Don BucoloOver the past year, we sailed on six of the world’s newest mega cruise ships. Of course, the common question that cruisers want to know is which cruise ship was our favorite. So, we are comparing these new cruise ships to determine which one wins across seventeen different categories. You might be surprised by the results!
Comparing the 6 Newest Mega Ships
This past year, we had the opportunity to test out MSC World America, Norwegian Aqua, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, Celebrity Xcel, and Disney Destiny.
Of course, we have reviews for each ship, but the more interesting analysis is how these different vessels compare. Find out who wins best special dining, best entertainment, best pool deck, best staterooms, and more.
Cruise Reviews:
- MSC World America review
- Norwegian Aqua review
- Star of the Seas review
- Star Princess review
- Celebrity Xcel review
- Disney Destiny review
Best Specialty Dining
Winner: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel has an impressive lineup of upcharge venues that deliver exceptional food quality and dining experiences. In total, the ship offers eight specialty restaurants.
Fine Cut Steakhouse is hands down one of the best steakhouses at sea. It delivers succulent starters like Lobster Cocktail and a Signature Crab Cake paired with premium cuts of beef and gourmet sides like Bacon Mac and Cheese and Gruyere Tater Tots.
Le Voyage, created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, offers an exquisite, globally inspired menu. Standout dishes like Tamarind and Peanut-Crusted Prawns and Brazilian Moqueca are some of the best meals we’ve had at sea.
Sushi lovers won’t want to pass up Raw on 5. Le Grand Bistro comes alive at night with the line’s signature Le Petit Chef, combining digital artistry with equally impressive culinary offerings. Or, you can enjoy French specialties during a sea day for lunch.
New to Celebrity Xcel is Mosaic, which serves dishes inspired by the regions the ship sails. Highlights from the Caribbean menu include Salanova Salad, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, corn ravioli, and spiced lamb loin.
Another new addition is Bora, the al fresco dining venue that replaces Rooftop Garden Grill. This Mediterranean seafood-centric restaurant features live music and endless ocean views. It is perfect for a lively brunch with bottomless Bloody Marys or an intimate dinner.
Runner-Up: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua continues NCL’s tradition of excellent specialty dining.
You can’t go wrong with the line’s signature steakhouse, Cagney’s. There is also the largest teppanyaki restaurant at sea, Hasuki.
In its new home on Deck 7, Le Bistro looks stunning with high-end décor and a centerpiece chandelier. The lamb chops, the rich coq au vin, and the classic French desserts were easily among the best meals of our trip.
Onda by Scarpetta remains a solid Italian option, and one of the best values at sea. For one flat fee, you get multiple starters, a pasta course, an entree, and various desserts.
Los Lobos, the upscale Mexican venue, delivers plenty of flavor. You need to try the tableside guacamole, queso fundido, and tres leches dessert, among other traditional dishes.
The new Sukhothai serves authentic Thai cuisine in a modern setting. Some of the zesty offerings include Thai Cashew Chicken, Chicken Satay, and Salt and Pepper Prawns.
With the line’s Free at Sea promotion, you receive three specialty meal credits on a typical seven-day cruise. The most difficult vacation decision will be choosing which specialty restaurants to try.
The Disappointment: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny offers only two adult-only specialty restaurants, which is far fewer than most other cruise lines. Palo Steakhouse combines Italian classics with premium steakhouse offerings. While it’s one of the best steakhouses at sea, it’s also one of the most expensive.
Enchante serves fine French cuisine with a seasonal menu curated by a three-starred Michelin chef. While the service is superb and the setting elegant, we found the food didn’t justify the hefty price tag.
Best Signature Attraction
Winner: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua wins this category with the innovative AquaCoaster, the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea. This complimentary attraction uses a crane-powered launch system to propel riders up to 30 miles per hour.
This dramatic jolt sets it apart from typical cruise ship waterslides. After that initial launch, it transforms into a fun, raft-style slide that delivers speed and excitement.
Runner-Up: Star of the Seas
The Category 6 waterpark on Star of the Seas comes in a close second given its title as the largest waterpark at sea. Spanning 17,000 square feet with five unique attractions and six slides, this complimentary waterpark delivers serious thrills.
All the slides pack impressive speed for a cruise ship. Speed junkies won’t want to miss my two favorite slides, the Pressure Drop and Frightening Bolt.
The Disappointment: MSC World America
The Cliffhanger is MSC World America’s first overwater swing ride at sea. This 90-second ride is one of the cheaper upcharge cruise ship attractions. But, one ride is enough, as it is not as thrilling as the Robotron found on MSC Seascape or other signature attractions on competitor ships like Carnival’s BOLT or NCL’s Speedway.
Best Pizza
Winner: Star Princess
Every cruise ship has pizza on board, but not all cruise ship pizza is created equal. While some offerings taste like they’re straight from the freezer, others rival the best parlors in NYC.
Star Princess takes the crown for best pizza at sea with its standout pizzeria, Alfredo’s.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria is an upcharge venue that delivers some of the most exceptional pizza we’ve tasted on any cruise ship. The restaurant features Tony Gemignani’s award-winning recipes.
It’s tough to pick a favorite, but you should try at least one of the signature pies. The Hot Soppressata and New Yorker are amazing, but you can’t go wrong with the Honey Pie either.
Slice, near the pool deck, serves up freshly made pizza with a standard menu of pepperoni, margherita, and vegetarian. While not as exceptional as Alfredo’s, this poolside pizzeria is still far better than most competitors’, and it’s complimentary.
Runner-Up: MSC World America
As an Italy-based cruise line, MSC World America serves up some delicious pizza. You can find the line’s signature pies in the buffet. Offering classics, like pepperoni, as well as daily specials and even breakfast pizzas, we wouldn’t blame you if you popped in each day to grab a slice or two.
Not far from the pool is La Boca Grill, which serves French bread-style pizza. With fresh ingredients and unique toppings, these pizzas are nice for something quick while lounging in the sun.
Down in the World Galleria, Luna Pizza & Burger offers a variety of pizza too. In addition to pizza, this venue offers burgers, crispy chicken tenders, fries, and hot dogs. Thus, all members of your family can find something to snack on.
The Disappointment: Norwegian Aqua
While there are plenty of contenders for the worst pizza at sea, Norwegian Aqua fails on several fronts. Part of the already cramped buffet, there is no dedicated pizza joint.
The Surfside Cafe serves up two types of pizza available throughout the day. During lunch, it’s a thicker French bread-style pizza, whereas for dinner it’s more traditional. Unfortunately, neither impressed us much, so we opted for other casual dining during our sailing.
Best Entertainment
Winner: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas dominates the entertainment category with a variety of shows that set a new standard at sea. With multiple entertainment venues offering different experiences throughout the ship, Star of the Seas ensures there’s always something spectacular to see.
Royal Caribbean’s “Back to the Future: The Musical” brings Marty McFly and Doc Brown to life with the largest orchestra at sea. This production captures the original movie magic, complete with a flying DeLorean.
In the AquaDome, Torque delivers an incredible combination of high-divers, synchronized swimmers, dancers, and aerial artists. In Absolute Zero, Sol features ice skating trick performers who are next-level.
These shows are in addition to the variety of live entertainment and music throughout the ship. From adults-only comedy to dueling pianos, live rock shows, game shows, promenade parties, and more, there is never a dull moment on Star of the Seas.
Runner-Up: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny delivers exceptional main theater entertainment with three shows in the Walt Disney Theatre. These productions, sprinkled with some Disney magic, come in a close second to the technologically enhanced and high-paced entertainment found on Royal Caribbean ships.
Disney Seas the Adventure is a revue-style welcome-aboard show featuring Disney characters and popular songs. Frozen: A Musical Spectacular adapts the beloved animated film with talented performers, elaborate costumes, and impressive staging.
Disney Hercules is exclusive to this ship, with the Muses guiding you through Hercules’ quest to become a true hero. The show boasts top-notch production quality, impressive stage effects, and a talented cast.
The Disappointment: MSC World America
MSC World America’s entertainment doesn’t compare to the production quality of other megaships. Overall, the entertainment lineup feels dull and predictable. The World Theater features exclusive shows such as Dirty Dancing In Concert and Hall of Fame, which are standard revues. The Panorama Lounge offers live theatrical concerts, which are better than the main theater shows but still don’t measure up to the competitors.
Best Casual Dining
Winner: Star Princess
Star Princess takes the crown for best casual dining with a winning combination of quality, variety, and convenience.
The International Café became our go-to spot for quick meals throughout the day. Compared to cafes on rival cruise lines, the International Café offers a better selection of food. In the morning, a variety of breakfast sandwiches and pastries are available. During the day, there are sandwiches, snacks, cookies, cakes, and more that you don’t want to pass up.
Up on the pool deck are quick grab-and-go stations. Lido Slice cuts up some of the best pizza at sea. The Lido Grill sears up custom-made smashburgers—the Princess Signature burger is excellent. Lido Greens offers custom salads, while Lido Tacos serves up tacos, quesadillas, chips, and salsa.
The Eatery buffet on Deck 9 offers standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections. At night, part of the buffet transforms into the complimentary Americana Diner. This casual sit-down restaurant’s menu is filled with comfort food.
Out on the Promenade, you can grab Detroit-style pizza, a freshly made Princess Signature Burger, or some ice cream throughout the day.
Runner-Up: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny delivers some of the best grab-and-go dining options at sea with Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods. Located on the pool deck, this venue features five unique food stalls. Each serves different cuisine, making it our go-to spot for casual meals.
Goofy’s Grill handles typical lido deck fare, but the real stars are the irresistible chicken fingers and fries. Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ offers hearty options for meat lovers with ribs, roasted chicken, sausages, and pulled pork available with various sauces. Donald’s Cantina serves custom-made tacos, bowls, and salads.
Even us big kids couldn’t say no to churro Mickey Waffles in the Marceline Market breakfast buffet. Its lunch features signature items like shrimp cocktail and crab legs available every day. Not to mention,there’s other upgraded seafood options and international cuisine.
Disney also offers complimentary 24-hour room service, which is a thing of the past on most other cruise lines. This is a nice convenience that includes chicken wings and Mickey ice cream bars delivered to your stateroom.
The Disappointment: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua struggles significantly with casual dining, particularly with true grab-and-go options. The Surfside Café buffet is too small for a ship this size. The ship does not have dedicated venues, like a pizza parlor or an all-day complimentary cafe offering food and coffee either. The food at The Local and the Indulge Food Hall is delicious, but these table-service restaurants can have long waits and slow service.
Best Pool Deck
Winner: MSC World America
MSC World America surprised us with several large pools spread throughout the ship. Each offers distinct experiences and appeals to a variety of cruisers.
It features one of the largest main pools we’ve seen on a cruise ship. Several decks of terraced loungers surround the Mar Azul pool and can accommodate crowds without feeling cramped.
The Botanic Garden Pool features a retractable roof, perfect for inclement weather. There are also table-top games, two whirlpools, and a dedicated bar. Thus, you can spend all day in this family-friendly solarium.
But the real standout is the Zen Area located aft on Deck 18. This 18+ space is large and features not one but two adult-only pools with aft views and a dedicated bar. The Zen Area is one of the most spacious adult-only pool areas on any mega ship.
Further, if you’re staying in the MSC Yacht Club, you have your own private sundeck with a nearby grill and plenty of loungers for the ultimate escape.
Runner-Up: Star of the Seas
Even though Star of the Seas is the largest ship in the world, you can find space at one of the ship’s 7 pools. The Royal Bay Pool on Deck 15 is the most expansive pool at sea, with plenty of nearby loungers.
For something less grand, there is the Cloud 17 infinity pool or the Cove Pool. Adults can unwind in one of two pools just for them. There is the aft-facing Hideaway suspended infinity pool or Swim and Tonic featuring the line’s first swim-up bar.
Additionally, families with little ones can spend a day together in the Water’s Edge pool in the Surfside neighborhood on Deck 7.
If that’s not enough, guests staying in suites have a private sundeck. The Grove sundeck features a private pool, hot tubs, a dedicated bar, and upgraded sun loungers.
The Disappointment: Norwegian Aqua
Even though Norwegian Aqua carries about 3,500 guests at double occupancy, there’s still just one main pool. Yes, the pool is larger than her sisters, but it still gets crowded quickly. Your better option is to head to the two smaller Infinity Beach pools on Deck 8. This open-air promenade has several loungers and comfy furniture for relaxation.
Perhaps the ship’s biggest drawback, though, is that there’s no dedicated adults-only pool. The Vibe Beach Club offers upgraded loungers and two infinity hot tubs for an upcharge, but there’s still no pool.
Best Main Dining Room
Winner: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny takes the win with its innovative rotational dining concept. Unlike most cruise lines, Disney features three complimentary restaurants with distinctive theming and upscale menus. Your waitstaff rotates with you each night at the same table. So, you get a unique theme and a distinct menu, with personalized service each evening.
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King is a new restaurant featuring an African-inspired menu and live musical performances. The 90-minute dinner show features talented singers, percussionists, and dancers retelling Simba’s story. The menu features bold, flavorful dishes such as Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties, Shrimp Curry, Spiced Tomato-braised Lamb Shank, and Berbere-Spiced Roasted Chicken.
The elegant 1923 dining rooms pay homage to Walt Disney Studios with artifacts from the animation vault. The refined menu offers selections that you might expect at specialty venues on other ships. Among my favorites are the filet mignon and the beef tenderloin. As good as the entrees are, the desserts are phenomenal. The apple pie and Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake are must-tries.
Worlds of Marvel delivers an interactive dining experience with screens featuring Marvel characters. The spiced pork chop and chicken schnitzel were standout dishes.
Unlike other cruise lines, you can order as much as you’d like, so feel free to get an extra entree.
Runner-Up: Star Princess
The main dining room on Star Princess is a stunning three-story venue with expansive wake views. This traditional cruise line offers both flexible dining options and set dining times, catering to all types of travelers.
Princess’ newest ship impressed us with elevated food quality. Carefully curated by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, menu selections such as crab cake, duck a l’orange, and prime rib were well prepared and flavorful. There’s also a signature pasta dish each evening.
The Disappointment: MSC World America
MSC World America has improved in several areas when compared to our experience on other MSC Cruises’ ships. But the main dining room on World America was still a disappointment.
The cruise line offers a variety of traditional dining times, so you may be assigned a late one, even as late as 9 PM. Only guests with Aurea experience are eligible for the flexible My Choice Dining.
While the cruise line offers standard menus, food quality is inconsistent, and service is slow. The cruise ship does offer some better specialty restaurants, and we suggest you consider one of the new dining plans.
Best Bars and Lounges
Winner: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas wins for best bars and lounges with an impressive variety. The ship features over 20 venues, most with distinct atmospheres and signature menus.
On the Royal Promenade, there is the new 1400 Lobby Bar. The venue offers Instagram-worthy drinks paying homage to Royal Caribbean’s history. There is also the Schooner Bar, featuring live piano music and Heidi’s favorite, the Lavender Daiquiri. Not to mention, Boleros shakes up Latin-inspired cocktails with live music and an English-style pub serves up drinks alongside acoustic guitar music.
In Central Park, Lou’s jazz club delivers smooth New Orleans-influenced cocktails. Or, you can pick up sparkling wine to go at the Bubbles champagne bar. The Lemon Post in Surfside crafts drinks for everyone with lemonade-based cocktails for adults and zero-proof versions for kids.
New for Icon-class ships is the Dueling Pianos bar featuring talented performers in a lively atmosphere. Plus, there are four Lime and Coconut bars near the pools and signature cocktails at the Hideaway Bar and Swim & Tonic.
You can also grab margaritas at Cantina Fresca or island-inspired drinks at the Basecamp bar. No matter your favorite libation, you won’t go thirsty on the ship.
Runner-Up: Star Princess
Where Star of the Seas shines in variety, Star Princess delivers impressive quality and thoughtfully crafted cocktail menus. With over 200 cocktails to choose from, there’s something unique to enjoy each evening.
Good Spirits at Sea offers a global menu of handcrafted cocktails. Crooners Bar, located off the Piazza, is the swanky piano bar with signature cocktails. Not to mention, you have to try one of the Tiramisu Collection cocktails at Bellini’s.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub features live music and a selection of ales and lagers. The Wheelhouse Bar serves nautically inspired drinks, such as the Painkiller, ideal for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.
Out on the pool decks, unique offerings abound. The Spicy Mango Margarita at the Sea View Bar delivers heat, while the Dragon Fruit Refresher at Wake View Bar pairs perfectly with aft views.
When in doubt, the 24K Margarita is always a sure bet on Princess ships.
The Disappointment: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua has made a disappointing change by simplifying drink menus across most bars on the ship. Almost all venues now serve the same standardized menu, with only a few exceptions. The Metropolitan Bar still serves the signature sustainable cocktails, and the Whiskey Bar offers a distinct menu featuring old fashions and international drinks.
For casual cruisers, this might be fine, but longtime Norwegian fans will immediately notice what’s missing—those unique, themed cocktails that gave each lounge its own identity and character.
Best Sports Deck
Winner: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas dominates this category with Thrill Island, one of the most intense and activity-filled sports decks at sea. Virtually all of the attractions are included in the cruise fare, making it accessible for everyone on board.
The 9-hole Lost Dunes mini-golf course is nautically-themed and open most of the day, including nighttime glow-in-the-dark sessions. The Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall offers different difficulty levels for climbers of all abilities.
Of course, no Royal Caribbean ship would be complete without the FlowRider surf simulator. The sports court floats above Deck 16 and is home to open play and organized games, including soccer, basketball, and, yes, even pickleball.
But the crown jewel of Thrill Island is the Category 6 waterpark. At 17,000 square feet, it’s the largest waterpark at sea with five unique attractions and six slides.
The only upcharge is Crown’s Edge, a ropes course with a zip line over the edge of the ship. But given the price, it’s skippable.
Runner-Up: MSC World America
MSC World America delivers impressive sports deck amenities, most of which are included in the cruise fare. The Harbour Aqua Park features three waterslides, including body racing slides, a tube slide with virtual reality experience, and a drop slide. The VR tube slide is honestly a lot of fun—it puts you in the middle of a video game.
The Sky Adventure Trail is a three-story ropes course presenting challenges suitable for all skill levels. It features two zip lines, including one that hangs over the ship’s side, and a small plank. It might be the best ropes course attraction at sea—indeed more thrilling than Royal Caribbean’s Crown’s Edge.
And the Jaw Drop is an 11-story dry slide that’s essentially the Ultimate Abyss on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.
Inside, the MSC SportPlex offers open play hours with basketball, soccer, and roller skating. At select times, there are upcharge bumper cars that pack a punch.
Not to mention, The Hall of Games features air hockey, video games, and MSC’s signature F1 simulators at upcharge prices.
The Disappointment: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel simply doesn’t prioritize traditional sports deck activities. The ship focuses on relaxation and upscale experiences rather than high-energy outdoor attractions. The Rooftop Garden serves as the adult replacement for a sports deck, featuring lawn games, a makeshift pickleball court, and float pools. But it’s not what active cruisers expect from a sports deck.
Best Stateroom
Winner: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua wins for best staterooms with cabins that offer considerably more space than comparable staterooms on competitor cruise lines.
At 231 square feet, with a 45-square-foot balcony, these balcony rooms provide extra space and a thoughtful layout. The sleek design and modern finishes give the stateroom an upscale resort feel rather than a cramped cruise cabin.
The staterooms boast ample closet space and multiple outlets, and USB ports are strategically placed at the desk and on both sides of the bed. The love seat provides a comfortable spot to unwind. The king-sized bed was comfy and easy to maneuver around during our cruise.
The bathroom is notably spacious too, featuring one of the largest showers in a standard cabin.
Further, the balcony furniture is upgraded and more comfortable than basic chairs found on many cruise lines. For the price, a balcony cabin on Norwegian Aqua is well worth the upgrade and is an excellent value.
Runner-Up: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny also offers some of the largest staterooms at sea, with thoughtful design and plenty of storage. The Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah features approximately 243 square feet.
The sitting area is spacious by cruise ship standards with a comfortable sofa. The desk area offers plenty of workspace and storage, along with five total outlets. The bed area provides additional USB and USB-C outlets as well as power outlets.
The split bathroom setup is a standout feature—one bathroom with a vanity, sink, and shower/tub combo, and the other with a vanity, sink, and toilet. This configuration is incredibly convenient for families or couples getting ready simultaneously.
The attention to detail and family-friendly design make these cabins exceptional.
The Disappointment: MSC World America
MSC World America’s Deluxe Balcony Cabin is comparable in size to competitor balcony staterooms at 183 square feet, but that’s where the positives end. The closet is on the small side with a combo of shelves, drawers, and a clothes bar. The decor and furnishings feel basic and bland, and overall the stateroom lacks character.
Best Nightlife
Winner: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas takes this category as well with an energetic nightlife scene that keeps the party going late into the night.
The ship offers themed dance parties and deck parties throughout the cruise. There are cruiser competitions and game shows, karaoke, adult-only comedy, as well as cruise director-led events you won’t want to miss.
The Royal Promenade comes alive at night with multiple bars and venues offering live music and entertainment. Dueling Pianos draws packed crowds, and the various neighborhoods offer distinct nighttime vibes.
The variety of late-night venues means you can choose from a quiet cocktail lounge or a high-energy dance party. With the ship’s size, there’s enough capacity that most venues don’t feel overwhelmingly crowded.
Runner-Up: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel offers upscale nightlife with sophisticated entertainment that extends well into the evening. The central hub is the Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza with live music, dance parties, chandelier shows, and signature cocktails.
The Club features interactive shows like 254 West, an ’80s throwback where talented performers deliver all the hits. The venue also hosts game shows and themed parties, such as Saddle Up Saloon. The Shine the Night party on the pool deck transforms into one large glow party with plenty of energy.
The Bazaar transforms at night with festival-specific entertainment featuring unique shows at 4:30 PM and 10 PM on sea days. The immersive environment with elaborate decor and digital screens creates an engaging atmosphere.
Plus, there’s one hidden spot we are not officially allowed to tell you about, but IYKYK.
The Disappointment: Star Princess
Star Princess offers relatively subdued nightlife compared to the other mega ships. We appreciate Princess Cruises’ traditional approach with predictable evening schedules. This typically includes a game show or challenge followed by a main theater headliner or production. For cruisers seeking a relaxing evening with some background music and cocktails, it’s perfectly adequate. But for those wanting high-energy nightlife, Star Princess falls short.
Best Thermal Suite
Winner: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua reigns supreme for best thermal suite with the Mandara Spa. It features a large hydrotherapy pool, along with multiple amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and a salt room.
The standout feature is the forward-facing relaxation area with heated loungers and comfortable seating, providing ocean views. Norwegian Aqua delivers exceptional value and quality with options for both cruise-long and day passes for convenience and flexibility.
Runner-Up: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel has the most expansive spa in the Celebrity fleet. This updated space features the first Hydra Room—one of eight thermal suite experiences. This revitalizing space has a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs.
You will also find steam rooms, a sauna, a salt room, and more. Plus, the new outdoor Vitamin D Deck, exclusive to thermal suite guests, offers panoramic views from the front of the ship, making excellent use of this forward-facing outdoor space.
The Disappointment: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas’ thermal suite simply doesn’t measure up for a ship this size. As the world’s largest cruise ship, expectations are high—but the thermal suite feels like an afterthought. There’s no forward-facing relaxation area, no massive hydrotherapy pool, and a limited variety in thermal experiences compared to other mega ships.
Best Decor
Winner: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel wins for best decor with a sophisticated design that feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship. The Bazaar replaces Eden’s abstract concept with a vibrant, engaging space that pulses with energy. The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar feel lively and inviting with modern, refined design.
The Celebrity Pool Club elevates the pool deck with beach club vibes including sunbeds, a pool valet, private cabanas, and expanded shaded areas. The Rooftop Garden provides a tranquil green space with lawn games and float pools. And the IYKYK speakeasy (find the photo booth to access it) showcases attention to themed detail.
Throughout the ship, Celebrity maintains a consistent upscale aesthetic. From the four themed main dining rooms to the distinct specialty restaurants, other public venues, and staterooms, the ship feels cohesive, elegant, and contemporary.
Runner-Up: Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua showcases NCL’s classiest and most sophisticated design. The modern, sleek decor feels more elegant than previous Norwegian ships.
The Ocean Boulevard wraparound promenade resembles a posh beach club with plunge pools and stylish seating.
The redesigned Metropolitan Bar, Whiskey Bar, and Swirls Wine Bar feature thoughtful layouts and upscale finishes. The Observation Lounge is a great forward-facing space with panoramic views. Overall, the public spaces seem more intentionally designed rather than haphazard.
Not to mention, eliminating the Speedway found on other Prima-class vessels gives the ship a more refined feel.
The Disappointment: MSC World America
MSC World America’s decor feels inconsistent and lacks a cohesive personality. The World Promenade offers upscale elegance, and the World Galleria impresses with its three-story LED ceiling and well-themed specialty restaurants and bars like the Gin Project and Masters of the Sea. However, the staterooms and many other public venues feel basic and bland with brown tones and metallic finishes. For a brand-new ship, we would expect better theming.
Best For Families
Winner: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny is a clear winner for families with its unmatched character experiences and programming designed specifically for all ages.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club features Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Fairytale Hall, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck—each with extensive themed activities. There’s also “it’s a small world” nursery for the littlest cruisers, plus Edge and Vibe for tweens and teens.
Dozens of Disney characters are on board for one-of-a-kind interactions and meet and greets with heroes and villains, classic Disney pals, and princesses.
Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods features five food stalls with kid-friendly options. Plus, Disney’s rotational dining makes each dinner an event.
The AquaMouse water attraction, pool decks with seven family-friendly pools, and first-run Disney movies create a comprehensive family experience.
When it comes to creating core family memories, nothing else matches Disney’s deck parties, activity lineup, and production shows. These spectacles bring iconic stories to life, like Hercules and Frozen. Not to mention, Disney Cruise Line has the only fireworks at sea!
Runner-Up: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas delivers exceptional family amenities too.
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs offer age-appropriate programming. Thoughtfully designed spaces for little kids, tweens, and teens are strategically located on the ship.
The variety of complimentary dining options ensures picky eaters find something they’ll enjoy, with options available in all neighborhoods.
The massive Thrill Island sports deck boasts mini-golf, a sports deck, and the largest waterpark at sea, among other amusements.
Families with young children have their own neighborhood: the Surfside Neighborhood. It features Splashaway Bay with fountains and smaller slides for younger children, and Baby Bay for the youngest cruisers. There’s also kid-friendly dining at Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites.
With seven pools scattered across decks and countless activities, families never run out of things to do.
The Disappointment: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel simply isn’t designed for families with young children. The ship positions itself as a premium, sophisticated experience appealing to adults and couples. While there are youth centers on board, they do not compare in size or theming to other family-focused mega ships.
Entertainment and activities skew adult, dining options assume mature palates, and the overall vibe is upscale rather than family-focused.
Celebrity Xcel’s audience is primarily couples, solo travelers, and adults seeking refined experiences rather than families seeking kid-friendly adventures.
Best for Couples
Winner: Celebrity Xcel
On the flipside, Celebrity Xcel wins for couples seeking sophisticated spaces and genuinely adult-focused experiences. The ship’s design and ambiance make it feel more like a boutique resort than a cruise ship.
The Bazaar is one of the most engaging spaces at sea with its immersive destination festivals featuring live entertainment, destination-inspired dishes, and local goods in the marketplace.
The Resort Pool’s chic vibe makes for the “poolest day ever”. Whereas the Rooftop Garden provides tranquil space where couples can relax away from the energy of the pool deck. Or, you can simply unwind at the enhanced thermal suite.
Dining is a special event too, creating an intimate date night experience every night. Whether you opt for one of the exquiste specialty restaurants or one of the four included main dining rooms, each restaurant offers exclusive menu items that are always expertly prepared and flavorful.
The Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza, World Class Bar, and Sunset Bar offer signature cocktail menus you have to try. The interactive shows in The Club, high energy main theater productions, and sophisticated nightlife all cater to adults without the family cruise chaos.
Runner-Up: Star Princess
Star Princess delivers exceptional value for couples seeking refined experiences with fewer families. The dining stands out with multiple intimate specialty restaurants. Along with some of the best casual dining and elegant main dining rooms, you will savor every meal.
With cocktails crafted by celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd, the beverage program on Star Princess is elevated too.
Spellbound by Magic Castle is perhaps one of the most immersive experiences at sea. This speakeasy transports couples to the golden age of magic, boasting signature cocktails, unique theming, and an intimate magic show.
Not to mention, the Sanctuary Collection offers an upscale ship-within-a-ship experience. Staterooms in the collection have access to an exclusive sundeck with a resort-style pool, signature cocktails at the Sanctuary Club Bar, and the private Sanctuary Restaurant with rotating menus.
The Disappointment: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny caters primarily to families rather than couples. The ship does feature adult-only specialty restaurants, 18+ entertainment and bars and lounges, as well as the exclusive Quiet Cove sundeck. However, the overall ship experience is heavily Disney. Unless you’re Disney enthusiasts or traveling as part of a multigenerational group, other ships may better serve couples.
Best Value
Winner: MSC World America
MSC World America offers one of the best values in mega ship cruising with competitive pricing that’s a fraction of competitors’ costs.
Reviewing fares four to six months out, an oceanview balcony with a drink package and WiFi saves hundreds per person when compared to the other mega ships on this list.
The ship delivers the most expanded dining offerings of any MSC Cruises’ ship, including casual dining options like Luna Pizza & Burger, Harbour Bar and Bites, and Promenade Bites. Specialty dining offers exceptional value compared to competitors, especially with the new packages. And what the main dining rooms lack, the specialty restaurants make up for with choices like Butcher’s Cut, Hola Tacos, Eataly, and Kaito Teppanyaki.
The ship has many well-themed bars with signature cocktail menus, like the Elixir Mixology Bar, Fizz Champagne Bar, the Gin Project, plus live music and signature brews at the onboard brewery Masters of the Sea. There’s also the Coffee Emporium for specialty coffee and even espresso martinis.
With most of the sports deck amenities included in the cruise fare, you will always find something to do that is free of charge. Even the upcharge attractions, like F1 simulators or the Cliffhanger, are modestly priced.
For mega ship fans seeking maximum amenities, activities, and experiences at budget-friendly pricing, MSC World America delivers unmatched value.
Runner-Up: Star Princess
Star Princess offers exceptional value in the premium contemporary segment by delivering a refined vacation with the option for a more inclusive experience. The ship strikes a sweet spot between megaship amenities and mid-size intimacy, creating an upscale atmosphere without a premium price tag.
All entry-level balcony cabins are deluxe with approximately 235 square feet of living space plus 35 square feet of balcony—considerably more spacious than other ships in the Princess fleet.
There is a variety of nightly entertainment, including live music throughout the ship, cruiser competitions, game shows, dance parties, comedy shows, and more. Plus, there’s signature shows in the Princess Arena with two brand new productions exclusively on Star Princess.
With a variety of casual dining and exquisite main dining room and specialty restaurant meals, your Princess cruise fare already covers a lot.
But, the Princess Premier bundle package takes value even further. This package includes unlimited specialty dining at eight restaurants, including Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Sabatini’s, and Crown Grill. Most non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included too, and OceanNow food delivery delivers meals anywhere on the ship.
The Disappointment: Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny offers the poorest value among these ships, with premium pricing significantly higher than competitors. You are easily paying close to $100 more per person per night.
With no drink packages and few pre-cruise deals or promotions, costs add up quickly. You’re paying for the Disney brand, character experiences, and impeccable service. Though, unless Disney magic is essential, other ships deliver more amenities and experiences at significantly lower costs.
Most Improved
Winner: MSC World America
MSC World America represents a genuine transformation for MSC Cruises. The ship addresses many of the pain points that we have had with their previous mega ships.
The casual dining enhancements now rival Royal Caribbean and NCL by offering additional complimentary options beyond just the buffet.
The district concept creates dedicated spaces that actually make sense. The Zen Area delivers two pools and a spacious outdoor space exclusively for adults. Family Aventura provides kid-focused attractions without overwhelming the rest of the ship. The World Promenade and World Galleria feature well-themed venues, like the Coffee Emperoium, Elixir Mixology Bar, and the new Sports Bar.
MSC World America boasts new entertainment offerings across three venues featuring distinct shows with dedicated casts of singers and dancers. Our favorites are the immersive shows in the Panorama Lounge combining live music, dancing, and aerialists.
MSC World America demonstrates that the cruise line is listening to feedback and willing to make the changes necessary to design mega ships comparable to the industry leaders.
Runner-Up: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel takes the already innovative Edge-class and refines it with thoughtful enhancements. We’ve sailed all five Edge-class ships, and from the moment we stepped aboard, we could feel this ship was different.
The Bazaar completely transforms Eden. It pulses with energy throughout the cruise. The festivals feature unique shows, local food and beverages, crafting experiences, and elaborate decor you don’t want to miss.
The already fantastic lineup of specialty dining is enhanced with new dining venues. Mosaic serves dishes inspired by regions the ship sails through, while Bora offers Mediterranean seafood and elevated brunch. Not to mention, the delicious Spice Cafe provides destination-focused, complimentary grab-and-go meals.
The Celebrity Pool Club elevates the experience with beach club vibes, a pool valet, and increased shaded spaces. The new Hydra Room and outdoor Vitamin D Deck make the already great thermal suite even better.
Plus, the entertainment receives significant upgrades with three new exclusive theater productions and interactive shows in The Club, along with a new speakeasy. These are not to be missed.
Celebrity Xcel really shows the brand’s commitment to evolution and ehancing the guest experience.
The Least Improved: Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas is essentially Icon of the Seas’ twin sister with minimal changes. The ships are virtually identical—same neighborhoods, same pools, same entertainment venues. Minor tweaks include updated AquaDome Market food stalls, a new Supper Club theme, a streamlined Basecamp menu, and new production shows in the entertainment spaces. While we did enjoy these updates, there aren’t any other innovations. Thus, Star of the Seas is the least improved, despite being an already excellent ship.
Comments
Do you agree with our cruise ship rankings? Which of these ships have you sailed? Drop us an anchor below with your latest cruise reviews.
