The 16 Norwegian Cruise Line Ships
Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Breakaway , Norwegian Dawn , Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Epic , Norwegian Escape , Norwegian Gem , Norwegian Getaway , Norwegian Jade , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Joy , Norwegian Pearl , Norwegian Sky , Norwegian Spirit , Norwegian Star , Norwegian Sun , Pride of America
Norwegian Cruise Line: www.ncl.com
For a a list of all the Norwegian Cruise Line Ships
About Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line was founded by Israel-born Ted Arison, whose dream was to become a concert pianist. He founded Carnival Cruise Line in 1972 with the launch of the unique ship of the fleet, Mardi Gras . The objective was to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, and it works.
The company’s first new ship was the Tropical . In 1996, Carnival Cruise Line was the first to introduce a ship measuring over 100000 gross tons, the Carnival Destiny, now re-named Carnival Sunshine.
Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, owns Aida Cruise, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P& O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, totaling 102 ships.
What About For Shore Excursions
If the cruise will be stopping in other countries and you plan on disembarking while youre there, you probably need a passport. American-run territories like the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico are the main exceptions to this rule.Of course, you can still get off the boat at any port stops in the United States if youre an American citizen.
Recommended Reading: Best Time Of Year To Go On Alaskan Cruise
Types Of Cruise Lines
Before you can pick one cruise line, you should know there are a few categories of cruise lines to consider.
Just like there are different types of automobiles , there are different types of cruise lines that target different demographics and prices.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Norwegian are just a few of the mass-market cruise lines that appeal to all ages, and offer contemporary pricing that is affordable by most people. These cruise lines will see a good mix of ages, and offer activities and things to do for the young and old, and will sail to destinations around the world, although primarily focus on the major cruise markets, such as the Caribbean or Europe.
Premium cruise lines offer an elevated experience, and tend to offer a “plussed” version of what the mass-market cruise lines have onboard. Princess, Celebrity, Holland America or Oceania are good examples of these types of cruise lines, and they are still generally large ships with upgraded amenities. In addition, they may offer longer and/or more varied itineraries.
There are still other cruise lines that straddle the line between these major categories. The major differences between each of these cruise lines is primarily price, size of the ships, and where it sails.
Featured May Cruises To Alaska
Get to Alaska right when the cruise season begins on an Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruise that departs in May from Vancouver, British Columbia. Youll see something new every single day of your cruise in May, from sailing the Inside Passage to visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, and Skagway before ending your cruise in Seward, Alaska, where you might even be able to see some snow on the ground.
Recommended Reading: Cruise Average Price
Read Also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Cruise
George Allen Smith Case
On 5 July 2005, passengers on board Brilliance of the Seas reported what appeared to be blood on a part of the ship below the passenger balconies. After a search, George Allen Smith was discovered to be missing and thought to have fallen overboard. A criminal investigation into possible foul play was conducted, and a brief press release on the company’s investor relations website announced the settlement of the case, later revealed to be more than $1 million.
Mega Ship Line #: Royal Caribbean International
If you truly want to feel like youre living in a floating city, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you, given that it has the four largest cruise ships in the world. Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count , length , and gross tonnage . Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think ofand plenty you cant even imaginefrom waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. Youll find these behemoths sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the year, but with so many activities on board, you might not even want to leave the ship.
Also Check: Cruises From Norfolk 2021
Large Ship Line #: Cunard
For those longing for the romantic nostalgia of bygone transatlantic sailings, Cunard is your go-to. The legendary cruise line was established in 1840 and has had dozens of ships in its fleet, though today, there are just three active vessels: the Queen Mary 2, the worlds only true transatlantic ocean liner, designed specifically for ocean crossings, as well as the worlds only pet-friendly ship the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Victoria. Activities havent changed all that much in the last 180 yearstheres still a proper afternoon tea, black-tie dinners, and galas in the ballrooms. Its quite like a step back in time, with all the modern safety measures, of course. Cunards next ship is scheduled to set sail in 2022 or 2023.
Look Beyond Individual Lines
While its clear that every major cruise line has differences that set it apart from other lines, it is also important to recognize that individual ships can be just as distinct. Once youve decided which cruise line appeals to you most, take the time to learn about the different ships and what they offer passengers.
Newer ships may have more innovative features, for example, but are also likely to be more expensive and more fully booked in advance. Older ships may be smaller and could be missing some of the most coveted features, but they still have personalized ambiance and the exceptional service that makes each line distinctive.
Large ships have more features, but small ships have a more intimate appeal. Older ships may have been recently renovated to offer more options, while the newest ships may have spectacular features that arent yet well known.
Understanding how major cruise lines are different from one another can help you start to plan a cruise vacation that will meet your needs and preferences. Whether youre a first-time cruiser looking for a perfect cruise line match or an experienced cruiser looking to try a new line, theres sure to be one that can offer you a great getaway bon voyage!
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.
You May Like: Cruise Lines Leaving From Baltimore
What To Expect On A Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line has some of the oldest ships of the major cruise lines. The dress code is ultra-casual, as it is all about happy and fun. If you are a solo traveller, you will get lost in the middle of couples and families.
Make sure you grab your sun-deck chair first on Sea Days, otherwise you might end up sitting on your neighbors lap – the plastic chairs with no cushioned pads are quite uncomfortable to sit on, no matter how short.
Carnival is targeted at family. With well over 70,000 children carried every year, the Camp Carnival the cruise child / youth program – is a well oiled machine.
Celebrity Equinox – Photo by Jake Lusvardi
S: First New Build Ships
Tropicale
In 1982, Carnival introduced their first purpose-built ship, the Tropicale. This was the first ship where the iconic winged funnel was introduced, designed by Joe Farcus, who would become a longtime Carnival Cruise Line design collaborator, which has since been used on all ships in the fleet.
In 1984, Carnival would introduce a new television marketing campaign during this time, starring Kathie Lee Gifford, who continues to be a longtime collaborator with the line.
Holiday
Following the success of the Tropicale, and increased competition in Miami with newer ships, Carnival ordered the Holiday in 1985, followed by the Jubilee in 1986 and Celebration in 1987.
Also Check: Cruises Leaving Out Of Norfolk Virginia
Who Are The Major Cruise Lines
Similar
List of Mainstream Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Line.
Also to know is, what is the best cruise line company?
Best Cruise Lines for the Money
- #1. Royal Caribbean International. #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.
- #2. Celebrity Cruises. #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.
- #3. Norwegian Cruise Line. #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.
- #4. Princess Cruises.
One may also ask, what are the top 10 cruise lines?
Read on to find out which large-ship ocean cruises made the list of readers’ favorites.
Which cruise lines are American companies?
Holland America Group
- Holland America Line headquarters in Seattle, Washington, US.
- Princess Cruises headquarters in Santa Clarita, California, US.
- Seabourn Cruise Line headquarters in Seattle, Washington, US.
- P& O Cruises Australia headquarters in Sydney, Australia.
What is the cleanest cruise line?
- Norwegian Gem. Norwegian Cruise Lines. Score: 100.
- Disney Wonder. Disney Cruise Lines. Score: 100.
- Viking Star. Viking Ocean Cruises. Score: 100.
- Aurora. P& O Cruises. Score: 100.
- Disney Fantasy. Disney Cruise Lines. Score: 100.
- Noordam. Holland America Line. Score: 100.
- Sea Princess. Princess Cruises.
- Disney Dream. Disney Cruise Lines.
What To Expect On A Msc Cruises Ship
MSC Cruises emphasizes the European / Mediterranean look and feel , with high quality soft furnishings, Italian marble and Swarovski glass stairways.
The ship is operated in English, with some announcements in French, German, Italian and Spanish, depending on the nationality of its passengers. During the cruise there are very few announcements. Given the multilingual emphasis, the shows and other major entertainment are more visual than verbal.
MSC Cruises provides four distinct experience packages, although not all of them are available for each category nor for all destinations. They are Bella , Fantastica , Wellness and Aurea . On top of the experiences, on the largest ships, MSC offers an exclusive lounge and separate cabins, dining and bathing areas for their 5 star Yacht Club-grade passengers.
The kids cruise fare is free if travelling in the same cabin as their parents, although they still pay port and service fees. The children are divided into three age groups: Mini Club , Junior and Teens . There are also times when the infants can be brought to play and explore.
Recommended Reading: Cruises To Hawaii From Los Angeles
What Ship Was The Poop Cruise
Carnival TriumphThe crippled cruise liner Carnival Triumph limps into port late Thursday, February 14, in Mobile, Alabama. Passengers had endured five days aboard the stricken ship with little power and few toilet facilities after a fire knocked out propulsion and other systems on Sunday, February 10.
Medium Ship Line #: P& O Cruises
The British line P& O Cruises is the oldest in the world, established in 1837 to ferry mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula, but it began to offer leisure operationsthe very first cruises as we know themas early as 1844. The ships cater to a primarily British audience, and they provide good value for a classic cruising experience. Guests enjoy traditional activities like shuffleboard, dance classes, and pub quizzes. The ships typically sail in Europe, though they also have ports of call in Asia and the Middle East.
Don’t Miss: Norfolk Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line Booster
The cruise line has updated guests on its plans to operate vaccinated sailings, including the possibility of the booster shot becoming a requirement. Carnival Cruise Line continues to follow CDC guidelines to ensure guests and crew remain safe, despite the Conditional Sailing Order ending on January 15, 2022.
In a letter sent to guests, Carnival said that it still plans to operate vaccinated sailings, and guests will still need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure. Pre-cruise testing is still required for vaccinated guests within two days before the sailing date.
The CDC and even Carnivals own Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols, strongly recommend that guests get a booster shot when eligible. On upcoming sailings, its possible that the booster shot could become a requirement rather than a recommendation, and the cruise line is letting guests know.
So far, none of the cruise destinations have made this a requirement, but during the last few weeks, ports have refused entry to cruise ships that have had small numbers of COVID-19 cases onboard. The last thing the industry needs is further port cancellations due to guests not having the booster shot.
Large Ship Line #: Royal Caribbean International
Though Royal Caribbean is perhaps best known for its mega-ships, it has quite a number of large ships, toothe 3,100-passenger Voyager-class ships, for instance, were once the worlds largest, until Royal Caribbean debuted the larger Freedom class and subsequently the Oasis class. Each class had its own series of firstsVoyager of the Seas was the first ship to have an ice rink and a rock-climbing wall, while Freedom of the Seas introduced the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea.
Also Check: Mobile Al Port Parking
Large Ship #1: Costa Cruises
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises, which operates under parent company Carnival, has quite a history: it was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company, transporting olive oil and textiles around the world. Transferring to the leisure cruise side of the business in 1959, Costa currently operates 11 shipsthe majority of which accommodate between 2,800 and 5,300 passengersthat sail all over the world. Its next ship, Costa Toscana, will debut in December 2021.
Royal Caribbeans Allure Of The Seas
Best For: Those who fear claustrophobia.
Highlights: Cruise on Royal Caribbeans Allure of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Caribbean, and you may forget youre on a ship altogether. Practically the size of a small town, this vessel is even divided into neighborhoods with a promenade running down the center lined with shops. Stay active on the ice-skating rink, FlowRider simulated surf machines, zip line, and rock climbing wall, just to mention a few of the activities.
Best For: People who worry that a cruise is too expensive.
Highlights: Think of Carnival Cruise Line as the Target store of cruising: affordable prices, excellent service and a fun experience. Try the Carnival Vista out of Galveston, and swoosh down water slides, see first-rate comedians, and catch a flick at the IMAX theater at sea.
Don’t Miss: Parking Mobile Cruise Terminal
Medium Ship Line #1: Royal Caribbean International
While it’s true that Royal Caribbean is better known for its large and mega-ships, the cruise line also has a fair number of medium-size ships whose maximum capacities are just shy of 2,500 guests. Each of these ships belongs to the Vision class or Radiance class, two families of older vessels whose smaller sizes allow them to explore more adventurous destinations, such as Alaska and Cyprus. But they also sail the Caribbean, offering Royal Caribbean loyalists a more intimate experience than the fleet’s larger ships.
The 13 Costa Cruises Ships
Costa Deliziosa , Costa Diadema , Costa Fascinosa , Costa Favolosa , Costa Fortuna , Costa Luminosa , Costa Magica , Costa neoRiviera , Costa Pacifica , Costa Serena , Costa Smeralda , Costa Venezia , Costa Firenze – Costa Toscana planned for end 2021 –
Ships that have been sold/scrapped due to COVID-19: Costa Atlantica , Costa Mediterranea , Costa Victoria ,Costa neoRomantica
Costa Cruises website: www.costacruises.com
Also Check: Disney Cruise Ships Size
Medium Ship Line #: Cunard
While Cunards Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengersand a number of cats and dogson board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though theyre quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
Fort Lauderdale Florida Cruise Port
By Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh, from Robe Trotting
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one of Americas premier cruise ports. Conveniently, the cruise ship terminal is only three miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport. There are some shuttle options, but the best way to reach the terminal from the airport is to take an Uber or taxi. The cost is around $10-15 and most of the shuttles are similar or more in price, but on a fixed schedule. For example, the Carnival shuttle is $16. Parking at the cruise port is about $15 per day and many lots require an advanced reservation, so make sure to research before your departure.
The port of Fort Lauderdale services some of the biggest cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America. Its a popular departure point for many themed cruises on these lines, whether Biker themed, Star Trek themed, or an LGBTQI+ cruise, for instance. It’s worth noting that Fort Lauderdale is an incredibly gay-friendly city.
If youre sailing from Fort Lauderdale and book a few extra nights in town, you will have plenty of options for entertainment. There are dinner cruises on the Intracoastal Waterway or you can dine at any of the incredible seafood restaurants in town. The magnificent beaches in Fort Lauderdale are clean and popular with cruise guests before or after their departure, because there is no such thing as too much sand and sun.
Also Check: Ncl Iconcierge