The Allure of Transatlantic Cruises
There’s something timeless and romantic about a transatlantic crossing. With the seemingly endless open ocean and the leisurely pace of travel, these journeys remind us of the glamorous ocean liners of the early 20th century. Perhaps the most iconic of these ships today is the Queen Mary 2, which regularly carries passengers between New York and Southampton, England, in high style. Its polished wood paneling, black-tie dinners, and classic deck chairs exude elegance, earning the 176-year-old Cunard cruise line top honors in the Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line category of GoTravelDaily’s World’s Best Awards. One satisfied reader noted, “It’s like stepping back in time. Love the formality.”
World’s Best Awards Survey
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to share their opinions on worldwide travel experiences. This includes evaluations on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships based on factors such as:
- Cabins and facilities
- Food
- Service
- Itineraries and destinations
- Excursions and activities
- Value
These assessments were then combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories. Notably, mega-ship ocean cruise lines have ships that can carry 2,200 passengers or more.
Innovative Programming in the Industry
The other winners in the mega-ship category stood out for their innovative programming, both on board and on land. For instance, Celebrity Cruises, which ranked fourth, has tapped into cruisers’ desire for immersive culinary experiences by introducing chef-led tours in the Caribbean.
Additionally, Princess Cruises, ranking third, unveiled Share by Curtis Stone, a specialty restaurant featuring elevated dishes such as butter-poached lobster with caramelized endive, aboard the Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. Royal Caribbean has also gained recognition with the launch of its Quantum class ships, boasting extraordinary amenities like a skydiving simulator and a 360-degree viewing capsule extending over the side of the ship.
Family-Friendly Experiences
Disney Cruise Line, with its fleet of four ships, remains immensely popular among families, ranking No. 2 on the list. One reader shared their experience: “We had an unforgettable 50th wedding anniversary cruise with our son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren from ages four to 18. We thought this was an excellent way to celebrate and were thrilled to see our kids and grandkids enjoy what we love to do: cruise.”
