Royal Caribbean Wins Big in 2026 Travel Awards Season

Royal Caribbean Continues to Lead with 2026 Travel Awards

Royal Caribbean has reinforced its status as a powerhouse in family and mainstream cruising, securing a string of high‑profile travel awards across 2026. From brand‑level honours to individual ship accolades and recognition for its private destinations, the line’s latest wins reflect nearly six decades of investing in record‑breaking ships and signature shoreside experiences.

You can explore Royal Caribbean’s award‑winning ships and destinations at the line’s official site: royalcaribbean.com.

Brand Awards: Best Cruise Line and Best for Families

In Southern Living’s 2026 South’s Best awards, Royal Caribbean sailed into the No. 1 spot for “Best Cruise Line”, topping a survey of more than 17,000 travel enthusiasts thanks to its blend of thrills, chill spaces and wide‑ranging itineraries. The Points Guy named Royal Caribbean both “Best Cruise Line for Families” and “Best Cruise Line Loyalty Program” in its 2026 awards, highlighting Star of the Seas for waterparks, mini‑golf, laser tag and multi‑generational spaces like the Surfside neighborhood and adults‑only venues such as The Hideaway.

Newsweek’s 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards saw Royal Caribbean take the top four spots for “Best Cruise Ships for Families”, with Star, Symphony, Oasis and Anthem of the Seas ranked 1 through 4, and Mariner of the Seas landing at No. 7 overall. In the UK, the line was named “Best Mainstream Ocean Cruise Company” at the 2026 Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards—its 19th consecutive win in that category.

Global & Regional Recognition

Royal Caribbean’s 2026 awards haul also spans Europe and Asia. At the Cruise Excellence Awards, the brand picked up three titles: “Best Ship in the Mediterranean” for Allure of the Seas, plus awards for Best Entertainment and Best Brand Recognition by Travel Agencies. In China, it secured the TTG China Travel Award for “Best Cruise Operator in China”, recognising Spectrum of the Seas’ 2‑ to 11‑night sailings from Shanghai and Hong Kong to destinations like Osaka, Tokyo and Seoul, with more immersive East Asia journeys already planned for 2027.

Together, these honours underline Royal Caribbean’s reach across the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and beyond, with a product that appeals as much to first‑time cruisers as to loyal Crown & Anchor members.

Star of the Seas: Breakout Ship of 2026

Among individual ships, Star of the Seas—one of Royal Caribbean’s Icon‑class vessels—has emerged as a standout. It was named “The Best Cruise Overall” in the inaugural PureWow Travel Awards, praised for its spacious Infinite Balcony staterooms, seven pools spread over multiple decks and big‑ticket entertainment including “Back to the Future: The Musical” in the Royal Theater and high‑dive shows at the AquaTheater.

Star of the Seas also earned a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List of the best new cruises in the world, marking the ship’s third major travel award since debuting in August 2025.

Awarded Exclusive Destination: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Royal Caribbean’s shoreside innovation is being recognised too. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas, was featured in the 2026 Women’s Health Travel Awards among top “reset‑worthy cruises,” spotlighting its balance of high‑energy fun and restorative spaces.

Guests can experience the “Ultimate Beach Day” in Nassau with party vibes at the world’s largest swim‑up bar in Party Cove, or opt for laid‑back relaxation along Paradise Beach, showing how the brand’s private destinations now extend the onboard experience onto carefully curated shores.

For more on Royal Caribbean’s award‑winning cruises, ships and beach clubs—or to plan your own “best‑of‑2026” vacation—visit royalcaribbean.com.

If you were choosing an award‑winning Royal Caribbean experience, would you prioritise an Icon‑class ship like Star of the Seas, a classic Oasis‑class favourite, or a sailing that includes time at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?