Paris From The Seine

Cruising through Paris on the river is one of the most enchanting ways to experience this incredible city with its historic architecture, famous monuments and remarkable beauty. Most visitors to Paris will want to add a cruise on the River Seine to their plans and there are a number to pick from. Champagne sunset cruises, lunch and dinner cruises and general sightseeing boats. Either day or night this is an experience not to be missed.

If you are on a budget our choice for value is the Hop-On Hop-Off Batobus (LINK).  It features nine stops from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower including stops at the Louvre, Place de Concord, and the Champs-Elysees. You can purchase tickets at any one of the stops with a 24 hour pass (metered from the time of purchase) costing about $20 with 48 hours under $24. These boats run from morning to about 9:00 pm about every fifteen to twenty minutes and are a great way to jump from one destination to another throughout the day.

A short video riding the Batobus on the Seine

Cruise Ports Of St. Thomas USVI

St. Thomas is the most populated of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is a major port of call for Caribbean cruise itineraries. There are two widely separated cruise ship docks so you should try and check out where your ship will tie up. It will either be Crown Bay that’s west of Charlotte Amalie or The West Indian Company Dock next to Havensight just to the east of town.

Where Your Ship Docks

Crown Bay

Crown Bay Dock – These docks have been developed to handle the increased cruise ship traffic. It features a number of duty free shops and stores. Getting into Charlotte Amalie from the Crown Bay dock, which used to be referred to as the Sub Base area, will require a taxi or an open air tourist bus (about $4 each way). Walking is about 1.75 miles along busy roadways and is not recommended.

West Indian Company Dock

Havensight and the West Indian Co. Docks – The original cruise docks is located in a popular island shopping area and offers a number of popular duty free shops. There is a great walking trail less than a mile and a half along the water from the docks near Havensight, which goes thru the shops of Yacht Haven and into Charlotte Amalie. Yacht Haven is an upscale marina with a number of designer shops along with cafes, bars and a good grocery store. It’s also from Havensight where you catch the cable car up to Blackbeard’s Castle Resort for a drink and to take in the views.

Yacht Haven and Charlotte Amalia in the distance

Getting Around – The best way of getting from either dock into Charlotte Amalie is to take a tourist bus (of which there are plenty) currently $4 per person each way. For traveling around the island it would be best to hire a taxi or rent a car (remember the island drives on the left side). Taxis fares are moderately priced and rental cars are readily available.

You can also take a ferry  over to St. Johns for the day. St. Johns is the other US Virgin Island and is mostly preserved as a National Park. If you go, don’t forget your beach gear, mask and snorkel as St. John is famous for Trunk Bay with its beach and its laid-out underwater snorkeling trails. The shortest ferry route is between Red Hook on St.Thomas and Cruz Bay on StJohn. That trip costs $6.00 each way, takes approximately 20 minutes and runs hourly between 6:00 am and Midnight. A longer ferry route runs from downtown Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay.

Currency – The U.S. Virgin Islands use the U.S. Dollar and most major credit cards are welcome. Some U.S. banks have branches in St. Thomas and American based ATM machines are plentiful.

Places to Visit – Charlotte Amalie is the islands center of activity and it is easy to reach from either cruise dock. At the northeast end of town is Fort Christian recognized as the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Expanded and modified through the years, its colorful past includes functioning as the original town center, a place of worship and the governor’s residence.

Most of the tourist buses will drop off and pick up cruise passengers at the open air market near Fort Christian.If you’re intersted in some beach time, take a trip over to the far side of the island to visit Megan’s Bay, which is consistently named one of the world’s ten best beaches.  Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star beach is a good choice and the reef is about 100 yards from shore.  We would also recommend a visit to the sea life park, Coral World, especially if you have younger children with you.

Megans Bay

In addition to the great beaches St. Thomas has a number of snorkeling and diving opportunities. If the coral reefs interest you there are often day boat tours that go to some of the areas reefs and if it’s available during you day in port look into a trip to St. Johns, featuring one of the USVI’s underwater parks.

In Charlotte Amalie the main downtown shopping district stretches about ten blocks west from the Danish fort along the waterfront. The waterfront road is Veterans Highway and one block up is Kronprindsens Gade with dozens of interesting alleys and streets connecting the two. Stroll down the ten blocks of Kronprindsens Gade for some good duty free shopping or visit the shops, cafes and galleries in the alleys with names like Drakes Passage and Creque’s Alley.

Duty Free – The USVI is one of the best duty free shopping opportunities in the Caribbean. Of special note is the duty free exemption on alcohol. Each person is allowed to bring into the U.S. up to 5 liters of distilled spirits.

Again remember the island drives on the left side so fight your instincts and look right before crossing streets.

Read more about a great walking trail along the waterfront in St. Thomas CLICK HERE.

Port of Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche Beach

Villefranche-sur-Mer or just Villefranche is a picturesque town on the French Riviera featured on many cruise itineraries. The town itself is between Monte Carlo and Nice with Cannes only a little farther (19 miles) away. The quant waterfront is lined with cafes and restaurants and stretches from the marina, where the tenders tie up, around a natural harbor past a number of beautiful beaches. Its nearness to Monte Carlo and Nice is probably one of its biggest attractions for the cruise lines as it affords them a number of tour opportunities. But even if you book a tour don’t pass up spending some time at a cafe or restaurant on this remarkable waterfront.

Where Your Ship Docks

The waterfront

While Villefranche has one of the best protected harbors on the Riviera it has no major docking facilities and cannot accommodate cruise ships. This is a tender port where you land at the visitors center right in town. The visitor center offers maps, good advice on getting around and has good public facilities.

Transportation

Villefranche is an easy town to walk around in with plenty of shopping opportunities and good restaurants, but the streets do climb steeply up from the waterfront. Less than a half mile around the waterfront is the train station where you can catch frequent trains to Monte Carlo, Nice or Cannes. They run about every twenty minutes and a trip to Monte Carlo takes only fifteen minutes and costs usually under €7.00. So before you sign up for that expensive tour consider some exploring on your own.

A cafe across from the visitors center

Currency

The French currency is the Euro and you should not expect them to accept Dollars or Pounds in Villefranche. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM machines available as well.

Attractions

The biggest attraction is the Riviera itself. Famous beaches, casinos, yachts at anchor and of course French cuisine. With Cannes and Nice to the west and Monaco only seven miles to the east a train trip is a fast and inexpensive way to see the glamour of the Riviera up close.

There are also a number of reasons to simply stay in Villefranche:

Just as you exit the visitor center to the left is Citadelle Saint-Elme a thirteenth century fortification which also now houses art exhibits

Chapelle de Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs – Beautiful chapel right on the harbour with an interior decorated by Jean Cocteau.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – A villa, museum and fantastic gardens located on the opposite side of the harbor. Admission is about €15 but well worth it.

Fort du Mont Alban – If you are into hiking, a walk up Mt Alban toward Nice is worth it as it stands over 600 feet above the harbor and the views are well worth the climp. The fort itself built in the 16th century is not open to the public but is still impressive from the outside.

A Train Ride In Georgia and Habitat For Humanity

Take a fantastic day excursion or plan a whole weekend, this train journey starts in Cordele, Georgia just west of Interstate 75.

Ride in a 1949 vintage air-conditioned car, and explore a mix of romantic yesteryear and today’s new South. The SAM Shortline stops in a number of cute historic towns filled with history, attractions, restaurants and shopping.

Plains – This small Georgia town, made famous by President Carter is a stop on the Sam Shortline Excursion Train. Visit President Carter’s campaign museum, buy a bag of peanuts and visit  Plain Peanuts for their famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream.   If you’re planning a weekend consider the Plains Inn recently refurbished and beautifully decorated.

Another stop is Leslie the home of one of Georgia’s most unique museums. The Rural Telephone Museum is situated in a restored cotton warehouse and features a huge collection of antiques, switchboards, classic cars, colorful murals – and, of course, antique telephones. It is home to one of the largest collections of antique telephone and telephone memorabilia in the world. Train riders are charged a reduced rate of only $4.

The Victorian town of Americus is another stop. While in Americus, browse all the wonderful and quaint shops. The award-winning 1892 Windsor Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to turn your train excursion into a relaxing weekend vacation. You can even take in a show at the breathtaking 1921 Rylander Theatre.

Habitat For Humanity International Be sure and save some time for the Habitat For Humanity Global Village & Discovery Center, where you will learn how Habitat for Humanity International works in partnership with families to build strength, stability and self-reliance.

The 6-acre village is a unique way to see life-size Habitat houses from countries around the world without leaving Southwest Georgia. It features examples of their home construction around the world along with examples of living conditions in some of the worlds poorest areas where they do work. The Global Village & Discovery Center is a valued addition to the historical attractions of the area and a favorite stop on the SAM Shortline Excursion Train route.

If you have children I can’t think of a more educational experience than to walk through this village’s grounds. Every American child should learn how people in poorer countries live. Avery thought provoking and emotional experience.

A Comprehensive Guide To Major Cruise Ships

A Listing Of Most Cruise Ships In Service Today

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 cities.

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 put most land based resorts to shame. They also take their guests on an adventure, visiting countries and wonders all around the world. I don’t know any other experience that comes close.

Not sure what cruise line to explore and ships to consider? Her we offer the most complete list of current cruise ships anywhere. Each ship listing includes date launched, size, number of passengers and most recent refurbishment. Each ship listing is also a link to its cruise line description page for additional information. Our plan is to add to and update this list every three to four months.

The following listings include key information for understanding what the cruise ship offers, including:

Date the Ship Entered Service– How old a ship is matters. Each new generation incorporates new features that older ships normally didn’t include.

GT or Gross Tons – Just like age, size matters too and GT is a good indication of how big the ship is. The bigger the ship the more things are included onboard.

Number of Passengers – Like gross tons the number of passengers is something to consider. Consider your taste. Small and intimate or big and bold.

Refurb (refurbishment) – At the least that means new furniture and upgraded decor but major refurbishments can add major redesigns adding features like more restaurants and lounges.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a The Walt Disney Company. The company was incorporated in 1996 as Magical Cruise Company Limited

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 3,600 passengers

Royal Princess 2013  •  141,000 GT

Regal Princess 2014 • 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

Sky Princess Royal class 2019 143,700 GT

Enchanted Princess Royal class 2020 143,700 GT

TBA Royal class 2022 143,700 GT

TBA 2023 175,000 GT

TBA 2025 175,000 GT ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas

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 Nov 2018 • 99,863 GT • 2,650 passengers

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

Future Fleet

MS Ryndam May 2021 • 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.

Vista Class

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

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

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

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

Future Ships

Odyssey of the Seas 2020 •  169,379 GT • 4,200 passengers Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship

TBA Oasis class 2 021 230,000 GT Under construction


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 • refurb scheduled in 2019  – 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• 164,600 GT

Norwegian Joy 2017• 167,725 GT • refurb in 2019

Norwegian Bliss 2018 •168,028 GT

Norwegian Encore 2019 •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”.

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 SM 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.

Galapagos Expeditions Ships

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

Future Ships

Celebrity Apex (Edge class) 2020 129,500 GT 2,918 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.

Queen Mary 2 2004 • 149,215 GT

Queen Victoria 2007 • 90,049 GT

Queen Elizabeth 2010 • 90,901 GT


In addition to the major lines listed above there are a number of smaller and often luxury cruise companies in the marketplace. They include:

  • Viking
  • Silver Seas
  • Seabourn. Who doesn’t love a ship on which your private minibar is pre-stocked with all your favorite brands of water, wine and spirits prior to your arrival?
  • SeaDream Yacht Club’s
  • Regent Seven Seas

Additional cruise lines include Azamara Cruises,  P&O Cruises (America)  and Costa Cruise Line  that are European based cruise lines. P&O is based in England and is owned by Carnival Corp. Founded in 1977 as a subsidiary of a shipping line  which was founded in 1837 and 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  Founded in 1970 MSC 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. More and more MSC cruises are being offered out of U.S. ports primarily for trips to the Caribbean.

Individual Cruise Ships Ratings ★★★★★

In comparing one ship with another, generally it is a competition between superlatives. The following is a cruise ship rating list compiled in 2019 using three different rating articles and as you’ll see 4 and 5+ stars predominate. Lower priced lines and older cruise ships usually have slightly lower ratings but even those are excellent values with above average appointments and quality of service. 

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

Celebrity 
Celebrity Apex (2020) ★★★★★
Celebrity Constellation (2002) ★★★★★
Celebrity Eclipse (2010) ★★★★★
Celebrity Edge (2018) ★★★★★
Celebrity Equinox (2009) ★★★★★
Celebrity Flora (2019) ★★★★★
Celebrity Infinity (2001) ★★★★★
Celebrity Millennium (2000) ★★★★★
Celebrity Reflection (2012) ★★★★★
Celebrity Silhouette (2011) ★★★★★
Celebrity Solstice (2008) ★★★★★
Celebrity Summit (2001) ★★★★★
Celebrity Xpedition (2001) ★★★★+
Celebrity Xploration (2017) ★★★★+

Costa Cruises 
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) ★★★+

Crystal 
Crystal Endeavor (2020) ★★★★★
Crystal Esprit (1989) ★★★★★
Crystal Serenity (2003) ★★★★★
Crystal Symphony (1995) ★★★★★

Disney 
Disney Dream (2011) ★★★★★
Disney Fantasy (2012) ★★★★★
Disney Magic (1998) ★★★★★
Disney Wonder (1999) ★★★★★

Norwegian 
Norwegian Bliss (2018) ★★★★★
Norwegian Breakaway (2013) ★★★★★
Norwegian Dawn (2002) ★★★★+
Norwegian Encore (2019) ★★★★★
Norwegian Epic (2010) ★★★★+
Norwegian Escape (2015) ★★★★★
Norwegian Gem (2007) ★★★★+
Norwegian Getaway (2014) ★★★★★
Norwegian Jade (2006) ★★★★+
Norwegian Jewel (2005) ★★★★+
Norwegian Joy (2017) ★★★★★
Norwegian Pearl (2006) ★★★★+
Norwegian Sky (1999) ★★★★
Norwegian Spirit (1999) ★★★★
Norwegian Star (2001) ★★★★
Norwegian Sun (2001) ★★★★
Pride of America (2004) ★★★★

P&O Cruises 
Arcadia (2005) ★★★★
Aurora (2000) ★★★★
Azura (2010) ★★★★
Britannia (2015) ★★★★★
Iona (2020) ★★★★★
Oceana (2002) ★★★★
Ventura (2008) ★★★★

Princess 
Caribbean Princess (2004) ★★★★★
Coral Princess (2002) ★★★★+
Crown Princess (2006) ★★★★★
Diamond Princess (2004) ★★★★+
Discovery Princess (2021) ★★★★★
Emerald Princess (2007) ★★★★★
Enchanted Princess (2020) ★★★★★
Golden Princess (2001) ★★★★+
Grand Princess (1998) ★★★★+
Island Princess (2003) ★★★★+
Majestic Princess (2017) ★★★★★
Pacific Princess (1999) ★★★★+
Regal Princess (2014) ★★★★★
Royal Princess (2013) ★★★★★
Ruby Princess (2008) ★★★★★
Sapphire Princess (2004) ★★★★★
Sea Princess (1998) ★★★★+
Sky Princess (2019) ★★★★★
Star Princess (2002) ★★★★+
Sun Princess (1995) ★★★★+

Silversea 
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) ★★★★★

Viking Ocean Cruises 
Viking Jupiter (2019) ★★★★★
Viking Orion (2018) ★★★★★
Viking Sea (2016) ★★★★★
Viking Sky (2017) ★★★★★
Viking Star (2015) ★★★★★
Viking Sun (2017) ★★★★★
Viking Venus (2021) ★★★★★

Cunard 
Queen Elizabeth (2010) ★★★★★
Queen Mary 2 (2004) ★★★★★
Queen Victoria (2007) ★★★★★

Windstar 
Star Breeze (1989) ★★★★★
Star Legend (1992) ★★★★★
Star Pride (1988) ★★★★★
Wind Spirit (1988) ★★★★★
Wind Star (1986) ★★★★★
Wind Surf (1990) ★★★★★+

Royal Caribbean
Adventure of the Seas (2001) ★★★★+
Allure of the Seas (2010) ★★★★★
Anthem of the Seas (2015) ★★★★★
Brilliance of the Seas (2002) ★★★★+
Empress of the Seas (1990) ★★★★
Enchantment  (1997) ★★★★+
Explorer of the Seas (2000) ★★★★+
Freedom of the Seas (2006) ★★★★★
Grandeur of the Seas (1996) ★★★★+
Harmony of the Seas (2016) ★★★★★
Independence Seas (2008) ★★★★★
Jewel of the Seas (2004) ★★★★+
Liberty of the Seas (2007) ★★★★★
Majesty of the Seas (1992) ★★★★
Mariner of the Seas (2003) ★★★★★
Navigator of the Seas (2002) ★★★★+
Oasis of the Seas (2009) ★★★★★
Odyssey of the Seas (2020) ★★★★★
Ovation of the Seas (2016) ★★★★★
Quantum of the Seas (2014) ★★★★★
Radiance of the Seas (2001) ★★★★+
Rhapsody of the Seas (1997) ★★★★+
Serenade of the Seas (2003) ★★★★+
Spectrum of the Seas (2019) ★★★★★
Symphony of the Seas (2018) ★★★★★
Vision of the Seas (1998) ★★★★+
Voyager of the Seas (1999) ★★★★+

Carnival 
Carnival Breeze (2012) ★★★★+
Carnival Conquest (2002) ★★★★+
Carnival Dream (2009) ★★★★+
Carnival Ecstasy (1991) ★★★★
Carnival Elation (1998) ★★★★
Carnival Fantasy (1990) ★★★★
Carnival Fascination (1994) ★★★★
Carnival Freedom (2007) ★★★★+
Carnival Glory (2003) ★★★★+
Carnival Horizon (2018) ★★★★+
Carnival Imagination (1995) ★★★★
Carnival Inspiration (1996) ★★★★
Carnival Legend (2002) ★★★★+
Carnival Liberty (2005) ★★★★+
Carnival Magic (2011) ★★★★+
Carnival Mardi Gras (2020) ★★★★+
Carnival Miracle (2004) ★★★★+
Carnival Panorama (2019) ★★★★+
Carnival Paradise (1998) ★★★★
Carnival Pride (2002) ★★★★+
Carnival Radiance (2000) ★★★★+
Carnival Sensation (1993) ★★★★
Carnival Spirit (2001) ★★★★+
Carnival Splendor (2008) ★★★★+
Carnival Sunrise (1999) ★★★★+
Carnival Sunshine (1996) ★★★★+
Carnival Valor (2004) ★★★★+
Carnival Victory (2000) ★★★★
Carnival Vista (2016) ★★★★+

Cunard 
Queen Elizabeth (2010) ★★★★★
Queen Mary 2 (2004) ★★★★★
Queen Victoria (2007) ★★★★★

Holland America 
Amsterdam (2000) ★★★★★
Eurodam (2008) ★★★★★
Koningsdam (2016) ★★★★★
Maasdam (1993) ★★★★+
Nieuw Amsterdam (2010) ★★★★★
Nieuw Statendam (2018) ★★★★★
Noordam (2006) ★★★★★
Oosterdam (2003) ★★★★★
Rotterdam (1997) ★★★★+
Veendam (1996) ★★★★+
Volendam (1999) ★★★★+
Westerdam (2004) ★★★★★
Zaandam (2000) ★★★★+
Zuiderdam (2002) 

MSC Cruises 
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) ★★★★+

Oceania Cruises 
Insignia (1998) ★★★★★+
Marina (2011) ★★★★★+
Nautica (2000) ★★★★★+
Regatta (1998) ★★★★★+
Riviera (2012) ★★★★★+
Sirena (1999) ★★★★★+
Regent
Seven Seas Explorer (2016) ★★★★★+
Seven Seas Mariner (2001) ★★★★★+
Seven Seas Navigator (1999) ★★★★★+
Seven Seas Splendor (2020) ★★★★★+
Seven Seas Voyager (2003) ★★★★★+

Seabourn 
Seabourn Encore (2016) ★★★★★+
Seabourn Odyssey (2009) ★★★★★+
Seabourn Ovation (2018) ★★★★★+
Seabourn Quest (2011) ★★★★★+
Seabourn Sojourn (2010) ★★★★★+
Seabourn Venture (2021) ★★★★★+

Finding Your Perfect Cruise Line

Advice On Selecting A Cruise Line

Overall, the cruise industry encompasses a wide range of options from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious experiences, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveler. Cruise lines vary significantly in terms of their target demographics, experiences offered, and overall luxury levels. For instance:

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its budget-friendly options and family-oriented activities, making it a popular choice for those looking for affordable vacations that still provide excellent dining and entertainment.

Royal Caribbean

In contrast, Royal Caribbean is recognized for its innovative ships that feature amenities like surf simulators and rock climbing walls, catering to a broad audience that includes families and adventure seekers. Its newest classes of ships are designed to be a destination in their own right.

Regent Seven Seas

For luxury cruise lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers opulent experiences, with some suites costing up to $11,000 per day, appealing to travelers seeking high-end accommodations and personalized service. Additionally, there are niche markets such as river cruises, which provide a more intimate experience and focus on cultural excursions along rivers.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is renowned for its small fleet of ships that emphasize understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a luxurious yet intimate cruising experience. The vessels are designed with a focus on exploration and comfort, accommodating around 930 passengers, which allows for a more personalized atmosphere compared to larger cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is renowned for its contemporary fleet and unique cruising experience. With 20 ships, NCL offers a versatile selection of vessels that cater to various preferences and styles of cruising. The company is particularly noted for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which emphasizes flexibility in dining and a wide array of onboard activities, allowing guests to tailor their vacation according to their desires.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a well-established American cruise line, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, with its headquarters located in Santa Clarita, California. Since its inception in 1965, the company has aimed to create a personal and immersive travel experience for its guests, emphasizing that cruising should feel both welcoming and unforgettable.

The character of Princess Cruises is defined by its commitment to thoughtful service, which gives passengers a sense of familiarity and comfort, akin to coming home. This focus on personalized experiences is further enhanced through innovative technology, such as the Medallion app, which allows guests to tailor their journey according to their preferences and interests.

Holland America

Holland America Line is celebrated for its elegant cruising experience, characterized by exceptional service and a strong focus on personalized attention [1]. The crew is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels valued, contributing to an extraordinary voyage from the moment they step on board [1]. With a rich history spanning 150 years, Holland America has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry, offering spacious and comfortable ships that blend modern amenities with a touch of old-world charm.

Disney Cruises

Disney Cruises offer a magical experience with beloved Disney characters featured prominently throughout the journey. Guests can meet iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, who are available for photo opportunities and autographs on every cruise. Additionally, characters from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel appear in themed costumes that reflect the cruise’s theme, enhancing the immersive experience.

Each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, hosts character greetings at various locations, including deck parties and kids’ clubs.

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises is recognized for its unique cruising experience that emphasizes personalized service and destination immersion. The fleet consists of four R-class boutique ships, which create an intimate atmosphere akin to small luxury hotels, catering to a maximum of 694 passengers per ship.

The onboard experience is characterized by a highly trained international staff dedicated to providing top-tier service, ensuring that guests feel well cared for throughout their journey Azamara focuses on “destination immersion,” allowing travelers to enjoy extended stays in port, often including evenings and overnights, which enhances the overall travel experience by fostering deeper connections with the destinations visited.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is a unique cruise line that focuses on providing an adult-only experience, catering specifically to travelers aged 18 and older. The cruise line, a partnership between the Virgin Group and Bain Capital, aims to redefine luxury at sea with offerings that include gourmet dining, entertainment, and modern amenities.

A distinctive feature of Virgin Voyages is its incorporation of fictional characters, such as Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant, who represent different aspects of the Sailor experience—passion, courage, resilience, and wisdom. These characters serve as visual symbols within the Virgin Voyages brand, enhancing the overall guest experience.

If you haven’t cruised before and aren’t sure what cruise line to select our advice is to talk to a local travel agent. Discuss your interests, budget and expectations with an agent as their expertise is well suited to helping you find the perfect cruise line and itinerary to meet your family’s needs.

You Can Cruise The World In Luxury And Comfort

Cruising allows you to meet different people, explore many cultures, traditions and see amazing landscapes. Choose your destination and explore the cruise possibilities.

While Having Have The World Brought Right To You

Relax in your stateroom as you travel to amazing places. Enjoy great meals, entertainment, all while the world comes right to you.

Thinking About A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides