Disney Cruise Line has claimed the top spot on Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards for 2026, earning the title of #1 Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line. The honor is voted on by readers of the travel magazine, and this year's recognition marks a return to first place after the line ranked #1 in 2025 and #2 in 2024.
Voters highlighted Disney Cruise Line's family-friendliness, entertainment offerings, and character meet-and-greets as standout qualities. Its overall reader score came in at 86.79. Holland America Line took second place, followed by Celebrity Cruises and Cunard.
The line currently operates eight ships — Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure — with significant growth on the horizon. A ninth ship, the Disney Believe, has already been named and will draw on stories from Encanto, Frozen, Snow White, Moana, and The Little Mermaid.
Beyond that, a new Wish-class ship is planned to sail from Tokyo starting in 2029, operated by Oriental Land Company under the Disney Cruise Line Japan banner. Three additional smaller-class ships are slated to launch in 2029, 2030, and 2031, potentially bringing the total fleet to 13 vessels by 2031 if current schedules hold.
This story was first reported by WDW News Today.
