When you think of international travel, do images come to mind of rushing through airports with luggage, red-eye flights that leave you exhausted, or constantly switching hotels and cities like you're completing levels in a game? Nowadays, more and more travelers are choosing a different approach—treating an entire cruise ship as a "floating resort." With no need to repack constantly, you can enjoy buffets, bars, theater shows, swimming pools, and even amusement rides the moment you board. Wake up after a night's sleep to find yourself in a new country. This style of travel is no longer just for retirees; it's increasingly popular among young people, couples, and families.
Which cruise brands truly captivate travelers and earn a spot on their "must-experience" list? Using the舆情 analysis software "KEYPO Big Data Key Engine," DailyView by Network Temperature has compiled the top 10 cruise brands receiving the most attention from netizens. If you're ready to pack your bags, join us as we set sail on a maritime vacation!
No. 10: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises (Image: from Celebrity Cruises Hong Kong official website)
Dubbed the "floating five-star hotel at sea," Celebrity Cruises belongs to the Royal Caribbean Group and is renowned for its modern luxury and refined service, making it a go-to choice for travelers seeking a premium yet accessible cruise experience. Celebrity Cruises operates routes across Asia, Europe, Bermuda, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Hawaii—popular destinations that allow travelers to explore the world while enjoying high-quality vacations at sea.
Once onboard, guests can savor fine wines and gourmet cuisine, participate in cooking classes, fitness sessions, enjoy stage performances, or relax with a massage at the spa. The blogger "Dian Shu Lü Ren" shared on Facebook: "Celebrity Cruises is a slightly upscale mainstream cruise line with excellent service and dining quality, primarily catering to Generation X travelers."
Take the "Celebrity Apex," which received recognition in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide's comprehensive ratings. Standing 16 decks high and accommodating 2,910 guests, it offers a variety of cabins and suites. The Retreat® provides suite guests with a private restaurant, bar, pool, sun deck, and dedicated concierge service. The ship's "Magic Carpet" moves vertically across different decks, offering scenic views and dining experiences. Additionally, the ship features over 29 specialty restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with a theater, casino, swimming pools, spa, and fitness center—ensuring every leisure need is met.
No. 9: Star Cruises
Star Cruises (Image: from Resorts World Cruises official website)
Launched in 2015 by Genting Hong Kong in Guangzhou, China, Star Cruises aimed to become Asia's flagship cruise brand. However, it was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to suspended operations and financial collapse, ultimately announcing the end of operations in 2022. With the post-pandemic recovery of the travel market, Resorts World Cruises officially announced the revival of Star Cruises in 2025, relocating its home port to Singapore and marking its return to the international cruise market.
The flagship vessel, "Genting Dream," measures 335.3 meters in length and 39.7 meters in width, with 18 decks and 1,674 cabins, accommodating up to 3,352 passengers. Cabin options range from interior and ocean-view rooms to balcony cabins, and high-end options like Palace Garden Villas, Palace Executive Suites, and Palace Luxury Suites, catering to diverse vacation needs.
Onboard the Genting Dream, guests can enjoy international buffet dining and a range of popular entertainment, including a ropes course, beach parties, and a water slide park. Families can bring children to "Little Dreamers' World," where educational activities and creative workshops let kids burn off energy. Adults can shop at luxury boutiques or enjoy live music while sipping aged wines and premium whiskies. For complete relaxation, visit the spa center, which blends Eastern and Western wellness philosophies, or enjoy performances at the Constellation Theater.
No. 8: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International (Image: from Royal Caribbean Facebook)
If you want to experience the awe-inspiring scale of the "world's largest mega cruise ships," Royal Caribbean International is a must. As one of the most iconic global cruise brands, it operates famous vessels like the Spectrum of the Seas, Myth of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and the Icon Class ships—Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas—along with Oasis-class ships like Utopia of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. With routes spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia, it offers diverse and rich maritime vacation options.
Take the "Spectrum of the Seas" as an example. It offers interior cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony cabins, and suites. Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to private restaurants, lounges, and sun decks. The two-story Ultimate Family Suite even features a slide and climbing wall for kids, while adults can relax with in-room spa treatments, panoramic ocean views, or enjoy movies and karaoke with family—creating unforgettable memories at sea.
Beyond the cabin, the experiences are endless. Guests can enjoy cocktails crafted by robotic arms at the robot bar, savor global cuisines at specialty restaurants like "Chuan Yue Hui," or challenge themselves at popular attractions like FlowRider (surf simulator), skydiving simulator, and bumper cars. Activities like archery, fencing, salsa dancing, and silent disco are also available. For breathtaking ocean views, ride the signature "North Star" observation capsule, offering a 360-degree panoramic vista.
No. 7: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ocean Cruises
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ocean Cruises (Image: from Mitsui Ocean Cruises official website)
Mitsui Ocean Cruises brings Japan's most refined and meticulous "omotenashi" (hospitality) spirit to the Pacific. The brand's most anticipated luxury newcomer, "Mitsui Ocean Fuji," has a gross tonnage of 32,447 tons and accommodates only 458 guests, allowing it to access unique ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.
All cabins, including the Premium Suite, Classic Suite, and Top Spa Suite, offer stunning views of sunrise and sunset over the ocean. The ship features a pool, theater, bar, casino, mahjong room, treatment rooms, and a fitness center. Renowned world-class chef Kiyomi Mikuni has been appointed as the culinary advisor, overseeing the signature dishes at the Hokusai fine dining restaurant. Combined with elegant interior design and traditional Japanese service, it's ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, uncrowded retreat.
Best of all, the Fuji pays special attention to Taiwan in its Asian itineraries, offering island-hopping cruises departing from Keelung, Kaohsiung, or Su'ao, visiting scenic destinations like Zamami Island, Iriomote Island, and Miyako Island in Okinawa. Additionally, Wi-Fi, most alcoholic beverages, and onboard spending credits are included. Many netizens have commented: "This cruise is worth saving up for," and "It's a bit pricey, but with only 400+ guests and every room having a balcony, it feels much better than those massive cruise ships."
No. 6: Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises (Image: from Princess Cruises official website)
Princess Cruises fulfills most people's fantasies of refined seafaring travel. With routes spanning seven continents and over 380 destinations, it was voted Taiwan's top recommended cruise brand in a 2018 market survey. The "Diamond Princess," a legendary vessel built in Japan specifically for the Asian market, has a gross tonnage of 115,875 tons and accommodates 2,670 guests. It perfectly blends American grandeur with Japanese attention to detail. Onboard, guests can enjoy the largest Japanese-style bath at sea, "Izumi Japanese Bath®," soaking in various hot springs while overlooking the ocean. Additional amenities include a spa, pools, theater, casino, bars, nightclubs, and an open-air stargazing cinema.
Dining options include both traditional timed seating and flexible anytime dining. Food lovers must try the premium sushi at Kai Sushi. In recent years, the Diamond Princess has deepened its presence in Asia, offering island-hopping cruises from Yokohama, stopping at Keelung, Ishigaki Island, and Okinawa before returning to Yokohama. Impressively, the entire ship is equipped with the smart "Princess Medallion," which enables quick boarding, simplified safety drills, friend tracking, food ordering, and contactless payments. An Instagram user shared: "Using the app and the Medallion's location and avatar display ensures staff never deliver food to the wrong place."
No. 5: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (Image: from Norwegian Cruise Line official website)
Tired of being bound by traditional cruise dining schedules and formal dress codes? Norwegian Cruise Line, championing "Freestyle Cruising," might be your solution. The recently refurbished "Norwegian Jade" in Asian routes fully embodies NCL's rebellious spirit of "My Cruise, My Way." With up to 16 specialty restaurants, guests can enjoy complimentary meals or indulge in Brazilian churrasco or French cuisine based on their mood.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: Survey
- Organizations: Norwegian Cruise Line