Disney Cruise Line has once again been named the No. 1 Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, marking a back-to-back victory for the brand.
Nearly 180,000 Travel + Leisure readers evaluated cruise operators across key criteria, including accommodations, food, service, destinations, excursions, and overall value. Disney Cruise Line topped the large-ship category—defined as vessels carrying 800 to 1,399 cabins—with an impressive score of 86.79, edging out competitors like Holland America Line (84.79), Celebrity Cruises (83.58), Cunard (83.41), and MSC Cruises (80.42).
Voters highlighted Disney’s signature rotational dining—where guests visit a different themed restaurant each night accompanied by the exact same waitstaff—alongside its West End–caliber stage shows, character encounters, and top-tier guest service.
Related: All That’s New on Disney Destiny, Disney’s Dazzling New Cruise Ship
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The recognition comes during an unprecedented era of expansion for the cruise line, which has been steadily debuting landmark new vessels.
Last year, the fleet welcomed the Disney Destiny, a heroes-and-villains-themed ship stacked with inventive venues. Highlights onboard include the spooky Haunted Mansion Parlor, the Doctor Strange–inspired Sanctum, the opulent De Vil’s piano lounge, and Cask & Cannon, a Pirates of the Caribbean pub. Entertainment offerings on the Destiny raised the bar as well, featuring a brand-new Hercules Broadway-style theater production and the immersive Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King musical dining experience.
Related: 5 Hidden Details You’ll Miss Unless You Look Closely on the Disney Destiny
Most recently, Disney made waves in Asia with the launch of the Disney Adventure in Singapore. Marking the line’s first dedicated homeport in the region, the massive 208,000-gross-ton vessel stands as the largest ship in the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Looking ahead, Disney has no plans to slow down. The cruise line recently announced its next vessel, the Disney Believe, set to debut in late 2027. Fans won’t have to wait long to see what’s in store: Disney will host a special livestream reveal on October 7 to share new details about the new vessel, inspired by ‘promise, possibility, and what lies beyond the horizon.’
Related: Disney Reveals Next New Cruise Ship Disney Believe Arriving 2027
