Sunday, April 14, 2024

Cruise Ship Types and Classifications: A Comprehensive Guide

types of cruise ships

As with the other type of cruises, there are many options and styles of expedition cruising. When most people think of cruising, it’s ocean cruising that they envision. Yet, sailing the seven seas still offers plenty of choices in terms of style of cruising and sizes of ships. Anecdotal evidence suggests that most first-time cruisers will choose one of the mainstream or premium ocean cruise lines. Ocean liner services aimed at passengers almost ceased in the 1970s and 1980s.

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

They're called the North Star rides, and they may be the oddest attractions ever added to the top of a cruise ship. Is your idea of a great vacation a trip to a megaresort loaded with more restaurants, bars, theaters and watery amusements than you can imagine? Somewhat smaller in size but still giant by any measure, each of the line's five Quantum Class and three Freedom Class vessels has a total capacity ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. With space for around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy, the line's five Voyager Class vessels are relatively large, too. These seven groups are made up of ships constructed around the same time with the same basic design. They're known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

Types of Cruise Ships Based on Purpose

Specialty cruise ships are operated by cruise lines such as Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises, and U by Uniworld. For those seeking the ultimate in opulence and pampering, luxury cruise ships are the epitome of indulgence. These ships offer a sophisticated and refined experience, with impeccable service and extraordinary attention to detail.

Cruises

types of cruise ships

Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements. If you're hungry for even more information about these top eight cruise ships, click on its name. You’ll find a comprehensive expert review, hundreds of reader-submitted commentary, and enough photos to help you decide if one of these eight popular ships might become your new favorite. While high-energy activities may be absent from a luxury ship, it’s still possible to participate in activities like shuffleboard, pickle ball, or other social activities on a luxury cruise.

This cruise line boasts beautiful ships featuring Swarovski crystal staircases. A relative newcomer to the US market, MSC Cruises attracts a diverse group of cruisers from North America and abroad. And to take culinary inspirations from the ports that Costa visits, three chefs, Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León have a nightly treat for you. At dinner time, one of the dishes features local ingredients to give a taste of the following day’s port. Their focus is on the Greek experience with visits to many of the Greek islands.

The Best Cruise Lines for Every Traveler: Couples, Families, Luxury, Budget - Business Insider

The Best Cruise Lines for Every Traveler: Couples, Families, Luxury, Budget.

Posted: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

On board, you can expect to find equipment for various activities like kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and even helicopter rides. Adventure cruises are all about exploring the unknown and pushing the boundaries of traditional cruising. Like luxury cruises, expedition cruises use smaller ships, a necessity for cruising places that limit the number of passengers to be onshore at a time.

Mainstream Ocean Cruise Lines

There are also some variations in attractions among the five Voyager Class vessels. Navigator of the Seas has a relatively new waterslide zone that's home to The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea. You won't find that on the other ships, though most of them have different waterslides. Only three of the five ships — Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas — have laser tag courses. Adventure of the Seas is the only vessel in the class with a kiddie splash zone.

Carnival Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises is also known for its industry-leading array of off-the-beaten-path itineraries. The line prides itself on offering longer stays in ports, including multi-day visits. Pricing is higher than at the big, mass-market lines but not quite as high as you'll find at luxury lines. Anthem of the Seas may not be the newest of Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships, but it is a beautiful example of what Quantum-class ships do best.

There are two distinct experiences you can choose from, depending on your cruise style and how involved you'd like to be in helping out on a working ship. It's also common for cruise lines to offer segments to passengers wishing only to do part of the longer voyage. It's not uncommon for cruisers to take more than one sailing in a row on the same vessel.

That's more than any other major cruise line, and it means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean ship for you. 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 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.

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. For families with children, family-friendly cruise ships provide an ideal vacation option. These ships offer a variety of features and amenities tailored to accommodate the needs of families.

A large number of vessels under this category are in operation globally. Carnival Spirit, having a tonnage of GT and a complement of over 2100 passengers, and Pacific Explorer, of approximately over GT and 2000-passenger capacity, both owned by Carnival Plc., are popular vessels in this category. 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.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. The line's one Icon Class and five Oasis Class ships are unlike anything else you'll find at sea when it comes to size, amenities and capacity. They each can hold more than 6,600 passengers, with every berth full.

For megaresort fans, there's nothing quite like a Royal Caribbean vessel. However, Holland America has been shaking things up in recent years with lively new venues such as B.B. In short, Celebrity aims for sophisticates, not the party crowd (although it's not a luxury product). Think drag shows, adult themed shows, and staterooms with lighting for any mood. Although initially marketed for the younger set, Virgin does attract guests of all ages.

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