While aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, I learned the hard way that the bumpiest rooms on a cruise ship are at the front.

The Norwegian Getaway became the first cruise ship to dock at a new pier at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay. Currently undergoing a major enhancement project, the private island destination previously relied on tendering operations.

What makes the win interesting is that it’s not new. Bolt has now taken the top spot five years in a row, earning the title every single year since it first debuted aboard Mardi Gras in 2021. In other words, it's a certified fan-favorite.

MSC World America has been named the best overall cruise ship of 2025, which is one of the most competitive Cruise Hive Awards.