Royal Caribbean Wins Multiple Travel Awards in 2026, Leading the Vacation Industry

Royal Caribbean has announced the results of various travel awards held by media outlets this year. The cruises of all 29 Royal Caribbean ships, including the newly launched Star of the Seas, have been highly evaluated as family-friendly cruises that fit all ages, thanks to the diverse options packed into their large hulls.

For approximately 60 years, Royal Caribbean has continued to provide unforgettable and inspiring vacations. From record-breaking innovative ships to breathtaking private destinations, it delivers experiences that cater to travelers of all styles.

Royal Caribbean has topped travel awards from numerous prestigious media outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler, PureWow, Women’s Health, The Points Guy, and Newsweek, solidifying its position as the leader in providing the ultimate family vacation this year as well.

Royal Caribbean's recent awards are as follows:

Brand Category

Southern Living

2026 South's Best Awards: Best Cruise Line - 1st Place

Topped a survey of over 17,000 travel enthusiasts. The innovative ships that simultaneously offer the ultimate chill and thrilling excitement, sailing worldwide including the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, were recognized.

Southern Living is a historic lifestyle magazine focusing on the lifestyle, culture, cuisine, home, and travel of the American South. As a media outlet embodying the aesthetics and traditions of Southern living, it is loved across generations. Its annual South's Best Awards, based on reader voting, hold significant influence in the Southern US tourism and dining industries.

Online Travel Information Media: The Points Guy

2026 The Points Guy Awards: Best Cruise Line for Family - Winner and Best Cruise Line Loyalty Program - Winner

The Star of the Seas, which debuted in 2025, particularly attracted attention as a family-friendly ship. Activities for the whole family like onboard water parks, mini-golf, and laser tag, as well as spacious accommodations like the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, were highly rated. The 'city at sea' concept unique to the Icon class, with age-specific areas like 'Surfside' for children and 'The Hideaway' for adults, earned high marks as ideal for multi-generational travel.

The Points Guy is a US-based, world-leading travel and finance digital media specializing in 'smart and rewarding ways to travel' using credit card points and airline miles. Its own awards recognizing credit cards, airlines, hotels, and airport lounges are also noted by the US travel and finance industries.

Newsweek

2026 Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Ships for Family - Swept Top 4

In the 'Summer Travel 2026' category, Royal Caribbean ships secured 1st to 4th place.

1st place: Star of the Seas, 2nd place: Symphony of the Seas, 3rd place: Oasis of the Seas, 4th place: Anthem of the Seas. Additionally, Mariner of the Seas ranked 7th.

Newsweek is a world-famous weekly news magazine. In recent years, its data-driven global rankings have also attracted attention and become a highly reliable indicator.

Travel Weekly (UK)

2026 Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards in London: Mainstream Ocean Cruise Company - Winner

Hosted by UK's Travel Weekly, this awards ceremony held annually in London in January is often called the 'Oscars of the travel industry.' Royal Caribbean has won this prestigious award for 19 consecutive years.

Travel Weekly (UK) is a business-to-business media outlet with an overwhelming share in the UK travel and tourism industry. It hosts several of the most prestigious awards in the UK travel industry, with the Globe Travel Awards being a major ceremony recognizing outstanding companies across the sector.

Cruise Excellence Awards

Won in three categories: Best Ship in the Mediterranean - Allure of the Seas (Winner), Entertainment (Winner), and Most Recognized Cruise Line by Travel Agents (Winner).

This award is organized by the Spanish cruise-specialized media Cruise News Media Group, based on surveys of passengers and travel agents. It is known as a highly reliable award reflecting the real evaluations of customers and travel agents.

TTG China Travel Awards

Best Cruise Operator in China - Winner

The Spectrum of the Seas operates 2 to 11-night cruises departing from Shanghai and Hong Kong, visiting dream destinations like Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, and Seoul in South Korea. In 2027, it will continue to evolve into cruises offering deeper experiences of East Asia's charm.

Ship Category

PureWow

Travel Awards: Best Cruise Overall - Star of the Seas (Overall Winner)

PureWow is a web magazine for women in their 20s to 40s. It is one of the top media outlets for American women, boasting high popularity across a wide range of lifestyle genres. In the first-ever Travel Awards held by this media outlet, the second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, took the top spot. The editors praised the open Infinite Balcony staterooms, the ultimate relaxation at Chill Island with its seven multi-level pools, the 'Back to the Future: The Musical' performed at the Royal Theater, and the thrilling high-diving shows at the AquaTheater.

Condé Nast Traveler

2026 Hot List: Best New Cruise in the World - Star of the Seas (Winner)

In Condé Nast Traveler, the world's most influential luxury and travel lifestyle magazine that drives global travel trends, the Star of the Seas won the top award in the new ship category.