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 todayโs 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 โmallโ 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:
โขA large variety of cabin options in every price range
โขDining options that range from small, informal cafes to 5-star restaurants
โขOver the top entertainment options that include Broadway-quality shows, 3-D movie theaters, large casinos, extensive waterpark areas and more
โขExtremely comprehensive childrenโs programs and amenities
โขIncreased ship stability; little sea motion
Example XXL ships:
โขRoyal 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
โขDisney Cruise Line: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
โขCosta Cruise Line: Costa Diadema, Costa Venezia, Costa Smeralda
โขMSC Cruises: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Virtuosa; MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina MSC Splendida,
โขNorwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape
โขCarnival 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:
โขAn abundance of cabin options in many different price ranges
โขA variety of dining options, ranging from ultra-casual to very upscale and formal
โขA popular favorite with families due to the extensive childrenโs amenities and programs
โขRound-the-clock facilities and activities, such as casinos, water parks, gyms and spas
โขExcellent entertainment options and Broadway-quality shows like Royal Caribbeanโs productions of Chicago, Hairspray and Saturday Night Fever
Example XL ships:
โขRoyal 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
โขPrincess Cruises: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess
โขCarnival Cruises: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise
โขCelebrity Cruises: Celebrity Reflection,
โขMSC Cruises: MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica,
โขCosta Cruises: Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica
โขNorwegian 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 donโt necessarily require a ship map to navigate to entertainment and activity options, and tend to have more personal touches.
Some benefits of L ships:
โขMany cabin options in different price ranges
โขNumerous dining options, ranging from very casual to formal
โขA popular favorite with families due to the extensive childrenโs amenities and programs
โขAlso popular with older cruisers, as the pace onboard is not as frenetic
โขA variety of activities, such as casinos, gyms and spas and often there are bridge instructors on longer itineraries
โขEntertainment options may include things like a fireworks display, outdoor movies and stage shows
โขOnboard lecturers are often more cerebral with topics like history, politics and geography.
Example L Ships:
โขRoyal 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
โขPrincess Cruises: Coral Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sun Princess
โขCunard Cruises: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
โขHolland America Line: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam,, Nieuw Statendam
โขDisney Cruises: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
โขCarnival 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
โขMSC Cruises: MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Seaview
โขCosta Cruises: Costa Mediterranea, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Serena, Costa Fortuna, MSC Sinfonia
โขCelebrity Cruises: Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Silhouette
โขNorwegian 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 โrelaxationโ vibe. Many of these ships tend to be more luxurious with more personal service.
Some benefits of M ships:
โขMany of the premium cruise lines have ships that fall into this category
โขSeveral dining options
โขMedium-size ships still tend to have amenities like casinos, pools and spas
โขEntertainment options tend to include more enrichment activities
โขAttracts a more mature crowd that is focused on relaxation and enjoyment of the voyage
โขSmaller size of the ships open up options as far as itineraries and ports
โขItineraries are likely to be 10 days or longer
Example M Ships:
โขHolland America Line: HAL Maasdam, HAL Veendam, HAL Amsterdam, HAL Rotterdam, HAL Volendam, HAL Zaandam, HAL Oosterdam, HAL Westerdam, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Noordam
โขPrincess Cruises: Coral Princess, Island Princess, Dawn Princess, Sea Princess, Sun Princess
โขCrystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity
โขOceania Cruises: Oceania Riviera
โขCosta Cruises: Costa Classica, Costa Victoria, Costa neoRomantica, Costa neoRiviera
โขBahamas Paradise Cruise Line: Grand Celebration
โขNorwegian 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:
โขMost cabins are suites and have balconies
โขLuxury and service are frequently a focal point of a small ship voyage
โขAmenities, while limited, tend to be very high end, including dining, shore excursions, spas and enrichment activities.
โขSmall ships trend toward a truly all-inclusive fare
โขSmaller dining and shared areas lend themselves lively conversations and closer relationships with fellow passengers.
โขItineraries tend to be 10 days or longer
Example S ships:
โขPrincess Cruises: Pacific Princess
โขCrystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony
โขRegent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Explorer
โขOceania Cruises: Oceania Insignia, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Marina
โขSilversea Cruises: Silver Muse, Silver Moon
โขAzamara Club Cruises: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit
โขCosta Cruises: Costa Voyager
โขViking Ocean Cruises: Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter
โขSeabourn: 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:
โขThe 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.
โขPassengers tend to be a well-traveled, worldly crowd who enjoy the pursuit of education and exploration of the destinations they visit
โขVery personal attention from the crew; with luxury cruises this translates to personal attendants that see to your every need
โขMore solitude and the opportunity to relax and pursue your own interests
โขSeating is usually open, with no set tables
Example XS ships:
โขRegent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Navigator
โขSilversea Cruises: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit
โขSeabourn: Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Spirit,
โขWindstar Cruises: Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend
โขPaul Gauguin Cruises: MS Paul Gauguin
โขVoyages to Antiquity Cruises: MV Aegean Odyssey
โขStar Clippers: Royal Clipper
Extra-Extra Small Ship-XXS- Under 200 passengers
Example of XXS ships:
โขCelebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora-100 Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xperience, Celebrity Xploration
โขSeaDream Yacht Club: Sea Dream I, SeaDream II
โขSilversea Cruises: Silver Discoverer, Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos
โขWindstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Spirit,
โขStar Clippers: Star Clipper,Star Flyer