Under the dazzling lights of the Arabian Gulf, the 2025 World Cruise Awards unfolded last weekend in a glittering gala at Exhibition World Bahrain — a venue transformed into a celebration of ocean-going journeys, luxury voyages, and the dream of exploration at sea. On Saturday evening, cruise-industry leaders, travel editors, seafarers, and luxury-travel enthusiasts gathered in black tie and national dress for pre-dinner cocktails, a sumptuous gala dinner, and the crowning of the world’s most outstanding cruise ships, cruise lines, and maritime experiences.

A Gala with All the Trappings of High-Seas Glamour

As the sun set over Manama, Bahrain’s capital, the atmosphere inside the grand halls of Exhibition World Bahrain was charged with excitement. The cocktail hour — full of mingling executives, ship captains, cruise-line founders and travel-industry dignitaries — was followed by an elegant dinner and awards presentation. There was an air of red-carpet sophistication, not at all akin to the usual corporate conference: this was a night to celebrate indulgence, escapism, and the romance of the open sea.

This year’s Awards were co-hosted alongside other major travel industry events — but the cruise community held its own spotlight, underscoring the growing importance of cruise tourism globally, not just as holidays but as lifestyle experiences that combine hospitality, entertainment and adventure.

The Stars of the Night: Ships, Lines, and Destinations

The awards recognised a broad spectrum of excellence — from culinary mastery and onboard entertainment to service, sustainability, and route innovation. Among the standout winners:

Princess Cruises had what could only be described as a “double victory at sea,” taking home two of the night’s most memorable honours: World’s Best Cruise Ship for Dining 2025 for the Sun Princess, and World’s Best Cruise Ship for Gambling 2025 for the Enchanted Princess.

Across Asia, Paradise Vietnam was crowned Asia’s Best River Cruise Line 2025, highlighting the growing demand for immersive, culturally rich river-cruise experiences that combine scenic beauty with comfort and local flavour.

Beyond the big-name cruise lines and floating hotels, nominations and awards also spotlighted ports, destinations and cruise-support infrastructure — a reminder that cruise experiences depend as much on what’s on shore as what’s at sea.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao

Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong