Ideal ocean cruise ship: Ship sizes and what they mean for your cruise

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Ships sizes range from megaships (over 4,000 passengers) to very small vessels and luxury yachts whose passengers number in mere dozens, and knowing the differences is key to planning your best cruise vacation.

Cruise experts have divided todayโ€™s ships into six categories and provides information on the benefits each provides: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL.

Extra, Extra Large Ships (XXL) โ€“ 4,000+ passengers

These megaships boast unparalleled options in entertainment and amenities. They truly give the impression of being on board a floating city and provide endless choices in dining, activities and shopping (some are so large as to even incorporate a โ€œmallโ€ area with brand name stores). If you desire a resort-type feel from your cruise or worry about sea-sickness, this may be your best option.

Some benefits of XXL ships:

โ€ขA large variety of cabin options in every price range
โ€ขDining options that range from small, informal cafes to 5-star restaurants
โ€ขOver the top entertainment options that include Broadway-quality shows, 3-D movie theaters, large casinos, extensive waterpark areas and more
โ€ขExtremely comprehensive childrenโ€™s programs and amenities
โ€ขIncreased ship stability; little sea motion

Example XXL ships:

โ€ขRoyal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas; Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas
โ€ขDisney Cruise Line: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
โ€ขCosta Cruise Line: Costa Diadema, Costa Venezia, Costa Smeralda
โ€ขMSC Cruises: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Virtuosa; MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina MSC Splendida,
โ€ขNorwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape
โ€ขCarnival Cruise Line: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Vista, Carnival Mardi Gras

Extra Large Ships (XL) โ€“ 3,000-3,999 passengers

These extra-large ships are a destination unto themselves and are especially good for families and multigenerational cruises due to the many amenities found onboard. There is something for everyone, and many cruisers enjoy their time onboard as much as they do the destinations they visit.

Some benefits of XL ships:

โ€ขAn abundance of cabin options in many different price ranges
โ€ขA variety of dining options, ranging from ultra-casual to very upscale and formal
โ€ขA popular favorite with families due to the extensive childrenโ€™s amenities and programs
โ€ขRound-the-clock facilities and activities, such as casinos, water parks, gyms and spas
โ€ขExcellent entertainment options and Broadway-quality shows like Royal Caribbeanโ€™s productions of Chicago, Hairspray and Saturday Night Fever

Example XL ships:

โ€ขRoyal Caribbean International: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
โ€ขPrincess Cruises: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess
โ€ขCarnival Cruises: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise
โ€ขCelebrity Cruises: Celebrity Reflection,
โ€ขMSC Cruises: MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica,
โ€ขCosta Cruises: Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica
โ€ขNorwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Joy

Large Ships (L) โ€“ 2,000 to 2,999 passengers

Large ships offer many of the same amenities as the XL ships, on a slightly smaller scale. They donโ€™t necessarily require a ship map to navigate to entertainment and activity options, and tend to have more personal touches.

Some benefits of L ships:

โ€ขMany cabin options in different price ranges
โ€ขNumerous dining options, ranging from very casual to formal
โ€ขA popular favorite with families due to the extensive childrenโ€™s amenities and programs
โ€ขAlso popular with older cruisers, as the pace onboard is not as frenetic
โ€ขA variety of activities, such as casinos, gyms and spas and often there are bridge instructors on longer itineraries
โ€ขEntertainment options may include things like a fireworks display, outdoor movies and stage shows
โ€ขOnboard lecturers are often more cerebral with topics like history, politics and geography.

Example L Ships:

โ€ขRoyal Caribbean International: Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas
โ€ขPrincess Cruises: Coral Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sun Princess
โ€ขCunard Cruises: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
โ€ขHolland America Line: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam,, Nieuw Statendam
โ€ขDisney Cruises: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
โ€ขCarnival Cruises: Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Conquest
โ€ขMSC Cruises: MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Seaview
โ€ขCosta Cruises: Costa Mediterranea, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Serena, Costa Fortuna, MSC Sinfonia
โ€ขCelebrity Cruises: Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Silhouette
โ€ขNorwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Pride of America

Medium Ships (M) โ€“ 951 to 1,999 passengers

Medium ships generally offer a slower pace than their large counterparts, with fewer crowds, less noise and more modest offerings when it comes to activity and entertainment options. Many cruisers prefer this size of ship for its โ€œrelaxationโ€ vibe. Many of these ships tend to be more luxurious with more personal service.

Some benefits of M ships:

โ€ขMany of the premium cruise lines have ships that fall into this category
โ€ขSeveral dining options
โ€ขMedium-size ships still tend to have amenities like casinos, pools and spas
โ€ขEntertainment options tend to include more enrichment activities
โ€ขAttracts a more mature crowd that is focused on relaxation and enjoyment of the voyage
โ€ขSmaller size of the ships open up options as far as itineraries and ports
โ€ขItineraries are likely to be 10 days or longer

Example M Ships:

โ€ขHolland America Line: HAL Maasdam, HAL Veendam, HAL Amsterdam, HAL Rotterdam, HAL Volendam, HAL Zaandam, HAL Oosterdam, HAL Westerdam, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Noordam
โ€ขPrincess Cruises: Coral Princess, Island Princess, Dawn Princess, Sea Princess, Sun Princess
โ€ขCrystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity
โ€ขOceania Cruises: Oceania Riviera
โ€ขCosta Cruises: Costa Classica, Costa Victoria, Costa neoRomantica, Costa neoRiviera
โ€ขBahamas Paradise Cruise Line: Grand Celebration
โ€ขNorwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Sun

Small Ships (S) โ€“ 950 passengers or less

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 the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.

Some benefits of S ships:

โ€ขMost cabins are suites and have balconies
โ€ขLuxury and service are frequently a focal point of a small ship voyage
โ€ขAmenities, while limited, tend to be very high end, including dining, shore excursions, spas and enrichment activities.
โ€ขSmall ships trend toward a truly all-inclusive fare
โ€ขSmaller dining and shared areas lend themselves lively conversations and closer relationships with fellow passengers.
โ€ขItineraries tend to be 10 days or longer

Example S ships:

โ€ขPrincess Cruises: Pacific Princess
โ€ขCrystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony
โ€ขRegent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Explorer
โ€ขOceania Cruises: Oceania Insignia, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Marina
โ€ขSilversea Cruises: Silver Muse, Silver Moon
โ€ขAzamara Club Cruises: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit
โ€ขCosta Cruises: Costa Voyager
โ€ขViking Ocean Cruises: Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter
โ€ขSeabourn: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation

Extra Small Ships (XS) – 201-499 passengers

Very small ships offer a private, exclusive ambiance, along with personalized service and the advantage of being able to port almost anywhere. Passengers get a feel for the water and experience destinations in a very close-up, personal way.

Some benefits of XS ships:

โ€ขThe most important benefit of small ship cruising is an immersive experience in the destination. Very small ships allow an in-depth exploration of nature, culture, history and learning not possible on larger ships.
โ€ขPassengers tend to be a well-traveled, worldly crowd who enjoy the pursuit of education and exploration of the destinations they visit
โ€ขVery personal attention from the crew; with luxury cruises this translates to personal attendants that see to your every need
โ€ขMore solitude and the opportunity to relax and pursue your own interests
โ€ขSeating is usually open, with no set tables

Example XS ships:

โ€ขRegent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Navigator
โ€ขSilversea Cruises: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit
โ€ขSeabourn: Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Spirit,
โ€ขWindstar Cruises: Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend
โ€ขPaul Gauguin Cruises: MS Paul Gauguin
โ€ขVoyages to Antiquity Cruises: MV Aegean Odyssey
โ€ขStar Clippers: Royal Clipper

Extra-Extra Small Ship-XXS- Under 200 passengers

Example of XXS ships:

โ€ขCelebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora-100 Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xperience, Celebrity Xploration
โ€ขSeaDream Yacht Club: Sea Dream I, SeaDream II
โ€ขSilversea Cruises: Silver Discoverer, Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos
โ€ขWindstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Spirit,
โ€ขStar Clippers: Star Clipper,Star Flyer

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Chief Assignment Editor

Chief Assignment editor is Oleg Siziakov

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