The prestigious Forbes Travel Guide has unveiled its 2025 Star Award winners, recognizing excellence across various sectors of the hospitality industry. This year's accolades extend to over a dozen cruise ships, marking the first time that onboard restaurants have been included in the ratings. The awards, which encompass hotels, restaurants, and spas, are based on rigorous evaluations by anonymous inspectors. Properties receive Five-Star, Four-Star, or Recommended designations, each reflecting different levels of service and amenities. This expansion into maritime hospitality highlights the evolving landscape of luxury travel, emphasizing authentic experiences and exceptional service.
Celebrating Maritime Excellence: Noteworthy Cruise Ship Winners
This year’s Star Awards saw an array of cruise lines earning prestigious recognitions. Vessels from Celebrity Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, SeaDream Yacht Club, Windstar Cruises, and Viking were honored. These ships range from large-scale vessels accommodating thousands of guests to smaller, yacht-style craft, showcasing diversity within the industry. Each winner exemplifies excellence in hospitality, setting new standards for personalized service and unparalleled amenities.
The Four-Star ratings went to several notable ships including Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Millennium, Seabourn Ovation, Seven Seas Splendor, Silver Origin, Silver Shadow, and Evrima from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. These ships consistently deliver outstanding experiences with highly customized services. Additionally, several ships received Recommended status, highlighting their excellent facilities and reliable service. Among these are Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Flora, Oceania Insignia, SeaDream II, Star Pride, Viking Neptune, and Viking Sky. Each of these vessels contributes uniquely to the evolving standards of luxury travel at sea.
Inaugural Recognition for Onboard Dining Experiences
For the first time, Forbes Travel Guide extended its Star Awards to include onboard dining experiences. This addition underscores the growing importance of culinary excellence in the cruise industry. Four-Star ratings were awarded to select restaurants aboard some of the most luxurious ships. These eateries not only provide exceptional dining but also enhance the overall guest experience through innovative menus and impeccable service.
The Dining Room on SeaDream II, Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent, and S.E.A. on Evrima were among the recipients of Four-Star honors. These establishments stand out for their ability to deliver memorable meals that elevate the cruise experience. Meanwhile, Candles on Star Pride, The Grill on Silver Origin, and Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Apex earned Recommended status. These dining venues offer consistently good service and high-quality cuisine, further enhancing the onboard offerings. This inaugural recognition sets a new benchmark for culinary excellence at sea, promising guests even more refined dining options in the future.