The journey is often as good as the destination when it comes to a cruise and there are many ships that are just as attractive as the itinerary.
From large family-focused vessels with round-the-clock entertainment and activities, to more serene, small-ship sailings, there are plenty of cruise ships that offer memorable experiences.
But beyond waterslides, quality food and drink, spas and adults-only areas some vessels go that bit further and offer that special something to create memorable bucket list experiences without even entering a port.
This could be due to their history, size, facilities or the level of service, as well as the unique destinations they can visit.
Some are luxury high-end experiences but there are others where you won’t have to break the bank and can provide affordable family-friendly holidays or adults-only cruises.
Here are six of the best cruise ships that you must travel on in your lifetime.
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Best cruise ships
1. Evrima
Luxury brand Ritz-Carlton has a super yacht called Evrima, named after the Greek word for discovery.
Expect a similar experience to staying in the luxury hotel while on the water. It caters for 298 passengers across 149 suites, with a choice of five restaurants and six lounges.
Emma Sanger-Horwell, head of cruise at Kenwood Travel, told The Independent: “Enjoy Michelin-star dining, unwind with world-class treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, or dive straight into adventure from the marina, offering water sports just steps from your suite. With spacious, private terraces and breathtaking views, Evrima’s suites are designed for comfort and elegance.
“This is more than a cruise – it’s a journey of discovery and indulgence like no other.”
Best for: Luxury
Main highlights: Each suite has its own terrace with a personal concierge service. You can enjoy the spa, beauty lounge and gentleman’s grooming salon as well as swimming in its pool or drinking a cocktail on the Marina Terrace. Passengers also get free wi-fi and 24-hour in-suite dining.
Popular port stops: Evrima has itineraries at many incredible destinations including Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Prices start at £3,200pp for a round-trip Caribbean sailing from San Juan to St John, Philipsburg and Virgin Gorda
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2. Icon of the Seas
At a length of 1,196 feet and with 18 guest decks, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, with capacity for 5,610 passengers.
Its maiden voyage was in 2024 and there is plenty on offer for those of all ages. There are eight different neighbourhoods onboard and more than 40 dining areas and bars.
The ship even has a permanent resident golden retriever named Rover, who has the important job of chief dog officer.
Tony Andrews, managing director of Cruise.co.uk, said: “Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is an absolute game-changer, designed to be a destination all on its own. In my opinion, it offers an experience like no other, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves cruising.
“As the world’s largest cruise ship, it’s packed with thrilling innovations, luxurious spaces and tons of family-friendly activities. Icon of the Seas is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that perfectly blends adventure, luxury and entertainment.”
Read more: The best Royal Caribbean ships and cruises
Best for: Families
Main highlights: Top features on Icon include Thrill Island, an adventure zone that boasts the biggest waterpark and waterslide at sea. There is also an adult-only area on Cloud 17 and the AquaDome, which offers a relaxation area by-day and entertainment space at night.
Popular port stops: Icon’s itineraries focus on the east and west Caribbean but also includes stops on Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas island for a Perfect Day in CocoCay experience.
A western Caribbean round-trip from Miami, calling at Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel and CocoCay, costs from £1,476pp when departing 26 July 2025.
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3. Le Commandant Charcot
French cruise brand Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is described as the world’s only luxury icebreaker.
The deep polar exploration cruise ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), offering guests a more environmentally-friendly way to explore more remote and delicate regions.
It was the first ship in the world to reach the southernmost navigable latitude, in the Ross Sea, in February 2022.
With 215 crew members to 245 guests, you will practically have your own dedicated staff member onboard.
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James Cole, chief executive of Panache Cruises, told The Independent: “She chews through ice, but more than that she does it with typical French grace and fashion. Charcot allows guests to experience the thrill of a polar adventure and get up close and personal with the wildlife like never before.
“Due to the ship’s capacity and its ability to glide through ice fields, the opportunity to step foot onto the ice is always there.
“But still, exploration starts on board, with experts providing incisive and invaluable insights as they deliver thought-provoking talks on this fascinating ecosystem.”
Best for: Explorers
Main highlights: The crew-to-passenger ratio means service will be of a high standard. All cabins have their own balcony or terrace, and both the indoor and two outdoor pools are heated. There is also an onboard spa and you can enjoy afternoon tea in The Main Lounge and great views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Observatory Lounge. Nuna restaurant offers highly rated French cuisine with nine-course taster menus and gala dinners.
Popular port stops: The ship’s small size means passengers can get to more unique destinations, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Prices start from £23,610pp for a 12-night Antarctic sailing from Ushuaia to meet the emperor penguins of the Weddell Sea, departing 30 October 2025.
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4. Queen Mary 2
Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, may be hailed as bringing the brand into the modern era, but Queen Mary 2 is a must-visit to get a taste of old-school luxury cruising.
Cole says it “exudes the very best of Britain”.
Launched in 2003, the ship’s 2,691 guests can enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in-between exploring the 8,000 books in the largest library at sea as well as watching Royal Shakespeare productions or the English National Ballet during transatlantic sailings between Southampton and New York.
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Plus you can even bring your pet. Cole said: “Cunard offers an incredible pet scheme, where guests can bring dogs, cats or ferrets on board with a doggy daycare centre.
“Cruisers can relax and leave their dog in safe hands, with the opportunity to visit and walk them in a special area with a fire hydrant upon which they can do their business.”
Best for: Traditional cruising
Main highlights: Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner still in service designed to transport passengers – and their pets – between continents. The afternoon tea in the Queens Room is a unique experience, served by white-gloved waiters. There are five pools onboard, including the Pavilion Pool, which has a retractable roof and a Minnow’s Pool for children. Passengers can also discover space and the stars in the onboard planetarium.
Popular port stops: Queen Mary 2 has several northern Europe sailings but its most iconic voyages are its transatlantic itineraries from Southampton to New York.
Prices start from £1,199pp for a 14-night round-trip transatlantic crossing to New York back to the UK, departing 6 June 2025.
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5. RV African Dream
Why limit yourself to sea life when you could combine a cruise with a safari?
CroisiEurope’s RV African Dream luxury cruise ship sails on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
Guests get an intimate experience, with space for 16 passengers across eight cabins, with 15 crew.
Sanger-Horwell added: “Alongside breathtaking views from your cabin’s French-style balcony or private terrace, you’ll experience thrilling game drives at nearby Chobe National Park and the option to soar above Victoria Falls by helicopter.
“This fully escorted journey blends comfort and exoticism, giving you a front-row seat to Africa’s stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife.”
Best for: Nature and wildlife
Main highlights: Facilities include a sun-deck with a small pool, lounge and Jacuzzi area when you aren’t enjoying the views of Africa. All rooms include a balcony or private terrace, plus you can get binoculars in the restaurant and lounge for better views of the wildlife and nature.
Popular port stops: Enjoy visits to Table Mountain and Robben Island in Cape Town before a cruise through the mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba in central Africa and land and water safaris in Chobé and Matusadona National Parks. The cruise ends with a visit to Victoria Falls on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border.
African Dream combines a 13-day land and cruise safari from South Africa to Zimbabwe starting at £7,570pp, departing 15 August 2025.
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6. Scenic Eclipse
Launched in 2018, Australian-owned Scenic Eclipse is described as the world’s first discovery yacht.
The expedition ship caters for 228 passengers and boasts space for two H130 helicopters with pilots to take guests on excursions during trips around Antarctica.
But the interesting feature lurks beneath: the ship has its own custom submarine known as Scenic Neptune, which dives to an impressive 1,000 feet down below.
Cole added: “This is a real small-ship experience – a smaller ship means you can dock in smaller ports right at the ends of our earth.”
Read more: The best hidden gem cruise ports
Best for: Adventure
Main highlights: Its suites have private balconies and a butler service, plus you can explore polar regions on the included excursions by helicopter and submarine.
Passengers can enjoy a choice of 10 restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa, which is home to a thermal suite and plunge pool.
Popular port stops: Scenic Eclipse visits destinations around the world including the Med and it also has a sailing along the east coast of America to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence next year. But you will get the best use out of its submarine and helicopter on Antarctica voyages where you can meet wildlife such as penguins and seals on Deception Island and Paradise Bay as well as visiting the icebergs on the Crystal Sound channel.
Prices start from £14,657 for a 13-day Antarctica sailing departing on 11 November 2025.
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There are plenty of new ships hitting the waves in the coming months that could rise up the ranks of impressive vessels.
MSC Cruises latest ship, MSC World America, which had its inaugural sailing this month, will offer Caribbean sailings and has unique features such as the Cliffhanger, a swing ride that hangs off the side of the ship, 50 metres above the ocean. It also has the only Eataly Italian restaurant at sea.
Norwegian Aqua also launched in April and should also appeal to adrenaline junkies with the 10-storey dry slide the Drop and its Slidecoaster, a fast-paced blend of a rollercoaster and raft-based water slide. It also has an adult-only Vibe Beach Club.
Royal Caribbean is also set to launch the latest ship in its Icon class, Star of the Seas, in August 2025. It will have similar features to its sister ship Icon such as giant waterparks and slides onboard as well as 40 bars and restaurants to choose from.
But there will also be a refreshed specialty Empire Supper Club onboard, serving intimate meals with live entertainment on a 1930s Chicago-inspired theme. The ship is also rolling out a waterproof bracelet for parents to track where their children are onboard.
Read more: What’s new for cruises in 2025?
