Medium Ship Line #: Oceania Cruises
Its all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jaques Pepin, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. Its four smaller Regatta-class ships also have excellent dining options, like the Polo Grill and the Italian eatery Toscana. Two new 1,200-passenger ships are on the way for Oceania, set for delivery in 2022 and 2025.
Rule #: Do Sail On Older Ships For Cheaper Deals
Its not written in stone, but you will usually pay much less to sail on an older ship compared to a newer one. Older ships are still kept up and comfy, but simply cant offer the space or amenities as the larger, newer ships.
Over the past decade ships have seemingly transformed from seagoing vessels to floating amusement parks. From huge waterslides to walking promenades, robot bars, ice rinks, and more, its hard to believe what they can put on a new ship these days.
If you dont need these sorts of things on your cruise, then look for an older ship to get a much cheaper cruise.
Its difficult to compare apples to apples as different ships sail to different ports at different times, but we found two similar cruises to compare.
The first was a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbeans Symphony of the Seas from Miami, departing April 2020. Symphony of the Seas is among the cruise lines newest ships, and its priced accordingly.
The cheapest price we found for an April sailing on this new ship was $997 per person.
Compare this rate with a 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard another Royal Caribbean ship Empress of the Seas. We found this cruise departing Miami during the same month . Despite being one night longer, the trip was priced at just $439 per person for an interior cabin.
In other words, sailing the older ship in this example costs less than half the new ship despite the cruise on the older ship being a day longer.
What Cruise Line Has The Biggest Suites
Guests in the largest luxury suites on the Queen Mary 2 are welcomed by Champagne and strawberries.
The world’s two largest cruise ships with the largest individual suites sail under the flag of Royal Caribbean — Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Measuring only a few feet shorter than the Empire State Building laid on its side and easily besting the Eiffel Tower, each ship carries nearly 6,300 passengers. In gross tonnage, these modern vessels are five times larger than the Titanic, which a century ago was the largest floating object ever constructed. However, the largest, most luxurious stateroom configurations are on the Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2.
Read Also: Cape Liberty New Jersey Parking
Too Small: Majesty Of The Seas’ Standard Insides
Feel the squeeze in the smallest standard cabins offered by Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas . At 114 square feet, these insides are glorified closets, but Royal Caribbean manages to stuff a lot into these cabins, including a vanity table with extendable working space. With pull-down beds forming bunks, you could even sleep four in these tiny digs.
Owners Suite Oceania Cruises
Available on:Riviera and
Luxury by way of Ralph Lauren Home Collection sets the atmosphere of the grand Owners Suites on board the Riviera and ships of Oceania Cruises. Boasting more than 2,000 square feet with a spacious living room, king-size bed, two walk-in closets, not to mention the indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas, the specialty suite exudes modern sophistication and comfort. Of the many perks of being in one of the ships three coveted suites, each suite receives an iPad to use on the ship, free unlimited WiFi, and best of all, an in-suite bar setup with a capacity for six full-size bottles of premium spirits and wine, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap under the stars.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodors Oceania Cruises Guide
You May Like: Marriott Vacation Club Points Cruises
Crystal Penthouse Crystal Cruises
Available on:Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony
Lauded for its premium cruising experience, Crystal Cruises delivers the height of contemporary elegance and class with its premium Crystal Penthouse suites. With interiors that are unique to each ship, the privileges of sailing as guest in the Crystal Penthouse are fleet-wide and include unpacking and packing services, garment pressing and shoe shine, and personalized booking assistance for all included shore excursions. Knowing that many who stay in the Crystal Penthouse never want to leave, the cruise line accommodates room dining opportunities with a daily afternoon tea service, pre-dinner cocktails, and white cloth dining from specialty restaurants Silk Road and Prego, served by course.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodors Crystal Cruises Guide
Royal Caribbean Oasis Of The Seas Ultimate Panoramic Suite
The $16-million amplification of Oasis yielded many family-friendly resultsthe AquaTheater and Ultimate Abyss dry slide chiefly among them, as well as the Ultimate Panoramic Suite. This dreamy cabin features the same 200-degree views that the Captain enjoys from the bridge, with windows that are wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. Those epic pano sight lines are even available from the bubble bath oasis of your bathroom tub! This suite gives families over 900 square feet of space to spread out during their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. The Ultimate deck 14 suites accommodate up to four, have a bathroom that itself is bigger than most cruise cabins, are stocked with upgraded amenities like LOccitane toiletries, and have premium bedding, complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi, complimentary specialty dining, and exclusive private access to specific areas of the ship and private islands. Speaking of the AquaTheater, there are suites bearing that name with a pair of bedrooms, a massive living room, and two bathrooms.
Don’t Miss: Best Time To Visit The Mediterranean
Msc Cruises Yacht Club Royal Suite
Its not surprising that three of the top suites on our list are dubbed royal because youll feel like the king or queen of the ship when you sail in these decadent digs. MSC Cruises version, the Yacht Club Royal Suite, will pamper up to five guests with approximately 667 square feet of space plus a 355-square-foot balcony.
You want a separate master bedroom with plenty of room to stretch out, a living room with enough seating to throw a small party, and a luxurious bathroom with jetted tub and glassed-in shower? MSCs Royal Suite has you covered. You dont get one balcony, but two a smaller veranda off the bedroom, and a larger balcony with hot tub off the living room.
The real benefit of this suite, however, might be its Yacht Club perks. Guests have access to a ship-within-a-ship private enclave with an exclusive restaurant, lounge, sun deck, and pool. They also get free entrance to the Aurea Spas thermal suite. Throughout the ship, enjoy complimentary drinks, Wi-Fi, and room service. A butler will take care of your every whim .
Read more:10 weird and wonderful cruise ship cabin types
The Corner Aft: Various
Seasoned cruisers know that “corner aft” cabins — close relatives of the traditional aft cabins — sell out quickly thanks to alfresco real estate that wraps around the stern, providing unobstructed views of the ship’s trail and any port- or starboard-side scenery. Corner aft cabins are staple accommodations on many ships, so consult your applicable deck plan for details. Reader Thomas Nicolai-Vargas lauded the L-shaped variety found in the Vista Suite cabins of Carnival’s Spirit-class ships. These coveted cabins, found on various decks, feature 220-square-foot balconies .
Recommended Reading: Panama Canal Cruise Pros And Cons
Rule #: Dont Get Distracted By Cruise Line Sales
The cruise lines are like department stores they constantly run sales and special offers. Sometimes it is 50% off the second fare. Sometimes its lower deposits. Sometimes its onboard credit.
Weve found that there is a constant flow of deals, and they usually are all about the same. In other words, we dont really think you should let it influence whether or not you buy or let it affect the timing of your purchase.
Yes, it is possible that one deal might be better than another. However, they typically end up around the same price. If a cruise line really needs to fill rooms, they will simply lower the price of the specific cruise instead of offering a fleetwide discount.
River Ship Line #: Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions has three river ships: Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, which sail the Peruvian Amazon, and Aqua Mekong, which traverses the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. Guests sailing aboard these modern, luxurious vessels will partake in daily excursions that introduce them to both the ecology and the culture of their destinations. Aqua also operates the expedition ship Aqua Blu, which sails through Indonesia.
Don’t Miss: What Cruise Lines Depart From Bayonne Nj
Small Ship Line #1: American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines has the unique distinction of operating not only old-school paddlewheelers in the United States, but also contemporary river ships. And they dont just sail on the Mississippiyou can also explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, too. Beyond that, the 13-strong fleet also has oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.
River Ship Line #: Delfin Amazon Cruises
Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isnt quite like other river journeysits a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotellike accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients.
You May Like: Why Are Disney Cruises More Expensive
Panorama Suites Avalon Waterways
Avalon’s approach to creating the largest possible standard river cabins is a brilliant one. Rather than incorporating private balconies, as most other lines have done, Avalon has refined the French veranda concept. First, standard cabins measure 200 square feet each, which is about 30 percent larger than other lines’ most common cabin categories. Avalon has also created even more spaciousness with an 11-foot wall-to-wall panoramic window that retracts seven feet. When the window is pushed back, the entire room becomes a big, comfortable open-air balcony. The walls are also slightly angled — you won’t even notice it — so that the marble bathroom is larger than average.
Other Pros: Another nifty design innovation is that beds actually face the view. We also love the fully stocked mini-bar.
Cons: There are no true balconies.
Regent Seven Seas Explorer Seven Seas Splendor
Best Cruise Suite: Regent Suite
Why? There is only one Regent Suite each aboard Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor. It was designed to be the most luxurious suite at sea at 2,917 square feet , its footprint is larger than that of the average American home. But it’s not just the size that impresses: The suite comes complete with a private spa, including treatment area, sauna, ceramic heated relaxation loungers and multijet shower, and residents are entitled to unlimited — and complimentary — in-suite spa treatments. Other perks include sedan transfers to and from the airport a private car with driver and guide in every port and free unlimited laundry and pressing.
The location of the suite on Deck 14 is stunning, with 270-degree views over the bow. Throughout the two-bedroom suite, you’ll find high-end touches in marble and exotic wood. The lounge features beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and a custom $250,000 Steinway Arabesque piano. The suite offers not one but two 4K ultra-high-definition televisions, and each room is accented with limited-edition art books, Murano glass bowls and other handcrafted elements.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at $6,000 per person, per night. Air is included.
Recommended Reading: Are Msc Cruises Good
Medium Ship Line #: Azamara
Though Azamaras three 700-passenger ships are lovely, with top-quality dining and plenty of on-board activities to fill days at sea, passengers choose this cruise line for the experience at its destinations, which span all seven continents. Azamara not only offers personalized shore excursions , they also do a number of overnights, allowing guests to explore more destinations farther inland. The overnights also allow passengers to experience an evening out on the town in port cities, if they so choose.
Best And Worst Cabins On Cruise Ships
What are the best and worst cabins on cruise ships – and why? Where and what are the best cabins on a cruise ship is a question about location , fares and price-inclusive amenities. Where and what are the best and worst staterooms are among the general questions for first-timer cruisers.
Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your “best” is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject. Find out more secrets at our stateroom tips and tricks.
You May Like: Pier 90 Manhattan Cruise Terminal
River Ship Line #: Tauck
Taucks nine river ships specialize in navigating Northern Europe, with itineraries that highlight the castles of Germanys Rhine River or explore Paris and Monets gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young childrena unique offering among river cruise lines.
List Of Largest Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing. Unlike ocean liners, which are used for transport, they typically embark on round-trip voyages to various ports-of-call, where passengers may go on tours known as “shore excursions”. They can carry thousands of passengers in a single trip, and are some of the largest ships in the world by gross tonnage , bigger than many cargo ships. Cruise ships started to exceed ocean liners in size and capacity in the mid-1990s before then, few were more than 50,000 GT. In the decades since, the size of the largest vessels has more than doubled. There have been nine or more new cruise ships added every year since 2001, most of which are 100,000 GT or greater. In the two decades between 1988 and 2009, the largest cruise ships grew a third longer , almost doubled their widths , doubled the total passengers , and tripled in volume . As of June 2020, the largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 228,081, is 361 metres long, 65.7 metres wide, and holds up to 6,680 passengers.
Read Also: How Much Is Disney Cruise Insurance
Staterooms On Edge Series
Brilliant innovations give you open air access to the sea, whenever you wish. The latest technology lets you precisely adjust nearly every comfort feature in your stateroom, suite or villa. Reimagined spaces feature larger living areas, bigger bathrooms, and a king-size bed in 99% of our roomsan industry first for premium cruise linesplus Celebritys eXhale bedding featuring the Cashmere Mattress.
With the widest range of staterooms in the Celebrity fleet, theres a room perfect for your vacation needs. From our new Single Stateroomsdesigned for modern travelers who love to explore the world on their ownto our perfectly indulgent Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms.
The 178 possible options of connecting staterooms make it easier than ever for families and friends to get together and get away in luxury. Combinations include two adjoining Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas connected to become one, and the Iconic Suite and the Royal Suite connected to create our largest unique combination that comfortably sleeps 10.
For our new Edge Series accommodations, famed interior designer Kelly Hoppen took the lead on design. Her vision evokes the intimacy of an inviting, indulgent urban apartment that opens to the most beautiful scenery on earth. With Kellys tremendous style, every stateroom is a spacious work of art that youll be glad to call your home away from home.
Discover how Celebrity Edge Series is truly reinventing cruise accommodations
Balcony Cabins On Cruise Ships
Most balcony cruise ship cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private step-out veranda. The balcony also is furnished with a table and pair of chairs/loungers. Standard balconies are separated by dividers. As sizes, balcony cabins on cruise ships vary, with those on Princess and NCl ships being among the smallest compared to other big-ship lines. In our cruise deck plans, we also list room sizes and the size of the balcony. Balcony Apart from the balcony they can offer You twin beds that can be converted to King-size bed. Balconies also provide sitting area with chair and coffee table and private bath with shower, as well as closet/wardrobe, electronic safe box, mini bar, television and phone, sofa, bathrobes, hairdryer. Most verandas are between 30-60 ft2 . Below are shown the layouts of the Anthem ship’s Deluxe and Accessible balcony cabins.
Also Check: Ny Cruise Terminals
Best Accessible Inside Cabin: Celebrity Cruises
Six roomy inside cabins on each of the line’s five Solstice-class ships — Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection — feature cabin doors that automatically open with a card swipe, roll-in showers, grab bars and ramped bathroom thresholds.
Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Edge, has three accessible inside cabins featuring a sleek design, but they’re slightly smaller than those in the Solstice Class. The line’s other ships also feature accessible insides, but they’re even smaller and don’t have the automatic doors.