More than a dozen cruise ships were honored with Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, as announced on Wednesday.
The recipients this year include a mix of large ships with thousands of passengers as well as smaller, yacht-style vessels. For the first time, cruise ship restaurants have also been recognized in the awards.
The ratings—Five-Star, Four-Star, or Recommended—are given after thorough assessments by anonymous inspectors. The list also includes hotels, restaurants, and spas.
Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide, commented that the Star Award winners demonstrate outstanding hospitality. She added that this year’s list reflects the evolving luxury landscape, with properties that set the benchmark for authentic experiences, exceptional amenities, well-being, and unforgettable moments.
What do Forbes ratings mean?
Five-Star ratings are awarded to properties that “provide an exceptional experience and consistently deliver highly personalized service,” according to the Forbes Travel Guide website. Four-Star winners are considered “outstanding,” offering equally high-quality service and amenities. Meanwhile, recommended properties are “excellent,” with consistently reliable service and great facilities.
Which cruise ships received the 2025 Star Awards?
Cruise ships from Celebrity Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, SeaDream Yacht Club, Windstar Cruises, and Viking were all recognized in the list. The following vessels received Four-Star ratings:
- Celebrity Ascent
- Celebrity Millenium
- Seabourn Ovation
- Seven Seas Splendor
- Silver Origin
- Silver Shadow
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima
Other ships featured in the Recommended Category:
- Celebrity Apex
- Celebrity Flora
- Oceania Insignia
- SeaDream II
- Star Pride
- Viking Neptune
- Viking Sky
Which Restaurants on Cruise Ships Were Honored?
In the first-ever cruise ship restaurant ratings, the following onboard dining spots were awarded Four-Star recognition:
- Dining Room on SeaDream II
- Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent
- S.E.A. on Evrima
The other three were given recommended recognition:
- Candles on Star Pride
- The Grill on Silver Origin
- Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Apex
Celebrity, Silversea, and Other Leading Cruise Lines Earn Forbes Star Guide
