HX Expeditions is marking 130 years since pioneering expedition cruising with a “Summer of Celebrations” campaign, bringing together special anniversary offers and a dedicated Travel Advisor incentive. The campaign celebrates HX’s legacy as the original expedition cruise company, founded in 1896, and invites travelers to experience the destinations it has explored for more than a century.
In addition to special offers, guests sailing in 2026 can expect a series of limited-edition onboard experiences, from anniversary cocktails and curated dining to surprise moments and commemorative keepsakes, all designed to mark the milestone year.
Travel Advisor Appreciation Incentive: $130 per Booking
Available for new bookings made May 1 – July 31, 2026
“Travel advisors are at the heart of everything we do, so it felt only right to launch this initiative in recognition of Travel Advisor Appreciation Day,” said Carla Brake. From May 1 to July 31, 2026, Travel Advisors will earn a $130 gift card for every new, fully deposited booking, applicable to individual and named group bookings across HX’s global destination portfolio, with rewards issued per booking.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their partnership and the trust they place in us to deliver life-changing experiences for their clients,” Brake added, in reference to the growth HX recorded in 2025, with a 31% increase overall, including a 57% rise in bookings through travel advisors.
130th Anniversary Offer: Up to 25% Off or Free Suite Upgrade
Available for new bookings made May 1 – August 31, 2026; valid on select departures from 2026-2028
As part of its milestone anniversary year, HX is introducing a special 130th Anniversary Offer featuring either savings of up to 25% or complimentary suite upgrades on select sailings.
Available on new bookings made between May 1 and August 31, 2026, the campaign applies to select departures from 2026 through early 2028 across Alaska, Antarctica, Galápagos, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, Norway, and Svalbard (discounts vary by destination).
The offer includes a range of standout voyages, including:
● Antarctica (Cabins from $9,561 | Suites from $13,613) – Includes HX’s top-selling 12-day Highlights of Antarctica itinerary. As the #1 operator in Antarctica, more travelers trust HX with their Antarctic journey than any other company.
● Greenland (Cabins from $8,392 | Suites from $11,936) – Featuring summer sailings such as Grand Greenland – Mythical Lands of the North, with highlights including HX’s Culinary Ambassador program and the new Tide to Table experience, connecting guests with local fishing traditions and community life in Ilulissat.
Additional sailings span Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, the Galápagos Islands, and more.
Designed to give travelers added flexibility and value, the anniversary offer reinforces HX’s focus on immersive, small-ship expeditions.
$1,000 Antarctica Air Credit
Expedition Suite (Credit: HX Expeditions)
Available for new bookings made May 11 – June 30, 2026
HX is also offering a limited-time air credit for Antarctica bookings. From May 11 to June 30, 2026, guests can receive up to $1,000 per person in air credit on round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class flights for all Antarctica departures. The offer applies to new bookings and is available on routes from all major gateway cities in the United States and Canada.
Launched on Travel Advisor Appreciation Day, HX’s “Summer of Celebrations” marks 130 years of expedition heritage while reinforcing the company’s continued investment in its travel advisor partners and global expedition portfolio.
Travel advisors can contact HX Reservations at 866-312-6791 or email us.expeditions@travelhx.comto book. Full Terms & Conditions and campaign materials are available on the HX Agent Portal.
Holland America Line’s “Around the World in 11 Ways” campaign includes an online contest launching on the heels of Holland America Evolution, a multiyear investment to thoughtfully reimagine six ships and serving as the largest fleet update in the line’s 153-year history.
Evolution will deliver a comprehensive bow-to-stern revitalization brought first to Oosterdam, followed by the cruise line’s remaining Signature Class and Vista Class ships. The investment allows Holland America Line to introduce experiences and venues that are new to the fleet, add Pinnacle Class favorites like Grand Dutch Café, and create new stateroom categories designed for the way people travel today, all while preserving the perfectly sized ship experience that defines the brand.
To commemorate this pivotal period in Holland America Line’s history, with an emphasis on both nostalgic experiences and forward momentum, the cruise line is seeking to hear from globetrotters and guests about what excites them about travel and why they want to see the world with Holland America Line.
Around the World in 11 Ways Contest
“Around the World in 11 Ways” represents a year-long celebration of the cruise line’s 11 ships, designed to bring Holland America’s fleet transformation to life over time. The contest follows the release yesterday of new cruises on Oosterdam, the first voyages following the ship’s renovation.
With 11 ships, 11 winners, and unlimited stories to tell, “Around the World in 11 Ways” celebrates the different ways to see the world, as each Holland America Line ship offers a distinct experience and evokes memorable guest stories.
How to enter:
Participants can visit here from May 6 through Aug. 30, 2026. They can answer with a short written or video entry: “Why do you want to see the world with Holland America, and which ship would you want to cruise on to get there?”
Judging will begin mid-September, and 11 winners (one per ship) will be selected. The winners will be spotlighted monthly from September 2026 through 2027. One Grand Prize winner will be awarded a stateroom on Oosterdam’s inaugural cruise following its Evolution enhancements. Ten runners-up will win a cruise on the remaining 10 ships in the fleet.
With experiential travel continuing to surge, Holland America Line is excited to hear why travelers want to explore the world.
Oceania Cruises has announced two new 180-day cruises that will sail all around the world in 2028 and 2029 on Oceania Aurelia.
The new world cruises will open for bookings on May 13, 2026, and it will also mark the first time the premium cruise line has released two world cruises at the same time.
Among the many highlights of the two Around the World cruises is a series of overnight port stays that allow for more time ashore for deeper exploration in destinations that include:
Papeete
Bora Bora
Sydney
Bali
Tokyo
Singapore
Mumbai
Seville
Bordeaux
2028 World Cruise
The 2028 world cruise will depart from Miami on January 18, 2028 and return to New York six months later. The ship will be christened in Miami before it departs and heads through the Panama Canal.
After a visit to Hawaii, the ship will spend two weeks exploring the islands of the South Pacific.
Next up is an Australian exploration, including an overnight stay in Sydney. The cruise continues along the shores of Southeast Asia, exploring Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, and nearly two weeks tracing the coastline of Japan.
The ship will then head to India and the Arabian Peninsula before spending three weeks in the Mediterranean.
Countries the cruise will visit in Europe include Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal.
2029 World Cruise
The 2029 world cruise will trace the Pacific coast of the North, Central and South America after departing from Los Angeles on January 6, 2029.
The journey continues to the South Pacific with two weeks exploring French Polynesia. After three weeks in Australia and New Zealand, the ship heads to Asia, India and the Arabian Peninsula.
The ship will visit the Mediterranean from Greece and Croatia to Italy, Spain and France, culminating with calls in the storied British Isles and a classic Atlantic crossing into New York.
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said the following about these two new 180-day cruises:
“We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Aurelia, The Ultimate Explorer, to the fleet next year. She will be perfectly designed for extended global travel, so to be able to launch two Around the World voyages plus spectacular Grand Voyages at the same time is a true milestone for us.
“These incredible itineraries will pique the interests of curious travelers who want to explore the world in elegant comfort with the chance to enjoy more time ashore and experience well-loved and new favorite destinations in depth.
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Holland America Line has opened for bookings the first cruises after Oosterdam completes a major renovation in late 2027.
A few weeks ago, Holland America Line announced a $500 million plan to update several of their cruise ships with new cabins and features.
The first cruise ship that will receive the renovations is Oosterdam, and the cruise line opened for bookings the first sailings after the vessel’s transformation. The renovations will bring Pinnacle class features to six ships in the cruise line’s fleet.
New cruises on Oosterdam that opened for bookings include:
7-Day Western Mediterranean: Spain, Portugal & Morocco
13-Day Cultural Crossing: Spain & Gibraltar
11-Day Southern Caribbean: ABC Islands Holiday
12-Day Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles
9-Day Southern Caribbean: ABC Islands
21-Day Panama Canal
6-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise
One of the biggest new features being added are the addition of solo balcony cabins on decks 8 and 11. They offer prime vantage points comparable to the cruise line’s highest verandah categories and deliver strong value compared to full verandahs in similar locations.
Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, gave the following statement:
“We’re excited about what Holland America Evolution represents for our fleet and for our guests. We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard the elevated Oosterdam through these new voyages, where they’ll be among the first to experience what this transformation brings.
“From the first step on board, guests will feel a more refined and thoughtfully designed experience, with new spaces like the Grand Dutch Café providing a sense of comfort and welcome as their vacation begins.”
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Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, broke ground on a new global headquarters that’s being built in Miami, Florida.
Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise company in the world operating eight different cruise lines.
Carnival’s new headquarters is being built in Miami’s Waterford Business District, just south of Miami International Airport.
The groundbreaking event marks the beginning of construction on the new campus, celebrating over 50 years of the company’s heritage in South Florida and its ongoing long-term investment in Miami-Dade County.
The new headquarters is expected to be completed in 2028, and the campus will house more than 2,000 team members. It will have an estimated 700,000 square feet of workspace that includes rehearsal facilities for cruise ship entertainment.
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, gave the following statement:
“Breaking ground at 887 Carnival Place feels less like a beginning and more like a natural next step in proudly carrying forward our 50+-year South Florida legacy as we create the foundation for our next chapter here.
This campus embodies the intersection of our commitment to the team members who propel us and the guests who inspire us. We are especially honored by Miami-Dade’s ‘Carnival Place Day’ proclamation and are grateful to the county that championed us from the start as we continue to grow in the place we call home.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, added:
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Miami-Dade County and for Carnival Corporation’s enduring presence in our community. For more than 50 years, Carnival has been part of the fabric of our local economy, and this new global headquarters represents a bold investment in our future.
“This state-of-the-art campus will bring thousands of employees together in one place, driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and strengthening our position as the Cruise Capital of the World. Miami-Dade continues to be a destination where global companies choose to grow, invest and lead—and we are proud that Carnival Corporation is building its future right here at home.”
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With over 6 million cruise passengers visiting in 2025 alone, Nassau remains one of the busiest and most popular ports in the Caribbean. The revitalized Nassau Cruise Port (completed with major upgrades around 2023) now features modern terminals, expanded shopping, dining, and new attractions right at the pier, making it easier and more enjoyable than ever for cruisers.
Looking for things to do in Nassau, Bahamas? There are plenty of activities to give you great reasons to get off the ship. Whether you want a relaxing beach day, thrilling water park fun, historical sites, shopping, or unique wildlife encounters, Nassau has something for every group.
Even if you’ve visited Nassau before, the upgraded port and new experiences make it worth exploring again. There’s more to this port than meets the eye, so look beyond the ship and discover what New Providence Island offers.
New Providence Island is only 21 miles long and 11 miles wide and packed with activities.
Let’s check out some of the best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas on your next cruise.
Disclosure notice: This post contains affiliate links which will provide us with a small commission if you purchase through them, all at no cost to you.
Navigating the New Nassau Cruise Port
The 2023-2025 revitalizations have changed how you exit the ship. You will now walk through a dedicated arrivals terminal and a vibrant Port Plaza filled with local vendors.
Walking Directions: To reach downtown, the Straw Market, or Junkanoo Beach, follow the signs through the ground transportation area toward the main exit. It is a more organized, pedestrian-friendly experience than in years past. Taxis and water taxis are now clearly staged in a central hub to reduce confusion.
1. Visit the Best Beaches of Nassau
Some of the clearest, most beautiful waters in the world are found right here in Nassau. White sandy beaches abound for both relaxing and active days.
Many of the top beaches are on nearby Paradise Island, a short water taxi or bridge ride from the cruise port.
Here are some of the best beaches to visit:
Cable Beach – One of the most popular stretches with luxury resorts, over 2 miles of soft sand, and clear waters. Restaurants and shops are nearby.
Cabbage Beach – Often called one of the most beautiful on Paradise Island. Palm-fringed with resorts nearby. It’s great for walking and sunbathing, although it can get crowded on the western end.
Love Beach – A quieter option about 20 minutes west of downtown. Excellent for snorkeling near protected coral reefs and escaping the crowds.
Cove Beach – Tranquil spot on Paradise Island near The Cove Atlantis. Perfect for a relaxing day with white sands and palm trees.
Junkanoo Beach – Super convenient, just a 10-15 minute walk from the port. Casual vibe with clear water, beach games, bars, and great ship photos. Ideal for a quick beach stop combined with shopping.
There are tons of things to do at Atlantis on Paradise Island. One of the biggest draws is Aquaventure, a massive 141-acre waterpark that’s a blast for all ages.
As one of the largest in the Caribbean, it features high-speed slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, a mile-long Rapids River ride, and thrill slides like the near-vertical drops at the Power Tower and Mayan Temple (with views through a shark lagoon).
Want a taste of Atlantis without the full waterpark price? Take a water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island. Once there, stroll the stunning public areas, lobby aquarium views, lagoons, waterfalls, shops, and the casino.
4. Shop at the Straw Market & New Port Shops
The famous Straw Market on the Caribbean island of Nassau, Bahamas.
The iconic Nassau Straw Market on Bay Street (steps from the port) is still a must for hand-woven hats, bags, souvenirs, and wood carvings. Bargain for the best deals using USD or Bahamian dollars.
The revitalized cruise port now offers expanded shopping with more “Authentically Bahamian” certified local vendors right at the terminal which makes it easier to shop without venturing far.
5. Climb the Queen’s Staircase & Visit Fort Fincastle
The Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, Bahamas.
It’s the iconic thing to do in Nassau. Carved from limestone in the late 1700s, the 66-step Queen’s Staircase leads to Fort Fincastle. Named after Queen Victoria, it offers panoramic views and a glimpse into history. Many tours include this stop, or it’s a doable (though warm) walk from the port.
6. Visit Blue Lagoon Island
Photo Credit: Google Maps
A short boat ride takes you to this private island (also known as Salt Cay) for beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and marine encounters. Dolphin Encounters, sea lions, and relaxing hammocks make it a favorite. Safety measures have been enhanced since reopening.
7. Experience the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo
You don’t even have to leave the port area to experience Bahamian culture. The Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo is located right at the Prince George Wharf. It features 5 exhibit spaces showing off the incredible costumes and music of the national festival. It’s an easy, disabled-friendly stop for anyone interested in local heritage.
8. See the Pirates of Nassau Museum
This interactive museum brings pirate history to life with a replica ship, exhibits on Blackbeard, and artifacts. Still open and popular. It’s great for families and located near the port. Admission is around $14 for adults.
9. Enjoy a Dolphin Excursion (Several Locations)
Dolphin swims and encounters remain highly rated in Nassau. Options include Atlantis Dolphin Cay, Blue Lagoon Island, and others like Balmoral.
10. Dive with Sharks at Stuart Cove’s
For thrill-seekers, Stuart Cove’s offers shark dives (certification required for some programs). Get close to Caribbean reef sharks in a guided experience.
11. Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center
Famous for marching flamingos, this 4-acre tropical garden and zoo lets you feed parrots, see lemurs, and more. Still operating with daily show. Just check current hours as it’s popular on weekends.
12. Explore Clifton Heritage National Park
On the west side near Jaws Beach, this park offers hiking, snorkeling (including a coral sculpture garden), beaches, and Lucayan history. Great for nature lovers seeking a break from crowds.
13. Go Swimming with Pigs in the Exumas
A popular full-day boat excursion to the Exumas for swimming with friendly pigs on a beautiful beach. The clear cays alone are worth the ride.
14. Play with Stingrays
Stingray encounters at various locations let you feed and swim with these gentle creatures in shallow waters. Safe and fun for all ages.
15. Try the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay)
Head to Arawak Cay for authentic Bahamian food at spots like Twin Brothers or Goldie’s. Conch, lobster, fresh seafood is just a short walk or taxi from the port.
16. Take a Culinary or Foodie Walking Tour
Combine history with tastings on guided walks that visit local spots, churches, and markets. Newer options often include rum cake, conch, or chocolate.
17. Experience Nassau’s Chocolate Factory at Graycliff
Tour the historic Graycliff estate, watch chocolate making, and taste (or create) unique flavors. Easy to combine with other downtown stops.
18. Tour Parliament Square
Admire the pink colonial buildings from 1815 and soak in British-influenced architecture and history.
19. Visit Fort Charlotte
The largest of Nassau’s forts, with moats, dungeons, and cannons. Occasional living history events make it engaging.
20. Ride a Jet Boat or Take a Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
Adrenaline-pumping jet boat tours or relaxing catamaran sails with snorkeling are cruiser favorites for seeing the coastline and reefs.
21. New: Relax at Bahama Bay Pool Club (Port Area)
Steps from the new cruise terminal, this recent addition offers pools, cabanas, food, and drinks and it’s perfect for a low-effort, high-relaxation port day.
22. New: Day Pass at Baha Bay Waterpark at Baha Mar
A modern alternative (or addition) to Aquaventure with slides, pools, and beach access. Popular with families and you can book day passes in advance.
23. Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Housed in a historic villa, it showcases Bahamian artists and independence themes. A cultural gem for art lovers.
24. Take a James Bond or History Adventure Tour
Explore filming locations or join interactive history tours that bring Nassau’s past (and movie lore) to life.
Some of the quaint streets of downtown Nassau, Bahamas
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Modern cruise ships are so enormous that your brain almost struggles to process their size properly. You can stand beside one in port and still not fully realise just how huge it is.
The first time I boarded a big cruise ship, I genuinely got lost for days. Finding my cabin was hard enough. Working out which side was port and which was starboard. Even harder.
And today’s newest ships make those older ships look tiny.
Some are taller than skyscrapers, longer than several football pitches and carry more people than many small towns. But the really surprising part isn’t just their size… it’s how they actually manage to float in the first place.
The Size of an Average Cruise Ship
Cruise ships are measured in terms of gross tonnage (GT), which is a measurement of the internal volume of a ship. The average cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 120,000 GT.
But how long is a cruise ship? Well, an average-sized cruise ship is 1,000 feet long – the same length as three football fields or ten blue whales. The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 guests and has 15 decks.
However, cruise ships come in all different sizes, ranging from small yacht-style cruise ships carrying fewer than 100 guests, to huge mega-ships that can accommodate over 7,000 guests plus more than 2,000 crew members.
The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship
The biggest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas, with a gross tonnage (internal volume) of 248,663 GT. The ship is 1,198 feet long and can carry 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.
The longest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas, but before Icon, it wasn’t Wonder – it was actually Harmony of the Seas. This ship is four inches longer than Wonder of the Seas, with a length of 1188.1 feet compared to 1187.8 feet.
It’s really hard to find the weight of a cruise ship, because so many people think that the gross tonnage is the weight. It’s not – it’s a measure of volume only, and doesn’t tell you how much the ship actually weighs in deadweight tons.
Also, the ships tend to be a bit big to fit on a set of scales! I’ve seen estimates that put the Oasis-class ships for Royal Caribbean at around 600,000 tons or 600,000,000 kilograms, but these aren’t backed by evidence, so I don’t know how accurate they are.
The Height of a Cruise Ship
The average cruise ship tends to be around 200 feet tall, though there are some that are closer to 250 feet tall. The height of a cruise ship depends on the number of decks that it has – average ships have around 15 passenger decks, but some can have as many as 20.
How to Compare the Sizes of Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are usually measured in terms of length, internal volume (gross tonnage) and passenger capacity.
Most medium- and large-sized cruise ships are of a similar length. The difference between mega-ships and their medium-sized cousins comes in terms of width, height and internal volume.
The largest cruise ships are wider and have more decks than smaller-sized ships. This adds more weight, as does the addition of more swimming pools, hot tubs and other weighty facilities.
Passenger capacity is a good way to compare cruise ships. However, it’s important to consider that there are two different measures of passenger capacity for a ship: double occupancy and maximum occupancy. For a ship to sail at maximum occupancy, every bed would need to be filled in every stateroom. In reality, this very rarely happens as sofa beds and extra bunk beds, which come down from the ceiling, aren’t always used.
How Many People Fit on a Cruise Ship
The most people that can fit on a cruise ship is around 9,950 people. The largest cruise ship in the world in terms of maximum passenger capacity is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
This ship has a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600 as well as a crew capacity of 2,350. [Source]
The Growing Size of Cruise Ships
Cruise ships have been getting larger all the time, with a demand for mega cruise ships coming from cruisers championing the notion that ‘bigger is better’.
Of course, cruise ships will always be limited in terms of size by the ports that they visit. Some ports can only handle ships of a certain size because the dock is only so big, the water is only so deep and the port itself only has the staff and facilities to handle so many passengers at one time.
Contracts are signed on the build of new cruise ships years in advance of their completion, so we can spot whether the trend is for cruise ships to get larger or smaller.
It can be tricky to understand exactly how big a cruise ship is without seeing it with your own eyes. How big is 1,000 feet in real life? To help you visualise the size of cruise ships, I’ve made comparisons between average cruise ships and other large things.
For these cruise ship size comparisons, I’ve used 1,000 feet as the average length of a large cruise ship.
The Size of a Whale Compared to a Cruise Ship
Cruise ships are at least ten times larger than whales. The average cruise ship is 1,000 feet long, whereas the largest blue whales are no more than 100 feet long. Some whales are very small, such as the dwarf sperm whale, which is just nine feet long.
The Size of an Aircraft Carrier Compared to a Cruise Ship
Aircraft carriers and cruise ships are roughly the same size. The largest aircraft carrier at sea, the Gerald R Ford Class aircraft carrier, has a length of 1,106 feet, only slightly smaller than the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, which is 1,198 feet long.
The Size of a Container Ship Compared to a Cruise Ship
Most container ships are of a similar size to large cruise ships. However, the largest container ships in the world are longer than cruise ships. Container ships can be up to 400 meters in length – around 10% longer than the biggest cruise ships.
The gross tonnage (volume) of container ships versus cruise ships is roughly equivalent. However, the world’s biggest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of approximately 80,000 GT, greater than the largest container vessels. The largest cruise ships also have a greater beam (width).
Whereas the largest container ships operate with around 25 crew members, cruise ships like Icon of the Seas have up to 2,350 crew on board to look after the guests.
The photo below shows a 400-meter-long container ship, one of the biggest in the world. It was taken by my port pilot friend, John. You can read what it’s like to be a ship’s pilot here.
The biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, is three times longer than an American football field. Smaller expedition yachts or river cruise ships are more similar in size to a football field, with a length of around 300 feet.
Football (soccer) pitches, in comparison, vary in size from 100 yards to 130 yards.
The Size of Noah’s Ark Compared to a Cruise Ship
Noah’s Ark was much smaller than most modern cruise ships. It would have been similar in size to Silversea’s luxury expedition cruise Silver Cloud, which carries around 250 guests. The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 guests.
According to the Bible (Genesis 6:15), the dimensions of Noah’s Ark were: 300 cubits in length, 50 cubits in width and 30 cubits in height.
A cubit is an ancient measurement of length that is based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger. This makes the exact length of a cubit uncertain, but it is most likely to be around 20 inches.
Based on the information in the Bible, we can estimate that Noah’s Ark would have been about 510 feet long and 50 feet tall. This means that Noah’s Ark was around half the length and one-quarter of the height of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, which is 1,198 feet long.
The Size of Titanic Compared to a Modern Cruise Ship
The average modern cruise ship is two and a half times bigger than the Titanic, which was 882 feet long with a gross tonnage of 46,428 GT and space for 2,435 guests. The average cruise ship is 1,000 feet long with a gross tonnage of 120,000 GT and space for 3,000 guests.
By today’s standards, the Titanic would have been a medium-sized ship. Her dimensions and capacity are not dissimilar to some luxury cruise ships still sailing today.
The following table compares the size of Titanic to Regent Seven Seas’ ship Seven Seas Mariner:
As we’ve learned, cruise ships are pretty massive. But what about the parts that make up the cruise ship? Let’s find out how big they are…
The Size of a Cruise Ship Propeller
The largest propellers on cruise ships are about 20 feet tall. Known as azipods, each ship has three of these huge propellers to propel the ship and manoeuvre it in port.
Get a close-up look at Royal Caribbean ships’ propellers in this video:
A large cruise ship that’s between 900 and 1,100 feet in length can store 1-2 million gallons of fuel in its fuel tanks. Smaller cruise ships will carry significantly less, with yacht-style cruise ships carrying about 200,000 gallons. [Source]
The newest cruise ships use liquefied natural gas (LNG) rather than diesel. LNG is a relatively new fuel source for cruise ships and is used to power the latest ships, such as P&O Cruises’ Iona, Costa Smeralda and others.
LNG has a lower fuel density than diesel, so a vessel using LNG needs to have twice as much tank space available. LNG-powered cruise ships store fuel across three tanks. Two of the tanks are 115 feet long and 26 feet in diameter, the other is 91 feet long with a diameter of 16 feet.
Both diesel and LNG-powered cruise ships are able to sail for up to two weeks without refuelling.
The Size of the Engine on a Cruise Ship
The engine room on a cruise ship is three to five decks high. Most cruise ships have four engines, each of which is around 25 meters long and around 17 meters high. The largest cruise ships have six of these engines.
The different parts of the engine are divided into separate water-tight compartments, one for the main engines and another for the heating and air-conditioning system. This is for safety reasons. If a penetration to the hull or fire happens, multiple compartments help contain the damage.
If you’d like to see what it looks like inside a cruise ship engine room, take a look at this fascinating video:
Cruiser ship anchors are usually 10 to 20 feet high and weigh around 30,000 pounds (13,600 KG). The anchor chain is around 1,400 feet long and each individual link weighs over 100 pounds.
Most cruise ships have two anchors. Anchor designs vary, as do the weights and dimensions, which are carefully calculated for each ship.
Queen Elizabeth 2 had two forward anchors, one of which is displayed as a landmark in the ship’s homeport of Southampton. The anchor is 4.3m (14ft) high, 2.7m (9ft) wide and weighs 13 tonnes.
This video shows Legend of the Seas dropping her anchor:
Most cruise ships have standard inside cabins that are between 150 and 185 square feet and standard balcony cabins that are between 170 and 220 square feet. Cruise ship cabins are generally the size of a small hotel room with enough room for a queen-size bed, wardrobe, bathroom and a small desk or vanity area.
Each ship will have many different cabin types, ranging from single inside cabins to huge suites.
Luxury cruise ships often have much larger suites than regular cruise ships. The Regent Suite on board Regent Seven Seas Splendour is the largest suite at sea and measures 4,443 square feet. This is over four times the size of the average UK home.
This video shows what an inside cabin is like on a cruise ship and how it can accommodate a family of four.
I hope that this article will help you understand how big a cruise ship is. I do believe, however, that until you step on board for yourself, the sheer scale of a cruise ship is quite a difficult thing to comprehend.
Celebrity Cruises has 15 stunning ships in its fleet, but they’re far from all the same. Some feel like floating luxury resorts packed with cutting-edge design. Others are smaller, quieter and much more traditional.
And while many cruisers focus on the destinations, choosing the wrong ship class can completely change your holiday experience.
Celebrity divides its fleet into four distinct classes:
Edge Series
Solstice Series
Millennium Series
Galapagos Series
From the game-changing Magic Carpet to smaller ships that can reach ports the mega-ships can’t, there’s a lot most people don’t realise until after they’ve booked.
Celebrity Edge Class Ships
The Celebrity Edge Series was first launched in 2018 and consists of four ships – Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent.
These ships have a guest capacity of around 3,385 passengers. They are 1,073 ft long with a beam of 128 ft.
They have a gross tonnage of between 129,500 and 140,600 gross tonnes, with the two newest ships being slightly larger than the older ones.
Celebrity Edge
The first Edge-class ship, Celebrity Edge, caused quite a stir when she made her debut in December 2018.
This revolutionary cruise ship can accommodate up to 3,385 guests. With a gross tonnage of 129,500 and a length of 1,073 ft, this ship is sure to leave a lasting impression. As Celebrity ships are refurbished at least every five years, Celebrity Edge underwent its first renovation in October 2023.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex made history as the first-ever ship to have a virtual delivery on March 27th 2020. Due to the shutdown, this ship was handed over via a video conference call.
This ship boasts the same impressive guest capacity and gross tonnage as Celebrity Edge and has a similar length and beam.
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond made its inaugural voyage in April 2022 and is sure to take your breath away.
With a guest capacity of 3,836 and a gross tonnage of 140,600, the third Edge-class ship features expanded open-air spaces and Starlink internet service.
The fourth ship in the Edge series, Celebrity Ascent, is similar to Celebrity Beyond.
One key difference, however, is that the ship is co-captained by twins! Twin brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis take the helm as this ship sails the Caribbean.
Celebrity Ascent launched in late 2023.
Celebrity Xcel
The fifth ship in the Edge series, Celebrity Xcel, takes everything guests loved about Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent and adds even more immersive entertainment, dining and outdoor spaces.
One standout feature is The Bazaar, a brand-new multi-use venue designed to transform throughout the day with destination-inspired food, live music and interactive experiences linked to the regions the ship is visiting.
Celebrity Xcel launched in late 2025 and sails Caribbean itineraries from Florida. She has a capacity of 3,260 passengers and a gross tonnage of 140,600.
A New Ship for the Edge Class
The sixth ship in the Edge series, Celebrity Xcite, is set to launch in 2028. While full details haven’t been revealed yet, it’s expected to build on the design of Celebrity Xcel with even more immersive entertainment, dining and destination-inspired experiences.
Celebrity has described the ship as being “designed to excite every sense”, hinting that it could push the Edge Series concept even further.
Solstice Class Ships
Before the Edge Class ships came the Solstice Class; these five ships were launched between 2008 and 2012.
Ships in the Celebrity Solstice Series have guest capacities of between 3,148 and 3,480 passengers. So most of them are slightly smaller than the Edge series ships, but not by a lot.
The Solstice class ships each have a length of 1,041 ft, a beam of 121 ft, and a gross tonnage of 122,000 to 126,000.
Celebrity Solstice
Inaugurated in November 2008, this ship has a guest capacity of 3,148 and a gross tonnage of 122,000.
Celebrity Solstice underwent a major refurbishment in early 2026 as part of Celebrity’s new $250 million Solstice-class modernisation programme.
The 45-day dry dock added new venues including Sunset Park, Boulevard Lounge, Fine Cut Steakhouse and Trattoria Rossa, alongside upgraded cabins and refreshed public spaces.
Celebrity Equinox
Launched in August 2009, Celebrity Equinox is virtually identical, also having a guest capacity of 3,148 and a gross tonnage of 122,000.
She last underwent a renovation in April 2024.
Celebrity Eclipse
Inaugurated in April 2010, this ship has a guest capacity of 3,148 and a gross tonnage of 122,000. She was last renovated in March 2021 as part of a fleetwide modernisation known as ‘The Celebrity Revolution’.
Celebrity Silhouette
Celebrity Silhouette often sails from the UK, making her a popular choice for UK cruisers.
Cruising since July 2011, Celebrity Silhouette has a guest capacity of 3,324 and a gross tonnage of 122,400. It measures 1,041 feet in length and 121 feet in beam.
The ship underwent its last renovation in November 2024.
Celebrity Reflection
Inaugurated in October 2012, this ship has a guest capacity of 3,480 and a gross tonnage of 126,000. It was last renovated in October 2022.
Millennium Class Ships
The Celebrity Millennium Series is made up of four ships. These were all launched in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Each has a guest capacity of between 2,559 and 2,599 passengers.
The ships are 965 ft long and have a beam of 105 ft. They have a gross tonnage of 91,000 and have undergone various renovations to keep them looking fresh as part of ‘The Celebrity Revolution’ project.
Celebrity Millennium
Launched in July 2000, the aptly-named Celebrity Millennium was the first in its class and marked the start of something special for Celebrity Cruises.
The ship has a guest capacity of 2,593 and a gross tonnage of 91,000. She measures 965 feet in length and 105 feet in beam.
The ship underwent its last renovation in November 2024.
Celebrity Infinity
Inaugurated in May 2001, this ship has the same guest capacity and gross tonnage as Celebrity Millennium. It was last renovated in January 2024, before undergoing a further dry dock and refurbishment in early 2026 ahead of its return to service in Europe.
Celebrity Summit
Inaugurated in October 2001, the Celebrity Summit ship has a gross tonnage of 91,000 and can accommodate 2,599 guests.
The ship was last renovated in March 2019 and is set to be renovated again in January 2025.
Celebrity Constellation
The final ship of the Millennium Series, Celebrity Constellation was launched in May 2002.
This ship has a guest capacity of 2,559 and a gross tonnage of 91,000. She was last renovated in April 2024.
Galapagos Ships
The Celebrity Galapagos Series previously included three ships – Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Flora.
However, Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration sailed their final voyages with Celebrity Cruises in December 2024. Both ships were sold to Lindblad Expeditions and have since been renamed National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina, respectively.
Celebrity Flora
Celebrity Flora was launched in 2019 with accommodation for 100 guests.
The Galapagos series was designed as a small, luxury expedition-style series to operate in the Galapagos Islands – one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations.
While still being considered a small ship, Flora is much larger than the previous Galapagos ships were, with a gross tonnage of 5,749GT.
Celebrity Flora offers a unique way to explore the Galapagos, with itineraries that include visits to some of the islands’ most famous sites and activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing walks led by naturalist guides.
With a focus on sustainable tourism, Celebrity Cruises is committed to preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos and educating passengers about the importance of conservation efforts.
Fabled Voyages, a new residential cruise line that is targeting a 2028 launch, unveiled new details on what the cruise line will offer on board.
Fabled Voyages is the newest proposed residential cruise line that will have a ship you can live on. There are currently a few cruise lines that offer this, and you can see a complete list of them here.
Fabled Voyages will offer an all-inclusive, long-term living experience as you cruise to the most iconic destinations around the world. Residents will also be allowed to bring up to two cats and dogs with them.
Their first ship will carry approximately 1,200-1,600 guests while emphasizing stability, comfort, affordability and community.
Residents on board the ship can expect the following amenities:
Contemporary, residential style accommodations
Reliable high-speed internet for remote work
Diverse, high quality dining options
Enrichment programs, entertainment, and cultural experiences
A strong onboard community built for long term connection
The ship’s itineraries will include extended stays in Europe, Asia, South America and Asia. This will allow residents on board to fully experience each destination instead of rushing through it.
The cruise line will prioritize accessible healthcare and offer plans for subsidized medical, dental, and mental wellness services, an uncommon offering in the cruise industry.
The founders of Fabled Voyages said the following about the new cruise line:
“Our goal is simple. We want to create a place where people don’t just travel, they belong. Where your home moves with you, friendships prosper, and the world becomes your neighborhood.”
Cabins will start at just $100,000 for a five-year ownership, $120,000 for 10 years, and $140,000 for 15 years. Staterooms on the ship include inside, ocean view, balcony and suites.
The cruise line’s debut is currently targeted for 2028, with routes designed to follow favorable seasonal weather patterns. They also want to maximize cultural and scenic opportunities at different destinations around the world.
For more information on Fabled Voyages, you can visit their website.
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Royal Caribbean is expanding their kosher buffet dining options for Yeshiva Week in 2027. It will now be offered on five ships across nine sailings.
Royal Caribbean’s kosher dinning for Yeshiva Week is a special dining plan that cruisers can add on nine cruises in 2027. The kosher buffet is located in the Solarium Bistro and comes with an extra charge.
The dining plan costs $130 per adult, per day and $65.00 per child, per day. There is also an 18% gratuity added to the dining plan. It must be purchased for the entire cruise as individual night bookings are not available.
Glatt kosher supervision is done by either Rabbi Dovid Weberman or a representing rabbi.
The kosher buffet for Yeshiva Week will be available on the following 9 Royal Caribbean cruises in 2027:
Oasis of the Seas (from Fort Lauderdale) – January 18
Oasis of the Seas – January 22
Oasis of the Seas – January 25
Odyssey of the Seas (from Cape Liberty, NJ) – January 14
Symphony of the Seas (from Galveston) – January 24
Wonder of the Seas (from Miami) – January 11
Wonder of the Seas – January 15
Ovation of the Seas (from Los Angeles) – January 22
Ovation of the Seas – January 25
This fresh kosher dining plan is different than the Frozen Kosher Plan that Royal Caribbean offers year-round.
The frozen program can be arranged with a minimum of 45 days notice for cruises in North America. For cruises in Europe and South America, a 90 day notice is required. For cruises in Asia and Australia, guests need to contact Royal Caribbean at least 100 days prior to their cruise.
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