Forbes Travel Guide Stars Alight: Recognising Exceptional Cruise Ships and Restaurants
Introduction
The Forbes Travel Guide, a renowned rating system for hospitality establishments, has bestowed its prestigious Star Awards upon a remarkable selection of cruise ships and their onboard restaurants. This year’s winners represent the pinnacle of excellence in the industry, spanning a diverse range of vessels and dining experiences that cater to discerning travelers.
Cruising to Excellence
Leading the pack of distinguished vessels are those that have earned the coveted Five-Star rating. These exceptional ships offer an unparalleled level of service and amenities, consistently delivering unforgettable moments that surpass the expectations of their esteemed guests.
Four-Star Splendor
Four-Star vessels provide an exceptional cruise experience, boasting high standards of service and facilities that ensure guest satisfaction. These ships set the bar for luxury and comfort, offering a wide array of onboard amenities and entertainment options.
Recommended for Excellence
Recommended cruise ships offer excellent service and facilities, providing a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience. These vessels may not reach the heights of Four-Star or Five-Star status, but they nonetheless meet the high standards expected by Forbes Travel Guide.
Restaurant Delights
For the first time, Forbes Travel Guide has extended its ratings to include cruise ship restaurants, recognising the culinary excellence that complements the onboard experience.
Five-Star Dining
Four onboard eateries have earned the esteemed Four-Star rating, signifying exceptional dining experiences that showcase culinary mastery and exceptional service. These restaurants elevate the cruise dining experience to new heights, tantalising taste buds with innovative dishes and exquisite presentations.
Recommended Culinary Gems
Three additional restaurants have received the Recommended status, acknowledging their consistent delivery of excellent cuisine and attentive service. These restaurants provide a memorable dining experience, complementing the overall luxury of the cruise.
Methodology of Excellence
Forbes Travel Guide awards its Star Ratings based on rigorous evaluations conducted by anonymous inspectors. These expert assessors evaluate properties across a comprehensive range of criteria, ensuring that only the most exceptional establishments earn the coveted Star Awards.
Elevating the Cruise Experience
The Star Award winners exemplify the highest standards of hospitality in the cruise industry. By showcasing vessels and restaurants that consistently deliver an extraordinary experience, Forbes Travel Guide helps discerning travelers make informed decisions and elevates the overall cruise experience to new levels of excellence.
List of Awardees
Cruise Ships
Five-Star
- Celebrity Reflection
- Seabourn Ovation
- Silversea Silver Muse
- Viking Orion
Four-Star
- Carnival Vista
- Crystal Serenity
- Disney Dream
- Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Oceania Marina
- Regent Seven Seas Splendor
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Evrima
- SeaDream Yacht Club SeaDream I
- Windstar Cruises Wind Surf
Recommended
- Carnival Mardi Gras
- Disney Fantasy
- Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
Cruise Ship Restaurants
Four-Star
- The Grill by Thomas Keller (Celebrity Edge)
- Le Petit Chef (Silversea Silver Moon)
- Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian (Carnival Horizon)
- Princess Cruises Sabatini’s
Recommended
- Crown Grill (Princess Cruises)
- Palo (Disney Cruise Line)
- Teppanyaki (Holland America Line)
Conclusion
The Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards are a testament to the extraordinary hospitality and culinary excellence that defines the modern cruise experience. By recognising the very best vessels and restaurants, Forbes Travel Guide provides valuable guidance to travelers seeking an unforgettable journey at sea.
