type of cruise ship

Different Types of Cruise Ships Explained

We are often left in awe looking at the magnificent engineering marvels called the cruise ships. In our previous article, we had a detailed discussion about the differences between cruise ships and their former counterparts called ocean liners, which were once the only reliable means of global passenger transportation before the revolutionizing advent of aviation.

The indispensability of passenger shipping as the monopoly in public intercontinental travel gradually waned away roughly coinciding with the same timeline as the concept of ocean liners saw a departure, thanks to the flourishing of the aviation sector, and cruise ships became increasingly synonymous with passenger vessels .

As contrary to ocean liners which were commercial vessels for passenger transportation and sometimes carriage of cargo, mail services and other utilities regularly, cruise vessels are mostly for pleasure purposes and tourism.

They are solely dedicated to the hospitality and amenities of the passengers while onboard for vacation, excursions or pleasure. While we have described the differences between ocean liners and cruisers, let us now look at the different types of cruise ships that commonly exist.

Different Sizes of Cruise Ships

Cruise ships can be of various types and sizes. Speaking of sizes, like other cargo or general-purpose ships, passenger ships can be categorized as being of multiple sizes depending on operations, service location, purpose, passenger preference, and overall business scenario.

Furthermore, the size of the vessel is a simple indicator of the number of passengers it can sustain onboard and the extent of the facilities and amenities it can cater to.

A particular cruise line providing passenger services can also have multiple sizes of ships in its fleet based on the requirements.

For the past decades, cruise ships have increased considerably in size and have evolved to accommodate a large number of passengers and at the same time provide a plethora of modern amenities which could not have been envisaged before.

Based on sizes and carrying capacity, cruise ships can be categorized into the following types:

Mega Cruise Ships

These are the largest of their kind and are known to accommodate more than 5000 passengers on board! When ocean liners were still predominant, cruise ships were seldom known to exceed 50000 GT in terms of their size. However, as said before, over the years with improved technology and innovation, cruise ship sizes have increased manifold.

In terms of their tonnage capacity, mega-cruise ships are very much above 135000 GT. Currently, there are more than 50 cruise ships in service having over 135000 Gt and are classified under Mega Cruise Ships. They are often distinguished by their large hull and towering superstructure sizes.

The largest designated cruise ship as of present-day is the very recent Wonder of the Seas, with a whopping gross tonnage of 236860, a length of over 360 meters, a width of 65 meters, and can accommodate nearly 7000 passengers on board!

Launched in January 2022, it is slated to create history by embarking on its maiden voyage in March. In concordance with their majestic sizes, Mega Cruise Ships house state-of-the-art facilities for passenger services, luxury, and recreation, drawing parallels to ultramodern five or seven-star rated hotels.

From swimming pools to movie theatres, indoor game infrastructures to world-class health centres, casinos to large restaurants and pubs, conference halls to banquets, shopping malls to pavilions, commodious suite rooms to wellness clubs, the litany can be enough to motivate holiday-seekers to amass more on their savings and plan a dream vacation.

Moreover, it is obvious that other than catering to passenger recreation and comfort, they also offer essential services like hospitals and dispensaries on a round-the-clock basis for any unwarranted needs that may arise.

Other biggest names following Wonder of the Seas are Symphony of the Seas, which held the top spot for being the largest cruise ship till last year, Harmony of the Seas, which had its realm from 2016 to 2018, Oasis of the Seas, which ruled the lot for 7 long years from 2009 to 2016, and Allure of the Seas, which became a joint claimer to the throne since its maiden voyage just a year after its predecessor (in 2010), with comparable size and capacity (very slightly less in GT).

All these are Oasis-class sister ships with GT over 200000 and operate under the parent organization, Royal Caribbean International line, an industry leader in cruise shipping tourism and hospitality headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States.

Large Cruise Ships

These are somewhat smaller than Mega Cruise Ships and can hold anywhere between 2500 to 3500 passengers for all normal purposes. In terms of tonnage capacity, they are 10000 GT or more but mostly less than 135000 GT.

Voyager of the Seas from the slightly old Voyager-class, also owned by Royal Caribbean, is an acclaimed ship of this category, but with a borderline capacity of around 3600 passengers and approximately 137000 GT, and an overall length of 310 meters, it is also often interchangeably deemed as pertaining to the category of Mega Cruise Ships.

Similar are the cases with MSC Divina, of the Fantasia-class, having 140000 GT and 3500-passenger capacity, and another recent vessel Costa Venezia, a Vista-class cruise ship, having a GT of exactly 135000 and a passenger capacity of over 4000, quite above the demarcating line for large cruisers.

Other notable names amongst many include Crown Princess (2006) belonging to the Crown-class, having 113500 GT, Celebrity Solstice from Solstice-class, rated over 120000 GT and 2850-passenger capacity, and MS Koningsdam which roughly has a capacity of just 10000 GT can hold up to 2650 passengers with doubled occupancy.

Large cruise ships can be considered as relatively smaller forms of their modern, mega variants, and started coming into being over two decades back at the turn of the century. However, like the examples cited, modern-day cruisers are commonly built in this size range with more advancements in terms of technology, design, luxury, and amenities.

Cruise ships, since mostly dedicated to tours and pleasure and seldom encounter adverse mid-sea weather conditions, can have some slack in terms of powering and structural requirements as compared to their predecessors, ocean liners.

But coming-of-age cruisers, mostly mega and large ones, have broken such conventions and have showcased significant developments.

Priorities for passenger safety and comfort have seen a sharp uptick increasingly over time.

Furthermore, with the global economy rapidly changing in a direction such that the several affluent sections of the society have continued to become richer, the predilection for cruise travel for leisure has garnered more popularity.

This has converted to more profits for cruise lines, who have also taken the opportunity to rework their business models to continue with this lucrative drive by not only providing more appealing facilities to their clientele but also stepping upon their services in terms of frequent tours and venturing into deeper territories and newer destinations across longer distances.

Hence, this has led to the modern bigger fleet having sturdier structures, escalated design efficiency, and of course, enhanced propulsive applications.

Midsized cruise ships

They are smaller than their larger counterparts, appear like their somewhat scaled-down versions, and can hold around 1500-2500 passengers. These ships have GTs of less than 100000 and more than 50000. Large global shipping lines do not go less than this category.

Likewise, they are also replete with most of the amenities and facilities sought for, though on a comparatively lesser scale. They may occasionally ply between continents and oceans but mostly travel on an intracontinental country to country basis or between different ports of call in a country.

In terms of powering and structure, they are also on the lower side of bigger vessels but aesthetically they are equally attractive. A large number of vessels under this category are in operation globally. Carnival Spirit, having a tonnage of 88500 GT and a complement of over 2100 passengers, and Pacific Explorer, of approximately over 77000 GT and 2000-passenger capacity, both owned by Carnival Plc., are popular vessels in this category.

Smaller Midsized Cruise Ships

These ships can also be considered on the lower spectrum of midsized cruisers. Mostly similar, they have tonnages more or less around 50000 GT or lower and can accommodate 800-1500 passengers. They are mostly intended for intracontinental or intranational travel and do not venture into very high seas. They are also capable to travel in shallow drafts like rivers, canals/channels or lakes apart from seas.

They also feature passenger pleasure and recreation attributes, but on a much-reduced scale, like small pools, indoor gaming rooms, dining and party halls, restaurants, bars, fitness centres, card rooms, conference lounges, kids’ game zones, etc.

There are numerous vessels of this type all around the world without any widely notable names. Viking Star-class Sister ships Viking Sea, Viking Star and Viking Sky, operated by Viking Ocean Cruises, and having slightly less than 50000 GT are some frontrunners in this category.

Small Cruise Ships

Any cruise vessel having a passenger-carrying capacity of less than 700-800 are coined as a small cruise ship. These ships ply in rivers, estuaries, channels, canals, confined water bodies like lakes, and sometimes in seas along or near to the coast within a specified limit.

As expected, these vessels are not structurally and functionally fit to venture into deep seas. Different kinds of bodies from liners to regional or national tourism providers operate these vessels on a time-to-time basis. The duration of a voyage in these cruisers range from a few hours to at most a day or two. As for small cruisers, the facilities onboard are limited and depends on the size of the vessel and operationality.

For larger vessels on the upper side of the capacity spectrum, for instance, 500-800, amenities for luxury and entertainment are present, though not on a scale similar to supreme level cruise ships. For even smaller cruisers with a passenger capacity of around 100-200 or lesser, most of the amenities are absent and mostly operate on an hourly basis to or from a destination or are rented out for some special occasions.

Often, they have a high demand and run on a rush booking order due to their small size and low, attractive fares. India has plenty of these vessels often in coastal areas like Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin or popular tourist destinations like Goa or the world’s largest riverine delta and mangrove reserve, Sundarbans in West Bengal. Ferries, which are exclusively referred to as small to moderate-sized vessels for carrying passengers, often along with cars and vehicles across a body of water, can be considered to belong to the last two categories.

Tonnages for ferries vary widely and can be anything as significant as over 50000 GT or as low as hardly 1000 GT. They may be intended for point-to-point or round trips with or without stops. Ferries comprise a significant part of the public transport system in several places.

As alluded to in the previous article, the concept of ferries was first conceived in Istanbul during the 19th century and can be rightfully considered as being precursors to the widespread popularization of modern-day cruise ships superseding the era of ocean liners.

Types of Cruise Ships Based on Purpose 

Though cruisers are primarily categorized based on sizes, they may also be divided based on purpose, operation, and utilities.

Mainstream Cruise Ships

These types of cruise ships are the vast majority of all cruise ships that carry passengers for leisure and tours. In a broad sense, these cruisers can be anything between mega to smaller midsized with differences as described above.

Some also tend to further categorize these vessels based on the degree of luxury and amenities from ultra-premium to semi-deluxe. They can be oceangoing, coastal or river-plying and can cater to a wide range of trips of varying durations as explained above.

Adventure Cruise Ships

These are customized and bespoke small vessels for adventure lovers. Most of these vessels are either privately owned or are lent by agencies or dealers at certain rates. Often people set out in groups in these 10-50 passenger-capacity vessels for a myriad kinds of activities from whale watching to exploring reefs and islands. Though strictly not permitted to venture beyond certain sea limits, concerned authorities may sometimes give extra relaxations looking at sea and weather conditions or the ‘fitness’ of the vessel.

River Cruises

They are shallow-draft and low-width vessels belonging to the small cruiser category and are capable of plying in rivers for passenger tours and pleasure. They are mostly for an hourly basis and operate daily.

Due to their small sizes, they do not pose a major obstruction to river traffic and can manoeuvre easily when required. Other than the iconic Venice in Italy, famous rivers around the world like Nile, Amazon, Hudson, Thames and Danube offer cruise services regularly.

Hotel Ships

They mainly remain afloat in water or travel small distances and are chiefly floating hotels for a luxury experience. Most hotel ships are on rivers or seasides hemming cities and popular tourist destinations. They are generally not very big but sometimes can be exceptions when converted from large vessels out-of-service.

For example, Queen Elizabeth 2, which was the last oil-and-steam fired ocean liner of its kind, has been converted to a massive luxury floating hotel in Dubai after her retirement in 2008 following 40 years of operation. When on a sea coast, they remain anchored to a particular place as they are not deemed to sail. But on rivers, because of the low depth and calmness of the water, they can travel as well.

Expedition Cruises

They are specially designed vessels for venturing into the most uncharted and inhospitable places on earth like the polar regions. They are built as per ice-class regulations and everything from powering to systems are incorporated in such a way that they can sustain in harsh conditions. Such cruises are limited and only specifically authorized people are permitted to travel to such extreme locations.

Yachts and private crafts: Such vessels are privately owned by affluent sections of the society who prefer to spend their leisure time in the water. Usually, they are quite small in size and are suited to accommodate around 20-30 people at most within the owner’s family or close circles.

You might also like to read:

• Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in 2022
• Top 10 Most Expensive Cruise Ships in 2022
• How Are Cruise Ships Powered?
• How Do Cruise Ships Get Fresh Water?
• 8 Ways Cruise Ships Can Cause Marine Pollution

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About Author

Subhodeep is a Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering graduate. Interested in the intricacies of marine structures and goal-based design aspects, he is dedicated to sharing and propagation of common technical knowledge within this sector, which, at this very moment, requires a turnabout to flourish back to its old glory.

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Cruise Ship Types and Classifications: A Comprehensive Guide

• December 12, 2023 December 12, 2023

Cruise Ship Types and Classifications: Cruise ships have become a popular choice for vacationers around the world. These massive vessels offer a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers to enjoy while sailing the seas. However, not all cruise ships are created equal. There are different types and classifications of cruise ships that cater to different types of travelers.

One of the most common ways to classify cruise ships is by size . Mega cruise ships are the largest of their kind and can accommodate more than 5,000 passengers on board. These massive vessels offer a resort-like experience with a wide range of dining and entertainment options. On the other hand, smaller cruise ships can provide a more intimate experience for travelers who prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Another way to classify cruise ships is by their destination . Some cruise ships are designed for tropical destinations, while others are designed for colder climates. For example, an Alaskan cruise ship may have a different design and amenities compared to a Caribbean cruise ship. Additionally, some cruise ships are designed for river cruising, allowing passengers to explore inland waterways and smaller ports of call.

Table of Contents

Overview of Cruise Ship Types

Cruise ships can be broadly classified into five main types: mainstream, luxury, expedition, river, and specialty. Each type caters to a different kind of traveler and offers a unique experience. In this section, we will provide a brief overview of each type.

Mainstream Cruise Ships

Mainstream cruise ships are the most common type of cruise ship. They are designed to cater to a wide range of travelers, from families with children to singles and couples. These ships are typically larger and have a capacity of up to 6,000 passengers. They offer a variety of activities and amenities, including multiple dining options, entertainment shows, casinos, and swimming pools. Mainstream cruise ships are operated by major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Luxury Cruise Ships

Luxury cruise ships are designed to offer a high-end experience to passengers. They are typically smaller in size and have a capacity of up to 1,000 passengers. These ships offer a more intimate and personalized experience, with a higher crew-to-passenger ratio. They offer top-notch amenities, including gourmet dining, spa treatments, and exclusive shore excursions. Luxury cruise ships are operated by premium cruise lines such as Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas.

Expedition Cruise Ships

Expedition cruise ships are designed to take passengers to remote and exotic destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctic, and Galapagos Islands. These ships are typically smaller in size and have a capacity of up to 500 passengers. They offer a more adventurous and educational experience, with expert guides and naturalists on board. Expedition cruise ships are operated by cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, Hurtigruten, and Ponant.

River Cruise Ships

River cruise ships are designed to navigate inland waterways such as rivers and canals. These ships are typically smaller in size and have a capacity of up to 200 passengers. They offer a more relaxed and cultural experience, with scenic views of the surrounding landscapes and visits to historic towns and cities. River cruise ships are operated by cruise lines such as Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld.

Specialty Cruise Ships

Specialty cruise ships are designed to cater to specific interests and hobbies such as music, food, and sports. These ships are typically smaller in size and have a capacity of up to 500 passengers. They offer a more niche and immersive experience, with themed activities and events on board. Specialty cruise ships are operated by cruise lines such as Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises, and U by Uniworld.

Overall, each type of cruise ship offers a unique experience and caters to a different kind of traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, luxury, or culture, there is a cruise ship out there for you.

Cruise Ship Classifications

Cruise ships come in different sizes, passenger capacities, crew ratios, and destinations. Understanding the different classifications can help you choose the right ship for your needs.

Cruise ships are classified by their size, which is usually measured in gross tonnage (GT). The larger the ship, the more passengers and amenities it can accommodate. Small ships, on the other hand, are more intimate and can access ports that are off-limits to larger vessels. Here are some common size classifications:

• Small ships: under 10,000 GT
• Mid-sized ships: 10,000-50,000 GT
• Large ships: 50,000-100,000 GT
• Mega ships: over 100,000 GT

By Passenger Capacity

Cruise ships are also classified by their passenger capacity, which is the maximum number of people that can be accommodated onboard. The larger the ship, the more passengers it can carry. Here are some common classifications by passenger capacity:

• Small ships: under 500 passengers
• Mid-sized ships: 500-2,000 passengers
• Large ships: 2,000-6,000 passengers
• Mega ships: over 6,000 passengers

By Crew Ratio

Cruise ships are also classified by their crew ratio, which is the number of crew members per passenger. A higher crew ratio means better service and more personalized attention. Here are some common classifications by crew ratio:

• Luxury ships: 1 crew member per 1-2 passengers
• Premium ships: 1 crew member per 2-3 passengers
• Mainstream ships: 1 crew member per 3-4 passengers

By Destination

Cruise ships are also classified by their destination. Some ships are designed for specific regions, such as the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mediterranean. Others are designed for world cruises or transatlantic voyages. Here are some common classifications by destination:

• Caribbean ships: designed for warm weather and beach destinations
• Alaska ships: designed for cold weather and wildlife viewing
• Mediterranean ships: designed for cultural and historical destinations
• World cruise ships: designed for long voyages that visit multiple continents

Design and Amenities

Stateroom Categories

Cruise ships offer a variety of stateroom categories to suit different budgets and preferences. The most common categories include interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite. Interior staterooms are the most affordable and do not have windows or balconies. Oceanview staterooms come with a window or porthole, while balcony staterooms have a private balcony. Suites are the most luxurious and spacious staterooms onboard, often featuring separate living areas, larger balconies, and exclusive amenities.

Onboard Facilities

Cruise ships are equipped with a wide range of facilities to keep passengers entertained and comfortable during their voyage. These facilities can include swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, spas, casinos, shopping areas, libraries, and more. Many modern cruise ships also feature innovative amenities such as rock climbing walls, zip lines, water parks, and virtual reality experiences.

Entertainment Venues

Cruise ships are known for their diverse entertainment offerings, which can include Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, and movie theaters. Many ships also have nightclubs, bars, and lounges where passengers can socialize and enjoy drinks. Some ships even have outdoor movie screens, laser tag arenas, and escape rooms for added fun.

Cruise Lines and Their Fleets

When it comes to cruising, there are a variety of cruise lines to choose from. Each cruise line has its unique style, amenities, and fleet of ships. Here are some of the major cruise lines, boutique cruise lines, and regional operators.

Major Cruise Lines

The major cruise lines are the largest and most well-known in the industry. They offer a wide range of itineraries, from short weekend getaways to month-long voyages. Some of the most popular major cruise lines include:

• Carnival Cruise Line : Known for its fun and festive atmosphere, Carnival Cruise Line has a fleet of 27 ships that sail to destinations all over the world.
• Royal Caribbean International : With 26 ships in its fleet, Royal Caribbean International is one of the largest cruise lines in the world. It is known for its innovative onboard activities and attractions, such as rock climbing walls, zip lines, and ice skating rinks.
• Norwegian Cruise Line : Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of 17 ships that offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. It is also known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, which allows passengers to dine and dress as they please.
• MSC Cruises : MSC Cruises is a European cruise line that has been expanding its presence in North America in recent years. It has a fleet of 18 ships that sail to destinations all over the world.

Boutique Cruise Lines

Boutique cruise lines are smaller, more intimate cruise lines that offer a more personalized experience. They often have unique itineraries and visit ports that larger cruise lines cannot. Some of the most popular boutique cruise lines include:

• Windstar Cruises : Windstar Cruises has a fleet of six ships that offer a luxury sailing experience. Its ships are smaller and can visit ports that larger ships cannot.
• Viking Ocean Cruises : Viking Ocean Cruises has a fleet of six ships that offer a more cultural experience. Its ships are designed to be more intimate and offer a more in-depth look at the destinations they visit.
• Seabourn Cruise Line : Seabourn Cruise Line has a fleet of five ships that offer a luxury cruising experience. Its ships are smaller and offer a more personalized experience, with a high staff-to-guest ratio.

Regional Operators

Regional operators are smaller cruise lines that operate in specific regions of the world. They often offer unique itineraries and visit ports that larger cruise lines cannot. Some of the most popular regional operators include:

• UnCruise Adventures : UnCruise Adventures operates in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America. Its ships are smaller and offer a more adventurous experience, with activities such as kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling.
• Ponant : Ponant operates in the Arctic, Antarctic, and other remote destinations. Its ships are smaller and offer a more luxurious experience, with amenities such as a spa, pool, and gourmet dining.
• American Queen Steamboat Company : American Queen Steamboat Company operates on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Its ships are designed to resemble traditional steamboats and offer a more nostalgic experience.

Choosing the Right Cruise

When planning a cruise vacation, choosing the right cruise ship type can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which cruise line and ship is the best fit for your travel style and preferences. In this section, we will explore some considerations for selecting a cruise, how to match the cruise type to your travel style, and the benefits of seasonal and thematic cruises.

Considerations for Selecting a Cruise

When selecting a cruise, it is important to consider factors such as the duration of the cruise, the destination, the type of ship, the onboard amenities, and the price. Some cruise lines cater to families with children, while others are geared towards adults. Some ships offer a more casual atmosphere, while others are more formal. The onboard amenities can vary greatly from ship to ship, so it is important to determine what is important to you.

Matching Cruise Type to Travel Style

Matching the cruise type to your travel style is essential for a successful cruise vacation. For example, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, a river cruise may be a better fit than an ocean cruise. If you are interested in exploring a specific region or culture, a themed cruise may be the way to go. For those who enjoy adventure and exploration, an expedition cruise may be the perfect fit.

Seasonal and Thematic Cruises

Seasonal and thematic cruises can offer unique experiences that are not available on other types of cruises. For example, a Christmas market river cruise in Europe can provide a festive holiday experience, while a fall foliage cruise in New England can offer stunning autumn views. Themed cruises can range from culinary cruises to music cruises, and can be a great way to combine your interests with your vacation.

In conclusion, selecting the right cruise ship type is crucial for a successful cruise vacation. By considering factors such as your travel style, onboard amenities, and the type of cruise, you can ensure that your cruise experience is enjoyable and memorable.

FAQs About Cruise Ship Types and Classifications

What distinguishes a mega cruise ship from other types of cruise vessels.

Mega cruise ships are the largest type of cruise vessels, accommodating more than 5,000 passengers onboard. These ships are known for their massive size, luxurious amenities, and wide range of onboard activities. They typically offer multiple restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers, theaters, and even ice rinks and rock climbing walls. Mega cruise ships are designed to provide passengers with a resort-like experience at sea.

How are cruise ships categorized by size and what are the main classes?

Cruise ships are categorized by size based on their gross tonnage (GT). The main classes of cruise ships are small, mid-sized, and large. Small ships have a GT of less than 25,000 and typically carry fewer than 500 passengers. Mid-sized ships have a GT between 25,000 and 70,000 and carry between 500 and 2,000 passengers. Large ships have a GT of over 70,000 and can carry up to 6,000 passengers.

What are the characteristics that define a premium cruise line compared to contemporary ones?

Premium cruise lines are known for their higher level of service, personalized attention, and luxurious amenities. These lines typically offer more spacious cabins, gourmet dining options, and upscale entertainment. They also tend to have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio, which means that passengers receive more individual attention. Contemporary cruise lines, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly and offer a more casual atmosphere with a wide range of onboard activities.

Can you explain the different levels of cruise ships and what amenities they typically offer?

Cruise ships are typically classified into three levels: budget, mainstream, and luxury. Budget cruises offer basic amenities and are designed for travelers on a tight budget. Mainstream cruises offer a wider range of amenities, including multiple dining options, swimming pools, and entertainment venues. Luxury cruises offer the highest level of service and amenities, including gourmet dining, butler service, and exclusive access to certain areas of the ship.

What types of cruises are specifically tailored for adults and what unique features do they provide?

Adult-only cruises are becoming increasingly popular, and many cruise lines now offer cruises that are specifically tailored for adults. These cruises typically offer a more sophisticated atmosphere, with upscale dining options, wine tastings, and spa services. They may also offer a range of activities that are geared toward adults, such as dance classes, mixology lessons, and art auctions.

Related Posts

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• Cruise Ship Amenities: A Comprehensive Guide to Onboard Luxuries
• Popular Cruise Destinations: Top Picks for Your Next Adventure

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Cruise Line Types- Figuring out what the different categories mean

Cruise line types.

One of the key elements of a happy cruise is finding the line that’s right for your particular needs.  The cruise lines fall into various categories, and to help you navigate the waters (so to speak) of choosing one, we’ve created a guide to what these categories mean.  Bear in mind, cruise lines can fall into more than one category, Luxury Expedition, for example, but these descriptions should help to steer you in the right direction. See which lines fall into these categories, and what amenities they offer, by visiting our All-Inclusive Chart.

CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES

The contemporary cruise lines offer a variety of cruise schedules and itineraries that are perfect for younger adults and family cruises. These are the lines with the largest ships, the most onboard entertainment options, and the widest variety of amenities. This great array of options allows you to choose the type of vacation experience you want once you are on board the ship.

Lines that fall into this category are:

• Aida Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Costa Cruise Lines
• Celestyal Cruises
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• P & O Cruises
• P & O Cruises Australia
• Star Cruises
• Your Cuba Cruise

These lines are well suited for:

• Families with young children
• Families with teenagers
• Family reunions and multi-generational families
• 20- and 30-somethings looking for light adventure and various sports activities
• 40- and 50-somethings looking for a couple’s vacation
• Travelers looking for a wide array of activities
• Seniors looking for new friends
• Solo travelers
• Couples looking for romantic getaways
• Destination weddings
• Adventure travelers looking for high thrills

UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES

These lines offer all the benefits of the contemporary cruise lines, but take things a step futher, with finer amenities and a more upscale environment.

• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
• Royal Caribbean International (RCI)

PREMIUM CRUISE LINES

Premium cruise lines tend to be large, but not mega-type ships, though they offer similar voyages, plus voyages to exotic locales. Due to the size of these ships, they do not dock in the heart of the town or village like the ultra-premium lines. These lines cater to travelers seeking luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining, excellent service, extensive activities, and enrichment opportunities. The onboard experience is sophisticated and the service above average. These lines will have enhanced spa and wine options.   They tend to cater to more mature and discerning passengers who are seeking a sophisticated level of service, ship amenities, and accommodations at somewhat higher prices. These lines also offer children’s programs for all ages.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Those seeking both classic and modern luxury, contemporary and conservative design, and dining experiences in which the atmosphere is as important as the food and wine.
• Families wishing to travel with young children where the environment is a little more subdued.
• Families who are looking for an educational experience for the family

ULTRA-PREMIUM CRUISE LINES

The ultra-premium cruise lines tend to have smaller ships and offer voyages to popular ports, and unique itineraries featuring smaller, less-traveled destinations. They primarily cater to discerning passengers who are seeking a sophisticated level of service, ship amenities, and accommodations at upscale prices. Some lines may offer numerous included amenities. These lines are generally priced higher than the premium cruise lines.

• Azamara Club Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Windstar Cruises
• Seasoned travelers
• Adults who are destination-oriented and enjoy the finer things in life
• Travelers looking for a boutique experience with a destination immersion.
• Travelers who find the small touches make all the difference—from the service to the food to the ships themselves.
• Adults seeking a “country club casual” experience with very upscale surroundings and amenities

ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISE LINES

These are high end cruises, both in price and in amenities.  They are designed for those who desire the finer things in life and have the budget for luxury.  These cruise lines specialize in service and will cater to the traveler’s every desire.

• Crystal Cruises
• Hapag Lloyd Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas
• Sea Cloud Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Adults looking for a small ship and boutique type of experience
• Cruisers seeking a destination immersion
• Travelers seeking an over-the-top experience with ultra-luxury everything
• Cruises seeking an international atmosphere
• Travelers seeking a large ship with high-end amenities
• Cruisers with a great deal of knowledge about the fine arts and cuisine, and are experts in matters of taste
• Travelers looking for exceptional service and a level of comfort and style rare in today’s world

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

Small ships fill a niche for cruisers that are looking for more in-depth exploration of the regions they visit. They can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, and exotic itineraries are the standard. Most river cruise ships and almost all of the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.

• Blount Small Ship Adventures
• Blue Lagoon Cruises
• Captain Cook Cruises
• Great Lakes Cruise Company
• Hebridean Island Cruises
• Pearl Seas Cruises
• Saga Holidays, Ltd.
• Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruises
• Tauck Small Ship Cruising
• Voyages to Antiquity
• Adults looking for a sophisticated, intimate small ship experience
• Travelers seeking an educational experience and a vacation filled with history, and culture
• Seasoned travelers and, adults who are destination-oriented
• Those seeking to meet experts in their field who have a vast knowledge of the cities visited
• Those who enjoy traveling and enjoying the company of conversation with noteworthy academic experts

RIVER CRUISES

Unlike ocean cruises, rivers provide easy access to city centers. Passengers sail directly into the heart of every destination and dock in the middle of town, then walk right off the ship and move easily into whatever city or town you are visiting. You spend less time getting there and more time being there. A river cruise allows for a more intimate experience as well. Because most of these ships accommodate only 30 to 200 guests, it is easier to meet your traveling companions. You can share a drink with the couple you met on the day’s tour or dine with interesting passengers in an open-seating restaurant. Another benefit: you can also forget about waiting in long lines to embark, debark, or have a meal. These river cruises are immensely popular and keep growing. Many lines have begun adding amenities previously restricted to ocean cruise lines, such as French balconies attached to the rooms.

U.S. River Cruise Lines

• American Cruise Lines
• American Queen Steamboat Co.

Contemporary River Cruise Lines

• AFC Vacations
• CroisiEurope
• Farah Nile Cruises
• Imperial River Cruises
• President Cruises (China)
• Vantage Travel

Upscale Contemporary River Cruise Lines

• Amras Cruises
• Emerald Waterways
• St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
• Value World Tours, Inc.
• World Quest Cruises
• YMT Vacations

Premium River Cruise Lines

• Amadeus Cruises
• Avalon Waterways Haimark Line-Luxury Coastal Expeditions
• Pandaw River Cruises
• Sonesta Cruise Collection
• Tauck River Cruising

Luxury River Cruise Lines

• AmaWaterways
• A-ROSA Cruises
• Crystal River Cruises
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Viking River Cruises
• Those seeking an immersion experience of the regions they visit, in wine, food, and culture.

LUXURY HOTEL BARGES

The hotel barge became popular in the 1960s, and has now grown into a very large network of hundreds operating on the rivers and canals of France, Belgium, Germany, Scotland, and the UK. These luxury hotel barges vary greatly in size, configuration, scale and quality of accommodations, and standard and amount of catering. The largest barges take twenty-four guests, the smallest just four. All hotel barges have a high staff-to-guest ratio, but the smaller barges typically provide more personal attention and perhaps comfort. You can expect to get to know the other travelers well due to the intimate environment. These luxury hotel barges are wonderful for chartering and having your own private vacation.

• Abercrombie and Kent
• Afloat in France
• European Waterways
• France Cruises
• French Country Waterways
• The Barge Company
• Destination-oriented travelers
• Travelers who enjoy the finer things in life and are looking for a small ship or boutique type of experience.
• Travelers seeking an immersion in small towns and villages

EXPEDITION CRUISE LINES

Expedition cruise lines typically attract adventure and unusual thrills seekers. These lines have very unique and exotic destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and Greenland. Expedition cruises tend to focus on very isolated scenery or wildlife up- close and personal.  On an expedition line, you will experience undergo a multitude of new experiences: new cultures, new foods, and new smells, as all of your senses are awakened as and you commune with nature. The amenities range from simple accommodations to ultra-luxury environments.

• Adventure Smith Explorations
• Alaskan Dream Cruises
• Fantasy Cruises
• G Adventures
• Hurtigruten
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Poseidon Expeditions
• Sanctuary Retreats
• Semester at Sea
• Un-Cruise Adventures
• Travelers seeking eco- friendly expeditions
• Those seeking remote scenery and wildlife viewing
• Those who may be willing to forego luxurious amenities in exchange for remote locations with exotic birds and animals.
• Travelers seeking a small ship experience with high impact adventure
• Travelers looking for a small ship experience
• Those looking for expedition and unique cruises off the beaten track

LINES WITH SAILING VESSELS AND YACHTS

This segment of the cruise industry is unusual, offering a different type of experience and ship. Seasoned travelers as well as budget- conscious travelers will have an interest in these lines. These typically smaller cruise lines offer immersion experiences in at various destinations. Some are yachts, sail-assisted ships, and dual-purpose cargo/passenger ships. All generally are regarded as the “”specialty lines.”

• Bora Bora Cruises
• Festiva Sailing Vacations
• Island Windjammers
• North Star Cruises Australia
• Star Clippers
• Travelers seeking an educational experience and a vacation filled with history and culture
• Highly educated travelers looking for an historically rich vacation
• Those who enjoy an educational type of vacation

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The 8 Major Types of Cruise

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Do you want to know more about the different types of cruise? Then you have come to the right place! Not all cruises are the same and some cruises will suit some types of tourists better than others…. so in this article I will explain what the different types of cruise are and what to expect from them. Ready to learn more? Read on….

What is a cruise?

What are the different types of cruise, river cruises, expedition cruise, mega cruise, luxury cruise, themed cruise, adventure cruise, singles cruise, types of cruise- further reading.

A cruise is a holiday where you travel by, and stay on, a ship or boat – usually a ship. There are many different types of cruise, which you can read into below. Or if you want an in depth explanation on cruise take a look at my article about cruise tourism , covering the benefits and limitations of cruise and the top places for cruise tourism around the world.

Cruises have a reputation for being more suited to older travellers but this isn’t necessarily the case; they can be fun for tourists of all ages, and are a great way to explore multiple destinations on one vacation (known as a multi-centre tip).

The different types of cruise are as follows:

• River cruise
• Single cruise

Now lets take a deeper look at what each of these types of cruise are like-

A river cruise is, as the name suggests, a cruise taken down a particular river. Due to the fact that rivers are much smaller than seas and oceans, so too are river cruise ships. You travel along inland waterways, and there will be the chance to stop off at various city ports – you are also able to see a lot of scenery on river cruises as you will generally always have land directly to each side of you. This is very different to ocean cruises, where all you can see on ‘days at sea’ is an expanse of sparkling blue water .

Douglas Ward, the world’s leading expert on cruising , says this of river cruises: A river cruise represents life in the slow lane, sailing along at a gentle pace, soaking up the scenery, with plentiful opportunities to explore riverside towns and cities en route. It is a supremely calming experience, an antidote to the pressures of life in a fast-paced world, in surroundings that are comfortable without being fussy or pretentious, with good food and enjoyable company.

A river cruise is favoured by those looking for a relaxing and slower-paced trip. These types of cruise are a huge part of the travel and tourism industry, with trips on the following rivers being particularly common:

• Mississippi
• Rhine 

You might also see river day cruises – these take place on small sections of river which typically flow through a city centre such as Chester, Amsterdam, Paris or Cairo!

An expedition cruise is one of the types of cruise aimed at adventurous travellers who want to do a lot more than simply relaxing while on a cruise. They again tend to be smaller ships than ocean liners, as they travel to more far-flung places. Should Be Cruising says that these ships also have shallower drafts than regular cruise ships, so they can access smaller inlets and shallow harbors.

There are so many activities available on expedition cruises. If you’re cruising in warmer waters you might go scuba diving, and if cruising in colder waters such as the Arctic, you might go trekking across the top of a glacier. Expedition cruises are all completely different – you might go on a historic expedition cruise where the focus is on history, or a nature cruise to look at plants or animals in different locations. Going to see the Northern Lights is another popular example!

Expedition cruise groups are smaller and more intimate. You’ll be with an expert guide, and you’ll come back having had some incredible experiences making memories that last a lifetime!

A mega cruise ship is one of the most popular types of cruise. These ships can typically accommodate 5000+ guests. These are the types of ships – and vacations – which will generally spring to mind when you hear the word ‘cruise’ – except they are the biggest of these typical cruise ships. They are ocean liners, usually 300+ metres long, weighing hundreds of thousands of tonnes! Currently, Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and some of the other biggest mega cruise ships are:

• Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
• Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
• Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
• Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
• Mardi Gras (Carnival)
• Iona (P&O Cruises)
• AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises)
• Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)
• MSC Grandiosa (MSC Cruises)
• Spectrum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

These ships have an incredible amount of amenities on board. From cinemas to water slides to their very own Starbucks franchises, themed restaurants, libraries, go-karting tracks, theatres and so much more. Cruises on these ships tend to be 7-14 days although can be much longer. They visit typical holiday or tourist destinations with interesting things to see. You will be able to book excursions through the cruise line or take off on your own to explore the ports!

You’ll find these cruise ships have a lot of restaurants (most cruises are all inclusive ), multiple pools, and a lot of cabins as well as a LOT of crew members making sure everything runs smoothly. They have apps you can use to order food & drink, navigate the ship, book excursions, see what activities are taking place on board and more!

Yacht holidays ooze luxury – these types of cruise are associated with rich and elite people, such as celebrities and royalty, many of whom own or charter their own yacht and use it regularly. You might see yachts docked in places such as Puerto Banus in Marbella or St. Tropez in France – yachts are docked at marinas, which are small docks which have dedicated equipment specifically for smaller boats.

Yachts tend to carry around six passengers, with super yachts carrying up to 12. You don’t technically need a crew for a yacht either, although it is always helpful to have someone on board who knows what they’re doing to some extent!

This type of cruise is a subtype of other cruises – you can have luxury ocean cruises and luxury river cruises, as well as luxury yacht trips of course. But what makes a cruise luxury ? They tend to offer a much higher quality of service: private dining rooms, butlers, gourmet restaurants with world-class chefs, opulent decor, strict dress codes and more. As you’d imagine, they are a lot more expensive than other cruises! Cunard is probably the most famous luxury cruise company, alongside Regent and Seabourn. They travel to breathtaking locations in true comfort and style!

When it comes to fun, a themed cruise is the way to go. This type of cruise tends to occur mostly on ocean liners – for example, Disney even have their own cruise line offering ocean cruises entirely themed around Disney movies and characters. From singing the movie soundtracks at the incredible evening shows to relaxing on Disney’s private island to fireworks at sea, you get the whole magical experience on a cruise ship.

It isn’t only Disney who offer themed cruises , however. There is a type of cruise for absolutely every niche, hobby, interest and so on. It is also important to distinguish between full-ship theme cruises, where a particular group or brand will charter the whole ship, so everyone will be on-board for the theme cruise, and partial-ship theme cruises. This is where the group would book a number of cabins and take over certain areas, such as a particular bar, deck space or a conference room.

Some particular themed cruises coming in the next year or so include:

• The Star Trek Cruise
• The Kiss Kruise (the band will be on board!)
• 70’s Rock and Romance Cruise
• Bridge cruises
• The Ultimate Disco Cruise
• Knitting cruises
• Cruises for cat-lovers
• Azamara golf cruises

You can find more details about various themed cruises HERE .

An adventure cruise is very similar to an expedition cruise. One minor difference is that adventure cruises usually involve a level of physical activity – as opposed to just, perhaps, making observations as you might on an expedition cruise. With an adventure cruise, the main focus is on the off-vessel activities you take part in. This could be anything from kayaking to horse riding, snorkelling to even camping! 

A singles cruise is another popular sub- type of cruise. While many cruises have designated meet-ups for solo cruisers, there are also dedicated cruises for single people. Often these are aimed at older travellers – usually 50 and over. With no single supplement, and of course *everyone else* being single, it is ideal if you’re looking to go on a cruise to make new friends, find a new partner or just enjoy some you-time.

One of the most popular cruise lines offering the typical single cruise is Saga. Passengers can benefit from ‘Singles Mingle’ drink parties, cabin stewards, 24-hour room service, a nightly turndown service, an open seating arrangement and much more. A solo cruise is the perfect way to travel alone but never feel bored or lonely, and also to ensure you’re always safe and taken care of while exploring new places! Fred Olsen and NCL also offer dedicated singles cruises too! This type of cruise is whatever you make it – with all types of cruises, there is something for everyone.

If you have enjoyed this article on the types of cruise, I am sure that you will LOVE these articles too-

• 50 types of transport from around the world
• Types of airlines | Made SIMPLE
• Types of hotels | Understanding tourism
• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• Types of rail transport | Understanding tourism

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Best Cruise Ships for You

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Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger, 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you?

After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation , and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point.

When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. 

Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price.

Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Carnival Firenze

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Venice Class

Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests

Standout Amenities: Amari bar for a peritivi and digestivi ; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients  

Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze , you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Excel Class

Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar.

Carnival Venezia

Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof

Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks.

Carnival Celebration

Inaugural Year: 2022

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster

Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 

Carnival Luminosa

Ship Class: Spirit Class

Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks

Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa ) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Inaugural Year: 2021

Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse

Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant.

Carnival Radiance

Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory , which set sail in 2000)

Ship Class: Sunshine Class

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests 

Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck

Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts.

Carnival Panorama

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Vista Class

Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests

Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers

Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Carnival Sunrise

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch

Carnival Sunrise  (formerly Carnival Triumph ) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas.

Carnival Horizon

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around

Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine.

Carnival Vista

Inaugural Year: 2016

Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America

Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun.

Carnival Sunshine

Inaugural Year: 2013

Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests

Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny ) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space.

Carnival Breeze

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Dream Class

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides

Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club.

Carnival Magic

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience

Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch.

Carnival Dream

Inaugural Year: 2009

Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax

Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course.

Carnival Splendor

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Splendor Class

Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests

Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover

Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather.

Carnival Freedom

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Conquest Class

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters

Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had.

Carnival Liberty

Inaugural Year: 2005

Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests

Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls

Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun.

Carnival Valor

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests

Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await

Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Carnival Miracle

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call

Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle . Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks.

Carnival Glory

Inaugural Year: 2003

Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship

Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries.

Carnival Legend

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests 

Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home

Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales.

Carnival Conquest

Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities

Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Carnival Pride

Inaugural Year: 2002 

Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military

For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride . The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options.

Carnival Spirit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests

Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m.

Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment.

Carnival Paradise

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Fantasy Class

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages

With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Elation

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist

Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard.

Related Articles

Understanding Cruise Ship Classes and Their Significance

Imagine yourself stepping onto a luxurious cruise ship, surrounded by the excitement of embarking on a grand adventure.

But have you ever stopped to consider the significance of the cruise ship class you choose?

In this article, we will dive deep into understanding cruise ship classes and why they matter.

From exploring different amenities and features to determining how they impact your overall experience, we’ll help you navigate through the vast sea of options and find the perfect cruise ship class that makes you feel like you truly belong.

Table of Contents

Different Types of Cruise Ship Classes

There’s a wide variety of cruise ship classes to choose from, each offering unique experiences and amenities. When you step onboard a cruise ship, you want to feel like you belong and have made the right choice. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of cruise ship classes available.

The first class we’ll explore is the luxury class. These ships are designed for those who desire an opulent experience. With lavish suites, gourmet dining options, and personalized service, you’ll feel like royalty on these ships.

Next up is the family-friendly class. These ships cater to families with children by offering a range of activities and entertainment options suitable for all ages. From water parks and kids’ clubs to Broadway-style shows and movie nights, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

If adventure is what you seek, consider booking a cruise in the expedition class. These smaller ships take you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore remote destinations like Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands in depth. Onboard experts will guide you through unique experiences such as wildlife encounters and excursions into untouched landscapes.

Lastly, we have the budget-friendly class which offers affordable cruising options without compromising on comfort or enjoyment. These ships may be smaller or older but still provide excellent value for money with comfortable accommodations and a range of onboard activities.

The Significance of Cruise Ship Classes

When it comes to cruise ship classes, it’s essential to understand that the class you choose determines the amenities and features you’ll have access to during your trip. This can greatly impact your overall passenger experience, as higher-class cabins often come with exclusive perks and luxuries that enhance your vacation.

Class Determines Amenities

You’ll find that your cruise ship class determines the amenities available to you. Depending on the class of your cruise ship, you can expect a range of amenities designed to make your experience enjoyable and luxurious. Here are some key differences you might encounter:

• Dining options : Higher-class ships often offer a variety of gourmet dining choices, including exclusive restaurants with renowned chefs.
• Entertainment : From Broadway-style shows to live music performances, upscale cruise ships provide top-notch entertainment options for their guests.
• Spa and wellness facilities : If relaxation is your goal, higher-class ships usually have expansive spa areas offering various treatments and wellness activities.

Being part of a particular cruise ship class allows you access to these amenities, creating a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals who appreciate the finer things in life. So choose wisely and enjoy all the perks that come with it!

Impact on Passenger Experience

To truly enhance your passenger experience, consider the impact of the different cruise ship classes on amenities and services available to you.

When you choose a specific class, it’s not just about the size or luxury level of your cabin; it also affects the overall atmosphere and sense of belonging on board.

Each class offers its own unique set of experiences and activities tailored to meet your preferences. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option or splurge on a luxury cruise, know that you are part of a community that shares similar interests.

From vibrant entertainment venues to exclusive dining options, each ship class creates an environment where you can feel connected and valued as a passenger.

Understanding the Amenities and Features of Each Cruise Ship Class

Explore the amenities and features of each cruise ship class to make the most informed decision for your next vacation. When it comes to choosing a cruise, finding a ship that aligns with your preferences is crucial.

Cruise ships offer various classes, each with its own unique offerings and experiences. To help you navigate through the options, here are some key highlights of different cruise ship classes:

• Luxury Class : Indulge in opulence and sophistication as you sail on a luxury-class cruise ship. Experience impeccable service, gourmet dining options, and lavish accommodations that will make you feel like royalty.
• Family-Friendly Class : If you’re traveling with kids or looking for family-friendly entertainment, this is the class for you. Enjoy exciting onboard activities such as water parks, mini-golf courses, and age-specific clubs where little ones can have fun while parents relax.
• Adventure Class : For those seeking adventure and thrill, an adventure-class cruise ship is perfect. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing walls, zip lines across the deck, and even surfing simulators.

How Cruise Ship Classes Impact the Overall Cruise Experience

When it comes to cruising, the class of your ship plays a crucial role in determining the amenities you’ll have access to. From luxurious spas and gourmet restaurants to high-end entertainment options, the class of your cruise ship can greatly enhance your overall experience.

Additionally, class also affects cabin size, with higher-class ships offering larger and more spacious cabins for a more comfortable stay on board.

Understanding the class of a cruise ship will help you determine what amenities are available onboard. It’s important to know which class suits your preferences and desires, as it can greatly impact your overall experience. Here are some key points to consider:

• Luxury Class : Indulge in opulence and extravagance with spacious suites, gourmet dining options, exclusive access to private lounges and pools, personalized service from dedicated staff members.
• Premium Class : Enjoy a balance between luxury and affordability with comfortable accommodations, diverse dining choices, entertainment venues for all ages, wellness facilities like spas and fitness centers.
• Budget Class : Experience a more economical option with cozy cabins, casual dining areas, basic recreational activities such as swimming pools and theaters.

Class Affects Cabin Size

To determine the size of your cabin, consider the class of cruise ship you choose and how it aligns with your desired level of comfort and space.

The class of a cruise ship directly affects the size and amenities available in your cabin. If you crave luxurious accommodations and ample room to spread out, opt for a higher-class ship. These ships offer spacious cabins with separate living areas, private balconies, and even personal butlers.

On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy space where you can feel snug and intimate, a lower-class ship might be more suitable. These ships typically have smaller cabins but still provide all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay.

Choose wisely to ensure your cabin provides the perfect balance of belonging and comfort during your cruise adventure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cruise Ship Class

One important factor to consider when choosing a cruise ship class is the onboard amenities and activities available. These features can greatly enhance your overall experience and ensure that you feel a sense of belonging on board. Here are some key considerations:

• Dining options : Look for a ship that offers a variety of restaurants and dining venues, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. This way, you can enjoy delicious meals throughout your journey, creating memorable moments with fellow passengers.
• Entertainment : A lively entertainment program is essential for fostering a sense of community among passengers. From Broadway-style shows to live music performances and themed parties, choose a ship that offers an array of entertainment options that resonate with your interests.
• Recreational facilities : Ensure the ship has recreational facilities that align with your hobbies or desired activities at sea. Whether it’s swimming pools, fitness centers, sports courts, or even rock climbing walls, these amenities provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests.

By selecting a cruise ship class that caters to your preferred amenities and activities, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in enriching experiences while building connections with fellow travelers who share your interests.

Exploring the Differences Between Luxury and Mainstream Cruise Ship Classes

When considering luxury and mainstream cruise ship classes, it’s important to note the differences in onboard amenities and overall experience. Luxury cruises offer a more exclusive and refined experience, catering to those who desire the finer things in life. The onboard amenities are top-notch, featuring gourmet dining options, spacious cabins with private balconies, and personalized service from attentive staff members. In contrast, mainstream cruises provide a more affordable option for those looking to explore different destinations without breaking the bank. While they may not have all the luxurious features of their counterparts, they still offer a range of amenities such as multiple dining venues, entertainment options like theaters and casinos, and comfortable cabins.

To give you a better understanding of the disparities between luxury and mainstream cruise ship classes, here is a comparison table:

As you can see from the table above, luxury cruise ships prioritize providing an exclusive experience with high-end amenities and personalized service. On the other hand, mainstream cruise ships focus on affordability while still offering various entertainment options for guests to enjoy.

No matter which class you choose, both luxury and mainstream cruise ships provide opportunities for you to relax and unwind while exploring different destinations. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right fit for your preferences and budget so that you can fully enjoy your cruising experience.

The Evolution of Cruise Ship Classes Over the Years

Over the years, cruise ship classes have evolved to cater to different preferences and budgets. Gone are the days where one class fits all. Cruise lines have recognized that each traveler is unique and desires a sense of belonging on their vacation at sea.

Here are some ways in which cruise ship classes have evolved:

• Expanded Amenities : Cruise ships now offer a wide range of amenities to suit various interests and lifestyles. From luxury spas and gourmet dining options to thrilling water parks and entertainment venues, there is something for everyone.
• Enhanced Accommodations : Cruise ship cabins have come a long way. Today, you can choose from cozy interior rooms, spacious suites with private balconies, or even multi-bedroom villas with exclusive privileges.
• Personalized Experiences : Cruise lines understand that personalization is key to creating memorable vacations. They now offer tailored shore excursions, specialty dining experiences, and onboard activities designed to cater to individual preferences.

By evolving their classes, cruise lines aim to create an environment where you feel like you belong. Whether you prefer a luxurious experience or seek adventure on a budget-friendly voyage, there’s a cruise ship class waiting just for you.

Tips for Selecting the Right Cruise Ship Class for Your Vacation

If you’re planning a cruise vacation, it’s important to consider the different cruise ship classes and choose one that suits your preferences and budget. Finding the right cruise ship class can greatly enhance your overall experience and ensure that you feel a sense of belonging throughout your trip.

When selecting a cruise ship class, it’s essential to think about what matters most to you. Are you looking for a luxurious experience with top-notch amenities? If so, opt for a luxury or premium class ship. These ships often offer spacious cabins, gourmet dining options, and exclusive onboard activities.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more casual and relaxed atmosphere, an economy or budget class ship may be ideal. These ships typically provide comfortable accommodations and basic amenities at a lower cost.

Consider the size of the ship as well. Larger ships tend to have more onboard activities such as water parks, theaters, and multiple dining options. Smaller ships offer a more intimate setting with fewer crowds and easier access to ports of call.

Lastly, don’t forget to factor in your budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation, food, entertainment, and excursions before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific names of the different cruise ship classes.

There are various cruise ship classes with specific names. These names categorize the ships based on their amenities, size, and luxury level. You’ll find classes like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class and Carnival’s Vista class.

How Does the Size of a Cruise Ship Class Affect the Overall Experience?

The size of a cruise ship class affects the overall experience like the difference between a crowded party and an intimate gathering. Smaller classes offer more personalized service, while larger classes provide a wider range of amenities and activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations on Certain Cruise Ship Classes?

Yes, certain cruise ship classes may have age restrictions or limitations. It’s important to check with the cruise line before booking to ensure that there are no restrictions that may affect your travel plans.

Can Passengers Switch Between Different Cruise Ship Classes During Their Voyage?

Yes, you can switch between different cruise ship classes during your voyage. It allows you to experience various amenities and accommodations based on your preferences and desired level of luxury.

Do Different Cruise Ship Classes Have Different Dining Options and Menus?

Oh, you betcha! Different cruise ship classes have all sorts of fancy dining options and menus. From gourmet cuisine to endless buffets, there’s something for everyone. Bon appétit!

So now that you’ve waded through the vast ocean of information on cruise ship classes, you’re probably feeling like a seasoned sailor. You can practically smell the salty air and hear the gentle hum of the engines.

Just remember, when it comes to choosing the right cruise ship class for your vacation, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between luxury and affordability.

So grab your captain’s hat, set sail on the sea of possibilities, and get ready for a voyage like no other! Ahoy, matey!

Scott is the passionate voice behind CruisingBuzz.com. With countless voyages under his belt, Scott's love for cruising is as vast as the oceans he's explored. Through CruisingBuzz.com, he aims to share his profound love for sailing with fellow enthusiasts and newcomers alike. When he's not writing or planning his next cruise adventure, Scott can be found gazing at the horizon, dreaming of the next port of call.

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking’s river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen them all.

Ditto for the line’s ocean ships. Nine of Viking’s 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking’s vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company’s sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking’s ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn’t use the term “classes” to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking expedition ships.” We’ve followed the same breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world’s oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking’s ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises  combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They’re also quite upscale. While Viking doesn’t market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships’ interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you’ll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi’s (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef’s Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it’s one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers’ Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they’re still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe’s rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don’t run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company’s rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There’s also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There’s also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking’s vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking’s signature Italian spot, Manfredi’s and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you’re curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current “south star” that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current “north star” that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it’s involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

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SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Mackinac Island welcomes first cruise ship of the season, and it’s a big one

• Updated: Apr. 30, 2024, 5:41 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 30, 2024, 1:42 p.m.

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• Justine Lofton | [email protected]

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Mackinac Island welcomed its first cruise ship of the season on Tuesday.

The Viking Octantis, one of the largest cruise ships on the Great Lakes, anchored off the shores of Mackinac Island and used tender boats to take passengers to the island for a day visit, which began with a carriage tour.

“We’re excited to be a stop along their journey and look forward to having folks visit from near and far!” Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau said on Facebook.

Mackinac Island is Michigan’s most popular cruise destination.

RELATED: ‘We didn’t find them, they found us:’ Mackinac Island is most popular Michigan cruise ship port

In 2023, around 20,000 cruise ship passengers visited the National Historic Landmark island, making an economic impact of nearly $2 million. Nine cruise ships each visited dozens of times for a total of around 100 calls.

The Great Lakes cruising season continues through October.

At 665 feet long, the Viking Octantis shares the title of the largest cruise ship on the Great Lakes with its identical sister ship the Viking Polaris.

RELATED: A video tour on board the largest cruise ship ever to sail Great Lakes

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Everything you can ask your cruise ship butler to do, from the sublime to the ridiculous

My husband and I were on board a luxury river ship in Europe trying to open a fancy bottle of French wine we had purchased on shore — we were struggling with the corkscrew.

I'd had this issue once before in a hotel, and the result was red wine splashed around the room. Fearing a repeat, I called for our butler, who arrived promptly, opened the bottle with ease and then went off to find a cheese he said would pair perfectly with the wine.

Cruise ship butlers are trained to pamper, after all, and that means no request is too ridiculous.

If you book a suite with butler service, this person can be a trusted adviser. He or she will serve up surprises, offer tips to make your cruise even more enjoyable and handle requests with aplomb.

What does it take to be a butler?

First, get the "Downton Abbey" image out of your head. Butlers are not necessarily British or male. They come from around the world, including India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Eastern Europe and Italy. That said, some are trained in the English style of butler service.

For instance, on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships, butlers are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

Your butler will likely have studied wine presentation (right down to where to place the Champagne bucket) and learned how to interact with guests. The training includes both classroom instruction and role-playing.

A cruise ship butler once told me the necessary skills are humor, being super organized, having enough confidence to offer advice and being able to intuit guest needs. Your butler will study your habits and think ahead on ways to please.

Which cruise ships have butler service?

At ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises , every guest stays in a suite with butler service. Other lines with butlers for top suites include Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Azamara Cruises , Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as well as river line Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

For those staying in Star Class suites on select Royal Caribbean ships, the butler role is fulfilled by a Royal Genie, as in, "Your wish is my command."

Whether you have a butler or a genie, the idea is the same.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise

What can my butler do for me?

If you're wondering what your butler can do for you, you're not alone. After all, very few guests in cruise ship suites have a butler at home. Here are a few ways to take advantage of butler service on your next cruise.

Unpack luggage

Your butler won't force any services on you. But if you want your clothes neatly tucked away, your shoes shined, wrinkles removed from your ballgown, your laundry whisked away or even a button replaced, these are some of the services your butler is available to perform.

If you forgot to pack your dress shoes, your zipper breaks (or you can't reach the zipper on the back of your dress), your mascara is too gooey or you just need advice on what to wear on a particular night on the ship, call your butler.

Your butler will also be available to help you pack up at the end of your cruise.

Serve breakfast in bed

Want your butler to bring you breakfast in bed? All you need to do is ask. You can also order other meals in your cabin.

If you do dinner in your suite, your butler will likely bring you the dining room menu so you can make your meal choices, and your selections will be delivered course by course, so nothing is tepid (unless it's supposed to be).

Once, after a long day ashore, my husband and I just wanted a hamburger and fries for a quiet in-room movie date night. Our butler arranged everything and suggested we order brownies for dessert. He delivered our burgers on a silver tray.

Your butler can also bring you afternoon canapes to go with your cocktails, which he or she can prepare — in addition to keeping your minibar stocked with your favorite beverages. You can also request afternoon tea or a cappuccino whenever you like.

Want popcorn while you watch a movie, have a caviar craving or need a midnight snack? Call the butler.

You can also ask your butler for service outside your suite. For instance, on a cruise on Silver Origin in the Galapagos, a pal and I watched the sunset in a hot tub while our butler served us chilled sparkling wine.

Related: Cruise ship room service: A line-by-line guide to in-cabin dining

Book reservations and shore excursions

Your butler's focus is great service, and he or she may enlist other crew members to help fulfill your requests. Depending on the ship, your butler might help you arrange dinner times, spa treatments and even shore excursions — or refer you to a concierge who can help make reservations.

It's my experience that butlers really know the best things on the ships and often in the ports as well. For instance, if you have questions about whether the seafood lunch buffet is worth attending, ask your butler. If you want to dine in port and aren't sure where, ask your butler that question, too.

Rearrange your cabin furniture

You might have heard your butler can have your furniture rearranged — and it's true.

For instance, if you're not a fan of decorative pillows, you can ask the butler to have them removed. You could also request a chair or have lamps added to your cabin.

One regular guest in Cunard's Queens Grill suites asks for an extra dresser for storage, has the couch moved and the chairs turned around, and, since she prefers showers, has a wall-to-wall rod hung above the tub so she has extra space for hanging clothes.

Host a party

Want to throw a little party? Butlers can help you entertain guests. For example, on my Silver Origin cruise, one guest wanted to have friends over to her suite before dinner. Her butler removed furniture to make space, added extra chairs and supplied several bottles of sparkling wine and four kinds of empanadas.

When my husband and I decided to throw a cocktail party on our Asia honeymoon cruise, the butler went all-out arranging nibbles, from nuts and cheese to cold shrimp and crab.

If your suite has a large enough dining table, you can also have your butler arrange a dinner party.

On all-inclusive ships, there is typically no extra charge for these extravagances, and that might be the case on other ships as well, as cruise lines often want to pamper their big-spending passengers in the fanciest suites.

Your butler can also help you celebrate a special occasion. Butlers will have experience preparing celebrations ranging from birthdays and anniversaries to marriage proposals. They can help you come up with over-the-top ideas, whether that means filling a room with roses or balloons or arranging a secret spot for you to get down on one knee.

Be ship guides (but not dance partners)

Your butler might offer you a tour to help familiarize you with the ship. Some lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, have the butler meet you at the pier and escort you on board.

The butler will also be available to lend an arm as you head to dinner, an activity, a cocktail hour or a show but will not stay and sit with you. If you want a dance partner, you'll need to rely on your ship's dance hosts .

What won't a butler do?

Your butler won't make your bed or clean your cabin. Your room steward will do that.

Butlers also don't babysit or provide any nursing services. If you need that, you'll have to bring your own assistant.

Can I call my butler at any hour?

Cruise ship butler service is available every hour of every day. That said, when your butler is on a break, his or her colleagues will handle your requests.

Your butler will carry either a telephone or pager. However, it's important to remember when making requests that your butler is not yours alone. Cruise ship butlers typically cover the needs of 12 to 16 suites, meaning 24 or more guests per cruise.

Should I tip my butler?

The decision to tip your butler is very personal. I tend to leave a cash tip at the end of the cruise, along with a thank you note.

It's important to note that not all daily service charges include butler gratuities. Check with your cruise line for information on whether they will receive a portion of the daily tips which will be added automatically to your onboard bill.

On all-inclusive ships with gratuities included in the cruise fare, I still leave a thank-you tip.

Related: 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines

Bottom line

When you're on a cruise and have access to a butler, the opportunities for moments of surprise and delight are boundless — and butlers will tell you that's what makes their job truly enjoyable. One Uniworld butler, for example, had a particular trick up his sleeve: He'd surprise guests by sabering a Champagne bottle.

My favorite surprise was on a Silversea ship when my husband and I returned from a desert excursion in Wadi Rum, Jordan. Our butler, with assistance from our cabin steward, had prepared a bubble bath complete with floating flowers. There must have been some radioing ahead as the water was perfectly hot and the bubbles perfectly frothy when we entered our cabin.

Also, on a Regent Seven Seas sailing, one butler went all-out for a couple celebrating their golden anniversary by shooting a video with family members on board and having friends send in clips online, too. The couple's favorite songs were added as background music. When they returned to their suite on their anniversary, they found balloons and a banner, a cake, Champagne and the video ready to play on their TV.

According to the butler, the guests responded with happy tears.

Whether you want help with something as simple as getting acquainted with the ship or as elaborate as throwing an unforgettable soiree, butler service on a cruise ship can be a sublime experience. In fact, the most frequent request butlers say they hear from guests is, "Can you come home with me?"

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• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
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