When it comes to picking a cruise line to try in 2025, who better to ask than someone that works with all of them?
Esteemed travel agent Jenn Greene from MEI Travel shared her top picks of cruise lines she would recommend to a client that wants to give it a try.
Not all cruise lines are the same, and after having booked hundreds of cruises for her clients on just about every line out there, Ms. Greene has seen just about everything.
With cruise demand surging since 2021, demand has never been higher. After all, it's the perfect way to enjoy good food, great entertainment, and meet new friends—not to mention see beautiful ports of call worldwide.
Here are Jenn's picks for her a cruise line to book in 2025, based on her experience.
Royal Caribbean: The trusted overall line
I have been on 35 Royal Caribbean cruises, and won’t be slowing down because this is my favorite cruise line.
Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for families and multi-gen travel. It offers award winning entertainment, kids clubs and it’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay cannot be beat.
In late summer 2025 Royal will be debuting the second Icon class ship, Star of the Seas. I cannot wait to see if any changes have been made to this ship class since Icon of the Seas debuted in 2024. This new ship will feature Back to the Future- The Musical, l and I am really excited for that.
December 2025, will bring a brand new island oasis to cruisers, Beach Club Paradise Island will be opening in Nassau and exclusive to Royal Caribbean Group guests only.
Utopia of the Seas is still going strong throwing the Worlds Biggest Weekend cruises from Port Canaveral. If you haven’t sailed yet, you need to! It’s a totally different vibe from the other Royal Caribbean cruises.
Read more: 10 things Royal Caribbean does well
Celebrity Cruises: A sophisticated, yet very fun way to cruise
The sister brand to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity is my second favorite cruise line for 2025. Celebrity offers a more elevated, yet not stuffy cruise experience. If you are looking to get away from the waterslides and kids, then this is your cruise line.
The food on Celebrity is hands down some of the best at sea, and their ships are truly floating works of art. Celebrity also stops at some very unique ports of call including Papatee, Tahiti and Wellington, NZ.
While it doesn’t have mega ships like Royal, it’s ships can go many places that it’s sister brand cannot.
In November 2025 Celebrity will debut the Xcel sailing to the Caribbean and Mediterranean ports of call year round.
When Beach Club Paradise Island opens in December 2025, Celebrity will also offer this excursion to guests.
Read more: 17 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship
Disney Cruise Line: For those that can't get enough Mickey
If you are a Disney fan, this is absolutely the cruise for you.
Last month I toured the brand new Disney Treasure and this ship is a love letter to the movies and attractions we all love. Yes, I am a Disney adult, guilty. And while the sticker shock may cause some to look at other lines, Disney really makes the experience worth it.
Depending on the ship you sail, the theming is different. From your favorite Disney Princess, to Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar there truly is a cruise out there for the Disney lovers.
In 2024 Disney opened their brand new private island, Lookout Cay and it’s been getting rave reviews.
Read more: I Went To Disney's New Cruise Destination, Lookout Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line: The multi-gen line with lots to offer
Norwegian is my second favorite family cruise line. Their larger ships offer waterslides, rock climbing and go-cart tracks! NCL sails to Alaska, the Caribbean and Mediterranean ports of call, which are all great multi- gen destinations.
The Free at Sea bundle is a favorite among cruisers because once they are onboard almost everything is paid for in advance from beverage packages to specialty dining. In 2025 NCL will offer MORE AT SEA- This new program will include a beverage package with premium brands like Greg Goose vodka and Woodford Reserve bourbon, and it will eliminate the $15 limit per drink.
Norwegian is also the only cruise line with a dedicated ship in Hawaii, Pride of America for the ultimate Hawaiian experience.
Read More: Norwegian Prima vs Breakaway Class
In April 2025 the first Prima Plus class ship, Norwegian Aqua will debut. The Ship will feature the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The ship will also have a Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai, and a plant-based restaurant, Planterie. Norwegian Aqua will also have a glass bridge, Oceanwalk, and Infinity Beach. Norwegian Aqua will also premiere the first-ever show at sea celebrating the music of Prince.
With all of these new ships and experiences coming in 2025- be sure to contact your favorite MEI Travel Advisor to book your next cruise!
