most fun cruise ship in the world

Top 10 Most Fun Cruises in 2024

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If you’re looking for the most fun cruise to plan this year, there are some truly amazing cruise ships to choose from. Top cruise lines have built some of the coolest features and fun attractions on their newest cruise ships.

As someone in my early twenties who loves to have fun and party on cruise ships, I’ve curated a great list of the 10 most fun cruises you can take this year.

With that being said, here are the top 10 most fun cruise ships you’re sure to love.

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10 Most Fun Cruises

1. royal caribbean wonder of the seas.

Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines, because they have something for everyone. Whether if you’re cruising with kids, as a couple or on your own, a Royal Caribbean cruise will be extremely fun.

The Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis class ship and is currently the largest ship in the world. This cruise ship weighs over 236,000 tons and holds just under 7,000 passengers.

When it comes to fun activities on a cruise ship , it’s hard to beat what Wonder of the Seas has to offer. Additionally, the Wonder of the Seas has great entertainment, featuring live music, an ice skating show and the aqua show in the AquaTheatre.

One of the greatest parts about going on a Royal Caribbean ship, is that they have plenty of delicious dining options and bar areas. There’s never a dull moment on a Royal Caribbean cruise!

If you’re cruising with children under 17 and under, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kid’s club is a great place for your kids to participate in activities and make new friends.

Features & Activities:

• Water Slides
• Splash park
• Surf Simulators
• Basketball court
• 10 story dry slide
• Ice skating
• Fitness classes
• Rock climbing

Related: Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Families – Complete Guide

2. Carnival Mardi Gras

Carnival cruise line is known as “The Worlds Most Popular Cruise Line”, carrying millions of cruise passengers every year. Since getting their start in 1972, Carnival cruises are known for their fun ships, joyful vacations and affordable prices.

The Carnival Mardi Gras was launched in 2020 with some exciting new onboard attractions and dining options.

The casual food options on Carnival Mardi Gras are some of the best at sea.

Big Chicken, BlueIguanna Cantina and Guy’s Burgers are amazing choices. Of course, there’s the popular Maketplace Lido Buffet and the main dining room to choose from as well.

A key features on the Carnival Mardi Gras are Bolt Sea Coaster, the first roller coaster at sea, and the ropes course. These are two fun activities that you have to try when you go on the Carnival Mardi Gras.

Onboard the Carnival Mardi Gras, you can expect a fun and laid back atmosphere. While Carnival is family friendly, many Carnival cruise passengers also like to party, drink and have a good time.

If you’re cruising with young adults , teenagers or children, there is no shortage of activities for them to enjoy!

Carnival’s Kid’s Club, Camp Ocean is geared towards children ages 2-11. Circle C (ages 12-14) and Camp 02 (15-17) caters to the tweens and teens. The youth program on is a great way to make new friends and hang out in a supervised environment throughout the cruise.

• Bolt roller coaster
• Water slides
• Sports court

Related: What’s Included on a Carnival Cruise – Everything You Need to Know

3. Norwegian Prima

The Norwegian Prima is Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s newest cruise ship. This cruise ship weighs over 143,000 tons and holds up to 3,099 passengers.

NCL cruises are extremely fun and have a fantastic night life. Whether you like to watch sports, go to comedy shows, enjoy live music or go to the club, there is always something going on in the evenings.

Onboard the Norwegian Prima, there are plenty of fun activities. This includes a cool race track, two dry slides and even beer pong tables. If you’re looking to have a fun and action packed vacation, then the Norwegian Prima is a great option.

If you’re cruising with kids or teenagers, be sure to check out the kid’s club, Splash Academy (ages 3-12) and Club Entourage (13-17). The kid’s camp is a great place for your children to participate in activities and to make new friends.

• 3 story Go-Kart track
• Infinity pool
• Splash area
• Virtual reality
• Escape room

Related: Is Norwegian Cruise Line Worth It? Pros & Cons

4. MSC Meraviglia

MSC is an Italian cruise line, known for their beautiful and elegant ships. Onboard an MSC cruise ship, you can expect a unique culinary experience, good service and a fun atmosphere.

The MSC Meraviglia launched in 2016. This cruise ship is over 167,000 tons and holds 4,500 passengers. This ship is absolutely stunning and has amazing bar and restaurant areas.

One of the unique features on the MSC Meraviglia is the Galleria Meraviglia. This area has the longest LED dome ceiling at sea, restaurants, bars and shops.

When it comes to activities onboard the MSC Meraviglia, there are 3 water slides, a splash park and a ropes course. There is also a pool area with pools and hot tubs.

If you’re cruising with children, you’ll be happy to know the MSC cruise ship has a fun kid’s club . The kid’s camp has video games, areas to hang out and planned activities.

• Bowling alley

Related: Best MSC Cruises For Families & Kids – Complete Guide

5. Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line is a family friendly cruise line, which is super popular for Disney lovers and families with younger children. Disney is the perfect cruise line for a fun family vacation.

The Disney Wish has a large pool deck that has multiple pools, hot tubs and lounge chairs. The food onboard the Disney Wish is very good and the staff are extremely friendly.

Since this is a Disney themed cruise, the cruise ship designed for younger crowds. However, the Disney Wish has an adult only area, which is perfect for relaxing without kids.

On the Disney Wish, you’ll find the Hero Zone, which is sports court. There are organized activities like the “Incredi-Games” and it can also be used as a basketball court.

If you’re cruising with young kids or teenagers, they will absolutely love Disney Cruise Line’s kid’s clubs. The kid’s club has couches to hang out, video games and fun organized activities.

• Splash zone
• Multiple Pool Areas
• Inflatable obstacle course
• Indoor sports court
• Complimentary table games

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6. Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for being fun and exciting casual cruise vacations. On a Norwegian cruise, you’ll find young people as well as those who are young at heart.

The Norwegian Joy has exciting activities, great dining options and amazing entertainment. The theatre onboard the Norwegian Joy, is spectacular and a great place to catch a Broadway style show and special guest entertainers.

If you’re someone who enjoys gambling, then you will love the casino onboard the Norwegian Joy. On the Norwegian Joy, the casino is massive and has slot machines, blackjack tables, poker tables and even a high rollers room.

The Norwegian Joy has a super fun kid’s and teen club. As someone who has cruised since I was a kid, I can say that Norwegian has one of the best kid’s clubs at sea.

If you’re cruising with kids, teenagers or young adults, they will love the kids club and enjoy the activities onboard the Norwegian Joy .

• Go-kart tracks

Related: 6 Best Norwegian Cruises for Families

7. Anthem of the Seas

Although the Anthem of the Seas isn’t as big as the Wonder of the Seas, it is still a large cruise ship. This cruise holds over 4,000 passengers and weighs 167,800 tons.

One of the unique features on the Anthem of the Seas is the North Star. The North Star is a gigantic robotic arm that goes 300 feet above the ocean and offers stunning views.

Some other activities on the Anthem of the Seas include indoor roller skating, bumper cars, water slides, rock climbing walls and a skydiving simulator.

If you love technology, then you will love this cruise. The Anthem of the Seas is one of the most technologically advanced cruises and it even has the Bionic Bar (robotic bartender).

The Anthem of the Seas is perfect for cruisers who want to have fun, try new attractions and enjoy a beautiful cruise ship.

• Skydiving simulator
• Surf simulator
• Bumper cars
• Roller skating
• Rock climbing wall

Related: Is a Royal Caribbean Cruise Worth It? 10 Things You Need to Know

8. MSC Seascape

The MSC Seascape is one of MSC Cruises newest cruise ships, officially named on December 7, 2022. Coming in at over 170,000 tons, the MSC Seascape holds nearly 6,000 passengers.

One of the cool things about the MSC Seascape is that it’s New York City themed. This means that venue names, decor and design features are New York City themed.

This is a stunning cruise ship, which mixes fun attractions with calm relaxation areas. The Jungle Pool Lounge is a jungle themed solarium area which has lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs.

For kids, there is the Pirates Cove Aqua Park that has water canons, bridges and mini slides to play on. There are also water slides, a sports court and the kid’s club, where your children will have the time of their life.

One of the unique features onboard the MSC Seascape is ROBOTRON. ROBOTRON is a robotic arm which will lift you 53 metres above sea level and flip you upside down.

Overall, the MSC Seascape has the perfect mix of relaxing areas, good dining options and amazing attractions. If you’re looking to have a fun and enjoyable vacation, the MSC Seascape is a great choice.

• Racing simulator

9. Celebrity Beyond

The Celebrity Beyond may not have water slides, roller coasters or zip lines like some other cruise ships. However, the Celebrity Beyond is a stunning ship that has a super fun vibe for adults.

If you’re someone who likes to spend time in hot tubs, at bars or by the pool, then you will love the Celebrity Beyond. When you’re on the Celebrity Beyond, it feels as if you’re on a luxurious mega yacht.

Celebrity Cruises is known for having great service, fine dining and beautiful ship designs. The Celebrity Beyond is Celebrity’s newest ship. This Edge class ship is like no other.

The highlights on Celebrity Beyond, include the beautiful and fun bar areas. The Magic Carpet, Sunset Bar and Martini Bar are some of the most lively and fun bars at sea.

The Celebrity Beyond also has champagne glass designed hot tubs, a solarium pool and plunge pools , which look over the edge of the cruise ship.

If you’re cruising with a family, you’ll find a kid’s club onboard the Celebrity Beyond. However, the Celebrity Beyond isn’t as family friendly as other cruise ships, and is more geared towards adults.

The Celebrity Beyond, will be a fun cruise for adults who are looking for a luxurious cruise experience.

• Magic Carpet
• Plunge pool
• Sunset Garden
• Martini bar

Related: Celebrity Beyond Infinite Veranda Honest Review

10. Virgin Valiant Lady

Virgin Voyages is an adult only cruise line , which has recently entered the cruise industry. The Virgin Valiant Lady was launched in 2020 and it can hold up to 2,700 “sailors”.

Virgin is fun for a few reasons, in part because they are doing things differently than many other competitor cruise lines. Virgin Voyages has an unconventional approach to cruising and is known for having great food and dining, amazing entertainment and crazy pool parties.

Since Virgin is an adult only cruise line (18+), their entertainment, activities and parties all cater towards an adult demographic. On Virgin Voyages, you’ll find a truly unique and fun cruise experience that is like no other.

• Balcony hammocks
• Included fitness classes
• Record shop
• Karaoke bar with individual booths
• Tattoo parlour

Honourable Mentions:

• Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
• Norwegian Encore
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Glory
• Holland America Rotterdam
• Celebrity Summit

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Final Thoughts on Most Fun Cruises in 2024

Well there it is, the top 10 most fun cruises!

If you’re planning a cruise and like to have fun, it’s important to know which cruise has the best activities, entertainment and attractions.

Cruising is a fun way to travel. You get to enjoy time on the cruise ship as well as visit some beautiful destinations. Choosing the most fun cruise depends most on what you like to do and enjoy.

In this post, I shared the top 10 most fun cruises.

What cruise ship or cruise line do you think is the most fun? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

Featured photo: Photo credit Royal Caribbean

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Best Cruise Ships for You

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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

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

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 .

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

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 . 

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 ).

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 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.

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.

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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These Are the World’s Best Cruise Ships

From long-standing icons to newer ships with modern amenities and innovative eco-friendly features, this is our list of the best cruise ships sailing the seas..

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French line Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s most luxurious icebreaker—and one of the best cruise ships in the world.

Photos by Gilles Trillard/Ponant

As a longtime cruise writer, I’ve sailed on more than 170 ships over the course of nearly four decades. Cruise ships have changed so much since I first started sailing. They are more technologically advanced and more environmentally friendly . They sail faster and quieter and leave less of a footprint. Ships now can produce their water using onboard desalinization plants, and they are cutting their energy use and laying the groundwork for a move away from fossil fuels. They’re exploring new places beyond the Caribbean and Europe and Alaska, from the far reaches of the South Pacific to the west coast of Africa, the southern tip of South America, and the North Pole.

Other welcome developments in recent years include more reliable and faster Wi-Fi —meaning you can catch up on your work and stay connected with friends and family while on board (if you must)—and a greater variety of dining options, such as menus with vegan and plant-based selections. There are more cruise ships with family-friendly services, too, as well as those catering more to solo travelers with dedicated staterooms and social spaces.

Luxury cruise lines are working harder to compete with land-based resorts and boutique hotel properties in order to court first-time cruisers , and consequently are moving to more casual dress codes and emphasizing yacht-style features, with a greater focus on connecting more to the passing scenery with large windows and better viewing areas—reminding passengers of the undeniable benefits and convenience of traveling on a luxurious resort on water, where you only have to pack and unpack once as you sail to new destinations while admiring the ocean views along the way.

From long-standing icons that have maintained their unique style and character over the years, to newer ships that showcase modern amenities and innovative sustainability efforts, this is our list of the world’s best cruise ships—vessels that are the best in class when it comes to service, staterooms, public areas, and creating a beautiful, floating home away from home for seafaring travelers exploring the world.

1. Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2"

When it comes to cruising, it doesn’t get more majestic than the Queen Mary 2 with its soaring Grand Lobby.

Courtesy of Greywolf Studios Limited/Cunard

• Best for: Traditional cruising
• Suggested itinerary: 7-night transatlantic crossing , from $1,289 per person

Venerable British line Cunard’s 2,705-passenger Queen Mary 2 is a real ocean liner, a vessel defined by its reinforced steel hull that can handle the Atlantic, which it crosses regularly on sailings between Southampton, U.K., and Brooklyn, New York. Being onboard feels like a special occasion, especially if you join the crowd in the ship’s chandeliered Queens Room ballroom, where passengers can dance to a live big band in a throwback to the golden era of travel. The ship operates in traditional style, meaning you dine based on your type of accommodation. At the high end, Princess and Queens Grill guests can access exclusive restaurants where they can order tableside preparations such as Dover sole. For the rest, the Art Deco–inspired main dining room, Britannia, with its soaring ceilings, staircase, and chandeliers, fulfills any fantasies you might have of glamorous ships of yore. Beyond the pomp and circumstance, you’ll find the best pub at sea, complete with darts tournaments, trivia competitions, and pub grub. Spend time in the massive ocean-view library, relax in the spa with a hydrotherapy pool, and sip at the champagne bar while listening to live jazz. Embrace the interesting talks hosted by historians and other fascinating lecturers—when you’re not walking around deck embracing the fact that in crossing a mighty sea you are part of a long and storied seafaring tradition.

Read our full review of sailing a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 .

2. Viking’s ocean ships

On Viking ocean ships, Scandinavian design details, such as the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, with high ceilings and natural lighting in its pool and lounge areas, are showcased throughout.

Courtesy of Viking

• Best for: Destination experiences
• Suggested itinerary: 14-night Viking Homelands itinerary between Bergen, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden, from $6,999 per person

When river cruise line Viking debuted its ocean ships with the 930-passenger Viking Star in 2015, it was with the goal of creating a better, value-packed cruise experience for adults aged 55 and up. Eight sister ships followed, all with the same profile of stunning Scandinavian decor, well-planned itineraries that linger in ports, and the promise of no nickel-and-diming. Everyone stays in a spacious veranda stateroom or suite; specialty restaurants, such as a fine Italian venue, and a chef’s tasting experience are complimentary, and so is the accompanying beer and wine. Live lectures and broadcasts of TED Talks encourage learning. Some of my favorite experiences on these well-oiled ships include Mamsen’s Café, which offers made-to-order Norwegian waffles with cheese; the two-deck Explorer Lounge with its forward-facing wall of glass for views, and cool nautical knickknacks on the shelves; and the gorgeous, light-filled, glass-enclosed Wintergarden with its pool and lounging areas. I could often be found indulging in the crab legs at the seafood bar at the World Café. Don’t miss the complimentary spa complete with a snow room and heated thalassotherapy pool. A shore excursion at every port is included in your cruise fare, and there are overnight port calls on many itineraries—sometimes even multiple overnights to maximize the destination experience. Passengers can choose additional excursions for an extra fee, such as exploring the culinary highlights of Gdánsk, Poland, or biking the streets of Oslo.

3. Virgin Voyages’ ” Scarlet Lady ”

On Virgin Voyages, an entire cruise line designed around the 18-and-over set, adults are sure to have some fun.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

• Best for: Fun adult time
• Suggested itinerary: 4-night cruise from Miami to Key West and Bimini , from $619 per person

In October 2021, a fun-loving girlfriend and I boarded the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady , which had just launched, wondering what playful billionaire Richard Branson could possibly bring to cruising that was new. The answer was adult fun. Virgin Voyages, Branson’s relatively new adults-only cruise endeavor, has a three-ship fleet that consists of Scarlet Lady and sister ships Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady and is reserved for those aged 18 and up who are willing to indulge in a bit of cheekiness. Passengers (Virgin refers to them as “sailors”) can grab a scoop at the Lick Me ‘Till ice cream shop and be pampered by a crew who are encouraged to show off their piercings, tattoos, dyed hair, and unique personal style. You can get your own ink and piercings at the onboard tattoo parlor. Expect dance parties with circus and diva performers and lots of day drinking. Another fun feature? You can shake your phone while using the ship’s app to request a bottle of champagne delivered to you anywhere on the ship. Dining is complimentary at restaurants including a Korean BBQ spot complete with drinking games, and a chef’s-gone-wild venue where dishes may arrive smoking or popping. Virgin encourages donations to marine conservation, sources sustainable seafood, and bans most single-use plastics; plus, heat from the ship’s engines generates some electricity (decreasing fuel demand).

Here’s our full review of sailing with Virgin Voyages.

4. Silverseas Cruises’ “Silver Nova”

You’ll have ocean views for days on the ultra-luxurious Silver Nova .

Courtesy of Silversea

• Best for: Ultra-luxurious pampering
• Suggested itinerary: 7-night Alaska cruise , between Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, Canada, from $6,300 per person

Silversea’s fleet of sleek, Euro-designed ships exude luxury with their refined decor and butlers and attentive crew who deliver next-level pampering. With the new 728-passenger Silver Nova , Silversea created more spaces featuring ocean views, adding more glass windows and an ocean-facing main pool and dining room. On this stunning vessel, relax on a cushy lounge chair at the pool—which, rather than being placed in the center of the ship (the standard location on cruise ships), is off to one side so that everyone can enjoy maximum views. Get the best seat in the house at the outdoor bar or grill restaurant, also designed for prime ocean viewing. The ship’s stunning three-story atrium showcases the sea through a massive wall of glass, offering views from various levels, including from the champagne bar, the coffee shop, or a classy club chair in the Dolce Vita bar. Even the ship’s glass elevators face the sea. On the classy Silver Nova , you’ll find Silversea favorites such as an expanded SALT (Sea and Land Taste) program, which allows you to eat, sip, and learn about local flavors in the destinations you are visiting; passengers might sample Croatian wines in the Adriatic, for instance. On the sustainability front, Silver Nova is groundbreaking: It’s equipped with a large-scale hybrid power source, which combines hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and dual engines that run on liquified natural gas.

5. Seabourn’s “ Seabourn Ovation”

You’ll hardly be roughing it when you sail on the Seabourn Ovation .

Courtesy of Seabourn

• Best for: Sophisticated design
• Suggested itinerary: 10-day “Mediterranean Overture” cruise , from Barcelona to Rome, from $5,881 per person

Noted hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany had yachts in mind when he designed Seabourn’s ultra-luxe, 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation , as well as sister ships Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Odyssey . He likes to describe the ships as “sexy,” for their smooth corners and tactile fabrics. The ships have an at-home quality—if you happen to live in an art-filled modern mansion. Ovation ’s collection comprises some 1,600 artworks from 120 emerging artists meant to serve as “windows to the world’s different climate zones, its flora, fauna, and habitat, and … impressions of the world we encounter as we travel,” according to Seabourn . Guests stay in oceanfront suites with walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, and if you spring for a Wintergarden suite, you get a glass-enclosed solarium with a soaking tub. The main pool is a plush lounging spot, but a floor above you may retreat to the Retreat, where you can rent a fancy cabana and have a private attendant deliver complimentary champagne and caviar and whatever else you’re craving. Among other culinary delights is excellent gelato made onboard. Some guests like to dress up onboard, while others would rather focus on relaxing in comfortable clothing. For those focused on the latter, a partnership with wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil, includes such experiences as a chakra-balancing crystal sound bath..

6. Ponant’s “Le Commandant Charcot”

Explore the world’s most extreme environments on the world’s most luxurious icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.

Photo by Nicolas Dubreuil/Ponant

• Best for: Eco-friendly features
• Suggested itinerary: 12-night “The St. Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter” cruise , from $24,210 per person

One of the world’s most luxurious icebreakers is also one of the most eco-friendly ships afloat. French line Ponant’s 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot is a hybrid electric ship that can sail for up to eight hours emissions-free, as it takes guests to destinations such as Greenland and the North Pole and, new in 2025, Quebec in winter. The other energy sources are liquified natural gas and low-sulfur gas oil, together cutting carbon emissions by 25 percent compared to more conventional ship fuel. Guests onboard are treated to fine French cuisine (Alain Ducasse is the culinary adviser) and wine, as well as plush cabins and suites with balconies or terraces. They can watch icebergs and polar bears passing by from the serenity of the heated pools on the sides of the ship that are heated by recycled energy from the ship’s propulsion. Inside, there’s another heated pool and a spa with a snow room and sauna, where therapists serve up massages using natural and eco-friendly products. Scientists are on board conducting research and discussing topics such as climate change. Zodiac-boat exploration led by naturalists gets you close to both ice and wildlife. There’s also the opportunity for polar kayaking, ice fishing, dogsledding, and snowshoeing, depending on the destination.

7. Windstar’s “ Wind Surf”

Is there a more classic way to be out on the water than to have the wind in your *Windstar* sails?

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

• Best for: A sailing experience
• Suggested itinerary: 7-night “Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway,” roundtrip from St. Maarten, from $2,199 per person

The world’s largest sailing ship is a dream come true for those who appreciate the sight of 26,881 square feet of Dacron unfurling and catching wind. The 342-passenger, 525-foot Wind Surf delivers a sense of pride, especially when you’re in port and you point to your ship’s five masts, to envious sighs of your new friends. Windstar delivers luxury in a relaxed, friendly fashion, and that includes getting close to the sea on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards launched from the ship’s watersports platform—that is, when you’re not swimming out to the vessel’s water trampoline. Dancing under the stars on deck will appeal to those looking for romance; hanging out with the officers on the bridge is a must for sailing fans. The cuisine shines, which is not surprising since Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. Visiting chefs come on board, and local product is featured. I suggest accompanying the head chef as they gather ingredients at local markets. At the spa, choose treatments inspired by cruising regions. The ship is slated for a two-part redesign of public spaces in 2024 and suite updates in 2026, which will likely make a good thing even better.

8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ” Seven Seas Splendor”

Wine, dine, admire masterpieces, and relax in luxury onboard the Seven Seas Splendor .

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Best for: Over-the-top luxury
• Suggested itinerary: 10-night cruise from Athens to Monte Carlo , from $8,599 per person

For lovers of glitz and glamor, Regent Seven Seas Cruises won’t disappoint with its self-proclaimed “world’s most luxurious ship,” the 750-passenger all-suite Seven Seas Splendor , and similarly promoted sister ships, the Seven Seas Explorer and the new Seven Seas Grandeur . On Splendor you’ll find crystal and glass chandeliers aplenty, an extensive art collection, and enough Carrara marble to fill a football field and then some. Care is shown in the details. Sit in a silk-covered chair in the elegant Chartreuse dining room, where a tuxedo-clad waiter will serve a truffle-enhanced tart and you can imagine yourself in a grand hotel in Paris. Enter the Prime 7 steakhouse, where at the bar you’ll pass art pieces by Joan Miró and Picasso. Much on Splendor is completely over-the-top. The leathers are butter soft, the carpets and velvet details as plush as can be. In your suite, enjoy some alone time with an extravagant meal accompanied by champagne, served course by course on a white tablecloth on your private veranda. Want more? For about $11,000 per night, the top-end, 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite comes with a $200,000 horsehair bed, a Steinway grand piano, and its own spa.

9. Explora Journeys’ ” Explora I”

For a relaxed resort atmosphere where passengers of all ages are made to feel welcome, book a sailing on the recently launched Explora I .

Ivan Sarfatti/Explora Journeys

• Best for: Multigenerational cruising
• Suggested itinerary: 7-night cruise between Athens and Venice , from $4,462 per person

Explora Journeys is a new luxury cruise line that launched its first ship, Explora I , in 2023. The ship carries up to 900 guests, but the cruise line plans to limit guests to 700 because the biggest luxury here is space on a vessel that bills itself as a resort experience at sea. The food at the four restaurants and at arguably the best marketplace and buffet at sea is divine (unsurprising, since French Master Chef Franck Garanger, who previously headed cuisine for Oceania Cruises, is cooking here with a big budget, delivering treats such as a spoonful of caviar on your breakfast eggs). Complimentary Moët & Chandon flows freely. The contemporary Italian design is sleek and gorgeous: Large cabins all have balconies, and over-the-top ocean residences (suites) have outdoor whirlpools. Aside from those, the four swimming pools and assorted hot tubs mean you can always find a quiet lounging spot. Big-ship features include a pickleball court and a casino. The big difference here is a push to welcome multigenerational families onboard. Unusual for a luxury cruise product is the staffed kids club where the counselors speak multiple languages as they lead activities focused on ocean conservation—when the kids aren’t playing pool or other games. Connecting suites make it easy for families to have more space, too.

Here’s our full review of sailing on the Explora I .

10. Silversea Cruises’ “ Silver Origin”

Sail the Galapagos in style on the Silver Origin .

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Best for: Nature meets luxury Suggested itinerary: 7-night Galapagos cruise , from $11,700 per person Book now

Silversea Cruises’ 100-passenger Silver Origin delivers luxury in the remote Galapagos National Park, where you can catch spectacular views while soaking in a hot tub as your butler serves champagne. Beyond sizable suites and butler service for all is an experienced team of naturalists who make sure you don’t miss the sight of blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, and myriad other creatures in this nature wonderland. Visitors to the park may only go onshore, snorkel, or kayak when accompanied by a park-certified naturalist guide—with one guide to every 16 travelers. The ship was built specifically for the Galapagos, with the luxurious decor subtly befitting the destination and showcasing local art and artifacts. Passengers eat exceptionally good ceviche and international cuisine overseen by an enthusiastic Ecuadorian chef. You may enjoy the vistas from a cushy club chair in the ocean-view library while perusing a book about Darwin. A top-deck platform provides undisturbed views of the night sky and perhaps volcanic activity. And you’re on a ship designed to hover over delicate seabeds without disturbing the marine life you’ve come to see.

Read our full review of sailing on the Silver Origin .

11. Lindblad Expeditions’ ” National Geographic Resolution”

Expedition specialist Lindblad brings travelers to remote destinations in comfort on the National Geographic Resolution .

Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

• Best for: Remote exploration
• Suggested itinerary: 13-night “Journey to Antarctica,” from $16,020 per person

Lindblad Expeditions has always prided itself on soft-adventure exploration, destination expertise, and education, including a long-time partnership with National Geographic. On the 138-passenger polar exploration ship National Geographic Resolution and its sister ship, National Geographic Endurance, the company has made an extra effort to make passengers very comfortable on their remote adventures. All accommodations have ocean views, and many have balconies equipped with hammocks for relaxing. Care was taken with the polar-inspired art collection, which creatively documents climate change and includes a soundscape and installations, such as art created with recycled plastic bags in the reception area. The ship has an inverted X-bow (the farthest point of the bow is situated at the bottom of the vessel rather than at the top) for improved performance and a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride. Two infinity-edge hot tubs and the spa’s two ocean-view saunas are the perfect spots for warming up after exploring polar regions on inflatable Zodiacs boats or kayaks, cross-country skis, or snowshoes, accompanied by the experienced naturalist team. Nat Geo experts provide photo advice, and historians and marine biologists host onboard lectures. Enjoy such sustainable dining experiences as a Zero-Waste chef’s table. Another unusual experience: Guests can sleep overnight in a top-deck glass igloo to admire the polar landscape.

Read our full review of sailing on the National Geographic Resolution .

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The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Consider Gold List the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: What are your favourite places to stay? Our 30th annual iteration of the world’s greatest hotels and cruises captures nearly a year’s worth of work: This collection represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting, and impassioned debating by our team of editors in seven cities across the globe. But more than that, it reflects our ongoing love affair with the places where we stay, which often become our gateways to entire destinations. Read on to inspire your next cruise.

See the full Gold List here.

Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

Celebrity Beyond

Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here’s one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to the sound of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Beyond is one of the largest ships in Celebrity’s Edge class, and all that space is used to maximise the drama. A whole corridor is filled with a glowing installation of bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors; a favourite anchorage was Eden, a beautiful, biophiliac bubble for hiding away in, watching the ship’s wake through triple-height windows and dawdling in swivel chairs that resemble green carnations. As for the cast, there are some stellar performers: Kelly Hoppen designed most of the interiors; Daniel Boulud’s debut signature restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, has an impeccable, globe-trotting menu alighting on Brazilian moqueca and tamarind prawns. But top of the bill is Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship. A captain hasn’t been this synonymous with their ship since the days of Merrill Stubing; follow her social media for a glimpse into the art of ship navigation. During our short, prelaunch cruise, we had an itinerary that involved looping round and round the Isle of Wight – a short trip, but one that was big on sheer spectacle. Three-night sailings from £237 per person. Rick Jordan

Book now at Celebrity Cruises

Delfin II – Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness – which is wild when you consider how much life thrives there. It was on a nine-day journey through Peru with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic that I learned this, as we spent five of those days exploring the jungle by boat. Our chariot: the Delfin II , a Relais & Châteaux vessel with 14 thoughtfully appointed staterooms.

Most days began with a crack-of-dawn skiff ride soundtracked by the squall of jewel-winged, dusky-headed parakeets. The photographers pulled out their football lenses and the birders gasped from behind their binoculars as naturalists pointed out an elegant snowy egret picking its way through a mudbank, a neotropic cormorant spreading its gothy black wings like a vampire, and the somber Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in South America, standing like a dour English butler on a naked tree limb. Also flagged were capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, flamboyant bromeliads, and – after dark – scores of caimans and capybaras.

We spent one muggy morning in a Kukama village, where indigenous women wove raffia bowls and cooked catfish, and another morning paddling the river – an outing which culminated with a pod of pink river dolphins leaping from the water mere feet from our kayaks. (Even our seen-it-all naturalist, Sandro, clapped like a schoolgirl.)

This deep in the Amazon jungle, there were no other tourists. When we did see signs of human life, they were usually fishermen or park rangers. And because there was no Wi-Fi on the Delfin II and a near total blackout on cell reception, downtime was spent attending lectures on Amazonian ecology, sampling native fruits (how the aptly named ice cream bean hasn’t been pitched on Shark Tank yet, I’ll never know), and buddying up to the ship bar, where I made fast friends of fellow guests. (Expedition cruises always draw a fascinating lot; my cohort included a microbiologist, metaphysical transcendentalist, and one of the earliest Apple employees.)

The highlight of the trip, however, was hiking through the jungle with a local tracker who showed us a brown-throated three-toed sloth, Goliath bird-eating tarantula, junior anaconda, and a century-old strangler fig. When we finally emerged from the bush, we were treated to a spectacular tangerine-and-charcoal sunset punctured by bolts of lighting. It was surreal and intense, just like everything else in this untouched corner of the world. Eight-day sailings from £4,528 per person. Ashlea Halpern

Book now at Expeditions

Evrima – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into cruising, the Evrima is a hotel-at-sea experience that might just be the antidote to all the big ship itineraries. Think ultra-small ship luxury (at half the capacity of the Seabourns and Regents) with plenty of scenery options to choose from – the European Mediterranean (routes from Turkey to the Canary Islands) from spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Barts) in winter – and a younger crowd than most of the luxury cruise market; mostly culture lovers with a dearth of cruising experience who can't wait to get ashore to the Côte d’Azur village restaurants. The 624-foot ship is the first in a fleet of three emerging over the next few years, and it still feels spacious with 149 suites, two pools, a cigar humidor, six bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor Observation Lounge, The Bar, and bars located at the Marina Terrace, the Pool House, and Mistral), a beauty salon and spa deck, water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness centre. The 246 staff range from deck crew to your cabin’s personal concierge, all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen– but titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to dining leads will pause to actually get to know you and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home, which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega-yacht. And the Evrima itinerary has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings, so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night – gallivanting, dining, and imbibing with the new friends you'll no doubt meet onboard. Seven-night sailings from £4,583 per person. Shannon McMahon

Book now at Ritz-Carlton

Marina – Oceania Cruises

Is there any Marina passenger who doesn’t wish – even for a second – to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day? Perhaps only the smarty pants who booked their next cruise before this one ends. Otherwise, how can an epicurean cruiser (that’s Marina ’s crowd) not pine for another shot at the new wine list starring 80 highly coveted, hard-to-snag labels, including swoon-worthy Super Tuscans? You’ll long for one more brag-worthy chance to sip The Mascot, a label from Harlan family pedigree (think cult fave Harlan Estate); the Polo Grill’s deft sommelier knows exactly which prime steak pairs best. Despite eight compelling complimentary restaurants (Red Ginger’s signature lobster pad thai is still a must-devour), Marina vibes far more than great meals. Work up a sweat storm playing pickleball on deck 16 or braving core conditioning in the gym. Melt into a marine detox wrap (I love the juniper and lemon scent) at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, then sink into the spa terrace’s bubbling hot tub. Get down and dirty in the artist loft by painting a Venetian mask and playing Impressionist. In the hands-on culinary centre, learn to cure a fish or preserve a lemon. Come May 2024, Marina debuts a splashy redo. Fall in love again with revamped avocado toast – bravo to the taco-spiced shrimp topping – in the new wellness-driven Aquamar kitchen. Where you lie your head hardly matters. An entry 291-square-foot stateroom starring a four-pillow, soft-sheet bed feels mighty spacious and sports Bulgari shampoo. That said, the top-to-bottom penthouse suites’ glam reno is beyond covetable, from the expanded bath to a boatload of enviable perks. Ten-day sailings from £1,579 per person. Janice Wald Henderson

Book now at Oceania Cruises

MS Trollfjord – Hurtigruten

Who better to guide you through Norway’s most remote reaches – including the Svalbard archipelago, the northernmost inhabited islands on the planet – than a Norwegian cruise company that knows the area’s every crag and fjord? Hurtigruten is an Oslo-based line whose ships have traversed these waters since 1893, ferrying freight, mail and passengers to the communities along the rugged coast. In 2023, to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the company’s flagship, the newly refurbished, 500-passenger MS Trollfjord (named for a fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago) began sailing two hybrids of its original 34-port Norwegian Coastal Express, calling at several of the towns and villages on the original route. From September through April, the North Cape Express (a 13-day, 16-port itinerary) sails from Oslo to the North Cape and then south to Bergen. In the summertime, the Svalbard Express’s eight-day journey begins in Bergen and progresses north, with extended port calls and excursions in seven towns before entering the Arctic Circle and pulling into Longyearbyen, a mining town on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s main island. On both routes Trollfjord offers its (mostly European) passengers an uncommon way to explore the region, with uniquely Nordic cultural touches to connect them to the country. There’s a pre-boarding spread of Norwegian fare in the ship’s departure lounge, and Trollfjord ’s three restaurants prioritise Scandinavian cuisine (salmon, reindeer and lingonberries, oh my!) and the food culture of the indigenous Sámi people. The ship’s 277 staterooms and 12 suites (with walk-in closets, corner bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows) offer a cosy retreat from the sometimes-harsh weather. And typically Nordic diversions such as aquavit tastings, oceanview saunas and polar plunges leave you in no doubt about where you are and who you’re sailing with. 10-day sailings from £2,435 per person. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Book now at Hurtigruten

Navigator – Regent Seven Seas

Imagine the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Navigator feels like. And while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space, it’s worth mentioning that the staff are what make the experience memorable, remembering your name, preferences, likes, and dislikes from the second you step afoot the eight-deck vessel.

The 248 ultraluxe all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home – despite their capacious interiors – and your personalised steward makes sure of that with thoughtful touches from the moment you check in. Thanks to a revamp in 2019, the ship feels pristine with a new library – complete with a faux fireplace – and sleek state-of-the-art furnishings (including the cruise line’s bespoke mattresses and bed linens) in each of the rooms. However, what makes the Navigator stand out from its counterparts is its intimate size, as it’s the smallest in Regent’s fleet. Everything onboard feels just an arm’s reach away, and you’ll quickly bond with fellow passengers after spending the day together on one of the complimentary shore excursions, such as tours by local guides, cooking classes, and other intimate adventures.

During my Mediterranean voyage, days were spent immersing ourselves in new cities, whereas nights began with a freshly shaken ice-cold martini followed by an exuberant dinner, with a stop in the Seven Seas Lounge for whatever was on tap that night, ranging from cabaret to karaoke. At the end of the journey, I left wanting more and with a suitcase full of clean clothes, thanks to one of the many attentive touches onboard: the included laundry service. 10-night sailings from £2,655 per person. Rachel Dube

Book now at Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ovation – Seabourn

“We are not the Rat Pack,” quips Andrew Pedder, the witty Yorkshire-born captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to himself and the other senior officers, for any guests who may have wandered into their impromptu panel session instead of the musical show taking place later that evening. The Q&A – which covers everything from the prettiest ports to the number of Champagne bottles typically consumed during a seven-day voyage – is part of a last-minute program of activities arranged for an unexpected sea day when it’s too windy to dock in the South of France. This is mid-October, on one of the ship’s jaunts around the Mediterranean for the season, and no one seems to mind the change of plan (although when we do explore, all the islands we visit – Menorca, Corsica, Elba – are blissfully tourist-free). It simply means more time for spa treatments, soaks in the outdoor hot tubs, and afternoon tea in the observation bar. Even then, it only feels like there are 60 passengers onboard, rather than 600. The restaurants are excellent, from Sushi, where you can sit at the counter watching the Japanese chefs at work, to poolside Earth & Ocean for Tandoori-style rotisserie chicken and Madras-style white bean cassoulet. Suites are spacious, each one with a balcony. West End–standard entertainment includes a magician and a chart-topping classical singer. But what makes this ultraluxe ship really memorable is the relaxed, on-point service by staff who remember your name and coffee order, or even a familiar face from a sailing five years ago. Seven-day sailings from £2,093 per person. Emma Love

Book now at Seabourn

Silver Endeavour – Silversea

Silversea is defined by its far-flung itineraries and exceptional onboard service (think Moët Champagne as you take in an iceberg calving in Antarctica). But the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour, new to the fleet and already a classic, raises every bar. Rooms start at a spacious 356 square feet and have luxury perks like pillow menus and a personalised bar, making them the best in all of Silversea’s array of ships. As far as food goes, premium Ars Italica Osetra caviar is complimentary and around-the-clock, though the Dover sole paired with a label from the rare wine menu at La Dame would have you believing you were in Paris. And the signature Otium spa celebrates pampering as much as it does wellness – don’t skip on the oxygen-boosting Golden Radiance facial. You may find yourself at any given hour glimpsing ice walls through the Drake Passage and remembering that the best part about this ship is the awe-inspiring places it dares to take you. 10-day sailings from £10,391. Janice Wald Henderson

Book now at Silversea

Scarlet Lady – Virgin Voyages

Although new to the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has already begun to set itself apart from its predecessors. When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. While the Scarlet Lady takes you on a familiar route around the Caribbean, the on-shore excursions available are what make this sail memorable. Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls. After the exhilarating experience, travellers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. You can always get local delicacies while docked, but while onboard, you must snag a reservation at the Test Kitchen. It’s an experimental dining experience where the menu always evolves. You go in only seeing a small card with ingredients listed for the night’s meal, but everything else is up to the imagination. One might find cucumbers puréed and frozen into ice cream as dessert, or beets formed and prepared like steak. While en route to the next port, the hard reset one does at the Redemption Spa leaves your body feeling anew; it’s impossible to come back from vacation feeling the same as when you departed. On any Virgin Voyages ship, you’ll love the indulgent atmosphere, whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth by narrowing down your favourite gelato of the day, grabbing a drink at one of the five bars that stake claim to having the largest tequila supply on the seven seas, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for ages after visiting the ship’s tattoo parlour, Squid Ink. Seven-day sailings from £1,659 per person. Paris Wilson

Book now at Virgin Voyages

Queen Mary 2 – Cunard

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction, but it turned out I had nothing to fear. “The ship is the destination,” said an entertainment director for Queen Mary 2 , who oversees a programme that makes this cruise liner the undisputed hub of creative and intellectual stimulation on the high seas. Where else can you attend the annual Literature Festival At Sea, meeting top fiction and nonfiction authors like the late PJ O’Rourke, Bernadine Evaristo, and Louis de Bernières? And where else can you visit a planetarium, watch a Royal Shakespeare theatre production, or hear guest speakers discuss artwork investments and the history of airport drug mules?

In between spa massages and table tennis rallies, I nourished my mind in the mahogany library before nourishing my body at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, scarfing dishes like croquette of suckling pig, paired with excellent vintages and followed by mango pannacotta. On the final stretch of the journey, as dolphins leapt over the horizon and the Statue of Liberty loomed into view, my heart sank a little – New York City awaited, yet I didn’t want to disembark. That’s quite an achievement. Seven-day sailings from £1,097 per person. Noo Saro-Wiwa

Book now at Cunard

World Navigator – Atlas Ocean Voyages

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator, I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a family reunion: Seemingly everyone else aboard this Arctic expedition had just sailed to Antarctica on the Navigator six months before, so several crew members and guests spent much of embarkation day hugging and catching up. With a maximum occupancy of 196, it’s already an intimate ship, but the fact that the relatively young brand, which debuted in 2019, could develop such an impressive number of repeat travellers in such a short spell speaks volumes. Many told me they were drawn to Atlas because of its eco-friendly bona fides (the new-build ship makes use of hybrid engines from Rolls-Royce designed to leave minimal impact), but the creature comforts on board certainly help. While the star attraction of such an expedition voyage is what lies beyond the decks – access to remote Antarctic fjords that larger vessels can’t dream of traversing, or spotting polar bears loping along pearly glaciers in the Arctic – I made the most of my time in between Zodiac expeditions. The multi-jet shower in my stateroom was sublime after damp and rigorous treks, the heated massage beds in the only L’Occitane Spa at sea are a dream, and the Arctic summer’s 24 hours of sunshine made the Dome observation deck a prime perch to cozy up with a book at any time of day or night. There was neither internet nor cell phone connectivity during my entire eight-day journey sailing thanks to the remote latitudes (though Atlas guests now have access to full Starlink satellite coverage), which meant this was the longest I’d been offline since the 1990s – and yet somehow, drifting through the surreal landscape in this cosseting bubble, I didn’t miss scrolling or chatting with the outside world one bit. Seven-night sailings from £3,752 per person. Sarah Khan

Book now at Atlas Ocean Voyages

Westerdam – Holland America Line

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock, to R&B, to country music, and to disco hits as talented singers and a live band perform most nights in the Rolling Stone Lounge, on Holland America Line’s Westerdam . His mechanical movements are a source of amusement and encouragement; if he can take over the dance floor, so can we with our own moves. The 1,916-passenger Westerdam is beloved as a traditional cruise ship, with its smaller-than-mega-ship size, deep blue hull, wraparound outdoor promenade deck, and details such as fresh flowers all around, celebrating the 150-year-old cruise line’s Dutch roots. Tradition does not mean staid. There’s rock and roll. There’s a trendy top-of-ship pickleball court.

On an Alaska cruise, my husband and I start our days with a jolt of caffeine via the baristas at Explorations Central, the ship’s cushy, contemporary, forward-facing observation lounge, before heading off on adventures such as joining other passengers in synchronised paddling a large canoe to see the ancient yet diminishing ice of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. Back on the ship, we indulge in excellent burgers, topped with Gouda and applewood-smoked bacon and served in fast-food wrapping from a stand at the covered Lido pool. We enjoy sustainable Alaska seafood – grilled salmon, fennel-crusted halibut, fried cod – in between cocktails made with local gin, served on real glacial ice. From the veranda of our classic aft cabin, mesmerising views of the ship’s wake, seemingly endless forest, and a distant, blue-tinged glacier clear our brain. We’re ready for more of the dancing man. Seven-day sailings from £299.50 per person. Fran Golden

Book now at Holland America

The Most Fun Cruise Ship: A Comprehensive Guide to Ultimate Entertainment at Sea

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure at sea? With the growing popularity of cruise vacations, it’s no wonder people are hunting for the most fun cruise ship experience.

But how do you choose the perfect vessel to guarantee a rollicking good time? Well, that’s where we come in! With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be on your way to the vacation of a lifetime, full of entertainment, excitement, and non-stop fun.

Most Fun Cruise Ship Introduction

Cruising is no longer just a means of travel; it’s a way to make memories that last a lifetime. The correct cruise ship is the key to unlocking a treasure trove of unforgettable moments. So, without further ado, let’s dip in and explore the wonders that await you!

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Most Fun Cruise Ship

Before we set sail on this journey, let’s consider some crucial factors that’ll help you pick the most fun cruise ship for your vacation:

1. Age Group and Demographics

Who said age is just a number? When it comes to cruising, age matters! The most fun cruise ship for a group of twenty-somethings may be a snooze-fest for a family with young kids. Keep your travel companions in mind and choose a ship that caters to your age group and interests.

2. Types of Onboard Entertainment and Activities

The perfect cruise ship should have enough onboard entertainment and activities to keep you busy from sunrise to sunset (and beyond!). Research what’s offered and ensure it aligns with your idea of fun.

3. Ship Size and Capacity

Are you fan of big ships with endless amenities or small, intimate ships with a cozy atmosphere? The size and capacity of a ship can significantly impact your experience, so choose wisely.

4. Itinerary and Destinations

Last but not least, consider your dream destinations. Your choice of the most fun cruise ship should also view the itinerary and the ports of call you’re dying to explore.

Top Cruise Lines and Their Most Fun Cruise Ships

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s dive into the main course! Here are the top cruise lines and their most fun cruise ships, known for offering exceptional entertainment experiences:

Royal Caribbean International

• Symphony of the Seas

Meet the reigning queen of fun: Symphony of the Seas! This colossal ship has thrilling activities, like a 10-story slide, a zip line, and an ice-skating rink. There’s never a dull moment aboard Symphony, making her a top contender for the most fun cruise ship title.

• Harmony of the Seas

A close second in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Harmony of the Seas boasts an impressive array of entertainment options, including a surf simulator, a water park, and jaw-dropping acrobatic performances. With so much to do, boredom isn’t even in Harmony’s vocabulary.

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy is all about living up to its name. This ship is designed for pure, unadulterated fun, with a two-level race track, laser tag, and a virtual reality gaming area. Trust us; you’ll never want to leave this floating paradise.

• Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore is the younger sibling of Norwegian Joy, and it’s got all the bells and whistles you could hope for. Encore promises endless fun for all ages, from Broadway-caliber musicals to a sprawling water park.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Carnival Mardi Gras

Get ready to party like it’s Mardi Gras aboard Carnival’s namesake ship all year round! Mardi Gras offers a fun-filled atmosphere with an onboard roller coaster, Sky Zone trampoline park, and themed nights with you dancing until the wee hours.

• Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama is another ship that knows how to keep the fun going. With a massive water park, SkyRide (a pedal-powered “bike” that zips you around the ship), and many live shows, Panorama guarantees non-stop entertainment.

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Dream

Disney Dream is a fantasy come true for young and young-at-heart Disney enthusiasts. With character meet-and-greets, magical stage shows, and a fireworks display at sea, this ship brings the magic of Disney to the high seas.

• Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy is the perfect combination of enchantment and excitement. The ship offers exceptional Disney experiences, thrilling water slides, interactive games, and even a Star Wars-themed day at sea. It’s a dream vacation for the entire family!

Onboard Entertainment and Activities

Now that you’re acquainted with the top contenders for the most fun cruise ship let’s delve into the fantastic onboard entertainment and activities that make these ships genuinely unforgettable:

Unique Features and Attractions

• Water Parks

From towering water slides to splash zones for the little ones, these cruise ships boast some of the most impressive water parks at sea, perfect for making a splash on a sunny day.

• Zip-Lining and Rock Climbing

For adrenaline junkies, zip-lining and rock climbing are the perfect ways to get your heart racing while soaking in stunning ocean views.

• Escape Rooms and Interactive Games

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with escape rooms and interactive games that’ll challenge your mind and keep you entertained for hours.

Theatrical Performances and Live Shows

From Broadway-style productions to mesmerizing acrobatic performances, these ships offer top-notch entertainment that rivals any land-based theater.

• Nightlife and Parties

When the sun goes down, the party heats up! With themed parties, nightclubs, and live music, these ships know how to keep the fun going well into the night.

Looking for a kid-free vacation? Check out these cruise lines offer adults-only escapes and unforgettable experiences.

• Children and Family-Friendly Activities

Cruising with kids? Don’t worry! These ships offer many family-friendly activities, from kids’ clubs to character meet-and-greets, ensuring everyone has a blast.

Exclusive Dining and Culinary Experiences

A fun cruise ship experience would only be complete with tantalizing your taste buds. Here’s what you can expect in terms of exclusive dining and culinary experiences:

Celebrity Chef Restaurants

Feast like royalty at restaurants helmed by world-renowned chefs, where every dish is a work of art.

Themed Dining

Immerse yourself in a unique dining atmosphere where the decor, menu, and staff transport you to another world.

Interactive Culinary Experiences

Get hands-on with cooking classes, mixology workshops, and other interactive culinary experiences that’ll have you whipping up gourmet dishes quickly.

Food Festivals and Tasting Events

Celebrate your love for food with onboard food festivals and tasting events, where you can sample a variety of cuisines and discover new favorites.

Tips for Getting the Most Fun Out of Your Cruise Ship Experience

To wrap up this ultimate guide, here are some tips to help you get the most fun out of your cruise ship experience:

1. Participate in Onboard Activities and Events

Don’t be shy! Dive into the action and join the fun by participating in onboard activities and events.

2. Make Friends with Fellow Passengers

One of the best parts of cruising is the people you meet along the way. Strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers, and who knows? You might make friends for life!

3. Plan Your Shore Excursions

Maximize your fun on and off the ship by planning exciting shore excursions at each port of call. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.

4. Take Advantage of Exclusive Offers and Promotions

Watch for exclusive offers and promotions to make your cruise ship experience more enjoyable. From spa discounts to drink packages, these deals can add a tinge of luxury to your vacation.

There you have it, folks! The most fun cruise ships and their offerings are no longer a mystery. It’s time to set sail on your next unforgettable adventure. So, do your research, book your dream vacation, and prepare for the time of your life. Anchors aweigh!

Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. He holds an academic degree in tourism management.

His touristic expertise has been covered in radio, newspaper and television.

Read more on him here…

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6 of the World's Most Unique Cruises

People of all ages and backgrounds are increasingly seeking out more bespoke, memorable travel experiences. Heart-pounding adventure travel, camping , checking off bucket list destinations , finding little-known hidden gems ...everything's on the table. 

While traditional cruises may not fall into the category of bespoke, memorable travel, there's a whole subset of unique cruises that certainly do. Forget everything you think you know about cruises and be prepared to have your mind blown. We found six incredibly unique cruises around the world, ranging from one that explores the literal most remote region of Earth to one where clothing is not only optional, but discouraged. 

Unique Cruises to Add to Your Bucket List

1. Darwin's Discoveries Galapagos - UnCruise Adventures

Right off the bat, the "UnCruise" in the name tells you that this is one of the more unique cruises out there. While the company cruises to several epic destinations, the Galapagos Islands are at the very top of many a bucket list for good reason. 

On this 7-night, 7-island cruise, rare endemic wildlife and adventure are the name of the game. Get up-close and personal with giant sea turtles and explore sea caves on your paddleboard, step over several-feet-long iguanas as you hike, snorkel among sea lions, and lounge on white sand beaches alongside flamingos. 

The company's  La Pinta yacht provides an intimate experience with just 24 cabins and has a long list of unique amenities for passengers. Enjoy satellite internet connectivity, a hot tub, gym, and plenty of sea kayaks, wetsuits, and snorkeling equipment for everyone. There's even a glass-bottom boat to explore from!

2. Amazon Adventure - South America, Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic

If Nat Geo is behind it, you know this is one of the world's most unique cruises! Couple that with one of the planet's most remote and biodiverse destinations, and you have yourself a truly epic adventure. 

Aboard the Delfin II , a 28-passenger boat custom-built just to explore this stretch of the Upper Amazon River, you'll go where few human beings ever have  —or will. As if the watercraft and physical location aren't unique enough, what really sets this cruise apart is that you won't be merely taking it all in from the deck. You're going to be immersed directly into it, swimming, hiking, and exploring in skiffs, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Even when you're relaxing on the Delfin II , the setting encourages you to take in the world outside. Every outward-facing suite has massive picture windows and there's an open-air roof deck with a bar and enclosed, cooled lounge.

All meals use food that was sustainably harvested in local rainforests and there's even a spa onboard where you can indulge in an aromatherapy massage using, of course, essential oils that came from the rainforest. 

3. Schooner Stephen Taber - Maine

Arguably one of the most underrated cruising grounds in the United States (and perhaps the entire world), Maine is filled with untouched rugged coastline, unique marine wildlife, incredible seafood, and endless wild adventure. 

The nearly-150-year-old Stephen Taber schooner explores every bit of that, offering 3-to-6-night all-inclusive Maine coast cruises between May and October. Cruises are intimate, as the schooner has just 12 cabins and accommodates about 20 guests. What makes the Stephen Taber's unique cruises stand out even more is the fact that they're led by a husband-and-wife team. 

Jane is a serious foodie and oenophile, while husband Noah is a lifelong sailing enthusiast. Between both of them, you'll be in great hands when it comes to enjoying The Great Outdoors alongside great food and wine. In fact, can we tag along when you go?!

One passenger said she'd traveled all over the world and found this cruise to be "life-awakening." That's quite an endorsement!

4. Arctic Express Canada: Heart of the Northwest Passage - Quark Expeditions 

Few sea routes are more famous (or infamous, depending on your viewpoint) than the storied Northwest Passage. This treacherous, little-traveled route traverses the Arctic Ocean through the  Canadian Arctic Archipelago, between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. 

For better or for worse, the Northwest Passage has only become passable — and we use that term extremely loosely — since 2006. As global warming increasingly melts ice in the oceans, this region, historically completely covered in thick blocks of ice, has become slightly more passable each year for a short time in the late summers. 

Aboard the Arctic Express Canada, one of the most unique cruises on Earth, passengers are some of a very select few to travel this part of the world. The 9-day journey departs from Toronto aboard the Ultramarine , a brand new ship designed specifically for Arctic expeditions such as this one. 

The Ultramarine is equipped with 20 Zodiacs (shockingly rugged and efficient inflatable boats) and two specialized helicopters, opening up a very literal world of adventure beyond the ship itself. Spend your days cruising by glaciers, flightseeing to spot walrus and polar bears, hiking in barren, tree-less landscapes, and even a polar plunge!

A couple of other specific things make this one of the most unique cruises in the world. No one knows whether or not the Northwest Passage will be passable until shortly before, and even if it is, day-to-day conditions vary significantly. Because of this, the cruise doesn't have a set itinerary or route. If you're up for the biggest adventure of your life, book a seat on this bucket list cruise today!

5. Undiscovered Great Lakes - USA, Viking

Despite being one of the world's most famous natural phenomenons, only a few areas of the Great Lakes are widely explored. Much of the region is rugged and remote, holding spectacular, rarely seen landscapes and wildlife. 

This Viking Cruises expedition explores Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake on Earth holding 10% of the world's freshwater supply. The 8-day cruise spans the width of the lake between Duluth, Minnesota, and Soo Locks, Michigan. 

Along the way, you'll explore mysterious sea caves and historic lighthouses on Wisconsin's Apostle Islands National Seashore, stroll through charming Mackinac Island, where vehicles aren't allowed, and take in "Niagara of the North," Kakabeka Falls. 

The Viking Octantis is your transportation, a brand new 2022 iteration from the company that practically invented unique cruises. On board, enjoy wi-fi, multiple pools and restaurants, a gym and spa, and access to kayaks and Zodiacs for excursions. 

6.  The Big Nude Boat  - Caribbean, Bare Necessities Tour & Travel

The title should tell you everything you need to know  — this is the Big Daddy of all unique cruises throughout the world! When we came across this one-of-a-kind cruise, we knew immediately we had to include it. 

While certainly not for everyone, the Big Nude Boat promises two full weeks of fun in the sun (and, of course, fun in the bare!). The cruise embarks on the Carnival Pride Fun Ship, which proudly displays several nude paintings and statues and has the theme of "Icons of Beauty."

The Big Nude Boat departs from Tampa and visits a handful of Caribbean islands including St. Kitts and Antigua, appropriately referring to these port days as "bare-adise." Between ports, there are plenty of "fun nude days at sea" scheduled. Think a Fat Tuesday costume party, au naturel dining on the lido deck, and skinny-dipping in the pools. 

If the idea of a bare cruise both intrigues and terrifies you, first of all, you're not alone! Second, consider this:  75% of first-time bare cruisers return for another cruise!

The Wander Club has Travel Souvenirs Covered

Pictures and memories are fantastic, of course, but some adventures call for something a bit more personalized. That's where Travel Tokens from The Wander Club come in!

Create your very own custom collection of Travel Tokens based on your unique cruises (or any other travel, for that matter!) to show off all the amazing things you saw. Aside from Water Tokens , we have Landmarks, Country Tokens, and even 100% custom tokens, the perfect way to commemorate a specific date, person, or occasion. 

Don't forget a token holder ! Whether you opt for a versatile Wanderchain, a necklace, or something completely creative (one of our fans made a Christmas tree garland using our Travel Tokens a couple of years ago!), you're going to want a fun way to highlight all those adventures!

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World's Most Scenic Cruises

From coral reefs to calving glaciers, set sail for gorgeous views on the world’s most scenic cruises. No matter how many times he steers the 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn through Norway's Lofoten Islands, captain Hamish Elliott eagerly anticipates his favorite point—when a fairytale-like landscape comes into view. "The entrance to Trollfjord is hidden until the last moment before the ship arrives, and then all of a sudden you have towering cliffs to either side," Elliott says. "It doesn't take much imagination to believe you can see the fabled Trolls." Scenic views are the most priceless part of the amenity-packed cruise experience. And, as savvy travelers seek more adventure opportunities, cruise lines are responding by charting a course to ever more beautiful—and remote—corners of the map. The world's most scenic cruises include the Kimberley, a gorgeous coastline of rugged red cliffs and white sands in northwestern Australia . In this outback, where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, remote islands proliferate, and rivers and inlets—accessible only by small ships—lead to isolated gorges, towering rock faces, and waterfalls. With their shallow drafts, these small cruise ships can get close to the sights, and they come equipped with inflatable Zodiacs that allow for intimate coastline exploration. But big ship lines, too, are bringing passengers to ocean-accessible scenic wonders like Alaska 's Inside Passage, where the roar of calving glaciers is best experienced from the vantage point of a ship's deck. Even Carnival Cruise Lines, with its strong base in the Caribbean , is positioning a ship year-round in Sydney , beginning in Fall 2012. It's easy to see the reasoning: the South Pacific, South America , and Africa are all hot cruising destinations, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry's top marketing group. Whatever the size of your ship, you don't need to rough it; small doesn't mean no-frills. On the 92-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagos , you can start your day spotting blue-footed boobies and end it in a hot tub; on the Clipper Adventurer in Antarctica, you can follow mountaineering with a massage. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but on the world's most scenic cruises, Mother Nature serves up views that will please the most jaded traveler—and may even change the very way you look at the world.

Galapagos Islands

Located some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador , and virtually untouched by man, these islands have fostered hundreds of species found nowhere else on earth. Giant tortoises, curious iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Charles Darwin's famous finches are the main attractions. You'll cruise past volcanic peaks and beaches, with opportunities to schmooze with land critters, snorkel with sharks, or watch the birds and contemplate the ongoing evolution in this wild spot.

Season: Year-round.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day on the 92-passenger Celebrity Xpedition , from Baltra, Ecuador. From $3,499 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Kimberley

The rugged red cliffs and white sands of northwestern Australia make for one of the wildest, most beautiful coastlines in the world—and the best parts are accessible only by ship. In this outback, where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, remote islands proliferate, and rivers and inlets lead to isolated gorges, towering rock faces, majestic waterfalls (as high as 328 feet), and roving saltwater crocodiles.

Season: April–October.

Sample Itinerary: 10-day, from the frontier cities of Darwin or Broome, on the 50-passenger Coral Princess . From $7,337 per person, based on double occupancy.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Cruising the calm waters of Alaska's Inside Passage delivers high-drama views, namely, the awesome sight of immense glaciers thunderously calving into the sea. But what may linger in your memory is the sheer vastness of the wilderness, icy and forested. Keep your binoculars handy to catch glimpses of whales, eagles, and, if you're lucky, a grizzly.

Season: May–September.

Sample Itinerary: Weeklong Eastern Coves on the 68-passenger Wilderness Discoverer or 57-passenger Wilderness Adventurer , between Juneau and Ketchikan. From $1,795 per person, based on double occupancy.

Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

The captain charts a course south from Argentina 's tip to the "Great White Continent," where wild beauty comes in the form of spectacular glaciers, giant white and blue icebergs, and snowcapped mountains. In this stark setting, you can spot orca and sperm whales from the deck and observe penguins and elephant seals up-close on island stops. What you won't find is any sign of humans (beyond a smattering of scientific research stations).

Season: November–February.

Sample Itinerary: 11-day Antarctic Explorer, round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, on the 122-passenger Clipper Adventurer . From $4,890 per person, based on double occupancy.

In the heart of the Malay Archipelago awaits the third largest island in the world, where ancient tropical rainforests support a zoological wonderland. There are interesting plants and animal- and bird-life galore, and offshore, the reefs are full of colorful coral and marine life. Don't miss the monkeys in the wild, particularly orangutans.

Season: September–January.

Sample Itinerary: 10-day Camp Leaky on the 100-passenger Orion II (includes a stop at the orangutan rehab center featured in the IMAX film Born to be Wild ). From $6,930 per person, based on double occupancy.

As you island-hop across the Indian Ocean, passing Mauritius, Reunion, and the Comoros, you'll be wowed by such sights as volcanoes (both extinct and active), dense forests, and some of the most pristine beaches and teeming coral reefs in the world. The East African cruise experience peaks at Madagascar, so big it's been dubbed the "eighth continent," which presents the added allure of lemurs—those spooky primates whose eyes make them look perpetually startled.

Season: December–March.

Sample Itinerary: 15-day East Africa, from Mauritius to Zanzibar on Zegrahm Expeditions' 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey , one of the only ships that devotes more than a day to the remarkable island of Madagascar. From $12,480 per person, based on double occupancy.

Greek Isles

Ancient architectural wonders combine with whitewashed towns, beaches, and abundant sunshine to make the Greek Isles a highly desirable cruising destination. The most magnificent scenery belongs to Santorini , where your ship sails into a bay that is actually a giant caldera, created when a volcano erupted in 1500 B.C. Multihued cliffs and the 1,000-foot-high town of Fira complete the view.

Sample Itinerary: 12-day Holy Land Cruise, round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) on the brand-new 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette . From $1,599 per person, based on double occupancy.

Milford Sound

Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound “the eighth wonder of the world,” and it’s hard to argue when you behold the ethereal beauty of a waterway little changed since the Maori people discovered it more than 1,000 years ago. In South Island’s Fjordland National Park, the sound cuts through steep cliffs carved by glaciers. Your ship may get close enough to a roaring waterfall for you to feel the spray.

Sample Itinerary: 14-day New Zealand , round-trip from Brisbane, Australia , on the 1,990-passenger Sun Princess . From $1,699 per person, based on double occupancy.

New England

The colorful leaves that light up the Eastern Seaboard each fall are recognized worldwide as one of nature's best shows. Seeing the red and gold display from the sea is a refreshing alternative to traffic-clogged roadways. Plus there's the added delight of rugged coastline and sightings of humpback and minke whales. Cruises typically head up to Canada , and some seek out a route that includes the tree-lined fjord of the Saguenay, which cuts through what may be the oldest rocks on earth.

Season: September–October.

Sample Itinerary: 10-day Canada/New England, including Saguenay, on Holland America's 2,100-passenger Eurodam from New York or Quebec City , from $1,499 per person, based on double occupancy.

Norwegian Fjords

The crystal-clear Norwegian Fjords serve up an embarrassment of natural riches. These stunning waterways cut right through 1,000-foot cliffs, revealing snowcapped mountains, glacier-fed waterfalls, and rolling lowlands. The spectacular views just keep on coming and continue well past dinnertime as you cruise with the midnight sun.

Season: May–August.

Sample Itinerary: 9-day Norwegian Fjords, round-trip from Copenhagen on the Seabourn Sojourn . From $3,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

Baja California/Sea of Cortez

"The world's aquarium" is what Jacques Cousteau called the protected azure waters of the Sea of Cortés. Cruisers who venture here get to mingle with marine life like the California gray whales that come to Baja to breed. But the dramatic desert-meets-sea scenery is its own calling card, with views ranging from giant cacti and craggy lava-shaped cliffs to mangroves and pristine beaches.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day Among the Great Whales on the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird , from La Paz/San Carlos. From $5,240 per person, based on double occupancy.

French Polynesia

When you picture paradise, chances are it looks a lot like French Polynesia, an ethereal collection of islands where dark volcanic peaks loom above the greenest of green foliage and turquoise sea. Admire the vivid hues from a deck chair, then don snorkels to get an underwater look at bright corals and tropical fish in every color of the rainbow.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day Tahiti & Society Islands on the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin . From $4,397 per person, based on double occupancy.

Hebridean Islands

There's an eerie beauty and otherworldly quality to the Scottish Hebrides, hundreds of sparsely populated islands with rocky cliffs and barren seashores. Rolling moorland leads to striking rock pillars and pinnacles on Skye's Trotternish Peninsula, while a volcanic peak dominates Eigg, and whales and dolphins frolic off Ulva and Mull. You'll also be taken in by views of spectacular lochs, bird reserves, and the occasional castle or mysterious stone circle.

Season: March–November.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day Footloose to the Western Islands on the 50-passenger Hebridean Princess . From $5,060 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Arctic/Spitsbergen

Around the North Pole the polar bear is king. These huge carnivores live among the pristine beauty of glistening glaciers and enormous icebergs that will take your breath away—no matter how many photos you've seen. Encouraged by the midnight sun, Arctic wildflowers bloom, and thousands of rare seabirds, walruses, reindeer, beluga whales, and other creatures also make appearances.

Season: June–August.

Sample Itinerary: 6-day Polar Encounters on the 100-passenger M/S Fram , from Longyearbyen, Norway. From $3,230 per person, based on double occupancy.

Encounters with playful howler monkeys and macaws—maybe even the spotting of a distant jaguar or boa constrictor—are part of the intense nature immersion that comes with cruising the Amazon. The whole route teems with wildlife, from endangered pink Amazon dolphins to three-toed sloths to millions of butterflies. And on a small ship you can nimbly explore remote areas of jungle and beautiful hidden black lakes.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day on Aqua Expeditions’ 24-passenger M/V Aqua , round-trip from Iquitos, Peru. From $5,950 per person, based on double occupancy.

For fairy-tale scenery, it’s hard to beat the Rhine region of cliff-top castles, half-timbered villages, and deep forests. In the river’s midsection, a 50-mile stretch is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And at the narrowest point is Lorelei Rock, a famed 394-foot cliff named for the “Rhine Maidens,” whose lovely song, legend has it, lured boaters to hazards.

Season: March–December.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day Rhine Getaway on Viking River Cruises’ 198-passenger Viking Helvetia , between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland. From $1,956 per person, based on double occupancy.

The scenery in Hawaii ranges from tropical forests to beaches to volcanic peaks—and a cruise lets you experience this breadth by taking you past all the major islands. Spot humpback whales in the waters off Maui , check out the Big Island ’s volcanic sights including the active Kilauea volcano, hang with surfers on Waikiki Beach, and enjoy the amazingly green and wild landscape of Kauai.

Sample Itinerary: 7-day on Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,146-passenger Pride of America , round-trip from Honolulu . Fares from $949 per person, based on double occupancy.

Neat rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and stately châteaux line the narrow passages of canals in the Côte d’Or region of central France. Small barges cruise through ancient locks—some with wheels still turned by human lockkeepers. Stop off at historic Dijon for its 19th-century market or the famed wine town of Beaune, home to many Michelin-star restaurants.

Season: May–November.

Sample Itinerary: 6-day cruise on French Country Waterways’ 12-passenger Nenuphar , between Dijon and Saint-Leger-sur-Dheune. From $5,095 per person, based on double occupancy.

Panama Canal

The engineering wonder that is the Panama Canal allows ships to cross between the Atlantic and Pacific without having to go way south around Cape Horn. For cruisers, the 51-mile passage provides a fascinating daylong opportunity to watch your ship and others maneuver through a series of locks and gates that rise and fall as you cross the Continental Divide—with what at times looks like only inches to spare. Lush rainforest scenery is the backdrop, at its best around Gatun Lake.

Season: Spring, fall, and winter.

Sample Itinerary: 14-day Miami to Los Angeles , on the 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity . From $3,890 per person, based on double occupancy.

Take a slow boat in China as you pass the dramatic Three Gorges, with forest-covered mountains and riverbanks that at times feel so close you could practically reach out and touch the steep walls. Mother Nature combines with human ingenuity at the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest river-diversion project of its kind. You’ll see tiny villages clinging to cliffs, and some itineraries visit New Zigui, a city built to accommodate the million people displaced by the controversial dam and the Yangtze’s rising waters.

Sample Itinerary: 4-day Three Gorges Highlights, between Yichang and Chongqing, on the 378-passenger Victoria Jenna . Fares from $980 per person, based on double occupancy.

Columbia and Snake Rivers

The Pacific Northwest unfolds before you with snowcapped mountains and impressive gorges, waterfalls, forests, and vast plains as you cruise the Columbia and Snake rivers on a route similar to that taken by Lewis and Clark. Modern-day diversions include eight dams, the wineries of Washington State, and jet-boating in Hells Canyon.

Season: October–November.

Sample Itinerary: 8-day Rivers of the West on the 12-passenger Safari Spirit , between Portland , OR, and Lewiston, ID. Fares from $4,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Suez Canal provides a 120-mile shortcut from Europe to Asia and an unusual experience for cruisers. The engineering feat that created the canal, which opened in 1869, involved excavating amazing quantities of sand. Views during a daylong passage include miles of desert, complete with the occasional camel, but also fishermen and towns along the way. The canal has no locks, and since it’s only 300 yards wide, cruise ships and freighters alike go through in single-lane convoys.

Season: Spring and fall.

Sample Itinerary: Weeklong cruise on the 296-passenger Silver Wind , from Athens (Piraeus) to Safaga, Egypt . Fares from $3,464 per person, based on double occupancy.

Related Articles

15 Most Popular Cruise Ships In The World

Road trips and flights are a fun and efficient way to reach your dream destination. But putting the journey as a priority is true to cruising. Cruises take people on a genuinely relaxing vacation to their destinations and make the journey through vast seas one of the most memorable ones. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean , these cruises offer unique rides for people with all kinds of definitions for relaxation.

The most popular cruise ships in the world are typically the ones that are operated by major cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Some of the most popular ships in their fleets include the Carnival Breeze, the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, and the Norwegian Epic. These ships are known for their large size, extensive amenities, and wide range of activities and entertainment options. They are also popular due to their frequent departures and itineraries that visit many different destinations around the world.

Also see: Largest Cruise Ships in the world

Most Popular Cruise Ships

These are the most popular cruise ships in the world:

1. Wonder of the seas by Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean. It is the fourth ship in the company’s Oasis class and the largest cruise ship in the world , measuring over 1,188 feet in length and accommodating more than 16 decks. It entered service on March 2022 with a Gross Tonnage of 236,857 and a passenger capacity of 5,734 people. The ship will be homeported in Shanghai, China and it will sail to different destinations in Asia such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The ship offers a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers of all ages. The ship features a variety of dining options, including several specialty restaurants and a food court. There are also multiple bars and lounges, a casino, and a theater for live performances. For those looking for relaxation, the ship features a spa, fitness center, and several swimming pools, including a pool with a water slide and a pool with a retractable roof.

2. Symphony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean

What an experience it would be to sail across Europe on the largest cruise ship in the world. Royal Caribbean offers exactly that with the ship called Symphony of the Seas, and Harmony and Allure are two other ships that follow in the list. Departing from Southampton in the UK, the cruise offers a voyage involving France, Spain, and Portugal for a seven-night cruise. Visit the Royal Caribbean website for more.

The gross tonnage of the ship is 228,081 and the length of the ship is 1,188 ft. This ship has a passenger capacity of 5,518 people with 2,100 crew members.

3. Harmony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean. It is the third ship in the company’s Oasis class, and like its sister ships, it is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring over 1,100 feet in length and spanning 18 decks.

Harmony of the Seas has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets, from inside cabins to suites. Each cabin is equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and WiFi, and balcony staterooms offer panoramic views of the sea.

The ship sails to a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and offers a variety of itineraries to choose from.

4. Costa Smeralda by Costa Cruises

Costa Smeralda is a cruise ship operated by Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. The ship was launched in 2019 and is the first of two new LNG-powered ships for the company.

The ship is designed to be environmentally friendly, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. It is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), which significantly reduces emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional fossil fuels.

5. Millennial Cruise

While cruises more attract adults looking for means to unwind, this particular one aims to attract the younger crowd and appeal to them with a more adventurous ride. Launched in 2018, the U by Uniworld cruise offers stops for kayaking and hiking, as well as picturesque views and food worthy for social media posts. One of these cruises takes a round-trip to Paris with stops in Versailles and Monet’s Garden. Of course, the youth doesn’t want to stay put on the deck. These stops include bike rides along the river Seine, visits to local bars, and hiking trips over its eight-day course.

6. MSC Bellissima Mediterranean Cruise

The perfect cruise ride for beginners who aren’t sure how they’ll feel at sea for a ten-day cruise. This three-day cruise is a jolly taster cruise aboard the MSC Bellissima. The brand new cruise ship sails from Barcelona to Marseilles to Genoa and back to Barcelona again. Along with the exotic stops, the ship is equipped with 20 bars, 10 restaurants, and a water park for your onboard entertainment.

7. A healthy Cruise

Blue World Voyages label itself as the first active lifestyle cruise line in the world. Starting in 2019, the cruises are dedicated to active and healthy lifestyles with a tonne of activities to do onboard. The entire deck is designated for indoor and simulated sports, gym/exercise, and even spas. The stops in the cruise will include cycling tours and kayaking, paired with healthy organic food to cleanse you of toxins. The route will depart at and surround the Mediterranean, and the ships include WiFi and laundry services. Visit blueworldvoyages.co.uk for more.

8. A Cruise and Maritime voyage aboard the Magellan

Sailing from the popular port of Dublin in Ireland, Magellan cruises from there to Portugal in August. This renowned ship has a pub, a card room, and a library to keep you occupied, along with two high-quality restaurants on-board too. With room for 1,250 guests, the cruises range from seeing the Northern Lights, and traditional European markets, to the ocean cruise to the West Indies. You can even follow this ship on Twitter and track its voyage.

9. Seabourn voyages

For those who wish not for a sun-soaked and tropical cruise, Seabourn offers the Ventures excursions. With Ventures, you can travel to Antarctica or the Amazon on its adventurous cruise excursions. Along with adventurous activities in these regions, your voyage is accompanied by scientists, biologists, and photographers, making it an expert-led expedition as well. But sure you can enjoy luxuries aboard this 14-day cruise as well; with extraordinary food and champagne.

10. Sailing through the Norwegian fjords

Travelers and adventurers are delighted by Norway’s fjords, which are more than 1000 in number. Instead of standing on the side and photographing next to it, you can dive right in and sail through these gorges with MSC Norwegian Fjords cruises. One of the cruises sails through the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, past green cliffs and glaciers. You sail aboard the MSC Meraviglia, which because of its extravagant size offers an array of amenities. Several dining options and entertainment while you wait for the fjords to come to you. Booking online also helps you to include flights to Dublin for easy travel.

11. Underwater with Ponant

Ponant is a French luxury cruise line offering intimate and lavish luxury cruises across the Caribbean. Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain are two new cruise ships that include an impressive underwater lounge. While the ship sails above choppy waters, you can relax in the Blue Eye lounge and witness the incredible underwater wildlife and intense subaquatic music. Once you get into deep waters, you’re likely to hear whales singing to each other.

12. 10-12 day cruises aboard the Celebrity Reflection

The mega cruise ship named Celebrity Reflection by Celebrity Cruises sails from various spots throughout the year. This includes a breathtaking voyage from Dublin to Iceland, a voyage to and fro from Barcelona with stops at Naples, Florence, and Rome, and more destination hopping. These cruises have just two or three days with just cruising, and the rest for exploring the beautiful cities and towns where it halts for the day. On the days of cruising, you can enjoy the full pool or hot tub along with many other amenities just for your relaxation.

13. Concerts aboard the MegaCruise

The heavy metal band Megadeth has begun a cruise named MegaCruise which sails from Los Angeles in October 2019. Coming from its background, the cruise will feature an intense playlist of heavy metal music, along with living performances from bands like Anthrax and Danko Jones. The five-day cruise aims at reaching Ensenada in Mexico and with a stop at San Diego. You can book online at megacruise.com

14. Cool cruise by Virgin

With a sleek and cool design and interiors, Virgin Voyages continues its signature style of cool transport. Their first cruise ship named Scarlet Lady will sail from the home port of Miami, with a stop at Virgin’s private beach in the Bahamas, right to Puerto Rico. filled with exotic amenities aboard its 17 decks, Virgin Voyages is determined to give you a luxurious yet close-to-home experience in vacationing with its cruise. Signature red and white designs, the hippest cruise restaurants, and a tattoo parlor, on-deck yoga, high-end restaurants with a twist, are enough to entice paying vacationers to jump aboard. Visit virginvoyages.com for more.

15. An eco-friendly Northern Lights trip

It is well known that cruising is not the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, as each ship shells out fumes and sewage into the waters with each voyage. Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten, the largest expedition cruise line in the world, has noticed this problem and launched a campaign for solutions. MS Roald Amundsen is the world’s first ship to be powered by a hybrid battery and the cruise line has also banned all use of single-use plastic on its ships. You can go on an 11-day voyage with this cruise line to the Norwegian Lights without harming the natural world.

Read More about, Best Beaches in the world you must visit

These are the best and most popular cruises in the world that can give you a lavish travel experience. You can book and check more of such cruises online on their website.

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• Cruise Advice

6 Most Impressive Cruise Ships in the World’s Oceans

Doug Parker

• April 4, 2023

The most impressive cruise ships in the world are popular for vacations because they offer comprehensive options for an entreating and relaxing trip.

You can get access to spectacular dishes and beverages from fine-dining restaurants , five-star accommodations, and daytime and evening entertainment, ranging from onboard casinos to stunning live performances.

What’s more, you can have the chance to travel to exotic destinations!

In this article, we’ve provided an overview of some of the most impressive cruising vessels at sea you’ll surely love and enjoy.

Viking Mars

Viking Mars is one of the latest ships from Viking. It is smaller than the rest, but that comes with its advantages.

There are rooms for over 900 passengers, and since it’s a smaller vessel, it can dock in various ports. Its amenities include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, minibars, and more.

On board, you will have access to a hair salon, a wellness center with a yoga studio, and a fitness center, among others.

Since this is a luxury cruise, you can also have fun by the main pool, relax in hot tubs, or catch a movie or two.

Moreover, if you want to learn something new on your vacation, there are educational programs that include cooking classes, dancing lessons, lectures on history, and more.  

The leading entertainment includes live performances in the theater.

There are also dining options, including Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, The Chef’s Table, and World Café, among other equally dazzling restaurants.

Seven Seas Explorer 

Seven Seas Explorer is known as the most luxurious ship ever built. It still lives up to its name and has suites with separate sleeping areas, private balconies, and world-class amenities.

There are also many onboard activities, classes, and an Explorer Lounge where you can chill and listen to live music with your favorite drink.  

The cruise ship oozes elegance; Pablo Picasso paintings and cobalt-blue glass installations adorn the walls.

The entertainment is equally spectacular, with a popular cabaret show, live performances, karaoke machines, and a high-end casino.  

If you enjoy playing casino games, you will be amazed at the casino selection in an elegant Monte-Carlo setting that includes exclusive blackjack tables, poker, roulette, and craps, as well as a solid selection of slot machines. The casino is open every sea day.  

If you like to continue playing casino games in the comfort of your suite, there are high-quality and reliable casino games you can access as long as you have a stable Internet connection. 

The good news is that even if you docked in New Zealand, for example, and the ship casino is closed, you can easily find trustworthy online casinos and choose from a vast number of casino games in multiple versions, including poker, slots, baccarat, and blackjack. 

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Cruise Line is a well-known cruise brand known for its one-of-a-kind experience in open waters. For example, aboard Carnival Celebration , you can stay in five-star-rated suites with oceanviews, balcony staterooms, and new elevated Excel suites with access to a private sundeck.

Furthermore, additional luxuries and amenities will improve your stay, such as a whirlpool bath, the Cloud 9 Spa thermal suite, an outdoor movie screen, and even a water park.  So there is no shortage of perfect activities to relax or learn something new.

Additionally, live nightly performances in the Havana Bar and themed parties poolside will spice up your nightlife, including the hilarious game show Family Feud held in the main theater.

Dining choices are plentiful and cover different cuisines, including Asian specialties at Chibang or seafood dishes at Rudi’s Seagrill, among many other options.

Apart from exclusive restaurants on board that require a reservation, you can also enjoy a fast food treat during the day — like Guy’s Burger Joint or Shaq’s Big Chicken.

Azamara Journey

Azamara ‘s ships, including Azamara Journey , are smaller compared to larger cruise lines but offer a more intimate atmosphere and a chance to see off-the-beaten-path destinations.

They are quite famous for their Cultural Nights that include performances by locals onboard or onshore artists with delicious cocktails. Since it’s an award-winning cruise, you can expect an unforgettable voyage.

Otherwise, you can expect free and stable Wi-Fi, special Azamara Shore Excursion credits, specialty dining, and more.

Get ready to delight your senses and relax on an intimate cruise ship that takes pride in its outstanding service, and embark on a culinary journey with delicious dishes that match authentic local food.  

Norwegian Joy 

Norwegian Joy is one of the best cruise ships that offer a wide variety of activities, amenities, and a memorable experience for everyone.

It was originally built to sail in Asia and was converted for the North American market in the spring of 2019.

The entertainment section aboard the ship is packed with activities for everyone, including a Virtual Reality playroom with VR games, laser tag, a fully equipped go-kart area, and much more.

Plus, there are excellent performers, live entertainment, and the Broadway show Footloose onboard.  

The dining doesn’t disappoint with French cuisine in Le Bistro and Authentic Texas barbecue at Q Texas Smokehouse, among other options.

Guests can also enjoy their meals in a more intimate setting in the private Haven-only restaurant. 

Wonder of the Seas 

Royal Caribbean ‘s Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, boasting a length of 1,188 feet and a weight of 236,857 gross tons.

The ship can accommodate up to 6,988 guests and features numerous amenities, including a 10-story slide, a casino, a shopping area, a theater, and 18 decks.

Some popular neighborhoods on Wonder of the Seas are Central Park, home to 1,000s live plants, and the Boardwalk, complete with an operational carousel and the high-dive AquaTheater.

Final Thoughts  

Cruise ships offer a chance not only to travel the world but also to get exclusive treatment while onboard, which covers everything from cultural activities to tasty exclusive cuisine, as well as accommodation in suites that are easily a match to the best hotels around the world .

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Is the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Still Fun Without the Upsells?

A BOARD ICON OF THE SEAS—The temptations to bulk up your cruise bill lurk on nearly every deck of Royal Caribbean’s hulking new ship. $30 boozy milkshakes and $10 takeout sushi. A $50 zip line and $63 pickleball lessons. A $400 daybed in the adults-only pool.

I indulged in none of those upgrades on my seven-night voyage on the world’s largest cruise ship last week. This was a penny-pinching mission, the polar opposite of my recent VIP adventure in Las Vegas. Could I spend as little as possible over the hefty starting price and still have a good time?

Cruises are billed as all-inclusive vacations, but that’s rarely true outside luxury ships. On mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival, the price of your cruise doesn’t include soda, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, Starbucks, Wi-Fi, gratuities or shore excursions.

Same goes for most restaurants outside the dining room, buffet or 24-hour cafes, unless there’s a promotion. Half of Icon’s restaurants have an upcharge.

Here’s the damage

It’s not unusual for cruise passengers to go home with a bill as long as a CVS receipt, the charges totaling as much as or more than their cruise. Some cruisers proudly spend barely anything extra and even brag about it on Reddit.

How’d I do? My bill for Icon of the Seas extras came to $253. Some 40% of that paid for extra Wi-Fi access to help me write this column. That’s on top of the $4,700 rate for two including prepaid gratuities, Wi-Fi for one device and taxes and fees.

The best part: I felt little FOMO. The $169 spa special would have been delightful, the $200-a-person supper club perfect for Instagram.

But the food in the (free) dining room was better than what I’ve had on past cruises. Lobster was on the menu twice. I lost count of how many breakfast sandwiches and overnight oats I had at the (free) Pearl Cafe and was disappointed I waited until the last day to try the roast beef sandwich at the (free) Park Cafe and the made-to-order crepes at the (free) AquaDome Market.

I treated myself to (free) soft-serve cones almost every day. I swooshed down a twisting waterslide, suffered through a free abs class in the biggest and busiest gym I’ve seen at sea and ran into the resident dog Rover on the jogging track.

At night, I saw a Broadway-caliber “Wizard of Oz” production, a mesmerizing water show full of daredevils and a standing-room-only dueling pianos session. I caught a Journey tribute band, one of those silent dance parties and a midnight balloon drop on a Saturday night with 10,000 balloons.

You expect all this when you plunk down that much for a week’s vacation. This was the second sailing on the mammoth Icon, which can accommodate 7,600 passengers. Royal Caribbean executives have used every superlative in the book to describe the sizzling demand for the ship.

Cheapskate cruising means BYOB

Alcohol and other drinks are an easy way to inflate your cruise bill, but are nonnegotiable for many vacationers. Royal Caribbean was promoting a buy-one-get-one-half-off offer on deluxe drink packages for $1,395 for two. That’s more than the cost of some cheap cruises!

So my thrifty strategy began in Miami the day before we departed. The cruise line allows each adult passenger to bring one bottle of wine and permits 12 bottles of nonalcoholic beverages per stateroom.

I found my own BOGO deal at CVS. I paid $12 for 12 16.9-ounce bottles of Diet Pepsi, mostly for my 81-year-old mom. The nonalcoholic beverage package I’ve bought her on previous cruises cost more than $200 on Icon before the cruise. (She joined me on board because it was cheaper than traveling solo when I booked a few weeks before the cruise.) I also bought two bottles of white wine for under $40.

The soda lasted the length of the cruise, but it was a hassle to keep asking for ice for our room or fill a cup at one of the free beverage stations. The homemade iced coffee in a plastic cafeteria glass from Pearl Cafe provided a decent caffeine fix, but I did pull out my Starbucks gift card a few times when jonesing for a latte. I had more Arnold Palmers with meals than I care to count.

I definitely missed the unlimited drinks package given Icon’s lineup of bars and lounges and reminders on the in-room TV to try the drink of the day. Among the adult beverages I charged to my room was a $14 Coco Loco frozen drink on a floating bar on CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

I had to swim 30 feet in chilly water for the Coco Loco, but a floating bar was cheaper than renting a floating cabana for the day for $4,600. That’s not a typo. A few of them were booked during my visit.

My mom was thrilled our strict budget allowed for room-service breakfast, if only continental breakfast and coffee and a banana for me. (There’s a $7.95 charge, plus tip, for any other room service order, still a bargain compared with hotel prices.)

Our western Caribbean sailing made three stops: Costa Maya and Cozumel (both in Mexico) and CocoCay, Bahamas. The ship’s shore excursions are pricey ($95 for a glass-bottom boat tour and $170 for a different six-hour boat tour). On Costa Maya we took a taxi to Mahahual, a village near the port, and had $3 shrimp tacos, $9 guacamole with freshly made tortilla chips and $7 piña coladas on the beach.

You could skip shore excursions to give yourself time to explore more of the ship and its countless nooks and crannies. On a deck one morning I saw a woman practicing yoga and a man saying the rosary. One of my favorite spots to wander was Surfside, the loud, colorful hot spot for families. So much joy there with kids getting their faces painted and riding the carousel, both free activities, or getting cotton candy for $2. The bulk candy had mall prices, though, at $17 per pound.

Life at sea, upsold

On our last sea day, I ventured to the Hideaway, the adults-only pool at the back of the ship, to see how the other half was living.

Dawn Riley, a Maryland Realtor, and her husband were lounging on a daybed, a bottle of Moet & Chandon and two souvenir Icon of the Seas glasses in a bucket beside them. They paid $400 for the day and had no regrets.

They booked back-to-back sailings on the new ship, paying nothing but taxes and port fees for the cruise under a casino promotion. They decided to splurge on all the extras the first week, also booking spa treatments, a nonalcoholic beverage package, ATV rentals, pickleball and sushi-making lessons.

Their total tab for the first week: $3,300.

This week on the Icon, the couple is going my cheapskate route. The first thing they booked: dinner reservations in the (free) dining room.

—Sign up for the WSJ Travel newsletter for more tips and insights from Dawn Gilbertson and the rest of the Journal’s travel team.

Write to Dawn Gilbertson at [email protected]

Opinion Columnists | MacKinnon: A princess is moving to Boston for…

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Opinion columnists | jayson tatum, derrick white agree to big-money extensions on wild day for celtics , opinion columnists, opinion columnists | mackinnon: a princess is moving to boston for the summer and fall.

I find myself on this stunning ship because my wife Leela and I wanted to take my sister Janice and her husband David on a fourteen-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Quebec City.  The main reason being so we could visit family and friends both in Boston, as well as Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Both my sister and I were born in Dorchester, and for us, Boston will always be home.  Like many families in the Boston area, ours made its way there from Nova Scotia.

And, with regard to those from Boston and the greater New England area, do I have great news for you if you love cruising, or simply want to be pampered for a week or more.  Starting next month, this spectacular ship will be homeporting in Boston for the rest of the summer and early fall as it travels to Canada with stops in Maine and even Greenland.

Trust me when I say that you will want to book a cabin as soon as possible as this ship with those itineraries will sell out fast.  Why?

Because what I discovered years ago is that if one wants to visit multiple coastal cities, there is no better way to do so than on a cruise ship.  So, for me, there was no better way to go than boarding the Emerald Princess and letting what equates to a five-star hotel with a first-class staff take us up the east coast of the United States and Canada in a bubble of luxury, entertainment, and safety.

One of the great things about the cruise industry is that there is basically a ship for every taste.  When she was first built, the Emerald Princess was one of the largest cruise ships in the world.  Now, not too many years later, there are “Mega Cruise Ships” which have eclipsed her.

As one who has taken about one hundred cruises over the years and knows the business well, I respect everyone’s taste in cruise ships.  That said, I am much more a fan of ships the size of the Emerald Princess.  While not a “Mega Ship” she is still very large with a gross tonnage of 113,000; a length of 951 feet (over three football fields); and 19 decks.

Even at her very large size, at full capacity, she still only carries about 3,000 passengers with a crew of 1,200.  When you contrast that with some of the “Mega Ships” out there not dramatically longer, wider, or higher but carrying upwards of 7,000 passengers and a crew of 3,000, you might agree the Emerald Princess is the Goldilocks “just right” size for you and your family.

And trust me, the Emerald Princess is built for multigenerational families with multiple venues and activities onboard for any generation.  From three years of age to seasoned adults, this ship has you and your family covered.

From the moment you step aboard, you will be greeted with an abundance of pampering options.  As for food, you will find fresh restaurant choices and dining options; revitalized top deck venues like Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones to brand new casual restaurants Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ; specialty restaurants; to an all included buffet at the World Fresh Market Place up on Deck 15.

As for the kids, they can play, explore, huddle, and create at the newly re-imagined Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Centers.  And while they do you can unwind at the refreshed Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults.

As for accommodations, the Emerald Princess has everything to fit any budget as well as any indulgence from incredibly comfortable interior cabins to luxurious suites.  And no matter what accommodation you choose, Princess has collaborated with a board-certified sleep expert to create the ultimate in blissful comfort.  Their luxurious new beds feature a scientifically engineered mattress and bed springs, a plush two-inch pillow top, European-inspired duvets and 100% luxurious Jacquard-woven linens-to ensure that at the end of your voyage, you come home feeling refreshed and renewed.

But before you get home, you will be experiencing original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, headliners — such as Stephanie Hodgdon — top comedians, swinging nightclubs, a world class spa and exercise facility, and a casino that is one of the most impressive at sea.

As a fully paying passenger who has been on the Emerald Princess for the last five days and does believe this is the best and most economical way to travel, I am here to tell you that this Princess is coming to Boston and she is ready to give you and your family the royal treatment.

Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official.   

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What is the largest cruise ship in the world?

Does size really matter? The cruise industry thinks so. For more than a century, cruise lines have competed to claim the title of world's largest cruise ship.

When it set sail in 1912, ill-fated Titanic was the largest and grandest passenger vessel of its time. But since 2009, when Royal Caribbean debuted its first Oasis Class ship, those superlatives have applied to vessels more than five times Titanic's size.

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Today, the largest cruise ships are floating cities, offering a plethora of bars and restaurants, expansive spas and sun deck retreats. They feature scores of recreation opportunities, including zip lines, surf simulators , rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, escape rooms, laser tag, top-deck go-karts , virtual reality gaming and even roller coasters .

So, what is the largest cruise ship in the world, and how do other cruise ships compare? Here's a quick rundown of the world's biggest cruise ships by both gross registered tons and maximum passenger capacity. Unsurprisingly, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class dominate the top five in both categories, with only two other lines joining Royal Caribbean.

What is the world's largest cruise ship?

Currently, it's Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas . At 250,800 gross registered tons and carrying up to 7,600 passengers (plus 2,350 crew members), the ship is a true behemoth. It includes neighborhoods that feature everything from waterslides, an indoor AquaTheater, a carousel and an adults-only sun deck to lavish suites, retail shops, thousands of live plants and more than two dozen bars and restaurants.

The rest of the world's largest cruise ships

Note: This article excludes ships from lines like Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Aida, which do not cater to the North American market.

World's biggest cruise ships by tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800 gross registered tons
• Wonder of the Seas : 236,857 gross registered tons
• Symphony of the Seas: 228,081 gross registered tons
• Harmony of the Seas: 226,963 gross registered tons
• Oasis of the Seas: 226,838 gross registered tons
• Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross registered tons
• MSC World Europa: 205,700 gross registered tons
• Carnival Celebration : 183,521 gross registered tons
• Carnival Jubilee : 183,521 gross registered tons
• MSC Grandiosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• MSC Virtuosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• Carnival's Mardi Gras : 180,000 gross registered tons

World's biggest cruise ships by passenger capacity

• Icon of the Seas: 7,600 passengers
• Wonder of the Seas: 6,988 passengers
• Allure of the Seas: 6,780 passengers
• Oasis of the Seas: 6,771 passengers
• MSC World Europa: 6,762 passengers
• Harmony of the Seas: 6,687 passengers
• Symphony of the Seas: 6,680 passengers
• Carnival's Mardi Gras: 6,631 passengers
• Carnival Celebration: 6,631 passengers
• Carnival Jubilee: 6,631 passengers
• MSC Grandiosa: 6,334 passengers
• MSC Virtuosa: 6,334 passengers
• MSC Bellissima: 5,686 passengers

What is the biggest cruise ship in the world today (2024)?

Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world by both tonnage and passenger capacity is Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. It takes the title from fleetmate Wonder of the Seas. Several other Royal Caribbean vessels — including Freedom Class and Oasis Class namesakes Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — were also the largest at one time.

What is the world's biggest cruise ship price?

Royal Caribbean paid about $2 billion to build Icon of the Seas. At press time, the least expensive cabins on Icon of the Seas started at $1,210 per person for a seven-night voyage ($173 per person, per night). If that's out of your price range, check out my recommendations for ships to try instead of Icon of the Seas .

What cruise ship is 5 times bigger than Titanic?

All of the ships in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class are at least five times larger than Titanic was, in terms of size. As far as passenger numbers, Titanic had capacity for 2,453 people, while Icon of the Seas can hold 7,600.

What is the largest cruise ship capacity?

Icon of the Seas can hold up to 7,600 guests at maximum capacity or 5,610 guests on a double occupancy basis (two people per cabin). The ship also employs more than 2,300 crew members. That means the ship can carry nearly 10,000 people when it's fully crewed and every passenger bed is occupied.

Got more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

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World's Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail for the First Time in Initial Sea Trial — See Photos!

Royal Caribbean's "Icon of the Seas" is slated to embark on its maiden voyage out of South Florida in January 2024

Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Icon of the Seas is drawing closer to its debut in January 2024 after completing its first phase of sea trials in Europe.

Set to be the world’s largest cruise ship and the company's first Icon-class ship, the vessel has been under construction at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, according to an official release .

The cruise will offer vacationers the world’s largest waterpark at sea, dubbed Category 6 and featuring six water slides. Icon of the Seas also offers a "resort getaway," a "beach escape," a theme park and over "40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained," according to the company.

Royal Caribbean

Inside, it will feature a one-of-a-kind accommodation: the "Ultimate Family Townhouse," which Royal Caribbean describes as a three-story "sprawling adventure-filled pad" with an in-suite slide, a karaoke station, and hidden areas to discover.

The ship's 20 decks will include Royal Caribbean's first-ever dueling piano bar, eight "neighborhoods," the largest pool at sea and experiences for thrill-seekers like Crown's Edge, described as "a fear-inducing challenge that’s part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride and an all-out test of your courage."

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The ship weighs in at an estimated 250,800 tons and measures close to 1,200 feet long. It also holds about 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members, according to CNN .

Over 450 specialists have run four days of preliminary tests on the ship’s main engines, bow and propellers, as well as checking noise and vibration levels, a release shared.

"Between preparations and the trials, the important step in the journey to bring  Icon  to life involved more than 2,000 specialists, hundreds of miles traveled, four 37- to 67-ton tugboats and more than 350 hours of work," according to the release.

All of that will prepare the cruise for its second round of sea trials later this year, ahead of its debut out of South Florida in January 2024.

The Icon of the Seas will set sail from Miami on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations all year round, where passengers can visit popular tropical destinations like the Bahamas, Mexico, St. Maarten and Honduras, as well as Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay.

At a press panel earlier this year, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley described the ship as “literally the best-performing new product launch we’ve ever had," according to CNN.

Royal Caribbean will be ousting themselves from the top spot. It's Wonder of the Seas is currently the world’s largest cruise ship.

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