Dinogo Readers' Top 5 Favorite Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines for 2024
Cruising has made a remarkable comeback as a premier vacation option. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that nearly 7% more individuals went on cruises in 2023 compared to 2019, with this upward trend projected to persist through 2024 and into 2027. Mega-ships, characterized by Dinogo as vessels with 1,500 or more cabins, are once again hosting excited travelers who enjoy an extensive range of the latest and greatest amenities designed for all ages and preferences. Affordable pricing is also available for everyone, featuring a variety of accommodations, dining options, activities, and entertainment included in the cruise fare.
Understanding the Voting Process
Annually, in our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide—offering insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, resulting in more than 700,000 votes cast across over 8,700 properties, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.
For the cruise category, participants rated individual ships, and these ratings were aggregated to create scores for cruise lines across various categories based on their number of cabins.
Ships were rated based on the following criteria:
- Cabins and amenities
- Culinary options
- Service quality
- Itineraries and destinations
- Excursions and activities
- Overall value
Respondents could rate each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the average of these ratings.
What Captivated Readers
Retaining its No. 2 ranking in the World’s Best Awards survey, Celebrity Cruises receives high praise for its cuisine and accommodating crew. One reader who experienced Celebrity Edge remarked, “Without a doubt, the best food on any cruise we’ve taken. You can’t miss lunch at Le [Grand] Bistro.”
Ranking at No. 3, Princess Cruises garnered acclaim from both multigenerational families and couples seeking quality time together. One reader shared, “My fiancé and I found the cruise to be incredibly romantic and would love to go on another.” Taking the top spot again for mega-ship ocean cruise lines was Virgin Voyages, crafted exclusively for adults—no children allowed.
The Champion
Virgin Voyages
Image courtesy of Virgin VoyagesGuests aboard Virgin Voyages have lauded Richard Branson’s trio of adults-only ships as among the finest experiences at sea. The cruising atmosphere is delightfully cheeky, embracing adult entertainment without restraint. Guests, referred to as “Sailors,” can get tattoos at the onboard parlor, engage in drinking games at the Korean BBQ venue, and partake in a playfully risqué 1980s-inspired fitness class when they’re not enjoying vibrant parties on the open decks. For those looking to indulge, RockStar Suites offer a taste of the high life. One thrilled T+L reader remarked, “This is one of the best cruise ships I have ever experienced. The food was outstanding, the ports were unique, and the entertainment was refreshing. The onboard vibe was fantastic.”
The Complete List
1. Virgin Voyages
Reader Score: 89.71
2. Celebrity Cruises
Reader Rating: 85.85
3. Princess Cruises
Reader Rating: 82.58
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
Reader Rating: 80.90
5. Royal Caribbean International
Reader Rating: 80.81
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Evaluation :
5/5