Am I a “contemporary cruise” kind of person? Do I need “ultra-luxury” or just “ultra-premium” (whatever that means)? And why does “expedition” sound both thrilling and slightly terrifying?
Take a deep breath. We’ve got you.
This guide is your friendly compass through the sea of cruise ship categories. Whether you’re looking for a floating city packed with waterslides and non-stop entertainment, an intimate river cruise winding through medieval towns, or a high-end escape where the staff somehow knows your favorite cocktail before you do – there’s a perfect ship out there for you. Let’s break it down, no fancy jargon, just clear, helpful advice.
Contemporary Cruise Lines
Best for: Families, young couples, and budget-conscious travelers looking for fun-packed ships with plenty of entertainment.
Contemporary cruise lines prioritize fun and affordability, making them perfect for travelers who want nonstop activities, entertainment, and casual dining options without breaking the bank. These ships are large, lively, and packed with pools, shows, and exciting nightlife.
Example Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Line
- WaterWorks Waterpark with massive slides and splash zones.
- Playlist Productions, high-energy Broadway-style shows.
- Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly and adult stand-up.
- BOLT Rollercoaster (on Mardi Gras and Celebration), the first rollercoaster at sea.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Ships such as the Norwegian Epic boast the “Aqua Park” with towering waterslides, swimming pools, and hot tubs. For adults seeking relaxation, the “Spice H2O” area offers an adults-only retreat with loungers and a soothing waterfall grotto.
- Aqua Park with multi-story waterslides and splash areas.
- Broadway Shows, including Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots.
- Syd Norman’s Pour House, a rock ‘n’ roll themed live music venue.
- Go-Kart Racing Tracks on select ships like Norwegian Encore.
Upscale Contemporary Lines
Best for: Travelers who want excitement with a touch of luxury, offering innovative activities and premium dining options.
Upscale contemporary cruises step up the game by combining fun with higher-end amenities, gourmet dining, and stylish accommodations. These ships are ideal for those who want thrilling onboard activities but with a bit more elegance.
Royal Caribbean International
- Category 6 Waterpark (on Icon of the Seas), the largest waterpark at sea.
- AquaTheater, featuring high-diving acrobatics and synchronized swimming shows.
- North Star, a glass observation pod rising 300 feet above sea level.
- Central Park, a real park with live plants and specialty dining.
MSC Cruises
- Forest Aquaventure Park, a jungle-themed waterpark with racing slides.
- Cirque du Soleil at Sea, exclusive high-tech circus performances.
- F1 Racing Simulator, offering an immersive Grand Prix experience.
- Top 18 Sun Deck, an adults-only relaxation area with luxury loungers
Premium Cruise Lines
Best for: Travelers who appreciate a balance between upscale comfort and affordability, with excellent dining and enrichment programs.
Premium cruises cater to those who want a refined yet relaxed experience. These ships focus on high-quality food, enriching onboard experiences, and a mix of traditional and modern entertainment.
Celebrity Cruises
- The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that transforms from bar to restaurant to embarkation lounge.
- Silent Disco, where guests dance to music on wireless headphones.
- Eden, an immersive dining and entertainment venue with live performances.
- AquaClass Spa Cabins, including unlimited spa access and healthy dining options.
Princess Cruises
- Movies Under the Stars, an outdoor cinema experience with cozy blankets.
- The Voice of the Ocean, an at-sea singing competition inspired by The Voice.
- Sanctuary Adults-Only Retreat, a peaceful, spa-like outdoor lounge.
- MedallionClass Technology, a smart wearable device that allows for keyless stateroom access, ordering drinks, and navigating the ship.
Ultra-Premium Lines
Best for: Seasoned travelers and culture lovers looking for unique itineraries, elevated service, and intimate settings.Ultra-premium cruise lines focus on longer stays in port, in-depth cultural experiences, and a higher level of service while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
Azamara Cruises
- AzAmazing Evenings, exclusive private cultural performances in port cities.
- Longer Overnight Stays to allow immersive local experiences.
- White Night Parties, elegant outdoor dinner parties with live music.
Cunard Line
- Formal Gala Evenings, where passengers dress in tuxedos and gowns.
- Afternoon Tea with White-Glove Service, a classic British tradition.
- Planetarium at Sea (on Queen Mary 2), the only one of its kind.
Ultra-Luxury Lines
Best for: Travelers who seek personalized service, gourmet dining, and small-ship intimacy with top-tier amenities.
Ultra-luxury cruises provide an all-inclusive experience with spacious suites, high-end dining, and exclusive excursions. Top-tier luxury.
Silversea Cruises
- All-Suite Accommodations, each with a personal butler.
- S.A.L.T. Culinary Program, featuring immersive food experiences and cooking classes.
- Expedition Ships, taking guests to remote destinations like Antarctica in luxury.
Seabourn Cruise Line
- eabourn Square, a chic lounge with concierge, café, and library.
- Marina Days, featuring kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming from the ship’s private marina.
- The Grill by Thomas Keller, an exclusive steakhouse experience.
Small Ship Cruises
Provide intimacy and closer connection to destinations. Example: Tauck Small Ship Cruising. Can dock in ports inaccessible to larger ships. All-Inclusive Pricing, covering excursions, gratuities, and premium beverages. Private Shore Excursions, including behind-the-scenes museum tours.
River Cruises
Best for: Slow-paced travel with an emphasis on history, culture, and scenic routes along iconic rivers.
River cruises focus on immersive cultural experiences and scenic sailing, docking in the heart of historic cities. Explore city centers and medieval towns.
Viking River Cruises
- Themed Cruises, including wine, art, and music-focused itineraries.
- Destination Performances, featuring local musicians and dancers.
AmaWaterways
- Bicycle Tours, providing guided rides in European towns.
- Wine Cruises, with onboard tastings and vineyard excursions.
Expedition Cruises
Best for: Adventure seekers looking to explore the world’s most remote destinations in comfort and style.
Expedition cruises prioritize exploration and nature experiences, often with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Hurtigruten Expeditions where guests can participate in real research projects in Science Centers and enjoy wahle watching and polar bear tracking as part of Citizen Science Programs.
Lijndblad Expeditions features remotely operated underwater cameras for undersea exploration as well as national geographic experts onboard the ship including photographers and scientists.
Types of Cruise Ships by Size
Cruise ships come in various sizes, each offering a unique experience:
Mega cruise ships
- Capacity: Over 5,000 passengers
- Features: Vast array of amenities, including water parks, Broadway-caliber shows, and unique activities
- Ideal for: Families, groups, and those seeking constant excitement
Large cruise ships
- Capacity: 2,500 to 3,500 passengers
- Features: Balanced mix of amenities and experiences
- Ideal for: Those wanting a lively atmosphere with a more focused selection of options
Midsized cruise ships
- Capacity: 1,500 to 2,500 passengers
- Features: Easier navigation, diverse activities, and dining options
- Ideal for: Travelers seeking a blend of comfort and discovery
Smaller midsized cruise ships
- Capacity: 800 to 1,500 guests
- Features: More intimate atmosphere, can reach smaller ports
- Ideal for: Those who appreciate tranquility and guided adventure
Small cruise ships
- Capacity: Fewer than 800 passengers
- Features: Personalized experiences, customized tours, excellent service
- Ideal for: Travelers seeking unique, intimate experiences and access to secluded destinations
Specialty Cruise Ship Types
Specialty cruise ships cater to niche interests and specific travel desires:
Adventure cruises
- Focus: Heart-pounding activities and off-the-beaten-path explorations
- Destinations: Remote locations like the Arctic or tropical shores
- Ideal for: Intrepid explorers and thrill-seekers
Expedition cruises
- Focus: Exploration of untouched locations with educational insights
- Destinations: Antarctica, Galapagos, and other unique ecosystems
- Ideal for: Active, intellectually curious travelers passionate about learning
River cruises
- Focus: Leisurely travel through historic waterways
- Destinations: Rivers like the Rhine, Nile, and Mississippi
- Ideal for: Couples, history enthusiasts, and those seeking cultural experiences
Hotel ships
- Focus: Stationary luxury accommodations in popular ports
- Features: Top-notch dining and opulent accommodations
- Ideal for: Luxury travelers seeking a local experience with maritime flair
Yachts and private crafts
- Focus: Elegance, exclusivity, and personalized journeys
- Features: Access to hidden coves and exclusive shores
- Ideal for: Affluent travelers and those seeking privacy and customization
With such a variety of cruise options available, travelers can find a voyage that perfectly matches their preferences, whether it’s a bustling mega-ship adventure or an intimate river cruise experience.
"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." – Douglas Ward, world's leading expert on cruising
Did you know? The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, entered service in January 2024. It can accommodate between 5,610 to 7,600 passengers, plus 2,300 crew members, making it over 6% bigger than Royal Caribbean’s previous largest ships.
For those seeking a unique experience, themed cruises offer an exciting twist on traditional voyages. Some upcoming themed cruises include:
- The Star Trek Cruise
- The Kiss Kruise (with the band on board!)
- 70’s Rock and Romance Cruise
- Bridge cruises
- The Ultimate Disco Cruise
- Knitting cruises
- Cruises for cat-lovers
- Azamara golf cruises
- Ward D. River Cruising in Europe & the USA: A Guide to the Ships and Rivers. Berlitz Publishing; 2017.
- Royal Caribbean International. Icon of the Seas Fact Sheet. Royal Caribbean Press Center; 2023.
- Cruise Industry News. Theme Cruise Guide. Cruise Industry News; 2023.