access to the premium, all-inclusive MSC Yacht Club allows guests to unwind at the exclusive solarium and indulge in fine dining at a private restaurant.
Finalists Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean
LUXURY OPERATOR – Travel companies that specialise in chartering ships, then add in exclusive offerings.
1. ABERCROMBIE & KENT Chartering the finest ships on the rivers and oceans across the globe, A&K offers tailor-made, out-of-this-world cruising experiences for discerning travellers.
2. TAUCK Turning 100 this year, Tauck’s small-ship cruises are elevated by the diversity and exclusivity of the shore excursions and onboard facilities.
3. CAPTAIN’S CHOICE Local legend Captain’s Choice ensures every cruise is memorable, with the company’s curated expedition voyages and luxe ships being an industry standout.
Finalists Latitude 33 Luxury Tours
MOST ANTICIPATED NEW SHIPS
1. SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE Scheduled to debut in late 2026, Regent’s Prestige will commence its inaugural season with a transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami.
2. FOUR SEASONS I High-end hospitality brand Four Seasons will launch Four Seasons Yachts in 2026 with Four Seasons I’s maiden voyages in the Mediterranean.
3. ORIENT EXPRESS CORINTHIAN Orient Express is introducing its refined railway expertise to the sea in 2026, welcoming 110 guests aboard the world’s largest sailing yacht: Orient Express Corinthian.
SUSTAINABILITY
PONANT Dedicated to preserving the shores they visit, Ponant supports global eco efforts and has a zero-emission, renewably powered cruise ship in the works.
HURTIGRUTEN Hurtigruten is unmatched in the sustainable cruising sector, making progress through the energy efficient Sea Zero initiative.
HX EXPEDITIONS HX is pushing the boundaries of sustainable cruising by reducing emissions, operating hybrid-powered ships and working with locals.
