how many cruise ships world wide

How Many Cruise Ships Are There In the World? 2024

Have you ever wondered how many cruise ships there are?

Or how many of each cruise line?

While the number of cruise ships in the world varies year to year as old ships are scrapped and new ones are launched, we have worked out the current total with a full breakdown for each cruise line in the table below.

How Many Cruise Ships Are There?

In the table below, we have listed all known cruise lines with the number of ships in the fleet and a total passenger capacity per cruise line.

Paul Gauguin Cruise line, one single ship, was purchased by Compagnie du Ponant in 2019 and is counted as part of the Ponant fleet.

Ship Capacities are a guide. The majority were taken as the maximum number of passengers on board, but some figures included double occupancy figures, which are slightly lower.

Passenger capacity numbers may vary between maximum number of passengers and double occupancy capacities so should only be treated as estimate.

How Many Carnival Cruise Ships Are There?

There are 24 Carnival Cruise ships under the Carnival brand as of early 2023. However, the parent company Carnival Corporation & plc owns several other cruise line brands, for a total of 86 cruise ships.

This makes Carnival Cruise the world’s largest cruise line operator.

The number of Carnival Corporation & plc cruises ships by brand:

Carnival Cruise Line (24)
Costa Cruises (12)
Cunard Line (3)
Holland America (11)
P&O Cruises (6)
P&O Cruises Australia (3)
Princess (15)

How Many Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Are There?

As of 2022, there are 26 Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the current fleet. However, the parent company Royal Caribbean Group owns three smaller cruise lines for a total of making it the second largest cruise line operator.

Royal Caribbean Group Cruise lines 2022:

Royal Caribbean Internationa (26)
Celebrity Cruises (15)
Silversea Cruises (11)

Royal Caribbean Group also has a 50% stake in TUI Cruises which currently has 6 ships in its fleet.

How Many Norwegian Cruise Ships Are There?

Norwegian Prima docked in Port Canaveral, Florida

There are 18 cruise ships in the current fleet of the Norwegian Cruise line in 2022. NCL is owned by its parent, the company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , which also owns two other cruise lines and, in total, runs 29 cruise ships across the three brands.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Cruise brands are:

Norwegian Cruise Line (18)
Oceania Cruises (6)
Regent Seven Seas (5)

How Many Cruise Lines are There In the World?

Three Cruise Ships docked in Nassau Bahamas

As of early 2023 there are at least 37 cruise line companies, but smaller lesser known ones may also exist.

Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise lines in terms of number of cruises ships with a total of 26 ships and a combined passenger capacity of 112,993.

Cruise Lines Gone Bust or Ships Scrapped

2022 was not a great year for the number of cruise ships, with 3 cruise lines going under.

Star Cruises and Dream Cruises were owned by Genting Hong Kong, which went bankrupt early in 2022 and a number of the ships were sold for scrap.

Crystal Cruises went insolvent in 2022, and 2 cruise ships were brought by A&K Travel Group which intends to relaunch them in 2023.

The other way cruise ship numbers can change is if a cruise ship sinks or capsizes. Thankfully no cruise ships have sunk for a number of years.

How Many Cruise Ship Passengers Are There?

Across the 37 cruise lines we a total of 664,602 passengers could be carried at any one time if all 302 cruise ships were filled to capactity.

What is the Draft of a Cruise Ship? (and Why Does it Matter?)

How Many Doors on a Cruise Ship? (Yes, I Counted)

How Many Cruise Ships Are In The World

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Magda Fraga

Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of cruises! Whether you are an avid traveler seeking new adventures or a leisure seeker looking for a luxurious getaway, cruises offer a unique and unforgettable experience. With a plethora of cruise ship options and destinations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to navigate the vast cruise industry. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the global cruise ship fleet, major cruise ship companies, regional distribution of cruise ships, popular cruise ship destinations, as well as the growth and trends in the cruise industry.

Embarking on a cruise allows you to explore multiple destinations in one trip, all while enjoying world-class amenities and entertainment on board. From the moment you step foot on a cruise ship, you are greeted with exceptional service, gourmet dining options, exciting activities, and stunning ocean views. Whether you prefer a relaxing Caribbean cruise, an adventure-filled Alaskan expedition, or a culture-rich Mediterranean voyage, there is a cruise that caters to every traveler’s preferences.

This article will delve into the fascinating world of cruises, uncovering the secrets behind the global cruise ship fleet, the major cruise ship companies that dominate the industry, and the regional distribution of these floating cities. Furthermore, we will explore some of the most popular cruise ship destinations around the world, highlighting their unique attractions and experiences.

The cruise industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with an increasing number of people choosing cruises as their preferred way of travel. We will delve into the reasons behind this growth and the emerging trends in the cruise industry.

As with any industry, the cruise industry also faces its fair share of challenges and concerns. We will discuss some of the environmental, safety, and health issues that the industry is actively addressing.

So, buckle up and get ready to set sail on a journey through the world of cruises. Let’s explore the magnificent ships, stunning destinations, and exciting trends that make the cruise industry an unforgettable experience for millions of travelers around the globe.

Methodology

When it comes to gathering data on the global cruise ship fleet, multiple sources are utilized to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. The primary sources of information include industry reports, cruise ship company websites, official government records, and specialized maritime databases.

To determine the global cruise ship fleet, data is collected on the total number of cruise ships currently in operation worldwide. This information is regularly updated as new ships are launched, and older ships are retired. In addition, data on the size and capacity of each vessel is obtained, including the number of passengers and crew members it can accommodate.

Major cruise ship companies are identified based on their market share, revenue, and industry reputation. These companies may own and operate multiple cruise ship brands, each offering a unique experience and targeting different demographics. In this section, we will highlight some of the prominent cruise ship companies that shape the industry.

The regional distribution of cruise ships refers to the geographical areas where the ships are deployed for various itineraries and destinations. This information is gathered through industry reports and press releases, along with data from cruise ship company websites and travel agencies. By analyzing the deployment of cruise ships in different regions, we can identify popular cruise destinations across the globe.

It’s important to note that the data and statistics presented in this article are subject to change, as the cruise industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. New ships are being built, and existing ships are refurbished or retired, which impacts the overall fleet size and distribution. Therefore, while the information provided here is accurate at the time of writing, it’s advisable to refer to up-to-date sources when planning a cruise or seeking the most current industry insights.

Global Cruise Ship Fleet

The global cruise ship fleet is composed of a diverse range of vessels, each offering a unique experience to passengers. From small luxury yachts to sprawling mega-ships, there is a cruise ship for every taste and budget.

As of [insert latest year], the global cruise ship fleet consists of over [number] ships. These ships vary in size, with the smallest accommodating around [number] passengers, while the largest can host over [number] passengers.

One of the most notable and distinctive features of cruise ships is their impressive amenities and facilities. Onboard, you’ll find a plethora of options to keep you entertained, from multiple dining venues serving world-class cuisine to theaters showcasing Broadway-style shows, spas offering rejuvenating treatments, fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, swimming pools, water parks, casinos, and much more. Additionally, many ships feature themed bars, lounges, and clubs to cater to different interests and preferences.

When it comes to accommodation, cruise ships offer a range of stateroom options, from cozy interior cabins to spacious suites with private balconies. These rooms are carefully designed to maximize comfort and make you feel at home during your voyage.

The global cruise ship fleet also includes specialized vessels catering to specific travel niches, such as expedition ships for exploring remote destinations like the Antarctic or Galapagos Islands, and river cruise ships that navigate scenic rivers and waterways in various regions worldwide.

Several cruise ship companies dominate the global fleet, with each operating multiple ships under their brand portfolio. These companies invest heavily in innovative ship designs, technological advancements, and sustainability measures to ensure that passengers have an unforgettable and responsible cruising experience.

As the demand for cruises continues to grow, cruise lines are investing in the construction of new ships. These next-generation vessels incorporate cutting-edge features, such as advanced entertainment systems, environmentally friendly technologies, and enhanced safety measures.

Overall, the global cruise ship fleet is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the cruise industry. With ships catering to different preferences, destinations, and budgets, there is a cruise ship for everyone seeking a memorable and luxurious vacation at sea.

Major Cruise Ship Companies

The global cruise industry is dominated by a few major cruise ship companies that operate a multitude of brands, each offering a distinct cruising experience. These companies have a vast fleet of ships that sail to various destinations around the world, catering to different demographics and interests.

1. Carnival Corporation & plc: Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise ship company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise lines that includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, and Cunard Line. With over 90 ships in its fleet, Carnival Corporation offers a wide range of itineraries to destinations across all continents.

2. Royal Caribbean Group: Royal Caribbean Group is another major player in the industry, operating brands such as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara. Known for its innovative ship designs and onboard activities, Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet comprises some of the largest and most technologically advanced cruise ships in the world.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This company is known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, offering guests a flexible and relaxed onboard experience. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings offers a diverse range of itineraries, from Caribbean cruises to world voyages.

4. MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises, based in Europe, has rapidly expanded its fleet in recent years. Known for its elegant and modern ships, MSC Cruises offers itineraries across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and other global destinations. It also provides a luxurious Yacht Club experience for discerning travelers.

5. Disney Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line caters to families and Disney enthusiasts, providing a magical experience at sea. With its iconic ships, Disney Cruise Line offers themed activities, entertainment, and dining options that resonate with guests of all ages.

These major cruise ship companies invest heavily in shipbuilding and innovation to stay ahead in the competitive market. They strive to provide exceptional service, world-class entertainment, and unique onboard experiences that make each cruise memorable for passengers.

It’s important to note that several other cruise ship companies, such as Costa Group, Celestyal Cruises, and Viking Cruises, also contribute significantly to the industry. Each company brings its own distinct features and itineraries, enriching the diversity and choices available to cruise travelers.

With a wide range of cruise ship companies to choose from, travelers can find the perfect match for their desired cruising experience, whether it’s a fun-filled family vacation, a romantic escape, or an adventure-packed expedition to remote corners of the world.

Regional Distribution of Cruise Ships

The global cruise industry is not limited to any specific region, as cruise ships sail to destinations across the globe. However, certain regions are more popular than others in terms of cruise ship deployment and passenger demand. Let’s explore the regional distribution of cruise ships and some of the top cruise destinations in each region.

It’s important to note that cruise ship deployment can vary by season, with companies adjusting itineraries based on weather conditions and passenger demand. Therefore, it’s always advisable to check with cruise lines for the latest information on regional deployment and available destinations.

The regional distribution of cruise ships allows travelers to choose from a wide range of destinations and explore different parts of the world in a convenient and enjoyable way. Whether you prefer tropical beaches, cultural exploration, or wilderness adventures, there is a cruise itinerary and destination to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences.

Popular Cruise Ship Destinations

When it comes to selecting a cruise ship destination, the options are endless. From tropical paradises to historic cities, here are some popular cruise ship destinations that attract millions of travelers every year:

1. Caribbean Islands: The Caribbean is synonymous with cruising. With its stunning turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and vibrant culture, the Caribbean offers a dreamy getaway. Popular ports of call include Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, and Barbados. Cruisers can soak up the sun, snorkel in pristine coral reefs, and experience the lively atmosphere of Caribbean towns and markets.

2. Alaska: For those seeking a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience, Alaska is a perfect choice. Cruise ships navigate the picturesque Inside Passage, allowing passengers to witness glaciers, fjords, and wildlife up close. Ports of call often include Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, offering opportunities for breathtaking excursions like whale watching, dog sledding, and hiking in national parks.

3. Mediterranean: The Mediterranean region is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. A Mediterranean cruise can take you to iconic cities like Rome, Athens, Barcelona, and Istanbul, where you can explore ancient ruins, indulge in delicious cuisine, and wander through charming historic streets. From the stunning coastline of the French Riviera to the picturesque Greek islands, the Mediterranean offers a diverse and captivating experience.

4. Hawaii: The enchanting islands of Hawaii are a tropical paradise and a popular destination for cruise-goers. Cruises often depart from California or embark on inter-island itineraries, allowing passengers to explore the unique landscapes of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. From sun-kissed beaches to lush rainforests, Hawaii offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

5. Northern Europe: Exploring the countries of Northern Europe is a fascinating experience. A cruise through this region can take you to historic cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg, and Edinburgh. Witness the beauty of Norwegian fjords, visit medieval castles, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this part of the world.

6. South Pacific: The islands of the South Pacific offer a slice of paradise. From Fiji and Tahiti to Bora Bora and the Cook Islands, these destinations are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Cruise-goers can relax on pristine beaches, snorkel among colorful coral reefs, and soak in the laid-back island vibes.

7. Antarctica: For the adventurous souls, a cruise to Antarctica is an extraordinary journey. Navigate through icy waters, witness towering glaciers, and be awestruck by the incredible wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cruises to this remote continent offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

These are just a few examples of the many popular cruise ship destinations that captivate travelers. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or natural wonders, there is a cruise destination that will fulfill your wanderlust. Each destination offers its own unique experiences and memories, ensuring that your cruise will be an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

Growth and Trends in the Cruise Industry

The cruise industry has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, with an increasing number of people choosing cruises as their preferred mode of travel. This growth can be attributed to several factors that have shaped the industry and influenced passenger preferences. Let’s explore some of the trends and developments in the cruise industry:

1. Expanding Market: The cruise market has seen a significant expansion, with more cruise lines, ships, and itineraries catering to a wide range of travelers. The industry has successfully diversified to accommodate different budgets, interests, and demographics, offering everything from family-friendly cruises to luxury yacht experiences.

2. New Ship Launches: Cruise lines continue to invest in new ship construction to meet the growing demand. New ships are being launched with innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced onboard amenities. These state-of-the-art vessels cater to passengers’ desire for modern comfort and immersive experiences at sea.

3. Focus on Sustainability: The cruise industry has recognized the importance of environmental sustainability. Cruise lines are investing in cleaner technologies, alternative fuels, and waste management systems to minimize their impact on marine ecosystems and reduce carbon emissions. They are also partnering with local communities to support conservation and social initiatives at popular cruise destinations.

4. Destination Immersion: Cruise lines are increasingly focusing on providing authentic and immersive experiences at destinations. They offer more time in port, overnight stays, and unique shore excursions that allow passengers to explore the local culture, cuisine, and landmarks. This trend appeals to travelers seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit.

5. Digital Innovations: The cruise industry is embracing digital innovations to enhance the onboard experience. From mobile apps for booking activities and managing itineraries to advanced connectivity options and virtual reality simulators, technology is being used to create seamless and interactive cruise experiences.

6. Wellness and Health-Focused Cruises: Wellness tourism has gained popularity, and cruise lines are adapting to this trend. They are incorporating spa facilities, fitness centers, healthy dining options, and wellness programs into their ships to cater to passengers’ desire for relaxation, rejuvenation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on vacation.

7. Multi-Generational Travel: Cruises have become popular for multi-generational family vacations, offering something for everyone, from kids’ clubs and teen activities to adult-only areas and entertainment options. Cruise lines are providing a variety of onboard amenities and programming to accommodate families traveling together.

8. Personalization and Customization: With advanced technology and data analytics, cruise lines are able to personalize the onboard experience for passengers. From tailored dining options to personalized itineraries and onboard activities, the industry is catering to individual preferences and offering more choices to enhance the cruise experience.

These trends reflect the dynamic nature of the cruise industry, constantly evolving to meet the changing demands and desires of travelers. As the industry continues to grow and adapt, it strives to provide unforgettable experiences, innovative services, and sustainable practices that ensure the long-term success and enjoyment of cruising.

Challenges and Concerns

While the cruise industry continues to thrive and gain popularity, it is not without its challenges and concerns. These issues require the industry’s attention and active efforts to address them. Let’s explore some of the major challenges and concerns in the cruise industry:

1. Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of the cruise industry has come under scrutiny in recent years. Cruise ships generate large amounts of waste, contribute to air pollution, and can negatively impact marine ecosystems through activities such as improper waste disposal and damage to coral reefs. Cruise lines are increasingly investing in sustainable practices, alternative fuels, and waste management systems to minimize their environmental footprint.

2. Health and Safety: Ensuring the health and safety of passengers and crew members is of utmost importance in the cruise industry. Outbreaks of illnesses such as norovirus and COVID-19 have highlighted the need for robust protocols and measures to prevent and manage infectious diseases onboard. Cruise lines have implemented enhanced sanitation practices, health screenings, and stringent health protocols to mitigate such risks.

3. Overcrowding at Popular Destinations: The increasing popularity of cruise travel has led to concerns of overcrowding in popular destinations. Large numbers of cruise passengers arriving at ports can put a strain on local infrastructure, overwhelm natural sites, and impact the local culture of communities. Cruise lines are working with local authorities to manage visitor numbers, implement sustainable tourism practices, and distribute tourism benefits more evenly.

4. Labor Issues: The cruise industry relies heavily on a global workforce, which can lead to labor concerns. Issues such as low wages, long hours, and limited worker rights have been raised by labor unions and advocacy groups. Cruise lines are being urged to provide fair working conditions and ensure the welfare of their crew members.

5. Cruise Ship Safety: Incidents such as ship fires, accidents, and mechanical failures have raised concerns about cruise ship safety. The industry has responded by enhancing safety protocols, conducting regular inspections, and investing in advanced safety technologies to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members.

6. Geopolitical and Security Concerns: The cruise industry must navigate geopolitical challenges, including changes in travel regulations, political instability, and security threats. Cruise lines work closely with government agencies and security organizations to ensure the safety and security of passengers throughout their journey.

7. Customer Satisfaction: Maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is essential for the success of cruise lines. Issues such as onboard service, food quality, and entertainment experiences can impact passenger satisfaction. Cruise companies are always striving to improve their offerings and address customer concerns to enhance the overall cruising experience.

The cruise industry recognizes these challenges and concerns and continues to work towards finding solutions and implementing best practices. Through collaboration with stakeholders, investment in technology, and a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, the industry aims to address these issues and ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for passengers while minimizing its impact on the environment and local communities.

The world of cruises offers a unique and captivating experience for travelers of all types. From the diverse fleet of cruise ships to the wide array of destinations, the industry has something to fulfill every wanderlust. As we have explored in this article, the global cruise ship fleet is vast and varied, with major companies dominating the market and catering to different preferences and budgets.

The regional distribution of cruise ships highlights the popularity of destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and the South Pacific. Each region offers its own distinct charm, captivating passengers with beautiful landscapes, rich cultures, and immersive experiences. The industry’s growth and trends reflect the evolving needs and desires of modern travelers, with a focus on sustainability, technology integration, wellness tourism, and personalization.

However, the cruise industry also faces challenges and concerns that must be addressed. Environmental impact, health and safety issues, overcrowding, labor conditions, and customer satisfaction are just a few of the areas that require attention and action. Cruise lines are proactively working towards solutions, implementing sustainable practices, enhancing safety measures, and improving overall passenger experiences.

Despite these challenges, the allure of cruising continues to grow, with millions of passengers embarking on voyages every year. The industry’s commitment to innovation, personalized experiences, and responsible practices ensures that cruising remains a popular and enriching form of travel.

As the world gradually returns to normalcy following the global pandemic, the cruise industry is poised for a comeback. With new protocols in place to ensure health and safety, travelers can once again set sail and immerse themselves in the beauty, luxury, and adventure that cruises have to offer.

So, whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape, a family adventure, or a cultural exploration, consider embarking on a cruise to discover the world in a unique and unforgettable way. With the vast options available, there’s a cruise out there that will fulfill your dreams and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Cruise FAQs

How many cruise ships are there in the world.

Were you aware that more than 400 cruise ships navigate the global seas? It’s astonishing to consider the vast quantity of these aquatic wonders.

In this article, I will take you on a journey through the global cruise ship industry, exploring the size and scale of cruise ship fleets, the different types of cruise ships, and the companies and brands that dominate the industry.

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of cruise ships and discover just how many of these magnificent vessels are out there.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

There are over 400 cruise ships sailing worldwide, indicating significant growth in the global cruise ship industry.
Popular destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska attract many cruise ships, resulting in boosted local economies and job creation.
Cruise ship fleets generate billions of dollars in revenue and support thousands of jobs worldwide through passenger spending on hotels, transportation, and excursions.
Cruise ships vary in size, accommodating thousands of passengers and crew members, and offer state-of-the-art amenities, including multiple restaurants and entertainment venues.

The Global Cruise Ship Industry

There are currently over 300 cruise ships in the world. The global cruise ship industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with more people than ever choosing to take a cruise for their vacation.

This industry not only offers a wide variety of destinations and experiences for travelers, but it also has a significant impact on local economies. Regional cruise trends show that popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska attract a large number of cruise ships each year, bringing in millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses.

The economic benefits extend beyond the ports of call, as cruise ship passengers often spend money on hotels, transportation, and excursions before and after their cruise. This boost in tourism can have a transformative effect on local economies, creating jobs and supporting small businesses.

As we explore the size and scale of cruise ship fleets, it becomes evident how these floating cities contribute to the global travel industry.

The Size and Scale of Cruise Ship Fleets

Explore the vast expanse of cruise ship fleets and behold their impressive size and scale. Cruise ship fleet expansion has been a major trend in recent years, with more and more ships being added to meet the growing demand for cruise vacations.

The economic impact of the cruise ship industry cannot be understated, as it generates billions of dollars in revenue and supports thousands of jobs worldwide. Here are four key points to consider about the size and scale of cruise ship fleets:

Cruise ships can vary in size, with some accommodating thousands of passengers and crew members.
The length of a cruise ship can range from around 200 meters to over 350 meters.
These massive vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities.
The construction of new cruise ships not only creates job opportunities but also boosts the economy through increased tourism and port fees.

With an understanding of the immense size and economic impact of cruise ship fleets, let’s now delve into exploring the different types of cruise ships.

Exploring the Different Types of Cruise Ships

Let’s take a look at the various types of cruise ships and what sets them apart. Cruise ship designs have evolved over the years to cater to different preferences and travel experiences. From large resort-style ships to intimate expedition vessels, there is something for everyone. Here is a comparison of some popular cruise ship types:

Now that we have explored the different types of cruise ships, let’s dive into the world of cruise ship companies and brands worldwide.

Cruise Ship Companies and Brands Worldwide

When it comes to popular cruise ship companies and global cruise ship brands, there are a few key players that dominate the market. Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. are among the top cruise ship companies with a strong global presence.

To understand the market dynamics and competition, a market share analysis can provide valuable insights into the industry landscape and the dominance of these companies.

Popular Cruise Ship Companies

There are several popular cruise ship companies that offer a variety of itineraries and onboard amenities. These companies provide voyages to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. From the pristine beaches of the Caribbean to the historic cities of Europe, these cruise lines cater to different preferences and budgets.

Passengers can enjoy a range of amenities onboard, including luxurious accommodations, world-class dining options, entertainment shows, spa facilities, and even water parks. Whether you prefer a relaxing escape or an action-packed adventure, these cruise ship companies strive to provide a memorable experience for their guests.

Now, let’s delve into the global cruise ship brands, where we will explore the industry’s biggest players and their fleet of ships.

Global Cruise Ship Brands

One of the most well-known cruise ship companies is Carnival Corporation, which owns several popular brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.

In the global cruise ship market, these brands have established themselves as leaders in the industry. With a focus on providing exceptional experiences and innovative itineraries, these cruise lines attract millions of passengers each year.

As the demand for cruising grows, new emerging cruise ship destinations are being explored. These destinations offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, attracting both seasoned and new cruisers. From the remote Galapagos Islands to the pristine fjords of Norway, these emerging destinations provide a fresh perspective for travelers.

With the increasing popularity of these new cruise destinations, the market share analysis becomes crucial in determining the success and growth of each cruise line.

Market Share Analysis

Discover which cruise ship brand dominates the market and find out which one offers the best value for your money. When it comes to market share analysis in the cruise industry, it is important to consider customer preferences and market trends. By examining the number of cruise ships operated by each brand, we can gain insights into their dominance in the market.

Here is a comparison of the top cruise ship brands based on the number of ships they operate:

As we can see from the table, Brand A has the highest number of ships, indicating their dominance in the market. However, it is also important to consider other factors such as customer satisfaction, onboard amenities, and pricing when determining the best value for your money.

Transitioning into the next section, tracking the growth of cruise ship numbers allows us to gain further insights into the expansion of the industry.

Tracking the Growth of Cruise Ship Numbers

Did you know that tracking the growth of cruise ship numbers can provide valuable insights into the industry’s expansion?

By monitoring the number of cruise ships in operation, we can identify trends and patterns that help us understand the industry’s direction and potential future challenges.

One key trend that has emerged in recent years is the increasing concern over environmental impact. As the cruise industry continues to grow, so do the concerns about pollution, waste management, and carbon emissions. It is crucial for cruise lines to address these issues and implement sustainable practices to mitigate their environmental footprint.

Now, let’s dive into the regional breakdown of cruise ships by continent and explore how the industry is distributed globally.

Regional Breakdown: Cruise Ships by Continent

When it comes to cruising, one of the key questions that often arises is which continent is the most popular for cruise travel? To answer this question, we need to look at the data and trends in the industry.

Additionally, we will explore the rising trends in cruising, such as the emergence of new destinations and the increasing popularity of themed cruises.

Lastly, we will discuss the environmental impact of cruising and the efforts being made by the industry to minimize its carbon footprint and preserve the fragile ecosystems in the destinations it visits.

Most Popular Cruise Continent?

Europe is the most popular continent for cruises, with a plethora of popular cruise destinations and emerging cruise markets. According to industry data, Europe attracts a significant number of cruisers each year, accounting for a large portion of the global cruise market.

The Mediterranean region, with its stunning coastlines and historic cities, is a top choice for many travelers. Popular destinations such as Barcelona, Rome, and Athens offer a rich cultural experience combined with breathtaking scenery.

Northern Europe, with its fjords and picturesque cities, is also gaining popularity among cruisers. As the industry continues to grow, emerging markets in Eastern Europe, such as Croatia and Bulgaria, are becoming increasingly sought after.

With its diverse range of destinations, Europe remains the go-to continent for many cruise enthusiasts.

Speaking of cruising trends, what are the rising trends in cruising?

Rising Trends in Cruising?

As we explore the rising trends in cruising, it’s clear that the industry is continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of travelers. One major trend is the constant improvement of cruise ship amenities. Cruise lines are making significant investments to provide passengers with luxurious and innovative onboard experiences.

Here are some key trends in cruise ship amenities:

Enhanced dining options, including specialty restaurants and celebrity chef partnerships
State-of-the-art onboard entertainment, such as Broadway-style shows and immersive experiences
Upscale accommodations, featuring spacious suites and private balconies

Another notable trend is the impact of social media on the cruising experience. Nowadays, passengers have the ability to share their cruise adventures in real-time, allowing others to virtually experience the joys of cruising. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become essential tools for cruise lines to market their products and engage with their audience.

With these rising trends in mind, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of cruising. How does the industry balance the desire for luxurious amenities with the need for sustainability? Let’s explore this in the next section.

Environmental Impact of Cruising?

If you’re considering going on a cruise, it’s important to be aware of the environmental impact that cruising can have. Cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities and breathtaking destinations, but they also contribute to carbon emissions and face challenges in waste management.

According to a study by the International Council on Clean Transportation, the average carbon emissions per passenger from a cruise ship are three times higher than those from air travel. Additionally, cruise ships generate a significant amount of waste, including food waste, sewage, and other garbage, which can pose a threat to marine ecosystems if not managed properly.

These environmental concerns highlight the need for the cruise industry to adopt more sustainable practices and invest in technologies that reduce carbon emissions and improve waste management.

With that being said, let’s now explore the largest cruise ships in the world.

The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

The largest cruise ships in the world are truly awe-inspiring. These floating cities are marvels of engineering and design, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the open seas.

Here are some key features of these colossal vessels:

Size: These mega-ships can accommodate thousands of passengers and crew members, with multiple decks and an array of amenities.

Destinations: The largest cruise ships often visit popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska, offering passengers the chance to explore diverse cultures and landscapes.

Technological Advancements: These ships are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including advanced navigation systems, entertainment options, and eco-friendly features to reduce their environmental impact.

As the cruise ship industry continues to evolve, these giants of the sea represent the epitome of luxury and innovation. With ongoing advancements in technology, it’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for this thriving industry.

The Future of the Cruise Ship Industry

With new innovations and changing consumer preferences, it’s fascinating to consider what lies ahead for the cruise ship industry. The future of the industry is heavily influenced by future technology and emerging markets.

Advancements in technology are shaping the cruise experience, with cruise lines investing in state-of-the-art facilities and services. From virtual reality entertainment to AI-powered concierge services, the cruise ships of the future will offer an unparalleled level of luxury and convenience.

Additionally, emerging markets such as Asia and South America are becoming increasingly important for the cruise ship industry. These regions offer immense potential for growth, with rising middle-class populations and a growing interest in luxury travel. The industry is adapting to cater to these emerging markets, with new routes and tailored experiences to capture their attention.

As the industry evolves, the future of cruising looks promising, with technology and emerging markets playing a pivotal role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular destinations for cruise ships.

Some popular destinations for cruise ships include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and the South Pacific. These top rated cruise ship destinations offer unique itineraries that allow travelers to explore diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.

How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Cruise?

Going on a cruise can be a great vacation option, but it’s important to consider the cost. Cruise ship packages can vary in price, and it’s crucial to be aware of any hidden costs that may arise.

What Are the Amenities Typically Offered on a Cruise Ship?

On a cruise ship, there are various dining options available, ranging from casual buffets to elegant restaurants. There are also a plethora of entertainment activities, such as live shows, casinos, and water parks.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Passengers on Cruise Ships?

There are age restrictions and health requirements for passengers on cruise ships. These rules help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board. It’s important to check with the cruise line for specific guidelines.

Can You Bring Pets on a Cruise Ship?

Yes, you can bring pets on some cruise ships. However, there are usually restrictions and policies in place. It’s best to check with the specific cruise line to see if they have pet-friendly options available.

In conclusion, the cruise ship industry is a thriving global business, with numerous companies and brands operating fleets of various sizes. The number of cruise ships worldwide continues to grow, catering to the increasing demand for travel and leisure experiences at sea.

From the largest cruise ships that can accommodate thousands of passengers, to specialized vessels for specific regions, the industry offers a diverse range of choices. As the saying goes, ‘The world is your oyster,’ and with the ever-expanding cruise ship options, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone.

With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

How Many Passengers on a Viking Ocean Cruise

How Many Employees Are on a Carnival Cruise Ship

Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform. With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

The Benefits of a One-Way Cruise

If you’re looking for a unique and convenient travel experience, you’ll love the benefits of a one-way cruise!

One of the biggest advantages of one-way travel is the opportunity to visit multiple cruise destinations without the hassle of returning to your original starting point. You can embark on a journey that takes you from one exciting location to another, allowing you to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes along the way.

Additionally, one-way cruises often offer more flexibility in terms of itinerary, as they don’t have to adhere to a round-trip schedule. This means you can choose to spend more time in the destinations that interest you the most.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure, let’s dive into how to choose the right one-way cruise for you!

How to Choose the Right One-Way Cruise

When selecting the perfect cruise for you, nothing beats the thrill of embarking on an unforgettable voyage that takes you to breathtaking destinations and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing the right one-way cruise requires considering various factors, such as the cruise duration and the best time to book. Cruise durations can range from a few days to several weeks, so it’s essential to decide how long you want to be at sea and explore different ports of call.

Additionally, the best time to book a one-way cruise can vary depending on the destination and the cruise line. It’s recommended to book early to secure the best deals and availability.

Now, let’s dive into the next section and explore some popular one-way cruise routes that you should consider when planning your dream vacation.

Popular One-Way Cruise Routes

When it comes to one-way cruises, there are several popular routes that offer unforgettable experiences.

One of my favorite routes is the Mediterranean cruise, where you can explore the stunning coastlines of Italy, Greece, and Spain.

Another popular choice is the Alaska cruise, which takes you through the breathtaking fjords and glaciers of the Last Frontier.

And for those seeking a truly adventurous journey, a transatlantic cruise is a must, allowing you to cross the Atlantic Ocean and visit multiple countries along the way.

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises offer an unforgettable experience of exploring multiple countries in one trip. The advantages of cruising in the Mediterranean are immense. You get to visit iconic cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Athens while enjoying the luxury of a floating hotel.

The Mediterranean Sea is dotted with beautiful islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos, where you can soak up the sun and immerse yourself in the local culture. However, there are some disadvantages to consider. The high demand for Mediterranean cruises means they can be quite expensive, especially during peak season. Additionally, the ports can be crowded, and you may not have as much time to explore each destination as you would like.

Nevertheless, the allure of cruising through the Mediterranean is undeniable.

Now, let’s set sail for Alaska and discover the wonders of its breathtaking landscapes.

Alaska Cruises

Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you sail through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska on an unforgettable cruise. Alaska cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Last Frontier. From towering glaciers to majestic fjords, each day brings a new and awe-inspiring sight. As you cruise along the Alaskan coast, you may spot whales breaching, eagles soaring overhead, and bears fishing for salmon along the shoreline. To give you a taste of what awaits, here is a comparison between Alaska cruises and Mediterranean cruises:

Now, let’s transition into the next section about transatlantic cruises, where you can experience the best of both worlds.

Transatlantic Cruises

Embark on a transatlantic cruise and immerse yourself in the ultimate fusion of European charm and Caribbean paradise.

Transatlantic cruises have a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century when steamships first crossed the Atlantic Ocean. These voyages were once the only means of transportation between Europe and North America, carrying thousands of immigrants seeking a new life.

Today, transatlantic cruises offer a unique and luxurious way to travel between continents, with modern amenities and entertainment options to keep passengers entertained during the journey. As the future of transatlantic cruising evolves, cruise lines are constantly innovating to provide even more immersive experiences and destinations.

From historic European cities to idyllic Caribbean islands, transatlantic cruises offer a seamless blend of cultures and landscapes.

So, what can you expect on a one-way cruise? Let’s find out.

What to Expect on a One-Way Cruise

As you set sail on a one-way cruise, prepare yourself for a captivating journey filled with ever-changing horizons and endless possibilities. One of the great advantages of a one-way cruise is the opportunity to explore multiple destinations without retracing your steps. To make the most of your experience, it’s important to know what to pack for a one-way cruise. Be sure to bring versatile clothing options for different climates, as you’ll encounter a variety of weather conditions along the way. Additionally, consider the best time to book a one-way cruise, as prices and availability can vary depending on the season. To help you plan and organize your trip, here is a helpful table:

Now that you know what to pack and when to book, let’s dive into some tips for making the most of your one-way cruise adventure.

Tips for Making the Most of Your One-Way Cruise

To truly maximize your one-way cruise experience, it’s essential to take advantage of the diverse activities and excursions available at each destination.

When packing for your cruise, make sure to include essentials like sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a swimsuit. Research the weather and local customs of each port to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

As for the best time to book a one-way cruise, it’s recommended to do so during the shoulder seasons, when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. This allows for a more enjoyable and intimate experience.

As you prepare for disembarkation, remember to settle any outstanding bills, pack your belongings, and double-check your travel documents.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to make the most of your one-way cruise adventure.

Preparing for Disembarkation

When preparing for the end of your journey, it’s crucial to settle any outstanding bills, pack your belongings, and double-check all of your travel documents. Did you know that over 70% of travelers experience some level of stress during the disembarkation process?

Here are three key things to keep in mind when preparing for disembarkation:

Clearing Customs: Make sure you have all the necessary documentation and forms ready for customs clearance. This includes your passport, visa, and any other required paperwork. Be prepared to declare any items you need to, to avoid any delays or complications.

Organize Your Belongings: Take the time to pack your belongings in an organized manner. This will make it easier for you to locate your items when you arrive at your final destination. Make sure to label your bags properly and keep important items, such as travel documents or medication, easily accessible.

Settle Outstanding Bills: Before disembarking, settle any outstanding bills you may have on the cruise. This includes any onboard expenses, such as gratuities, spa treatments, or specialty dining charges. It’s important to settle these before leaving to avoid any unwanted surprises later.

By following these tips, you can make the disembarkation process smoother and less stressful. Enjoy the rest of your journey!

Are one-way cruises more expensive than round-trip cruises?

One-way cruises can be more expensive than round-trip cruises because they offer unique benefits, such as the opportunity to explore different destinations without backtracking. However, round-trip cruises have their own advantages, like convenience and potentially lower costs.

How do I book a one-way cruise?

To book a one-way cruise, you can contact a travel agent or visit cruise line websites. The booking process is similar to round-trip cruises. The benefits of one-way cruises include exploring more destinations and the convenience of not returning to the original port.

Can I bring my own vehicle on a one-way cruise?

Sure, you can bring your own vehicle on a one-way cruise! It’s like having your own personal road trip on the water. Plus, the advantages of taking a one-way cruise include the flexibility to explore new destinations and the convenience of not having to backtrack. And don’t worry, many cruise lines also allow pets on board! So hop on board and embark on a unique and exciting adventure.

What happens if I miss the ship at the final port of call?

If I miss the ship at the final port of call on a one-way cruise, there can be serious consequences. I could be responsible for finding my own transportation and accommodations to catch up with the ship or even face the possibility of being left behind. It’s essential to be punctual and plan accordingly to avoid these situations.

Are one-way cruises suitable for families with young children?

One way cruises can be a mixed bag for families with young children. Pros include exploring new destinations, but cons include limited time and potential boredom. To keep kids entertained, bring games, plan activities, and utilize onboard child care services.

In conclusion, embarking on a one-way cruise is like sailing into a world of endless possibilities. It’s a journey that takes you beyond the horizon, where new adventures await at every port of call.

Whether you choose to explore the majestic Alaskan fjords or bask in the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, a one-way cruise offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

So, hop on board and let the waves of excitement carry you away on this remarkable voyage of discovery. Bon voyage!

Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond.

Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

What Makes Luxury River Cruising on Tauck Inspire Unforgettable?

Uncover the secrets behind Tauck's ability to create unforgettable luxury river cruise experiences that linger long after the journey ends.

When you step aboard a Tauck luxury river cruise, you'll discover a world where unparalleled service, curated experiences, and cultural immersion seamlessly intertwine. The blend of exquisite attention to detail and a deep understanding of what truly makes a journey unforgettable sets Tauck apart.

But what exactly is it that transforms a river cruise into a lifelong memory? Let's uncover the secrets behind Tauck's ability to create truly inspiring and unforgettable experiences that linger long after the journey ends.

Opulent accommodations and personalized service ensure a luxurious experience.
Unforgettable experiences include exclusive gala dinners and cultural insights.
Attention to detail and exceeding expectations create a worry-free journey.
The essence of Joie De Vivre in France is captured through unique, curated experiences.

Luxurious Accommodations and Personalized Service

Embark on a journey of luxury and personalized pampering with Tauck's river cruises, where opulent accommodations and attentive service await. Tauck ensures a lavish experience with 400-thread satin bed linen and indulgent Molton Brown bath products in every cabin.

For those seeking extra space and comfort, the spacious 300-square-foot Tauck Suites offer roomy walk-in closets and ample bathrooms. What truly sets Tauck apart is their exceptional staff-to-guest ratio, guaranteeing personalized service that exceeds expectations.

The Cruise Directors onboard provide expert knowledge, personalized attention, and enhance the overall cruise experience with their dedication to ensuring every guest feels valued and catered to. Attention to detail is the hallmark of Tauck's service, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is meticulously taken care of, from the luxurious accommodations to the personalized service provided by the attentive staff.

With Tauck, every moment is crafted with precision and care, promising a truly unforgettable river cruising experience.

Unforgettable Experiences and Unique Amenities

Indulge in captivating and exclusive experiences on Tauck's luxury river cruises, where guests are treated to unforgettable moments and unique amenities. Tauck goes beyond traditional cruising by offering guests the opportunity to partake in exclusive gala dinners held in private palaces and castles, creating unforgettable evening events that leave a lasting impression.

Wine tastings at private vineyards and unique music performances in inspiring venues further enhance the journey, providing immersive experiences that showcase the best of each destination. Cultural insights are woven into every aspect of the cruise, with interactions with local artisans, historians, and experts fostering connections and enriching the overall experience.

From truffle hunting in the Rhône Valley to exclusive events at historic landmarks, Tauck ensures personalized experiences that highlight the cultural treasures of each region, including music, art, and culinary delights. These carefully curated activities ensure that guests not only see the destinations but truly experience them in a meaningful and unforgettable way.

Attention to Detail and Exceeding Expectations

Tauck's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to exceeding expectations shine through in every corner of their luxury river cruises. From the moment guests step into their Tauck Suite, they're enveloped in a world of luxurious amenities. The 400-thread satin bed linen and Molton Brown bath products are just the beginning. The roomy walk-in closets and spacious bathrooms in the suites are designed to surpass expectations, ensuring a truly indulgent experience.

What truly sets Tauck apart is their exceptional customer service. Their staff anticipates every need, going above and beyond to provide convenience at every turn. Airport transfers are offered even if guests haven't booked airfare through Tauck, eliminating any worries about logistics. Tauck's commitment to nickel-and-diming elimination ensures a worry-free experience, where every detail is taken care of without any extra costs.

At Tauck, exceeding expectations isn't just a goal – it's a way of life. The core value of 'Always do the right thing' permeates every interaction, creating a level of service that builds lasting relationships based on trust and quality.

The Essence of Joie De Vivre in France

Immerse yourself in the vibrant essence of 'Joie De Vivre' as you journey through the heart of France with exclusive access to its historic castles, chteaux, and hidden gems.

Gala Evenings: Step into the grandeur of France's past with exclusive gala evenings at historic castles and chteaux, where you'll be swept away by the elegance and charm of these magnificent settings.
French Heritage: Delve deep into French heritage as you explore iconic attractions like Monet's Giverny, where the beauty of the gardens and the artist's home will transport you to another time, inspiring a deep appreciation for the country's artistic legacy.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations: Venture off the tourist trail and uncover hidden gems in France, guided by Tauck's expertise and access to unique locations that offer a glimpse into the authentic cultural heritage of the country, creating moments of pure enchantment and discovery.

Exclusive Tauck River Cruise Experiences

Embark on a luxurious journey along the rivers of Europe with Tauck, where exclusive experiences await to elevate your travel adventures to new heights. Tauck offers unique gala evenings at historic castles and châteaux, providing an unforgettable and sophisticated ambiance.

Immerse yourself in the richness of cultural treasures with private visits to attractions like Monet's Giverny, uncovering hidden gems that will leave you in awe. Delve into the heart of French heritage through personalized events meticulously arranged by Tauck, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.

These exclusive encounters not only create unforgettable memories but also offer insight into the essence of each destination. Tauck's commitment to curating personalized experiences sets them apart in the world of luxury river cruising, where every moment is designed to leave a lasting impression.

Prepare to indulge in a journey filled with unparalleled moments and exclusive access, making your Tauck river cruise a truly exceptional and unforgettable adventure.

Is Tauck High End?

Yes, Tauck is high end. They offer luxurious amenities like 400-thread satin bed linen and Molton Brown bath products. Their spacious Tauck Suites provide more room per guest. Partnering with Scylla, they ensure quality and innovation in river cruising, creating unforgettable experiences.

What Is a Tauck River Cruise Like?

A Tauck river cruise is a luxurious journey filled with elegant accommodations, scenic views in the Panorama Lounge & Bar, onboard activities like a putting green and Jacuzzi, and delightful dining experiences. It's a captivating blend of relaxation and indulgence.

Is Alcohol Included on Tauck River Cruises?

Yes, alcohol is included on Tauck river cruises. Guests can savor complimentary wines, beers, and spirits at meals and the bar. Premium cocktails enhance the luxury experience. It's hassle-free with no extra charges, providing a seamless and indulgent journey.

Are River Cruises for Older People?

River cruises offer a relaxed and culturally enriching experience, appealing to mature travelers. While they cater to older individuals seeking sophistication, they welcome all ages looking for refined and unhurried exploration.

In conclusion, luxury river cruising on Tauck is like experiencing a symphony of unforgettable moments orchestrated with precision and elegance.

From the personalized service to the exclusive experiences, every detail is carefully crafted to create a journey that resonates with the essence of luxury travel.

Tauck's commitment to excellence and unique offerings truly elevate the river cruising experience to new heights, leaving guests with memories that will last a lifetime.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Cruise By The Due Date

An image showcasing a serene cruise ship sailing away into the sunset, while a disappointed individual stands on the dock, watching their dream vacation slip away due to unpaid fees

Did you know that over 20% of cruise passengers fail to pay for their cruise on schedule? This surprising statistic points to a situation that could have serious consequences.

As a travel writer, I aim to inform and educate you about what happens if you don’t pay your cruise by the due date. It’s not just a matter of a missed vacation; there can be financial penalties, legal actions, and even impacts on your future travel plans.

In this article, I will delve into the potential consequences of late payment, explore options for financial assistance, and discuss how it can affect your relationship with the cruise line and travel agent. I’ll also provide tips on financial planning and budgeting to avoid this situation in the future.

So, let’s dive in and learn about the importance of taking responsibility for your cruise payment.

Late payment of a cruise can result in financial penalties, legal actions, and negative impacts on credit scores.
Failure to pay on time can lead to the cancellation of the reservation and limited availability for future cruises.
Communication with the cruise line is essential, as they may offer financial aid programs, payment plans, or rebooking options to address financial difficulties.
Understanding the specific terms and conditions of the cruise line is important to avoid missed promotions, increased costs, and a strained relationship with the cruise line.

Consequences of Late Payment

If you don’t pay your cruise by the due date, you’ll face some serious consequences that will definitely ruin your vacation plans. Not only will it impact your credit, but there may also be potential penalties.

The cruise line may charge you late fees or cancel your reservation altogether. They could even take legal action to recover the money owed. Imagine the disappointment of missing out on the adventure you’ve been eagerly anticipating.

It’s essential to communicate with the cruise line as soon as possible if you’re facing financial difficulties. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or offer some flexibility. By reaching out and explaining your situation, you might be able to avoid further complications.

So, let’s talk about how to effectively communicate with the cruise line.

Communication with Cruise Line

Make sure to communicate with the cruise line about any payment delays before the deadline. It’s important to inform them if you’re facing financial hardship that may prevent you from making the payment on time.

Most cruise lines understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and they may be willing to work with you to find a solution. They may offer a payment extension or provide alternative options to help you meet your financial obligations.

However, it’s crucial to remember that each cruise line has its own policies and procedures regarding late payments, so it’s best to reach out to them as soon as possible.

By proactively communicating your situation, you can potentially avoid any penalties or legal actions that may result from not paying on time.

Now, let’s explore the available financial assistance options.

Financial Assistance Options

Explore the various financial assistance options available to help you meet your cruise payment obligations on time. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to pay for your cruise by the due date, there are a few options to consider.

Financial Aid: Some cruise lines offer financial aid programs to assist passengers in need. These programs may provide partial or full payment assistance, depending on your circumstances. It’s worth contacting the cruise line directly to inquire about any available assistance.

Payment Plans: Many cruise lines offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of your cruise over several months. This can help alleviate the burden of making a lump sum payment by the due date. Check with the cruise line to see if they offer payment plans and what the terms and conditions are.

Third-Party Financing: In some cases, you may be able to secure a personal loan or use a credit card with a low-interest rate to finance your cruise payment. This option should be approached with caution, as it may result in additional interest charges.

Remember, it’s important to explore all available options and communicate with the cruise line to find a solution that works best for you. If you’re unable to make the payment by the due date, the consequences may include penalties, cancellation of your reservation, or even legal actions.

Now, let’s discuss rebooking or rescheduling options.

Rebooking or Rescheduling Options

If you find yourself unable to pay for your cruise by the due date, there are rebooking or rescheduling options available to you. These options include the availability of future cruises, change fees and policies, and flexibility with dates and itineraries.

Future cruises may have limited availability, so it’s important to act quickly and secure your spot. Change fees and policies vary depending on the cruise line, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions.

Lastly, flexibility with dates and itineraries can provide you with alternative options that may better suit your needs. It’s recommended to contact the cruise line directly to discuss your rebooking or rescheduling options.

Availability of Future Cruises

Don’t bother dreaming about all the amazing future cruises you’ll be missing out on if you don’t pay your cruise by the due date. The consequences of not paying for a cruise on time can have serious financial repercussions.

Here are some key points to consider:

Financial Consequences: Not paying your cruise on time can result in penalties, such as late fees or cancellation charges. These can add up quickly and impact your overall trip budget.

Credit Score Impact: Failing to pay your cruise can also have a negative effect on your credit score. Late or missed payments can be reported to credit bureaus, potentially leading to a lower credit score and difficulty obtaining future loans or credit.

Legal Actions: In extreme cases, cruise lines may take legal action against passengers who fail to pay for their cruises. This can result in further financial consequences and legal complications.

Limited Availability: If you don’t pay for your cruise by the due date, your reservation may be cancelled, and the cabin may become available for other passengers to book.

Now let’s delve into the next section about change fees and policies.

Change Fees and Policies

While the availability of future cruises is undoubtedly impacted if you don’t pay by the due date, it’s also important to consider the change fees and policies that come into play.

Cruise lines typically have their own set of rules regarding payment options and penalties for late payments. These change fees can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific circumstances. Some cruise lines may charge a flat fee, while others may charge a percentage of the total fare. Additionally, certain cruise lines may have stricter policies and penalties than others.

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of your chosen cruise line to understand the potential consequences of not paying on time.

Now, let’s explore the flexibility with dates and itineraries that some cruise lines offer.

Flexibility with Dates and Itineraries

Explore the exciting world of cruise line flexibility, where you can immerse yourself in a dreamy vacation without worrying about rigid dates and itineraries. Cruise lines understand that life can be unpredictable, so they offer options to accommodate changes in your plans.

Here are three ways you can enjoy flexibility with dates and itineraries:

Change your departure date: If something unexpected comes up, you can often reschedule your cruise without penalty. Check with your cruise line for their specific policies and any applicable fees.

Choose a different itinerary: Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit a different destination or explore new ports of call. With flexible options, you can easily switch to another itinerary that suits your preferences.

Take advantage of refund policies: In some cases, if you can’t make it on your scheduled cruise, you may be eligible for a refund. Again, be sure to review the refund policy of your cruise line for more details.

With these flexibility options and a generous refund policy, cruise lines make it easier for you to plan your dream vacation. However, if you don’t pay for your cruise by the due date, it can have consequences that impact your future travel plans.

Impact on Future Travel Plans

If you don’t pay for your cruise by the due date, it can have a significant impact on your future travel plans.

Firstly, your relationship with the cruise line may be strained, as they may view you as unreliable and less likely to book with them in the future.

Secondly, you may encounter potential difficulties in booking future cruises, as the cruise line may require you to pay in full upfront or impose stricter payment terms.

Lastly, not paying for your cruise on time can also affect your reputation and referral concerns, as other travelers may hesitate to recommend you or travel with you due to your past payment issues.

Relationship with Cruise Line

Don’t forget to pay your cruise by the due date, or you could risk damaging your relationship with the cruise line and potentially losing out on future opportunities to sail with them. In fact, statistics show that 25% of customers who fail to pay on time are denied future bookings.

Here are some financial consequences and customer service experiences you may face if you don’t pay on time:

Late payment fees can quickly add up, increasing the overall cost of your cruise.
Your reservation may be canceled, leaving you without a vacation and potentially losing your deposit.
The cruise line may take legal action to recover the unpaid amount, resulting in additional fees and potential damage to your credit score.
Your customer service experience may suffer, as the cruise line may be less willing to accommodate special requests or provide excellent service to customers with a history of late payments.
You may miss out on exclusive promotions and discounts offered to loyal customers.

Not paying your cruise on time can have long-lasting consequences, making it potentially difficult to book future cruises.

Potential Difficulty in Booking Future Cruises

Booking future cruises may become challenging if you fail to pay your cruise on time. Not only can it lead to communication challenges with the cruise line, but it may also have implications for your credit score.

When you don’t pay your cruise by the due date, the cruise line may view you as a risky customer and may be hesitant to book future cruises with you. They rely on timely payments to ensure the financial stability of their business. Additionally, if your non-payment leads to legal action or collection efforts, it can negatively impact your credit score. This can make it difficult for you to secure loans or credit in the future.

It’s important to understand the consequences of not paying for your cruise on time and to communicate with the cruise line if you’re experiencing financial difficulties. Failure to do so can have long-lasting effects on your ability to enjoy future cruises.

Transitioning into the next section, reputation and referral concerns are also important to consider.

Reputation and Referral Concerns

To maintain a positive reputation and receive valuable referrals, it’s crucial to prioritize timely payments for your cruise and communicate any financial difficulties with the cruise line. Failure to pay for your cruise by the due date can have serious consequences for your reputation and potential future bookings.

Here are four reasons why timely payment is important:

Reputation Management: A missed payment reflects poorly on your reliability and financial responsibility, potentially damaging your reputation among cruise lines and fellow travelers.

Customer Satisfaction: Prompt payment ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all passengers, contributing to a positive overall cruise experience.

Referral Potential: Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your cruise line to others, boosting your chances of receiving valuable referrals.

Preferred Customer Status: Regular and timely payments may lead to special perks, discounts, or upgrades, enhancing your future cruise experiences.

Failing to pay on time may result in legal consequences, which will be discussed in the subsequent section.

Legal Consequences

When it comes to not paying for a cruise by the due date, there are important contractual obligations to consider. If payment isn’t made on time, the cruise line may take potential legal action against you.

In some cases, collection agencies may get involved to recover the outstanding debt. It’s crucial to understand the potential consequences and penalties of not meeting your financial obligations to avoid any unwanted legal complications.

Contractual Obligations

Failure to pay your cruise by the due date may result in a breach of contract. When this happens, there are consequences that you should be aware of.

Firstly, the cruise line may impose penalties, such as cancellation fees or loss of any deposits made. These penalties can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific terms of the contract.

Secondly, you may also lose any assistance options that were included in the package, such as travel insurance or the ability to reschedule your trip. It is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your cruise contract to avoid any surprises.

Not paying on time may also lead to potential legal action being taken by the cruise line. Remember, it’s always best to fulfill your contractual obligations to avoid any complications or additional expenses.

Potential Legal Action

If you neglect your payment obligations, be prepared for the cruise line to potentially take legal action against you. Here are four things to consider about the potential legal repercussions and liabilities of not paying for your cruise on time:

Penalties: When you miss the payment due date, the cruise line may impose penalties, such as late fees or cancellation charges. These additional costs can quickly add up and impact your overall travel budget.

Lawsuits: In more severe cases, the cruise line may file a lawsuit against you to recover the unpaid amount. This legal action could result in further financial consequences and damage to your credit score.

Debt collection: The cruise line may engage a collection agency to recover the outstanding amount on their behalf. This involvement can be stressful and may negatively affect your credit history, making it harder to obtain credit in the future.

Legal implications: Failure to pay for your cruise can lead to legal issues, including judgments, liens, or even wage garnishment. It’s crucial to understand and fulfill your contractual obligations to avoid these potential legal liabilities.

In the next section, we’ll explore the involvement of collection agencies in more detail.

Collection Agency Involvement

With collection agencies involved, it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences of not meeting your payment obligations for your cruise. If you fail to pay for your cruise by the due date, the cruise line may turn to a collection agency to recover the unpaid debt.

Dealing with collection agencies can have serious implications for your credit score and financial well-being. They have the power to report the unpaid debt to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your creditworthiness and make it difficult to secure future loans or credit. Additionally, collection agencies may resort to aggressive tactics to collect the debt, such as constant phone calls and letters.

It’s crucial to address the situation promptly and communicate with the collection agency to explore possible solutions. Failing to do so can lead to further complications and stress.

As we move into the next section about communication with your travel agent, it’s important to consider the potential consequences of not resolving the unpaid debt with the collection agency.

Communication with Travel Agent

Despite the urgency of the situation, it’s important to stay in touch with your travel agent regarding payment for your cruise. They can provide valuable information about payment options and potential penalties for late payment.

Travel agents are typically available through various communication methods, such as phone, email, or even online chat. It’s crucial to reach out to them as soon as possible to discuss your payment situation and any potential solutions. They may be able to offer extensions or alternative payment plans to help you avoid any negative consequences.

Maintaining open lines of communication with your travel agent can also help you stay informed about any legal actions that may be taken if payment is not received by the due date. By staying in touch with your travel agent, you can navigate the payment process more effectively and ensure a smooth sailing experience.

Now, let’s move on to the next section about financial planning and budgeting.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

When it comes to financial planning and budgeting for a vacation, it’s important to prioritize your payments and expenses. This means making sure you pay off any outstanding debts or bills before splurging on luxury items or experiences.

Setting realistic expectations is also key, as it allows you to plan and save accordingly. Finally, saving and preparing for future vacations is essential, as it ensures you have the funds necessary to enjoy your dream trips without going into debt.

Prioritizing Payments and Expenses

Make sure you prioritize your payments and expenses, so you don’t end up in hot water if you forget to pay your cruise by the due date. When it comes to financial management, it’s important to have a solid payment strategy in place. Here are three sub-lists to guide you:

Create a budget: Start by assessing your income and expenses. Determine how much you can allocate towards your cruise payment each month and stick to it.

Automate payments: Set up automatic payments for your cruise so you don’t have to worry about missing the due date. This can help you avoid late fees or penalties.

Communicate with the cruise company: If you’re facing financial difficulties, reach out to the cruise company and explain your situation. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or offer alternatives.

By following these payment strategies, you can ensure that your cruise payment is prioritized and avoid any negative consequences.

Now, let’s move on to setting realistic expectations for your cruise experience.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Prepare yourself for a thrilling voyage, but keep in mind that not every moment will be smooth sailing. When it comes to paying for your cruise, it’s crucial to meet the deadline. Failure to do so can have serious consequences. The cruise line may impose penalties, such as late fees or cancellation charges. In some cases, they may even take legal action to recover the unpaid amount. It’s important to communicate with the cruise line if you are facing financial difficulties. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or offer alternative options. However, ignoring the issue will only worsen the situation. Remember, honesty and open communication are key. By understanding the potential consequences of non-payment and maintaining a proactive approach, you can ensure a smoother sailing experience. And now, let’s explore how to save and prepare for future vacations.

Saving and Preparing for Future Vacations

Get ready to embark on your next adventure by learning how to save and plan for your future vacations. Financial planning and budgeting are essential aspects of preparing for a memorable trip.

Here are three key steps to help you save and prepare for your future vacations:

Create a vacation fund: Set aside a specific amount of money each month dedicated solely to your travel savings. This will help you stay on track and avoid dipping into other funds.

Research and compare prices: Take the time to research different destinations, accommodations, and transportation options. Look for deals, discounts, and affordable alternatives to make your dream vacation more budget-friendly.

Prioritize your expenses: Determine what is most important to you during your vacation and allocate your budget accordingly. This way, you can enjoy the experiences and activities that matter the most to you.

By following these steps, you can save money and ensure a more enjoyable vacation experience. Learning from the experience of saving and preparing for future vacations will help you make informed decisions and avoid financial troubles in the future.

Learning from the Experience

Understanding the importance of timely payments is crucial when it comes to financial obligations, especially when it involves a cruise. Being proactive and responsible in paying for your cruise not only ensures a smooth experience but also avoids any penalties or legal actions that may arise from non-payment.

If you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, seeking assistance or support is always a viable option to help navigate through any challenges and ensure a positive outcome.

Understanding the Importance of Timely Payments

Little did they know, neglecting to pay their cruise on time would result in a one-of-a-kind ‘extended stay’ on the ship. Here are three important things to understand about the consequences of not paying for a cruise by the due date:

Penalties: When you fail to pay your cruise on time, the cruise line may impose penalties such as late fees or cancellation charges. These can significantly increase the overall cost of your trip.

Legal actions: In some cases, the cruise line may take legal action to recover the unpaid amount. This could result in court proceedings, collection agencies, or even a negative impact on your credit score.

Assistance options: If you find yourself unable to make the payment on time, it’s crucial to communicate with the cruise line. They may provide assistance options, such as payment plans or extensions, to help you fulfill your financial obligations.

Understanding the importance of timely payments is essential to avoid these consequences. By being proactive and responsible with your financial obligations, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

Being Proactive and Responsible with Financial Obligations

As a travel journalist, I understand the importance of timely payments when it comes to booking a cruise. Not paying your cruise by the due date can have serious financial consequences.

Cruise lines have policies in place to protect themselves, and failure to pay on time can result in penalties, cancellation of your reservation, or even legal actions. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to be proactive and responsible with your financial obligations.

Make sure to communicate with the cruise line if you anticipate any difficulties in making the payment. They may be able to offer alternative solutions or payment plans. Open and honest communication is key to resolving any financial challenges.

By being proactive and responsible, you can avoid the negative consequences of not paying your cruise on time. Seeking assistance or support if needed is the next step in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

Seeking Assistance or Support if Needed

If you need any assistance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

It’s important to be proactive when it comes to your financial obligations, especially when it comes to paying for your cruise. If you find yourself unable to make the payment by the due date, there are options available to help you.

One option is to seek financial counseling, which can provide guidance and advice on managing your finances and creating a payment plan. Financial counselors can work with you to develop a realistic plan that fits your budget and helps you meet your payment obligations.

By seeking assistance, you can avoid potential penalties or legal actions that may arise from not paying your cruise on time. Taking responsibility for your cruise payment is crucial to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.

Conclusion: Taking Responsibility for Your Cruise Payment

In order to avoid any negative consequences, it’s important to take responsibility for your cruise payment and fulfill your financial obligations on time. Not paying for your cruise by the due date can result in various consequences.

Here are a few potential penalties or legal actions that may occur:

Late fees: Cruise lines often impose late fees for missed payments. These fees can add up quickly and increase the overall cost of your cruise.

Cancellation or loss of reservation: If you fail to make the necessary payments, the cruise line may cancel your reservation, leaving you without a vacation and potentially losing any money already paid.

Legal action: In extreme cases, the cruise line may take legal action to recover the unpaid amount, which can lead to additional expenses and damage to your credit score.

It’s crucial to fulfill your financial responsibility to avoid these consequences and ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

Can I negotiate a payment plan with the cruise line if I am unable to pay the full amount by the due date?

If you can’t pay a cruise in full by the due date, negotiating payment terms with the cruise line may be possible. However, be aware of potential consequences like late fees or even legal action.

Will my credit score be affected if I don’t pay my cruise on time?

Not paying your cruise on time can have negative effects on your credit score and future cruise bookings. It can also strain your relationship with the cruise line, potentially leading to penalties or legal action.

What happens if I cancel my cruise after the due date but before the departure date?

If you cancel your cruise after the due date but before the departure date, you may be subject to cancellation fees. The refund policy will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the cruise line.

Can I transfer my cruise booking to someone else if I can’t pay for it?

If you can’t pay for your cruise, transferring your booking to someone else may be an option. Some cruise lines allow it for a fee. Alternatively, you could explore payment alternatives or contact the cruise line to discuss your situation.

Will I lose any benefits or perks associated with my cruise booking if I don’t pay on time?

If you don’t pay for your cruise booking on time, there can be payment consequences and you may lose benefits or perks associated with your booking. It’s important to adhere to the payment deadlines to avoid any potential penalties or legal actions.

In conclusion, if you don’t pay for your cruise by the due date, a series of unpleasant consequences can occur. Picture yourself anxiously waiting for the ship to set sail, only to be left behind on the dock. The disappointment and frustration would be overwhelming.

Not only would you miss out on a memorable vacation, but you could also face financial penalties and potential legal actions. It’s essential to take responsibility for your cruise payment and avoid the stress and disappointment that comes with not meeting your financial obligations.

Affiliate disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

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How Many Cruise Ships Are There in the World?

By Robert Palmer

Are you curious about how many cruise ships are sailing the seas right now? The cruise industry has grown exponentially over the years, and it’s hard to keep track of all the different ships that are available. In this article, we’ll explore just how many cruise ships there are in the world, as well as some interesting facts about this booming industry.

How Many Cruise Ships Are There?

According to Cruise Market Watch, there are currently 314 cruise ships in operation around the world. These ships range in size from small riverboats to massive vessels that can hold over 6,000 passengers.

Which Cruise Line Has The Most Ships?

As of 2021, Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world and operates 105 cruise ships across its nine brands. However, Royal Caribbean International has a slightly larger capacity with its fleet of 26 ships that can hold more than 150,000 passengers.

What Are Some Of The Largest Cruise Ships?

The largest cruise ship in the world is currently Symphony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International. This behemoth measures 1,188 feet long and can carry up to 6,680 passengers. Other notable large cruise ships include Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International.

What Are Some Of The Smallest Cruise Ships?

While most people think of massive luxury liners when they hear the term “cruise ship,” there are also plenty of smaller vessels out there that offer unique experiences. For example, American Queen Steamboat Company has several paddlewheel boats that hold fewer than 500 passengers and travel along rivers like the Mississippi and Ohio.

The Future Of The Cruise Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the cruise industry worldwide. Many companies have suspended operations or canceled cruises entirely in response to the pandemic.

However, there are signs that the industry is starting to recover. Some cruise lines have resumed operations with limited capacity, and others are planning to do so in the near future.

Final Thoughts

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109 Incredible Cruise Ship Facts and Statistics 2023

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Accounting for over 30 million passengers every year, the cruise industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of global tourism. Every single cruise voyage is the result of incredible feats of engineering, a hardworking crew, and a long history of sea travel.

We’ve put together a list of shocking cruise ship facts and statistics. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, you are bound to learn something new and fall in love with the incredible cruise ships on our list.

Table of Contents

Cruise Industry Statistics

At its peak in 2019, the cruise industry catered to over 30 million passengers
The total guest capacity of the cruise ship industry is almost 500,000 guests
The cruise industry is the fastest-growing sector of the leisure travel market, with 7.4% year-over-year growth since 1980
A quarter of US citizens have taken a cruise vacation.
Cruisers average about 3.5 years between cruise vacations.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise operator in the world with an estimated 45% of passenger volume. The cruise operator owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland Americal Line, Seabourn Cruises, Cunard Line, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, and P&O Cruises Australia. ( Statista )
Carnival Cruises, the largest cruise line by passenger volume, accounts for 21.3% of all cruise passengers.
The second-largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, accounts for 16.67% of cruise passengers.
MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise operator .
Many cruise ships undertake world cruises which can take in more than 100 days at sea.
Many cruise ships undertake “repositioning cruises,” where they travel to a new homeport and even a different continent. Passengers can typically book a cabin on these cruises at a reduced rate.
One study found that in 2014, cruise ships dumped more than one billion gallons of sewage into the ocean.
Your average cruise ship produces between 140,000 and 210,000 gallons of sewage per week. Eww!
Around 300 ocean sailing cruise ships are currently in operation, and the number grows yearly.

Cruise Ship Facts and Figures

The world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas , measures 236,857 gross tonnes
The longest cruise ship in the world is twice the length of the Washington Monument
The largest cruise ships in the world are as tall as a 16-story building
More than 25 commercial cruise ships are currently being built worldwide.
Most cruise ships skip deck 13 – due to superstitions
Similarly, the Italian cruise line MSC cruises tends to omit deck 17 – due to Italian superstitions surrounding the number.
A cruise ship can sail more than 73,000 nautical miles every year.
Cruise ships sail an equivalent distance of three times around the world each year
Cruise ships travel at an average speed of 18 to 20knots . That’s equivalent to 23mph or 37kph on land.
The original Titanic would be barely half the size of most modern cruise ships .
And the Oasis of the Seas is five times bigger than the Titanic in gross tons.
Cruise ship godmothers include the Duchess of Cambridge, Julie Andrews, and the Queen.
Cruise ships are roughly the same size under the surface of the sea as they are above.
Many kitchens are located below sea level
The Queen Mary 2 operates a kennel club so cruise ship passengers can travel with their pets .
Cruise ships have onboard morgues .
And almost all cruise ships have onboard jails .
Any ship with more than 50 passengers must have a hospital.
The Norwegian Epic has an onboard ice bar where guests can enjoy cocktails in sub-zero conditions – even when sailing through the Caribbean.
A number of cruise ships offer AA meetings to ensure cruise ship passengers enrolled in the program don’t give in to temptation on the high seas.

Cruise Ship Building Facts

Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas under construction

A cruise ship can take anywhere from two to four years to build .
Cruise ships are built-in blocks, or sections, that are assembled like legos into the finished ship.
The average cruise cabin block manufacturer can produce 12,000 cabins per year.
It costs over $1 billion to build a mega-cruise ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is the most expensive cruise ship ever built at $1.6 billion.
The Royal Princess took 3 million man-hours to build.
Cruise ship anchors can weigh more than 17 tons or the weight of four elephants.
The average cruise ship has more than 16 miles of sprinkler piping, six miles of fire hose, 5,000 sprinkler heads, 4,000 smoke detectors, five firefighting teams, and 500 fire extinguishers.
The average cruise ship uses around 18.3 gallons of fuel per minute or 1100 gallons per hour.
The cruise ship’s fuel efficiency is roughly 0.004 miles per gallon
A large cruise ship can hold between 1-2 million gallons of fuel .
Modern diesel-powered cruise ships have between four to six medium-speed (500 revolutions per minute) engines ( Source )
Each engine has around 25,000 horsepower.
The world’s largest cruise ship has enough electrical wiring to stretch from coast to coast in the US. Over 3,000 miles of electrical wiring.

Destinations

Woman on cruise ship overlooking Basseterre, St. Lucia

The Caribbean/Bahamas is the world’s most popular cruise destination, accounting for over one-third of cruise itineraries
The Mediterranean is the second most popular cruise destination
Mainland Europe, Australasia, and Alaska make up the rest of the top five destinations.
More than 2,000 ports worldwide can be visited by cruise ships.
Almost half of all cruise ship itineraries depart from Florida
It’s no surprise that the port of Miami is the world’s busiest cruise homeport.
However, Nassau in the Bahamas is the busiest overall port.
The average cruise itinerary is seven days.

Cruise Passenger Statistics

Cruise ship passengers relaxing on deck chairs

The average age of cruise passengers is 50.
86% of cruise passengers are college/university graduates .
62% of cruise passengers are married and work full-time.
40% of passengers report returning to a destination more than once
Famous cruise fans include David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Sharon Stone, and Meryl Streep.
Most cruise ships have fake funnels for aesthetic purposes
The average passenger gains a pound per day on a cruise
Half of all cruise passengers reside in North America
Three-quarters of people use a travel agent when booking a cruise
There are many retirees living permanently on cruise ships

Jobs in the Cruise Industry

Chilean Fjords, Costa Luminosa Captain and his officers are doing a difficult manoeuvre along the south chilean region of the fjords.

The industry generates around 400,000 jobs throughout the country, paying $17.4 billion in wages.
The cruise industry creates approximately 4,000 new jobs every year.
Some ships have over 2000 crew members.
Many crew members sleep in cabins below sea level
A cruise ship captain’s salary is, on average, $96,000 per year, in a salary range that varies from $48,485 to $180,308
The Monarch of the Seas was the first ship to have a female captain, Captain Karin Stahre Janson.
Cruise ship crew members have secret code words to communicate.
The average salary for a cruise ship worker is $16,000 to $20,000.
The crew has their own bars and dining rooms on the crew decks.

Food & Alcohol

woman eating breakfast from room service on cruise ship suite balcony enjoying morning view of Caribbean ocean.

Passengers aboard a single cruise ship can consume more than 5,000 eggs daily.
Of the 5,000 eggs used daily, 1,956 are scrambled, 984 are used in omelets, 480 are eaten soft-boiled, 552 are served sunny side up, and 976 are made into other dishes.
As well as 2,000 steaks and 1,000 baked potatoes every day.
For any average 7-day cruise, approximately 5,040 pounds of lamb, 1,680 pounds of sausage, 24,236 pounds of beef, 7,216 pounds of pork, 10,211 pounds of chicken, 4,500 pounds of veal, and 3,156 pounds of turkey are consumed by passengers.
And 400 bottles of champagne are drunk every week aboard a cruise ship.
During a world cruise, more than 312 bottles of gin, 840 bottles of vodka, and 285 bottles of scotch will be drunk.
Several celebrity chefs have restaurants aboard cruise ships, including Jamie Oliver, Atul Kochhar, and James Martin.
A large cruise ship can go through 20,000 ice cream cones each week!
And 600 gallons of ice cream.
Approximately 17 tonnes of fruit will be consumed on an average week-long cruise.
All this food consumption means that approximately 10,000 glasses, 12,500 plates, and 15,000 items of cutlery need to be washed up every day.
The food is eaten off of 8,000 tablecloths, with 16,000 napkins.
An average of 4,000 cups of coffee is served on a cruise ship daily.
Carnival Cruise Line used to place over 10 million chocolates on passenger pillows annually before eliminating pillow chocolates.
This is in addition to the 500 kilos of chocolates consumed on a 7-day cruise.
Cunard Cruise Line purchases $500,000 worth of caviar in a single year.

paper ship hundred dollar bill floating in water

Passengers spend an average of $220 per day onboard a cruise.
The most expensive cruise holiday could cost you millions. The Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises offers packages costing a cool £1m.
The most expensive cruise, The Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises, offers packages costing over $1 million dollars.
The P&O Britannia’s $1 million art collection includes more than 8,000 individual pieces.
The most expensive cruise ships are Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas at $1.4 billion each.
The average cruise passenger spends $385 in port before boarding a cruise.
It costs around $500,000 to prepare a cruise ship before passengers can board.

Historical Cruise Industry Facts

Prinzessin Victoria Luise world's first cruise ship

An Australian billionaire plans to build a replica of the Titanic, appropriately named Titanic II.
Docked Cruise ships have served as hotels for major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and The Olympics.
They even served as makeshift shelters in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Futuristic cruise ship amenities include robot bartenders and skydiving simulators.
Several cruise ships were used during World War One, World War Two, and other major wars.
It used to be common for ships to have topless sunbathing decks .
P&O Cruises is the world’s oldest cruise operator – tracing its history back to 1837.
In its history, more than 100 ships have sailed for Cunard Cruise Line.
The first cruise ship to set sail was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise in 1900.
The first swimming pool on board a cruise ship didn’t appear until 10 years later, in 1910.
The first cruise ships had cows onboard to produce fresh milk for passengers

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Man on a cruise connecting to Princess Cruises MedallionNet Internet on a laptop

43+ Cruise Industry Statistics for 2024

Welcome to our curated and vetted list of 43+ cruise industry statistics for 2024.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what we’ll cover:

Top Cruise Industry Statistics

Passenger volumes and forecasts, revenue and market growth, cruise ship characteristics, cruise destinations and ports, cruise demographics and preferences, environmental and sustainability practices.

In 2024, approximately 36M passengers globally are anticipated to embark on cruises.
The global cruise market is expected to expand by 9.29% from 2023 to 2027, reaching $35.87B in 2027.

Projected growth of the global cruise market from 2023 to 2027, approaching a value of nearly $36B

In 2024, the worldwide cruise sector will produce $30.11B in revenue.

A total of 323 cruise ships are currently in operation globally.

There are 51 ocean and 27 river cruise lines in the world.

On average, a cruise ship can host around 3,000 passengers.

There were 12,592 cruise guests from North America in 2022.

A cruise ship earns an estimated net profit of $291 per passenger.
The typical age of a cruise tourist is 46.5 .

01. In 2024, cruise passenger volume is expected to hit 120% of 2019’s levels, with 36M passengers setting sail.

02. There were 12,592 cruise guests from North America in 2022.

03. In 2022, Celebrity Cruises, a luxury brand under Royal Caribbean Cruises, led selected cruise brands in passenger capacity, boasting a combined vessel capacity of about 32,500.

Sources: CLIA #1 , CLIA #2 , Statista

04. The global cruise market is expected to expand by 9.29% from 2023 to 2027, reaching $35.87B in 2027.

05. In 2024, the worldwide cruise sector will produce $30.11B in revenue.

06. The US is projected to lead the cruise industry in terms of revenue, reaching $18.36B.

07. Offline sales channels are expected to account for 76% of global cruise industry revenue in 2027, surpassing online sales, which are projected to constitute 24%.

08. A cruise ship earns an estimated net profit of $291 per passenger. Consequently, a fully booked 7-day trip on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas could generate $9.8M in revenue, with profits of $1.7M.

09. In 2023, Carnival Corporation & plc’s global revenue reached $20.036B, a 108.38% surge from the previous year.

10. In 2023, Royal Caribbean Cruises reported a revenue of $13.173B, an 82.48% increase from the previous year.

11. In 2022, the number of businesses in the US cruise and travel agency franchise sector rose to 38 from 27 the previous year, with 42 expected to operate in 2023.

Sources: LoveTheMaldives , Statista #1 , Statista #2 , Statista #3 , MacroTrends #1 , MacroTrends #2

12. A total of 323 cruise ships are currently in operation globally.

13. There are 51 ocean and 27 river cruise lines in the world.

14. Ocean liners typically have an average passenger capacity of about 3,000 guests, while larger river cruise ships accommodate ~150 guests.

Ocean liners average 3,000 guests, large river cruise ships carry around 150 guests

15. The largest cruise ships can accommodate 5,412 passengers in double occupancy, with a maximum capacity of 6,318 if all berths are filled.

16. In 2023, the worldwide cruise industry’s ocean-going vessels had an average passenger capacity of ~701,490, with projections indicating a rise to over 764,000 by 2025.

17. The average age of ships in the fleet of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) members is 14.1 years.

18. As of April 2023, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 236,860.

19. In February 2023, Royal Caribbean was home to the world’s longest cruise ships, with Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, each exceeding 1,180 feet (360 meters) in length.

20. As of November 2022, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas was the world’s most expensive cruise ship, with a construction cost of ~$1.43B. It’s the fourth-largest cruise ship globally, with a gross tonnage of 225,000.

Sources: Cruise Market Watch , LM&W, PA , CruiseMapper , Carnival , CLIA , Marine Insight , The Telegraph , Cruise Fever

21. In 2022, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda topped the list of global cruise destinations, attracting approximately 9M passengers.

22. Port Canaveral in Florida, US, was the world’s busiest cruise port in 2022, recording approximately 4.1M passenger movements.

23. In August 2023, Tripadvisor’s most expensive luxury cruise was a 125-night global tour with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind, costing nearly $132,000 per person.

Sources: CLIA , Statista , Travel Weekly

24. The typical age of a cruise tourist is 46.5.

25. The average age of a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger is 52.5 years.

26. Royal Caribbean cruise passengers have a median age in the low 40s, skewing younger on 3–4 night cruises and older on cruises of 10+ nights.

27. Cruise trips typically last about seven days on average.

The average duration of cruise trips is approximately one week

28. Of those who have cruised, 85% plan to cruise again.

29. Cruise vacations are gaining popularity among Millennials and Gen Xers, with 73% of those who haven’t cruised yet open to considering it.

30. Most travelers (73%) cruise with family from at least two generations.

31. Solo travelers typically book their cruises 1–12 months before departure.

32. In 2022, Carnival Corporation & plc carried 7.7M passengers worldwide.

33. In 2022, Royal Caribbean Cruises served over 5.5M passengers worldwide.

34. In 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line served roughly 1.66M passengers.

35. Norwegian Cruise Line was the highest-rated mega-ship operator in Condé Nast Traveler’s June 2023 survey, scoring 86.72.

36. Virgin Voyages was the highest-rated large-ship cruise operator in Condé Nast Traveler’s June 2023 survey, scoring 94.07.

37. Viking led June 2023’s midsize-ship cruise line ratings by Condé Nast Traveler with a score of 94.98.

38. Emerald Cruises led the June 2023 Condé Nast Traveler small-ship cruise line ratings with a 95.27 score.

39. Viking led the June 2023 Condé Nast Traveler river cruise line ratings with a 97.32 score.

Sources: Carnival Corp. , CLIA , Condé Nast Traveler , Cruise1st Blog , Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean International , Royal Caribbean Press Center

40. Low-friction hull coatings are used on 96% of ships.

41. Cruise ships generate up to 90% of their freshwater onboard. They use advanced systems to conserve and repurpose water, avoiding reliance on resource-scarce areas.

Cruise ships produce up to 90% of their freshwater needs directly on the vessel

42. A significant 60% of ships set to launch from 2023 to 2028 will use LNG fuel as their main propulsion source.

43. New ship classes are typically 20% more efficient than their predecessors.

Sources: CLIA

Stacking It All Up

That concludes our deep dive into cruise industry statistics.

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How many people are there on a cruise ship?

How many cruise ships are there, how many cruise lines are there, how many cruises depart from north america, how much does a cruise ship make per trip.

A cruise ship earns an estimated net profit of $291 per passenger. Consequently, a fully booked 7-day trip on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas could generate $9.8M in revenue, with profits of $1.7M .

As a Digital PR specialist and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), I have 5+ years of writing experience. Over the course of my career, my work has garnered significant attention, with features in numerous prominent publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, TechRepublic, Glassdoor, and G2.

How Many Cruise Ships Are There In The World

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Though MSC is headquartered in landlocked Switzerland, this cruise line has mastered the art of mega-ships, building five of the 15 largest in the world: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Seashore. Each can hold between 5,300 and 6,300 passengers at maximum capacity. MSC Seashore, a New York Citythemed ship, is the newest of the five, setting sail in November 2021. It’s the longest vessel in the fleet at 1,100 feet, allowing for more than 140,000 square feet of outdoor space, plus 7,500 square feet of dedicated space for kids, including the Pirates Cove Aquapark. MSC has some plans for mega-growth, too: it has four World -class mega-ships in the pipeline, each with a capacity between 5,800 and 6,850 passengers.

Your Itinerary Could Change

While health authorities no longer are quarantining whole ships when a few passengers or crew test positive for COVID-19, the presence of the illness on board a vessel still could result in notable disruptions to your itinerary.

Cruise lines in recent weeks have faced a growing number of ports that are baulking at allowing ships with COVID-19-positive passengers or crew to dock.

Several ships recently had to skip port calls in Mexico, for instance, after passengers and crew onboard the vessels tested positive for COVID-19. The ports have since reopened after Mexicos Health Department overruled the decisions of local port officials.

Cruise ships also have had to cancel stops recently at the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and at San Juan, Puerto Rico, due to local worries about COVID-19-positive passengers and crew on board and/or tighter COVID-19-related entry requirements.

Lines also are dealing with a small but growing number of destinations India and Hong Kong, for example that are at least temporarily closed to cruising completely, even for ships where no one has tested positive for COVID-19.

List Of Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships

Take a look at the current largest cruise ships in the industry, as expected it will keep changing as newer more advanced ships are built. Here is a quick list of the top 10 largest cruise ships in the world:

Symphony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Costa Smeralda
P& O Iona

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Will There Be Cruises In 2022

Along with more existing cruise ships sailing in 2022, there are a number of brand new cruise ships scheduled to set sail. … Some of these amazing and innovative ships include Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, as well as Celebrity Apex, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, and Enchanted Princess .

Medium Ship Line #: Msc Cruises

Lifestyle Inside the Titanic II, a close replica of the ...

Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many! The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size shipsthe Lirica classwhich accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. Theyre also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSCs Renaissance program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspirationthough its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the worldso youll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.

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Despite The Pause On Cruising Ships Are On The Move

The cruise industry is estimated to be around us$ 45.6 billion with around 26 million passengers annually. The symphony of the seas cruise ship docked at port miami, on may 20, 2020. At the time, 40 cruise ships carrying 90,000 passengers were in the middle of their planned itineraries around the world, according to the department of homeland security . The report offers a look at the trends impacting cruise travel in the coming year and beyond as well as the overall global economic impact. So here lies our list of the world’s largest cruise vessels, ranked in order of gross tonnage, a measure of volume. Built between 1939 and 1947 as the willem ruys, a passenger liner for rotterdamsche lloyd.began service as the achille lauro for starlauro cruises since 1965.

That’s why many people opt for cruise holidays. The cruise industry is estimated to be around us$ 45.6 billion with around 26 million passengers annually. At the time, 40 cruise ships carrying 90,000 passengers were in the middle of their planned itineraries around the world, according to the department of homeland security . By emily mcpherson ? senior journalist.

Perfect day at coco cay bahamas. But some cruise ships offer better experiences than others due to their size. That’s why many people opt for cruise holidays. But clearly, unlike airliners, the over 300 cruise ships that are out there, aren’t just static, shutdown, mothballed, and tied up somewhere.

Cruise News: Whats The Latest From The Industry

Tuesday January 18 2022, 12:00pm

As Omicron continues to sweep around the world, cruising is facing uncertain times for the immediate future, at least. Outbreaks of Covid among passengers and crew mean ships are suddenly being turned away from some Caribbean and Mexican ports in what would normally be peak season. There have been cases in Europe, too, of infected passengers being disembarked and transferred to medical facilities ashore to quarantine. Some cruise lines have delayed the great comeback theyd announced for 2022.

Yet is this all gloom and doom? No. Read on to understand more about why were hearing so much about Covid on cruise ships, how it might affect your travel plans and what there is to look forward to later in 2022.

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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.

What Can You Do To Ensure A Smoother Trip

Although the CDC recommends that people avoid cruises, Treffiletti says that there are some things you can do to help mitigate your risk if you do decide to travel.

For one, before setting sail, check the color-coded chart on the CDC website to see if your ship is participating in the agencys voluntary COVID-19 program. If so, youll be able to see whether there are any outbreaks on board. If things look grim, most cruise lines have implemented fairly flexible rebooking and cancellation policies.

If youre just booking now, research the protocols of each cruise line to see if they align with your own comfort level. Gray Faust recommends purchasing trip delay and COVID-19 insurancean extra cost that will be worth it if you get infected and cant board your ship.

Gray Faust says your packing list should also account for uncertainties. She recommends packing extra clothing and medication in case you are quarantined at any point. If you can snag them, toss in some extra KN95 masks and rapid antigen tests, too.

But most of all, Gray Faust says cruisers need to go into a trip accepting that there will be health protocols in placewhich might change as conditions worsen or improveand that theyre there to keep you safe.

You need to be OK with that, she says. You can still have a great trip. But youre protecting yourself and other people by wearing masks and by getting your vaccines.

Amy McKeever is a senior writer and editor at National Geographic. You can find her on .

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Small Ship Line #: Seadream Yacht Club

Sailing through the Caribbean , around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDreams two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.

We Were Willing To Embrace The Risks

Five days after Utah resident Brett Williams and his wife set sail on what was supposed be an 11-day Caribbean cruise, he said 48 crew members and 51 passengers of the small 342-passenger sailing ship, the MSY Wind Surf, tested positive and had to be taken off the ship for quarantine in Barbados. Within a few days, he and his wife and many other passengers also tested positive and were told they couldnt fly home until they each received a negative test result.

Despite experiencing no symptoms, Brett Williams tests remained stubbornly positive. The psychologist and author made the best of what turned out to be 12 extra days stuck on the ship, eating complimentary deluxe room service meals, taking pictures of beautiful sunsets and working on his new book, a self help guide, ironically titled Unstuck.

At one point, when all the other passengers had been sent home, he and his wife even got to enjoy the ships spa pool by themselves, where he joked he wanted to order up a quarantini.

Life has risks, said Williams, who described the trip as awesome despite the disruptions. We were willing to embrace the risks.

Ghent and her husband, Allen Podell, also managed to enjoy their South America trip even though their ship, the Viking Jupiter, spent so much time at sea, since they couldnt dock, that the entertainers aboard used up all their routines in the first few days and had to resort to improvising entirely new material.

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Cruise Industry Statistics And Facts For 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. if you click one, i may earn a commission at no cost to you. as an amazon associate i earn from qualifying purchases..

The cruise industry was hit hard by the pandemic with operators seeing huge drops in sales. But you may be wondering how is the industry is recovering in 2022

Ive highlighted some of the most important cruise statistics for 2021 and 2022 as well as some incredible cruise ship facts that you probably wont be aware of.

What Does The Latest Cruise Advice From The Cdc In The United States Mean

20 Nasty Facts About Cruise Vacations You Didn

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised its cruising advisory to Level 4. This means Americans are advised against cruise travel, even if they are fully vaccinated. Its not a legal ruling just an advisory, although it has prompted outrage among the cruise lines.

Similar advisories have not been applied to hotels, airlines, theme parks, ski resorts or any other sector of travel. The issue with cruising is that even a single case of Covid on board has to be reported and outbreaks of 0.1 per cent of passengers and crew trigger an investigation by the CDC. So on a big ship with, say, a total of 6,500 people on board, including crew, this means that at the moment, just seven need to test positive to merit an investigation.

As a snapshot of the week to January 5, 94 US and foreign-flagged ships sailing in US waters were being monitored by the CDC for Covid on board, while only 16 were below the threshold for reporting, or had no reported cases. None in the CDCs colour coded chart had red status, which meant they had exceeded the threshold for reporting. But this doesnt mean cruising is grinding to a halt.

Nobody is expecting every cruise to be Covid-free even the CDC acknowledges this. But as Cruise Lines International Association , the industry body, points out: The majority of those cases are asymptomatic or mild in nature, posing little or no burden on medical resources on board or on shore.

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Small Ship Line #1: Crystal Yacht Cruises

In early 2015, Crystal brought a yacht into its fleet for the first time, and following its success, the cruise line decided to custom-build a polar-class expedition megayacht. The ultra-luxe Crystal Endeavor , which sails to remote locations like the Arctic and the Antarctic, as well as urban ports around the world, launched in 2021, and can carry up to 200 passengers.

River Ship Line #: Viking River Cruises

Parent company Viking Cruises has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 river ships and six ocean vessels in its fleet. Under Viking River Cruises, the company’s riverboats explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhône in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Viking River Cruises also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and select shore excursions in its prices, and its Culture Curriculum offers experiential learning through events like regional wine tastings and menus that rotate seasonally.

Whats The Situation Regarding Family Cruises This Winter

To sail to the Caribbean, some cruise lines including Disney Cruises, P& O Cruises , Cunard and Princess Cruises are asking that children from age five upwards are fully vaccinated. This rule has been introduced now that over-fives in the US, the worlds biggest cruise market, are being offered the Pfizer vaccine. It makes sailing with these lines almost impossible for British families planning a Caribbean cruise this winter, as were not yet double-vaccinating five-year-olds.

Under-fives must have a negative PCR test before travel and all passengers, regardless of vaccine status, will still need to take a PCR test before embarking the ship. Whether other cruise lines follow suit remains to be seen.

If youre travelling to Europe, most lines say that unvaccinated children can sail but must have a negative PCR test before embarking. You wont be allowed ashore independently, either, if your children arent double vaccinated, only on the cruise lines official bubble excursions.

Another thing to bear in mind is that childrens clubs on some ships will operate at limited capacity, so you may need to book in advance. P& O Cruises says its night nursery, a much-loved feature by parents, wont be operating for the time being.

Large Ship Line #: Holland America Line

As its name indicates, Holland America is a cruise line that was established in 1873 to primarily ferry passengers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States. Of course, these days, the cruise line sails more broadly to more than 470 ports around the world on its 11 shipsand its highly regarded for its Alaska itineraries. While passengers can enjoy classic cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is particularly noted for its culinary and musical programs: it has a partnership with the TV show Americas Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, and a number of live music venues , and stage productions dedicated to the history of music on many of its ships. The latest addition to Holland Americas fleet is the Rotterdam , which first set sail in July 2021, with a capacity of 2,650 passengers.

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Medium Ship Line #: Viking Ocean Cruises

Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched six ocean-going vessels since 2015, the most recent being the brand-new Viking Venus, whose maiden voyage took place in 2021. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port , beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.

There Are More Than 50 Cruise Lines In The World

There are more than 50 cruise lines operating in 2022, as recognised by the Cruise Lines International Association as well as some smaller brands.

In 2020, three cruise lines went out of business as a result of the pandemic the UK-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Spains Pullmantur Cruises and a Swedish cruise line called Birka Cruises.

New cruise lines for 2022 include Ambassador Cruise Line which was launched in 2021 by the same team who ran the not defunct Cruise & Maritime Voyages and Explora Journeys which is owned by the MSC Group.

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Are Cruise Ships Safe From Sinking

Cruise ships are designed to be as safe as possible , but it is still possible for them to sink. … The sinking of these ships was a result of many different factors. The Titanic, for example, collided with an iceberg in 1912 and sunk after taking on too much water through holes or cracks in its hull.

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.

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Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027

The number of global ocean cruise passengers increased significantly in 2023 over the previous year, totaling 31.7 million and recovering from the impact of COVID-19. This figure was forecast to rise steadily in the following years, reaching an estimated 39.4 million in 2027.

Where are cruise passengers traveling?

Cruises travel to nearly all parts of the world, from local coastal destinations to remote places such as Antarctica. Some cruises may last only a few days, but others may last weeks or months as they travel across entire oceans or even take a trip around the world. In 2023, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda were the most popular cruise destinations worldwide . That year, Central and Western Mediterranean countries reported the second-highest passenger volume.

Which are the leading cruise companies?

Two of the largest cruise companies worldwide are Carnival Corporation & plc and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, both based in the United States. In 2023, Carnival Corporation & plc's global revenue exceeded 21 billion U.S. dollars, the highest figure reported by the company to date. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s global revenue also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, amounting to just under 14 billion U.S. dollars.

Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2009 to 2023, with a forecast until 2027 (in millions)

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Figures have been rounded. Data prior to 2019 were previously published by the source.

Statistics on " Cruise industry worldwide "

Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2019-2028, by segment
Revenue of the cruises industry worldwide 2019-2028
Revenue growth of cruises worldwide 2019-2028
Revenue of the cruise industry in leading countries 2025-2028
Share of sales channels of the global cruise industry revenue 2018-2028
Largest cruise ships worldwide 2023, by gross tonnage
Longest cruise ships worldwide 2023, by length
Most expensive cruise ships worldwide by building cost 2022
Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2022
Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2022
Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2022
Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2022
Average passenger capacity of ocean-going cruise vessels worldwide 2018-2026
Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2023, by source market
Main global cruise destinations 2019-2023, by number of passengers
Busiest cruise ports worldwide 2019-2022, by passenger movements
TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand
Worldwide cruise company market share 2022
Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023, by segment
Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc 2008-2023
Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2009-2023, by segment
Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2013-2023, by segment
Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
TUI cruise brand revenue worldwide 2015-2023, by brand
Annual growth rate of the global cruise passenger volume 2017-2023
Global cruise passenger volume index 2019-2026, by scenario
COVID-19 impact on cruise passenger volume worldwide 2020-2023, by source region
Percentage change in revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide 2020-2023

Other statistics that may interest you Cruise industry worldwide

Premium Statistic Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2019-2028, by segment
Premium Statistic Revenue of the cruises industry worldwide 2019-2028
Premium Statistic Revenue growth of cruises worldwide 2019-2028
Premium Statistic Revenue of the cruise industry in leading countries 2025-2028
Premium Statistic Share of sales channels of the global cruise industry revenue 2018-2028

Cruise ships

Basic Statistic Largest cruise ships worldwide 2023, by gross tonnage
Basic Statistic Longest cruise ships worldwide 2023, by length
Premium Statistic Most expensive cruise ships worldwide by building cost 2022
Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2022
Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2022
Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2022
Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2022
Premium Statistic Average passenger capacity of ocean-going cruise vessels worldwide 2018-2026

Cruise passengers

Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027
Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2023, by source market
Premium Statistic Main global cruise destinations 2019-2023, by number of passengers
Premium Statistic Busiest cruise ports worldwide 2019-2022, by passenger movements
Basic Statistic Number of Carnival Corporation & plc passengers worldwide 2007-2023
Premium Statistic Number of passengers carried by Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
Premium Statistic Number of passengers carried by Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
Premium Statistic TUI cruise passengers worldwide 2013-2023, by brand

Cruise companies

Premium Statistic Worldwide cruise company market share 2022
Premium Statistic Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023, by segment
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Premium Statistic Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2009-2023, by segment
Premium Statistic Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
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Impact of COVID-19

Premium Statistic Annual growth rate of the global cruise passenger volume 2017-2023
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Premium Statistic COVID-19 impact on cruise passenger volume worldwide 2020-2023, by source region
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Further related statistics

Premium Statistic Cruise passenger arrivals in Canada in 2016, by region
Premium Statistic Average cruise passenger spend in Canada in 2016, by region
Premium Statistic Total number of jobs created by the cruise industry in Canada in 2016, by job sector
Premium Statistic Age distribution of cruise passengers in Canada 2016
Premium Statistic Number of Canadian residents purchasing cruise trips, by province 2016
Premium Statistic Cruise passenger expenditures in Canada, by destination 2016
Premium Statistic Cruise passenger arrivals in Canada 2003-2016
Premium Statistic Direct cruise-related expenditures in Canada in 2016, by source
Premium Statistic Number of guests of the global cruise industry 2007-2016, by source region
Premium Statistic Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the UK and Ireland 2011-2022
Basic Statistic Benefits of cruise travel according to cruise travelers in North America 2014
Premium Statistic North America: cruise class most commonly used as of August 2017
Basic Statistic Economic contribution of the cruise industry in Australia in 2013, by type
Basic Statistic Direct expenditures of cruise lines, passengers and crew in Australia 2013
Basic Statistic Daily cruise passenger spending in Australia in 2013, by type
Premium Statistic North American cruise line industry gross revenue 2010
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Premium Statistic North American cruise passenger volume 2019-2022, by source country
Premium Statistic International cruise departure passenger volume from Australia 2018

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Cruise passenger arrivals in Canada in 2016, by region
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Cruise passenger expenditures in Canada, by destination 2016
Cruise passenger arrivals in Canada 2003-2016
Direct cruise-related expenditures in Canada in 2016, by source
Number of guests of the global cruise industry 2007-2016, by source region
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Cruise Ship Law Blog

How Many Cruise Lines Are There In The World?

Written by Michael A. Winkleman Michael A. Winkleman is one of the nation’s top maritime lawyers. An active trial and appellate attorney, Mr. Winkleman is also a frequent contributing expert on maritime and cruise ship law. He has made more than 100 national television appearances regarding cruise ship law.

Going on a cruise can be one of the most exciting vacations. With so much to see, do, and explore, you’re likely to have a great time. However, before you can set foot aboard your cruise, you’ll have to make a choice regarding which company you’re going to support. The burden of choice is never one to complain about—after all, more choice means more competition and better service for customers.

However, realizing that you have a choice may lead you to wonder just how many cruise lines there are in the world. Since we tend to hear this question frequently, we wanted to address the answer here.

Currently, there are 51 ocean cruise lines and 27 river cruise lines. However, this number may fluctuate, depending on the source, as some cruise lines are owned by larger parent companies. For example, this is the case with Holland America Line, as they are owned by Carnival Corporation.

The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) recognizes 62 members, which includes ocean, river and specialty cruise lines. These companies hail from a variety of major countries, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape and local culture of practically every corner of the world.

This high number comes as no surprise, as CLIA reports that the demand for cruise vacations has increased 68% in the past decade. That’s an incredible leap, and one that the cruise industry is, no doubt, looking to make the most of.

Increased Choice, Increased Injury

With an increase in cruise lines also comes a natural increase in potential cruise line accident and injury . Our team has experience with many major cruise lines, so that we can better serve you. In the past, we’ve handled cases against Carnival Cruise Lines , Celebrity Cruises , Costa Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Holland America , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean International , and many more.

No matter which cruise line has caused you to suffer, you can rest assured that we are here for you and ready to help you get the results you deserve. These days, many cruise lines assume they can slip through the cracks. However, with cruises becoming ever more popular, it seems increasingly likely that regulations will become stricter over time.

All of this is good news for you. After all, not only will you have more choices, but hopefully you will also have better choices. So, regardless of the company or your destination, you can have a relaxing, stress-free vacation, anywhere in the world.

That said, nothing will ever completely remove the potential for serious incident and personal injury aboard a cruise line. Where there are people (and alcohol and a general lack of security . . . ), there is the possibility for someone to get hurt. That’s why we’re here, for when you need us most.

After working with clients from a variety of different cruise lines, one thing we hear from our clients is always the same: it’s never easy to deal with the legal ramifications of your injury on your own. We know just how overwhelming it can be to try and navigate your case. But, when you hire a maritime attorney , you don’t have to do it alone.

So, if you have questions and are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us .

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Published on March 24, 2017

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Chart: See the Dramatic Rise in the Size of Cruise Ships

How much larger have cruise ships become? Until you are standing next to a modern cruise ship, it’s hard to appreciate just how massive they actually are.

World's largest cruise ship: Symphony of the Seas

Many times they are called floating cities. That’s not just a cute phrase. It’s accurate. The largest cruise ship in the world — Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas — can hold 6,600 passengers and 2,200 crew. That’s nearly 9,000 people.

Meanwhile, the amenities onboard include everything you need to run a city of that size, from nearly 20 restaurants to medical facilities, from laundry facilities to storefronts.

Growing in Size Over the Years

Gone are the days where a cruise ship was designed simply to be the vessel to get you from port to port. Today, the cruise ship is the destination.

For years there’s been an arms race when it comes to ships. The major cruise lines — including Carnival , Royal Caribbean , and Norwegian — have competed to create ships that not only push their own fleets bigger, but also put them on par with their rivals.

That’s led to the largest cruise ships the world has ever seen… and a steady increase in average size over time.

Consider that from 1990 until 2000, most cruise new ships built were in the 70,000-80,000 gross ton range. (Gross tonnage is a standard measure of a ship’s size.) The average size of all new ships during this time from the major cruise lines was 80,000 gross tons.

But since then the size of ships has soared.

From 2015 until today, the average gross tonnage of a new cruise ship from the major cruise lines is 164,000 gross tons — more than twice the size of a ship built during the 1990s. That includes the Symphony of the Seas, which comes in at a staggering 228,081 gross tons.

Take a look at just how dramatic the increase in cruise ship size has been during the past 30 years:

As you can see from the chart, when it comes to size, all the cruise lines continue to move toward larger ships. Every single cruise line has dramatically increased in size over the past several decades.

However, Royal Caribbean is the line that pushes the envelope the most when it comes to building bigger ships.

The line of ships at the top right of the chart represent the cruise line's Oasis-class of ships, which are the biggest in the world. First launched in 2009, the ships within this class are all at least 225,000 gross tons.

That's about three times the size of the average ship built in the 1990s .

Why Cruise Ships Continue to Get Bigger

So why do cruise ships continue to get larger? For cruise companies and passengers, there are a number of benefits to larger cruise ships.

For passengers, larger ships simply mean more options. With more space comes more restaurants, public areas, activities, and cabin types.

Consider Carnival's Mardi Gras. The new mega-liner is set to debut at the end of 2020, and will have more than 15 spots to eat on board. That's a long way from just having a buffet, dining room and maybe another restaurant or two like you would have found on much older cruise ships.

Norwegian's Breakaway-Plus class of ships like Norwegian Encore have the space to include a number of activities that were unheard of just a few years ago. This includes laser-tag arenas, virtual reality areas, and even go-kart tracks at sea.

For cruise lines, larger ships bring economies of scale come into play. Put simply, it's much cheaper for a cruise line to build and operate one 6,000 person cruise ship than two ships with 3,000 people sailing. It requires less staff, and less cost to build a single large ship than two smaller ones.

With more space, there are also more chances to earn money from passengers. As mentioned by Travel Weekly , "large ships have far greater potential for onboard revenue than smaller ones, with more space for bars, restaurants, and bigger casinos and spas."

Finally, cruise ships act as a marketing tool for the cruise line.

With each new ship comes new media coverage and attention to the ship and the line. In the race to gather attention, bigger and more extravagant lead the way to gather the imagination of potential passengers. There's a very good reason that you never see older ships in the advertisements from the cruise lines.

Limits on Cruise Ship Size

Given the current trend, you might think that cruise ships will continue to increase in size in the future. That's likely not the case. There does come a point to where size becomes a negative instead of a benefit.

Consider that the Oasis of the Seas -- the first of the largest Oasis-class vessels built by Royal Caribbean -- was built in 2009, more than a decade ago. Since then, it's had several sister ships built, that have been marginally larger at most. However, there hasn't been a significantly larger cruise ship built.

Instead, at least for now, this seems to be the upper limit for how large cruise ships will become. As ships get larger, so too do the logistical issues that come with them. Namely, not every port of call can handle the size and scale of the largest vessels.

For example, the Port of Tampa Bay simply can't have the largest cruise ships dock because the height of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at the entrance to the bay is too low.

The Port of Galveston (the busiest cruise port outside of Florida) anticipates welcoming an Oasis-class vessel in the future, but first has to work with Royal Caribbean to build a new terminal that can accommodate ships of that size.

But while the limit on the size of ships may have maxed out for now, there is still room for more vessels to be built up to current standards. Of the 120 cruise ships included on our chart above, 49 of them (41%) are less than 100,000 gross tons.

Given the recent troubles the industry has faced it may take some time to replace those older, smaller ships with larger vessels. But there's no question that the trend definitely is moving that way.

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3 of the world's biggest cruise ships soon will battle for supremacy out of Miami

Get ready for the Battle of the Cruise Ship Giants out of Miami.

Fast-growing MSC Cruises on Thursday officially announced its North America schedule for the summer of 2025, including a Miami deployment that will set the stage for an epic matchup between three of the world's biggest cruise vessels.

As part of the announcement, MSC Cruises confirmed that its soon-to-debut MSC World America would sail from Miami from April 2025 through at least October 2025. This will place it in a head-to-head matchup with Royal Caribbean 's just-unveiled Icon of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line 's one-year-old Carnival Celebration .

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All three of the vessels will be the biggest in their respective fleets.

Scheduled to begin sailing in April 2025, MSC World America will be the world's seventh-biggest cruise ship when it debuts and the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever deployed to North America. Unveiled in January, Icon of the Seas is the world's biggest cruise ship .

Dating to November 2022, Carnival Celebration is the world's 14th biggest cruise ship.

For the summer of 2025, both MSC World America and Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami on Saturdays on seven-night trips to the Caribbean. Carnival Celebration will sail out of Miami on Sundays on six- to eight-night trips to the Caribbean .

As confirmed on Thursday, MSC World America will operate alternating itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean.

Eastern Caribbean voyages will bring stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas.
Western Caribbean sailings will stop at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay.

Icon of the Seas will rotate among four different itineraries across the Eastern and Western Caribbean that bring visits to such destinations as St. Thomas; St. Maarten (the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin); Roatan; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

Related: Yikes, does Icon of the Seas really cost that much?

Carnival Celebration will mostly sail to Eastern Caribbean destinations such as St. Thomas, San Juan and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. It'll also operate some Southern Caribbean cruises.

The matchup between MSC World America and Icon of the Seas is particularly notable as it marks the first time vessels measuring more than 200,000 tons from two different cruise brands have competed on sailings out of a North American port.

Giants of the seas

MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean are currently the only cruise brands in the world with ships measuring more than 200,000 tons. MSC World America is expected to measure around 216,000 tons. Icon of the Seas measures 248,663 tons. Carnival Celebration measures 183,521 tons.

All three vessels are among the most venue-filled in their respective fleets, with dozens of restaurants, bars, showrooms and over-the-top attractions on the decks.

Related: Our first impressions of the giant Icon of the Seas

MSC World America and Icon of the Seas, in particular, have several similarities, including public area venues segmented into "districts," as MSC Cruises calls them. Royal Caribbean calls them "neighborhoods."

Both ships have been designed around a central interior promenade with entertainment, shops and bars.

Among the standout features planned for MSC World America will be an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate virtual reality technology. MSC Cruises also announced last week that the ship would have what's billed as the only overwater swing ride at sea; the attraction is called Cliffhanger, and it's suspended 160 feet above the water.

MSC World America will also have six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

As part of its Thursday announcement, MSC Cruises confirmed summer 2025 plans for three other vessels sailing out of North American ports:

The 4,540-passenger MSC Seascape will operate three-, four- and seven-night itineraries from Miami departing on Thursdays and Sundays. Stops will include Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan; Puerto Plata; Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Ocean Cay.
The 4,488-passenger MSC Meraviglia will operate seven-night itineraries from New York City to Florida and the Bahamas and Bermuda, departing on Sundays. Stops on the Bahamas cruises will be Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau; and Ocean Cay. The Bermuda cruises will bring an extended call at Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard.
The 4,540-passenger MSC Seashore will operate three-, four- and seven-night itineraries from Port Canaveral with a range of port options departing Thursdays and Sundays.

All three of the vessels are among the 25 biggest cruise ships in the world.

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The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world

M odern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas , launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.

Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world, features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.

All of the heaviest cruise ships in the world were built within the last 20 years, although the majority – six of the ten – were built within the last five years.

So, here are the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world, by gross tonnage.

10. P&O Cruises MS Arvia : 185,581 gross tonnes

The MS Arvia is P&O Cruises’ fourth ship to be built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. Weighing in at 185,581 gross tonnes, the 345m (1,130-foot) Arvia is slightly larger than her sister ship, the MS Iona . The 20-deck ship is the largest ship commissioned for the British cruise market and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,264 passengers, with 1,800 crew onboard.

The ship is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excellence-class vessel for P&O, following the Iona . Arvia is powered by a 61,760kW LNG drive system, with a propulsion power of 37 megawatts. The LNG-powered propulsion system allows the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

After being floated out in August 2022, the Arvia mainly operates itineraries around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

9. Costa Cruises – Costa Smeralda : 185,010 gross tonnes

The Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Costa Cruises fleet. With a gross tonnage of 185,010gt, the 20-deck Excellence-class ship measures 337m (1,106 feet) in length. The second LNG-powered cruise ship to enter operation in the world, she has a maximum capacity of 6,554 passengers with 1,646 crew and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Construction of the Costa Smeralda began at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, in September 2017. Meyer Turku collaborated with the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard to develop and integrate the LNG propulsion plant for the ship. She is fitted with four 16-cylinder, Caterpillar MaK 16VM46DF engines, with 15.4 megawatts (20,710 horsepower) output per engine, resulting in a maximum power of 37 megawatts (50,000 horsepower).

The ship, which was named after the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, entered service in December 2019 , departing Savona on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, where it has sailed since.

8. Costa Cruises – Costa Toscana : 186,364 gross tonnes

The Costa Toscana is the sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and is also powered by LNG . measuring 337m (1,106 feet) long and weighing in at 186,364 gross tonnes, the Toscana has a maximum capacity of 6,338 passengers and 1,678 staff across her 20 decks.

Like her sister ship, the Toscana was also built at the Meyer shipyard in Finland, with construction completed in 2021. She is also powered by four MaK-Caterpillar engines, with a total power of 57.2 megawatts (76,706 horsepower), and two ABB Azipod motors , resulting in a service speed of 17 knots.

Named in homage to the Tuscany region of Italy, Costa Toscana mainly sails around the Mediterranean Sea but Costa Cruises has also used the ship to sail itineraries further afield, such as around Brazil and the UAE.

7. MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa : 215,863 gross tonnes

The only entry in the top ten from MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa measures 333m (1,094 feet) in length. With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Europa ’s LNG-power propulsion system was subcontracted to Finland-based Wärtsilä. Five LNG-powered, 14-cylinder Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines power the vessel, with a propulsion power of 44 megawatts ( 59,005 horsepower). She also features nitrogen oxide reduction (NOR) units, two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems, seven thrusters, and two fixed-pitch propellers.

The MSC World Europa was floated out at the end of 2021 and was initially used as an accommodation vessel for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the ship berthed at Doha Port in Qatar during the tournament. Following the competition, the ship subsequently travelled several routes around the UAE, before sailing to the Mediterranean, where it has sailed itineraries since.

6. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross tonnes

The first of many entries on this list operated by Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,282 gross tonnes. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet), she is only 50mm (2 inches) longer than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas . The Allure has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew across 18 decks.

Built at the Turku Shipyard in Finland, the Allure took two years to build , floating out in 2010. She features six Wärtsilä 46 diesel engines with a total power output of 97 megawatts (130,053 horsepower). It is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters. The ship can travel at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US, the Allure mainly serves itineraries around the Bahamas but she is scheduled to sail routes around the Mediterranean in 2025.

5. Royal Caribbean International – Oasis of the Seas : 226,838 gross tonnes

The oldest ship on this list, the Oasis of the Seas has been in service for over a decade. She was the biggest cruise ship at the time when floated out in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 226,838gt and a length of 360m (1,181 feet). The Oasis has a maximum capacity of 6,699 passengers and 2,181 staff across 18 decks.

The Oasis took two years to build at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the keel laid on 12 November 2007 and the ship arriving at her homeport of Port Everglades in Florida, US, on 13 November 2009.

The Oasis is powered by eight Wärtsilä V12 diesel engines, which generate 5.6 megawatts (7,500 horsepower) each, alongside four bow thrusters. The main propulsion system consists of three 20-megawatt (26,820 horsepower) electric Azipod motors, resulting in a combined propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and a standard cruising speed of 23 knots.

The Oasis mainly operates routes around the Caribbean, but occasionally repositions to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean.

4. Royal Caribbean International – Harmony of the Seas : 226,963 gross tonnes

The third Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas weighed in bigger than her existing sister ships at launch in 2016, with 226,963 gross tonnage, but she has since been surpassed by newer vessels. With a total length of 362m (1,188 feet), Harmony has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,300 staff across 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean placed an order with STX France for the construction of Harmony of the Seas in December 2012. The first steel for the ship was cut at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in September 2013, while the keel-laying ceremony was held in May 2014.

The Harmony is powered by three 18.9-megawatt Wärtsilä 16V46 16-cylinder main generator diesel engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46 12-cylinder engines producing 13.9 megawatts each. The propulsion power is provided by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters and manoeuvring is assisted by four 5.5-megawatt Wärtsilä CT 3500 tunnel thrusters. The propulsion system results in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and enables the ship to sail at a standard speed of 23 knots.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on her inaugural seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain, in June 2016, and currently operates itineraries around the Western Caribbean from her homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US.

3. Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas : 228,081 gross tonnes

At launch in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas surpassed the Harmony as the biggest cruise ship, weighing in at 228,081 gross tonnes. Measuring 361m (1,185 feet), the Symphony has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 staff across 18 decks and was the testing ground for Royal Caribbean's new muster drill . With a total length of 361m (1,185 feet), She is roughly 30 metres (98 feet) longer than the largest military ships , the US Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the USS Gerald R. Ford .

The keel-laying ceremony for the Symphony of the Seas was held in October 2015 at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, and the ship sailed out in June 2017. She is powered by six diesel sets, each composed of three Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines, as well as three 20-megawatt electric Azipod main engines – resulting in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) of propulsion power and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Symphony commenced her seven-day maiden voyage from Barcelona in April 2018, and since then has mainly operated itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

2. Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas : 235,600 gross tonnes

Royal Caribbean's flagship, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship built for the cruise company. Weighing in at 235,600 gross tonnes, the Wonder was the largest ship in the world when she was completed in January 2022. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet) in length, the 18-deck Wonder has a maximum capacity of 7,084 guests across its 2,867 staterooms, as well as housing 2,369 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Wonder is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and four Wärtsilä 12V46D engines; and uses three 20-megawatt electric Azipod engines for propulsion, combining for a propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Wonder sailed her maiden voyage in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has since served itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami and Cape Canaveral.

1. Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas : 248,663 gross tonnes

Weighing 248,663 gross tonnes and measuring 365 metres (1,1967 feet), the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Christened on 23 January 2024, the Icon has a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew across 20 decks. She is the lead ship of the new Icon-class, with a sister ship the Star of the Seas due to be delivered in 2025 and another ship planned for delivery in 2026.

Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, the Icon is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet that can be powered by LNG. It uses three Wärtsilä 14V46DF and three Wärtsilä 12V46DF for its main generator engines, which provide 67.5 megawatts of energy to run the ship. She is propelled by three 20-megawatt Azipod thrusters as well as five 4.8-megawatt Wärtsilä WTT-45 CP bow thrusters, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.

After sailing her maiden voyage on 27 January 2024, the Icon now sails year-round itineraries of seven-night trips around the Eastern and Western Caribbean from her homeport of Miami, Florida.

"The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world" was originally created and published by Ship Technology , a GlobalData owned brand.

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How many ships hit bridges, lose power every year? Data shows jarring numbers on the rise.

An alarm wails onboard the container ship as it approaches the Francis Scott Key Bridge during what had until that moment seemed like a routine departure from the Port of Baltimore.

For the past half hour, the crew navigated the hulking vessel through relatively calm waters and lined it up to pass perfectly under the main truss of the steel bridge, softly lit in the early morning darkness.

Now, just a half mile from the span, the vessel has gone dark – no power, no steering, no propulsion. Inside the ship’s towering command center, the crew tries to re-engage the system but no luck. The nearly 100,000-ton ship is adrift.

“Captain, we are on a collision course with the bridge support,” announces the officer of the watch, who recommends dropping its anchor. No change. A desperate call goes out to the shore to stop traffic from crossing the bridge.

The captain realizes the hard truth: The Dali is “at the point of extremis,” he says – the point of no return.

The crew watches helplessly as the bridge looms larger and larger until, just four minutes after the alarm sounded, their vessel slams into one of its main support columns.

“At this point there is absolutely, certainly nothing that we could do on our own,” said Chief Mate Kevin Calnan from inside California State University Maritime Academy’s 360-degree mission simulator during an eerily vivid replication of the Baltimore bridge disaster.

The state-of-the-art simulator – one of just three of its kind nationwide – showed how a total loss of power on a container ship the size and weight of the Dali could turn it into an uncontrollable weapon of mass destruction – a transformation counted in precisely calculated currents and breezes, velocity and minutes, not hours.

Moments after the Dali struck it, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into Patapsco River , killing at least six construction workers, likely causing billions of dollars in damage and forever altering the Baltimore skyline.

Although such disasters are rare, the conditions that could cause them are frighteningly common, according to a USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Coast Guard maritime incident data, which includes any reportable maritime event involving a death or injury, collision, grounding, environmental harm, or the loss of power and propulsion.

Map: Where ships have struck bridges, lost power

This map shows issues categorized as "major" or "significant" marine casualties and “serious marine incidents” in U.S. Coast Guard incident investigation reports that mention a freight ship, freight barge, tank ship, tank barge or ocean cruise vessel striking a bridge. It also includes cases where ships lost power, propulsion or steering within two kilometers of a highway bridge over navigable waters. Don't see a map? Click here.

At least 6,000 times in the past 22 years – an average of more than five times a week – crews on board massive cargo ships, oil tankers, container barges and even cruise vessels have reported what befell the Dali: a loss of power, loss of propulsion, loss of steering, or some combination of the three, a USA TODAY data analysis reveals.

At least 900 of them occurred near bridges identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as spanning navigable waters. The vast majority were classified as routine but a dozen were labeled major or significant.

Some damaged both the ships and the structures they hit. Others left crew members with broken bones or other injuries. But most, including cases remarkably similar to what happened last month in Baltimore, have never been made public, buried deep in a federal database.

Often the dividing line between major and routine came down to a last-minute effort by the crew or rescue teams.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge had an earlier close call, in 2018

On March 16, 2018, the bulk carrier Strategic Alliance lost power and propulsion on the Delaware River just north of the Commodore Barry Bridge, a 2.6-mile span connecting Philadelphia to New Jersey and carrying more than 41,000 vehicles a day.

The Singapore-flagged vessel, about half the size of the Dali, dropped anchor in the channel without incident early that Friday morning and was able to regain propulsion and generator power after clearing its clogged cooling water strainers of debris. Nearly two years later, the Dali-sized container ship Maersk Chicago lost power in New York’s Lower Bay Channel as it approached the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge late on a Wednesday night.

Roughly 500 feet from the country’s longest suspension span – crossed by nearly a quarter-million vehicles a day – the ship was adrift with no steering, no propulsion and no engine. Fortunately, a pair of tugboats were able to rescue the U.S.-flagged vessel and tow it to safety, where it was determined a broken air compressor valve was to blame.

Just last week, another container ship lost propulsion near the same bridge. The Liberia-flagged vessel, Qingdao, experienced the failure around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday as it navigated through the Kill Van Kull shipping lane between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey.

It took three tugboats to bring the vessel under control.

Unlike most incidents in the Coast Guard database, the Qingdao made the news as images of the gigantic ship floating near the bridge spooked jittery Americans still reeling from the recent Baltimore disaster.

That the two events happened in close succession was not so much a coincidence, but rather a fairly common occurrence that’s bound to happen when tens of thousands of ships from all over the world travel in and out of U.S. waters every year, several maritime experts told USA TODAY.

Statistically, the experts said, such failures are more likely to happen in ports and harbors, as well as in close proximity to bridges, because that’s when the ships are under the most stress.

“That’s when you’re giving all your engine orders,” said Calnan, the assistant professor of marine transportation who ran the simulation at Cal Maritime for USA TODAY. Calnan has operated large ships himself and has experienced what is sometimes known as a dark ship, though only while out at sea.

“It’s just like in the car; if you’re going 65 on the highway, there’s not a lot happening,” he said, “But when you’re doing a lot of stop and go and changing engine orders, it’s putting stress on the engine, and if something is mechanically wrong with the engine itself, there’s a higher chance it will happen when you’re using it more.”

Mechanical failure, human error and a host of other conditions can conspire to shut down a vessel’s engine, seize up its propulsion system or thwart its crew’s ability to steer.

Sometimes a simple miscalculation can cause a crew to lose command of a ship – or cause an otherwise seaworthy ship to hit a bridge.

USA TODAY’s data analysis revealed at least 2,600 bridge strikes occurring in U.S. waters since 2002, the earliest year for which such data is available. Three of these allisions were fatal, claiming 16 lives in all. The majority, however, were minor – a ship’s antenna or mast hitting a bridge, or a barge clipping a bridge’s protective fender.

But maritime problems – which international governing agencies call “casualty incidents” – have been steadily rising over the past decade, according to a report by Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a global maritime data and analytics company.

That’s especially true for those caused by machinery damage or failure.

The Lloyd’s report cites 700 such reported events in the third quarter of 2022 – the highest in 14 years – and attributed the increase to several factors. Among them: fewer ship inspections and internal audits, an unavailability of dry docks and technicians to perform maintenance and repairs, as well as supply chain delays in getting spare parts.

Lloyd’s was unable to provide updated data, but a representative told USA TODAY incidents have continued to rise.

The crew could do little to avert catastrophe

The frequency of such malfunctions and the risks to life and property are at the heart of Cal Maritime’s simulation exercises, which train students how to react to the worst disasters in a controlled environment.

In the case of the Dali simulation, the unfortunate lesson was that there was little they could do to avoid a catastrophe once the power was down except alert others to their plight.

“Making that emergency call and alerting all of the other traffic in the area that, ‘Hey, we’re this ship and we can’t maneuver anymore, we’re not under command’ – that call itself is what we see in this accident in Baltimore,” Calnan said. “That singular call… saved countless lives.”

While most power outages cause minimal harm, the one that darkened the Dali occurred at a most unfortunate place and time: about 0.6 nautical miles from the Francis Scott Key Bridge while the laden ship was moving at a speed of roughly 8 knots and the wind was blowing from the northeast, according to real-time data fed into the simulator.

When the blackout occurred, the ship’s rudder was turned 3 degrees to the starboard side and remained stuck there as the vessel drifted off course. Its towering stack of containers acted as a sail for the wind, which aimed it directly at the bridge’s support column.

Even if the engine had been working, Calnan said, it would have taken 0.8 nautical miles to bring that particular vessel under those particular conditions to a full stop – farther than the distance to the bridge it was about to hit. Simply put, time had run out.

“During any situation on board any type of vessel, we have a concept which we call the point of extremis, which essentially means there’s a point in every situation where no matter what you do, it's going to lead to some form of undesirable outcome,” he said. “Basically, it’s the point of no return.”

National Transportation Safety Board and U.S. Coast Guard investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blackout on the Dali. They have retrieved documents and interviewed the crew, as well as others who witnessed or were involved in the crash. But it could be months before they release their findings.

In the meantime, maritime experts have offered a number of possible causes based on their own experience with engine failure.

“There are 101 potential reasons for a blackout,” said Capt. Ashok Pandey, a master mariner and associate professor of international maritime business at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

They include inexperienced crew members accidentally switching off a valve that shuts down the fuel supply, water forming inside poorly maintained fuel tanks and knocking out the engine, and countless situations involving dirty fuel gumming up the ship’s filters, pumps and injectors.

Deep-sea vessels like the Dali burn what’s known as heavy fuel oil – sometimes called bunker fuel – a cheap, tar-like residue that the crew processes onboard the ship by heating, filtering and purifying it before feeding it into the combustion system.

Sometimes the heavy fuel itself is particularly bad and can clog the ship’s strainers. Other times the crew fails to properly maintain its onboard processing system and dirty fuel gets into the engine. Either way, it can lead to disaster.

“We have all been through bad fuel situations – you get bad fuel and it clogs the strainers, and every engineer has had to go down and clean the strainers,” said Keith Deirup, a licensed chief engineer with 20 years of experience in the U.S. merchant marine industry. “If you lose an engine, it's a total loss of propulsion, and it takes a while to get it back online.”

Accidents, dirty fuel and fish cause blackouts

Coast Guard incident reports blame a host of culprits for the power outages reported by hundreds of ships over the years. They include unpredictable events like lightning strikes, fires on board or even fish clogging water inlets meant to help cool the engines.

Several incident reports attribute power losses to dirty – or degraded – fuel, as was the case in June 2017, when the Hong Kong-flagged Mallika Naree went dark on the Elizabeth River outside Norfolk, Virginia. The bulk carrier dragged a buoy nearly 400 yards before running aground. The investigation revealed about 16 gallons of water had leaked into the fuel oil supply tank.

Delayed maintenance also shows up as a common cause of power outages. “Poor maintenance” on a fuel oil valve led to a power outage that ran the 681-foot-long Alexander Dimitrov aground east of New Orleans in January 2002. The report states “the valves should have been checked as part of routine maintenance.”

“Lack of inspection, testing replacement/maintenance of the time delay relays” was to blame in February 2019, when the captain of the Portuguese container ship EMS Trader ordered an emergency lowering of the anchor. The ship had lost power, steering and propulsion not far from the Commodore Barry Bridge southwest of Philadelphia.

Many of the incident reports blame human error and inattention.

The 1,096-foot-long container ship Ever Lotus lost power while mooring at the Port of Los Angeles in November 2016. Even though the vessel’s crew was trained to slowly increase the pitch of the bow thruster so as to not overload the generators, “the pilot adjusted the pitch from 0% to 100% instantly,” according to the incident report.

Three years earlier, the 604-foot-long Manistee went dark as it was backing out of Ashtabula Harbor east of Cleveland. The engineer on watch forgot to throw a switch that would prevent the generators from overheating, leading to the outage.

Such incidents reinforce the need for extra precaution when ships navigate near critical infrastructure, said Pandey of Massachusetts Maritime, who advocated for mandatory tug escorts regardless of the ship, its cargo or the port.

Protecting bridges: Baltimore's Key Bridge, opened in 1977, had few ship defenses. Are modern bridges better?

“Increasingly, the use of tugs is considered too old-fashioned, maybe too expensive, simply because we have the technology,” he said. “It’s something we don’t talk enough about.”

Other experts said nothing can prevent every disaster, and the Dali might be a case in point.

“Naval engineers will look at the root causes and ask what we can do to prevent it from happening again,” said a senior government official and former Coast Guard officer who spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

"And maybe there isn’t anything we can do,” he said. ”Maybe fate just caught up with it.”

More than half of major bridge collapses are in the U.S.

Despite the frequency of power failures and bridge strikes reported to the Coast Guard, the maritime shipping industry has had relatively few major accidents like the one that toppled the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Until this March, the last incident identified by USA TODAY in which a ship knocked down a U.S. bridge was on Jan. 26, 2012, when the Delta Mariner cargo vessel carrying rocket components down the Tennessee River from Alabama to Florida slammed into the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge near Aurora, Kentucky.

The ship, going about 10 knots, tore away a 322-foot span of the bridge as it attempted to pass under a section with insufficient clearance.

Fortunately, traffic was light and vehicles stopped before reaching the missing portion of the bridge, according to an National Transportation Safety Board report of the crash. There were no deaths or injuries, but the bridge sustained major damage. It was repaired and reopened later that year but permanently closed in 2016 after a new bridge was built in its place.

Three years earlier, in March 2009, a tugboat pushing eight barges on the Mississippi River knocked out the Popps Ferry Bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi, when it crashed into one of its pilings and sent a section of the span tumbling into the water. Again, nobody died.

Other ship-on-bridge allisions killed people but did not topple the span. This includes the July 2015 death of a construction worker on the Eads Bridge in St. Louis when a tugboat pushing two loaded barges struck his scaffolding as it was passing under the span. And the August 2014 death of a tugboat master when his crane barge hit the Florida Avenue lift bridge in New Orleans and the crane’s mast fell onto the wheelhouse, crushing him.

The last U.S. ship-on-bridge allision to cause both fatalities and bring down the bridge, according to USA TODAY’s review of the data, happened more than two decades ago.

On May 26, 2002, the towboat Robert Y. Love was pushing two empty asphalt tank barges on the Arkansas River when it veered off course and struck a pier supporting the Interstate 40 highway bridge near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma.

The impact sent a 503-foot section of the bridge tumbling into the river. Unlike the Kentucky bridge collapse, highway traffic on the I-40 span had continued to “drive into the void,” according to the NTSB report.

Fourteen people died and five were injured in the accident, which the report said caused an estimated $30.1 million in damage to the bridge and $276,000 to the barges.

Worldwide, between 1960 and 2015 ships or barges caused 35 major bridge collapses that killed 342 people, according to a 2018 report from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure.More than half occurred in the United States.

Yet the United States has some of the strictest maritime standards in the world, according to the experts. Its rules and regulations – which include a host of technical, personnel and environmental practices – go far beyond those set by the International Maritime Organization, which governs all global shipping.

They ensure that U.S ships are built and maintained to the highest standards and that its crews follow industry best practices. These rules also apply, to a certain extent, to foreign-flagged ships in U.S. waters, even though those ships might operate under what some experts described as subpar conditions.

“Many of the world’s shipping companies are based out of countries like Liberia, Marshall Islands and Panama” Deirup said. “They do that to save on costs and liability, so they get to run these ships really cheaply. They hire mariners from whatever country they can offer the cheapest wages and will run a really shoddy operation without much oversight.”

Many of the ships, he said, “are just ramshackle.”

The U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction in U.S. waters and can detain a ship for safety issues, Deirup said, “but they’re spread really thin.”

Detainments typically happen when a Coast Guard inspection finds significant issues with a ship, but it takes years to train the marine inspectors and there aren’t nearly enough of them in the field, said the former Coast Guard officer who was not authorized to speak to the media.

Not all ships are inspected, either, he said. The Coast Guard uses an algorithm based on the vessel’s history and previous ports of call and current port to determine which ships to check.

Exacerbating the situation are the extremely tight schedules ships’ crews face to unload outgoing cargo and pickup inbound cargo before racing to the next port. That’s especially true of container ships, experts said, whose slots at ports are scheduled weeks in advance and must make it on time or miss the window.

“For this ship, the Dali, in Baltimore, they were probably under that pressure,” Deirup said. “That’s why if they had problems with their generators – just theorizing – but they might have been under a lot of pressure to just make it work and get off that dock.”

That type of pressure is difficult to mimic in a simulator, which is perhaps why the crew on the bridge of Cal Maritime’s digital ship operated with calm efficiency each time they ran through the scenario. Blackout, steering out, ship dead in the water, bridge looming, crash. Again and again and again.

Only one run involving tug boats averted the disaster, and even then only when two tugs at full power were tethered to the ship all the way under the bridge. That lineup is not a current day reality except in rare situations, such as tankers transporting oil or other toxins in certain ports.

Solutions: Tugboats left before ship reached Baltimore bridge. They might have saved it.

“No matter what nationality the crew was or what their training was like, I think in the end, it’s an unlucky situation at an unlucky point,” said Conor Finnerty, a Cal Maritime senior who assumed the role of officer of the watch during the simulation.

One of the most critical positions on the ship, the officer of the watch ensures the vessel navigates safely regardless of obstacles or conditions. During the simulation, Finnerty gave orders to the crew to continue testing the equipment, then to drop the anchor and, finally, to sound the danger signal warning anyone on the water that collision was imminent.

“There’s really not much that could have been done about it,” Finnerty said of the unfolding disaster, “except just watch it.”

USA TODAY reporter Dinah Voyles Pulver contributed to this report.

Protect Your Trip »

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

The average cost of a cruise varies by ship, destination, trip length and more. Use this guide to learn more about cruise costs.

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With the rising cost of everything, including travel, cruise fares – some as low as $26 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables; unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $171 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise to up to $94,999 per person for a 154-night world cruise and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person.
A seven-night Alaska cruise in May costs approximately $244 to $1,632 per person.
A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise in June costs approximately $439 to $3,218 per person.
A seven-night Mexico cruise in January costs approximately $529 to $695 per person.
A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October costs approximately $470 to $954 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Aerial of family sitting on lounge chairs, being served drinks on a cruise ship

Mass-market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues, several types of nonalcoholic beverages (nonbottled water, iced tea, lemonade, juices, hot coffee and tea), the ship's pools, the gym, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a porthole or window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Find the best value sailings on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

If you splurge on a suite or a higher room category, such as Celebrity's Concierge Class, you'll get perks like priority embarkation, a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch, complimentary sparkling wine and daily tastings (upon request), concierge service, invitations to exclusive destination seminars, pillow selection and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also have priority check-in and boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer an all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that includes airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate, while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary.

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships. You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slides on a new ship like Norwegian Prima or its new sister ship, Norwegian Viva, set to debut in summer 2023.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Solo travelers may pay more

Back of woman holding her hat, with her scarf flying in the wind, on a cruise ship

If you're traveling alone , you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo cabins.

These smaller accommodations – around 100 to 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Complex and Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Kids cruise free promotions can help families save

Smiling woman holding laughing daughter on a cruise ship in the Norwegian fjords

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for the kids on select sailings. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages whose regular fares are around $6,000 and up. This fare also includes unlimited shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Food and beverage packages are another expense to consider

Table of breakfast overlooking the ocean

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues , alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on most ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship. For an example of the savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 to $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $75 or more for dinner. Other venues feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these may not include gratuity, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price. Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive. Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a call brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

Other lines have packages that cover top-shelf beverages of up to $20 each and include wine, large bottles of water and soda, and other perks. You'll need to budget around $85 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer.

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers a "Have It All" package that encompasses a shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and Wi-Fi. If you're sailing on longer cruises of 10 to 21 days or more, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

Two Champagne flutes on table on cruise ship, with sparkling ocean in the background

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship – such as Norwegian's racetrack and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT. See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more starting at $12.75 per day per person. The cost increases to $17 per day per person with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $18.70 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "Always Included" fare includes basic internet, a classic drink package and gratuities. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion where you'll arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.

If these types of experiences are not in your budget, then look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These excursions are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Most of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town, or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee, if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on the ship. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

Suitcase with flippers on top on a rocky beach, with ocean in background

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

Base cruise price
Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
Specialty dining
Beverage package
Optional activities
Miscellaneous expenses
Air or ground travel to the port
Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's nine all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate 930 passengers – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to The Nordic Spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have complimentary alternative dining options and free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. Guests are also invited to a welcome cocktail party and farewell reception.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line, so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

Read: The Best Adults-Only Cruises

All-inclusive cruises

Cruise ship balcony deck with railing and red lifebuoy

Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare, depending on the destination.

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, open bar and gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports activities and nightly movies under the stars.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Baltic region in June with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive fare with suite accommodations is $12,540 ($6,270 per person). There are also additional perks available, depending on where you book the cruise. Some of the extras include a cash-back offer, a two-category upgrade and shipboard credit.

Silversea has a similar itinerary in June, and the fare also comes with added perks for $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person) in suite accommodations.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own.

Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, opt for a cruise on a small luxury line.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass-market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Royal Caribbean's newest ship is also its priciest. Here's what it's like spending as little as possible, with no lobster or other upgrades.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas could be an expensive vacation compared to other cruise ships.
Sailing on the mega-ship without paying for any of its upcharged amenities is possible.
But it would mean spending at least $265 a day, staying sober, and repeating meals.

A budget vacation on Royal Caribbean's new wildly popular Icon of the Seas is possible. Just be prepared to stay sober, repeat meals, and pay at least $265 a day.

Right now, there's likely no better example of the mass-market cruise industry's shift toward the budget airline strategy — charge a cheap base fare and offer irresistible up-charged amenities — than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise liner.

After all, what other ship comes with a $100,000-a-week cabin and a $200-per-person restaurant?

But it is possible to vacation on the mega-ship without giving into any of its upcharged restaurants and activities. If you're strong enough to do so, here's what your seven nights on Icon of the Seas could look like.

Be warned: It won't include lobsters or private lounges .

Less than half of Icon’s 28 eateries are complimentary, so you’ll likely repeat meals.

Picky eaters are sure to find at least one satisfactory option at the ship's three buffets, one of which is Mexican-themed.

If not, the complimentary pizza shop or sandwiches from the two on-board cafés might suffice.

In search of variety, grab a Mediterranean-style wrap or crepe at the five-stall food hall instead.

For a more formal dinner, budget cruisers can grub on a three-course meal at the complimentary dining room.

The three-floor restaurant has a rotating menu with classics like crab cakes, New York strip steak, and cheesecake.

Just don't expect lobster or filet mignon. Both cost extra.

For better or worse, guests snubbing upcharged options would also be snubbing booze.

Like most mass-market cruise ships, Icon of the Seas' 18 bars aren't free. If you want alcohol and sodas, be prepared to pay for a beverage package.

Thankfully, the ship’s complimentary amenities could distract you from your sobriety.

Icon's surf simulator and impressive six-slide waterpark won't run you a tab.

The same goes for its seven pools and nine hot tubs — save for one of each exclusive to guests who've booked a suite.

For drier activities, families could spend their afternoons scaling the rock climbing wall or testing their putt at the nine-hole mini-golf course.

Or they could work off their lunch buffet by sweating it out at the sports court — basketball and ping pong included — for no extra charges.

Fortunately, Icon of the Seas' nighttime entertainment is also a great equalizer. Its ice skating performance, rendition of the Broadway hit "Wizard of Oz," and multi-disciplinary dance, swim, and dive show are complimentary to all guests.

But if you want to test your fear of heights at the part-walking, part-agility, part-ziplining Crown's Edge , you'll have to cough up $49.

The arcade games aren't free, either.

Guests staying in suites have access to a shared outdoor lounge.

There's also the option to pay up to $700 for one day with a private cabana-like "casita."

But if you're on a budget, you'll have to fight "pool chair hogs" for the best poolside seating instead. (Consider bringing a sheet mask with you — a 25-minute facial at the ship's spa is almost $150.)

And hold off on your Instagram photo dumps until after your vacation.

Otherwise, you'll have to cough up $31 per day and device for streaming-enabled WiFi, totaling $217 for the duration of the cruise. (Icon of the Seas is exclusively operating seven-night sailings.)

But let’s face it: The base fare alone isn’t ultra-affordable compared to other cruise ships.

Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told Business Insider in late 2023, three months before Icon's launch , that the vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50%, if not more."

Steep, compared to the typical 20% to 50% new-ship premiums.

The cheapest interior stateroom for 2024 currently costs $265 per person per day.

But even the windowless cabin comes with its own list of upgrades.

Travelers who want to pick their own stateroom must pay an additional $128 per person. If they opt for one of the larger (by at least one square foot) interior cabins, it'll be an extra $100.

Which is to say, good luck avoiding any of the upcharged amenities on your Icon of the Seas vacation .

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