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 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
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
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
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.
