Cruise Life’s New Guide To Cruise Ships

Information With Links To Over 100 Major Cruise Ships Updated 2022

SEE FREE PDF DOWNLOAD LINK BELOW

As the travel industry entered the twenty-first century an amazing thing happened. The popularity of cruising was growing rapidly and cruise line companies reacted by launching a whole new generation of mega-ships. To attract passengers they added amusement parks, dozens of gourmet  restaurants, water features, nightclubs, sports facilities, spas and more. They are marvels of engineering and have become actual floating resort destinations.

In the last century the aircraft carrier was the unchallenged behemoth of the seas but now in comparison they are shorter and while still wider, the new class of cruise ships have significantly more length, mass, and total displacement.

Not only are these wonders a total, all inclusive resort experience that puts most land based resorts to shame. They also take their guests on an adventure, visiting countries and wonders all around the world. No other experience comes even close.

Not sure what cruise line to explore or ships to consider? Here you’ll find the most complete list of current cruise ships anywhere with hyper-links to each. Every ship listing includes the date launched, size, number of passengers and most recent refurbishment. Each ship listing also includes a link to its cruise line description page where you’ll find additional information.

The following listings offer key information for understanding and comparing cruise ships, including:

Date the Ship Entered Service – How old a ship is matters. Each new generation incorporates more features that older ships normally cannot be upgraded to later on. If you’re looking for more excitement on a cruise like water slides, surfing, amusement park rides or lots of speciality restaurants – think newer. If you’re looking for a more traditional cruising experience, older ships might be a better choice.

GT or Gross Tons – Just like age, size matters too and GT is a good indication of how big the ship is. If you’re looking for excitement the bigger ships have more features incorporated onboard. Keep in mind though that in some cases bigger doesn’t mean better. Many of the luxury cruise lines often operate with smaller ships. Think intimate and exclusive.

Number of Passengers – Like gross tons the number of passengers is something to consider. Is your taste is big, bold and busy usually the bigger the better.

Refurb (refurbishment) – At the least that means new furniture and upgraded decor, but major refurbishments can also mean major redesigns, adding features like more restaurants and lounges and more space allocated to spas, lounges and pool areas.

2020 Cruise Ship Best Category Winners

The 2020 compilation of Best Ships from scoring totals from four travel websites

  • Best New Ship – Celebrity Apex / Scarlet Lady
  • Best Cabins – Celebrity Apex
  • Best Dining – Holland America Line
  • Best Entertainment – Royal Caribbean International
  • Best for Families – Disney Cruise Line / Royal Caribbean
  • Best Itineraries – Holland America Line
  • Best Nightlife – MSC Cruises
  • Best Service – Carnival Cruise Line
  • Best Shore Excursions – Viking
  • Best Value for Money – Carnival Cruise Line

Announcing the best of the best in cruise ships for 2020 – 21. Compiled and scored from three surveys of passengers and reviewers. Scoring the results from ★ to ★★★★★+ being a perfect score.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a The Walt Disney Company. The company was incorporated in 1996 as Magical Cruise Company Ltd with a focus on families, kids, Disney characters, and the companies movies.

Disney Wish 2022 • 5,458 passengers 144,000 GT – Be among the first to experience the all-new enchantment on board, where fantastical worlds and beloved stories from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar are brought to life like never before.

Disney Magic 1998 ★★★★★ • 83,000 GT  •  2,713 passengers

Disney Wonder 1999 ★★★★★ • 83,000 GT  • 2,713 passengers • Refurb September 2019

Disney Dream 2011 ★★★★★ • 130,000 GT  •  3,500 passengers

Disney Fantasy 2012 ★★★★★ •  130,000 GT  •  3,500 passengers

Princess Cruise Line

Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation and is incorporated in Bermuda with headquarters are in Santa Clarita, California. It is the second largest cruise line by revenue.  It was previously a subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, and is managed by Holland America Group, which controls the Princess Cruise brand.

Royal Class

Sky Princess 2020 ★★★★★ • 3,360 passengers 143,700 GT – Ssister ship to the Royal, Regal and Majestic Princess, features a modern contemporary design and elegant accommodations for 3,560 passengers. Guests aboard Sky Princess will enjoy a variety of luxuries and indulgences such as a visit to the Lotus Spa after a full day in port, or a relaxing dinner at the Crown Grill with friends. Other highlights include entertainment options like Movies Under the Stars and Princess Theater, as well as onboard activities for kids and their families. Enjoy a glass of wine from Vines, escape to The Sanctuary retreat, or try your luck at the Casino. Sky Princess has something to offer everyone who steps onboard.

Royal Princess 2013 ★★★★★ •  3,560 passengers 141,000 GT

Regal Princess 2014 ★★★★★ • 3,560 passengers 141,000 GT  – Featuring more than 1,400 balconies and the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship! From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you’ll find something for everyone on the Regal Princess.

Majestic Princess 2017 ★★★★★ • 143,000 •  GT

Grand Class 2,600 passengers and 1,150 crew

Grand Princess 1998 ★★★★ • 107,517 GT • refurb in December 2016

Golden Princess 2001 ★★★★+• 108,865 GT •  refurb in 2015

Star Princess 2002 ★★★★ • 108,977 GT • refurb in 2017

Diamond Princess 2004 ★★★★ • 115,875 GT

Sapphire Princess 2004 ★★★★★ • 115,875 GT

Caribbean Princess 2004 ★★★★★ • 112,894 GT •  Last refurb in 2017

Crown Princess 2006 ★★★★★ • 113,561 GT

Emerald Princess 2007 ★★★★★ • 113,561 GT

Ruby Princess 2008 ★★★★★ • 113,561 GT •  Last refurb October 2018

Panamax-Class 1,970 passengers and 895 crew

Coral Princess 2003 ★★★★ • 91,627 GT

Island Princess 2003 ★★★★+ • 91,627 GT

Sun Class 1,990 passengers and 924 crew

Sun Princess 1995 ★★★★ • 77,499 GT •  Last refurbished in April, 2016

Sea Princess 1998–2003 ★★★★ and 2005–present • 77,690 GT •  Sailed as P&O Adonia from 2003 to 2005

R Class    680 passengers and 373 crew

Pacific Princess 1999 ★★★★+ • Princess ship 2003–Present • 30,277 GT

Future Fleet

Enchanted Princess Royal class 2020 143,700 GT

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is a British/American-owned line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Holland America Line was founded in the Netherlands and from 1873 to 1989, it operated as a Dutch shipping line, a passenger line, a cargo line and a cruise line, operating mostly between the Netherlands and North America.

MS Maasdam 1993 ★★★★ • 55,575 GT •  1,258 passengers

MS Veendam 1996 ★★★★ • 57,092 GT •  1,350 passengers

MS Rotterdam 1997 ★★★★ • 61,849 GT • 1,404 passengers

MS Volendam 1999 ★★★★★ • 61,214 GT • 1,432 passengers

MS Zaandam   2000 ★★★★+ • 61,396 GT •  1,432 passengers

MS Amsterdam 2000 ★★★★★ • 62,735 GT •  1,380 passengers

Vista Class

MS Zuiderdam 2002 ★★★★★ •  82,305 GT • 1,916 passengers

MS Oosterdam 2003 ★★★★★ • 82,305 GT • 1,916 passengers

MS Westerdam 2004 ★★★★★ • 82,305 GT • 1,916 passengers

MS Noordam 2006 ★★★★★ • 82,318 GT • 1,924 passengers • Refurb September 2019

Signature Class

MS Eurodam 2008 ★★★★★ • 86,273 •  2,104 passengers – The Eurodam recently received many exciting updates. Guests on this graceful ship can enjoy the full Music Walk™ experience, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Explore onboard at a cooking class or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences and a Digital Workshop Powered by Windows®. Dine in your choice of specialty restaurants.

MS Nieuw Amsterdam 2010 ★★★★★ • 86,700 GT • 2,106 passengers

Pinnacle Class

MS Koningsdam  2016 ★★★★★ • 99,863 • 2,650 passengers – at 975 ft. long and a width of 114.8 ft. The first of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam inspired by music, her design features innovative, new dining and entertainment venues, with the dazzling, two-story World Stage to Music Walk™, Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.

MS Nieuw Statendam 2018 ★★★★★ • 99,863 GT • 2,650 passengers

MS Nieuw Amsterdam  2018 ★★★★★ • 99,863 GT • 2,650 passengers

Future Fleet

MS Ryndam Delayed • 99,863 GT • 2,650 passengers

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is an international cruise company with headquarters in Doral, Florida. Its logo is the funnel found on their ships, with red, white and blue colors. The funnels are shaped like a whale’s tail. Currently, Carnival is the largest cruise line in the world, based on passengers carried annually, and total number of ships in fleet. Carnival is one of ten cruise line brands owned by the world’s largest cruise ship operator, the American-British Carnival Corporation.

Carnival Mardi Gras 2021 ★★★★★ • 180,000 GT is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and largest cruise ship. The ship is the first in North America to be powered by LNG and is also the world’s first cruise ship with a roller coaster. Mardi Gras homeports at Port Canaveral and entered Carnival’s fleet in 2021.

Vista Class

Carnival Vista 2016 ★★★★ • 133,500 GT • 3,934 passengers

Carnival Horizon 2018 ★★★★ • 133,500 GT • 3,960 passengers – Horizon features lots of fabulous restaurants, a popular pub and brewery, a thrilling bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction, an IMAX movie theatre and a huge water park with an exhilarating 455-foot-long water tube slide.

Carnival Panorama 2019 ★★★★ • 133,500 GT • 3,934 passengers. It is the third and final Vista class ship from Carnival.

Dream Class

Carnival Breeze 2012 ★★★★ • 128,000 GT • 3,690 passengers

Carnival Magic 2011 ★★★★ • 128,000 GT • 3,690 passengers

Carnival Dream 2009 ★★★★ • 128,000 GT • 3,646 passengers

Splendor Class

Carnival Splendor 2008 ★★★★ • 113,300 GT • 3,012 passengers

Conquest Class

Carnival Freedom 2007 ★★★★ • 110,000 GT • 2,980 passengers

Carnival Liberty 2005 ★★★★ • 110,000 GT • 2,980 passengers

Carnival Valor 2004 ★★★★ • 110,000 GT • 2,980 Passengers – Onboard are food spots like Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint, Scarlett’s Steakhouse. Let yourself be swept away to RedFrog Pub or Alchemy Bar, or get a little carried away in SkyBox Sports Bar. Kids get caught up in the excitement of being kids, hanging with others their age at Carnival Valor’s three supervised youth venues.

Carnival Glory 2003 ★★★★ • 110,000 GT • 2,980 passengers

Carnival Conquest 2002 ★★★★ • 110,000 GT • 2,980 passengers

Spirit Class

Carnival Miracle 2004 ★★★★ • 88,500 GT • 2,124 passengers

Carnival Legend 2002 ★★★★ • 88,500 GT • 2,124 passengers

Carnival Pride 2002 ★★★★ • 88,500 GT • 2,124 passengers

Carnival Spirit 2001 ★★★★ • 88,500 GT •  2,124 passengers

Destiny/Sunshine Class

Carnival Victory 2000 ★★★★ • 101,509 GT • 2,754 passengers

Carnival Sunrise 1999–2019 ★★★★ as Carnival Triumph • 101,509 GT • 2,754 passengers

Carnival Sunshine 1996-2013 ★★★★ as Carnival Destiny • 102,853 GT • 3,002 passengers

Fantasy Class

Carnival Paradise 1998 ★★★★ • 71,909 GT •  2,124 passengers

Carnival Elation 1998 ★★★★ • 71,909 GT •  2,130 passengers

Carnival Inspiration 1996 ★★★★ •  70,367 GT •  2,056 passengers

Carnival Imagination 1995 ★★★★ •  70,367 GT •  2,056 passengers

Carnival Fascination 1994 ★★★★ • 70,367 GT • 2,056 passengers

Carnival Sensation 1993 ★★★★ • 70,367 GT •  2,056 passengers

Carnival Ecstasy 1991 ★★★★• 70,367 GT • 2,056 passengers

Carnival Fantasy 1990 ★★★★ • 70,367 GT • 2,056 passengers

Future Ships

Carnival Panorama 2019 135,500 GT

Mardi Gras 2020 ★★★★★ • 185,000 GT

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International (RCI), also known by its former name Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), is a cruise line brand founded in 1968 in Norway and organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. since 1997. Based in Miami, Florida, United States, it is the largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passengers counts.

Empress of the Seas 1990 ★★★★ • 48,563 GT • 1,840 passengers

Majesty of the Seas 1992 ★★★★ • 74,007 GT • 2,350 passengers

Vision Class

Grandeur of the Seas 1996 ★★★★+ • 73,817 GT • 2,440 passengers

Rhapsody of the Seas 1997 ★★★★+ • 78,491 GT • 2,416 passengers

Enchantment of the Seas 1997 ★★★★+ • 82,910 GT • 2,730 passengers

Vision of the Seas   1998 ★★★★+ • 78,340 GT • 2,514 passengers

Voyager Class

Voyager of the Seas 1999 ★★★★+ • 137,276 GT • 3,840 passengers •   Refurb October 2019

Explorer of the Seas 2000 ★★★★★ • 137,308 GT • 3,840 passengers • Refurb April 2020

Adventure of the Seas 2001 ★★★★+ • 137,276 GT •  3,807 passengers

Navigator of the Seas 2002 ★★★★★ • 139,999 GT •  4,000 passengers

Mariner of the Seas 2003 ★★★★★ • 138,279 GT • 3,807 passengers

Radiance Class

Radiance of the Seas 2001 ★★★★+ • 90,090 GT • 2,466 passengers

Brilliance of the Seas 2002 ★★★★+ • 90,090 GT • 2,543 passengers

Serenade of the Seas 2003 ★★★★+ • 90,090 GT • 2,476 passengers

Jewel of the Seas 2004 ★★★★+ • 90,090 GT • 2,502 passengers

Freedom Class

Freedom of the Seas 2006 ★★★★★ • 154,407 GT • 4,515 passengers • Refurb March 2020- To be refurbished in 2020 – Freedom Class features an interior promenade with food and drink venues, dual racer water slides the Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠, 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator and completely reimagined restaurants, onboard games for all ages and Broadway quality stage shows.

Liberty of the Seas 2007 ★★★★★• 155,889 GT • 4,960 passengers

Independence of the Seas 2008 ★★★★★ • 154,407 GT • 4,375 passengers

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Oasis Class

Oasis of the Seas 2009 ★★★★★ • 225,282 GT • 6,360 passengers • Refurb December 2019

Allure of the Seas 2010 ★★★★★ • 225,282 GT • 6,410 passengers • Refurb April 2020

Harmony of the Seas 2016 ★★★★★ • 226,963 GT • 6,687 passengers

Symphony of the Seas 2018 ★★★★★ • 228,081 GT • 6,680 passengers

Odyssey of the Seas 2022 ★★★★★ • 228,081 GT • 6,680 passengers

Wonder of the Seas 2021 ★★★★★ • 228,081 GT • 6,680 passengers – Brings even bigger adventures to the award-winning Oasis Class. Like eight unique neighborhoods, including the all-new Suite Neighborhood. A totally redesigned pool deck with more ways to soak up the sun — or shade — than ever before. AquaTheater adds edge-of-your-seat-inducing entertainment to the line-up with stunning ocean views and a dramatic new backdrop. And the all-new Wonder Playscape

Quantum Class

Quantum of the Seas 2014 ★★★★★ • 168,666 GT • 4,905 passengers Features the “Sports Court” on deck 15 with the Wave Loch Flowrider surf simulator a rock-climbing wall and new a feature on the Quantum class the “RipCord by iFLY”, a skydiving simulator. The “North Star” observation tower a glass-walled capsule on the end of a 41-meter-long crane arm lifts groups of up to 14 guests over the edge of the ship, reaching heights of up to 91 meters above sea level.

Anthem of the Seas 2015 ★★★★★ • 168,666 GT • 4,905 passengers

Ovation of the Seas 2016 ★★★★★ • 168,666 GT • 4,905 passengers

Spectrum of the Seas ★★★★★ 2019 • 169,379 GT • 4,246 passengers


Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), also known in short as Norwegian, is a cruise line founded in 1966 and based in the United States. It is the third-largest cruise line in the world by passengers.

Norwegian Spirit Launched 1998 Joined Norwegian in 2004 ★★★★ • 75,904 GT • Refurb February 2020

Norwegian Sky 1999 ★★★★ • refurb in 2019

Norwegian Sun 2001 ★★★★ • 77,104 GT • refurb in 2018

Norwegian Star 2001 ★★★★ • 91,740 GT • refurb in 2018

Norwegian Dawn 2002 ★★★★+ • 92,250 GT• refurb in 2016

Pride of America 2005 ★★★ • 80,439 GT • refurb in 2016

Jewel Class

Norwegian Jewel 2005 ★★★★+ • 93,502 GT • refurb in 2018

Norwegian Jade 2006 ★★★★+ • 93,558 GT • refurb in 2017

Norwegian Pearl 2006 ★★★★+ • 93,530 GT • refurb in 2017

Norwegian Gem 2007 ★★★★+ • 93,530 GT •  refurb in 2015

Epic Class

Norwegian Epic 2010 ★★★★+ • 155,873 GT • refurb in 2015

Breakaway class

Norwegian Breakaway 2013 ★★★★★ • 145,655 GT • refurb in 2018

Norwegian Getaway 2014 ★★★★★ • 145,655 GT • Stroll The Waterfront, an innovative, industry-first open-air promenade designed to connect guests with the ocean like no other cruise line. Explore more than 28 dining options, experience the thrill of five water slides, and three levels of action-packed activities in the sports complex. The excitement and entertainment continues with Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet.

Breakaway Plus class

Norwegian Escape 2015 ★★★★★ • 3,989 passengers 164,600 GT

Norwegian Joy 2017 ★★★★★ • 4,004 passengers 167,725 GT • refurb in 2019

Norwegian Bliss 2018 ★★★★★ • 4,004 passengers 168,028 GT

Norwegian Encore 2019 ★★★★★ • 4,084 passengers 169,145 GT


Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises is a cruise line which was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group. In 1997, Celebrity Cruises Ltd. merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to form Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the latter since then. The company has its headquarters in Miami, Florida. Celebrity’s signature logo is an “Χ” displayed on the funnel of Celebrity ships, and is the Greek letter chi, for “Chandris”.

For our detailed article on Celebrity’s new Apex click HERE.

Virtual Balcony Stateroom On The Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Millennium 2000 ★★★★★ • 91,000 GT •2,137 passengers • refurb in 2019

Celebrity Infinity 2001 ★★★★★ • 91,000 GT 2,170 • passengers • Refurb November 2020

Celebrity Summit 2001 ★★★★★ • 91,000 GT • 2,158 passengers • refurb in 2019

Celebrity Constellation 2002 ★★★★★ • 91,000 GT •  2,170 passengers • Refurb April 2020

Solstice Class

Celebrity Solstice 2008 • 121,878 • GT 2,850 passengers • Refurb October 2021 – Celebrity Solstice is one of our most decorated ships at sea with a world of innovations. The first Lawn Club at sea. The first cruise line to have five women redesign its staterooms. Outstanding cuisine takes dining to a whole new level. Celebrity Solstice® also features Canyon Ranch Spa® and fitness center. Pamper yourself with spa treatments.

Celebrity Equinox 2009 ★★★★★ • 121,878 GT •2,850 passengers• refurb in 2019

Celebrity Eclipse 2010 ★★★★★ • 121,878 GT• 2,850 passengers• Refurb November 2020

Celebrity Silhouette 2011 ★★★★★ • 122,210 GT • 2,886 passengers • Refurb January 2020

Celebrity Reflection 2012 ★★★★★ • 125,366 GT •3,046 passengers • Refurb February 2023

Edge Class

Celebrity Edge ★★★★★ 2018 •130,818 GT • 2,918 passengers – The Edge Class of ships was designed to shatter expectations. Featuring luxuriously designed rooms that erase the boundary between indoors and out, a cantilevered Magic Carpet soaring above the sea, and a collection of 29 world-class restaurants, bars, and lounges, Celebrity Edge has been voted Best New Ship by the editors of Cruise Critic.

Celebrity Apex ★★★★★ 2021 •130,818 GT • 2,918

Celebrity Beyond ★★★★★ 2022 •130,818 GT • 2,918

Galapagos Expeditions Ships (Not Rated)

Celebrity Xpedition 2001 •2,842 GT •96 passengers • refurb in 2015

Celebrity Xperience 2017 • 1,610 GT • 48 passengers

Celebrity Xploration 2017 • 319.5 GT

Celebrity Flora 2019 •5,739 GT •  100 passengers

Cunard Line

Cunard Line is a British–American cruise line based at Carnival House in Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation. Since 2011, Cunard and its ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

In addition to the major cruise lines in the listings above there are a number of cruise lines focused on luxury or are in additional markets including:

Viking Ocean Cruises ★★★★★+

Viking Star 2015 ★★★★★+ • 930 passengers 47,842 GT
Viking Sea 2016 ★★★★★+ • 930 passengers 47,842 GT
Viking Sky 2017 ★★★★★+ • 930 passengers 47,842 GT
Viking Orion 2018 ★★★★★+ • 930 passengers 47,842 GT
Viking Jupiter 2019 ★★★★★+ • 930 passengers 47,842 GT
Viking Venus 2021 ★★★★★+ • 930 passengers 47,842 GT

Viking Ocean is a cruise line providing luxury and all inclusive cruises. Its operating headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland, and its marketing headquarters are in Los Angeles, California. Viking Ocean Cruises is the newest division of Viking that includes two other divisions, Viking River Cruises and Viking Expeditions. As of 2020, it operates a fleet of 6 ocean ships.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises ceased operations in February 2022. It was a cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, USA, founded in 1988 by Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and owned since 2015 by Hong Kong-headquartered conglomerate Genting Hong Kong.

Silversea Cruises ★★★★★+

  • Silver Cloud (1994) ★★★★★
  • Silver Dawn (2021) ★★★★★
  • Silver Explorer (1989) ★★★★★
  • Silver Galapagos (1990) ★★★★★
  • Silver Moon (2020) ★★★★★
  • Silver Muse (2017) ★★★★★
  • Silver Origin (2020) ★★★★★
  • Silver Shadow (2000) ★★★★★
  • Silver Spirit (2009)★★★★★
  • Silver Whisper (2001) ★★★★★
  • Silver Wind (1995) ★★★★★

Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line headquartered in Monaco. Founded in 1994 by the Vlasov Group of Monaco and the Lefebvre family of Rome, it pioneered all-inclusive cruising with its first ship, Silver Cloud. Since July 2020, it has been owned by Royal Caribbean Group

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ★★★★★+

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), formerly known as Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, is a luxury cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida. Since 2014, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.

Azamara Cruises ★★★★★

  • Azamara Journey (2000) ★★★★★
  • Azamara Pursuit (2001) ★★★★★
  • Azamara Quest (2000) ★★★★★

A premium cruise travel brand and a Sycamore Partners-owned company that currently operates four ships – Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward. Until 2021, Azamara was a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

P&O Cruises (America) ★★★★★

  • Arcadia (2005) ★★★★
  • Aurora (2000) ★★★★
  • Azura (2010) ★★★★
  • Britannia (2015) ★★★★★
  • Iona (2020) ★★★★★
  • Oceana (2002) ★★★★
  • Ventura (2008) ★★★★

P&O is based in England and is owned by Carnival Corp. Founded in 1977 as a subsidiary of a shipping line founded in 1837 that first operated a cruise ship in 1844 making P&O Cruises, along with its sister company in Australia the oldest cruise line in the world.

MSC Cruise Line  ★★★★+

  • MSC Armonia (2001) ★★★★
  • MSC Bellissima (2019) ★★★★★+
  • MSC Divina (2012) ★★★★
  • MSC Fantasia (2008) ★★★+
  • MSC Grandiosa (2019) ★★★★+
  • MSC Lirica (2003) ★★★+
  • MSC Magnifica (2010) ★★★+
  • MSC Meraviglia (2017) ★★★★★
  • MSC Musica (2006) ★★★+
  • MSC Opera (2004) ★★★+
  • MSC Orchestra (2007) ★★★+
  • MSC Poesia (2008) ★★★★
  • MSC Preziosa (2013) ★★★+
  • MSC Seashore (2021) ★★★★+
  • MSC Seaside (2017) ★★★★★
  • MSC Seaview (2018) ★★★★+
  • MSC Sinfonia (2002) ★★★+
  • MSC Splendida (2009) ★★★+
  • MSC Virtuosa (2020) ★★★★+

Founded in 1970 MSC which was the Mediterranean Shipping Company, is now the 2nd largest ocean container carrier in the world. A European based company MSC Cruises launched in 1988 and has become one of the fastest growing cruise companies in the world, with a fleet of 16 ships currently in service. While originally in Europe markets more and more MSC cruises are being offered out of U.S. ports primarily for trips to the Caribbean

Costa Cruise ★★★★★

  • Costa Deliziosa (2010) ★★★★+
  • Costa Diadema (2014) ★★★★
  • Costa Fascinosa (2012) ★★★+
  • Costa Favolosa (2011) ★★★+
  • Costa Fortuna (2003) ★★★
  • Costa Luminosa (2009) ★★★★
  • Costa Magica (2004) ★★★★
  • Costa Mediterranea (2003) ★★★
  • Costa Romantica (1993) ★★★+
  • Costa Pacifica (2009) ★★★★
  • Costa Smeralda (2019) ★★★★+
  • Costa Victoria (1996) ★★★+

Costa Cruises, is an Italian cruise line founded in 1854 and and now is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corporation since 2000. Based in Genoa, Italy, the cruise line primarily caters to the Italian cruise market with the company’s 12 ships, sailing under the Italian flag, but provide itineraries sailing globally.

Includes over 150 links to Cruise Ships & Cruise Companies

U.S. Customs & Immigration – Express Lanes

Our U.S. Customs & Immigration experience – On an average year we pass through Customs & Immigration almost a dozen times. Years ago, when returning to the United States, there weren’t a lot of choices getting through Customs & Immigration. You fill out your custom declaration form before arrival, pick a line (always the slowest moving) and wait for your turn with an agent. Rarely did things go quickly. Today there are a number of options for speeding up the process of getting through Customs & Immigration.

Currently The Options To Speed Through Immigration Include:

  • TSA Pre-Clearance – Costs $85 and gets you through airport security with a faster screening. Doesn’t apply to Customs & Immigration.
  • Global Entry – Costs $100 and gives you a fast-pass through immigration and includes TSA-Pre-Clearance.
  • Nexus- Costs $50 and allows Americans and Canadians fast immigration checks at airports and boarder crossings.
  • Sentri – Costs $122.50, is similar to Nexus and includes Mexican citizens.
  • Mobile Passport an app for your cellphone that allows you to clear immigration and customs before you enter the customs facility and use a special fast lane where generally you show a bar code on your phone and walk through.

Of these the Global Entry and Mobile Passport are the most practical for personnel international travel.

A couple of years ago we applied for Global Entry since we would be leaving and re-entering the United States at least six times and would also be flying with a number of airlines that did not normally provide us with TSA Pre-Clear. In January of 2020 we applied for Global Entry and while delayed because of the pandemic, we both now have it.

When we went for the Global Entry interviews with Homeland Security we spent some time talking with Customs and Border Patrol agents and they had a number of surprising suggestions and some good advice. First, they highly recommended the Mobile Passport app even if you have Global Entry. While it doesn’t provide for TSA-Pre it often gets you through immigration faster than even Global Entry and at $15 a year it’s well worth it for frequent international travelers. One confession they made was often the Global Entry system at their booths don’t work, but they still just wave Mobile Passport people through. A couple of years ago we started using Mobile Passport and added the app to our phones and it really did work. It does exactly what it claims and quickly gets you through immigration.

While we were excited a number years ago with the new self-service kiosks that were being installed at CBP locations, after a few times using the system it was obvious this wasn’t the answer to most travelers prayers. It just didn’t go that fast. You had to scan your passport and everyone had to do it – not just the head of household. You had to get your picture taken by the kiosk than respond to CBP inspection questions and submit biographic information, whatever that was. After that you were given a printout strip and than you still had to go stand in line again anyway.

How Global Entry Works

When you get to Customs & Immigration go to a Global Entry kiosks, present your machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place your fingers on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete customs questions. The kiosk issues you a transaction receipt and directs you to baggage claim and the airport exit.

No more customs forms!

Unfortunately the United States has not been a leader in making CPB easier and faster. While traveling we have come to realize that some countries have figured out how to speed people thru the process. Our favorite is Australia – scan your passport at a kiosk, tick off a couple answers and show the receipt to the nice person as you exit. Probably the online visa Australia makes you get helps them with this process. Worst of all going through our CPB process doesn’t make us feel any safer coming into America than I felt entering Australia or a dozen other countries.

With Global Entry and Mobile Passport things are now getting better.

Starting three years ago we started using the U.S. CBP approved app Mobile Passport. First you have to download the Mobile Passport App on your iPhone or Android device, the basic one is free but for $15 per year the Mobile Passport Plus version will save you images and information to the app’s system.

Using Mobile Passport

Here’s how it works arriving back in the U.S. using the Mobile Passport website.

  • Once you arrive at your port of entry (airport or sea port), open the app and connect to cellular wireless or local wi-fi.
  • fill out the information including a customs declaration using your phone and click to submit your data to CBP. Remember: when you submit, you are confirming under penalty of law that your information is correct.
  • Within a few seconds, you will receive a CBP receipt with an encrypted barcode. Your receipt/barcode will now be valid for 4 hours.
  • Follow the Mobile Passport Control signs to the designated Mobile Passport Control line.
  • Show your passport to the CBP officer, they scan the barcode on the digital CBP receipt.

And that’s it! You’re in in a matter of seconds.

The system is currently active at twenty-seven U.S. airports and six cruise ports and counting. Often the system isn’t up and working but the agents will tell you and that doesn’t slow you down. If you have the app and are displaying the bar code, CPB has captured your information and they just wave you through (when it’s down – it’s even faster).

While there is still a free app, pay the $15 annual subscription fee for Mobile Passport+ in order for Mobile Passport to store your passport and additional information and that’s a small price to pay.

Current Mobile Passport points of entry.

A Final Note: Recently we were in Chile and before we boarded the plane I realized that I had changed phones from an iPhone to an Android and hadn’t loaded the app. Even with the slow 3G at the airport it only took five minutes to download the app, take my picture (it was terrible), scan my passport and register in the system. I would recommend avoiding that panic and make sure you have the app working before you travel.

Cruise Port Southampton England

Southampton is not just a port of call but one of England’s most active cruise departure ports. It is only eighty miles from London and is also London’s major seaport. Located on a major estuary on the English Channel it experiences an unusual double high-tide.

The area has been settled since the Stone Age and was an important port in medieval times, experiencing several hundred years of invassions and attacks until it was expanded by the Victorians. As a centre of commerce, an industrial town and an important military embarkation point, Southampton was a strategic target for the Luftwaffe and was severely damaged in World War II. Southampton was awarded city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964 .

Where Your Ship Docks

The are a number of piers servicing various cruise lines with the Port Authority being only a few blocks from the Old Town. There are no terminals at most piers and public facilities are sparse. There is no problem with walking out of the port and taxis are common at the cruise ships..

Transportation

The Old Town is a short walk from the port’s piers and the city has a good metropolitan bus system. Rental cars are moderately priced and Europcar and Enterprise have offices very near the port entrance.

Currency

The UK is now back on the English Pound with the exchange rate averaging around 1 Pound = 1.30 US$. Most major credit cards are welcomed and ATMs are easy to find.

Sights and Attractions

To introduce yourself to the cities history start by “Walking the Southampton Walls,” which leads you around the 1.25-mile perimeter of the old medieval trading town. The walls encompass 13 remaining towers, six city gates, and half mile of thick stone walls and arcades. Most existing features were built in the 1360s by a population attempting to defend against French and Genoese Privateers. The area also incorporates the ruins of a 14th century church and the cities old main gate.

SeaCity Museum – Take a journey of discovery through Southampton’s history and browse exhibitions from the city’s ancient past, covering thousands of years of archaeology. You can also enjoy fresh local food and great coffee surrounded by Southampton history and culture. Find out more here.

Solent Sky Museum – Spitfire Solent Sky – Let your imagination take flight learning about Southampton’s history in aviation. Sit in the cockpits of a Supermarine Swift or Harrier Jump Jet and explore the legendary Spitfire and largest flying boat operation in the world.

Tudor House & Garden Museum – If you’re near Westquay and Southampton’s Old Town, don’t miss a unique visit to Southampton’s oldest Museum. At Tudor House & Garden Museum you’ll be able to soak up over 800 years of history in one location. Discover King Johns Palace at the bottom of the garden, which forms part of the outer medieval wall of Southampton.

God’s House Tower – This is the cornerstone of Southampton’s Old Town and a heritage site with a colorful history. Experience its stories brought to life with the Stories Behind the Stones exhibition found throughout the historic Tower.

God’s House Tower

John Hansard Gallery, part of the University of Southampton, is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries.

MAST Mayflower Studios – A multi-cultural center presenting theatre, dance, musicals, music, comedy, circus, cabaret, spoken word, visual arts and family shows at the heart of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter.

The Old City Gate

Attractions close to Southampton

A number are based around the New Forest, in the Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst areas. Popular attractions include Beaulieu and its enormous National Motor Museum, the spectacular Exbury Gardens, with its azaleas and Marwell Zoo in nearby Winchester.

Less than 60 miles away is Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral. There are a number of Southampton tour companies with half and whole day tours and if you’re cruising passengers will usually be offered shore excursions to Stonehenge. For disembarking passengers often transfers to London will also include a tour to Salisbury Plain.

Southampton is also near to the Isle of Wight , a large island just a few miles to the south. Regular Red Funnel ferries link the city and the Isle of Wight, with both day trip and short break tickets being reasonably inexpensive.

Our Pin Map Wallpaper

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Georgia’s Providence Canyon State Park

A Beautiful Mistake

Not all mistakes made by man turn out to be serious disasters. Two hundred years ago in Southwest Georgia poor farming practices helped create a “natural” wonder.

Providence Canyon is a network of gorges, gullies and a plateau created by erosion through multicolored layers of clays and soils. Referred to as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon consists of an area of plateaus, cliffs, and narrow pinnacles where erosion has exposed a geologic record going back several million years.

Historical accounts show that the canyon was formed initially in the early 1800s as the result of poor farming practices. The original forest cover was cleared so it could be farmed. Gullies formed and soon grew deeper and by 1850 eroded pathways as deep as a dozen feet crisscrossed the area. From there additional runoff dramatically increased the erosion.

The area gets its name from Providence Methodist Church, established in 1832. By 1859 the church building and a schoolhouse were relocated and where they originally stood the land has washed into the canyon. The second church building still stands just northwest of the canyon.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources now operates Providence Canyon State Park. The 1,109-acre park encompasses the canyon rim and 16 separate canyons, as deep as 150 feet. From a trail along the rim, several overlooks offer views of the canyon walls, in which forty-three different colors of sands have been identified. Inside the canyon are a number of hiking trails.

Geology

Providence Canyon, lies in the Georgia Coastal Plain region, and is composed of sediments deposited by ancient streams, seas, deltas, and coastal beaches some 65 million years ago. The sediments forming the canyon form four geologic formations: Baker Hill, Clayton, Providence, and Ripley.

The Baker Hill formation is the youngest and forms the uppermost part of soils in Providence Canyon State Park. Deposited during the Paleogene period, this formation sits just under the the canyon’s rim.

The Clayton formation, in the top of the canyon walls, was also deposited during the Paleogene period, 65 million years ago,at the end of the age of the dinosaurs. It’s composed of coarse reddish sand colored by iron oxide. At the base of this formation, iron oxides have precipitated into a thin, dark layer of iron ore, which was mined in areas outside the park.

The Providence formation makes up most of the canyon walls. One hundred and nineteen feet thick, it was deposited during the Cretaceous period, about 70 million years ago. The upper layer of this formation consists of very fine sand mixed with a white clay called kaolin. The middle layer is coarser-grained and more colorful, with crossbeds stained yellow by limonite and purple by manganese. The lowest and oldest layer is a black and yellow mica thick clay deposit. This part of the formation is known as the Perote member and is visible at the bottom of the canyon.

The canyon floor is the Ripley formation deposited during the Cretaceous period, about 75 million years ago, it is orange in color with a composition of clay sand. This formation includes layers of fossils.

Providence Canyon is still eroding and from water runoff and is being undercut by the force of groundwater. The clay content of sediments in the floor of the canyon makes it more resistant, and the growth of pine trees, laurel bushes, and other vegetation helps to stabilize the soil, reducing the rate of vertical erosion.

Getting Around Rome – Trains, Planes &…

A Guide To Rome’s Regional Transportation Options

Getting Into Rome From The Airport

Having often traveled between Rome, its airport, the cruise port of Civitavecchia and a number of cities in Italy we’ve made a few mistakes but have also had some fun traveling by train. Here is some basic information on travel centered on Rome as well as some tips on things to watch out for.

First, you should really try using public transportation. It is, in most instances, the significantly less expensive option. It also is an opportunity to mix with local Romans giving you a feeling about who they are and, with the exception of getting packed in during rush hour, you’ll find they can be very helpful.

Buses between Fiumicino (FCO) airport and central RomeFirst we have discovered that buying bus tickets online before your trip is a bad idea. Before our first trip we had looked into buying bus tickets online and had made notes on lines and costs but didn’t actually get around to making the purchase. Our hotel was just a few blocks from the Termini (Rome’s Central Train Station) so we decided to find an express bus. Once we arrived, we discovered that there were a number of bus ticket counters near the baggage area and pricing was much lower than what we had seen online. We bought tickets on an express bus to Termini for about €8 each. At Fiumicino airport, the bus departure points are outside of Terminal 3, and off to your right. Buses take about 45 minutes to get to Rome Termini from Fiumicino airport, traffic permitting, and we were at our hotel 15 minutes by foot after arriving at the Termini.

For express bus service Cotral offers a bus from Rome Termini to Rome Airport every 4 hours. Tickets cost €2 – €3 and it takes about 45 min. There is also the Roma Airport Bus T.A.M. for €5 per person. These buses run between 08:00 am and 11:30 pm between Fiumicino (Terminal 3) and a stop outside Termini Station. The return tickets cost €8.00 per person and depart from Termini Station between 4:30 am and 8:30 pm.

For other locations in Rome to the airport, the locations are less centralized and we would suggest inquiring at your hotel. Some buses can pick you up and your front desk can provide advice on traffic times and the best service.

Rome Area Trains (Commuter, Express and Regional)

Tickets for many trains are not for reserved seats. You can use them at any time within the next several months, but the ticket MUST be validated right before use. You must, before boarding the train, punch the ticket in one of the little green and white machines around the platform area.

The Leonardo Express

The best way to get from the Termini to Rome Airport (FCO) is by train which takes 45 minutes and costs as little as €4. The Leonardo Express train (€14 per person) is a fast service between Fiumicino and Rome Termini. Trains leave every half hour and take 32 min. It is the most popular service to central Rome but can be busy at times.

station


A word of caution. From Fiumicino airport there are a number of options for taking a train into central Rome but be careful when using the Suburban trains during rush hour if you are carrying luggage. Unfortunately if you are flying in from the U.S. you are usually arriving early in the morning and that means rush hour on the trains. Seating is at a premium on these trains and the aisles are standing room only. As friendly as Romans are they do not take kindly to you taking up seats with your bags or blocking aisles and they won’t hesitate telling you about it. You may not understand Italian but you’ll get the drift by their tone.

Suburban train fares run €8 per person to Termini. This service (FL1) has a number of stops including Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina stations. This is usually the best train to take if you’re going to Trastevere, Piazza Navona, or the Pantheon neighborhood. The trains start at about 6:00 am and run till after 10:00 pm. The trains run 10 to 25 minutes apart depending on the time of day. For suburban trains to the Termini you’ll need to connect at Ostiense station with metro line B marked Termini, and also for high-speed Italo trains to Florence and points north. At Tiburtina station, the FL1 connects with Metro line B and also to Italo and Trenitalia trains. At Trastevere station, you can also connect to FL5 for service to the port of Civitavecchia. You can also connect with trains to Florence as well as Civitavecchia at Tiburtina station.

Rome Termini is the central station in the city with access to the Metro and bus routes to other areas and train service to other parts of Italy. The easiest way to purchase tickets is to use the vending machines. Instructions are available in numerous languages and most credit cards are accepted. In the main terminal hall there are information/ticketing counters but be careful and don’t just walk up to them. You need to get a ticket and watch the board for your number to be called and to identify the window to use. Also, while most situations in Rome and Italy allow you to get by very well speaking only English, train ticket offices are often an unfortunate exception. Be prepared by writing down information about where you’re going.

Taxis

The fare for a taxi from Fiumicino to central Rome for one to four people and luggage is €48 plus. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes to most parts of central Rome. If your hotel is outside this area, you will have to pay the meter. Note that the fixed price from the airport to central Rome applies only to taxis licensed by the City of Rome. For groups of four, taxis can be an economical option over buses and trains.

Other Options
In addition to buses and trains there are limousine services and, at last check, Uber is operating in the Rome area as well. Check your Uber App.

Getting From Rome To The Cruise Port
Civitavecchia Port

A couple of times we have stayed in Rome to do some sightseeing before taking a cruise. We prefer to stay at hotels just a few blocks from the Termini (Central Train Station). Within an easy walk there are a few nice local restaurants and wine bars that offered good snacks and light fare and we can easily catch a train to Civitavecchia.

There are trains leaving the Termini for Civitavecchia about twice an hour throughout the day. Trains to Civitavecchia originate at the main Termini in Rome with most stopping at Tuscolana, Ostiense, Trastevere, and San Pietro. Many are double-deck regional commuters with room to set luggage but make sure you keep an eye on it. Fares are about €7 to €9 per person one way. There are a few faster InterCity trains between Roma Termini and Civitavecchia costing under €12 each.

Roma Termini vending machines

Train schedules that are easy to understand are posted throughout the stations. Make note of the track number and follow the signs to the platform. Remember the ticket MUST be validated for use. Validate before boarding the train, punch the ticket in one of the little green and white machines around the platform area. There can be serious fines for being on a train and not validating a ticket.

If you’re not staying near the Termini can also catch many of the trains to Civitavecchia at Tuscolana, Ostiense, Trastevere, and San Pietro stations.

Map of Romes major attractions

Getting From Rome’s Fiumicino Airport To The Cruise Port Of Civitavecchia

If you are flying in to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and would prefer to take a train directly to Civitavecchia station the process is a bit more time consuming. You will first need to take the train going to Rome city center getting off at “Trastevere Station” than change direction to another line designated for Civitavecchia. The trip averages about 2 hours and will cost about €12.

From Fiumicino Airport there is no direct bus service to Civitavecchia but there are private car and shuttle services that will average €125 to €150 with a recent Uber quote being €120 (black). With your cruise you can book a cruise ship shuttle from Fiumicino Airport but expect to pay about $95 per person.

Rome transit system
Download this map below
Shuttle bus stop inside the Civitavecchia port

From the station in Civitavecchia the entrance to the port is a pleasant walk of a dozen or so blocks. (Exit the train station and go right.) When you get to the McDonalds turn right and go uphill following the street around a turn to the left. A few blocks further along is the ports free shuttle bus area on your left. The free shuttle buses to each ship are clearly marked.

If you are disembarking from a cruise there is a free shuttle bus to the train station in Civitavecchia at the port shuttle bus stop.

CLICK TO GET YOURS – FREE SHIPPING

If you’ve been traveling around Italy there are also good train connections from most major cities taking you to Civitavecchia. A few times we have stayed a night or two in Civitavecchia and there are a number of good, small hotels near local restaurants and only a few blocks from the city’s shopping promenade and the port and waterfront. Civitavecchia is also more than just a cruise port and deserves some time exploring the city itself if you can fit it into.

Cruising out of Rome and how to get to the port o. Trains, buses, taxis and getting to the port shuttle area

Download printable copies of our guides for getting around Rome.

GETTING FROM ROME TO CIVITAVECCHIA A PDF
FIUMICINO TO ROME TERMINI A PDF
ROME REGIONAL TRANSIT MAP PDF