Princess Cruises Wins Top Megaship Award in Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Rankings

Key points

• Princess Cruises ranked first in the megaship category with a score of 92.35, ahead of Royal Caribbean International (86.45) and MSC Cruises (85.23).
• The Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers' Choice Awards were based on nearly 800,000 votes from readers across multiple travel categories.
• Princess's top ranking is attributed to its new Sphere-class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, which feature first-of-their-kind glazed domes and over 1,500 balcony cabins.
• Princess Cruises also placed fifth in the large-ship category, which covers vessels carrying between 2,500 and 3,999 passengers, behind Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises.
• Megaships are defined as vessels carrying 4,000 or more passengers, with Princess's new ships capable of carrying up to 4,300 passengers and 1,600 crew members.
• The awards consider factors such as ship design, onboard experiences, and service quality, rather than just size, as evidenced by Royal Caribbean's top spot in the UK rankings despite having the world's largest ship.

Background

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards have been a significant indicator of consumer preferences in the travel industry for years. In 2026, the awards covered a wide range of categories, including cities, hotels, and cruise lines, reflecting the diverse interests of the publication's readership. The recent leadership changes at Condé Nast, with Roger Lynch stepping down to lead Mattel and Mike Perlis serving as interim CEO, have not affected the publication's credibility or the integrity of its awards. The 2026 rankings continue to highlight the evolving landscape of the cruise industry, where innovation in ship design and amenities plays a crucial role in consumer satisfaction.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasized the overall success of Princess Cruises in both the megaship and large-ship categories, highlighting the company's broad appeal across different vessel sizes. Islands, on the other hand, focused on the specific innovations of Princess's Sphere-class ships, such as their liquefied natural gas propulsion and glazed domes, which set them apart from competitors. Both sources agreed on the significance of the Condé Nast Traveler awards but differed in their emphasis, with Fox News providing a broader overview of the rankings and Islands delving into the technical and design aspects of the winning ships. Additionally, Islands noted that the UK version of the Condé Nast Traveler awards placed Royal Caribbean in the top spot, highlighting regional differences in consumer preferences.

Why it matters

The Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers' Choice Awards provide valuable insights into consumer preferences in the cruise industry, influencing booking decisions and shaping the future of the sector. Princess Cruises' top ranking in the megaship category underscores the importance of innovation and design in attracting and retaining customers. The awards also highlight the competitive nature of the industry, where companies must continuously improve their offerings to meet the high expectations of travelers. For consumers, the rankings offer a trusted guide to choosing the best cruise lines, ensuring a high-quality travel experience.

What to watch

The 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are expected to influence booking trends for the upcoming year, with Princess Cruises likely to see increased demand for its Sphere-class ships. The cruise industry may continue to innovate in ship design and amenities to meet the evolving preferences of consumers. Additionally, the leadership changes at Condé Nast may impact the publication's future coverage and awards, but the 2026 rankings remain a significant benchmark for the industry. Consumers can expect continued competition among cruise lines, with a focus on providing unique and high-quality experiences to differentiate themselves in the market.