The Best 2025 Gold Cruise Ships List in the World

For 31 years, the editors of Condé Nast Traveler have been curating this annual Gold List—a compendium of hotels and cruises that we’ve either newly discovered or fallen in love with all over again. These selections aren’t just about beauty, comfort, or impeccable service; they are about the deep emotional connections we form with these places and experiences. This year, the list includes some of the most remarkable cruise ships that offer unforgettable journeys across the seas. These ships are chosen for their unique amenities, breathtaking itineraries, and the sheer magic they bring to life.

1. Aqua Mare: A Private Tour of the Galápagos

Aqua Mare isn’t your typical Galápagos cruise ship. With seven suites for just 16 guests, this superyacht offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Originally built in 1998 by CRN Yachts and refurbished in 2021, it features Italian-inspired interiors with walnut veneer walls and Carrara-marble tables. Guests can enjoy morning snorkeling with penguins in 60-degree waters, afternoon hikes to see albatross chicks take their first flight, and evening culinary adventures with Ecuadorian and Peruvian delights. The ship includes two local guides to ensure private-tour-like excursions, making it one of the most exclusive ways to explore the Galápagos. Seven-day sailings start from $10,920 per person.

2. Celebrity Edge: A Design-Forward Marvel

Celebrity Edge redefines cruising with its innovative Infinite Verandas and the Magic Carpet—a cantilevered platform that offers breathtaking views. Guests can explore destinations like Alaskan glaciers and the Australian coastline while indulging in fine dining at Eden, a Patricia Urquiola-designed restaurant. Whether relaxing on water-facing swing chairs or savoring fresh oysters and sushi, every moment aboard Celebrity Edge feels unique. Eleven-night sailings start from $1,589 per person.

3. Crystal Symphony: Luxurious and Spacious

After a complete refurbishment, Crystal Symphony offers plush interiors and an unmatched sense of space, making even fully booked sailings feel intimate. Guests can relax in Sapphire Veranda Suites with walk-in closets and spacious marble showers, all while enjoying personalized butler service. This luxurious experience is available on seven-day sailings starting from $4,300 per person.

4. Disney Wish: A Fairytale at Sea

Disney Wish brings the magic of Disney to life with luxurious adult-only spaces and immersive experiences for all ages. Guests can indulge in fine dining at Enchante by Arnaud Lallement or the family-friendly 1923 restaurant. Evenings can be spent at Cinderella-themed Nightingale’s piano bar, while days are filled with Broadway-style shows, interactive games, and open-house kids' clubs. Four-night sailings begin at $2,018 per person.

5. Explora I: Luxury Meets Attention to Detail

Explora I feels like a floating luxury hotel with Italian marble interiors and spacious suites, even at entry-level. Guests enjoy heated bathroom floors, Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, and exquisite dining options, including unforgettable pistachio gelato. This elegant experience is offered on seven-night sailings starting from $3,225 per person.

6. National Geographic Islander II: Exploring the Galápagos

With just 48 guests, this expedition ship offers an intimate way to explore the Galápagos Islands. Activities include swimming with seals and sea lions, spotting blue-footed boobies and iguanas, and feasting on Ecuadorian cuisine under the stars. Seven-day sailings start from $6,864 per person.

7. Norwegian Viva: Perfect for Multigenerational Families

Norwegian Viva caters to every age group with a mix of thrilling activities and relaxing spaces. Guests can enjoy go-kart tracks, escape rooms, infinity plunge pools, and butler-attended spaces in The Haven for suite guests. This family-friendly experience is available on seven-day sailings starting from $1,043 per person.

8. Oceania Riviera: Quiet Luxury at Sea

After its 2022 makeover, Oceania Riviera offers a sleek, luxurious ambiance paired with exceptional culinary and artistic experiences. Guests can savor banana-leaf-wrapped miso-glazed sea bass at Red Ginger, enjoy afternoon tea with a classical string quartet, and relax in elegantly redesigned interiors. Seven-day sailings start from $2,470 per person.

9. Seven Seas Grandeur: Art and Elegance

This all-inclusive small ship is a floating art museum with works by Picasso and Miró, as well as the only Fabergé egg at sea. Guests enjoy personalized dining options at Compass Rose and stunning views from private verandas in every suite. Seven-day sailings start from $4,299 per person.

10. Scenic Spirit: Cultural Immersion on the Mekong

This flagship Mekong River cruise combines luxury with cultural immersion. Guests can participate in local excursions, such as helping children practice English, and indulge in multicourse meals with free-flowing drinks onboard. Nine-night sailings begin at $7,075 per person.

11. Seabourn Pursuit: Adventure Meets Extravagance

This ultra-luxury expedition ship offers adrenaline-filled adventures in remote regions like the Kimberley in Australia. Guests can enjoy champagne under twin waterfalls, Zodiac adventures, complimentary caviar, and wine pairing dinners. Ten- and eleven-day sailings start from $11,825 per person.

12. Silver Dawn: A Spa-Lover’s Dream

Silver Dawn offers unparalleled spa services and gourmet dining experiences, all with Silversea’s signature luxury. Guests can indulge in Golden Radiance facials, 100-minute massages, and Michelin-quality dining at La Dame. Seven-day sailings start from $4,600 per person.

13. S.S. La Venezia: Venetian Elegance

This Uniworld River Cruise ship exudes Venetian style with Fortuny fabrics and Murano chandeliers. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table Italian dinners, private tours of Saint Mark's Basilica, and luxurious cabins upholstered in custom Fortuny. Seven-day sailings start from $3,699 per person.

14. Viking Octantis: A Journey to Antarctica

Sleek and modern, Viking Octantis offers the ultimate Antarctic experience, making each journey truly one of a kind. With these incredible cruise ships, 2025 promises journeys that combine luxury, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're exploring the Galápagos or enjoying fine dining at sea, there's something for everyone on this year’s Gold List.