This was published 5 years ago
The ultimate cruise ship guide: From mega ships to small ships - what's the best cruise to take?
Persian Garden: Celebrity Solstice spa.
With so many cruise lines sailing around the oceans, how do you choose the right one for your first, or next cruise?
Huge global companies Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises own portfolios of cruise lines that are each quite different in character to their stablemates: mainstream Carnival Cruise Line, traditional Cunard and luxury Seabourn are among nine operated by Carnival Corporation, while small-ship specialist Azamara, upmarket Celebrity and Oceania, megaship-line Royal Caribbean and now luxury Silversea all come under the Royal Caribbean umbrella.
Making things more confusing, some big-ship lines also have small ships in their fleets, so cruise lines are differentiating themselves by offering a particular style of cruising. It is not a case of one size fits all.
Celebrity, for example, emphasises its gourmet food and sophisticated spa facilities; Princess appeals to baby-boomers; Royal Caribbean has the biggest, most action-packed ships on the market; and Viking, the youngest line, is designed for adults only.
Small-ship luxury lines such as Seabourn are branching out into the expedition field and Silversea already has four expedition ships in its fleet, but adventure cruising is a whole different (and growing) area.
To help you navigate the myriad of options, we look at a selection of the major cruise lines, from those operating mega resort-style ships to small luxury lines and in between, those that specialise in large and mid-size ships.
MEGASHIPS, 3000-6000+ PASSENGERS
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
GREAT FOR
Families and multi-generation groups who want an action-packed holiday that doesn't break the bank.
NEED TO KNOW
CCL has 26 ships in its fleet, ranging in age and size from this year's 3936-passenger Vista-class Carnival Horizon to 1990s 2056-passenger Fantasy. Standout features on Vista-class ships include an IMAX cinema, the SkyRide (suspended aerial cycling track) and SkyCourse ropes course. CCL ships cruise Alaska, Australasia the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada-New England, Hawaii and Mexico.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Experience all Carnival Horizon's new attractions on a six-night Western Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami.
DON'T MISS
Carnival ships aren't known as "fun ships" for nothing. Dr Seuss characters and high-energy entertainment appeal to kids of all ages.
SAIL AWAY
Carnival Spirit and Legend cruise the Pacific, NZ and Australia from Sydney; the 3012-passenger Splendor joins the local fleet in December 2019. See carnival.com.au
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
View of the top deck on Norwegian Bliss.
GREAT FOR
Families and multi-generation groups. The Haven "ship within a ship" also suits couples who enjoy luxury surroundings but love the big-ship vibe.
NEED TO KNOW
The 4004-passenger Norwegian Bliss, launched this year, brought the fleet to 16. NCL's Epic, Breakaway and Breakaway Plus ships carry 4000-plus passengers while older ships carry about 2000. Norwegian Bliss and Joy are the first ships to have go-kart racetracks. NCL's ships sail in Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, Canada-New England, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, US Pacific Northwest, South America and Australasia.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Norwegian Bliss sails seven-night Alaska cruises from Seattle; Norwegian Joy will join Bliss in Alaska from April 2019.
DON'T MISS
NCL is renowned for its award-winning entertainment.
SAIL AWAY
Norwegian Jewel, which will be refurbished in October, is cruising Australia, the Pacific and New Zealand from November to February. See ncl.com
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Dodgems at Seaplex on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas.
GREAT FOR
Families and multi-generation groups, especially those with young teens.
NEED TO KNOW
Royal Caribbean has more megaships than any other line – the newest and biggest in the 26-ship fleet is the 5518-passenger (6680 at maximum capacity) Symphony of the Seas. The line specialises in spectacular ''first at sea'' features, such as virtual balcony rooms and parks with trees. RCI's ships cruise in Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, Canada-New England, Middle East, Hawaii, Europe, US Pacific Northwest and Australasia.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
During the school holidays Ovation's eight-night Pacific islands cruise departs Sydney on January 13, 2019.
DON'T MISS
FlowRider surf simulators, Quantum-class ships' viewing capsule, bionic bartenders, skydiving simulators and bumper cars.
SAIL AWAY
Ovation, Radiance and Explorer are cruising Australia, the Pacific and New Zealand in the upcoming summer. See royalcaribbean.com.au
MSC CRUISES
MSC Meraviglia, Polar Aquapark.
GREAT FOR
Families and multi-generation groups; kids under 12 travel free.
NEED TO KNOW
MSC is the world's biggest privately owned line and is expanding rapidly. The newest of its 15 ships is the 4134-passenger (5429 at full capacity) MSC Seaview; the fleet is divided into four classes and 2012's Divina was the first to have the ship-within-a-ship MSC Yacht Club. MSC Meraviglia, carrying up to 5714 passengers, is the line's biggest ship. MSC ships cruise in Europe, the US, Canada, Caribbean, South America, South Africa, Asia and the UAE.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Grand Mediterranean, a 14-night cruise combining the West and East Mediterranean, operates year-round on eight ships.
DON'T MISS
Cirque du Soleil shows on MSC Meraviglia and the upcoming MSC Bellissima.
SAIL AWAY
MSC Magnifica is sailing a 117-day world cruise round-trip from Genoa, Italy, in January 2020. See msccruises.com.au
BIG SHIPS, 2000–3000+ PASSENGERS
PRINCESS CRUISES
GREAT FOR
50-plus couples, solos and families with older children.
NEED TO KNOW
Majestic Princess is the line's newest, biggest ship and is cruising in Australia for six months, from September to March. It is a sister to the 3560-passenger Royal and Regal Princess and the 17th in the fleet. More Aussie cruisers sail on Princess than on any other line. Princess cruises in Alaska, Asia, Australasia, Canada-New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, US Pacific, Mexico and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Diamond Princess will sail 60 cruises in Japan between March and November 2019.
DON'T MISS
Princess onboard enrichment programs include Discovery at Sea, Festivals of the World and destination-themed activities.
SAIL AWAY
Golden, Majestic, Sea and Sun Princess will cruise Australia, the Pacific and New Zealand in the upcoming summer. See princess.com
CELEBRITY CRUISES
GREAT FOR
Couples and solos 50-plus who enjoy sophisticated modern surroundings rather than non-stop action.
NEED TO KNOW
Celebrity's fleet includes four Millennium-class ships, accommodating about 2000 passengers, five Solstice-class ships that carry 2850 passengers, and three expedition ships based in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity Edge, coming in December, will be the line's biggest and most innovative ship.
Celebrity cruises in Alaska, Asia, Australasia, Caribbean, Canada and New England, UAE, India, Europe, Hawaii, US Pacific and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Celebrity Solstice is sailing 10-, 11- 12- and 14-night cruises between Sydney and Auckland from November to March.
DON'T MISS
Celebrity Solstice was the first ship to feature a deck covered in a real grass lawn.
SAIL AWAY
Celebrity Solstice is Down Under for its seventh season this summer and cruises sell out quickly. See celebritycruises.com
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Pinnacle Suite (Balcony) on Koningsdam.
Older travellers and multi-generation families looking for a more traditional cruise experience.
NEED TO KNOW
Nieuw Statendam, launching in December, will be the 15th member of HAL's fleet. Ships range in age and size from 1998's 835-passenger Prinsendam to 2016's 2650-passenger Koningsdam, sister to Nieuw Statendam. HAL's ships are renowned for their collections of fine art, modern art and antiques. They sail in Alaska, America, Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, South America and Antarctica.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Nieuw Statendam's 14-day round-trip cruises from Amsterdam to the Baltic in 2019.
DON'T MISS
New EXC In-Depth themed voyages that tie onboard activities to shore excursions. Maasdam is the first to offer Zodiac tours under this new program.
SAIL AWAY
Noordam and Maasdam are cruising in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands this summer. See hollandamerica.com
CUNARD
GREAT FOR
Couples and solo cruisers who are 50-plus and who want to experience a sense of maritime heritage on modern ships.
NEED TO KNOW
Cunard's distinctive three queens are 2004's Queen Mary 2, 2007's Queen Victoria and 2010's Queen Elizabeth. Flagship QM2 carries up to 2691 passengers and the fourth as yet unnamed ship, due in 2022, will be the biggest with more than 3000 passengers. Cunard's Insights program attracts famous speakers from all walks of life.
The queens sail in Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australasia, Canada, Central America, Europe, the US, Caribbean and Middle East.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Classic transatlantic voyage on QM2 between Southampton and New York, from April to December.
DON'T MISS
Afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters in the grand Queens Room, accompanied by a string quartet.
SAIL AWAY
Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are sailing a range of cruises in Australia and New Zealand between February and March 2019. See cunardline.com.au
MID-SIZE SHIPS, 900–2000+ PASSENGERS
CRYSTAL CRUISES
GREAT FOR
Well-heeled, discerning travellers who expect impeccable standards of service, accommodation and dining.
NEED TO KNOW
Crystal has two classic ocean ships, Crystal Serenity (980 passengers) and Crystal Symphony (848 passengers) and the 62-passenger motoryacht Crystal Esprit. Serenity and Symphony are large by today's luxury-ship standards and exceptionally spacious. They are also relatively old, but the line spends millions regularly refurbishing them. Crystal cruises in Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Australasia, Canada-New England, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, USA and South America
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
The one I'm now sailing on! Crystal Symphony's 14-day New England Vistas from New York to Montreal.
DON'T MISS
Multiple dining options: Waterside, Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, Vintage Room, Bistro, Marketplace, Churrascaria, Silk Kitchen & Bar, Trident Grill, Palm Court Tea.
SAIL AWAY
Crystal Symphony's 16-day Auckland to Sydney cruise departs March 23, 2109. See crystalcruises.com
P&O AUSTRALIA
P&O Pacific Explorer in Sydney Harbour.
GREAT FOR
Local cruisers looking for a budget-friendly holiday from Australian home ports.
This sleepy, time-warped city offers another side to Morocco.
P&O has five ships operating year-round: Pacific Aria and Eden (1260 passengers each), Dawn (1546), Explorer (1998) and Jewel (1670). They have been smartly refurbished in a Modern Australian style, serve good quality rather than gourmet dining and offer plenty of onboard activities.
P&O cruises to Asia, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, PNG and around Australia.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Six-night round-trip from Sydney to Hobart's Dark Mofo festival in June 2019.
DON'T MISS
Main Events cruises to the Melbourne Cup, Australian Tennis Open and State of Origin, plus short Comedy cruises.
SAIL AWAY
Pacific Jewel and Eden are leaving the fleet in March and April 2019, to be replaced by Golden and Star Princess in 2020 and 2021. See pocruises.com.au
VIKING OCEAN CRUISES
Viking Star Explorers' Lounge at night.
GREAT FOR
50-plus couples and solos who enjoy cultural experiences and travelling in style without the luxury price tag.
NEED TO KNOW
Viking has launched five ocean ships since branching out from river cruising in 2015 and has another 11 in the works. The identical adults-only ships carry 930 passengers, have a contemporary, comfortable Scandinavian look and all cabins have balconies. One free shore excursion is offered in every port, along with extra-charge tours.
Viking ships sail in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Scandinavia, Europe, the Caribbean, US and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Over 15 days, the evocatively named In the Wake of the Vikings sails from Bergen to Montreal, visiting Scotland, Iceland and Greenland.
DON'T MISS
The Nordic Spa – a fabulous space with free use of thermal facilities.
SAIL AWAY
Viking will spend three months a year in Australia and New Zealand from December 2018. See vikingcruises.com.au
OCEANIA CRUISES
Oceania Cruises offers dedicated South Africa itineraries.
GREAT FOR
50-plus couples and solos who enjoy a country club atmosphere with luxury touches.
NEED TO KNOW
There are six ships in the fleet: two 1250-passenger ships built for the line in 2011 and 2012, Marina and Riviera, plus the 684-passenger Sirena, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. Oceania isn't ''true'' luxury as fares are not all-inclusive but service and dining is up there with the most upscale lines. Oceania cruises in Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australasia, New England-Canada, the Caribbean and South Pacific.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Not many lines sail dedicated South Africa itineraries. Nautica's 14-day round-trip from Cape Town departs in January 2020 and calls at seven ports.
DON'T MISS
The Culinary Centre is a top-class, hands-on cooking school on Marina and Riviera.
SAIL AWAY
Regatta is cruising in and out of Australia from December to March. See oceaniacruises.com
SMALL SHIPS, 200-750 PASSENGERS
AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES
Azamara cruise ship in Hong Kong.
GREAT FOR
A similar group of 50-plus cruisers who are fans of Oceania's smaller ships.
NEED TO KNOW
Azamara operates three 684-passenger former R-class ships, Journey, Quest and the recently acquired Pursuit. The line puts a strong emphasis on ''destination immersion'' and says it offers longer stays and more overnights in port than any other cruise line. Azamara cruises in Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, Europe, US and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Journey's 10-night cruise from Rome to Barcelona, departing on May 18, 2019, includes two quintessential French Riviera events: The Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival.
DON'T MISS
An AzAmazing Evening. These free events are held on shore once a cruise and include exclusive experiences such as concerts and performances that have a strong local focus.
SAIL AWAY
Azamara Quest is sailing in Australia and New Zealand between December and February, leaving Cairns on March 8 for Singapore. See azamaraclubcruises.com
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Regent Suite on Seven Seas Explorer.
GREAT FOR
Luxury-loving globetrotters who can afford to take longer voyages.
NEED TO KNOW
RSSC operates four ultra-luxury ships; Seven Seas Explorer, Voyager, Mariner and Navigator. Explorer is the newest and biggest, carrying up to 750 passengers – its sister, Splendor, is due in 2020 – and the first to offer the hands-on Culinary Arts Kitchen. RSSC cruises in Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, Canada-New England, Europe, the US and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Seven Seas Explorer's 15-night Miami to Lima cruise in November 2019 includes a transit of the Panama Canal; an expert will be on hand to narrate its history.
DON'T MISS
RSSC includes an extensive range of free shore excursions in every port, along with extra-charge tours that can be tailored to individual requirements.
SAIL AWAY
Selected voyages include a free three-night pre- or post-cruise land program.
See rssc.com
SEABOURN
​
Seabourn Ovation.
GREAT FOR
Sophisticated, well-heeled 40-plus cruisers; shorter itineraries appeal to a younger crowd.
NEED TO KNOW
Seabourn's three Odyssey-class ships, Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, were built between 2009 and 2011 and carry 458 passengers; the 600-passenger Encore and Ovation debuted in 2016 and 2018. The line has a partnership with UNESCO and offers dedicated excursions to hundreds of World Heritage sites. Seabourn cruises in Africa, Alaska, Antarctica (Quest was ice-strengthened in 2013), Australasia, Canada-New England, the Caribbean, Europe, the US and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
Cuba cruises are new to Seabourn, starting in November 2019. The 12-day Stars of the Cuban Sky Miami round-trip visits Havana, Antilla, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos.
DON'T MISS
Ventures by Seabourn excursions are available at select ports, making use of the ships' kayaks and Zodiacs.
SAIL AWAY
Seabourn Encore and Sojourn are sailing several itineraries in Australia and New Zealand between December 2018 and March 2019.
See seabourn.com
SILVERSEA
GREAT FOR
Silversea and Seabourn attract similar cruisers, but Silversea devotees opt for a little more formality and smaller ships.
NEED TO KNOW
The Silversea fleet comprises five ''classic'' ocean ships – Silver Muse, Spirit, Whisper, Wind and Shadow – and four luxury-expedition ships. The 596-passenger Muse is the newest; 2009's Spirit was stretched and now takes 608 passengers; Shadow and Whisper each carry 382, while Wind is the line's 296-passenger baby. Muse's sister, Silver Moon, is due in 2020. Silversea's non-expedition ships cruise in Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada-New England, the US and South America.
THE PERFECT ITINERARY
An 11-day cruise on Silver Shadow from Athens to Nice in May is the dreamiest time to visit the Greek Islands, Sicily and the Amalfi coast.
DON'T MISS
Butler service in every stateroom.
SAIL AWAY
Silver Muse arrives in Australia from Bali on its inaugural season this December and returns for four months in 2019-2020. See silversea.com
FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT CRUISE LINE
1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Identify what sort of experiences cruise lines offer to find what appeals to you. Use this guide as your starting point, talk to friends and family who have been cruising and check out online forums such as Cruise Critic.
2. GET EXPERT ADVICE
Consult a cruise-expert travel agent – it's free. Members of CLIA Australasia have had specific training and cruise experience. Hit Find a Cruise Agent tab on the website cruising.org.au to find one near you.
3. DECIDE ON THE DESTINATION
Do you want to cruise locally or overseas? Carnival, P&O and Princess have ships operating year-round out of Australia. Many more overseas lines visit Australia and New Zealand during the summer (October to April). Check out where lines sail worldwide on their websites.
4. CRUISE MONTH
October is national Choose Cruise month. Travel agents and cruise lines go all out to inform us about all things cruise and it can be a great time to score deals and even win a cruise.
5. KEEP CURRENT
Join mailing cruise lines' and agencies' mailing lists to receive their latest offers and information about upcoming ships, new itineraries and more.
FIVE MOST COMMON MISTAKES MADE WHEN BOOKING A CRUISE
1. Leaving it too late. Yes, you can find last-minute bargains but you might not be able to book your preferred accommodation or itinerary. The cheapest, most expensive and connecting cabins, aka staterooms, book out early.
2. Going for the cheapest deal. That $85-a-night offer sounds tempting but is it the right cruise for you? Can you drop everything and go next week? And if you're dreaming of a peaceful escape, that cheapie three-night ''cruise to nowhere'' might not be ideal.
3. Picking the wrong type of accommodation. Cabins come in a variety of categories. Inside cabins (no window or porthole) are the cheapest, balcony suites are the most expensive and there can be up to 20 types in between. Choose wisely to avoid wasting your money.
4. Not allowing enough time to get to the ship. Aim to be in port the night before your ship departs. Flight delays happen, traffic accidents can add hours to a journey and the ship won't wait if you're late.
5. Expecting the itinerary will be followed to the letter. Ships are at the mercy of unexpected weather and sea conditions. The captain's main priority is the safety of passengers and crew and if it's dangerous to enter a port, he or she won't go there. Be prepared to skip the occasional port call.
FIVE NEW SHIPS TO CONSIDER BOOKING
CELEBRITY EDGE
The first of a new class for Celebrity Cruises, the 2918-passenger Celebrity Edge launches in December 2018. Among its many ''first at sea'' features is the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose, tennis court–sized platform that glides up and down the outside of the ship. See celebritycruises.com.au
NIEUW STATENDAM
Holland America Line's second Pinnacle-class ship also launches this December. Similar but not identical to 2016's Koningsdam, the 2666-passenger ship promises an elegant blend of tradition and ultra-modern facilities. See hollandamerica.com
VIKING JUPITER
Viking's sixth ocean ship makes its maiden voyage in February 2019. Jupiter is virtually identical to its five sisters and will sail the Mediterranean and Northern Europe until November, then heads to South America for three months. See vikingcruises.com.au
MSC BELLISSIMA
A sister to MSC Meraviglia, the 5700-passenger Bellissima launches in March 2019. It will spend its maiden season in the Mediterranean then goes to the UAE in November. Bellissima's fun activities include the massive Polar Aqua Park and Formula 1 racing-car simulators. See msccruises.com.au
SKY PRINCESS
Debuting in the Mediterranean in October 2019, Sky Princess is the fourth and final ship in Princess' Royal class ships. New features on the 3360-passenger ship include top-deck Sky Suites with huge balconies and a Wakeview pool on its aft decks. See princess.com
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.