Everyone has a favorite. Our goal with this chart is to outline the key distinctions among the 10 most popular ships in the industry -- accounting for more than 45,000 berths -- in an easily digestible way. "Popular" is determined by pageviews, Facebook likes and associated Cruise Critic member reviews. Want more info about Oasis of the Seas or Carnival Magic? Click on the vessel name for a comprehensive expert review and hundreds of reader-submitted critiques.
|
Cruise Ship Basics
|
Sleep
|
Eat
|
Fun
|
Deck Plan
|
The 5,400-passenger Oasis launched in 2009 as the largest cruise ship ever built. In addition to debuting many at-sea firsts, including an outdoor AquaTheater, Oasis represents a revolution in design. An open-air corridor carved out along the length of the ship creates space for a tropical foliage- and eatery-filled Central Park and a Coney Island-style Boardwalk.
Deployment: Year-round Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale.
|
- Insides to 14-passenger Presidential Suite
- In-facing balconies overlook Central Park and Boardwalk
- Apartment-sized double-decker "Lofts"
- Cabin Reviews
|
- More than 20 dining options, about half for-fee
- Fan favorite Central Park Cafe for paninis, salads
- Upscale tasting restaurant has seasonal menu
|
- Foliage-filled Central Park is hub for eating, drinking
- Glass-covered Solarium with pool
- Surf simulators, zip-line and rock-climbing walls
|
|
The 5,400-passenger Allure builds on the blueprint introduced by its sister, Oasis. Both ships feature unique-to-cruise offerings like zip-lining and a handmade wooden carousel, but Allure has its own twists, including cruising's first Starbucks, a hot dog venue and the Broadway show "Chicago."
Deployment: Year-round Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale.
|
- 37 cabin categories range from insides to suites
- "In-facing" balconies
- Two-deck loft suites
- Cabin Reviews
|
- 20-plus dining options
- Johnny Rockets burgers, hot dog joint
- Alternative venues: Japanese, Italian, steakhouse
|
- Coney Island-styled Boardwalk with carousel
- Outdoor AquaTheater for daredevil diving shows
- Sun deck has "beach" and "sports" pools
|
|
The 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, born in 2009, is the glitziest of Carnival's Dream-class trio. Dream represents a blend of intriguing innovations and inventive twists on old "Fun Ship" themes, like Cove Balconies and the Ocean Plaza, an outdoor meet-and-greet venue with whirpools and comfy seating.
Deployment: Year-round Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral.
|
- No-frills cabin options (with twists): insides, oceanviews, suites
- Five-person family cabins with two baths
- Debuted waterline-situated Cove Balcony
- Cabin Reviews
|
- Dozen-plus dining options focus on casual eats
- Main dining room, Crimson, is one of most vibrant at sea
- Surprisingly good for-fee steakhouse
|
- Piano bar for raucous sing-alongs
- 303-foot-long corkscrew waterslide
- Casino offers action from craps to Hold'em
|
|
The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic debuted in 2011 and immediately generated buzz for its exclusive Thirsty Frog Red Ale and cruising's first ropes course. Some of its offerings, including a new Italian restaurant and its now-signature suds, proved so popular that they're spreading to older Carnival ships.
Deployment: Year-round Caribbean cruises out of Galveston.
|
- Larger-than-average standard cabins
- "Family quint" cabins have two bathrooms
- Ship is not heavy on suites
- Cabin Reviews
|
- New concepts: RedFrog Pub (bar food), Cucina del Capitano (Italian)
- Oceanside barbecue on sea days
- Casual options from pizza to sushi
|
- SportSquare incorporates suspended ropes course, cardio stations
- Sing karaoke with a live band
- Power Drencher and twister waterslide part of multilevel pool complex
|
|
Launched in 2010, Epic broke the mold in many ways, most notably with its game-changing Studio cabins (geared toward solos), its unique shows (including Blue Man Group) and controversial translucent bathrooms (alas, you can see right through the smoked glass). Add in more than 20 restaurants, a giant water park and one of cruising's largest spas, and the ship lives up to its name.
Deployment: Caribbean cruises from Miami, November - April; Med. cruises from Rome, Marseille and Barcelona, April - October.
|
- 14 cabin types from insides to Courtyard Suites
- Game-changing 100-square-foot Studios for solos
- Controversial smoked-glass loos
- Cabin Reviews
|
- Dozen-plus dining options
- Introduced Shanghai's, Moderno Churrascaria to line
- 24/7 pizza delivered anywhere ($5)
|
- Only Blue Man Group show at sea
- Industry-first rappelling wall, ice bar
- Aqua Park among cruising's top pool complexes
|
|
The 2,886-passenger Silhouette debuted in 2011 as the fourth of five Solstice-class ships -- arguably the most beautiful mega-ships at sea. The ship earns high marks for its whimsical restaurants, glass-and-light-filled spaces and Lawn Club, a top-ship green space where passengers can eat, play bocce and feel grass between their toes.
Deployment: Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, December - April; Med. cruises from Rome and Venice, April - November.
|
- 85 percent of cabins feature balconies
- Concierge-class cabins add perks like priority check-in and welcome bubbly
- 66 suites come with more space, butler service
- Cabin Reviews
|
- 10 restaurants, including creperie and Italian venue
- Lawn Club Grill is combo cooking class-steakhouse
- Try a Lawn Club picnic basket
|
- Bar serving more than 50 beers
- Self-service wine bar open 24 hours
- Glass-covered Solarium features pool
|
|
The 2,850-passenger Celebrity Eclipse is the third in the vaunted Solstice-class series. Highlights include varied dining options from French to Italian, a top-deck section featuring a real grass lawn and one of cruising's highest proportions of balcony cabins.
Deployment: Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, November - April; Med., Canaries and Fjords cruises from Southampton, April - October.
|
- 85 percent of cabins have balconies
- Baby grand piano, bar and whirlpool tub in penthouses
- AquaClass staterooms offer spa perks, freebies
- Cabin Reviews
|
- Qsine mixes comfort food and unique presentations
- Crepes or gelato for light bites
- Blu, an AquaClass-only healthy dining venue
|
- Lawn Club and Hot Glass Show
- Crazy cocktail mixing at the Martini Bar
- Gorgeous adults-only Solarium pool area
|
|
The 3,634-passenger Liberty of the Seas debuted in 2007 as the second of three innovative Freedom-class vessels, ships that cater to families, couples and groups. A dry-dock in early 2011 added a number of touches from the younger 5,400-passenger Oasis-class pair, including a cupcake venue and new Broadway show.
Deployment: Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, December - April; Med. cruises from Barcelona and Provence, April - October.
|
- About half the cabins have balconies
- Passengers staying in suites can use Concierge Lounge (free happy hour)
- "B&J" cabin overlooks Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor. End up there and get free ice cream
- Cabin Reviews
|
- Three-deck main dining room can seat 4,000 a night
- Sorrento's is the popular 1950's Little Italy-themed pizza spot
- Dedicated cupcake shop offers rotating menu
|
- Broadway at sea: "Saturday Night Fever"
- Bolero's Latin lounge features live music
- D.J. class hosted by Scratch DJ Academy
|
|
The 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess showcases all of Princess' marquee features, including a poolside big-screen theater; the Piazza, a combo bakery, Internet cafe, and wine and tapas bar; and the kid-free Sanctuary, a shady top-ship retreat with plush loungers, massage cabanas and a spa menu.
Deployment: Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, December - April; Med. cruises from Barcelona, Venice and Athens, April - November.
|
- Some 60 percent of cabins have balconies
- 178 Mini-Suites add more space at a modest price
- Suite passengers gain access to the spa's Thermal Suite
- Cabin Reviews
|
- Alternative dining: steakhouse and Italian venue
- Brit-style lunch served in the Wheelhouse Pub
- Ultimate Balcony Dinner for lobster feast
|
- Movies Under the Stars poolside cinema
- Piazza showcases street-fair-style jugglers, acrobats
- Enrichment opportunities include ceramics painting, computer classes
|
|
The 2,500-passenger Disney Dream debuted in 2011 as the Mouse's first new-build in more than a decade. The ship continues Disney's signature "ocean liner" look, and it's packed with cruising's first watercoaster (the AquaDuck), an entire deck devoted to kids and the French eatery Remy -- at $75 a head, the most expensive alternative restaurant at sea.
Deployment: Year-round Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral.
|
- Inside cabins feature "magical portholes"
- Cabins feature bath-and-a-half setup
- For more room, try a Concierge Suite
- Cabin Reviews
|
- Rotational dining setup: Eat in one of three main restaurants every night, but keep same waiters
- Buzzworthy $75-a-head French venue, Remy
- Diners interact with "Finding Nemo's" Crush at Animator's Palate
|
- Try the AquaDuck, cruising's first watercoaster
- Disney produces some of cruising's best stage shows
- "Pirates of the Caribbean" deck party with fireworks
|
|
