Ranking Every Cruise I Took In 2025 from WORST to BEST!
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In this video, I’m ranking every cruise I took in 2025 from WORST to BEST. I sailed on 8 different cruise ships across 4 major cruise lines, and I’m breaking down which cruises truly stood out and which ones missed the mark. My 2025 cruises included Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady; Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Star of the Seas; Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Spirit; and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Silhouette.
This cruise ranking compares cruise ships, cruise lines, food, entertainment, overall value, and onboard experience to help you decide which cruises are worth booking in 2026 and beyond. If you’re planning a cruise vacation and trying to choose between Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, or Virgin Voyages, this video will help you narrow it down.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise fan, this ranking of cruises in 2025 gives real-world insight into what today’s cruise ships are actually like, not just the marketing. This cruise news style video will tell you about cruises and cruise ships and cruise lines.
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more cruise ship and solo cruise videos. I cover lots of cruise ship travel – including Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Margaritaville At Sea, and more. From the latest cruise news to cruise ship reviews, ship dining guides and food reviews, best excursions, and more!
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#cruise #cruisenews #cruisevlog
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0:00 – Introduction
02:45 – Number 8
04:27 – Incogni
05:44 – Number 7
07:18 – Number 6
09:19 – Number 5
11:20 – Number 4
13:21 – Number 3
14:48 – Number 2
18:00 – Number 1
46 Comments
Agree or disagree with my rankings? Which cruise was your BEST (and WORST) in 2025?
That’s funny with the Norwegian Aqua. Ben and David were also on that cruise and had to hit the eject button because of the change. I often wonder if you all run in to other vloggers.
$12k is about 3 family cruises for us, a family of 4. Enjoy your freedom but make some babies, since I'm a bit jealous 😊
I’ve been on Utopia, Aqua, Xcel, Ascent, Icon, Symphony, Allure, a Virgin sister ship, and many others. Based on my experiences I agree with a lot of your rankings and reasons. Except Aqua. I would rank that last out of my 5 cruises I went on this year and maybe all of my 17 cruises ever. We found the ship to be choppy and the flow wasn’t great. The food also was not great. Main dining was ok, The buffet food was nearly inedible. We had a decent meal at the Mexican restaurant but other than that left a lot to be desired. Also found it odd that bottled water wasn’t easily available.
Without kids Celebrity Edge class is my go to. (agree with your feelings on Xcel changes being a step back) With kids, Oasis class ships are my go to. I like Oasis over Icon for sure.
I always enjoy your videos, but this one was extraordinary! I look love NCL and Celebrity ships, as well as Princess, and TAs. All of the time you took to compartmentalize your experiences are very much appreciated. All the best in 2026!
Thanks Zach, great reviews! Did you book all of your cruises with a travel agent?
Loved your vodeo. Happy and healthy new year.
I can't decide between Apex and Ascent but love them both
I went on the Aqua in August and it was awesome!!! so much to do on a cruise!!! and all of the entertainment was great!!!
12,000 dollars? Does that include speciality dining, drinks, wifi, plane tickets, etc?
Or is it just the cruise fare?
My ideal would be an adults only cruise with a hell's kitchen, nobu & the absinthe circus show 🙂
I think if you had taken a longer cruise on Xcel you would have liked the new area better. We had rainy days which I spent in the bazar. After the breakfast rush it was quiet and relaxing, uncrowded. I did crafts, browsed around, relaxed, chatted with staff, enjoyed the short pop up shows. People hung around playing cards, cribbage, having a cocktail. I went in skeptical, but turned out I enjoyed it more than anything (except maybe IYKYK).
My favorite cruise this year was also the Aqua TA. It was such a great mix of people, especially solos. And meeting you was a highlight also! Doing the NCL Bliss Mex Riv in March…first time driving to the port. After that…who knows! Happy and exciting 2026 to you!
Great recap of your cruise year. Great channel.
good video how come you didnt do a carnival? do you not care for them?
Thanks again for this video of your top 8. Good to see Celebrity feature in 3places. That’s a real testimony to Celebrity cruise line. I’m looking forward to my next cruise on Celebrity Equinox to South America. Never been there before so I think it will be a great adventure. Look forward to more videos in 2026 and greetings and a Happy New Year to you and your team from Ayr, Scotland.🏴
Thank you, Zach… I appreciate all of your videos and this one was up there with the rest… Happy 2026 to you as well🎉
I love the icon of the seas, my favorite ship. You do not go on those type of ships unless it is during a time in which school is in!
I sailed with you on the Aqua and I absolutely loved it as well!!!!
Cruising Celebrity Edge in Australia 2026 🎉🥂
Zack what a wonderful 2025 you had. Lots of amazing ships. We are going on our first Norwegian cruise in February 2026 on the Viva. I can’t wait to try indulge food hall. I’ve heard nothing but great things. We generally sail Celebrity, but we’re trying something different. Thanks again for all your great content and all of your wonderful advice you give us. It truly does come in handy. I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s.😊😊
Just cruised the XCEL and loved it. I don’t agree that it was a step back. I have cruised all the edge class ships and liked them all. Cruised NCL liked the Prima.
Are you gay by any chance ?
Ima kicking retirement into high gear
this year a western Caribbean cruise out of NO
a 6 nights in Rome with a 12 day Med cruise to Lisbon
with a 10K national park camping trip
next year
January road trip to Florida
April transatlantic cruise
July, month in Europe
august National Park road trip
end of December 2 almost back to back cruises start ( Antarctic/Australia)
thanks for you solo prospective. NCL solo cruiser here. their solo program rocks, but haven't been a fan of their recent changes that will cost us some more bucks!
Unfortunately I’ve not had luck with Celebrity but I need to give them another try. The food was good as you said but that was about it for me.
This is my first time on your site and you're wonderful! You speak very clearly, but with my hearing loss I usually turn on captions as a backup. Amusing — that every time you say "sailing" the captioning transcribes "selling." You could work on your "long A" vowel or just stick with your charming regional accent. The message will come across either way. Thanks!
I love NCL also, especially the Prima. You did Great cruises, where is the trip report on you TA?
We just got off of our first Virgin Voyages cruise after having been fairly loyal to Celebrity. IMHO it’s the worst of the 6 cruises that we took this year. The food was hit or miss, and very MDR like. I agree that the entertainment was top, but even as “rock stars” we couldn’t get seats for most shows. Who wants to wait 30-60 minutes in a very long line for everything while on vacation? The ship was clearly understaffed and overwhelmed (a rare smile from anyone), and the crowd seemed very impressed with how “cool” they were instead of friendly.
We also sailed on the Silhouette after not having been on her in a decade. Loved!
Hey Zach, I agree completely with your comments on Xcel. I was on the November 30th 7-night sailing and I have to tell you that while I love the Edge Class ships and I do have future bookings on Xcel, Edge and Beyond (and 1 Asia booking on Solstice), the thing about Xcel is that some of the adjustments they made compared to her sisters might not work out. One example is the Bazaar. I feel they over-marketed the whole concept. Every day we went to (try) to see one of the shows and no joke, people would get in there 2 or 3 hours in advance to grab a seat. There is simply not enough space for what they want to do. We gave up since we were not willing to just sit there for hours waiting for the show to begin. In any case, the ship is beautiful. There are some good hits like the changes to The Club, Bora (brunch was delicious), Spice was awesome, so overall a great cruise! I laid out the particular comment about the Bazaar in the post-cruise survey, we will see if they make any changes for the future, and for Xcite.
Only $12k for a solo travelor, must be comped.
Hello Zach,
First, thank you for all the work you do and for the beautiful videos you share every time you cruise. They’re always a pleasure to watch.
As for us, we have to say the Xcel is, in our opinion, the best Edge-class ship so far. We found the Spice Café to be much better than what they offer at Eden, and when comparing Bazaar to Eden again, Bazaar wins for us — it’s more vibrant, full of color, energy, and entertainment.
We did a 7-night cruise, and even Bazaar had its quieter moments, so maybe your shorter itinerary made it feel a little too busy. The only part we’re unsure about on the ship is the market area inside Bazaar; it feels like just another revenue idea that doesn’t quite work yet. It looks beautiful, but doesn’t feel very useful.
The Attic/Club was also a great space, and the photobooth was honestly a highlight for us — we had so much fun there every night.
Like I said, it’s not a perfect ship, but for us, it’s definitely the best Edge-class experience so far.
Happy 2026!!!!
My first Virgin Voyage in February to the Southern Caribbean on Valiant Lady (leaving from San Juan). Cannot wait!
#1 Norwegian Aqua! I've not sailed on her, but NCL is my favorite cruise line. Here's to your 2026 cruises! 🍹
Great video. 2025 was my biggest travel year since 2009. Wasn’t the plan but life circumstances changed. I flew 30,000 miles but not all for cruises. Went on three cruises between August and October. This after not cruising for 9 years and Sunday I’m on another NCL ship. I’m getting used to solo traveling quicker than anticipated.
Doing the Norwegian Jade to Japan same itinerary as the Spirit.
This guy’s opinions are so opposite my own. That room on Virgin… 😂
I enjoyed following you this year. I agree with all you say about these cruises. I loved the NCL Prima and also Celebrity Beyond!
Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Let's go 2026!!
Great video Zach! Loved meeting you on the Brilliant Lady this past year. Happy New Year and keep up the great work! Jack
We loved Aqua as well but the food was blah. Had to use salt and pepper on most meals.
And again thank you so much and thank you and also thank you again and again and again!
🇺🇸I’ve said it before my friend…Thanks for the positivity!! Great job you do on your channel👍. Thank you for sacrificing your time and going on these cruisers for us.🤣😂🤣😂👍. The wife and I brother and his wife and a couple of friends are going on MSC for the first time later this month where in York, Pennsylvania burrrrrrrrr so I am very much looking forward to it it.
First video I’ve seen from you, love the content and vibe of your videos. Subscribed! Wishing you an even better year on YouTube for 2026 🎉
What?!! No more Roof Top Garden on the Xcel?? My favorite on the Edge ships!
I was lucky enough to do 2 Virgin Voyages in 2025. One on the Scarlet Lady and one on the Valiant Lady. As usual I had an over the top experience. I absolutely love VV so much so that I don't even want to cruise any other cruise line any more. Although with your review of the Aqua – maybe. I just hate sailing with childern and up charges.
I've got Brilliant booked for March and seen so many polarizing reviews it was a worry but the last time we did VV we love it too. I've never done a megaship but I feel like what you've said about them is how I'd feel and with limited PTO can only do so many thing a year.