Virgin Voyages just took the top spot among large cruise lines in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, announced October 7, 2026. It's the third time Virgin has won the category in the U.S. awards.
What the Award Means
The Readers' Choice Awards are voted on by travelers, not an industry panel. Nearly 800,000 votes were cast across this year's awards.
Virgin competed in the Large Ships category, which covers cruise lines whose ships carry 2,500 to 4,000 passengers. Other lines in the category included:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- MSC Cruises
- Cunard
- Norwegian Cruise Line
Other 2026 Wins for Virgin
The Readers' Choice win adds to a strong year:
- Brilliant Lady made Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List of notable new hotels, cruises, and travel experiences.
- Valiant Lady was recognized on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List.
- Travel + Leisure named Virgin Voyages the No. 1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in its World's Best Awards in July, for the fourth year in a row.
Why Travelers Keep Voting for Virgin
A lot of what wins awards comes down to what's included in your fare. Every Virgin Voyages sailing includes:
- 20+ restaurants with no main dining room and no extra charge
- Basic Wi-Fi, soft drinks, and group fitness classes
Virgin is also adults-only (18+), so the ships feel more like a boutique hotel than a typical cruise. See the full list in What's Included in Your Virgin Voyages Fare.
Thinking About Your First Virgin Voyage?
If you've been curious about Virgin, an award year is a good time to try it. Fares start around $69 per person, per night on select sailings during the current Sail & Save offer (October 7–13, 2026).
A few posts to help you plan:
- How to Pick the Best Cabin on Virgin Voyages
- Why Use a Virgin Voyages First Mate
- Current Cruise Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgin Voyages a good cruise line?
Travelers think so. Virgin Voyages was voted the No. 1 Large Cruise Line in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards and the No. 1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers.
How many times has Virgin Voyages won Condé Nast's Readers' Choice Award?
The 2026 win is Virgin's third time at the top of the Large Ships category in the U.S. awards.
Is Virgin Voyages adults-only?
Yes. All Virgin Voyages sailings are for travelers 18 and older.
Does it cost more to book Virgin through a First Mate?
No. You pay the same price as booking direct with Virgin, and you get help choosing your sailing and cabin and support through your trip.
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