Most of the drinks that you can enjoy on a cruise need to be paid for as an extra, unless you’re on an all-inclusive cruise or you’ve booked a drinks package. Princess Cruises is no different – if you don’t have a drink package, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got some money set aside for your drinks during your sailing.
But there are a selection of drinks available for free on each Princess Cruises ship, so if you are on a tighter budget, you won’t go thirsty.
Water, lemonade, tea – here’s what’s free
There are eight drinks you can enjoy for free on a Princess cruise – tap water, lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, brewed coffee, hot chocolate, milk and fruit juice. Some of these drinks are only available at specific locations on the ship too, and may incur a charge elsewhere.
Compared to other cruise lines, Princess Cruises offers slightly less than the average number of free drinks, especially with the limitations on where you can get those drinks. It’s not a huge difference – Royal Caribbean offers 9 free drinks, for example – but you may still get a little frustrated if you don’t want to spend extra.
That’s why a lot of people will prefer a Princess drinks package. Yes, you have to pay extra, but once you’ve paid for it up-front, you’re done and you can enjoy the drinks you want without thinking about the extra cost.
And Princess has a lot of different drinks package options you can choose from. They aren’t just for people who drink alcohol – there are non-alcoholic packages, dedicated soda packages, and even specialist coffee packages.
My drinks package calculator is a handy tool that will help you work out whether it’s worthwhile, based on the cost of the package, the typical Princess Cruises drinks prices, and how much you think you’ll want to drink on your cruise.
Where to find the free drinks
1. Water
Water is one of the few drinks that is available freely on Princess Cruises in most locations around the ship. Specifically tap water though – bottled water is available but it isn’t free, so you’ll need to pay if you prefer a specific brand.
You can get tap water in any of the restaurants on your Princess ship, either as a glass or as a jug with ice.
You can also get a glass of water at any bar on the ship, while there will be water machines available in the buffet restaurant where you can help yourself too.
In The Sanctuary and the Spa, you’ll find a selection of iced water dispensers with water that’s flavoured with fresh cucumber or orange slices.
The tap water in your room is safe to drink too, so you’ll always have something to drink in the middle of the night. Tap water is heavily filtered and treated on a cruise ship to make sure it’s safe and suitable for drinking. You can request an ice bucket from your room steward too, if you want to cool it down (the tap water might not be the coldest).
Some people even say that the tap water on a cruise ship is better tasting than that at home. Obviously, home tap water varies all over the world and even within countries, so this might not be true for you, but it’s very clean and can be refreshing on those warmer days.
2. Lemonade
Lemonade is a cruising staple – many cruise lines offer it as a free option, and Princess Cruises is no different. On some ships (but not all) you can get lemonade free from the Horizon Court buffet restaurant during lunch and dinner, so between 11.30 am and 11 pm.
This is American-style lemonade, which means it isn’t carbonated. It’s sweet but with a definite sour kick to it – it feels more authentic than some of the lemonades you might be used to if you normally drink a lemonade soda.
If you’re determined to cruise on a budget, but you don’t want to just drink water, it’s easy enough to pop into the buffet and grab a glass of lemonade when you need a drink, rather than paying for a soft drink at the bar.
3. Fruit juice
While lemonade is offered for lunch and dinner in the Horizon Court, you won’t normally be able to get it for breakfast. Instead, fresh fruit juice is available that you can help yourself to.
You’ll find jugs of orange juice by the tea and coffee…
But, if you prefer something a little more exotic, head over to the food section and along with the fruit and smoothies you may find freshly squeezed juices of the day, like watermelon juice.
Fruit juices are also included if you’d prefer to have your breakfast in the Main Dining Room. Your waiter will bring your chosen juice to your table.
Breakfast in the dining rooms is a lot more laid back and slower, so if you’re just looking for a quick drink and snack before embarking on an excursion, the buffet is the better choice.
4. Iced tea
You’ll be able to ask for unsweetened iced tea on a Princess Cruise in the Main Dining Room, while it’s also available for you to enjoy in the Horizon Court.
It’s only free in these locations though – if you order it from a bar or from the International Cafe in the atrium of the ship, you will have to pay for it. If you’re craving iced tea then try to grab one when they’re available freely.
5. Hot tea
If you like your tea to be a little more British or Asian in style, then hot tea is also available during breakfast in the Main Dining Room, and throughout the day in the Horizon Court buffet. Varieties include English Breakfast tea, Earl Grey and Herbal Tea.
On most Princess Cruises, you won’t have a kettle in your stateroom – although sometimes on sailings out of the UK and in Asia they will be provided. Usually, you’ll need to head to the Main Dining Room or buffet restaurant if you want your tea fix.
Again, ordering hot tea from other locations around the ship, including the International Cafe, will incur an extra charge.
6. Brewed coffee
Brewed coffee is the same as hot tea on a Princess ship – you’ll be able to enjoy it in the Main Dining Room and in the Horizon Court buffet restaurant without paying any extra. Some ships even have self-service coffee machines by some of the pools.
But it is only standard coffee – any speciality coffees will incur an extra charge, and regular brewed coffee also needs to be paid for at the International Cafe.
There is a special drinks package just for coffee lovers – the Grounds Coffee Package includes 15 speciality beverages that you can order at various bars around the ship.
7. Milk
Wherever you can get tea and coffee you can also find milk. And that means that if you’d like to enjoy a glass of the white stuff, you can do so free of charge. You can pour yourself a glass of regular or skim milk in the buffet, or request a glass of milk in the main dining room.
If you’re plant-based, vegan, lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also request soya or almond milk. If you’d like this in your room to use in your tea and coffee, just call room service and they will bring you a jug of dairy-free milk free of charge.
8. Hot chocolate
Some of the coffee machines that you’ll find in the buffet area also make hot chocolate. So if this is your drink or choice or you want to treat the kids, then be sure to check the machine to see if there’s a button for hot chocolate, as depending on the ship, some have it.
Other ways you can get free drinks
There are some other free drinks you can enjoy on a Princess cruise, but they aren’t available completely freely for all guests.
Hit the art auctions for free fizz
If you attend one of the art auctions on a Princess sailing, you’ll normally be given a free glass of sparkling wine as you arrive. Guests who’ve had a drink are more likely to spend more on art, so it’s a small price for Princess to offer when they are looking for guests to treat themselves to a new painting.
Book Club Class or above
There is a selection of free drinks available to guests if they book a Mini Suite or above on a Princess sailing.
Mini Suite guests will be welcomed on-board with a glass of sparkling wine, which is upgraded to Champagne for guests in a Club Class Mini Suite or a full Suite. Club Class is called the Reserve Collection on the newest ships.
Club Class/Reserve Collection guests and above will also enjoy a complimentary half-bottle of white and half-bottle of red wine in their room for their arrival. These are only to be consumed in your room though – you can’t take them to the dining rooms.
And if you book a full Suite, you’ll arrive to a fully-stocked minibar which is yours to enjoy freely – for that first round. Once you’ve consumed your free minibar drinks, you’ll be expected to pay for any further drinks.
But you do also get free bottled water delivered to your room daily, which is a nice additional perk of being a suite guest. Plus you can head to the speciality dining restaurants for breakfast, which includes mimosas.
Select special events may be available where you can enjoy a free drink with Princess Cruises, although many of these vary.
They can also depend on your stateroom, or your Captain’s Circle membership (the Princess Cruises loyalty program). Guests in a Suite, or who are at the Elite level of the Captain’s Circle, may get exclusive invites to parties or a special wine-tasting event (where you don’t have to spit out your free drink!)
Look out for events hosted by the Effy jewellery store on the ship too, as special occasions there may include a free glass of fizz when you arrive. It’s bad form to turn up, have the drink and then leave immediately though.
Guests with Princess are allowed to bring an unlimited amount of soft drinks and water, provided it is in sealed commercial cans, bottles or cartons.
You can’t bring flasks on board since the cruise line will argue they could contain additional alcohol beyond the permitted levels. And sneaking alcohol on board a cruise ship is a bad idea. Your luggage will be scanned, and it will be searched.
You’re welcome to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto the ship with you per person, as long as it’s no bigger than 750ml. It’s only to be consumed in your stateroom, unless you pay a $15 corkage fee – then you can drink it anywhere, including the bars and the restaurants. You can also bring extra bottles but then the corkage fee is mandatory.
So you could bring a few bottles of alcohol, or a lot of cans of your favourite soft drink, in your suitcase. But obviously, that’ll impact how much else you’re able to pack and bring with you, so bear that in mind.
Is it worth sacrificing a couple of outfits so you can save on the cost of a couple of drinks at the bar?
The bottom line
The selection of free drinks from Princess Cruises isn’t exactly extensive, but it’s enough that you could get by if you really didn’t want to spend extra on a cruise. Especially if you also brought some extra drinks with you to enjoy in your stateroom.
But if you’re someone who gets thirsty often, and who has a particular drink that you prefer – or if you just want to relax with a cocktail or a beer – then definitely check out the Princess drinks packages that are included in the Princess Premier and Princess Plus fares, as they might offer much better value than paying for each drink individually.
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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.
Carnival Cruise Line was forced to issue a rare passenger alert on Tuesday 14th August, as it had to cut short its visit to Grand Turk.
Due to deteriorating weather conditions in the region, particularly in Grand Turk, the cruise line requested that all passengers return to the ship earlier than originally scheduled. The new return time was set for 2:30 pm.
In a bid to amplify the message, the cruise line not only tried to contact guests directly but also had brand ambassador John Heald share the news on his Facebook page, to make sure guests knew to return to the ship promptly.
The deteriorating conditions were attributed to the impact of Hurricane Ernesto, which affected the cruise industry in the eastern Caribbean.
It’s not uncommon for cruise lines to make changes to itineraries to avoid problematic weather. It is rare, though, for a cruise ship to visit a port but then realise it has to leave early.
There’s always a risk that some passengers won’t see the message and so would return to the ship at the normal time. For this reason, cruise lines will normally be extra cautious and skip a port if there are concerns that their schedule might be impacted by the weather.
Hurricane Ernesto has proven to be fairly unpredictable already though, and has caused alterations to several other cruises in the region.
It’s hurricane season, so if you’re booking a Caribbean cruise for this time of year you absolutely must take out suitable cruise insurance with missed-port cover!
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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.
MSC Cruises and its sister brand, Explora Journeys, have adopted innovative “smart containers” to enhance the quality and freshness of food delivered to their cruise ships. These smart containers utilise…
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MSC Cruises and its sister brand, Explora Journeys, have adopted innovative “smart containers” to enhance the quality and freshness of food delivered to their cruise ships.
These smart containers utilise advanced technology to monitor and control conditions such as temperature and humidity during transportation. This ensures that food products remain fresh from the warehouse to the ship.
The company has revealed that it started using these smart containers in 2023 to transport food from a supply warehouse in Genoa, Italy, and it has now reported a significant improvement in food quality compared to 2022.
Although the cruise lines source about 96% of their food locally, some goods still need to be transported from global warehouses. The smart containers, monitored 24/7 by a central service centre in Antwerp, Belgium, provide real-time data and alerts to address any issues promptly.
As well as maintaining the perfect humidity and temperature to keep the food in top condition, it can also flag when a container has accidentally opened en-route, so that it can be resolved quickly, without spoilage.
It’s been particularly useful in destinations where sourcing food locally has been tough. Fresh seafood can now go from port to plate within 48 hours, overseen by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, the line’s Fresh Fish Ambassador.
The integration of smart container data into the cruise lines’ IT systems allows for continuous access and monitoring, ensuring the highest standards of food quality for guests.
Have you cruised with MSC since 2023 and noticed a difference in the freshness of the food?
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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.
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The best cruise drinks are the ones built for sunshine and sea air: frozen rum classics like the piña colada and Miami Vice, Caribbean punches such as the Painkiller and rum swizzle, and each cruise line’s own signature cocktails, like Carnival’s Caribbean Colada or Royal Caribbean’s Cucumber Martini. Light spritzes and sparkling brunch drinks round out the list, and almost every bar will make a mocktail version if you ask.
Below are 20 favourite cruise drinks, with what goes into each one, why it works on a ship, and where it tends to be famous. After that you’ll find good alcohol-free picks, rough 2026 drink prices and a quick guide to whether a drinks package is worth it.
20 Best Cruise Drinks to Try on Your Next Sailing
Frozen and tropical favourites
Piña Colada: rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice blended with ice. It’s the unofficial drink of Caribbean cruising, and almost every pool bar keeps a blender busy making it. The drink comes from Puerto Rico, which makes it a natural choice on a San Juan itinerary.
Miami Vice: half piña colada, half strawberry daiquiri, poured so the two layers sit side by side. It’s a good pick when you can’t decide between creamy and fruity, and you can order it on almost any mainstream line.
Caribbean Colada (Carnival): Carnival’s own twist on the colada, served frozen at the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar on the Lido deck. If you’re sailing with Carnival, this is the one to try first.
Love Connection (Royal Caribbean): layers of strawberry daiquiri, mango daiquiri and piña colada. Royal Caribbean bartenders make it at any bar with a blender, and it works just as well without the rum.
Frozen Margarita: tequila, lime and orange liqueur blended with ice, often in mango, strawberry or guava. Carnival’s BlueIguana bar serves several flavours, and frozen margaritas are a sensible order on Mexican Riviera and Cozumel sailings.
Blue Hawaiian: rum, blue curaçao, pineapple and coconut. Its bright colour is a big part of the appeal, and it photographs well against a sea view.
Mudslide: vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream, often blended with ice cream. It’s rich enough to count as dessert, so it suits an evening rather than a hot afternoon.
Caribbean rum classics
Mojito: white rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar and soda. It’s lighter and less sweet than the frozen drinks. Many bars also make a frozen version, and Royal Caribbean lists the Frozen Mojito among its fan favourites.
Painkiller: dark or navy rum, pineapple, orange juice and cream of coconut, topped with nutmeg. It comes from the British Virgin Islands, and Carnival’s RedFrog bar serves its own version, Red’s Painkiller.
Bahama Mama: coconut rum with orange and pineapple juice, plus grenadine on many ships. It’s a classic on short Bahamas sailings and private-island days.
Rum Swizzle: Bermuda’s national drink, made with dark and light rum, fruit juices and bitters, and traditionally “swizzled” with a stick. Order it on a Bermuda cruise from New York, New Jersey or Boston.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy: dark rum, ginger beer and lime. Another Bermuda favourite, and the ginger makes it a refreshing choice in the heat.
Coco Loco: rum, sometimes with tequila or vodka, mixed with coconut and pineapple and often served in a real coconut. You’re as likely to find it at a beach bar in port as on board.
Cruise line signature cocktails
Cucumber Martini (Royal Caribbean): Grey Goose vodka, lemongrass syrup, sweet and sour, cucumber and basil. It’s famously mixed tableside at 150 Central Park on Oasis Class ships and is also served at champagne bars. Crisp and not too sweet.
Cucumber Sunrise (Carnival): Belvedere vodka, lime, watermelon syrup, orange juice and muddled cucumber. It’s the best-known order at Carnival’s Alchemy Bar, where cocktails cost about $14.25 in recent reports.
Lime & Coconut (Royal Caribbean): coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut and guava syrups and lime. It’s the house drink of the Lime and Coconut pool bar on newer Royal Caribbean ships.
Espresso Martini: vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso. It has become one of the most requested after-dinner drinks across the major lines, and it’s a natural fit before a late show.
Lighter sips for brunch, ports and dinner
Mimosa: sparkling wine and orange juice. It’s the classic sea-day brunch drink and easy to keep light.
Aperol Spritz: Aperol, prosecco and soda with an orange slice. It’s low in alcohol and bittersweet, and it’s everywhere on Mediterranean cruises, where you can order the same drink at a café in port.
Pimm’s Cup: Pimm’s No.1 with lemonade or ginger ale, cucumber, mint and fruit. It’s a summer favourite on British-market ships and Northern Europe sailings, and some US bars will make one on request.
Honourable mentions: the Singapore Sling (gin, cherry liqueur and pineapple) on Asia itineraries, and Royal Caribbean’s PB&J Old Fashioned at the Mason Jar restaurant and bar.
Frozen drinks and mocktails are a big part of pool deck life. Photo: Helena Lopes on Pexels
Best Non-Alcoholic Cruise Drinks
You don’t need alcohol to enjoy the bar menu. Most of the drinks above can be made “virgin”, and the major lines now list proper spirit-free cocktails:
Virgin piña colada or Love Connection: all the coconut and fruit, no rum. These are popular with families.
Carnival spirit-free cocktails: Carnival offers several signature cocktails in alcohol-free form, including the Martini Seduction at Alchemy Bar (non-alcoholic cane spirit, passion fruit and lime), at around $10.25 in recent reports.
Nojito: a mojito with soda in place of rum. Very refreshing after a day in port.
Iced specialty coffees and smoothies: good mid-morning choices, though they’re often charged separately or need a coffee or premium package.
Lemonade, iced tea and water: on most mainstream lines these are free at the buffet, and it’s worth alternating them with cocktails on hot days. Carnival’s free options are covered in our guide to drinks that are always free on Carnival cruises.
How Much Do Cruise Drinks Cost in 2026?
Prices change by line, ship and venue, so take these as rough guides. On mainstream US lines, most cocktails cost about $12 to $16, and specialty bars or premium spirits cost more. An automatic service charge of about 18 to 20% is usually added to every bar bill. Beer generally costs less than cocktails, and frozen drinks are usually priced like standard cocktails. Souvenir glasses and refillable cups cost extra.
Is a Cruise Drinks Package Worth It?
A package only pays off if you’d drink enough of these favourites anyway. The usual rule of thumb is that you need about five or six alcoholic drinks a day to break even, and many people drink less than that. This table shows where the main US lines stand as of October 2026:
Cruise line
Package (approx. 2026)
Value tip
Carnival
CHEERS!: about $89.94 per person per day, including the 20% service charge. Carnival is moving to dynamic pricing from 1 December 2026.
Everyone aged 21 or over in a cabin normally has to buy it together, so add up the cost for the whole cabin before you book.
Royal Caribbean
Deluxe Beverage Package: about $98 to $119 per day before sailing on Caribbean cruises. It covers drinks up to about $14 each.
Prices often drop during Cruise Planner sales and usually rise once you’re on board.
Norwegian (NCL)
Free at Sea Open Bar, with a daily service charge of about $28.50. The Plus upgrade costs about $49.99 per day.
Check whether your booking has More at Sea or Free at Sea terms. They changed for bookings made after 5 November 2025.
Sail-away is a popular time for a signature cocktail. Photo: SamFoll SF on Pexels
Tips for Ordering Drinks on a Cruise
Look for the cruise line’s own drinks. House specialties like the Caribbean Colada or the Cucumber Martini are what each line does best, and bar staff make them all day.
Ask for less sugar. Frozen drinks can be very sweet, so ask for half the syrup or extra lime.
Drink water in the sun. Heat, sea air and alcohol add up quickly, so alternate cocktails with water and pace yourself. Bartenders can refuse service if they need to.
Check the menu price before you order. Premium spirits and specialty bars can cost more than your package covers, and the difference is charged to your cabin.
Remember the rules. The minimum drinking age on US-based lines is generally 21, although some lines allow 18 on certain European or South American sailings with an adult’s consent.
Planning your next sailing? Our 2027 cruise deals guide lists the offers worth watching, including fares that come with drinks included.
The piña colada is widely seen as the most popular cruise drink, especially in the Caribbean. The Miami Vice, frozen margaritas and mojitos come close behind.
What drinks should I get on a cruise?
Start with your cruise line’s signature drinks, such as Carnival’s Caribbean Colada or Royal Caribbean’s Cucumber Martini. Then try regional classics like the rum swizzle in Bermuda or an Aperol Spritz in the Mediterranean.
What cruise line has the best drinks?
It depends on what you like. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have the widest choice of themed bars and signature cocktails, while luxury lines usually include premium drinks in the fare.
Are non-alcoholic drinks free on a cruise?
Water, iced tea, lemonade, basic coffee and some juices are usually free on mainstream lines. Sodas, mocktails, specialty coffees and smoothies normally cost extra unless you buy a package.
How much is a cocktail on a cruise in 2026?
On mainstream US lines, most cocktails cost about $12 to $16, plus an automatic service charge of around 18 to 20%. Specialty bars and premium spirits cost more.
A lot of cruise ships have very unique names, but there are also some popular names that crop up on a regular basis.
It might be that a cruise line repeats a ship name when one retires, or sometimes there are just popular words that feature across different lines – understandable, since there have been so many cruise ships to have ever sailed!
I’ve researched all the major cruise ships that have ever sailed – sticking exclusively to cruise ships – to find the most common names of ships of all time. And here they are…
Spirit (18 ships)
Star (16 ships)
Dream (11 ships)
Explorer (9 ships)
Sea (9 ships)
Sun (8 ships)
Discovery (6 ships)
Sky (6 ships)
Voyager (5 ships)
Majesty (4 ships)
Breeze (4 ships)
Vista (4 ships)
1. Spirit
“Spirit” is the most popular name for cruise ships – there are 18 that I’ve counted, although a few of those are for one cruise line. It’s a great name that invokes a sense of adventure, or perhaps it just hints at the booze you’ll enjoy if you get a drinks package (I’m kidding)!
Aegean Spirit
Golden Sun Cruises – 2000 to 2001
Aegean Spirit is better known as Enrico Costa, serving as a cruise ship for Costa Cruises. She was originally built in 1951 but only refurbished as a cruise ship in 1965, and for around a year she cruised as Aegean Spirit once sold to Golden Sun Cruises.
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Cruise Line – 2001 to present
Carnival Spirit was the first ship in Carnival’s Spirit Class, and despite her age, she remains a popular ship in the fleet. She cruises from Alabama and Seattle.
Marella Spirit
Marella Cruises – 2003 to 2018 (also as Thomson Spirit)
Marella Spirit actually sailed for Holland America Line as an earlier Nieuw Amsterdam ship – she was sold to Thomson Cruises in 2003 and would serve until 2018, being sold that year and later scrapped the same year.
Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Cruise Line – 2004 to present
Norwegian Spirit is one of the older ships in the NCL fleet – she was first built in 1998 for Star Cruises, sailing as SuperStar Leo. She was refurbished in 2020.
Regent Spirit
Regency Cruises – 1992 to 1996
Regent Spirit is a ship with a long history, being first built in 1962. She served under a range of cruise lines, with four years spent sailing the Mexican coast and the Mediterranean under the Regent Spirit name.
Seabourn Spirit
Seabourn – 1989 to 2015
Seabourn Spirit was a very popular luxury ship for Seabourn for many years – she first launched in 1989 and served over 25 years for the cruise line. She now sails as Star Breeze for Windstar Cruises, meaning she makes another appearance later in this list…
Spirit of London
P&O Cruises – 1972 to 1974
Spirit of London didn’t last long with the name that she launched with, serving just two years before she was transferred to Princess Cruises and became Sun Princess. So this is another ship you’ll see again in this list – more than once, actually.
Silver Spirit
Silver Spirit sailing under Tower Bridge
Silversea – 2009 to present
Silver Spirit was the sixth ship to launch in the Silversea fleet, and she continues to offer guests a stunning luxury cruise experience, with a maximum capacity of just 648 guests.
Spirit of Adventure
Saga Cruises – 2020 to present
Spirit of Adventure is a modern cruise ship sailing for Saga Cruises, a British cruise line aimed at an older audience. Despite launching in 2020, her maiden voyage was delayed until 2021 due to the global shutdown at the time.
Spirit of Alaska
Spirit of Columbia
Spirit of Discovery
Spirit of Endeavour
Spirit of Glacier Bay
Spirit of Oceanus
Spirit of Yorktown
Spirit of ‘98
Cruise West – Various from 1990 to 2010
Cruise West was a small-ship cruise operator best known for Alaskan cruises. The fleet of ships were all named “Spirit of…”. The cruise line was forced to cease operations in 2010, with the ships sold off.
Wind Spirit
Windstar Cruises – 1987 to present
Wind Spirit is a currently-serving cruise ship for Windstar Cruises – one of three ships to feature a classic sail yacht design. She offers small ship luxury cruises for just 148 guests.
2. Star
The second most popular name for cruise ships, “Star” is popular because it has a number of meanings – the star/gem of a fleet, but also the shining beacon of light that is beautiful and captivating.
A-ROSA STAR
A-ROSA Cruises – 2005 to present
A-ROSA STAR is a river cruise ship offering luxurious journeys along Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Known for its elegant design and exceptional service, it has been a favourite for river cruise enthusiasts.
Atlantic Star
Pullmantur Cruises – 2009 to 2013
Atlantic Star has featured for several big cruise lines, including P&O Australia and Princess, but it was under Pullmantur that she sailed with that name for four years.
China Star
China Cruises – 2005 to 2017
China Star was a prominent cruise ship for China Cruises, also known under several other “Star” names – Omar Star and Saipan Star.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line – 2001 to present
Norwegian Star is a popular ship in the NCL fleet, and one of the longest-serving ships for the cruise line. She sails to various exotic destinations and underwent significant refurbishments in 2018.
Star Breeze
Star Legend
Star Pride
Star Legend
Windstar Cruises – 2014 to present
These three ships used to sail for Seabourn but were sold to Windstar Cruises to serve as the line’s new Star Class of ships, moving away from the traditional sail ships that they had been known for but still offering stunning luxury for guests.
Star Clipper
Star Flyer
Star Clippers – 1992 to present
Star Clipper and Star Flyer are stunning tall ships that offer a unique sailing experience. With their four masts and traditional design, they offer a blend of adventure and luxury, reminiscent of the golden age of sailing.
Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean – Launching 2025
The second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas will be the biggest cruise ship in the world when she launches, and will wow guests with a huge range of onboard features.
Star Pisces
Star Cruises – 1993 to 2022
Star Pisces was a cruise ship that was owned by Star Cruises, offering short breaks from Hong Kong. Following the collapse of the company’s parent, Genting Hong Kong, the ship was sold for scrap in 2022.
Star Princess
Princess Cruises – 1989 to 1997
The first Star Princess served for Princess Cruises before being transferred to P&O Australia. She was ultimately scrapped in 2021.
Star Princess
Princess Cruises – 2002 to 2020
The second Star Princess continued the legacy of this popular name. Like her earlier namesake, she also transferred to P&O Australia, and she continues to sail.
Star Princess
Princess Cruises – Due to launch 2025
The third Star Princess ship will be the second Sphere-class ship in the fleet, following Sun Princess. She’ll offer stunning accommodation options and a wealth of great dining venues.
Viking Star
Viking Ocean Cruises – 2015 to present
Viking Star is the first ocean-going ship for Viking Cruises, known for her sophisticated design and cultural enrichment programs.
Wind Star
Windstar Cruises – 1986 to present
Wind Star is another of the classic Windstar ships to be powered by a mix of motor and sails. Like her sisters, she has a capacity of just 148 guests.
3. Dream
Do you ever find yourself dreaming of your next cruise? Perhaps a cruise is your dream holiday, as in your perfect option. Either way, it’s no surprise that so many ships have adopted the “dream” name.
Carnival Dream
Carnival Cruise Line – 2009 to present
The lead ship in Carnival’s Dream Class, Carnival Dream was the biggest ship in the Carnival fleet when she first launched. She’s still highly popular, offering cruises from Galveston in Texas.
Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line – 2011 to present
Disney Dream is the first of two Dream-class ships to launch for Disney Cruise Line, followed by her sister Disney Fantasy. While these ships were the biggest in the fleet for a decade, they’ve now been surpassed by the Wish Class.
Dream Princess
Caspi Cruises – 2004 to 2006
This is another cruise ship that has been operated by several cruise lines and under several names, though her longest run was as Song of Norway for Royal Caribbean from 1970 to 1997.
Explorer Dream
Dream Cruises – 2019 to 2021
Sometimes a ship name is made up of just two very popular words – which is why Explorer Dream makes this list again, having already been mentioned in the “Explorer” section above.
Genting Dream
Dream Cruises – 2019 to present
Genting Dream is another cruise ship to have been built for the doomed Genting Hong Kong. She’s also transferred to Resorts World Cruises, but she has kept her name.
Marella Dream
Marella Cruises – 2010 to 2021
Marella Dream (also Thomson Dream, before the rebrand) enjoyed an 11-year stint sailing for the British cruise line, after a longer career as the Westerdam for Holland America Line. She was scrapped in 2022.
MS Dream
Tianjin Orient – 2023 to present
The MS Dream has a storied history, having served as the Adonia for P&O Cruises for a two-year period sandwiched between two stints as the Sea Princess for Princess Cruises. She now sails throughout Asia.
Ocean Dream
Ocean Deluxe Cruises – 2012 to 2015
This is the former Spirit of London ship already mentioned, and following her time under that name and as Sun Princess, she spent her last years as Ocean Dream before she was sunk and scrapped.
Ocean Dream
Pullmantur Cruises / Peace Boat – 2008 to 2021
The Ocean Dream began life as the Tropicale and sailed for Carnival Cruise Lines for several years. She also sailed for Costa Cruises and P&O Australia before becoming the Ocean Dream in 2008. She was scrapped in 2021.
SeaDream I and SeaDream II
SeaDream Yacht Club – 2001 to present
The SeaDream yachts were originally built in 1984 and 1985 respectively and have sailed for Cunard and Seabourn prior to forming the SeaDream fleet. These luxury small ships have a capacity for just 112 passengers each.
4. Explorer
A cruise offers a sense of adventure, giving you the chance to see parts of the world you otherwise wouldn’t. The name “Explorer” is therefore the perfect choice for a ship that will whisk you off on a journey of a lifetime.
Explorer Dream
Dream Cruises – 2019 to 2021
The Explorer Dream was one short-lived name of this popular cruise ship which had previously spent 20 years sailing as SuperStar Virgo for Star Cruises. After the collapse of Genting Hong Kong, she’s now joined Resorts World Cruises and sails as Resorts World One.
Explorer of the Seas
Royal Caribbean – 2000 to present
One of the oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Explorer of the Seas is still a very popular choice for loyal fans who prefer the Voyager-class ships to the biggest ships in the fleet.
Explorer Starship
Exploration Cruise Lines – 1974 to 1989
Explorer Starship spent 15 years sailing for the smaller cruise line Exploration, before becoming well known as the Song of Flower under Seven Seas Cruises and later Radisson. Later in life she would also sail as Le Diamant for Compagnie du Ponant, and then Ocean Diamond.
Marella Explorer & Marella Explorer 2
Marella Cruises – 2018 to present
The Marella Explorer ships are former Celebrity Cruises ships that were transferred to Marella Cruises to serve the British market. Marella Explorer 2 now operates as the cruise line’s adults-only ship.
National Geographic Explorer
Lindblad Expeditions – 2008 to present
The National Geographic Explorer is an expedition cruise ship designed to handle icy waters, and often sailing to the Arctic and Antarctic seas. She previously sailed for Hurtigruten as the Midnatsol.
Pacific Explorer
P&O Cruises Australia – 2017 to present
Pacific Explorer is a Sun-class ship currently sailing for P&O Australia, but she spent much of her life sailing as the Dawn Princess for sister brand Princess Cruises.
Sea Explorer
Clipper Group – 2013 to 2014
The Sea Explorer was a name given to a cruise ship that had previously spent much of its life sailing for Renaissance Cruises, before the company went bust in 2001. She’s undergone several name stints and is now known as Hebridean Sky, sailing for Noble Caledonia.
Silver Explorer
Silversea – 2011 to 2023
Silver Explorer is an ice-rated expedition ship that famously sailed for Silversea as a luxury vessel for several years. She had previously sailed under a variety of names such as World Discoverer and Baltic Clipper. She now sails as Exploris One for the Exploris line.
5. Sea
Caption: Mozzihh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sometimes the simplest names are the best, and so there are several ships named after that huge blue expanse that you’ll be sailing on. There’s loads of inspiration you can draw from the sea, and plenty of great ships that bear the name.
Sea Breeze
Dolphin Cruise Lines – 1988 to 2000
The Sea Breeze launched for Costa Cruises way back in 1958, sailing for 25 years as the Frederico C. She ultimately ended up at Dolphin in 1988 and was renamed Sea Breeze. She sank in 2000.
Sea Cloud
Sea Cloud II
Sea Cloud Spirit
Sea Cloud Cruises – 1979 / 2001 to present
The Sea Cloud ships are beautiful sail ships that offer luxury small-ship cruises. Sea Cloud first launched in the 1970s and the latter ships are more recent builds, aiming to recreate the authentic feel of the original.
Sea Diamond
Louis Hellenic Cruise Lines – 2006 to 2007
The Sea Diamond was the former Birka Princess, sold to Louis Hellenic in 2006. She ran aground in 2007 in Santorini, ultimately sinking.
Sea Explorer
Clipper Group – 2013 to 2014
I’ve already covered the ship – now known as the Hebridean Sky – in the ‘Explorer’ section above, but as another “sea” ship she gets a mention here too.
Sea Princess
Princess Cruises – 1998 to 2003, 2005 to 2020
This is the MS Dream I’ve covered above – a ship that completed 20 years of service for Princess Cruises, split between two runs (with a two-year gap as P&O’s Adonia in the middle). She’s now operating in Asia.
…of the Seas
Various (Royal Caribbean)
You could make an argument that “Sea” is actually the most popular cruise ship name since the entire Royal Caribbean fleet is named *something* of the Seas. I wanted to give it a brief nod since the “of the Seas” suffix isn’t part of the cruise line name, so it is a branding choice, but really the ships are better known by their first word.
6. Sun
It’s no surprise that “Sun” (and slight variants) is one of the most popular cruise ship names – it instantly has you thinking of great weather and the great times that go with it.
Carnival Sunrise
Carnival Cruise Line – 1999 to present
An older ship, Carnival Sunrise used to be called Carnival Triumph, but she was refurbished in 2019 and given a new name to match her exciting new features.
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Cruise Line – 1996 to present
The oldest ship sailing in the fleet, Carnival Sunshine was formerly known as Carnival Destiny, but she was rebranded in 2013 when she became the first for Carnival to get the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades.
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Cruise Line – 2001 to present
The second-oldest ship in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Sun is the second of the Sun-class ships and a sister to Norwegian Sky (see below). Despite her age, she is still popular with loyal NCL fans.
Sun Princess
Princess Cruises – 1974 to 1989
This ship makes its third entry in this list – the former Spirit of London and eventual Ocean Dream spent most of her life as the original Sun Princess for Princess Cruises.
Sun Princess
Princess Cruises – 1995 to 2020
The second Sun Princess was the first purpose-built ship for the cruise line since 1984’s Royal Princess. She was sold in 2020 and now operates as Pacific World for P&O Australia.
Sun Princess
Princess Cruises – 2024 to present
The third ship sailing for Princess Cruises with this name, Sun Princess is the first Sphere-Class ship for the cruise line.
Sun Vista
Sun Cruises – 1997 to 1999
The Sun Vista was an older cruise ship first built in 1963. After launching as Galileo Galilei and later sailing as Galileo, she joined Celebrity Cruises as Meridian. After being sold to Sun Cruises, she sank two years later.
7. Discovery
“Discovery” is a great name for a cruise ship, because there really is so much that you’ll discover on a cruise holiday – from stunning destinations, to great food, and even just the best ways to relax.
Celestyal Discovery
Celestyal Cruises – 2024 to present
Celestyal Cruises is a Greek cruise operator specialising in itineraries that call at multiple islands per day. In 2024 the former AIDAaura joined the fleet, rechristened to Celestyal Discovery.
Discovery
Voyages of Discovery – 2002 to 2014
Voyages of Discovery was a British cruise line and Discovery was one of the primary ships, mainly aimed at Brits but with some international guests too. She was broken up in 2014.
Discovery I
Discovery Cruises – 1970 to unknown (scrapped eventually)
Discovery I underwent several names during her sailing career, including Bleheim, Scandinavian Sea, and Venus Venture.
Discovery Princess
Princess Cruises – 2022 to present
One of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, Discovery Princess was the final Royal-class ship to launch. She’s extremely popular, with modern features and a wealth of great bars and restaurants.
Marella Discovery
Marella Discovery 2
Marella Cruises – 2016/17 to present
The Marella Discovery ships are the smallest ships in the Marella fleet, offering family-friendly, all-inclusive cruises for the British market. Both ships previously sailed for Royal Caribbean, as Splendor of the Seas and Legend of the Seas respectively.
8. Sky
Several ships have been given the name “Sky”, and it’s another great choice. The only thing more expansive than the ocean is the sky, and as well as the connotations of a beautiful blue sky to enjoy on your cruise, it conjures up a sense of sailing off into the great unknown.
Island Sky
Noble Caledonia – 1992 to present
Island Sky currently sails for Noble Caledonia, offering small-ship cruise tours with luxurious accommodations. There are just 59 suites onboard.
Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Cruise Line – 1998 to 2004, 2008 to present
Norwegian Sky is a Sun-class cruise ship currently sailing for NCL. She was originally to be called Costa Olympia but the incomplete hull was bought by NCL. She was renamed Pride of Aloha for four years while sailing for NCL America but her name reverted in 2008.
Royal Viking Sky
Royal Viking Line – 1973 to 1991
The Royal Viking Sky was used for luxury cruises around the world when she first launched. She’s undergone several names and been owned by many cruise lines since, including NCL and Princess. She was well known as Boudicca for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, too.
Sky Princess
Princess Cruises – 1988 to 2000
The original Sky Princess was first built for Sitmar Cruises as Fairsky and would also serve time sailing as Atlantic Star (yes, the one mentioned above).
Sky Princess
Princess Cruises – 2019 to present
The second Sky Princess ship to sail for Princess, this Royal-class ship debuted in 2019 and offers some spectacular features, including the impressive Sky Suite.
Viking Sky
Viking Cruises – 2017 to present
Viking Sky is another luxury cruise ship sailing for Viking on the oceans. She was the third ship to launch following the Viking Star and Viking Sea.
9. Voyager
Several ships have adopted the name “Voyager” as another name to conjure up that sense of adventure. Book your own voyage to experience a truly unforgettable holiday.
Grand Voyager
Ibero – 2005 to 2011
The Grand Voyager is a cruise ship that has enjoyed many ‘Voyager’ names, including Olympic Voyager and Costa Voyager, while sailing for Costa Cruises. She now sails for the Bohai Ferry Company as Chinese Taishan.
Ocean Voyager
American Queen Voyages – 2021 to 2023
Ocean Voyager is a small cruise ship that was best known for sailing for American Queen Voyages, until the company went bankrupt and was forced to sell the ship.
Marella Voyager
Marella Cruises – 2023 to present
The latest addition to the Marella Cruises fleet, Marella Voyager had previously sailed as the Celebrity Mercury and was due to be the original TUI Explorer 2, but that was delayed and instead the current Marella Explorer 2 took her place.
Seven Seas Voyager
Regent Seven Seas – 2003 to present
One of the ultra-luxury ships sailing for Regent Seven Seas, the Seven Seas Voyager is an all-suite vessel with the finest accommodations and service onboard.
Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean – 1999 to present
A classic of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Voyager of the Seas is one of just a few ships to have been built pre-2000 to still be sailing for the cruise line. She’s still well-liked too, despite her age and comparatively small size.
10. Majesty
There are many regal-sounding names for cruise ships, with “Majesty” being the most common of those – a name befitting a holiday where you really are treated as a VIP.
Aegean Majesty
Seajets – 2020 to present
The former Veendam for Holland America Line, the ship was sold to Seajets in 2020 and rebranded as the Aegean Majesty. However she remains laid up since then, not yet having sailed.
Majesty of the Oceans
Seajets – 2021 to present
Another ship sold to Seajets and then remaining unused since, Majesty of the Oceans was better known as Majesty of the Seas for 28 years, operating for Royal Caribbean.
Ocean Majesty
Majestic International Cruises – 1995 to present
A former ferry, the Ocean Majesty has operated as a cruise ship since 1989 following extensive renovations, with the name Ocean Majesty being given to her in 1995. She is still technically sailing though has been used to house asylum seekers in recent years.
Norwegian Majesty
Norwegian Cruise Line – 1997 to 2009
This cruise line has had several ‘majestic’ names under different cruise lines, including Royal Majesty and Thomson Majesty. But her longest stint with a single name was as Norwegian Majesty, for 12 years.
11. Breeze
“Breeze” is a beautiful name for a cruise ship. It has connotations of breezing through the sparkling waters, but also reminds you of that feeling of standing on the deck, drink in hand, as the breeze gently washes over you. Talk about idyllic!
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Cruise Line – 2012 to present
Carnival Breeze is one of the best-loved Carnival ships in the fleet. She is packed with fun features and offers plenty of exciting itineraries from Galveston.
OceanBreeze
Premier Cruise Lines – 1997 to 2000
A relatively short stint as the OceanBreeze for this ship, which had previously sailed as Southern Cross, Calypso and Azure Seas. She was scrapped in 2003.
Sea Breeze
Dolphin Cruise Lines – 1988 to 2000
Another mention for the Sea Breeze, which sank in 2000. Check out the Sea section above for more.
Star Breeze
Windstar Cruises – 2015 to present
The Star Breeze is the former Seabourn Spirit. The luxury cruise ship was sold by Seabourn in 2015 after 26 years of service, joining Windstar’s new Star Class.
12. Vista
A “vista” is a spectacular view, and is there any better view than the one you’ll get from a cruise ship? Maybe just that view you’ll get of the ship itself as you arrive in port, ready for your holiday to begin!
Carnival Vista
Carnival Cruise Line – 2016 to present
Carnival Vista is the lead ship of Carnival’s Vista Class, alongside sister ships Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama. She offers sailings year-round from Port Canaveral.
Sun Vista
Sun Cruises – 1997 to 1999
A second mention for this ship – Sun Vista was the former Galileo and Meridian which sank in 1999. Check out the “Sun” section above for more.
Vista
Oceania Cruises – 2023 to present
In 2023, Oceania Cruises debuted the new Allura Class of premium-luxury ships with the Vista, to be joined by Allura in 2025. She offers exceptional dining venues and beautiful accommodations.
Vistamar
Plantours & Partner – 1989 to 2012
The Vistamar was a cruise ship sailing for German cruise lines, primarily Plantours & Partner. She would go on to be renamed Med Queen and Orient Queen, and sank following an explosion while berthed in Beirut.
Final Word
Those are the most common cruise ship names, but there are plenty of amazing unique ship names too.
Do you have a particular favourite name for a ship? Maybe you’ve got your own ideas for what the ultimate cruise ship would be called? I’d love to hear them!
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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.
Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean comes down to one question: do you want flexibility or the biggest choice of things to do? Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is best for relaxed, no-schedule cruising with lots of restaurants and an optional bundle of drinks and extras. Royal Caribbean is best for families and thrill-seekers who want the largest ships, more free activities and the strongest private island in the Caribbean.
Both are mainstream, mid-priced American cruise lines sailing from many of the same US ports, so they often compete for the same passengers. This guide compares the two lines as they stand in late 2026, from the newest ships and private islands to packages, dining and the real cost of a week at sea, so you can pick the line that fits how you like to travel.
Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean at a glance
Feature
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Overall style
Freestyle: no set dining times, no formal nights
Resort-style mega-ships with lots of included activities
Fleet size (late 2026)
Around 20 ships
Around 29 ships
Newest ships
Norwegian Aqua (2025), Norwegian Luna (2026); Norwegian Aura due 2027
Icon of the Seas (2024), Star of the Seas (2025), Legend of the Seas (2026)
Largest ships
Prima Plus class, about 4,200 guests
Icon Class, around 7,600 guests at full capacity
Private destinations
Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas), Harvest Caye (Belize)
Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas), Labadee (Haiti), Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Nassau)
Bundled extras
Free at Sea (drinks, specialty meals, Wi-Fi, excursion credit), optional Free at Sea Plus
Pay as you go: drinks packages, Voom Wi-Fi, dining plans, The Key
Kids clubs
Splash Academy (from 3) and Entourage for teens
Adventure Ocean (3 to 12) plus teen spaces
Best for
Couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, foodies
Families, first-timers, active travelers
Ships and fleets: the newest Royal Caribbean and NCL ships
Royal Caribbean runs the bigger fleet and the biggest ships. Its Icon Class is the headline: Icon of the Seas arrived in 2024, Star of the Seas followed in 2025 from Port Canaveral, and Legend of the Seas debuted in July 2026, taking the class to Europe for the first time with sailings from Barcelona before moving to Fort Lauderdale. These ships carry around 7,600 guests at full capacity and are split into themed neighborhoods, including a dedicated family water park area. Below them sit the Oasis, Quantum and older Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision classes, so the experience varies a lot by ship. Our guide to Royal Caribbean ship classes explains the differences.
Norwegian’s ships are smaller but still large. Its newest are the Prima Plus class pair, Norwegian Aqua (2025) and Norwegian Luna, which was christened in Miami in spring 2026 and carries about 4,200 guests. Both have the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid roller coaster and waterslide. Norwegian Aura, the third and largest ship of the class, is due in 2027. NCL is also retiring its oldest tonnage, with Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun leaving the fleet. If you want to know which NCL ship to pick, see our Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked and the full list of newest NCL cruise ships.
The practical point: comparing the lines only makes sense ship to ship. A brand-new Norwegian Prima-class ship can feel more modern than an older Royal Caribbean Vision-class ship, while an Oasis or Icon Class ship offers far more onboard than any NCL vessel.
Private islands and beach clubs
This is one of the biggest differences for Caribbean cruises.
Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean): widely seen as the best cruise line private island. The beach, pools and food at several venues are included; Thrill Waterpark, the adults-only Hideaway Beach and cabanas cost extra.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Royal Caribbean): opened in December 2025 near the Nassau cruise port, with pools, two beaches and a huge swim-up bar. It works on an all-inclusive day pass bought separately, rather than being free.
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian): the island has had a major upgrade. A new two-berth pier means ships can dock instead of using tenders, a new pool area has opened, and the Great Tides Waterpark, with 19 waterslides, a lazy river and an adults-only area, had its official grand opening in September 2026. Check NCL’s site for which parts are included and which are paid.
Harvest Caye (Norwegian): a resort-style stop in Belize used on Western Caribbean itineraries.
Royal Caribbean still has the edge on choice, but Great Stirrup Cay has closed much of the gap, especially now that guests can walk off the ship.
Dining style is one of the clearest differences between the two lines. Photo: Jose Parra on Pexels
Free at Sea vs Royal Caribbean packages
How the two lines price extras is the difference most comparisons gloss over, and it changes the real cost of your cruise.
Norwegian: Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus
Many NCL fares come with Free at Sea, which bundles an unlimited open bar, a set number of specialty dining meals, Wi-Fi and a shore excursion credit, depending on the fare and sailing length. You still pay the daily service charges on the drinks and dining perks. For sailings from February 2026, NCL added Free at Sea Plus, an upgrade priced at around $49.99 per person per day at launch, which adds premium spirits and wines, Starbucks drinks, streaming Wi-Fi, bottled water and a discount on extra specialty meals.
Royal Caribbean: pay for what you want
Royal Caribbean fares are usually more basic. Drinks packages (such as the Deluxe Beverage Package), Voom internet, specialty dining plans and The Key (priority boarding and other perks) are bought separately, and prices vary by ship and sailing date, often with pre-cruise sales. If you drink little alcohol, this can work out cheaper; if you want drinks and Wi-Fi every day, the add-ons quickly mount up.
Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian cost: what a week really costs
Headline fares can mislead. At the time of writing, a 7-night Caribbean inside cabin on an older ship from either line can start from several hundred dollars per person, while new ships such as Icon of the Seas or Norwegian Luna cost much more, especially in school holidays. To compare fairly:
Price the same cabin type, sailing length and season on each line.
Add the extras you would actually buy: drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and any paid private island or waterpark access.
Add daily gratuities and NCL’s service charges on Free at Sea perks.
Check whether one line’s fare includes perks you would otherwise pay for.
Couples who drink and want Wi-Fi often find Norwegian’s bundled fare good value. Families with children who drink soft drinks and spend the day on free attractions often do better with Royal Caribbean. Prices change constantly, so watch for offers in our guide to cruise deals for 2027.
Staterooms and suites
Both lines offer inside, ocean view, balcony and suite cabins. Royal Caribbean has some unusual options, such as interior cabins with virtual balconies on newer ships and Central Park or Boardwalk balconies on Oasis and Icon Class ships, plus multi-level loft suites and large family cabins.
Norwegian stands out in two areas. Its Studio cabins are designed and priced for one person, with access to a shared lounge, which makes NCL one of the better big-ship lines for solo travelers. At the top end, The Haven is a private suite complex with its own pool, sundeck, restaurant and butler service, a ship-within-a-ship that feels closer to a premium line. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class gives suite guests extra perks and, on some ships, a private lounge, but not usually a fully separate enclave.
Dining: freestyle vs traditional
Norwegian invented freestyle dining: you eat when you like in the main dining rooms, with no fixed table or time. Ships often have many specialty restaurants, such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro and teppanyaki, which cost extra unless covered by Free at Sea.
Royal Caribbean offers a choice of traditional fixed-time dining or flexible My Time Dining. It is generally strong on included casual food, such as the buffet, Park Café, El Loco Fresh and late-night pizza at Sorrento’s, depending on the ship. Specialty options include Chops Grille, Izumi and Giovanni’s. Food quality on both lines is broadly similar and depends more on the ship and the venue than the brand.
Top-deck thrills are where the bigger ships pull ahead. Photo: Rick Josey on Pexels
Activities and entertainment
Royal Caribbean is the clear leader for onboard activities. Depending on the ship you can find surf simulators, climbing walls, ice skating, zip lines, waterslides and the AquaTheater, and most of these are included. Its shows range from Broadway musicals to ice and high-diving productions.
Norwegian has impressive top-deck attractions of its own, including go-kart tracks on several ships and the Aqua Slidecoaster on its newest ships, but some of these carry an extra fee. NCL’s entertainment includes Broadway-style shows, comedy and live music, with a strong nightlife and bar scene that suits adults.
Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean for families and kids
Both lines have free kids clubs. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean covers ages 3 to 12, with spaces for teens, and Norwegian’s Splash Academy runs from age 3, with Entourage for teens and some paid extras. Royal Caribbean usually wins for families because so many attractions are free and its biggest ships have dedicated family zones. If you go that way, our guide to the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids matches ships to ages. Norwegian suits families with older children who prefer flexible meal times over a packed activity schedule.
Which cruise line is best for you?
Choose Norwegian if you want no fixed schedule, lots of restaurants, a bundle of drinks and Wi-Fi, a strong solo cabin option or a luxury suite area like The Haven.
Choose Royal Caribbean if you are traveling with kids, want the most free activities, love big-ship variety or want regular visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Many cruisers try both. Whichever line you lean toward, choosing the right ship and comparing total cost matter more than the brand.
If you’re also weighing up a lower-cost option, our Norwegian vs Carnival comparison shows how NCL stacks up against the Fun Ships on price, drinks and dining.
If you sail with both lines often, it is worth knowing that RCL and NCLH stock can each earn you onboard credit, as explained in our guide to cruise line shareholder benefits.
Neither line is clearly better across the board. Norwegian usually offers more restaurant variety and flexible dining times, while Royal Caribbean tends to have more included casual venues and late-night grab-and-go food. On both lines the specialty restaurants, which cost extra, are where the standout meals usually are.
Is Norwegian or Royal Caribbean better for families?
Royal Caribbean is usually the stronger choice for families, especially with children aged about 6 to 14. Its bigger ships include more free attractions such as waterslides, surf simulators and climbing walls, and Perfect Day at CocoCay is built around family water fun. Norwegian works well for families who value flexible dining and do not mind paying for some activities.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line cheaper than Royal Caribbean?
Not always. Norwegian fares often look higher because they can include the Free at Sea perks, while Royal Caribbean fares are usually lower but drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining are add-ons. Compare the total cost of the cruise with the extras you would actually buy, plus gratuities, before deciding.
Is Norwegian a high end cruise line?
No. Norwegian Cruise Line is a mainstream, mid-priced line like Royal Caribbean. Its upscale option is The Haven, a suite complex with its own pool, restaurant and concierge on most ships, which gives a more exclusive feel at a much higher price.
Which is bigger, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian?
Royal Caribbean has the larger fleet, with around 29 ships, and the largest ships, with Icon Class vessels carrying more than 7,000 guests at full capacity. Norwegian has roughly 20 ships, and its largest current ships carry about 4,000 to 4,300 guests at double occupancy.
Listed from newest to oldest, the eight Disney cruise ships sailing in October 2026 are Disney Adventure (2026), Disney Destiny (2025), Disney Treasure (2024), Disney Wish (2022), Disney Fantasy (2012), Disney Dream (2011), Disney Wonder (1999) and Disney Magic (1998). Disney Believe is next, with its first sailing set for December 2027, and Disney plans to have 13 ships in its fleet by the end of 2030.
Below you will find Disney cruise ships from newest to oldest, what each one added to the fleet, which Disney ship is best for different kinds of travellers, and a timeline of the ships still to come. If you mainly want tonnage, length and guest numbers side by side, see our guide to Disney cruise ships by age and size.
Disney Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest: Quick List (October 2026)
#
Ship
First sailed
Class
Headline addition
Where it sails (2026-27)
1
Disney Adventure
March 2026
Global class
Seven themed areas, Marvel roller coaster
Singapore
2
Disney Destiny
November 2025
Wish class
Heroes and Villains theme
Fort Lauderdale
3
Disney Treasure
December 2024
Wish class
Adventure theme, Coco and Haunted Mansion venues
Port Canaveral
4
Disney Wish
July 2022
Wish class
Grand Hall, AquaMouse, LNG power
Florida, then Europe in summer 2027
5
Disney Fantasy
March 2012
Dream class
Longer Caribbean sailings, AquaDuck
Port Canaveral
6
Disney Dream
January 2011
Dream class
First water coaster at sea (AquaDuck)
Port Canaveral
7
Disney Wonder
August 1999
Magic class
Classic ocean-liner styling
Alaska from Vancouver in summer
8
Disney Magic
July 1998
Magic class
The original Disney ship
Alaska from Vancouver in summer 2027, plus Galveston
Want them oldest to newest instead? Simply read the table from the bottom up: Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, Wish, Treasure, Destiny, Adventure. The oldest Disney cruise ship is Disney Magic, which first sailed in 1998, so the fleet now covers 28 years of shipbuilding. Homeports change from season to season, so check the itinerary for your exact dates before you book.
What’s New on Each Disney Ship, Newest First
1. Disney Adventure (2026): the newest Disney cruise ship
Disney Adventure is the newest and largest ship in the fleet. It is roughly 208,000 tons and can carry around 6,000 guests. Disney bought the unfinished hull from Genting Hong Kong in 2022 and finished it with Meyer Werft. The debut slipped from December 2025, and the maiden voyage left Singapore on 10 March 2026. Rather than one central atrium, the ship has seven themed areas mixing Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories. They include a Marvel zone with the Ironcycle Test Run roller coaster and the Broadway-style show “Remember”. Adventure runs three- and four-night cruises from Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore under a five-year agreement, and these sailings are cruises to nowhere with no port stops. It is the first Disney ship based in Asia.
2. Disney Destiny (2025)
Disney Destiny was the third Wish-class ship, and its maiden voyage left Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on 20 November 2025. Its theme is “Heroes and Villains.” The Grand Hall centres on Black Panther, and the bars include De Vil’s, The Sanctum and the Haunted Mansion Parlor. In the dining rotation you’ll find Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King and Worlds of Marvel. The theatre stages “Disney Hercules”, and Saga is a two-deck space with family activities by day and adult entertainment at night. In 2027 it keeps sailing three- to five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, plus a few seven-night trips.
3. Disney Treasure (2024)
Disney Treasure first sailed on 21 December 2024, with an adventure and exploration theme. The Grand Hall is styled after Agrabah from Aladdin. Plaza de Coco is a dining room built around the film Coco. Two lounges have become fan favourites: Skipper Society, inspired by the Jungle Cruise, and the Haunted Mansion Parlor. Evening shows include The Tale of Moana, and the AquaMouse water ride carried over from the Wish with a new animated story. In summer 2027 Treasure is scheduled for seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, which suits families who want a full week at sea.
4. Disney Wish (2022)
Disney Wish was the first new Disney ship in ten years and set the template for everything since. It was the line’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas. It moved the main gathering space into a large Grand Hall, added the AquaMouse (a water ride with show scenes) and introduced theatrical dining, including a Frozen-themed restaurant. The biggest news for 2027 is that the Wish will sail in Europe for the first time. It will run three- to ten-night itineraries with calls such as Zadar in Croatia, Trieste in Italy and Hellesylt in Norway.
5. Disney Fantasy (2012)
Disney Fantasy is a Dream-class ship with the AquaDuck water coaster, adults-only spaces and the classic dining rotation. It has long been the ship for slightly longer trips from Port Canaveral. For summer 2027 it is scheduled for four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises plus a ten-night Southern Caribbean sailing, with Pixar Day at Sea on some five-night trips.
6. Disney Dream (2011)
Disney Dream doubled the size of the original ships and introduced the AquaDuck, billed as the first water coaster at sea. These days it is Disney’s short-break ship. Three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral call at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s two private island destinations. If you are pairing a cruise with Walt Disney World, this is often the easiest ship to fit in.
7. Disney Wonder (1999)
Disney Wonder and its twin Disney Magic are the smallest ships in the fleet at about 84,000 tons and roughly 2,700 guests. They have Art Deco, ocean-liner-style interiors and feel noticeably more intimate. The Wonder is the long-standing Alaska ship and runs seven-night Alaska cruises from Vancouver in summer.
8. Disney Magic (1998): the oldest Disney ship
Disney Magic started it all in 1998 and is still sailing after several major refits. For summer 2027 it joins the Wonder in Vancouver for Alaska sailings, and it is also the ship carrying Marvel Day at Sea from Galveston. Older does not mean worse: the Magic often visits ports the bigger ships can’t, and it is often one of the cheaper ways to sail with Disney.
The newest ships pack in more water rides and deck space, but the classic ships still deliver the Disney basics. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
Which Is the Best Disney Cruise Ship?
There isn’t one best Disney cruise ship for everyone, because the ship decides only part of the holiday. The itinerary, trip length and price often matter more. Here is a practical way to match a ship to your plans.
Best for first-time Disney cruisers: Disney Wish or Disney Destiny. Both are new, easy to get around and offer short three- or four-night trips from Florida, which is a low-risk way to see whether a Disney cruise suits your family.
Best for a full week in the Caribbean: Disney Treasure. Its seven-night itineraries from Port Canaveral make the most of the newest-generation venues without feeling rushed.
Best for Marvel and villain fans: Disney Destiny, with its Heroes and Villains theme, Worlds of Marvel dining and villain-themed bars.
Best for younger children and quick breaks: Disney Dream. Short Bahamas trips with two private island days suit toddlers and children on their first cruise. Every Disney ship has supervised kids’ clubs, so you won’t lose out on those by choosing an older ship.
Best for Alaska or a more intimate feel: Disney Wonder or Disney Magic. They are smaller, have a classic style and take you to scenery the big Florida ships don’t reach.
Best for Europe in 2027: Disney Wish, on its first European season.
Best for travellers in Asia, or anyone who wants the biggest ship: Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore. Remember that its cruises have no port calls, so the ship is the destination.
Best for adults sailing without children: any Wish-class ship (Wish, Treasure, Destiny) for the widest choice of adults-only lounges and the Palo and Enchanté restaurants. Longer itineraries, which tend to have fewer children on board outside school holidays, also help.
When search results rank the best Disney ships, the Wish-class trio (Wish, Treasure and Destiny) usually comes out on top for facilities. That’s fair, but it is also why those sailings tend to cost more. If the newest venues aren’t your priority, compare the same week on the Dream or Fantasy, where the price per night is often lower.
How Ship Age Affects Your Disney Cruise
Most guides skip this practical point: the age of a Disney ship affects your trip in different ways than it does on many other cruise lines.
Service and characters don’t change much with age. Rotational dining, where your servers move restaurants with you, character meetings, kids’ clubs and fireworks or deck parties are part of the Disney formula on every ship.
Newer ships have more themed bars and dining shows. If venues like the Haunted Mansion Parlor or Worlds of Marvel are the reason you’re booking, you need a Wish-class ship.
Older ships go to more varied places. The smaller Magic-class ships handle Alaska and more varied routes. The newest ships mostly stick to Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, with Asia and Europe as the exceptions.
Price follows demand. The newest ships usually cost the most for the same number of nights. For a 2027 holiday, our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 can help you compare.
Several new Disney ships are already being designed or built for delivery between 2027 and 2030. Photo: Ertuğrul Togo on Pexels
Upcoming Disney Cruise Ships: 2027 to 2030 Timeline
Disney first announced its expansion plans in 2024, aiming to reach 13 ships by 2031. In its latest results the company brought that forward and now expects to finish the 13-ship fleet by the end of 2030. Here is the current timeline as of October 2026. As with any new ship, dates can still move.
When
Ship
What we know
18 December 2027
Disney Believe
Fourth Wish-class ship, sailing four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Bookings opened in October 2026.
Spring 2029
Disney Imagination
Fifth Wish-class design. Based in Tokyo and owned and operated by Oriental Land Co. under the Disney Cruise Line Japan brand.
2029
New class, ships 1 and 2 (unnamed)
A new mid-size class of about 100,000 tons and around 3,000 guests, sitting between the Magic and Dream classes in size. The second ship is due late in 2029.
Late 2030
New class, ship 3 (unnamed)
Completes the planned 13-ship fleet.
Disney Believe mixes stories rather than following one theme, with spaces inspired by Zootopia, Monsters, Inc., Tangled, Moana and Inside Out. The new venues include Oaken’s Table, a Frozen-inspired family dining show, and Sea Notes, a piano bar themed to The Little Mermaid. There is also a two-storey Tower Suite that sleeps eight, and Buzz and Woody appear on the stern. Read more in our article on the newly revealed details of Disney Believe.
Disney Imagination will be the first Disney ship to sail from Japan. It’s planned at about 140,000 tons with roughly 1,250 cabins and LNG power, and Ariel and Sebastian will appear on the stern. Our news story on Disney Imagination, the first Japan-based Disney ship has the background.
Disney hasn’t yet named the new mid-size class or said where its ships will sail. Because they are smaller than the Wish class, they could open up ports and regions the big ships can’t easily reach. We’ll update this guide when Disney confirms details. For official itineraries and ship pages, see Disney Cruise Line’s fleet page.
Still deciding between lines? Our Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean comparison looks at price, kids clubs, private islands and entertainment.
For more detail on the ships still to come, including Disney Believe and Disney Imagination, see our guide to new Disney cruise ships.
FAQs
What is the newest Disney cruise ship?
Disney Adventure is the newest Disney cruise ship. It began sailing from Singapore on 10 March 2026. The next new ship is Disney Believe, with its first sailing scheduled for 18 December 2027 from Fort Lauderdale.
What is the oldest Disney cruise ship?
Disney Magic is the oldest Disney ship. It entered service in 1998, followed by its sister ship Disney Wonder in 1999. Both are still sailing after major refits.
What is the best Disney cruise ship?
For facilities, the Wish-class ships (Disney Wish, Treasure and Destiny) are generally seen as the best. The best ship for you depends on your trip, though: the Dream suits short Bahamas breaks, the Wonder and Magic suit Alaska, and the Adventure suits travellers in Asia.
Which Disney cruise ship is best for kids?
Every Disney ship has supervised clubs for ages 3 to 17 and a nursery, so children are well looked after on all of them. For short first cruises the Disney Dream and Disney Wish work well. Families who want water rides and the newest themed areas should pick a Wish-class ship.
How many ships will Disney Cruise Line have?
Disney sails eight ships today and plans to reach 13 by the end of 2030. The new ships are Disney Believe in 2027, Disney Imagination in Japan in 2029, and three ships in a new mid-size class arriving in 2029 and 2030.
Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas was unable to dock at Amsterdam this weekend as planned, due to a protest by Extinction Rebellion.
The small group of just seven protestors managed to block key locks which meant that the ship was unable to safely reach the Amsterdam port.
Instead, the ship was forced to head to nearby Ijmuiden.
The impact was significant, as this was not a port of call mid-itinerary but it was an embarkation and disembarkation port.
This meant that guests had to board buses from the ship to get to the port, and vice versa – those guests due to embark on their cruise had to board the shuttle buses on the return journey to get to the ship.
The port was relatively close, with the bus journey taking less than an hour, but it was still a significant inconvenience for all guests leaving the ship or joining her for the next cruise.
The protest was directly against the cruise industry, with Extinction Rebellion releasing a statement:
This action is a direct protest against the scandalous pollution caused by cruise shipping. They deliberately prevented the arrival of the gigantic cruise ship, the Jewel of the Seas… Extinction Rebellion demands an immediate and total halt to the destructive cruise industry in the midst of the devastating climate and ecological crisis.
Police chose not to remove the protestors as they were not causing injuries or in life-threatening situations. The protestors left once they had caused the ship to divert.
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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.
The main Eurodam cabins to avoid are on Deck 8 directly under the Lido Market and pools, on Deck 1 near the World Stage and below the Deck 2 music venues, and the verandahs where a lifeboat or a solid steel wall gets in the way of the view, mainly forward on Deck 4 and midship on Deck 5. For a quiet, steady cabin, book midship on Decks 5 to 7 with cabins above and below you. If you want the best balcony at a good price, look at the aft-facing verandahs on Deck 4.
Eurodam is a Signature-class ship. She was built by Fincantieri in 2008, measures about 86,000 gross tons and carries around 2,100 guests at double occupancy. Her only sister is Nieuw Amsterdam (2010), which has an almost identical layout, so nearly everything below applies to both ships. Cabin numbers can shift slightly between the two, so always check the deck plan for the exact ship you are booking.
Eurodam at a glance: cabin types and decks
Eurodam has a little over 1,000 staterooms, and roughly two-thirds of them have a verandah. To make sense of the advice below, it helps to know how the decks are laid out. Holland America names its decks as well as numbering them:
Deck 1 (Main): cabins, the atrium and the World Stage area forward.
Deck 2 (Lower Promenade): casino, music venues and bars, plus the lower level of the dining room.
Deck 3 (Promenade): shops, the upper dining room and the wraparound promenade with its lifeboats.
Decks 4 to 8 (Upper Promenade, Verandah, Upper Verandah, Rotterdam, Navigation): mostly cabins. The Neptune Lounge for suite guests is on Deck 7.
Deck 9 (Lido): Lido Market buffet, pools and spa.
Decks 10 and 11 (Panorama and Observation): more cabins, including the spa cabins, plus Club HAL, sports courts and the Crow’s Nest.
The table below sums up the main categories, using approximate sizes from published deck plan data. Holland America sometimes renames or splits categories, so treat the letters as a guide and confirm them when you book.
Few downsides; aft-facing ones are the most sought after
Pinnacle Suite
PS
About 1,000 sq ft plus large verandah
Deck 7 (only two on board)
Price, and they sell out early
Eurodam cabins to avoid (and why)
None of these cabins is bad as such. Each one has a specific drawback that matters a lot to some people and not at all to others. Here are the locations most worth checking before you pay a deposit.
1. Deck 8 cabins under the Lido Market and pools
Deck 9 is the Lido, home to the Lido Market buffet, the pools and the spa. Deck 8 cabins directly beneath the buffet are the ones most likely to hear early-morning set-up, sliding chairs and food-service carts, especially on sea days. If you sleep lightly, compare the Deck 8 and Deck 9 plans side by side and avoid any cabin with the buffet or pool deck directly above it. Many Deck 8 cabins are fine, but the ones under the Lido Market are the classic Eurodam noise complaint.
2. Deck 1 cabins near the World Stage and under the Deck 2 music venues
Holland America’s own deck plan puts Deck 1 next to the World Stage and directly below the Deck 2 entertainment area. Cabins forward on Deck 1, near the theater, can pick up rehearsals, show crowds and foot traffic. Cabins under the Lower Promenade music venues can hear bass and late-night noise. Cruise forum posters have pointed to Main deck cabins around C1056 to C1066, plus a few nearby inside cabins, as the ones most affected. They also say the starboard side tends to be quieter than port. The venue line-up on Deck 2 has changed over the years, so check what is currently above any Deck 1 cabin you are considering.
3. Forward Deck 4 verandahs with solid steel walls
On the Upper Promenade (Deck 4), the forward verandahs, roughly cabins 4001 to 4042, have solid steel balcony fronts rather than glass. When you sit down, the wall blocks most of the sea view, and you need to stand to see over it. Some people like the extra privacy and shelter from the wind, especially in Alaska. If you want to watch the scenery from a lounger, though, choose a cabin further aft. Be careful with “verandah guarantee” fares: they can put you in exactly this kind of cabin.
4. Lifeboat-view verandahs and obstructed ocean views
Eurodam’s bright orange lifeboats hang along the Promenade (Deck 3), just below the first cabin decks. The cabins this affects most are:
Deck 4 corner “hump” verandahs near the lifeboats, which past guests identify as cabins 4053, 4054, 4129 and 4132.
Midship Deck 5 verandahs, which sit above the lifeboats. The outward view is usually fine, but looking down you see lifeboat roofs instead of water.
Obstructed-view ocean view cabins, which are sold at a discount because a lifeboat partly or mostly blocks the window. How much they are blocked varies from cabin to cabin.
Obstructed-view cabins can be good value if you mainly want natural light. Just book them knowing what you are getting.
5. Shallow or “Juliet” spa balconies (VQ and VT)
The spa cabins high up on Decks 10 and 11 put you close to the Greenhouse Spa. Their balconies are narrower than standard, though. VQ balconies are only about 4 feet deep, and the VT cabins on Deck 11 have Juliet-style balconies that are really only for standing. If a proper balcony with two chairs matters to you, these aren’t the cabins to book. Deck 11 cabins are also close to the sports courts.
6. Far forward cabins if you get seasick
Cabins at the very front of the ship, and especially high up, feel the most pitching in a swell. Forum posters mention forward suites on Decks 5 and 10 in particular. This matters most on open-sea repositioning cruises and winter crossings. It matters much less on a calm Caribbean week or in Alaska’s Inside Passage.
7. Connecting cabins if you are not traveling as a group
Eurodam has a large number of connecting cabins, around 280 according to published ship data. The connecting doors are not as well soundproofed as solid walls, so you may hear the TV or conversation next door. Families should book them; couples who want quiet should avoid them. On the online deck plan, connecting cabins are usually marked with a small symbol between the two rooms.
Other small things to look for on the plan include laundry and service rooms, elevator lobbies and crew doors. Cabins next to them can hear doors and carts. These are minor issues, but worth a glance.
Eurodam best cabins to book
Now for the good news. Some Eurodam cabins are consistently well regarded, and several of them aren’t the most expensive on board.
Aft-facing verandahs on Deck 4
The aft-facing Upper Promenade verandahs, roughly cabins 4133 to 4179, have deeper balconies, around 7.5 feet compared with about 5.5 feet on a standard verandah. They also give you a view of the wake. Cabins 4166 and 4168 have extra-wide balconies. Because Deck 4 is lower down, these cabins feel less motion than aft cabins higher up. Many repeat Holland America guests rate them the best-value balconies on the ship. Aft cabins on higher decks can be even deeper, but the stern balconies on the upper decks are smaller than many people expect, so check each one.
Neptune Suites
Neptune Suites come with access to the Neptune Lounge on Deck 7 and concierge help, which makes a real difference on longer voyages. The balconies are also large, about 135 sq ft. The aft-facing Neptune Suites are the ones people tend to fight over. They are quiet, have wake views and cost much less than a Pinnacle Suite.
Pinnacle Suites
Eurodam has just two Pinnacle Suites, both on Deck 7. Each one is roughly 1,000 sq ft with a very large verandah, and they come with Neptune Lounge access and Holland America’s top suite perks. If they are in your budget, they are the best rooms on the ship, but they often sell out more than a year ahead.
Signature Suites
Signature Suites, mainly on Decks 5 and 6, give you a separate sitting area, a larger bathroom and a balcony of about 85 sq ft. They sit between the Verandah and Neptune categories and are a good upgrade if you want more space without paying for full suite perks. Choose midship or aft ones over far-forward ones if motion bothers you.
Midship verandahs on Decks 5 to 7
For most people, the safest choice is a standard verandah midship on Decks 5, 6 or 7. These cabins have other cabins above and below them, are close to the elevators, and are well away from the Lido and the Deck 2 venues. Pick one that is not directly above the Deck 3 lifeboats and you have a quiet, steady cabin with a clear view.
Large Deck 1 inside cabins
If you’re on a budget, the larger Main deck inside cabins (category J, around 225 sq ft according to past guests) are some of the roomiest interior cabins in Holland America’s fleet. Some of them can sleep four. Choose ones away from the forward theater area and from the cabins under the Deck 2 music venues mentioned above.
Midship cabins on lower decks feel the least movement at sea. Photo: Tomasz Filipek on PexelsMidship cabins on lower decks feel the least motion when the sea picks up. Photo: Mathias Reding on Pexels
Best Eurodam cabins for seasickness
A ship moves least at its center, so for seasickness choose a midship cabin on a low deck. On Eurodam, the best options are midship cabins on Deck 1 (interior or ocean view) or midship verandahs on Deck 4 and Deck 5. Avoid the far forward cabins, and remember that higher decks feel more sway. An ocean view or balcony also helps, because being able to see the horizon reduces nausea for many people.
Where Eurodam is sailing matters too. According to published 2026-27 schedules, she spends the winter on Caribbean round trips from Fort Lauderdale. These include 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean loops calling at Half Moon Cay (now marketed as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay), Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Cozumel and Grand Cayman, along with some longer 10- to 14-night voyages. In summer she moves to Seattle for 7-night Alaska round trips, with Panama Canal repositioning cruises between the two seasons. The Caribbean and the Inside Passage are usually fairly calm. The repositioning voyages and some open-ocean stretches can be rougher, so cabin location matters more on those. Schedules change, so check the current itinerary on Holland America’s Eurodam page.
Eurodam obstructed view cabins: are they worth it?
Obstructed-view cabins are some of the cheapest outside cabins on Eurodam. Whether they are worth it depends on what you want from a window. You get daylight and a sense of the time of day. You may not get a sea view at all if the cabin looks straight at a lifeboat. Two practical tips:
Look at the deck plan legend. Holland America marks obstructed and partially obstructed cabins on its deck plans. Partial obstructions are often barely noticeable, while full obstructions can mean a wall of orange.
Compare the price gap. If the difference between an obstructed ocean view and a standard interior is small, the window may be worth it. If the price is close to a midship verandah instead, the verandah is usually the better buy.
How to check a Eurodam cabin before you book
The thing most cabin guides skip is a simple routine for checking a specific cabin number. Here is a quick five-step check that works for any Eurodam (or Nieuw Amsterdam) cabin:
Look up. Open the deck plan for the deck above your cabin. If you see a buffet, pool, gym, galley or bar instead of more cabins, expect some noise.
Look down. Check the deck below for theaters, lounges or the casino, which matter most for Deck 1 and Deck 4 cabins.
Look outside. On Decks 4 and 5, check whether the lifeboats on Deck 3 sit below or beside your cabin. Forward on Deck 4, check whether the balcony has a steel front.
Look sideways. Look for connecting-door symbols, service rooms, laundry rooms and elevator banks next to the cabin.
Check the balcony depth. Spa cabins (VQ and VT) and some forward cabins have smaller balconies than the standard verandah.
For most people, Decks 5, 6 and 7 midship are the best, because they have cabins above and below them and sit away from the Lido and the Deck 2 entertainment venues. For the best balcony value, aft-facing cabins on Deck 4 are a popular choice.
Which Eurodam cabins have obstructed views?
Obstructed-view cabins are the ones that look onto the orange lifeboats along Deck 3. Some Deck 4 corner verandahs, such as 4053, 4054, 4129 and 4132, sit beside the lifeboats, and midship Deck 5 verandahs look down onto them. Forward Deck 4 verandahs (roughly 4001 to 4042) have solid steel balcony walls.
Are Deck 8 cabins on Eurodam noisy?
Deck 8 cabins directly below the Lido Market and pool area on Deck 9 can hear early-morning set-up and chair noise. Deck 8 cabins with other cabins above them are generally fine.
Is Nieuw Amsterdam the same as Eurodam?
Yes. Nieuw Amsterdam is Eurodam’s Signature-class sister and has a nearly identical layout, so the same cabins-to-avoid advice applies. Check exact cabin numbers on each ship’s own deck plan.
How many passengers are on the Eurodam?
Eurodam carries about 2,100 guests at double occupancy, and up to around 2,500 when third and fourth berths are filled. She has roughly 900 crew.
The best cruises for 18 year olds without parents are on Virgin Voyages, which is adults-only and lets anyone 18 or over book and sail on their own, and on European or UK sailings with lines such as P&O Cruises, Marella, Cunard, MSC, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, where the minimum age to sail unaccompanied is 18. Disney Cruise Line also accepts 18-year-olds on their own. Most big lines sailing from the US, including Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s North American departures, now require you to be 21 unless you are married or in the military.
Below you will find which lines say yes at 18, how drinking ages differ between US and European waters, and the practical points that trip up young first-time cruisers at the check-in desk.
Can you go on a cruise at 18 without your parents?
Yes, but it depends far more on where the ship sails from than on how old you are. Cruise lines set their own age rules, and most of the large American-owned brands use two sets of rules: one for ships leaving North America and one for everywhere else.
Sailings from the US, Canada and the Caribbean: on most mainstream lines you need to be 21, or share a cabin with someone who is 21 or older.
Sailings from Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South America: many lines drop the minimum to 18.
Adults-only lines: Virgin Voyages is 18+ on every sailing, so an 18-year-old is simply a regular guest.
The age that counts is your age on the day you board, not the day you book. Lines check passports and ID at embarkation, and anyone who does not meet the policy can be refused boarding, usually with no refund. If your birthday falls just before the cruise, make sure the date works before paying a deposit.
Cruise lines for 18 year olds: minimum age and drinking age
This table summarises current published policies for the lines most people ask about. “Alone” means without a parent or a passenger aged 21+ in the same cabin. Rules change, so always check the line’s own FAQ before booking.
Cruise line
Minimum age to sail alone
Drinking age on board
Virgin Voyages
18 (adults-only line)
18 in international waters; 21 in US waters and on Alaska voyages
Disney Cruise Line
18
21
Royal Caribbean
21 from North America; 18 from Europe, Asia, Australia, NZ, South America
21 from North America; 18 on those other regions
Celebrity Cruises
21 from North America; 18 from Europe, Asia, Australia, NZ, South America
21 in North America; 18 on sailings from Europe, South America, Australia, NZ
MSC Cruises
21 on US itineraries; 18 elsewhere
21 if the cruise calls at a US port; 18 otherwise
P&O Cruises (UK)
18
18 (21 in US waters)
Marella Cruises
18
18
Cunard
18
18 (21 in US waters and ports)
Ambassador Cruise Line
18 (adult-only sailings)
18 on UK sailings (confirm with the line)
Carnival
21 (exceptions for married couples and military)
21 everywhere
Norwegian Cruise Line
21 (exceptions for married couples and military)
21 on US sailings
Princess Cruises
21
21; 18 on some Europe, Australia and Asia itineraries
Holland America Line
21
21
Fred. Olsen, another UK line, generally lets passengers aged 18 and over travel and drink on board, though its older passenger profile makes it a less obvious choice for a first trip with friends.
Sailings from the UK and Europe are where 18-year-olds have the most choice. Photo: PNW Production on Pexels
Best cruises for 18 year olds without parents
Being allowed on board is one thing. Enjoying it is another. These are the lines that combine an 18+ booking policy with the kind of atmosphere younger travellers tend to want.
Virgin Voyages: the easiest choice from the US
Virgin Voyages is the standout because it is adults-only. There is no chaperone rule to work around, no kids’ club, and the whole ship is designed around nightlife, festival-style parties, a tattoo studio, fitness classes and a large choice of included restaurants. Ships sail from Miami to the Caribbean, as well as in the Mediterranean and other regions. Remember that the drinking age switches to 21 while the ship is in US waters and on Alaska voyages, and follows local law in port. Read more in our guide to the best adult cruise line options.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity in Europe
Royal Caribbean raised its North American minimum to 21 in early 2025, but its European, Asian and Australian sailings still accept 18-year-olds, who can also drink there. That makes a Mediterranean or Northern Europe cruise from Barcelona, Rome or Southampton a realistic option, with big-ship extras such as surf simulators, ice shows and climbing walls. Celebrity follows the same regional split with a calmer, more grown-up feel.
MSC Cruises from European ports
MSC’s minimum is 18 on non-US itineraries, and the drinking age is 18 unless the cruise calls at a US port. MSC is often competitively priced in the Mediterranean, and its newer ships have large water parks, bars and shows. A cruise from the US, however, means you need to be 21 or travel with someone who is.
P&O Cruises, Marella and Cunard from the UK
For UK-based 18-year-olds, these three are straightforward: 18 to sail alone and 18 to drink (apart from in US waters on P&O and Cunard). P&O’s larger ships have the most going on for younger adults, with plenty of bars, live music and evening entertainment. Marella’s prices often include drinks, which can help a tight budget. Cunard is more traditional, with formal nights and an older crowd, so it suits someone who likes the idea of a classic ocean liner experience.
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador has moved towards adult-only sailings for guests aged 18 and over, with all of its 2027-28 no-fly departures from the UK set to be child-free. Its ships are smaller and passengers skew older, so it is better for a relaxed trip than a party.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney accepts guests 18 and over without a parent, and that includes US departures. The catch is that the drinking age is 21 and the atmosphere is built around families. It can work well for a group of 18-year-old Disney fans, but it is not an adults’ party ship.
Cruise lines that require you to be 21
If you are set on a Caribbean cruise from Florida or Texas, expect most mainstream lines to say no to an 18-year-old sailing alone:
Carnival: you must be 21 on embarkation day. Under-21s need a relative or guardian aged 25 or older travelling with them.
Norwegian Cruise Line: under-21s must stay in the same or a connecting cabin as a guest aged 21+.
Royal Caribbean from North America: 21, since a policy change in February 2025.
Princess and Holland America: 21.
Exceptions: married couples and military
Several of these lines make exceptions. Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity accept married couples under 21 with proof of marriage, and active-duty US or Canadian military members aged 18 to 20 with valid ID. Bring the original documents, as they are checked at the pier.
Travelling with an older friend
One useful detail many guides miss: on lines such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, the rule is about who is in the cabin, not who your parents are. If one friend in your group is 21 or older and shares your cabin (or a connecting one on Norwegian), younger friends can usually sail. Carnival is stricter, asking for a relative or guardian aged 25+.
Drinking ages at sea depend on where the ship is, not just your passport. Photo: Dasha Klimova on Pexels
Drinking at 18 on a cruise
Expect the drinking age to be 21 on almost any ship sailing from the US, even in international waters. Virgin Voyages is a partial exception, serving 18-year-olds in international waters but not in US waters or on Alaska voyages. Norwegian lets 18- to 20-year-olds drink beer and wine without a waiver on Europe- or Australia-only itineraries.
On UK and European departures, 18 is the norm on P&O, Marella, Cunard, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. In port, local laws apply, and a few private islands keep a 21 limit. Lines are strict about this: wristbands, flagged cruise cards and ID checks are common, and a drinks package may not be sold to under-21s where 21 applies. If you are under the drinking age, a soda or mocktail package is usually available.
Tips for booking your first cruise at 18
Once you have found cruises for 18 year olds without parents that fit your dates, a little preparation makes check-in smooth.
Get your documents sorted early. At 18 you do not need a parental consent letter, but you do need a valid passport or the ID your itinerary requires. A passport is the safest choice for any cruise visiting another country.
Check the age rule for your exact sailing. The same ship can have different rules depending on where it departs from.
Have a card for your onboard account. Cruise lines link a credit or debit card to your cabin for drinks, tips and extras. Some accept cash deposits, but a card in your own name is simpler.
Share a cabin to cut costs. Fares are priced per person, usually based on two sharing. An interior cabin for three or four friends is one of the cheapest ways to cruise.
Look for deals and low deposits. Booking well ahead or watching last-minute offers can save a lot; see our roundup of cruise deals for 2027.
Buy travel insurance. Get cover that includes medical treatment at sea and evacuation, as onboard medical care is charged separately and can be expensive.
Know the rules on board. Being 18 makes you an adult on board. You can visit adults-only areas on most lines, and on many lines you can use the casino (often 18, but 21 on Alaska sailings with lines such as Royal Caribbean), but misbehaviour can still get you sent home at your own cost.
If you want a cruise with a social vibe, themed sailings are worth a look too; our guide to the best music cruises covers festival-style voyages, though many charter cruises set their own minimum ages.
If you want the liveliest ships at sea, our ranking of the best party cruises for nightlife compares Virgin Voyages, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and music charters.
FAQs
Can an 18-year-old go on a cruise alone?
Yes, on Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, UK lines such as P&O, Marella and Cunard, and on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and MSC sailings outside North America. Most US departures on other lines require you to be 21.
Which cruise lines allow 18-year-olds without parents from the US?
Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line both accept 18-year-olds on their own from US ports. Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and MSC all set 21 on North American sailings, apart from married couples and military exceptions on some lines.
Can you drink at 18 on a cruise?
On UK and European sailings with lines such as P&O, Marella, Cunard, MSC and Royal Caribbean, yes. On US departures the drinking age is almost always 21, although Virgin Voyages serves 18-year-olds in international waters.
Are all Virgin Voyages cruises adults only?
Yes. Every Virgin Voyages sailing is for guests aged 18 and over, so there are no children on board and no chaperone rules for 18-year-olds.
Can 18-year-olds cruise on Royal Caribbean without parents?
Only outside North America. Since February 2025, Royal Caribbean’s minimum age to sail unaccompanied from North America is 21, while sailings from Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America accept 18-year-olds.
