Cruise lovers have spoken, and the world’s best cruise has been named as a colossal ship with all the amenities for a one-of-a-kind experience. Conde Nast Traveller has published its annual cruise line ranking for 2024 following a vote among readers.

And it turns out, MSC Cruises took the top spot in the ‘Mega ships’ category, with an impressive score of 90 out of 100.

Their massive ship, MSC Virtuosa, boasts everything a family could need to make their holiday an unforgettable experience. From intricate water parks to multiple pools, including the Atmosphere Pool, which is one of the largest at sea, to a 4D cinema, a comedy club, and a karaoke bar.

It also boasts many family-friendly activities, including a LEGO-themed kids club, a sports complex for basketball and football tournaments, and family cabins.

Not to mention the fully-equipped games arcade with all the latest technology, including a VR maze, bowling lanes, and F1 simulators.

The MSC Virtuosa also has a humanoid robot bartender named Rob who works in the Starship Club mixing drinks and conversing in eight languages.

Tripadvisor reviews seem to support the ranking, with five-star reviews from passengers highlighting the “second-to-none” service.

Angelallan2020 said: “This was a superb two-week cruise. [I] was so sad it ended as we had a glorious two-week holiday on the Virtuosa. The ship is so glamorous and modern.”

Becky Allen Holland added: “I have been on my first-ever cruise to Europe to Rotterdam in Holland and in Cork in Ireland on MSC Virtuosa.

“What an amazing experience! The MSC Virtuosa cruise crew did an excellent looking after me and my Mum and Dad while onboard the cruise were nothing but lovely, hardworking and helpful.”

Monnie334 wrote: “What a brilliant experience! We could not fault the ship, and the crew/staff were nothing but lovely, hardworking and helpful. Our cabin attendant and two waiters in the main dining room couldn’t do enough for us.”

The best cruise lines in the world 2024

Mega ships (More than 4,000 passengers)

4. Royal Caribbean. Score 78.80
3. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 83.40
2. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 85.80
1. MSC Cruises. Score 90.00

Large ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers)

8. Royal Caribbean International. Score 83.68
7. MSC Cruises. Score 85.80
6. Princess Cruises. Score 85.94
5. Celebrity Cruises. Score 87.23
4. Holland America Line. Score 88.79
3. Disney Cruise Line. Score 88.79
2. Cunard. Score 90.14
1. Virgin Voyages. Score 94.55

Medium ships (500 to 2,500 passengers)

10. Holland America Line. Score 85.61
9. Disney Cruise Line. Score 85.94
8. Oceania Cruises. Score 86.00
7. Viking. Score 86.49
6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 87.76
5. Silversea. Score 88.08
4. Explora Journeys. Score 91.53
3. Hurtigruten. Score 92.21
2. Seabourn. Score 92.95
1. Crystal Cruises. Score 94.34

Small ships (Fewer than 500 passengers)

6. Windstar Cruises. Score 89.09
5. SeaDream Yacht Club. Score 90.07
4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 90.18
3. Silversea. Score 91.21
2. Ponant. Score 94.55
1. Seabourn. Score 95.15