MSC Cruises Joins Holland America, Viking and Fred. Olsen Cruise in Leading 2025 Cruise Awards Highlighting Family, Luxury, Expedition and Solo Travel Experiences – You Need to Know

Published on December 3, 2025

MSC Cruises has joined Holland America, Viking, and Fred. Olsen Cruise as a standout in the 2025 Best in Cruise Awards, recognized in Cruise Critic’s award across categories celebrating family adventures, luxury accommodations, expedition exploration, and solo travel experiences. These accolades honor the cruise lines’ commitment to delivering exceptional service, innovative itineraries, and immersive onboard programs tailored to diverse traveler preferences. From thrilling family districts and private suite concepts to wellness-focused amenities and curated solo travel experiences, these leaders in cruising continue to set new benchmarks for unforgettable journeys at sea.

The 2025 Best in Cruise Awards, based on expert evaluations and traveler reviews, highlight innovation, luxury, and guest-focused experiences across the world’s leading cruise lines. This year, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines were among the standout honorees, demonstrating excellence across multiple categories.

MSC Cruises Sets New Standards for Families and Luxury

Recognized in Cruise Critic’s award, MSC Cruises earned acclaim for its commitment to both family-friendly experiences and luxury accommodations. Its signature MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship concept, won Best Suite Complex in the ocean category, offering private suites, dedicated lounges, exclusive restaurants, pools, and 24-hour butler service. This refined environment ensures personalized service and unmatched comfort for travelers seeking premium luxury at sea.

In the family category, MSC Cruises took home Best for Families for its innovative Family Aventura district aboard MSC World America. Featuring The Harbour, an outdoor park with over-water swing rides, multi-level ropes courses, and 11-deck dry slides, along with high-tech play areas in the Doremiland kids’ zone, the line offers children of all ages engaging and memorable experiences. These awards highlight MSC Cruises’ dedication to creating extraordinary journeys for families and luxury travelers alike.

Holland America Line Excels in Service and Itineraries

Holland America Line, also recognized in Cruise Critic’s award, continued its streak of excellence by securing Best for Service in the ocean category for the fourth consecutive year. The line’s meticulous attention to guest needs—from personalized interactions to attentive onboard services—has reinforced its reputation for outstanding hospitality.

The line further received Best Itineraries in the ocean category. Its thoughtfully curated routes offer a balance of cultural immersion, scenic variety, and convenience. From European homeports to themed sailings such as Culinary Ambassador cruises, Oktoberfest journeys, and History Channel collaborations, Holland America ensures each voyage is unique. In Alaska, exclusive Glacier Bay access, immersive cruisetours, and uncommon Aleutian itineraries provide travelers with extraordinary experiences.

Viking Dominates Luxury, River and Expedition Categories

Viking made a notable impact in the 2025 awards, earning eight honors across luxury, river, and expedition segments, recognized in Cruise Critic’s award for excellence. Named the #1 Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Line in the luxury ocean segment, Viking also captured Best Enrichment, Best Spa, and Best for Remote Workers. Its serene, Scandinavian-inspired ships provide inclusive cultural excursions, TED-style lectures, and enrichment programs, transforming each journey into an immersive learning experience.

In river cruising, Viking received Best for First-Timers and Best for Remote Workers, reflecting its focus on seamless itineraries and carefully designed onboard spaces. Viking’s expedition cruises continued to earn accolades with Best for Light Expedition and Best Spa for the third consecutive year. Purpose-built vessels grant access to remote destinations, specialized excursions, and wellness-focused spas, combining adventure and comfort for travelers seeking immersive exploration.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Leads in Solo Travel

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, recognized in Cruise Critic’s award, was celebrated for its dedication to solo travelers, winning Best for Solo Travellers for the second consecutive year. Ships such as Bolette, Borealis, and Balmoral feature dedicated solo cabins, social activities, and events fostering connection among individual passengers. Solo guests enjoy opportunities to meet fellow travelers during social strolls, welcome receptions, and group dining experiences, all within intimate ship settings. These initiatives meet the growing demand for enriching solo travel experiences.

A Reflection of Modern Cruising Trends

The 2025 Best in Cruise Awards highlight broader trends in cruising, including family-friendly entertainment, immersive enrichment programs, luxury wellness and suite offerings, innovative itineraries, and personalized solo experiences. Recognized in Cruise Critic’s award, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines demonstrate how modern cruise lines are continually raising the standard for guest experiences, blending adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, and personalized service.

Passengers can now expect meticulously curated journeys, whether seeking family fun, luxury indulgence, river or expedition adventures, or enriching solo travel. These awards underscore a commitment to remarkable experiences that redefine modern cruising and set new benchmarks for global travel.