If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to keep children entertained on a cruise, it’s a good water slide!
Cruise ship water slides in 2025 are bigger, faster and wetter than ever before. In fact, the water slides you’ll find on ships from cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line aren’t just for kids – you’ll find plenty of adults lining up to take their turn too.
If you’re a water slide lover, the slides can be an important factor in choosing a ship for your next cruise. If you’re looking to sail on a cruise ship with the best water slides, read on…
1. Navigator of the Seas
Cruise ship with the longest water slide
The longest water slide on a cruise ship is The Blaster, which you’ll find on board Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. This whopping 800-foot-long slide was added to the ship as part of an £88 million refurbishment in February 2019.
The Blaster
To ride The Blaster, you’ll use an inflatable raft, either alone or with a friend. This is a really fun slide with twists and turns through different coloured sections. Some parts of the slide are enclosed and others are open, there’s even an uphill section and a clear part that extends over the side of the ship!
As if that wasn’t enough, Navigator of the Seas also has another amazing slide. Right next to The Blaster, you’ll find The Riptide. This multi-coloured tube slide is a head-first mat racer waterslide – the first of its kind at sea. This slide is lots of fun – as long as you don’t mind getting your face wet!
Restrictions for Royal Caribean’s Blaster slide:
Minimum height – 45 inches
Minimum weight – 110lbs for one rider
Maximum weight – 400lbs for two riders
Restrictions for Royal Caribean’s Riptide slide:
Minimum height – 42 inches
Maximum weight – 300lbs
2. Norwegian Breakaway
Cruise ship with the fastest water slide
The fastest water slide on a cruise ship is the Free Fall
slide which can be found on three of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships – Norwegian Breakaway,
Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape.
Free Fall
This slide looks cool as it’s shaped like a big loop – you drop down it and whizz upwards again. Once you ride the Free Fall, you’ll know why it’s shaped like that – the uphill part of the loop is to slow you down!
The ride starts when you step into a chamber and stand with your arms crossed as a voice counts down from three. Then, suddenly, the floor drops away and you free fall down the slide, experiencing a g-force of 4 gs. (To help you understand g-force, zero gravity is no g-force, normal gravity is 1g and 5 gs will cause some people to pass out.)
The Free Fall is made up of two identical side by side slides, just in case you need moral support but can’t agree who will go down first!
Restrictions for NCL’s Free Fall slide:
Minimum height – 48 inches
Minimum weight – 99lbs
Maximum weight – 300lbs
3. Disney Wish & Disney Treasure
The best cruise ship water slide for younger kids
Not everyone likes to get splashed in the face or to feel like they might die when they ride a water slide. If you’d prefer a gentler ride, or your children aren’t tall enough for some of the bigger and faster slides at sea, then Disney Cruise Line’s AquaMouse is just perfect.
The AquaMouse is considered the first proper Disney Attraction at Sea – meaning it has all the immersive entertainment you’d expect from one of the rides at the Disney theme parks.
The AquaMouse can be found on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, with the ships having different theming/a different story.
This slide is not much shy of being the longest waterslide on a cruise ship, with a length of 760 feet. Riding solo or in a pair, riders use an inflatable raft to coast along, down dips and over uphill blasts whilst enjoying lights, sounds and a story.
Restrictions for the Disney’s AquaMouse slide:
Minimum height – 42 inches
Minimum height to ride alone – 54 inches
You can read more about how the waterslides compare on each Disney cruise ship here: Disney Cruise Water Slides.
4. Norwegian Epic
The most fun water slide on a cruise ship
One more water slide that I couldn’t possibly leave out of this article about the best water slides on cruise ships is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic Plunge.
Epic Plunge
Epic Plunge, which can be found only on NCL’s Norwegian Epic cruise ship, is unique in that it has a large bowl where you whizz round and round before plopping out the bottom.
This is my favourite kind of water slide – it’s just so much fun. To make this slide even more interesting, guests can choose whether they want to ride with or without an inflatable ring. MSC Virtuosa also has a similar slide but without the option of the ring.
This slide is 200 feet long but feels much longer as you’re never quite sure how many times you’ll spin around the bowl before slowing down and falling through the middle.
Restrictions for NCL’s Epic Plunge slide:
Minimum height is 42 inches
5. Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and she’s one of the top options for a cruise ship with water slides.
That’s because her waterpark includes the following:
Frightening Bolt – the tallest drop slide at sea
Storm Chasers – the first duo mat-racing slides at sea
Hurricane Hunter – the first family raft slide at sea
Storm Surge – the first suspended family raft ride at sea
Pressure Drop – the first open freefall slide at sea
So now you’ve heard about the biggest water slides on a cruise ship, the fastest water slides, and a few which are just really fun. Have you been lucky enough to try any of these? Please share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to know if you found the Free Fall as terrifying as I did!
And if you’re looking for a cruise with water slides, now you know some of the best ships to look for. There are lots of options for a cruise ship with water park facilities, though not all cruise lines have slides – so be careful to check when you book.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
From exploring lesser-known ports to enjoying the finest of service, luxury cruising brings the best of the best together for a sailing experience like no other.
There any many ultra-luxury and premium luxury cruise lines currently sailing, some of which have only been launched in recent years. But they bring incredible experiences to all corners of the world in a style that is reserved for true indulgence.
I’ve taken a look at the review scores of each to discover which are the most popular.
How I gathered the data
Normally when I’ve ranked cruise lines or cruise ships using review scores, I use three sources – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of cruise lines or ships missing review scores from TripAdvisor, so I’ve just used the averages from the other two. Maybe luxury cruise guests just don’t use that website too often?
Still, using two sources keeps this list unbiased, since it uses the average scores of real reviews from past customers.
Also this is the list from best to worst, but bear in mind that the ‘worst’ score was 3.55 out of 5, so that’s still pretty good.
And the top 10 all scored an average of at least 4/5! When you consider that more people leave reviews after a bad experience than a good one, those are some impressive results!
Here we go:
1. Emerald Cruises
Emerald is a cruise line that offers both yacht-style and river cruising. It’s the ocean cruise lines that we’re focussing on in this list, and their ocean-faring yachts are very luxurious indeed.
Emerald Cruises’ ocean yachts blend intimate luxury with innovative design, providing an upscale yet relaxed experience for discerning travellers. Both Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara carry a maximum of 100 guests, ensuring a personalised journey with close attention to detail. A third ship will launch in 2026, named Emerald Kaia.
With a high crew-to-guest ratio, passengers enjoy attentive service throughout their voyage, whether on the Mediterranean, Seychelles, or the Caribbean.
One of the standout benefits of Emerald Cruises is the all-inclusive pricing structure, which covers dining, gratuities, and even excursions in each port.
Onboard, guests have access to fine dining experiences that highlight local cuisine, as well as a more casual venue for relaxed meals.
Now, a caveat. Emerald is the only cruise line where I couldn’t access separate review scores for the ocean yachts and river ships (there are other cruise lines in this list that offer both, but they have distinct reviews).
So, the scores may be skewed – people do love river cruise ships, and they always review well. However, it’d be unfair for me to guess at where they’d end up in the list without those scores, so for now Emerald is number one.
2. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Although a part of the Ponant family (more on that later), Paul Gauguin Cruises is a unique luxury cruise line that deserves its own spot on this list. Offering a more relaxing atmosphere with sailings mainly focused in the South Pacific, they are a great option for all-inclusive adventures to French Polynesia.
The cruise line only offers one ship, The Gauguin. With a capacity for up to 330 guests and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5, it’s a small ship cruiser’s dream. Guests can visit ports inaccessible to larger ships with a travel experience unique to this cruise line.
Life on-board features 70% private balconies across the accommodations, as well as complimentary WiFi, gratuities, an entertainment program, a spa, beauty services and more.
All sailings with Paul Gauguin include onboard activities as well as encounters ashore such as private beach experiences with water sports including snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking too. There are three restaurants on the ship alongside 24-hour room service. As for drinks, selected wines, beers and spirits are complimentary.
Enjoy Polynesian entertainment and hospitality as you sail with Paul Gauguin, as Tahitian cultures come to life. Passengers are invited to sit back and enjoy authentic, up-close encounters of the South Seas and access to remote exotic islands only reached by ships built to navigate the lagoons of French Polynesia.
3. Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises is known for its refined luxury, offering guests a truly bespoke experience aboard its newly redesigned ocean ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
With capacities kept under 800 guests, Crystal offers a remarkably high crew-to-guest ratio, meaning personal service is a hallmark of every journey. Crystal’s ships are renowned for their elegant décor, spacious accommodations, and a focus on comfort that appeals to those looking for an exclusive, relaxed way to explore the world.
A key highlight of Crystal Cruises is its extraordinary dining options, including Umi Uma, a world-class Japanese-Peruvian restaurant developed by famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
This exclusive partnership allows guests to enjoy dishes crafted with Nobu’s signature fusion style, from delicate sushi to flavourful Asian-inspired entrées.
Dining on Crystal is all-inclusive, with options that range from casual settings to refined, multi-course meals, accompanied by complimentary fine wines and spirits.
Onboard, Crystal offers plenty of luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness centre, and enrichment programs that include expert-led lectures and creative workshops. Entertainment ranges from Broadway-style shows to live jazz, creating an enjoyable atmosphere every evening.
Crystal also emphasises unique shore excursions, designed for deeper engagement with destinations, from private tours to cultural immersions in small groups.
Known for visiting iconic ports as well as hidden gems, Crystal Cruises combines luxury, attentive service, and exclusive experiences, making each voyage both relaxing and memorable.
Part of the wider MSC Cruises Group, Explora Journeys is a newcomer to the world of luxury cruising. Built on the history of MSC Cruises and with a vision to redefine cruising for luxury, Explora Journeys has planned four ships to kickstart the fleet, the first of which hit the seas in 2023.
The brand keeps the ocean at the centre of its experience, bringing guests on board with the ‘ocean state of mind’ and taking inspiration from the sea-faring history of the Aponte family who dreamed of such a luxury cruise line many years ago.
The Explora I and Explora II offer 922 passengers the chance to enjoy diverse dining with cuisine covering many worldly places across six restaurants, alongside 12 bars and lounges – four of which are outdoor.
Think of live cooking stations with pasta made to order and freshly baked pizza, alongside pan-Asian venues, a steakhouse and a French-inspired contemporary space for international dishes.
Wellness is another key part of Explora Journeys, with over 7,500 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities. These range from the spa, fitness spaces, beauty treatment venues and experiences designed to achieve an inner calm while sailing.
The cruise line also emphasises sustainability with all ships in the fleet being built to include the latest eco-friendly technologies and green energy solutions, such as RINA DOLPHIN certification and hybrid power generation.
5. SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club offers an intimate and personalised cruising experience with a strong emphasis on luxury and exclusivity.
Operating two elegant yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, the cruise line carries a maximum of 112 guests served by a crew of 95, ensuring a high crew-to-guest ratio and attentive service.
With its “yachting, not cruising” ethos, SeaDream is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and sophisticated escape.
The small size of its ships allows access to secluded ports and hidden coves in destinations such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
The all-inclusive experience on board features gourmet dining crafted with locally sourced ingredients, complimentary premium drinks, gratuities, and water sports from the yacht’s marina.
Activities include everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to land-based excursions tailored to passengers’ interests.
On board, guests can unwind with outdoor Balinese beds, a luxurious spa, and a casual yet refined atmosphere that fosters a sense of camaraderie among passengers.
With SeaDream, every voyage feels like a private yacht experience, making it a favourite for discerning travellers seeking a unique luxury holiday.
6. Azamara
Azamara focuses on “destination immersion,” offering longer stays, more overnight port visits, and a commitment to showcasing the best of each destination.
The cruise line operates four boutique ships, each carrying around 700 guests. Azamara is more of a “premium luxury” cruise line, which means the ships aren’t quite as exclusive as some of the other ultra-luxury lines, but fares are cheaper (though not ‘cheap’) too.
Azamara’s itineraries cover an impressive range of destinations, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with a particular emphasis on culturally rich and off-the-beaten-path locales. Their smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot, ensuring unique and immersive travel experiences.
Onboard, Azamara offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere with spacious accommodations, fine dining, and a wide array of amenities.
Meals are included, with options ranging from specialty dining venues to casual eateries, complemented by complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. Enrichment programs, from cooking classes to destination-focused lectures, enhance the experience.
Azamara’s hallmark is its “AzAmazing Evenings” – exclusive events showcasing local culture, such as private concerts or traditional performances, included in the fare.
7. Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises offers a unique blend of small-ship cruising and sailing adventures, with a fleet that includes three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts – and two more ships set to join by December 2026.
Each ship carries between 148 and 342 passengers, creating an intimate and relaxed environment.
The cruise line’s focus on immersive travel experiences extends to its itineraries, which often feature less-visited ports alongside popular destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond.
The smaller ships allow access to secluded bays and charming coastal towns, offering passengers an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Dining on Windstar is a highlight, with menus designed by chefs from the James Beard Foundation, showcasing fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
The cruise line also offers its “Open Bridge” policy, allowing passengers to meet the captain and crew for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the ship’s operations.
On board, the vibe is casual yet elegant, with no formal dress codes and an emphasis on relaxation. Water sports platforms provide direct access to activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, and shore excursions are designed to offer authentic, local experiences.
Windstar combines the romance of sailing with the comfort of modern luxury, making it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous cruise.
8. Ponant
Offering a classical cruise with a French twist, Ponant is an ultra-luxury line which has stood the test of time. Also known as Compagnie du Ponant, Ponant was originally founded in 1988 and is now a benchmark for small-scale luxury cruising akin to a private yacht.
Each of the 14 ships in the fleet is designed to hold a small capacity, perfect for more intimate sailings as well as reaching the more unique ports of call.
Life on-board brings 5* personalised service, time to relax poolside or at the spa, as well as access to a fitness room and entertainment on offer in the theatre.
During your sailing, Ponant offers an all-inclusive experience with an open bar, all dining, WiFi, and access to all common areas including the spa, marina and more covered by your fare.
With a French heritage, Ponant offers the highest standard of cuisine for guests, intrinsic to instilling the ‘art of living’ akin to France.
Enjoy varied menus prepared with quality ingredients in all the dining venues, from the Gastro Restaurant inspired by French brasseries to the Le Nuna onboard Le Commandant Charcot – the first-ever shipboard restaurant by celebrated French chef, Alain Ducasse.
While exploring ashore, take a guided trip on a Zodiac watercraft to discover new lands or enjoy hiking, kayaking, ice fishing and more during one of the cruise line’s speciality expedition voyages.
9. Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Quest in Canada
Seabourn has positioned itself in the ultra-luxury cruise market as a private club at sea, evoking an exclusive resort feel for passengers looking to explore the world.
The all-inclusive luxury experience with Seabourn is built upon the signature Seabourn Difference, offering an ultra-luxury service you can feel.
Across the cruise line’s six ships, guests can enjoy an intimate ship experience with personalised service to make them feel welcome and cared for.
Seabourn Moments are designed to surprise and delight guests, and Personal Suite Hosts and Suite Attendants ensure you will have everything you should need during your sailing.
Every sailing offers all ocean-front suites with amenities including marble bathrooms equipped with custom-branded Molton Brown toiletries.
Complimentary premium spirits, welcome Champagne and a fully stocked bar await from the moment you step aboard, alongside a no-tipping rule for staff. You can also enjoy in-suite dining, 24 hours per day.
The cruise line sails to all seven continents over the year, with five ocean ships and two expedition ships. Ventures by Seabourn expand your experiences with optional shore excursions, guides, and Expedition Teams.
Oceania Cruises is renowned for its focus on culinary excellence and destination-rich itineraries.
Operating a fleet of six elegant ships, including the 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera, as well as the more intimate 684-passenger ships like Regatta and Nautica, Oceania provides a refined cruising experience with an emphasis on comfort and sophistication.
The cruise line’s hallmark is its exceptional cuisine, with menus crafted by renowned chefs, including Jacques Pépin.
Guests can enjoy a range of dining venues, from the elegant Grand Dining Room to specialty restaurants like Red Ginger, offering Asian-inspired dishes, and Toscana, specialising in Italian cuisine.
Oceania’s culinary offerings are all included in the fare, with no surcharges for specialty dining.
Itineraries span the globe, covering more than 450 ports, including iconic cities, hidden gems, and exotic destinations. Extended stays and overnight visits in port are common, allowing for in-depth exploration.
On board, Oceania offers a relaxed luxury atmosphere, with spacious staterooms, many featuring private verandas. Amenities include a world-class spa, fitness centre, enrichment programs, and artist-led workshops.
With its focus on fine dining, destination immersion, and a relaxed yet luxurious environment, Oceania is a favourite among seasoned travellers.
11. Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises pioneered all-inclusive cruising with the launch of its first ship, Silver Cloud, in 1994.
Since then, the cruise line, which is part of the Royal Caribbean Group, has been renowned for its ultra-luxury getaways and has a fleet of six ocean ships and a further five expedition ships, with two more ships in the pipeline.
With each ship, the cruise line offers a luxury experience that begins as soon as you leave home, thanks to private executive transfers, and continues on board with 24-hour gourmet dining, butler service, premium beverages, and complimentary shore excursions.
Fares also include round-trip flights; hotel stays and transfers to ensure your arrival on the ship and back home is as smooth as possible.
Suites include luxury touches such as personalised stationery, your favourite wines and spirits stocked in your mini bar as well as a choice of pillows and butler-service dinner in your suite.
With such a large fleet, Silversea covers a vast number of destinations across the globe. Ocean ships travel to Africa, Alaska, the Caribbean and Northern Europe, while expedition ships explore beyond with adventures to Antarctica, the Arctic & Greenland and even South America and the Galapagos.
12. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Another cruise line which promises an all-inclusive experience is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent prides itself on offering every luxury included for its guests, most of whom are over 50.
With six ships in the fleet, each guest sailing with Regent can enjoy unlimited shore excursions and unlimited beverages with open bars and lounges as well as a mini-bar restocked daily in your suite. Two more ships have been ordered for the cruise line, too.
Gratuities are pre-paid, WiFi is unlimited and there’s even a laundry service free of charge. Some sailings and suites also include free hotel stays, land tours to add on to your cruise, and return flights.
Each suite features ocean views, 99% of which include a private balcony. Separate sitting areas, Elite Slumber beds, spacious closets and 24-hour room service are also included as standard, with more amenities available for those who choose some of the top-tier suites.
The cruise line covers a large portion of the destinations across the globe, from Asia and Alaska to the South Pacific and Northern Europe.
13. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a boutique luxury cruise line offering intimate, all-inclusive expeditions.
With a small fleet of sleek, purpose-built ships carrying fewer than 200 guests, Atlas specialises in exploring remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and exotic regions like South America and the Mediterranean.
The onboard experience is marked by contemporary luxury, with stylish accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalised service.
Atlas’s all-inclusive pricing covers everything from excursions and gratuities to premium wines and spirits, making it a hassle-free choice for adventure-seeking luxury travellers.
Expedition-focused itineraries include unique shore experiences, guided by expert-led teams, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and culture of each destination.
Atlas also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with ships designed to meet eco-friendly standards and minimise environmental impact.
Atlas Ocean Voyages combines the thrill of exploration with the comforts of high-end cruising, making it an excellent choice for those who want to discover the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations in style.
14. Scenic
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours branched into ultra-luxury ocean cruises in 2019 with the launch of Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht. She has since been joined by Scenic Eclipse II, a twin sister.
Inspired by one of the world’s largest yachts, the Octopus yacht, and formally named by actress Helen Mirren, the ship exuded luxury from the moment it began sailing.
Carrying up to 228 passengers alongside 176 crew, the ship has an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. While on board, guests can enjoy up to ten dining experiences, a gym and yoga studio, nine lounges and bars, outdoor terraces, and a Senses Spa.
There are also two state-of-the-art helicopters aboard the ship which can seat six guests for excursions with a bird’s eye view. And, for those looking to delve deep into the ocean, there is an eight-seater submarine that has been designed for optimal underwater viewing.
Excursions are included with Scenic, featuring the cruise line’s Discovery, Freechoice and Enrich experiences. Helicopter and submarine tours are charged an additional fee upon booking.
The ships can take you to the Polar Regions for incredible experiences, as well as other destinations including the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.
Part of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, the cruise arm of the business announced it would be entering the market in 2018. After some delays due to the pandemic, its first ship – Evrima – launched in 2022.
Though relatively new, the cruise ship was created to emulate both the refined residential feel of a stylish yacht and the standard of service of the famous hotel chain, offering a truly ultra-luxury cruise experience.
Just 298 guests share the space on board, alongside nearly as many crew. The ship offers an all-inclusive experience with all suites featuring ocean views and private terraces as well as a Personal Concierge. Dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and entertainment are also included in your fare.
Suites feature an espresso machine with complimentary coffee and teas, as well as a personalised mini-bar and 24-hour in-suite dining. Guests can also enjoy a welcome bottle of Champagne on embarkation and the Personal Concierge to assist with all their needs.
There are currently two ships in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection including the flagship, Evrima, followed by a second ship, Ilma, which joined in 2024. A third, Luminara, will join the fleet in 2025.
Currently, cruises explore the regions of the Caribbean, and Mediterranean and cross the Atlantic between the two, as well as voyages to Canada & New England, and Northern Europe.
Recommendation
Luxury cruising has perfected the personalised approach of holidays with staff onboard poised to ensure all your needs are met, even those you may not have thought of! That being said, there is an ultra-luxury or premium-luxury cruise for everyone.
Adventurers would most likely be drawn to the likes of Scenic Ocean, Silversea, SeaDream, Windstar, Seabourn, Ponant and Paul Gauguin for their small ship experiences alongside incredible expedition itineraries and onboard features such as submarines, marina water sports and Zodiac tours.
Meanwhile, those seeking a quieter, relaxing getaway might look to Ritz Carlton, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Explora Journeys for that boutique hotel feel with everything taken care of from the moment you step aboard.
And with Azamara and Oceania offering a luxury experience at a slightly lower average fare, guests have some great options for trying out the luxury experience without breaking the bank.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
In the last few years, we’ve seen some amazing new ships launch, including many of the biggest cruise ships in the world. And that’s not changing – over the next few years even bigger ships are on the way.
In this guide, we’ll look at the world’s largest cruise ships that are sailing in 2025, as well as looking at a quick list of the largest cruise ships on the horizon.
Rank
Ship name
Cruise line
Year built
Guest capacity
Gross tonnage
1
Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2024
7,600
250,800
2
Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2024
6,988
236,860
3
Wonder of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2022
6,988
236,857
4
Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2018
6,680
228,081
5
Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2016
6,687
226,963
6
Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2009
6,771
226,838
7
Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
2010
6,780
225,282
8
MSC World Europa
MSC Cruises
2022
6,762
215,863
9
Arvia
P&O Cruises
2022
6,685
185,581
10
Costa Toscana
Costa Cruises
2021
6,554
185,010
1. Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Launch: January 2024
Guest capacity: 7,600
Crew capacity: 2,350
Gross tonnage: 250,800
Length: 1,197 feet
Launching in January 2024, Icon of the Seas took on the mantle of being the largest cruise ship in the world, helping to strengthen Royal Caribbean’s grip on being the line with the biggest cruise ships.
Icon of the Seas offers something for everyone – on a ship that size, how could she not? But particular highlights are aimed at young families, including brand-new neighborhoods designed for maximum family fun, new accommodation choices that give direct access to some of the most fun areas of the ship, and new dining venues.
Old favourites return too, such as the AquaTheater and waterslides, but with some serious revamps to take them to the next level. Icon of the Seas is going to be truly special.
So far, two more Icon-class ships are also expected – Star of the Seas in 2025, and an as-yet unnamed ship in 2026.
2. Utopia of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Launched: July 2024
Guest capacity: 6,788
Crew capacity: 2,300
Gross tonnage: 236,860
Length: 1,187 feet
Utopia of the Seas launched in 2024 and became the sixth ship in the Oasis Class.
Utopia of the Seas is designed to be the ultimate “weekend destination” ship, offering short 3- and 4-night cruises to Royal Caribbean’s private resorts.
She shares a lot of similarities with sister ships such as Wonder of the Seas but also added some exciting new features, especially the Royal Railway – an immersive dining experience that takes place inside a train carriage with digital screens.
The Oasis Class has been extremely important to the global cruise industry and with Utopia of the Seas there is one more ship to add to the class, and make sure that it endures in popularity even when larger ships are launching. Another is also coming in 2028!
She’s an incredible ship packed with the very best that Royal Caribbean has to offer. There are 8 distinct neighborhoods, including Central Park – a lush public space filled with live greenery, upscale dining options, and high-end shops.
She has 25 different restaurants, two FlowRider surf simulators, two rock climbing walls, four pools and a whole host of other entertainment features, including the most immersive AquaTheater for stunning live shows.
Wonder of the Seas is based out of Orlando for the summer season. In the winter she’s based out of Miami.
4. Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Guest capacity: 6,680
Crew capacity: 2,200
Gross tonnage: 228,081
Length: 1,184 feet
Symphony of the Seas is another Oasis-class ship, and she’s very similar to Wonder of the Seas in terms of on-board entertainment, dining choices and the iconic Central Park in the middle of the ship.
There are some differences though, particularly with the restaurants – Symphony has Jamie’s Italian and Vintages Wine Bar, while Wonder of the Seas has Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and The Mason Jar.
Symphony has more of a musical theme to her, and that’s reflected in her biggest USP – she has a live orchestra playing in the theatre. There are no recorded tracks used during the shows, everything is orchestral-backed, which is pretty spectacular.
Symphony of the Seas offers similar itineraries to Wonder of the Seas, but she is based out of Miami, Galveston, and New York.
4. Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Guest capacity: 6,687
Crew capacity: 2,300
Gross tonnage: 226,963
Length: 1,188 feet
If you’re noticing a theme to this list, then well done – the third Oasis-class ship to launch is the fifth-biggest ship sailing the waves in 2025. Harmony of the Seas is actually very slightly longer than Wonder of the Seas, but her overall interval volume is lower.
As a result, she is slightly more limited in her entertainment and dining scope, but it’s fine margins – she still has two FlowRiders for example, but she only has three pools. She has 24 dining venues, instead of 25 – like I say, minor differences.
One of the biggest differences with Harmony isn’t the ship but the itineraries she offers – she is based out of Galveston in the winter but will be sailing Europe from Barcelona during the summer.
6. Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Guest capacity: 6,771
Crew capacity: 2,181
Gross tonnage: 226,838
Length: 1,180 feet
The first Oasis-class ship to launch, it’s a sign of just how groundbreaking she was that her debut was in 2009 and she remains within the top 10 largest cruise ships ever built, for now at least. Oasis of the Seas really caused waves (pun intended) with just how spectacular she was.
To be fair, she has been expanded since she first launched, but the new cabins in 2019 only added around 1,000 gross tonnes.
Oasis of the Seas sails from Fort Lauderdale and New York.
7. Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Guest capacity: 6,780
Crew capacity: 2,200
Gross tonnage: 225,282
Length: 1,180 feet
Launching one year after her sister ship, Allure of the Seas was the second Oasis-class ship and at the time, she was marginally bigger. However, the 2019 revamp and expansion of Oasis of the Seas has dropped Allure by a single place.
She sails from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Galveston in the winter months but during summer 2025 she’s sailing the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome.
8. MSC World Europa (MSC Cruises)
Guest capacity: 6,762
Crew capacity: 2,138
Gross tonnage: 215,863 feet
Length: 1,094 feet
While we may have to wait until the bottom half of this list for a non-Royal Caribbean ship, MSC World Europa is worth it.
A very modern ship, she was the first LNG-propelled ship for MSC Cruises and she is packed with other eco-friendly technologies too.
The entertainment and public spaces are very futuristic as well, including the stunning Kinetic Dome and the Luna Park Arena where various activities take place. She has 13 different dining options and some great kids’ activities, along with adults-only spaces.
MSC World Europa, as per her name, sails around Europe throughout the year, with departures from various Mediterranean ports.
9. Arvia (P&O Cruises)
Guest capacity: 6,685
Crew capacity: 1,800
Gross tonnage: 185,581
Length: 1,130 feet
Arvia is the newest cruise ship from P&O Cruises and arguably the ultimate flagship of British cruising. She’s packed with things to see and do, including over 30 dining venues and bars, six theatres and lounges with live entertainment, and five swimming pools.
One of the highlights is Green & Co, a plant-based restaurant with fantastic vegetarian and vegan options. There’s also The Limelight Club, serving supper bites with a live house band.
Arvia sails around the Mediterranean and offers longer sailings to the Caribbean.
10. Costa Toscana (Costa Cruises)
Guest capacity: 6,554
Crew capacity: 1,646
Gross tonnage: 180,010
Length: 1,106 feet
The Costa Toscana is the biggest ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, and she is built to the same template as Arvia – after all, Costa Cruises and P&O Cruises all fall under the umbrella of the Carnival Corporation.
Obviously, the on-board vibe is very different. The ship still has 30 dining and drinking venues though – 11 places to eat and 19 bars or lounges, so plenty of space to unwind. But the ship is much more European in style, with Mediterranean-themed restaurants.
Ships no longer making the top 10
11. Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)
Guest capacity: 6,554
Crew capacity: 1,646
Gross tonnage: 180,010
Length: 1,106 feet
Costa Smeralda is an almost twin sister of Costa Toscana, giving a very similar experience – the best in Italian and international cuisine, plenty of spaces to relax, and some fantastic facilities for the kids.
Sister ship to Arvia, Iona is another magnificent ship from P&O Cruises that will remain one of the biggest British cruise ships for many years to come. However, in 2024 she fell out of the top 10 larger ships list due to the launch of Icon of the Seas.
She is modern, spacious and ideal for couples or families – she might not have the same incredible selection of rock climbing walls, surfing simulators etc. that a Royal Caribbean ship has but her kids’ clubs are excellent, with tonnes of variety.
Iona sails throughout Europe, including the Fjords, the Canary Islands and to Spain and Portugal.
Bigger ships are coming…
13. MSC World America (MSC Cruises)
Launch: 2025
Guest capacity: 6,774
Crew capacity:
Gross tonnage: 215,863
Length: 1,094 feet
MSC World America is not the next ship that MSC Cruises is launching, but she is the next ship due that will be over 200,000 Gross Tonnes and therefore will qualify for this list.
She’s another ship where details are sparse, but we do expect her to be very similar to the MSC World Europa.
She’s expected to sail the Caribbean from ports in America, so there will no doubt be some changes made to accommodate American guests. Expect beautiful artworks, thrilling children’s activities and the very latest in sustainability tech.
So far, two more World-class ships are also expected – in 2025 and 2027.
14. Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line)
Launch: 2025
Guest capacity: 6,700 TBC
Crew capacity: 2,500
Gross tonnage: 208,000
Length: 1,122 feet
Disney Cruise Line has already ordered a new ship for 2025 as a sister ship to the Disney Wish, which launched in 2022, and Disney Treasure, which launched in 2024.
However, when Genting Hong Kong, a Chinese cruise line, went bankrupt in 2022 they already had a large Global-class ship in development, and Disney Cruise Line bought it at a bargain price.
While the ship was originally planned to sleep as many as 9,000 (!) guests, the plans have now reverted to a more reasonable 6,700 guest level.
15. Star of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Launch: 2025
Guest capacity: 7,600
Crew capacity: 2,350
Gross tonnage: 250,080
Length: 1,198 feet
Star of the Seas, set to debut in August 2025, is Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class cruise ship, following the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas.
This impressive vessel will be homeported at Port Canaveral, Florida, offering seven-night Caribbean itineraries that include stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
While sharing many features with her sister ship, Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas will introduce several enhancements to elevate the guest experience. The Surfside neighborhood, initially designed for families with children aged 0-6, will expand its appeal to include kids up to 10 years old, with updated attractions like Splashaway Bay and Playscape.
Dining options will see the addition of the Lincoln Park Supper Club, offering a Chicago-themed fine dining experience, and a revamped restaurant in the Surfside area, replacing Pier 7.
Final word
There are some seriously impressive cruise ships coming in the next couple of years, but already in 2025 we have some epic ships sailing the oceans.
By the end of 2025 the top-10 list will all be ships with a gross tonnage over 200,000 which is pretty spectacular, with more exciting ships in the pipeline.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Babies can be expensive little things, can’t they? However, one of the upsides of travelling with a baby is that they get in pretty much everywhere for free.
But do babies cruise for free?
My baby on his first cruise
On holiday you wouldn’t expect to pay for a baby to stay in your hotel room, visit tourist attractions with you or eat bits of your plate in a restaurant.
So, you might think that your baby would also travel for free on a cruise, right?
Do You Have to Pay For a Baby On a Cruise?
Babies typically aren’t free on a cruise. MSC Cruises and Cunard don’t charge for babies, but any other cruise lines that accept them will charge, though it will often be a reduced fare.
Many cruise lines charge the FULL ADULT PRICE for babies on-board.
Shocking! So does that mean that your cruising days are over once your little bundle of joy arrives? Or that you suddenly need to pay for a whole extra person when you add a baby to your booking?
Thankfully, no. Read on to find out how you can take your baby on a cruise for a reduced rate, or even for free…
Cruise Lines Where Babies Sail For Free
If you want to get the best value for money when taking your baby on a cruise, you’ll want to know about these two cruise lines that don’t charge for infants…
MSC Cruises
The baby facilities on board MSC Sinfonia
If you want to take your baby on a cruise for free, one of the best cruise lines to choose is MSC Cruises as children under two sail free of charge.
Cruises from the UK are available, or, if you need to take a flight to start your cruise, you’ll just have to pay a very small amount to your airline to have the babysitting on your knee. The exact amount depends on the airline, but it won’t be much.
Not only do babies sail for free with MSC Cruises, but there are loads of facilities for them on-board too. In fact, MSC Cruises have partnered with the Observatorio Chicco Baby Research Center in order to create holidays that are ‘tailormade for babies’.
They even now offer babysitting services for kids as young as six months old, as of summer 2024. So you can drop them off for a nap, and go explore. There is the option to have your baby supervised in your cabin but that’ll cost extra.
I took my six-month-old son on his first-ever cruise with MSC Cruises on MSC Preziosa and we had a fantastic time – I would highly recommend this cruise line.
Cunard
Cunard’s Queen Victoria
Under-twos sail for free on board Cunard cruise ships, but you will still need to pay Cunard’s daily gratuities for them.
Whilst traditional cruise line Cunard isn’t the first cruise line that comes to mind for most families, it is actually really good for babies.
Unlike MSC Cruises, which has a limited choice of sailings from the UK, Cunard has plenty. However, you won’t find the same level of facilities for them on-board.
One great thing about Cunard cruises that MSC Cruises doesn’t offer, however, is the complimentary night nursery.
Open from 6 pm until 11 pm, under-twos can be left to sleep under the supervision of professional staff whilst you enjoy dinner, a show, or a trip to the onboard casino.
Cruise Lines Where Babies Sail For a Reduced Rate
The following cruise lines are also certainly worth considering if you’re looking for a cheap cruise with a baby…
Costa
Cruises
Peppa Pig onboard Costa Cruises
Not only will you find Peppa Pig on board, but Costa Cruises doesn’t charge any cruise fare for children under the age of 18 years. Rejoice!
However, they do charge port fees and taxes for children of all ages, including babies. Port charges are what the cruise line must pay to the local authority of each port that the ship calls at, and taxes are what they have to pay to the government.
The cost of port charges and taxes varies depending on the ports that you call at but is usually around 10-20% of the adult cruise fare. This means that you’re still making a great saving when you take your children on a Costa cruise compared to other cruise lines.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Night Nursery
On P&O Cruises, infants under two years old travel at a ‘reduced rate’ which varies by cruise. P&O Cruises doesn’t publish details of what the rate is, but as it varies by cruise, this is likely to be based on port taxes and charges, as well as possibly some other factors.
Passengers have reported paying anywhere from £50 to £300 to bring their baby on-board, which is always a great reduction on the adult fare.
What’s more, P&O Cruises regularly have promotions which offer child places for as little as £1 outside of the school holidays. So if you can travel then, and book at the right time, you can make great savings.
The complimentary night nursery is open from 6 pm until 2 am, which means that you can spend each evening child-free, should you wish.
On Disney cruises, under-threes pay half of the child fare. The child fare varies and isn’t a set % of the adult fare.
Disney’s pricing is a bit different than other cruise lines in that they don’t display a ‘per person’ price, just the overall price for your group. This makes it a bit tricky to see how much you’re paying for the kids, but it won’t be a great deal extra to add on a baby.
What might be worth noting, is that Disney Cruise Line is one of the few cruise lines to provide cabins that sleep five people.
On other cruise lines, you’ll be forced to book two cabins, or a family suite, for the five of you, whereas with Disney you can all fit in one room, which is generally cheaper.
Most other family-friendly cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line don’t make any reductions in pricing for children or babies.
This means that, in theory, your baby could be charged up to the full adult fare for your bundle of joy.
Royal Caribbean’s baby facilities
However, it’s important to note that almost all cruise lines DO have reductions for the third and fourth passengers in a cabin – which applies whether they are babies, children, or even adults.
The reductions for the third and fourth passengers varies. It can be just a 10-20% reduction, or it can be much more, depending on your choice of the cruise line, sailing, whether it is in the school holidays or not, and any promotions which are currently running.
Does Royal Caribbean Charge For Infants?
Royal Caribbean charges the standard cruise fare for babies – there is no discounted Royal Caribbean infant price. However, if your baby is the third or fourth passenger in a cabin, you will often pay a reduced rate for them. Infants are also charged the full gratuity rate per day.
How to Decide Which Cruise Line is the Cheapest For a Baby
To decide which cruise has the best price, you need to work out the price of the entire cruise holiday, not just the price for the baby.
Whilst babies might get a highly reduced rate on a Disney cruise yet no discount on a Carnival cruise, the Disney cruise could still cost you three times as much.
You also need to add in the cost of other added extras such as gratuities. Some cruise lines will add up to $15 per person, per day to your bill at the end of your cruise to cover tips for the staff. Often, the gratuity charge applies to all passengers, even babies.
On a seven-night cruise for two adults and a baby, gratuities could add up to an extra £250.
If you’re not expecting it, this can be an unwelcome surprise at the end of your cruise. But if you choose a cruise line that doesn’t charge any gratuities, such as P&O Cruises or MSC Cruises, you won’t need to worry about it.
Babies tend to be free of charge (or only have a very small fee) on most airlines.
Of course, if you decide to fly, you’ll have airline luggage restrictions to think about because let’s face it, babies tend to need a lot of stuff! One of the great things about cruising from your nearest post is that you don’t have any limits on how much luggage you can bring.
Finally, remember, that the cheapest cruise isn’t always the best. When you’re travelling with a baby, you’ll want to be really mindful of things like awkward flight times, long coach journeys in each port and whether the cruise has like-minded passengers who will be happy to see families joining them on-board.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
Have you cruised with a baby? Did you get a good deal?
And if you need a little more help, why not sign up for my baby cruise packing list?
And if you fancy bagging yourself a free cruise for the whole family, check out this article next: How To Get A Free Cruise.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Cruising is best enjoyed surrounded by like-minded people, and an atmosphere that allows you to relax and unwind. After all, that’s what being on holiday is all about, isn’t it?
For some, this means ruling out any chance of children taking over pools or charging around buffets while you’re trying to enjoy your holiday.
Thankfully, there are adult-only options to cater to this kind of getaway. They range from fully adult-only (which only allow those over a certain age aboard), to sailings that allow young cruisers but are aimed at a more mature clientele.
The Best Adult-only Cruise Lines
There are currently only four cruise lines which are truly adult-only. These offer a fully adult-exclusive experience while you sail, with no kids’ clubs or children’s entertainment.
Here are the cruise lines to choose from when you’re seeking a fully adult-only cruise, whether you’re a single cruiser or seeking a romantic honeymoon cruise.
1. Saga
I’m too young for this ship!
Strictly 50+ | All-inclusive British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends
British cruise line Saga is renowned for limiting access to their cruises to those 50 years and older. (But you can travel if you’re 40 or older, as long as you have a 50+ companion!)
Offering a boutique cruise experience, Saga’s sailings are all-inclusive with all-balcony ships.
Saga has two ocean ships in the fleet: Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Both are small ships with no-fly itineraries, departing from Portsmouth, Dover and London Tilbury.
The ships offer an all-inclusive experience. Complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, all dining, tips, Wi-Fi and even travel insurance are all included in the price. There are no more than 987 guests on board at the same time, so you can enjoy some peace as you sail with friends or a couple.
This is not one for young adults looking for a fun cruise, but can be a great peaceful escape for the experienced cruiser.
2. Viking
Strictly 18+ | All-inclusive luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends
Viking has always been a fully adult-only cruise line, limiting its cruises to those aged 18 and above from the moment it debuted in 2015.
The cruise line has eight ships in the ocean fleet, with each ship boasting a destination-focused luxury experience. Features range from onboard lectures and enrichment classes, to tours ashore that focus on authentic learning encounters and culturally enlightening experiences.
Classed as the world’s leading small ship cruise line, Viking prides itself on being the ‘thinking person’s cruise’. It offers thoughtfully curated itineraries designed to enhance your travel experience. Think of visits to renowned museums and notable landmarks, alongside a ship-wide library to delve into during your days at sea.
Ships in the Viking fleet are designed with Scandinavian influences. Social spaces are sophisticated and relaxing, while dining venues offer destination-focused dishes and award-winning service. The accommodations all boast verandas too, meaning you always have a private outdoor space to unwind.
Strictly 18+ | Luxury cruising | Great for friends
A more recent contender for the adult-only category is Virgin Voyages, which launched in late 2021. This cruise line was born out of the desire to create a cruise line which redefines adult-only cruising.
From the décor of the ship and its style of stateroom design to the dining offerings and entertainment, Virgin Voyages is a unique cruise line for adults seeking a getaway of their own.
There are currently three ships in the fleet, with a fourth joining in 2025. All the ships are the same, but focus on different destinations throughout the year. These include the Caribbean where you can sail to the cruise line’s private island, as well as Europe and the Mediterranean.
Onboard, Virgin Voyages offers the Always Included Luxury package, which is part of your cruise fare from the get-go.
This features dining in all 20+ eateries, entertainment, gratuities, Wi-Fi, unlimited fitness classes, soft drinks and water. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased as and when you need on board, or via the line’s Bar Tab which is a pre-paid account you can manage through the cruise line’s app.
Some cruise lines have a selection of family-friendly ships, plus some ships which are exclusively for adults. If you choose one of these adult-only ships, you can be sure that there won’t be a child in sight.
4. P&O Cruises
Two adult-only ships | British-style cruising | Great for couples
These ships offer the British market an option for sailing child-free, while still enjoying the signature P&O Cruises experience.
Look forward to afternoon teas, gastro-pub settings, and chef-inspired menus from renowned UK chefs such as Marco Pierre White. All while you set sail to destinations across the globe, typically from the UK port of Southampton.
Both adult-only ships offer a classic cruise experience. Your accommodation, dining, gym access, theatre shows, live music and comedy acts are all included in your fare.
Enjoy dining and bars tailored to British tastes as well as multi-tier theatres, spa treatments and entertainment for everyone. There are sailings to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, Caribbean and Scandinavia.
5. Marella Cruises
One adult-only ship | All-inclusive British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends
Marella Cruises is another cruise line which offers an adult-only ship within its fleet. Marella Explora 2 can carry 1,814 guests, and has been sailing for the cruise line since 2019.
It’s one of the newest ships in the fleet, and has a huge offering for enjoying life onboard. With nine bars, nine restaurants, a pool and plenty more exciting facilities, it’s ideal for those looking for an adult-only option.
The ship is exclusively reserved for those aged 18 or over. Your cruise fare is also all-inclusive from the start, with flights, transfers, luggage, food, drinks, tips and service charges all included as standard.
It’s not cheap, but the value you get for your fare makes it one of the lower-priced options when everything is taken into account.
Daily entertainment varies from early morning exercises to West End-style shows. There’s also a wide range of dining venues, from buffet-style to waiter service restaurants.
The Best Cruise Lines Not Aimed at Families
As well as cruise lines that are fully or partially adult-only, there are also options if you’re looking for something more specific. Luxury cruisers or retirees may opt for one of these cruise lines, which aren’t marketed as adult-only but don’t tend to attract families or young children.
Multi-generational cruisers might also seek getaways with their older children, while avoiding more family-oriented cruise lines and ships.
Luxury Cruises Aimed At Adults
6. Azamara
Aimed at adults | Premium-luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends
Azamara is a great option for those who are looking for a little indulgence. It’s a premium-luxury cruise line which boasts small-ship, destination-focused itineraries.
While the cruise line doesn’t ban children entirely, the onboard lifestyle is focused on adults, with no facilities planned for entertaining kids.
All tips, main dining, non-alcoholic drinks, selected spirits, beers and house wines are included in your fare, as well as self-service laundry and the signature AzAmazing Celebrations. Additional charges come with excursions, transfers, premium spirits and alcohol, Wi-Fi and speciality dining venues.
7. Oceania Cruises
Aimed at adults | Premium-luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends
Another premium-luxury cruise line that focuses on the adult experience is Oceania Cruises. Couples and friends can enjoy life on board each of their seven ships. Wi-Fi, dining and non-alcoholic drinks are all included as standard.
The cruise line is also renowned for having the best food at sea, with gourmet dining experiences crafted by celebrated chefs across the globe.
Enjoy unique culinary dishes at every dining venue, from internationally inspired poke bowls to authentic Italian pasta and classic steakhouse fare.
8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Aimed at adults | All-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruising | Great for couples
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most inclusive cruise line offering luxury sailings. All tips, drinks, dining, shore excursion options, Wi-Fi, flights and transfers are included in your fare on any of the line’s six ships.
The fleet ranges in capacity size from 490 to 750 passengers, while offering one of the best staff-to-guest ratios at sea, so you can be assured of plenty of space to relax and enjoy the all-inclusive experience.
The cruise line allows children on board, with a Club Mariner programme designed for age groups between 5 and 17. However, these are only on selected sailings. Families tend to favour sailings to Alaska and Europe in the summer. So opt for cruises outside of these time frames and destinations if you want something suited to just adults.
9. Silversea
Aimed at adults | Ultra-luxury cruising and expeditions | Great for friends and couples
Silversea is another luxury cruise line aimed at adults, while not being exclusively adult-only. The line offers luxury cruising across all ten of its ships, four of which are part of the Expedition Class.
Capacity is up to 608 passengers, and you can experience small-ship cruising to destinations including South America, the Mediterranean, the Polar Regions and Alaska.
Children are allowed on sailings, though itineraries operating outside the summer are typically child-free. Even more so if you opt for longer duration sailings, such as world cruise sectors of 50+ nights.
Your cruise fare includes most things, though speciality dining and premium drinks are charged extra during your sailing.
10. Cunard
Aimed at adults | Traditional luxury cruising | Great for older families and couples
Cunard isn’t strictly adult-only, but does target couples and friends over families and children.
Life on board varies from Champagne toasts and daily afternoon teas to gala dinners and ballroom dancing, so there’s little room for kids’ activities and entertainment.
Décor on the ships is traditional, with dark woods and art deco features. Entertainment ranges from daily quizzes and line dancing to evening cabaret and ballroom dancing.
Guests enjoy accommodation, fine dining, daily activities and entertainment, and great service as standard in their fare.
Additional extras include tips, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions. There are kids’ clubs on the ships that offer activities to suit a range of ages, but the cruise line doesn’t provide any other facilities outside of these to cater to children.
Cunard has a history stretching back to 1847 when the first ship began sailing, but now has three ships in the fleet with a fourth on the way. It’s a great choice for cruisers looking for an alternative to adult-only ships, while still enjoying an almost child-free holiday.
Cheap Cruises Aimed At Adults
If you’re looking for a budget cruise which probably has no kids on board, then these are a great choice.
In the school holidays, you’re likely to see some multi-generational groups with grandparents bringing the whole family along. But during term-time, you can expect an adults-only experience.
11. Ambassador Cruise Line
Aimed at 18+ | British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends
Ambassador has only recently come onto the scene with an authentically British feel and two ships in the fleet, the first of which only launched in 2023. The cruise line offers a premium no-fly cruise experience for the 50-plus audience.
The cruise line operates as primarily adult-only sailings for those aged 18 years and over, but they do offer a few multi-generational cruises during peak school holidays. There aren’t any children’s facilities on the ships, but you can avoid these sailings if you’re seeking an adult-only option.
Cruising with Ambassador includes all your dining, cocktail parties and gala dinners, as well as entertainment and daily activities and even spa access. There are drink packages available to add on too, so you can make your sailing all-inclusive as well as child-free!
Ambassador is good for singles too. Every cruise has some cabins set aside for solo passengers with no single supplement to pay.
Aimed at adults | Traditionally British-style cruising | Great for older families and couples
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is an option for those seeking an adult-focused cruise on an intimate scale, with small ships catered to traditional cruising.
There are only three ships in the fleet. Each features spacious lounges and enriching entertainment, as well as multi-course dining venues and daily activities with adults in mind.
Fares include your accommodation, dining, self-service tea and coffee, afternoon tea, in-cabin dining and snacks, evening entertainment, use of leisure facilities, onboard activities, luggage porterage and flights for fly-cruise options. Drink packages are also available.
Fred. Olsen does operate a kids’ club on selected sailings during peak-time holidays. The Little Skippers Club is for children aged between 5 and 11 years. If you’re sailing with children over 11, they are welcomed aboard but not into the kids’ club.
The Bottom Line
Adult-only cruising has various options for cruisers looking for a kid-free holiday. But you don’t always have to opt for the 18+ cruise lines, as there are many which don’t attract children whatsoever.
If bumping into a toddler at breakfast or listening to a mopey teenager is the stuff of holiday nightmares for you, the fully adult-only cruise lines would be ideal. All-inclusive options for these include Viking and Saga, while Ambassador is great for retirees and Virgin Voyages brings the party atmosphere for a younger audience (but only to 18 years)!
There are cruise lines too which feature kids’ clubs, but without all the bells and whistles you see on a typical family-friendly ship. These offer children their own space to make friends and holiday memories, while you enjoy a quieter afternoon by the pool or a peaceful meal for just the two of you.
Cruise lines including Cunard and Fred. Olsen are ideal for these types of sailings. They cater to the multi-generational market too, so grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy cruising together.
The more luxurious cruise lines aren’t typically strict on ages, and some even have their own kids’ programmes too. However, these feature little to no children’s facilities outside of their programmes, so don’t cater too well to younger families.
Cruise lines including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara and Oceania Cruises are all aimed at adult cruisers seeking adventure, fine dining and inclusive itineraries for enriching holidays.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
DACA recipients are people who entered the US unlawfully as a child, but have now been granted protected status to allow them to apply for a work permit, driver’s licence and social security number.
But can someone on DACA go on a cruise? After all, they aren’t granted citizenship of the US under the policy. Would they be allowed to return to the US once their cruise was completed?
Can you go on a cruise with DACA?
Generally, DACA recipients are not able to go on a cruise that leaves the US. Even if the person does not leave the ship, they will be considered to have left the US without a permit (which cannot be sought for the purposes of a vacation), so would not be readmitted. Only cruises wholly within the US are suitable for DACA recipients.
Unfortunately, for those protected by DACA, they are very limited in the travel they are allowed to do. The US government website clearly states that anyone receiving DACA is risking their status by engaging in unauthorised travel outside the country, and it may interrupt their status of continuous residence.
The only permitted way to travel outside the US as a DACA recipient is to successfully apply for Advance Parole. However, you are only allowed to apply for Advance Parole for one of three reasons:
Humanitarian – travelling for medical treatment, to visit a sick or elderly relative, or for a funeral for a family member.
Educational – specifically for academic research or studying a semester abroad.
Employment – undertaking overseas assignments, attending meetings or training etc.
A cruise doesn’t fall under any of these. You might argue that it’s educational as you learn about the world, but those guidelines are strict. Therefore, DACA recipients can’t apply for Advance Parole, meaning they can’t go on any cruise that leaves US waters.
This does leave some exceptions. These are mainly US river cruises, Great Lakes cruises, and cruises to Hawaii on the Pride of America. (This Norwegian Cruise Line ship is unique as it is berthed in the US and exclusively offers cruises to Hawaii.)
Can DACA recipients go on closed-loop cruises?
DACA recipients are not permitted to travel on closed-loop cruises. Closed-loop cruises are return cruises from the US that visit other countries. Even if the recipient does not leave the ship, they are considered to have left the country and may be refused re-entry.
There’s a little bit of confusion over closed-loop cruises, because US citizens can usually sail on them without a passport. However, they are still required to show documentation such as a birth certificate to prove they are a US citizen.
DACA recipients are not US citizens, so can’t board these cruises without risking not being allowed back into the country when their cruise is completed.
DACA recipients are able to go on a cruise to Hawaii, provided it is on an itinerary that exclusively sails to Hawaii and back to the US. They cannot sail on a ship that visits any other country. The Pride of America – the NCL ship which only sails to Hawaii – is the most suitable option.
However, while this does provide options for DACA recipients who want to cruise, Pride of America cruises tend to be more expensive than other NCL cruises. That’s because, as a US-flagged ship with only US crew, the ship is more costly to run.
Although it may be an expensive choice, it is one of the few cruise options for DACA recipients and so it is worth considering.
Can DACA recipients go on a cruise to Alaska?
DACA recipients generally can’t board a cruise to Alaska, because most of them dock in a port in Canada as part of the itinerary. Although some cruises don’t call at Canadian ports, the ship would be considered international travel and so re-entry to the US could be denied.
Unfortunately, if you’re a DACA recipient who found a cruise only sailing to US ports including Alaska, you are likely to be refused re-entry to the US when you sail back home. You can fly to Alaska, but even then you are taking a risk on your return.
Can DACA recipients go on a cruise to the Bahamas?
Recipients of DACA cannot cruise to the Bahamas. It’s considered leaving the country, and they would put themselves at serious risk of being denied re-entry to the US on their return. DACA recipients must stay within the US to retain their status of continuous residence, on which their DACA hinges.
Can DACA recipients go on a cruise to the Caribbean?
DACA recipients cannot cruise to the Caribbean. Any international travel for DACA recipients must be accompanied by an Advance Parole permit, which only covers travel for humanitarian, educational or employment reasons. A cruise to the Caribbean would not be covered, and Advance Parole could not be applied for.
Can DACA recipients go on a cruise to Mexico?
Anyone receiving DACA is not allowed to leave the US for recreational travel, and so a cruise to Mexico would not be allowed. The recipient would be considered to have ‘self-deported’, meaning they would be treated as an illegal immigrant on their return and be denied entry to the US.
Final word
Unfortunately for DACA recipients, the options for travel are heavily restricted. Ocean cruising that involves any kind of international port of call, or even an internationally flagged ship, would be considered breaching those guidelines.
You do have the option of a river cruise or a lakes cruise within the US. But if you’re a DACA recipient and want the full ocean cruise experience, you’re best looking at the Pride of America and her Hawaii cruises. She might be one of the smaller NCL cruise ships, but she still has some excellent features and you get the full cruise experience.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
If you are planning a cruise in the near future, you may be wondering if a felon can go on a cruise or not?
Perhaps you once committed a felony, have served your time and are worried that there might be some restrictions in place. Or maybe you are just curious to know who else might be on board your cruise ship, and what it means if some have criminal records.
Either way, this post will tell you all you need to know about whether a felon can go on a cruise.
Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?
A convicted felon is able to go on most cruises without facing any extra restrictions. They will need to ensure that they have all the appropriate documentation. There may be some restrictions on which countries they can visit.
The good news for anyone with a felony in their past is that they will definitely be able to find a cruise ship that welcomes them. It’s just important to check the cruise destinations, and see if they are any specific policies in place.
What cruise can a felon go on?
A felon can go on a cruise to many different places, but it’s always worth checking the requirements of the countries that you plan to visit. Countries in the Caribbean are generally a good choice and have few restrictions in place.
Some places that are harder for felons to visit on a cruise include Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. They have strict rules relating to admitting people that have criminal records.
Felons should also check the policies of their chosen cruise ship to ensure that they meet the relevant terms and conditions. Some cruise lines reserve the right to refuse passage to convicted felons.
What is an open-loop or closed-loop cruise?
There are two types of cruises: closed loop and open loop. The documentation required for each can vary.
Closed-Loop Cruise
A closed-loop cruisewill start and end in the same US port. An open-loop cruise starts and ends at different ports.
For example: a cruise that starts in Miami, travels around the Caribbean and returns to Miami is a closed-loop cruise.
Felons may sail on both types of cruise, but the documents required for a closed-loop cruise are less restrictive than for open-loop cruises.
If you are a US citizen going on a closed-loop cruise from the US, you only need proof of citizenship. This could be your birth certificate or government-issued ID.
Open-Loop Cruise
If you are going on an open-loop cruise, you will need to have a passport.
It’s worth noting that even though the US government doesn’t require you to have a passport on an open-loop cruise, the cruise line may require you to have one.
This is so you are covered if you miss the ship and have to fly to meet it, or you need to fly home early for medical or personal emergencies.
Travellers may also have to show a passport to enter a port the ship is visiting. So, while you might be able to get by without having a passport, it’s definitely better to have one. It will give you far more options when it comes to choosing a cruise.
Having a felony doesn’t automatically mean that you won’t be able to get a passport. But it could make it harder or even impossible, depending on the nature of the crime.
The crimes most likely to disqualify you from getting a passport are drug trafficking, financial fraud and human trafficking. Cases are looked at individually, and other major crimes can also result in refusal to grant a passport.
Destinations felons can and cannot cruise to
The entry criteria for different destinations can affect where a felon would choose to visit on a cruise.
Canada – NO
Canada has very strict entry rules for anyone with a criminal record. This is one destination that you may want to avoid, since even minor offences can result in a person being denied entry to Canada.
United Kingdom – NO
Whether a felon can travel to the UK, including on a cruise, depends on the nature of their conviction and other factors.
UK immigration law states that a person may be denied entry into the country if they have been convicted of an offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least 12 months in the last five to ten years.
However, the decision ultimately lies with the UK Border Agency officers. They will consider each case individually, taking into account factors such as the nature of the offence, the length of time since the offence and the person’s behaviour since.
Australia – NO
Australia has extremely strict entry requirements, especially for individuals with criminal convictions. In general, anyone with a substantial criminal record will likely be denied entry.
New Zealand – NO
New Zealand also has very strict character requirements for tourists. If you have a felony within the last ten years, you’re unlikely to be able to cruise to New Zealand.
Caribbean – YES
A felon is able to go on a cruise to the Caribbean, as long as they meet the entry criteria of the nations they plan to visit. A US passport card can be used to visit the Caribbean by cruise. This may be easier to obtain for felons that are ineligible for a passport.
Jamaica – MAYBE
Felons can visit Jamaica by cruise, but they must have a US passport. In addition to a passport, felons must bring some evidence to show that they have served their time and are not on probation. They will also need a visa to enter Jamaica.
Bahamas – YES
Felons are able to go on a cruise to the Bahamas, and will not face any issues as long as they have served their time and there are no probation restrictions. A felon (or anyone) is able to visit the Bahamas using a passport card if they are on a closed-loop cruise.
Mexico – MAYBE
Felons can go on a cruise to Mexico. This would be a closed-loop cruise with the relevant restrictions that apply to this type of cruise. Mexico has some restrictions on allowing felons in, but they are less severe than in Canada and generally apply to the most serious crimes.
Alaska – MAYBE
A felon is able to go on a cruise to Alaska, since they will be staying within the USA. However, check the route of the cruise, since many cruises to Alaska stop in Canada to visit places like Vancouver and Victoria (which are likely to prevent felons from visiting).
Hawaii – YES
A felon can take a cruise to Hawaii assuming they have no further restrictions on them (such as probation), as they will remain within the USA. Check the planned route of any cruise to Hawaii as they sometimes stop at Vancouver, and Canada has strict rules preventing most felons from entering.
Can you stay on the ship to avoid restrictions?
You might think a felon can just stay on board the ship when it docks at a country they are not allowed into.
However, prior to departure, the cruise ship will want to check that every passenger has all the required documents for every port on their route.
Port officials also have the right to ask for the documents of every passenger on board when a cruise ship is docked in their waters.
Cruise Line Policies
Every cruise line has its own policy relating to who can and can’t travel on their ships. These policies cover a whole range of things, like having an infectious disease or being heavily pregnant. But for this post, we want to know how they relate to felonies.
Below you will find the policies relating to criminal records for three of the biggest cruise line companies.
Royal Caribbean
Felons are free to go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. The cruise lines does not have a policy that relates to refusing to take guests based on felonies in their past.
You can find their refusal to transport policy by following this link. There is no mention of criminal records or previous felonies.
Carnival
Felons can go on a Carnival cruise, but they should take a good look at the guest screening policy before booking their cruise. The policy states that they reserve the right to deny boarding to people convicted of certain felonies.
The guest screening policy states that they reserve the right ‘to deny boarding to any persons convicted of certain felonies, which may include but are not limited to; aggravated physical and/or sexual assault, armed robbery and related offences, and other violent crimes’.
They go on to state that they reserve the right to look into public records, and that if entry is refused the individual will be refunded.
I take this to mean that any partners or friends who had booked at the same time wouldn’t be refunded. So it’s a bit of a risk for anyone convicted of these offences.
I am not sure whether they regularly screen potential guests for these offences or only if they have specific concerns. But it’s probably best to try different cruise lines if you are in this situation.
Disney Cruise Line
Felons are able to go on a Disney Cruise Line cruise, but it’s worth knowing that the Disney Cruise terms and conditions include the line ‘Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse passage to Guests with criminal backgrounds.’
There is no further explanation than that. It doesn’t say that felons are not allowed on a Disney cruise. My guess is that they would only exercise this right for major offences or high-profile felons, but it might be worth checking with them to see if they can clarify further before you book.
The Bottom Line
If you have a felony, there are a few things to consider before booking, but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a fantastic cruise.
The most likely issue for US felons taking a cruise is the restrictions on going to Canada. Restrictions apply for even minor traffic offences, so felons are probably best advised to avoid cruises that stop in Canada (this includes a lot of Alaska cruises).
If you have a misdemeanour, you must earn Criminal Rehabilitation or get a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to enter Canada. Minor offences from more than ten years ago should present less of an issue.
When it comes to cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is the most relaxed about previous felonies, while Carnival has the strictest policies for felons who have committed the most serious crimes.
Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise around the Caribbean is the best bet for felons, who are unlikely to encounter any issues from either the cruise line or immigration officers.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
My absolute favourite cruise promotion is ‘kids go free’. Free child places on cruises don’t come along that often, but when they do, these deals can save you a fortune!
Children on cruises are often charged the full adult fare, or very close to that. So if you can get your kids on board for free, you could almost halve the overall cost of your cruise!
I’ve done this many times, so I’ll share the details in this guide.
How to find ‘kids sail free’ deals
Not all cruise lines offer free child places, so the first step is to identify which ones do.
Cruise lines that I have seen offer this deal include:
P&O Cruises
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line
However, these offers aren’t available all the time, so you need to keep an eye out for their latest policies and deals.
Often, the kids sail free deals are only available on term-time cruises. This makes sense, because cruise lines have no problem filling the kids’ clubs during the school holidays.
But sometimes you can find these deals on school holiday cruises as well. I’ve done this many times, and even managed to get the kids on board Britannia for free at Easter.
The cheapest cruises are sometimes available to book two to three months before the ship sets sail. At this point, the cruise lines know how many cabins there are left to fill. If they’re not filling as fast as they should, they drop the price. However, the key word here is SOMETIMES…
Cruising is becoming more and more popular every year. The cruise lines literally cannot build ships fast enough to accommodate the growing demand. So having empty cabins is becoming rarer, meaning that last-minute price reductions are now few and far between.
If you do want to book a last-minute cruise, you’ll need to be really flexible. It’s also worth noting that just because a cruise has a large price reduction, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap.
The cheapest cabins will likely have been sold months ago, leaving the higher grades of cabins to be reduced later. Rather than paying less for your cruise, you might instead pay the same, but get a slightly larger cabin in a better location on the ship by booking late.
Cheap last-minute cruises for families
Finding a last-minute cruise for a family is like finding a needle in a haystack. Why? Well, ships only have a limited number of cabins which are suitable for families.
The majority of cruise ship cabins only fit two passengers. Although the demand for cruising is growing, the family sector of the market is growing even faster. This means that many ships simply do not have enough four-berth cabins to accommodate the demand.
Another problem you might encounter is that cruise lines tend to only admit a certain number of children in each age group. This is so that they can better accommodate them in the kids’ clubs.
In school holiday periods, parents sometimes find that there is a cabin available on the cruise they want, but no space for one of their children. The ship already has the maximum number of children in that particular age group booked on board.
Booking a family cruise early
For anyone travelling with children, I would strongly recommend booking early. And the earlier the better! Cruises generally go on sale 18 months to two years before departure, and booking then will ensure that there is availability for your family.
Plus, for popular sailings which don’t get reduced, the best prices are often available when the cruises first go on sale.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
Deals for early bookers
Cruise lines have promotions all the time. Sometimes it’s a lower price, but more often than not you can get extras such as free drinks, free port parking or credit to spend on board the ship.
However, these deals are only available for early bookers. Each cruise line will have different offers that change every couple of months. If you see an offer that really appeals to you, such as free all-inclusive drinks, then don’t hang around.
A good travel agent will be able to help you get the best deal. I’d recommend signing up to all their email newsletters. They can email you all the details of each cruise line’s latest promotions, and also let you know when the next batch of sailings are released, which happens a few times each year.
If you’re determined to take a cruise soon, then look at what last-minute deals are available (and find out how late you can book a last-minute cruise). However, if you’re not sure when you want to cruise, then it pays to look as far ahead as you can.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Are you put off from taking a cruise by horror stories about ‘cruise cough’, norovirus and other dirty diseases you may catch aboard a floating petri dish?
Fear not! I’ve put together a list of the world’s cleanest cruise ships!
Grab your rubber gloves, antibacterial wipes and sense of adventure, because we’re about to explore the most pristine corners of the cruising world. Hold onto your mops, folks, it’s about to get squeaky clean in here…
Where this data comes from
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) runs a Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) that helps cruise ships to prevent the spread of illness.
As part of the VSP, every cruise ship is inspected for hygiene twice per year. The inspections are unannounced, and so thorough that they take a team of two to five inspectors between six and eight hours to complete.
The inspections look at medical facilities, drinking water, swimming pools, spas, kitchens, dining rooms, child activity centres, cabins, ventilation systems and common areas of each ship.
During an inspection, each cruise ship is scored on a 100-point scale. Any score of 85 or below is counted as a fail.
Which cruise ships are the cleanest?
In their recent VSP inspections, 21 cruise ships achieved a perfect score of 100. Five of these ships were owned by Disney Cruise Line, meaning that every cruise ship in the Disney fleet is spotlessly clean.
With such great attention to detail when it comes to cleanliness, we can say that Disney cruise ships are the cleanest of all.
List Of The Cleanest Cruise Ships
In the most recent VSP inspections, 21 cruise ships scored a perfect 100 for cleanliness. These are shown in the table below, along with links to scores in previous inspections for those ships.
This data is accurate as of 10 May 2023. More ships may have been inspected since then. You can see the latest statistics here.
How clean are cruise ships?
Cruise ships, like any large public space, vary in cleanliness. However, it’s important to note that cruise ships are subject to stringent sanitation standards that are regularly monitored and enforced.
Despite these strict standards and regular inspections, outbreaks of illness can still occur on cruise ships. These are most commonly gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. Such outbreaks are usually well-publicised, but relatively rare considering the number of people who take cruises every year.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, cruise lines implemented even more stringent cleaning and sanitation procedures. These included more frequent cleaning of public areas, use of electrostatic sprayers with disinfectant, enhanced air filtration systems, and policies to encourage physical distancing and hand hygiene.
Despite this, people still catch Covid on cruise ships, which is why many crew members still opt to wear masks. I have had Covid twice, and both times I fell ill upon returning from a cruise.
How long does it take to clean a cruise ship?
Regular daily cleaning includes tasks like tidying up cabins, cleaning public areas and maintaining dining rooms. This is an ongoing process that crew members work on around the clock.
On turnaround day (when one set of passengers disembarks and a new set embarks), a deeper cleaning takes place. This typically includes more thorough cleaning of cabins, including changing linens, vacuuming and deep-cleaning bathrooms.
On turnaround day, public spaces are also cleaned more intensively. For a large cruise ship, this process typically takes several hours and involves a large team of cleaning staff.
After a cruise ship has been in service for a while, it will occasionally undergo a dry dock. This is a period of several weeks when it’s taken out of service for maintenance and deep cleaning.
During this time, everything from the engines to the carpets can be cleaned, repaired or replaced. This could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the work being done.
In the case of an outbreak of illness on board, such as norovirus, a ship will undergo an intensive disinfection process. This could take 24 to 48 hours, and involves cleaning all surfaces with strong disinfectant.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, fellow voyagers – the cleanest cruise ships on the high seas! From gleaming decks to sparkling staterooms, these maritime marvels are setting the gold standard for the industry.
Although these ships may top the list, the vast majority of cruise ships are committed to providing a clean, healthy and safe environment for their guests. With stringent sanitation practices, regular inspections and dedicated crews working around the clock, you’re in good hands when setting sail on your dream cruise.
Whether you’re cruising on one of these squeaky-clean superstars or another vessel in the varied fleets worldwide, rest assured that your wellbeing is a top priority. Cruise ship cleanliness is taken very seriously, and the proof is in the pudding… or perhaps, in this case, the buffet line.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Some people are lucky enough to find themselves with immediate free time and enough money to splash out on a last-minute cruise.
Perhaps you had to cancel another holiday you had planned, and now you’re stuck not knowing where to go. Or perhaps you had a windfall and want to spend it on enjoying yourself.
Last-minute getaways are thrilling, but is it possible on a cruise? How far do you have to book a cruise in advance? Let me explain…
How late can you book a cruise?
For most cruises, you can book right up until the day before it sets sail. On some rare occasions, you may even be able to book on embarkation day, although most cruise lines won’t allow this due to the logistics involved.
This does vary depending on the ship and itinerary. I did a whole load of test bookings, so scroll down to see that data and which cruise lines let you book for tomorrow.
A few things to consider when booking a last-minute cruise:
You’ll need to pay the whole fare upfront in one go.
Any packages or add-ons, like drinks or Wi-Fi, may be charged at a higher rate as you’ll have missed any advance payment deals.
You’ll likely only be able to choose from a handful of cheaper cabins, and not all types may be available.
You may be limited in your choice of destinations, especially if visas are needed.
You’ll need to arrange your own last-minute transport to the port. Public transport (trains and coaches) can be more expensive if booked late.
Can I book a cruise the day before it leaves?
With most cruise lines, you can book a cruise on the day before it leaves, although some may not allow you to book online.
You should be able to see all of the dates on the cruise line’s website, but you may be directed to call them if it’s a really last-minute booking. That’s because cabin availability can be so limited that the online booking system may struggle to place you properly.
The cruise line may also want to make sure the rooms sell out. They don’t want people to reserve them for a few hours while they think about it, only to change their mind and leave the room unsold when it could have been booked by someone else.
I went online and had a look at the next available cruise for all the major ocean cruise lines.
To be clear, this is not the minimum amount of time that you have to book a cruise in advance – this is just when the next available sailing is. Also, these will be skewed slightly by sailings that are sold out, or cruise lines with fewer ships that aren’t offering itineraries every single day.
So don’t treat this as a scientific, definitive list of when you can book a cruise for each cruise line. Instead, use it as an example of how many cruise lines do offer next-day sailings if you want to book something last minute.
Cruise Line
Next Available Sailing
Ambassador Cruise Line
Next day
Azamara
Next day
Carnival
Next day
Celebrity Cruises
Next day
Costa Cruises
In 12 days
Cunard Line
In 4 days
Disney Cruise Line
In 5 days
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
In 5 days
Holland America Line
In 2 days
Hurtigruten
Next day
Marella Cruises
In 6 days
MSC Cruises
In 2 days
Norwegian Cruise Line
In 3 days
Oceania Cruises
Today*
P&O Cruises
In 2 days
Princess Cruises
Today**
Regent Seven Seas
In 6 days
Royal Caribbean
In 2 days
Seabourn
In 4 days
Silversea Cruises
Next day
Viking Cruises
In 2 days
Virgin Voyages
In 4 days
* With Oceania, cruises departing the same day were listed, but you had to call the company in order to book. So it may not always be possible.
**With Princess Cruises, I was able to complete most of the online booking, at least as far as I could go before paying. So it looks like you can book a same-day cruise. What a whim that would be!
Do cruises get cheaper closer to the date?
In most cases, cruises don’t get cheaper closer to the date of departure. As you get closer to the sailing date, cruises will usually either stay the same price or increase, depending on demand. The exception is when the cruise is struggling to sell out.
The best time to book a cruise is usually when they first go on sale, since you get the widest choice of cabins and the prices tend to be at their lowest.
You can also get some great deals at around 12 weeks before departure. This is when final payments are due, some people cancel and the cruise line knows how many cabins are left to fill.
Otherwise, common sale times can be a good time to look. Late December and early January tend to have good deals.
If a cruise has not sold out and a lot of cabins are still available, prices can drop in the last week or two before departure. It’s not guaranteed though, so it is not advised to wait for a price drop before you book.
They also drop after around 12 weeks. So if your reason for booking late is to get a good deal, you don’t need to hold out that late.
If there are cruises that you know aren’t selling well – you’ve tried to book and there are lots of cabins left – you could try waiting to see if the price does come down. But if there’s a rush, you may miss out on the cruise completely, so it’s a gamble I wouldn’t recommend.
Do cruises usually sell out?
Most cruises will either sell out or almost sell out, leaving just a few cabins left to book. Depending on the time of year and the itinerary, some cruises may sail at between 50% and 70% capacity, but these are in the minority these days.
Cruises are expensive for cruise lines to run. Cruise ship fuel costs a lot, and they have to order the food for guests in advance, so they can’t risk understocking the ship. It’s always in the best interests of a cruise line to fill each cabin.
This means that you may be able to get cheap prices on some last-minute cruises, but not always. Typically, cruise lines plan where to position their ships in the world to make sure they mostly sell out.
It’s also worth noting that the higher classes of stateroom or suite almost always sell out first. So if you are able to get a last-minute cruise, expect it to be in one of the most basic cabins on the ship.
Final word
The good news is that you definitely can book a cruise last minute, potentially even on the day of sailing in rare circumstances. So if you have some free time and you’re close enough to port, you can sail off on an exciting getaway with almost no warning.
But don’t hold back in the hope of getting a better deal. It’s a risky strategy that likely won’t pay off, and you may miss out on the cruise.
Be sure to read my guide on the best way to book a cruise, since last-minute cruises may need you to call the cruise line rather than booking online.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
