royal princess cruise ship passenger capacity

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

All about the Princess Cruises Royal Princess

The Princess Cruises Royal Princess was built in 2013. It was renovated in 2018. It's considered a medium size ship. Coming in at 1,083 ft long and 126 ft wide, it's roughly the length of 3 football fields, as wide as 2.4 tractor trailers, and the same height as a 19-story building. This ship is the third to carry the Royal Princess name. It's also one of 3 ships that feature Princess' Watercolor Fantasy Show, an outdoor dancing fountain show.

Royal Princess Overview

• Ship and Passengers
• Food and Restaurants
• Bars and Drinks
• Pools and Hot Tubs
• Ship Features and Activities

Cruise Costs

• Onboard Costs

Royal Princess Size and Passengers

The Royal Princess can hold 3,560 based on double occupancy (two people per room) and more when you take into account 3rd and 4th passengers. When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, the Royal Princess has a space ratio of 40. Depending on the ship, this number can range from 30 to 52 (with a bigger number meaning more space per person) so this ship's space-to-person ratio is about average.

The Royal Princess is one of six Royal-class ships currently sailing with Princess Cruises. Royal-class ships are known for the Seawalk. This 60 feet long glass walkway is cantilevered over the side of the ship, 128 feet above the ocean. On the other side of the ship, you can stop by a bar with a glass floor. The Royal Princess is very similar to its sister-ships; Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess, although each ship may have some differences.

Royal Princess Food and Restaurants

Food is a big part of any cruise, and there will plenty on the Princess Cruises Royal Princess. You have 15 different dining options to choose from. Of those options, 6 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 7 options have an additional fee. Some of those options are a set price and some have a la cart menu pricing. 53% of the dining options are included which means if you're watching your budget, you won't feel like you're missing out by not going to a lot of extra fee dining places.

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Princess Cruises serves the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship.

There are also plenty of bars available on this ship. Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Pools and Hot Tubs on Royal Princess

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day in a pool, a cruise might not be the right choice. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Princess Cruises Royal Princess has a total of 3 pools and 7 hot tubs.

Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are adults only.

Royal Princess Features and Activities

There are quite a few things to do on the Royal Princess. These are the main amenities that are available. Some are included in the cost of the cruise, while others have an additional charge.

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year.

Royal Princess Onboard Costs

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Princess Cruises ship.

Princess Cruises offers two packages to bundle onboard expenses. The Princess Plus package includes daily gratuities, the basic beverage package, 2 fitness classes, 2 casual dining meals, and internet for $60 per day per guest. The Princess Premier package upgrades to the premiere beverage package, wifi for up to 4 devices per guest, two specialty dining meals, unlimited casual dining meals, unlimited fitness classes, and a photo package for $80 per guest per day.

Want to Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Cruising?

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Threads , or subscribe to our monthly newsletter .

Compare the Royal Princess to Another Ship

First ship:

Second ship:

Royal Princess Ship Info

• Click here for ALL
• Ship info and tracking

On this page you will find Royal Princess features, history, sister ships, and useful facts provided by Cruisedeckplans.com.

Princess Cruise Line

General information.

The Royal Princess started sailing in 2001. Former names: none. The Royal Princess is registered in Hamilton, Bermuda. The Royal Princess has 355 cabins. You can expect between 710 to 852 passengers on a typical sailing. This means that at the higher number (usually peak and holiday sailings) Royal Princess has a space ratio of 35.4. (A space ratio less than 33 means that you may find the ship crowded in areas. A space ratio greater than 39 means that there should be plenty of space for each passenger.) When this ship isn't sailing at capacity the space ratio can be as good as 42.5. The Royal Princess has 381 crew members on board. There are 2 passengers for every crew member on board. There are self serve laudromats on this ship.

Sister Ships

The following ships share the same class as this ship. This means the basic design and layout of the ship is the same. For the most part the cabins will be identical among these ships, but may be decorated differently. 1999- Ocean Princess - No longer sailing 1999- Pacific Princess - No longer sailing 2001- Royal Princess - No longer sailing

Accessibility

There are 0 special needs cabins on this ship. These cabins have been modified for accessibility purposes.

11 Decks

There are 11 on this ship. The highest deck number is 11. The number of decks with passenger cabins is 4.

72% Balconies

This is the percent of the staterooms on board have balconies.

Other Information

The 710-passenger Royal Princess was first launched in 2001 by Renaissance Cruises as the R8. After Renaissance ceased operations, the ship sailed as the Minerva II for Swan Hellenic. In March 2006, Carnival Corp., the parent company of both Swan Hellenic and Princess, announced that the Minerva II would move to Princess and sail as the Royal Princess.

Royal Princess Ship Stats

Royal princess features, smoking policy.

• Smoking is prohibited in all staterooms and balconies with the exception of electronic cigarettes which may be smoked inside the stateroom
• All smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. These areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, and a portion of the open decks.

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, british columbia.

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

NEW! Choose from 3 Cruise Packages for Princess

Princess: up to $250 Onboard Credit for Military

Princess Alaska cruises from $298*

17 Ships in the Princess Cruises fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Royal Princess Overview

Royal Princess  was christened by the lovely and royal Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton. This ship offers many incredible features, most notably the SeaWalk, a glass enclosed hallway that extends 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship giving passengers a spectacular and unobstructed view of the ocean below. Royal Princess features dozens of food options and an area to play bocce ball, croquet and golf, along with an expanded atrium with a tea tower where passengers can brew their own tea blend - a very royal experience, indeed.

• Passenger Capacity: 3,560 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2013
• Last Refurbished:  2018

• Balconies Royal Princess has abolished oceanview cabins. Princess made all of their outside cabins balconies, which gives passengers not only great views of the ports they're in and the oceans they are traversing, but with a balcony you get to experience cruising with all of your senses. You’ll hear the sea birds squaw, you’ll smell the fresh air and feel the breeze on your face. A balcony offers a step up, fit for the Royal Princess’ esteemed passengers.  

• The Atrium The Royal Princess takes Princess Cruises to a new level. With an expanded size and lots of new features, the design team on the ship reinvented many of Princess’ core features. The Atrium, which is the center piece of the ship, is 50 percent larger than any Atrium before her. The Royal Princess’ Atrium connects three stories of the ship with beautiful staircases and presents the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee or catch an interactive show.  

• Godmother To honor the Royal Princess , none other than the Duchess of Cambridge christened the ship when she debuted in the spring of 2013. The Duchess, formerly known as Kate Middleton, christened the ship just over a month before giving birth to the heir to the British throne, Prince George. Middleton carries on an important family tradition as the original Royal Princess was christened by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.  

Meet the Royal Princess: An Infographic

Click for Full-Size Infographic

Embed this image on your site! Simply copy and paste the code below into your website:

Royal Princess Cruise Destinations

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of cruising destinations, as well as a Cruisetour program that is revered in the cruising industry. This impressive selection includes over 100 itineraries reaching over 300 ports all across the world. Whether cruise to take in the beautiful fall foliage of Canada and New England or a splendid voyage to sunny Tahiti, Princess Cruises can offer you a great value with an exceptional experience. Other destinations include, but are not limited to: Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Australia, and more. 

Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs!

Alaska Cruisetours

A Princess Cruises Alaska Cruisetour is the best choice for a full, in-depth adventure in the Last Frontier.

Satisfy your hunger for the unique and intriguing, whether it’s a rarely seen whale or a quirky new sport, with an Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Australia/New Zealand Cruisetours

Encounter out-of-this-world beauty, rich Aboriginal cultures and thrilling adventures on an Australia and New Zealand cruisetour.

Hawaii holds cultural delights and tropical pleasures in store for your cruise vacation.

Mexican Riviera

Imagine the clear blue waters, fantastic beaches, and fascinating culture you will encounter on a cruise to Mexican Riviera.

South Pacific / Tahiti

French Polynesia’s animated culture and natural, gorgeous landscapes are the highlight of each and every day of a cruise to Tahiti and the South Pacific.

Transpacific

Cross the world’s largest ocean while visiting tropical islands and lively cultures along the way.

U. S. Pacific Coast

From San Francisco treats to Hollywood streets, it’s call about the West Coast—choose a California Coastal cruise.

Royal Princess Departure Ports

Princess Cruises has one of the most extensive set of sailings. Their ships travel the world embarking from popular ports like New York City, Vancouver, Venice and Los Angeles. They also have cruises that sail from smaller, more exotic ports like Kobe in Japan and Valparaiso in Chile. We’ll help you find a Princess cruise you’ll love, give us a call today. 

Hobart, Australia

If you are looking for a relaxing, tranquil and laid-back vacation spot – Hobart is the place for you! 

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Auckland, New Zealand

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

Royal Princess Deck Plans

Fiesta deck, promenade deck, emerald deck, dolphin deck, caribe deck, riviera deck, marina deck, sports deck, royal princess staterooms.

Balcony (DA)

Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. This stateroom also includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini-Suite stateroom.

Balcony (DB)

Balcony (dc), balcony (dd), balcony (de), balcony (df), balcony (dv).

Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. This cabin has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. This stateroom also includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini-Suite stateroom.

Balcony (DW)

Balcony (dz), balcony (d4).

Larger than a Deluxe Balconcy Suite. Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. This stateroom also includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini-Suite stateroom.

Balcony (BA)

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, wimpressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore.

Balcony (BB)

This impressive This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It's also perfect to enjoy offers the elegance of a balcony with fine patio furniture. It offers all the amenities of an interior stateroom, plus a spacious closet and desk

Balcony (BC)

Balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf), balcony (bv), balcony (bw), balcony (by).

Inside (IA)

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Inside (IB)

Inside (ic), inside (id), inside (ie), inside (if).

A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Club Class Dining, an exclusive dining area featuring expedited seating with no wait, expanded menu options, dedicated wait staff and tableside preparations. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more!

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of Champagne. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed, premium bathroom amenities and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Photo Gallery for Royal Princess Cruise Ship

A lot has changed since the days of the Love Boat . Check out this photo gallery of what a Princess ship looks like in the 21 st century. 

Alfredo's Pizzeria

Royal Princess

Gelato Shop

Standard Balcony Stateroom

Top 10 Royal Princess Cruises

• Royal Princess 10 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1419 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (Jul 2024)
• Royal Princess 9 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1419 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (Jul 2024)
• Royal Princess 17 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1421 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (Jul 2024)
• Royal Princess 14 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1420 Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024)
• Royal Princess 14 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1421 Departing From Whittier, Alaska (Jul 2024)
• Royal Princess 15 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1420 Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024)
• Royal Princess 10 NIGHT ALASKA TOUR 1420 Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024)

Learn More About Princess Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about Princess Cruises' handicap accessible cruise ships and accommodations for guests with special needs, disabilities or mobility restrictions.

Savor dining aboard Princess Cruises, including the Main Dining Room, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, Crown Grill, Bayou Café, International Café, Chef's Table, room service and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Princess Cruises' onboard entertainment, including Movies Under the Stars, stage shows, dancing, karaoke, comedy shows, casino games, bars and lounges.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Princess Cruises' onboard activities, including movie nights, ScholarShip classes, pools, hot tubs, poolside activities, sports courts, art auctions, ship tours, duty-free shops and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Princess Cruises takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Princess Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Unwind at Princess Cruises' spa and fitness programs from the Lotus Spa and Lotus Fitness centers. Relax with a massage, facial, pedicure or Botox, or get a workout with a gym class.

Special Events

From holidays to weddings, make your Princess Cruises vacation even more special by celebrating at sea.

Explore Princess Cruises' premium staterooms, including suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms. Princess Cruises' family- and mini-suites give you room to spread out.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Princess Cruises. Most ships have youth programs for ages 3+, including kidsitting, youth dining, youth centers and teen lounges.

Cruise Type

We make vacation planning easy.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

Related Articles

• CruiseMapper

Royal Princess deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Royal Princess deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Princess Cruises deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Royal Princess cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Royal Princess staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

Royal Princess (2013-built, last refurbished  in 2018) is one of the largest  Princess cruise ships and fleet's first Royal-class liner - with sisterships and fleet mates  Regal Princess  (2014), Majestic Princess  (2017) Sky Princess (2019), Enchanted Princess (2021) and Discovery Princess (2022), plus the P&O UK liner Britannia  (2015).

Royal Princess cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1780 cabins for 3560 passengers (lower berths/max capacity is 4272) served by 1346 crew-staff. The boat has 18 decks (15 passenger-accessible, 8 with cabins), 14 bars and lounges, 2 swimming pools, 8 outdoor Jacuzzis, 16 elevators.

Passenger-use launderettes (laundromats) are located on cabin decks 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15. These are self-service laundry facilities with ironing boards and detergent being provided.

Passenger-use launderettes (laundromats) are located on decks 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15. These are self-service laundry facilities with ironing boards and detergent being provided.

Royal-class ships have fleet's biggest Atrium area (more entertainment and casual dining options / Gelato, Ocean Terrace), fleet's biggest topdeck pool area (hosting nightly the “water and light show” / computerized "Watercolor Fantasy" fountain with 85 waterjets), fleet's biggest and most advanced outdoor cinema ("Movies Under The Stars" / about 1/3 larger), Concierge Lounge (Suite passengers only area on Deck 14).

The Princess Royal ship has the advanced SISCO A-PASS 6 mobile sys which is the mobile app that handles tasks related to passengers/crew safety, also facilitating a faster embarkation /disembarkation process and providing the cruise ship management with information for (and also tracking) everyone on board. Princess Cruises Royal ship passengers can easily share their cruising vacation experience by using the complimentary “Princess@Sea Messenger”. This is a new and free mobile application integrated into the “Princess@Sea” app (accessible via tablet)/smart phone).

Royal Princess deck plan changes 2018 refurbishment review

Ship's drydock in 2018 (December 1-8, in Freeport Bahamas ) resulted in the following changes:

• All passenger cabins received new bedding and all beds were replaced with the custom-made Princess Luxury Bed. The new “Princess cruise bed” was developed in collaboration with PhD Michael Breus (commonly known as “The Sleep Doctor”) and the designer Candice Olson. The new cabin beds feature a luxury pillow-top mattress, individually wrapped coils (reducing surface sway) and hypoallergenic duvets.
• Lotus Spa and Fitness (wellness complex) was fully refurbished.
• Two new production shows were introduced at Princess Theater - "The Secret Silk" (via a partnership with Stephen Schwartz) and "Encore" (company’s top-rated show accompanied by live orchestra).

Deck layouts

Deck 04 - gala-hospital-crew, deck 05 - plaza-lobby-spa, deck 06 - fiesta-dining-casino, deck 07 - promenade-shops, deck 08 - emerald-cabins, deck 09 - dolphin-cabins, deck 10 - caribe-cabins, deck 11 - baja-cabins, deck 12 - aloha-cabins, deck 14 - riviera-cabins-bridge, deck 15 - marina-cabins, deck 16 - lido-pools-cabins, deck 17 - sundeck-adults-kids-teens, deck 18 - sports, deck 19 - sky-golf.

Royal Princess deck plans are property of Princess Cruises . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

List: Every Cruise Ship Ranked By Space Per Passenger (Find Your Ship)

Which cruise ships have the most space per passenger?

Head to any cruise line website or look at any brochure, and you’re sure to see people having fun on the ship… but noticeably absent are any other passengers. Anyone that’s sailed before knows the reality is far different.

Today’s modern ships can carry upwards of 5,000 people at double occupancy (two passengers to every cabin) and even more when completely full.

And while not everywhere on the ship is packed — there are still plenty of places to get away from the crowd — many spots will have plenty of people.

So what if you want to sail with the most space possible?

Calculating the Most Space Per Passenger for More Than 100+ Cruise Ships

There’s no arguing that over the past decade or two cruise ships have become significantly larger. About 20 years ago, a “large” cruise ship might come in at 70,000-90,000 gross tons (a measurement of a ship’s size).

Today, the bigger ships start around 140,000 gross tons.

The number of passengers continues to increase as well. An older ship might carry “just” 2,000 to 3,000 passengers. Numbers today are double that.

But just because a ship carries more passengers doesn’t mean it’s more crowded. Remember, the overall size has gone up as well meaning more space on the ship.

Still there are definitely some ships that carry more or fewer passengers than other ships of their size. The result? You can sail a ship that offers more (sometimes considerably) more space per passenger. If you’re a fan of having a little more elbow room on your cruise, selecting those ships with a larger “space ratio” — the ratio between a ship’s tonnage compared to the number of passengers — can be a smart move.

That’s why we calculated this ratio for more than 100 cruise ships across multiple lines. This will give you a better idea of which ships may feel more relaxed and which may feel more crowded. The higher the ratio, the greater the size of the ship on a per-passenger basis . Conversely, the smaller ratios mean that the ship is smaller per passenger.

You can search the table below to rank the ships based on size, passengers, or space ratio, and even search for specific ships. 

There are a couple of things you should know about this table. First, just like any resort, every cruise ship has its own design style. Some are built to be wide open, which can help them feel more spacious even if they are the same size and carry the same number of passengers as another ship.

Others look to be more cozy with smaller open spaces, which despite ample size per passenger overall, can make them feel more crowded.

In other words, more goes into the "feel" of the spaciousness of a cruise ship than just its overall tonnage compared to number of passengers. Design matters too.

Second, this ratio is calculated based on the double occupancy figures for the ship . Many ships, however, sail at more than double occupancy (meaning some rooms have 3+ passengers), so the ratio on your specific cruise may be slightly different than what's shown above.

The 10 Cruise Ships With the Most Size Per Passenger

Looking for the most room per passenger on your next cruise? Ships that have a space ratio of 40 or more are a good place to start. However, if you want the best of the best, then we suggest looking at those with a ratio above 43.

In our list of more than 100 ships, only 16 (around 15%) of ships meet this benchmark. The ships at the top of the list include Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ships -- Prima and Viva -- which come in at 142,500 gross tons and carry 3,100 passengers at double occupancy. That equates to a space ratio of 46.

But the overall winners are Disney ships, like the new Disney Wish. They top out with space ratios in the high 40s to high 50s. What you need to know here is that Disney's ship designs are a little different than other ships, which increases the space ratio.

While most ships are built with two passengers in mind for the cabin, Disney is obviously much more focused on families. That means ships are designed with more passengers in mind per cabin, reducing the double occupancy rate (which is just the number of cabins times two people).

With a lower double occupancy rate, the space ratio increases sharply. However, it's likely that you'll have significantly more passengers on the ship.

Here are the 10 cruise ships with the most space per passenger based on our calculations:

• Disney Wish (57.4)
• Disney Fantasy (52.0)
• Disney Dream (52.0)
• Disney Wonder (48.0)
• Disney Magic (48.0)
• Norwegian Prima (46.0)
• Norwegian Viva (46.0)
• Coral Princess (45.8)
• Icon of the Seas (44.7)
• Celebrity Apex (44.5)

The 10 Cruise Ships With the Least Size Per Passenger

When it comes to the ships with the least amount of size per passenger, one cruise line leads the list -- Carnival. In fact, all of the ships on our list with the smallest space ratios come from the cruise line.

In general, the space ratio for Carnival ships runs about 33-37 on average, including the lowest-ranking ship, Carnival Elation. That ship has a gross tonnage of nearly 72,000 and carries 2,190 passengers. That equals a space ratio of 32.8.

It also goes to show that newer, larger ships with more people don't automatically mean more crowded. Elation started sailing in 1998 and many larger ships built more recently have higher ratios.

Here are the 10 cruise ships with the least size per passenger based on our calculations:

• Carnival Elation (32.8)
• Carnival Firenze (32.8)
• Carnival Venezia (33.1)
• Carnival Panorama (33.3)
• Carnival Horizon (33.7)
• Carnival Paradise (33.9)
• Carnival Vista (33.9)
• Carnival Radiance (34.0)
• Carnival Sunrise (34.0)
• Carnival Celebration (34.1)

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 12 things included for free in your cruise (you just have to know), 12 “adults-only” cruise tips you can’t miss, how much it costs to live on a cruise ship for a year, 57 must-have tips, advice, and info for first-time cruisers, cruising with a baby: what to know from someone who’s done it, 12 cruise tips that feel wrong (but are 100% right).

Article Title is wrong. Not ‘EVERY CRUISE SHIP’ is included in the article.

Try looking at lines such as Seabourn or Silversea. These figures are really only mainstream and leave out some of the luxury lines.

Space Ratio’s are fake numbers! Gross Tonnage includes ALL the interior volume of the ship .. crew only areas, engines rooms, the works .. space that a passenger would never have access to.

What about the Cunard Queen Elizabeth ? At 90 400 tons and passenger count of 2116 , it’s space ratio is 42.7 thereby landing at 20th . Doesn’t Cunard count ?

In your space ratio list, you left out Holland America and Viking.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Price Hike: NCL Boosting Soda & Coffee Package Prices Up to 27%

Hurricane beryl: here’s the potential impact on cruises, are you ready for the cruise muster drill here’s what to know…, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Princess Cruise Ships by Size [2022] with Comparison Chart

Below is a full list of Princess Cruise Ships by Size . From their smallest vessel in the fleet, the Pacific Princess, to the largest cruise ship currently active, the Sky Princess.

Princess has significantly less variability in size when compared to other major cruise lines. Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer ships up and down the spectrum. The majority of Princess ships are in a tighter grouping. The lone outlier is Princess' smallest ship. When compared to the Sky Princess, it's almost 1/5th of the size !

Let's compare the Pacific Princess to the cruise line's largest ship, the Sky Princess. The former tips the scales at a measly 30k gross tons . Whereas the latter weighs in at a whopping 145k GT . The Pacific offers just 338 cabins while the Sky boasts almost 1,800 staterooms!

Here at Gangwaze, we don't discriminate when it comes to our Princess cruise ship size. Big and small, we'll cruise them all. Our choice in size depends on the occasion. For big family reunions, we need the biggest vessel (with the most hiding places). For romantic getaways we often prefer the more intimate ships.

First we'll need to provide a little detail regarding our sizing comparison chart included below. We're comparing Princess cruise ships by size using the metric, " Gross Tonnage ." This always causes some funny looks from our community. Gross tonnage is not exactly equal to "weight." The definition is a bit hairy. And by "hairy, we mean "boring." Here it is anyway.

Psst... you still there? You might be wondering why we use this measurement to determine Princess ship sizes. As noted above, it's used for safety rules and whatnot. As such, gross tonnage is the standard across this cruise line and all others. Every passenger cruise ship will have this measurement . This makes it easy to compare ship size across ship, class, cruise lines and more.

In addition to tonnage, you'll find a number of other stats in our ship list. These include ship length, beam, draft, passenger count, cabins, and a few others for your viewing pleasure.

Ok, we're done with today's virtual session on maritime lingo. Here's the good stuff.

Princess Cruise Ships by Size (Largest to Smallest)

Click above to  add our Princess Cruise Ships by Size Infograph to pinterest . Hopefully you have an active "next cruise" board in the works.

When choosing your perfect cruise, "size" should absolutely be considered . You'll want to ask yourself the following. Do you mind walking long distances? Do you prefer variety in dining venues or consistency? Is "sea-sickness" a potential issue? Are you hoping to visit smaller ports only accessible via smaller ships? Your answers to these questions should guide your decision on sizing preference.

Often we're asked if price affects size. The cost of a Princess cruise isn't directly correlated with size. You won't find that the bigger the ship, the more the cost. Nor will you find the opposite. You won't necessarily pay less for the largest Princess ship vs the smallest. It will all depend on the specific itinerary. To get a sense of pricing, please use our widget below.

"Price" and "size" aren't the only other factors. Of course there are plenty of other variables to consider wen choosing your perfect vacation. Here are a few to consider: Availability; Itinerary Length; Ship Age; Departure Port; Destination . Those are the biggies, but not at all an exhaustive list.

However, we always include "ship size" towards the top of the list . There's no doubt it will impact your cruise in major ways. You'll have a much different experience on the Pacific Princess vs one of the new, behemoths. Again, we're not here to judge. We're here to provide you with all of the information you need to make your perfect decision.

Here's a menu of all Princess Ships by Size. Click on any for quick access to ship stats for that vessel.

• 1) Sky Princess
• 2) Enchanted Princess
• 3) Discovery Princess
• 4) Majestic Princess
• 5) Royal Princess
• 6) Regal Princess
• 7) Diamond Princess
• 8) Sapphire Princess
• 9) Emerald Princess
• 10) Ruby Princess
• 11) Crown Princess
• 12) Caribbean Princess
• 13) Star Princess
• 14) Golden Princess
• 15) Grand Princess
• 16) Island Princess
• 17) Coral Princess
• 18) Pacific Princess

PRINCESS CRUISE SHIPS BY SIZE

Without further ado, here's our full list of Princess ships ranked from biggest to smallest!

1) Sky Princess Size

The Sky Princess has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 145,281 GT gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Royal Class. At full capacity, the Sky holds 5,006 passengers. That includes 3,660 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Sky Princess total number of staterooms is 1,834.

• Gross Tonnage : 145,281 GT
• Ship Length : 1,083 feet (330 meters)
• Beam : 126 feet (38 meters)
• Draft : 28 feet (9 meters)
• Max Speed : 26 mph (23 knots)
• Year Built : 2019
• Years Served : 2019-Present
• Capacity : 3,660 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,346
• Total on Board : 5,006
• Total Staterooms : 1,834
• Flagged Country : Bermuda
• Ship Cost : $760 Million
• Status : active

2) Enchanted Princess Size

The Enchanted Princess has a construction date of 2020 and a total size of 145,000 GT gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 2 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Royal Class. At full capacity, the Enchanted holds 5,006 passengers. That includes 3,660 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Enchanted Princess total number of staterooms is 1,834.

• Gross Tonnage : 145,000 GT
• Year Built : 2020
• Years Served : 2020
• Status : future ship

3) Discovery Princess Size

The Discovery Princess has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 145,000 GT gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 3 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Royal Class. At full capacity, the Discovery holds 5,006 passengers. That includes 3,660 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Discovery Princess total number of staterooms is 1,834.

• Year Built : 2021
• Years Served : 2021
• Flagged Country : NA

4) Majestic Princess Size

The Majestic Princess has a construction date of 2017 and a total size of 143,700 GT gross tons. The ship measures 1,082 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 4 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Royal Class. At full capacity, the Majestic holds 3,906 passengers. That includes 2,560 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Majestic Princess total number of staterooms is 1,780.

• Gross Tonnage : 143,700 GT
• Ship Length : 1,082 feet (330 meters)
• Year Built : 2017
• Years Served : 2017-Present
• Capacity : 2,560 passengers
• Total on Board : 3,906
• Total Staterooms : 1,780
• Flagged Country : United Kingdom

5) Royal Princess Size

The Royal Princess has a construction date of 2013 and a total size of 142,229 GT gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 5 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Royal Class. At full capacity, the Royal holds 4,946 passengers. That includes 3,600 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Royal Princess total number of staterooms is 1,780.

• Gross Tonnage : 142,229 GT
• Max Speed : 25 mph (22 knots)
• Year Built : 2013
• Years Served : 2013-Present
• Capacity : 3,600 passengers
• Total on Board : 4,946
• Ship Cost : $735 Million

6) Regal Princess Size

The Regal Princess has a construction date of 2014 and a total size of 142,229 GT gross tons. The ship measures 1,082 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 6 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Royal Class. At full capacity, the Regal holds 4,906 passengers. That includes 3,560 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Regal Princess total number of staterooms is 1,780.

• Beam : 125 feet (38 meters)
• Year Built : 2014
• Years Served : 2014-Present
• Capacity : 3,560 passengers
• Total on Board : 4,906

7) Diamond Princess Size

The Diamond Princess has a construction date of 2004 and a total size of 115,875 GT gross tons. The ship measures 952 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 7 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Diamond holds 3,770 passengers. That includes 2,670 cruise vacationers and 1,100 staff members. The Diamond Princess total number of staterooms is 1,337.

• Gross Tonnage : 115,875 GT
• Ship Length : 952 feet (290 meters)
• Beam : 123 feet (37 meters)
• Year Built : 2004
• Years Served : 2004-Present
• Capacity : 2,670 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,100
• Total on Board : 3,770
• Total Staterooms : 1,337
• Ship Cost : $500 Million

8) Sapphire Princess Size

The Sapphire Princess has a construction date of 2004 and a total size of 115,875 GT gross tons. The ship measures 952 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 8 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Sapphire holds 3,770 passengers. That includes 2,670 cruise vacationers and 1,100 staff members. The Sapphire Princess total number of staterooms is 1,337.

• Beam : 122 feet (37 meters)
• Ship Cost : $400 Million

9) Emerald Princess Size

The Emerald Princess has a construction date of 2007 and a total size of 113,561 GT gross tons. The ship measures 951 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 9 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Emerald holds 4,314 passengers. That includes 3,114 cruise vacationers and 1,200 staff members. The Emerald Princess total number of staterooms is 1,539.

• Gross Tonnage : 113,561 GT
• Ship Length : 951 feet (290 meters)
• Beam : 118 feet (36 meters)
• Draft : 26 feet (8 meters)
• Max Speed : 25 mph (21 knots)
• Year Built : 2007
• Years Served : 2007-Present
• Capacity : 3,114 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,200
• Total on Board : 4,314
• Total Staterooms : 1,539

10) Ruby Princess Size

The Ruby Princess has a construction date of 2008 and a total size of 113,561 GT gross tons. The ship measures 951 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 10 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Ruby holds 4,180 passengers. That includes 3,080 cruise vacationers and 1,100 staff members. The Ruby Princess total number of staterooms is 1,542.

• Draft : 27 feet (8 meters)
• Year Built : 2008
• Years Served : 2008-Present
• Capacity : 3,080 passengers
• Total on Board : 4,180
• Total Staterooms : 1,542

11) Crown Princess Size

The Crown Princess has a construction date of 2006 and a total size of 113,561 GT gross tons. The ship measures 952 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 11 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Crown holds 3,281 passengers. That includes 2,080 cruise vacationers and 1,201 staff members. The Crown Princess total number of staterooms is 1,541.

• Year Built : 2006
• Years Served : 2006-Present
• Capacity : 2,080 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,201
• Total on Board : 3,281
• Total Staterooms : 1,541

12) Caribbean Princess Size

The Caribbean Princess has a construction date of 2004 and a total size of 112,894 GT gross tons. The ship measures 952 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 12 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Caribbean holds 4,342 passengers. That includes 3,142 cruise vacationers and 1,200 staff members. The Caribbean Princess total number of staterooms is 1,556.

• Gross Tonnage : 112,894 GT
• Capacity : 3,142 passengers
• Total on Board : 4,342
• Total Staterooms : 1,556

13) Star Princess Size

The Star Princess has a construction date of 2002 and a total size of 108,977 GT gross tons. The ship measures 951 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 13 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Star holds 3,700 passengers. That includes 2,600 cruise vacationers and 1,100 staff members. The Star Princess total number of staterooms is 1,299.

• Gross Tonnage : 108,977 GT
• Year Built : 2002
• Years Served : 2002-Present
• Capacity : 2,600 passengers
• Total on Board : 3,700
• Total Staterooms : 1,299

14) Golden Princess Size

The Golden Princess has a construction date of 2001 and a total size of 108,865 GT gross tons. The ship measures 950 feet (290 meters) in length and falls in line as number 14 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Golden holds 3,700 passengers. That includes 2,600 cruise vacationers and 1,100 staff members. The Golden Princess total number of staterooms is 1,299.

• Gross Tonnage : 108,865 GT
• Ship Length : 950 feet (290 meters)
• Year Built : 2001
• Years Served : 2001-Present
• Ship Cost : $425 Million
• Status : retired

15) Grand Princess Size

The Grand Princess has a construction date of 1998 and a total size of 107,517 GT gross tons. The ship measures 949 feet (289 meters) in length and falls in line as number 15 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Grand Class. At full capacity, the Grand holds 4,200 passengers. That includes 3,100 cruise vacationers and 1,100 staff members. The Grand Princess total number of staterooms is 1,301.

• Gross Tonnage : 107,517 GT
• Ship Length : 949 feet (289 meters)
• Year Built : 1998
• Years Served : 1998-2020
• Capacity : 3,100 passengers
• Total on Board : 4,200
• Total Staterooms : 1,301
• Ship Cost : $450 Million

16) Island Princess Size

The Island Princess has a construction date of 2003 and a total size of 91,627 GT gross tons. The ship measures 964 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 16 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Coral Class. At full capacity, the Island holds 3,114 passengers. That includes 2,214 cruise vacationers and 900 staff members. The Island Princess total number of staterooms is 987.

• Gross Tonnage : 91,627 GT
• Ship Length : 964 feet (294 meters)
• Beam : 106 feet (32 meters)
• Max Speed : 24 mph (21 knots)
• Year Built : 2003
• Years Served : 2003-Present
• Capacity : 2,214 passengers
• Crew Members : 900
• Total on Board : 3,114
• Total Staterooms : 987
• Ship Cost : $330 Million

17) Coral Princess Size

The Coral Princess has a construction date of 2002 and a total size of 91,627 GT gross tons. The ship measures 964 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 17 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ Coral Class. At full capacity, the Coral holds 2,870 passengers. That includes 1,970 cruise vacationers and 900 staff members. The Coral Princess total number of staterooms is 1,000.

• Capacity : 1,970 passengers
• Total on Board : 2,870
• Total Staterooms : 1,000
• Ship Cost : $360 Million

18) Pacific Princess Size

The Pacific Princess has a construction date of 1999 and a total size of 30,277 GT gross tons. The ship measures 592 feet (180 meters) in length and falls in line as number 18 among Princess Cruise Line’s 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Princess’ R Class Class. At full capacity, the Pacific holds 1,201 passengers. That includes 826 cruise vacationers and 375 staff members. The Pacific Princess total number of staterooms is 338.

• Gross Tonnage : 30,277 GT
• Ship Length : 592 feet (180 meters)
• Beam : 84 feet (25 meters)
• Draft : 20 feet (6 meters)
• Max Speed : 21 mph (18 knots)
• Year Built : 1999
• Capacity : 826 passengers
• Crew Members : 375
• Total on Board : 1,201
• Total Staterooms : 338
• Ship Cost : $194 Million

We hope the information above helps. We're often asked about ship size and typically it's one of the three questions below. We've added this FAQ section for quick reference.

Princess Ship Size FAQs

What is Princess' largest ship? The largest, active Princess cruise ship is currently the Sky Princess. It has a gross tonnage of 145,281 GT and measures 1,083 feet in length. She holds a total of 4,946 passengers, 1,346 of these crew members and the rest vacationers. The Enchanted and Discovery Princess are both similar in size, but will measure slightly smaller at 145,000 GT.

What is Princess' smallest ship? The Pacific Princess is, by huge margin, the smallest active vessel in the fleet. At just 30k gross tons, it's almost 1/5th the size of the Sky Princess. The ship measures 592 feet in length and holds just 826 passengers compared to 3,660 at the top end of the spectrum.

How big is a Princess cruise ship? Princess cruise ships vary widely in size from the largest in the fleet (Sky Princess) to the smallest (Pacific Princess). However, the grouping of its other ships is significantly tighter than seen with other major lines. The average Princess ship weighs in at 116 gross tons.

If you enjoyed this, feel free to check out our post, Carnival Ships by Size .

Please use the "Share" buttons below to help other DCL fans find this sizing info!

Gangwaze is your one-stop destination for shore tours, pre-cruise hotels, transfers, vacation insurance & more. We’ve partnered with industry leaders to bring you the best deals and the most convenience.

We love hearing from you. Email us directly or holler through socials.

• Cruise News
• Cruise Tips
• All Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Videos
• Port Webcams

• Advertiser Disclosure

[Updated] Cruise Ships With the Best/Worst Space to Guest Ratio: 8 Cruise Lines Compared

I compared 141 cruise ships from 8 major cruise lines to see which offered the most space based on passenger capacity and ship volume.

*This post has been updated from its original writing and reflects the latest cruise ships to enter the market, including cruise ships that will debut in the next year.

While many factors can have an impact on how crowded a ship may feel, there is a simple formula for figuring out the passenger space ratio.  Additionally, this allows us to compare different ships by the same metric and see how it compares with out experience on the ship.

Related: What is the best cruise line for you?

How the passenger space ratio was calculated on our chart

The formula for the passenger space ratio is simply the gross tonnage (GT) of a cruise ship divided by the passenger capacity of that vessel  (Gross Tonnage ÷ passenger capacity).  In our list we used the standard double-capacity for each ship.  

It’s important to understand that some lines may more commonly exceed the double-capacity figures especially if it’s more usual for families to travel with that line.  Likewise, since the exact number of passengers on a cruise at any given time will be different it’s important to note that this part of the equation should be somewhat flexible.

Related: Cruise ships with the best passenger to cruise ratio (mainstream lines)

What is gross tonnage anyway?

A common misconception is that the gross tonnage of a cruise ship is a measurement of weight.  However, it has nothing to do with weight at all.  In fact, gross tonnage is a unitless measurement of the volume or space of a cruise ship and includes all of the enclosed spaces of the vessel.  This is an important factor, as some areas of a ship’s open-air decks will not be included in the figure.

How else is gross tonnage used?

Ever wonder why some ship’s have bigger fees than others?  Well, the gross tonnage plays a factor.  The overall GT of a ship determines things like registration fees, regulations, safety rules and port dues, depending on each individual port.

Some of the largest cruise ships in the world belong to Royal Caribbean Cruises and have a gross tonnage of over 200,000. In fact, Utopia of the Seas will have a massive GT of 236,860.

Read more: The true cost difference between a balcony cabin and interior stateroom

Other important factors

While using the passenger space ratio can be a simple way to compare ships and how crowded they may feel, it’s not a perfect measurement.  Factors like the overall flow of a ship’s design, how the programs are spaced out, the times in which various events take place, and the demographic of a ship all play a greater role in the feeling of being crowded on a cruise ship.

Additionally, depending on what you like to do on a cruise you might have a vastly different experience than someone else on the very same cruise simply based on what times you took part in different programs, shows, and meals.

So, this list is just a fun way to compare ships based on space and capacity.

I have sorted each cruise line separately so you can compare ships within a specific line , which I think personally is a more accurate way to compare how crowded a cruise ship may or may not feel.  This is simply because each cruise line handles passenger flow differently. 

At the end of the page I have also listed all 141 cruise ships in a chart so you can compare all of them at the same time.  The lists below include the following cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Holland America Cruises.

The larger the number in the right hand column the more spacious a ship may feel. At least that’s the idea. A number in the 20’s would feel crowded and cramped while a number in the high 40’s and above may feel spacious.

 The cruise ships below are sorted by the space/passenger ratio. The higher the number the more space per passenger is available on the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line: ships by passenger space ratio

See our list of every Carnival cruise ship currently in service in order of newest to oldest here .

Royal Caribbean Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

Royal Caribbean cruise ships in order from newest to oldest.

Norwegian Cruise Line: ships by passenger space ratio

See every Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship in service from newest to oldest here .

MSC Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

See all MSC Cruises cruise ships in order from newest to oldest.

Disney Cruise Line ships by passenger space ratio

Note: There are two different numbers for capacity on Disney. The first number is for double capacity and the second is for maximum capacity. I thought it was important to have both since many Disney cruises have families with more than 2 occupants in a cabin.

Princess Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

See all Princess Cruises ships from newest to oldest.

Celebrity Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

Holland america cruises: ships by passenger space ratio.

The below section is a list of all the above ships in one table. These are again listed in order from least spacious to most spacious based on our passenger space ratio formula.

All 141 Cruise ships by passenger space ratio: sorted least to greatest

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

Cruises Altered Due to Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean

Princess cruises will give you 120% in obc if your cruise gets cheaper after booking, cruise ship enters dry dock to transition to new cruise line, royal caribbean’s newest cruise ship heads to north america for the first time, related articles, celestyal cruises will offer year-round sailings for the first time, cruise line makes change to onboard bookings, oceania cruises’ next new ship touches water for the first time, recent popular posts.

Two brothers started Cruise Fever in 2011 when they decided they couldn't stop cruising so they might as well write about it. Do you have Cruise Fever too? Follow along on this incredible voyage!

© 2011-2024, Cruise Fever ®. All rights reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Cruise Newsletter

• Princess Cruises

Limiting passenger capacity?

By Cruise Raider , August 22, 2022 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

Cruise Raider

We are on three cruises, all of which appeared to have availability on cabins but are showing as ‘Currently Not Available’…. All of which are on the Royal Princess.  When booking a cabin for a friend, my CVP said she would have to check capacity before booking it because of a staffing shortage.  I didn’t think to ask her about it at that time, wish I would have as she is so busy, I really don’t want call her back and waste her time with such an insignificant question.  However, if there are any travel agents on here that might be able to answer the question of limiting capacity, particularly on the Royal Princess, I’d really appreciate it.  

Maybe they are all actually sold out and have no cabin availability?  Just wondering what to expect.  

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

sandyoftheseas

Our Sept 1st cruise on Diamond Princess said "Currently Not Available" for about 2 weeks (I checked it daily) then about 2 weeks ago we got an email that the cruise was cancelled so we had to scramble to find another vacation to take. I would recommend to think of a plan B just in case the cruise is cancelled.

We are on Sky in October and it has been unavailable for the last three weeks or so. I have spoken to my PCS at Princess and she said all is well. In fact we got a change of itinerary on Friday. I suspect that staffing problems are dictating availability. That is to say they are trying to maintain passenger crew ratios. 

partybarbie

Even though I don't have any inside information from a travel agent, I was on the Royal last month. The ship appeared to be fully staffed, although we were sailing at about two thirds capacity.

It's strange that some of the cruises showing unavailable now, were available last week when we booked a Mexican Riviera cruise. Perhaps the unavailable cruises are actually sold out? 

On the TA website, my Regal cruise in October showed every single category being waitlisted immediately after the final payment date passed.  From what understand, they are trying to balance staff ratios as well as still needing to keep enough cabins open for possible isolation.

We have the same on the Crown and several cruises before it. TA said it shows sold out, but he can’t see what cabins are still available.

A CVP might be able to see more, IDK.

1 hour ago, partybarbie said: Even though I don't have any inside information from a travel agent, I was on the Royal last month. The ship appeared to be fully staffed, although we were sailing at about two thirds capacity.   It's strange that some of the cruises showing unavailable now, were available last week when we booked a Mexican Riviera cruise. Perhaps the unavailable cruises are actually sold out? 

It  is great to hear there were adequate staff for being at 2/3 capacity.  If the ship is full, more staff are needed in many departments,  such as room steward, dining room servers, kitchen  staff, room service delivery,  laundry,  etc. I'm glad someone is recognizing that quality of passenger experience matters. It is quite a shift from a year ago, running ships with more crew than passengers. 

42 minutes ago, donswife said: It  is great to hear there were adequate staff for being at 2/3 capacity.  If the ship is full, more staff are needed in many departments,  such as room steward, dining room servers, kitchen  staff, room service delivery,  laundry,  etc. I'm glad someone is recognizing that quality of passenger experience matters. It is quite a shift from a year ago, running ships with more crew than passengers. 

Those were the days! Our cruise on the Royal that leaves in 12 days has only about 16% of cabins showing available on the website which is the least amount by far of any of our post restart cruises. It should be interesting to see how crowded it feels now after those ones.

1 hour ago, rheathslc said: Those were the days! Our cruise on the Royal that leaves in 12 days has only about 16% of cabins showing available on the website which is the least amount by far of any of our post restart cruises. It should be interesting to see how crowded it feels now after those ones.

Let us know. Also ask if they are doing capacity control these days. They probably know.

Alaska Discovery Princess 7 day Inside Passage 2023 Season

I checked the Princess web site for a Deluxe Balcony (all levels) for the months of June, July and August -- the following appears on the screen:

We're Sorry

There are no longer any stateroom available in this area. Try another deck, or a different section of the ship.

Capacity control because of labor shortage?  

Possibly holding back cabins for the new bidding process?

3 hours ago, donswife said: It  is great to hear there were adequate staff for being at 2/3 capacity.  If the ship is full, more staff are needed in many departments,  such as room steward, dining room servers, kitchen  staff, room service delivery,  laundry,  etc. I'm glad someone is recognizing that quality of passenger experience matters. It is quite a shift from a year ago, running ships with more crew than passengers. 

This actually makes sense. It might also explain why all of the 2022 sailings on the Sapphire are showing ‘ currently not available’.

The rep told me a couple of weeks ago when I called that they are sold out, which I know my sailing on 9/24 was not.

Maybe they are capacity controlled. I sure hope this is the reason. Fingers crossed they don’t get canceled which is what I’m thinking is going to happen.

NavyVeteran

1 hour ago, John99 said: Alaska Discovery Princess 7 day Inside Passage 2023 Season   I checked the Princess web site for a Deluxe Balcony (all levels) for the months of June, July and August -- the following appears on the screen:   We're Sorry There are no longer any stateroom available in this area. Try another deck, or a different section of the ship.   Capacity control because of labor shortage?   Possibly holding back cabins for the new bidding process?

Are other cabin categories available? Capacity control would limit the total number of people on the ship. They wouldn't gain anything by limiting Deluxe Balcony but allowing people to book inside, outside, and regular balcony.

Why would they ever hold back cabins for the bidding process? If someone is willing to book at full price, why would they prefer selling it for a bid at less than full price?

PRINCESS Sweet Pea

Just in case this helps in your situation.  There might have been some kind of issue or 'glitch' in the system wth the Deluxe Balcony cabins.   Since they are deluxe balconies, they can sleep more than two.  It is possible that trying to book for 2 guests, that the system will not find or show any of these cabins for you.

Try to act like you are making a booking for 3, or for 4, guests.  See if any Deluxe Balconies show up for you to select from.

IF THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, I do not know if there is any easy work-around.  Perhaps book for 3, to get the cabin, and then take that extra person off?

1 hour ago, NavyVeteran said: Are other cabin categories available? Capacity control would limit the total number of people on the ship. They wouldn't gain anything by limiting Deluxe Balcony but allowing people to book inside, outside, and regular balcony.

I have noticed several other cruises where there are some of every cabin type available EXCEPT Deluxe Balcony (even suites and club class minis) which seems strange to me. I don't think it would make sense to limit just that category either but it also seems strange that just that one category would be the only one sold out on the many cruises I've looked at. Maybe those are the ones they are using for quarantine? I know the quarantine cabins are balconies at the very least. But who really knows. 🙂  

There is the off chance that you might meed other solo cruisers,  either on the roll-call here on Cruise Critic.  Or once onboard.

Remember, dining isn't locked-in, and can always be changed or adjusted!

Oooooops!!!   somehow that post above is here, instead of the thread it should be.  Sorry!

latebloomer56

3 hours ago, tonit964 said: This actually makes sense. It might also explain why all of the 2022 sailings on the Sapphire are showing ‘ currently not available’. The rep told me a couple of weeks ago when I called that they are sold out, which I know my sailing on 9/24 was not. Maybe they are capacity controlled. I sure hope this is the reason. Fingers crossed they don’t get canceled which is what I’m thinking is going to happen.

For the Sapphire at least all is well. When the Diamond canceled and our trip showed currently not available I called my TA, she talked to them and the cruise was still a go.

We changed our return flight on their air and they had no issue with that or our transfer. Could also book dining last week. So hoping we get to cruise this year if not I have a backup plan.

2 hours ago, latebloomer56 said: For the Sapphire at least all is well. When the Diamond canceled and our trip showed currently not available I called my TA, she talked to them and the cruise was still a go. We changed our return flight on their air and they had no issue with that or our transfer. Could also book dining last week. So hoping we get to cruise this year if not I have a backup plan.

I’m cautiously optimistic now, but any TA is not going to know anymore than we do as far as if the cruise is a go or not.  I really hope they are learning with past sailings and are capacity controlling these cruises by cutting off the bookings.   

I may just have my Caribe balcony 10 day birthday cruise after all and all the sailings after mine will be good too!

Fingers crossed for all of us!

15 hours ago, tonit964 said: I’m cautiously optimistic now, but any TA is not going to know anymore than we do as far as if the cruise is a go or not.  I really hope they are learning with past sailings and are capacity controlling these cruises by cutting off the bookings.    I may just have my Caribe balcony 10 day birthday cruise after all and all the sailings after mine will be good too! Fingers crossed for all of us!

Fingers crossed as well we sail in 42 days to Hawaii. 

TA would have called them but she deals better with NCL, like all TA's they do it all but are better with some things.

ReadyToCruise2

22 hours ago, PRINCESS Sweet Pea said: John99, Just in case this helps in your situation.  There might have been some kind of issue or 'glitch' in the system wth the Deluxe Balcony cabins.   Since they are deluxe balconies, they can sleep more than two.  It is possible that trying to book for 2 guests, that the system will not find or show any of these cabins for you.   Try to act like you are making a booking for 3, or for 4, guests.  See if any Deluxe Balconies show up for you to select from.   IF THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, I do not know if there is any easy work-around.  Perhaps book for 3, to get the cabin, and then take that extra person off?

Great suggestion!

We recently wanted to book a Deluxe Balcony cabin on a Feb 2023 cruise for 2.  When we looked on-line, all the Deluxe Balconies showed either with "No Longer Any Stateroom Available . . ." on most decks or on a few decks got the "Reserve a Guaranteed Stateroom".  If you looked on-line for regular balconies, lots showed up available.

We were planning to use a Princess Cruise Vacation Planner anyway and had just wanted to do some pre-homework and pick a general location on the ship.  When we called our CVP to see what she could do, she had no trouble booking us a specific cabin.  We didn't think anything about it until we saw your suggestion.

So we went back in on-line and indicated 3 guests and took a look at the same cruise.  Sure enough, cabins showed up available everywhere (even on the decks that had the "No Longer Any Staterooms Available . . ." notation when trying to book for 2.

Looks like you may be able to look at availability using the 3 guests approach and then  calling a Princess CVP to workaround this problem.  Not sure if an outside travel agent could do the same thing.

Someone on the roll call thread for our upcoming Sapphire Princess cruise posted a link to this article, published yesterday:

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/28069-princess-restart-update-remaining-ships-to-resume-service-by-november.html

Not sure where they're getting their info, but the article does state that Sapphire Princess is on track to go back into service on September 24th as scheduled, and Diamond Princess on November 20th.

Another article on the site says that for Carnival booking activity has increased significantly since the relaxing of testing and vaccination requirements, and bookings through the end of 2022 are "solid".  

cruisequeen4ever

It would be very good for the pax and very wise for the company to limit capacity if they’re short staffed as it’ll better ensure a satisfied cruise experience, resulting in positive reviews and increased future and repeat bookings. 

Well, three of our Royal Princess cruises are showing as currently not available.  I spoke with one of my friends that works on the Royal and they aren't controlling capacity ... they are just fully booked.  Wow!!  

5 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said: Well, three of our Royal Princess cruises are showing as currently not available.  I spoke with one of my friends that works on the Royal and they aren't controlling capacity ... they are just fully booked.  Wow!!  

Maybe the Royal is fully staffed?  Did they say?  I hope.

Our upcoming Alaska cruise has been on and off "Currently not available" for the last few months. It is now available, but wait a few moments.....

We originally thought it was due to possibly needing to make a change regarding Skagway. About a month ago, our TA thought it had been sold out. Nope, cabins still available.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Special Event: Q&A with Laura Hodges Bethge, President Celebrity Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Thursday at 08:52 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 07:30 PM

LauraS · Started June 25

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

What is the largest cruise ship in the world?

Does size really matter? The cruise industry thinks so. For more than a century, cruise lines have competed to claim the title of world's largest cruise ship.

When it set sail in 1912, ill-fated Titanic was the largest and grandest passenger vessel of its time. But since 2009, when Royal Caribbean debuted its first Oasis Class ship, those superlatives have applied to vessels more than five times Titanic's size.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Today, the largest cruise ships are floating cities, offering a plethora of bars and restaurants, expansive spas and sun deck retreats. They feature scores of recreation opportunities, including zip lines, surf simulators , rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, escape rooms, laser tag, top-deck go-karts , virtual reality gaming and even roller coasters .

So, what is the largest cruise ship in the world, and how do other cruise ships compare? Here's a quick rundown of the world's biggest cruise ships by both gross registered tons and maximum passenger capacity. Unsurprisingly, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class dominate the top five in both categories, with only two other lines joining Royal Caribbean.

What is the world's largest cruise ship?

Currently, it's Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas . At 250,800 gross registered tons and carrying up to 7,600 passengers (plus 2,350 crew members), the ship is a true behemoth. It includes neighborhoods that feature everything from waterslides, an indoor AquaTheater, a carousel and an adults-only sun deck to lavish suites, retail shops, thousands of live plants and more than two dozen bars and restaurants.

The rest of the world's largest cruise ships

Note: This article excludes ships from lines like Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Aida, which do not cater to the North American market.

World's biggest cruise ships by tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800 gross registered tons
• Wonder of the Seas : 236,857 gross registered tons
• Symphony of the Seas: 228,081 gross registered tons
• Harmony of the Seas: 226,963 gross registered tons
• Oasis of the Seas: 226,838 gross registered tons
• Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross registered tons
• MSC World Europa: 205,700 gross registered tons
• Carnival Celebration : 183,521 gross registered tons
• Carnival Jubilee : 183,521 gross registered tons
• MSC Grandiosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• MSC Virtuosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• Carnival's Mardi Gras : 180,000 gross registered tons

World's biggest cruise ships by passenger capacity

• Icon of the Seas: 7,600 passengers
• Wonder of the Seas: 6,988 passengers
• Allure of the Seas: 6,780 passengers
• Oasis of the Seas: 6,771 passengers
• MSC World Europa: 6,762 passengers
• Harmony of the Seas: 6,687 passengers
• Symphony of the Seas: 6,680 passengers
• Carnival's Mardi Gras: 6,631 passengers
• Carnival Celebration: 6,631 passengers
• Carnival Jubilee: 6,631 passengers
• MSC Grandiosa: 6,334 passengers
• MSC Virtuosa: 6,334 passengers
• MSC Bellissima: 5,686 passengers

What is the biggest cruise ship in the world today (2024)?

Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world by both tonnage and passenger capacity is Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. It takes the title from fleetmate Wonder of the Seas. Several other Royal Caribbean vessels — including Freedom Class and Oasis Class namesakes Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — were also the largest at one time.

What is the world's biggest cruise ship price?

Royal Caribbean paid about $2 billion to build Icon of the Seas. At press time, the least expensive cabins on Icon of the Seas started at $1,210 per person for a seven-night voyage ($173 per person, per night). If that's out of your price range, check out my recommendations for ships to try instead of Icon of the Seas .

What cruise ship is 5 times bigger than Titanic?

All of the ships in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class are at least five times larger than Titanic was, in terms of size. As far as passenger numbers, Titanic had capacity for 2,453 people, while Icon of the Seas can hold 7,600.

What is the largest cruise ship capacity?

Icon of the Seas can hold up to 7,600 guests at maximum capacity or 5,610 guests on a double occupancy basis (two people per cabin). The ship also employs more than 2,300 crew members. That means the ship can carry nearly 10,000 people when it's fully crewed and every passenger bed is occupied.

Got more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

• Cruise News

3 Cruise Ships Earn Perfect Cleanliness Scores from the CDC

Andrea Santillan

• July 3, 2024

If you’ve sailed on MSC Seashore, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, or Norwegian Sky in the past month, you’ve been on one of the cleanest ships in the industry.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently awarded the three vessels perfect scores of 100% as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program. Similarly, Holland America’s Koningsdam and Carnival Liberty earned top marks of 98%, while Sapphire Princess and Disney Wish were rated 95%. 

The CDC’s US Public Health Vessel Sanitation Program regularly conducts surprise inspections on cruise ships, awarding scores between 0 and 100. A score below 85 is considered failing.

A perfect score requires top marks in all 44 areas, including food handling, onboard personnel, water quality, galley cleanliness, and the overall ship. These unannounced visits last anywhere from 8 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the vessel size and the number of inspectors involved.

CDC inspections are mandatory for all passenger ships that call on US ports. They are performed twice a year.

Passing CDC Inspections Isn’t Easy

Passing these inspections is no easy feat. Last May, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise and MSC Seaside failed routine inspections. Paradise received a score of 83% , just two percentage points shy of the passing mark. The agency’s detailed report cited 65 issues, including overcrowded recreational water facilities, non-functioning kitchen appliances, and improper storage practices.

Meanwhile, MSC Seaside had a much lower 67% rating . Areas of concern involved food preparation and storage, item storage, crew manifests, and more. 

Did your Cruise Ship Pass CDC Standards?

If you have an upcoming cruise, you may wonder how it fared based on the CDC’s hygiene standards. You can check out your vessel’s ratings by looking for them on the agency’s website using the Advanced Cruise Ship Inspection Search . Find your ship in the drop-down menu, and the site will display your cruise ship’s scores.

Recent Posts

Disney updates boarding times for florida-based cruise ships, wildfires in alaska force cancellation of denali cruise tours, passenger jumps off cruise ship in asia, still missing, share this post, related posts.

Cruise Line Increase Capacity By 30%, New Year-Round Regional Sailings

Dining Detailed for Upcoming Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Royal Princess at a Glance

Quick Facts

3,560 guests * 142,229 tons

Godmother: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge

Inaugural cruise: June 16, 2013 * Grand Mediterranean itinerary

1,083 feet long * 217 feet high * 19 decks

155 feet wide (including Sea Walk) * 28 feet draft * 22 knots service speed

Passenger Staterooms

1,780 total staterooms

1,438 with balcony (all outside staterooms feature a balcony), including:

36 suites * 314 mini suites * 358 deluxe balcony * 730 balcony cabins

342 inside cabins

780 additional/upper berths

36 wheelchair accessible staterooms (1 suite/6 mini suites/22 balcony/7 inside)

Noteworthy Features

The SeaWalk – The ship’s most distinguishing design element is an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel.  From here passengers can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below.

Dramatic Atrium – The social hub of the ship, the soaring atrium offers a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. New features such as Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and a gelateria add to the Piazza’s lively atmosphere.

Chef’s Table Lumiere – Princess is now setting a new standard for the chef’s table experience with the debut of the Chef’s Table Lumiere in which passengers will be magically surrounded by a curtain of light – providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes diners as they savor the chef’s special menu.

Water and Music Shows – The ship’s central pool area features daily and nightly performances of four separate themed sequences comprised of dancing fountains, special music and live performers. The Movies Under the Stars screen is also incorporated as an additional show element.

Princess Live! – The ship’s new television studio, a first for Princess, features programming throughout the day from 8 am until midnight. Passengers can enjoy live talk shows, demonstrations and performers here, including the daily Wake Show.

Horizon Court Buffet – One of Princess’ most popular casual dining options, the Horizon Court buffet on Royal Princess has been redefined with a completely new layout. Action stations offer up intriguing choices such as Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, a pasta corner and salad-tossing stations. Diners can also indulge in new specialty experiences at the Crab Shack and Fondues.

Horizon Bistro Pastry Shop – The Horizon Court introduces an industry first: a dedicated pastry shop.  Here passengers can indulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day and even get to see Princess’ pastry chefs in action as they demonstrate their skills in chocolate work and cake decorating.

Private Cabanas – New private cabana options give passengers the opportunity to personalize their relaxation time, with elegant cabanas in The Sanctuary and poolside cabanas at the Retreat Pool. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Media Relations Department, Princess Cruises 24305 Town Center Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Phone : 1 661 753 1530 Email :  [email protected]

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

PM plays down Tory MP's comments

Two cruise ships arrive at port with more than 4,000 passengers.

TWO cruise ships arrived at Portland Port this morning, bringing more than 4,000 passengers with them.

Regal Princess arrived at Portland this morning at 6.21am after travelling overnight from Southampton with 3,600 passengers onboard.

It is a regular visitor to Dorset and has featured in the Channel Five show The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea.

The ship was built in 2014 and has 19 decks, complete with a casino, freshwater pools and hot tubs, a sports court, as well as an art gallery and shops.

There is a capacity for 1,346 crew members on the boat which has an impressive length of 1,083 feet.

One of the highlights of the ship, which is currently sailing under the flag of Bermuda, is its SeaWalk, a 60ft long glass walkway which sits 128ft above the waves and extends 28ft beyond the edge of the ship.

The boat was christened by the original cast of the American sitcom, The Love Boat, and is also a sister ship to the Royal Princess.

At 10.37am, Regent Seven Seas Mariner made its first visit to Portland Port

The ship arrived after leaving Waterford in Ireland on July 2 with around 700 passengers on board.

Seven Seas Mariner's current cruise is 83 days, one-way from New York to Barcelona.

It was built in 2001, has 12 decks and was christened by philanthropist Arleen Carlson

Latest stories

Sadiq khan to impose congestion charge on electric vehicles.

Sadiq Khan is extending London’s congestion charge to all zero-emission vehicles from the end of next year.

Airbus is set to launch its game-changing A321XLR this year. Here's where the new plane is expected to fly — and why it's such a big deal.

The XLR's extra fuel tank helps it go 5,400 miles (11 hours) nonstop, opening previously impossible or inefficient routes.

'Why I'm not keen to return to this Greek island visited by thousands of Brits'

It is one of the most beautiful islands in the world - but its popularity has come at a cost, Victoria Chessum writes

My first cruise was a 7-day disappointment. Even worse, it left me feeling sick long after touching dry land.

I cruised around the Caribbean for a week on rough seas and experienced "land sickness," mal de débarquement syndrome, after my trip.

A millennial couple moved to Bali 2 years ago. Making friends was one of the hardest parts.

There's a common refrain that things in Bali are cheap — and that's not necessarily true, they said.

I've visited 50 cities in Europe. London and Paris were great, but these 5 underrated locations are worth a visit.

After traveling to 50 cities in Europe, I've discovered some beautiful hidden gems. From Bath to Bruges, these are the cities worth visiting.

Driver has car seized after being stopped by road cops

A driver had their vehicle seized after being stopped by road cops in Glasgow.

Teen who killed sister and friend in a crash 'devastated' by her actions, judge hears

A teenager who crashed a BMW SUV while driving 190 km/h, causing the deaths of her sister and a friend, was sentenced Tuesday during an emotional hearing that saw many in the courtroom, including the judge and lawyers, struggle to contain their emotions. The girl, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident, will spend two years on probation under conditions that include community service. She is also prohibited from driving for five years. A Calgary court heard that four teens were in the

‘My escape is going north’: heatwaves begin to drive tourists in Europe to cool climes

Whether swapping the south of France or Mallorca for the UK or Scandinavia, rising temperatures are changing habits

Thailand Considers End to 52-Year-Old Afternoon Booze Ban to Woo Tourists

(Bloomberg) -- Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin may end a 52-year-old ban on afternoon alcohol sales after appeals from the tourism industry, which is struggling with rising costs and weak consumer spending.Most Read from BloombergChina Can End Russia’s War in Ukraine With One Phone Call, Finland SaysUS Allies Say China Is Developing Attack Drones for RussiaDemocrats Weigh Mid-July Vote to Formally Tap Biden as NomineeHurricane Beryl Roars Toward Jamaica on Destructive PathBiden Plummets in

Stanley Johnson hits back at Heathrow flight diversion criticism

‘I am sorry, truly sorry, for the inconvenience caused to other passengers’

Jim Ratcliffe delays launch of electric SUV

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s car company has delayed production of its electric SUV, blaming a lack of consumer demand and tougher net zero rules expected to come into force under a Labour government.

Cop pulls over car swerving into oncoming traffic only to find it empty

A bizarre incident unfolded on June 19 in central Phoenix, Arizona, after a police officer attempted to pull over a Waymo self-driving car that was wildly swerving between lanes and into oncoming traffic. But when the car eventually complied, the officer found the vehicle was completely empty, leaving him in a peculiar predicament.

‘We thought we were going to die:’ Thirty injured as ‘strong turbulence’ forces Air Europa plane to land in Brazil

A flight from Madrid to Uruguay forced to make an emergency landing after encountering turbulence has ‘landed normally,’ according to Spanish airline Air Europa.

'My thoughts are with you all' - Tributes come in for man, 69, who died in M40 crash

Many tributes have been left for a 69-year-old man who was killed in a crash along the High Wycombe stretch of the M40.

Locals speak of horror as man dies after car smashes into popular pub following police chase sparking a blaze

"I can’t believe it. I was in there just last night having a pint"

Labour’s net zero plans face ‘major hurdles’ amid weak demand for electric cars

Labour’s proposed ban on new petrol cars faces “major hurdles” with less than half of sales expected to be electric by the target year of 2030, new research shows.

Blind BBC presenter raises £600 rock-climbing in Dorset

A BLIND BBC presenter has raised £600 abseiling and rock-climbing for a Dorset charity.

BMW attacks EU tariffs on Chinese electric car imports

BMW has accused the European Union of protectionism as Brussels prepares to hit imported Chinese electric cars with a wave of tariffs.

Tesla sales fall for second straight quarter despite price cuts, but decline not as bad as expected

Tesla's global sales fell for the second straight quarter despite price cuts and low-interest financing offers, another sign of weakening demand for the company's products and electric vehicles overall. The better-than-expected deliveries pushed Tesla's stock up 10% Tuesday. Tesla shares had been down more than 40% earlier in the year, but are up more than 60% since hitting a 52-week low in April.

Cruise Etiquette: Tips for Finding Peace and Quiet on Crowded Cruise Ships

W hen I was a travel consultant in the early 2000s, the concern I would most often hear from potential first-time cruisers were about crowded ships: “I don’t want to be cooped up with all those people,” they’d groan.

At the time, the capacity of the industry’s largest ships was just over 2,600 passengers. Today, that’s considered medium-sized. The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas , can set sail with 7,600 passengers onboard. With the industry reporting a return to pre-pandemic booking levels in 2023, there's enough cruising demand to fill these new mega ships—the Icon of the Seas ' inaugural voyage was nearly sold out just 24 hours after bookings opened, The Points Guy reported. While busy ships help create the fun-loving social atmosphere cruises are best known for, navigating crowded cruises can also lend itself to questionable passenger etiquette (nobody likes a pool chair hog).

Of course, not every cruise will sell out, nor are they all that big. As a rule of thumb, travelers should expect full ships during summer months and popular holiday and school break travel periods. Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to determine if your cruise has been booked to capacity prior to its sailing (many a Reddit thread has been dedicated to cracking the code).

When anticipating how crowded a cruise ship may feel, the total number of passengers onboard doesn’t tell the whole story. To get a better sense of this, the cruise industry refers to something called the “space ratio,” which takes the total tonnage of the ship and divides it by the number of passengers the ship can accommodate. As one might expect, that ratio is lower on big ship cruise lines— Norwegian , Carnival , and Royal Caribbean generally have less space per passenger. It then increases on premium lines (think Princess , Holland America Line , Celebrity ), and tops out at the luxury end ( Crystal , Regent Seven Seas , Silversea ).

But how can passengers who aren’t booking a boutique cruise ship or a luxury line carve out quiet spaces to themselves onboard bigger ships—while still being respectful of other passengers? Below, find tried and true ways to find space on a crowded cruise ship, whether you're onboard a modern mega ship or an intimate expedition vessel.

The secret ‘ships within a ship’ on mega cruises

The most obvious way to secure your own quiet enclave is to book a balcony stateroom . While small, the value of this outdoor space shouldn’t be underestimated, particularly for itineraries rich with scenic cruising, like voyages to Alaska or the Baltic Sea . Several cruise lines also offer private areas of the ship for top-end suite passengers, including dedicated bars, restaurants, pools, and spas that are off-limits to other cruise goers, Tom Baker , the president of Cruise Center, tells Condé Nast Traveler.

These self-enclosed complexes, such as NCL's The Haven, Celebrity Cruises’ Retreat, and MSC’s Yacht Club, create a “ship within a ship” for higher-paying customers, Baker explains. That way, regardless of how busy your sailing proves to be, you can still enjoy yacht-like privacy—plus the fun-loving social atmosphere and amenities of a large cruise. Other ships have dedicated spaces for suite passengers such as Richard’s Rooftop on Virgin Voyages, or the Grills Lounge and Terrace on Cunard that are located throughout the ship. They may not rise to the same “ship within a ship” level of seclusion, but are still exclusive to qualifying guests.

The majority of passengers will spend their time at the ship's standard pool and deck areas, where you'll likely to come face-to-face with the age-old cruise etiquette question: Is it rude to save seats? In my many years of cruising, I've witnessed personal articles strewn across rows of prime pool seating while passengers slept in or lingered over breakfast, and large swaths of theater seats saved for late-arriving guests. When determining the appropriate time window for seat saving, look to the cruise line’s policy, or ask a nearby staff member: Carnival will remove guest belongings from pool loungers and store them at a nearby towel station if they’ve been left for longer than 40 minutes, for example, and Royal Caribbean will remove belongings if left unattended for 30 minutes.

To circumvent this awkward game of musical chairs, some lines offer premium deck spaces that all passengers—regardless of cabin category—can access for a nominal fee. On Princess Cruises, guests can book cushy lounge chairs from $40 per day in The Sanctuary, an adults-only sun deck with attentive deck servers and added amenities like fruit skewers and Evian facial mists. And on most Holland America Line ships, passengers can reserve cabanas at the private outdoor space, also called The Retreat, with exclusive bar service and ocean views (cabana rentals for two adults start at $75 per cabana on port days and $105 on sea days, and family cabanas for four adults start at $105 on port days and $165 on sea days). Even Seabourn , a luxury small ship cruise line that structures fares on a “mostly-included” model, offers the option to pay extra for premium deck seating in a zone called, yet again, The Retreat.

To find quiet escapes, explore on day one

All right, so pools and sundecks can be crowd-free for a fee—but what about the rest of the ship? Part of the fun of sailing on a cruise is wandering the ship for those quiet corners to relax on your own. “Finding nooks and crannies on ships is about exploring and discovering on day one. They might not be illustrated on the deck plans, but there are often hidden booths and seats spread around for a lovely retreat,” Jason Leppert, founder of the YouTube channel Popular Cruising , tells Traveler.

Veteran cruisers are easy to recognize—they'll lay claim to their favorite tables before the ship even disembarks and reserve the same spot early each morning. My very first sailing was on the Celebrity Millennium , and I quickly found the quietest spot for breakfast was in the Spa Café in the Solarium on Deck 10 each morning. On Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess , I often found the Wheelhouse Bar empty when I went for a pre-dinner cocktail, so that became a nightly ritual. And onboard Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Explorer Islander II in the Galápagos , I wondered why more passengers hadn’t discovered the hammocks strung from the ceiling on the little-used Observation Deck that I often had entirely to myself for afternoon naps.

If you still have difficulty finding your groove on the ship after a round of exploring, consult the experts. Cruise ship crew members live and work aboard their ships for months at a time, so they know them incredibly well. Crew also have their thumbs on passenger habits. If you ask when a specific bar, lounge, or pool is most quiet, they’ll most likely be able to share their detailed observations.

Ultimately, there’s no way around the fact that ships are a vehicle of transportation, and like any vehicle, space is limited. Whether you’ve chosen an intimate yacht cruise , a high-energy expedition voyage , or a quick getaway on one of the industry’s new mega ships , odds are any passenger with an appetite for calm and an eye for seclusion can find their own little slice of peace and quiet.

More From Forbes

Why disney's new cruise liner may be charting the wrong course.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Concept art of the new Disney Adventure, which will have its home port in Singapore

More details about Disney's plans to expand its cruise line into Asia have emerged with an announcement about the entertainment onboard its new ship which will have its home in Singapore when it comes on stream next year.

Named the Disney Adventure, the 208,000-ton ship is one of the world's biggest cruise liners. Disney reportedly bought it for just $44 million in 2022 after its previous owner, Hong Kong-based Genting Cruise Lines, fell into administration. At the time, it was set to accommodate up to 9,000 passengers making it the world's biggest cruise liner by passenger capacity though Disney has since scaled it back to 6,700. Instead of sailing it to the United States to join the six other ships in its fleet, Disney decided to make the Adventure its first cruise liner with a home port in Asia.

As part of a collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board, the mega-ship will sail for at least five years from the Marina Bay Cruise Center just a 12 minute drive from Universal Studios Singapore. The location seems like a no-brainer as it brings the fight to the doorstep of Disney's biggest rival, but actually Mickey may be charting the wrong course.

Singapore is the surprising location of Disney's Asian cruise port (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty ... [+] Images)

Disney's ships are designed in an Art Deco style to reflect the golden age of cruising but inside they are awash with the kind of fairytale trappings that guests find in its theme parks. Photo opps with cuddly characters are de rigueur, as are Broadway-style extravaganzas based on classic Disney cartoons.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Its latest ship, the Disney Wish, is also home to an interactive dinner show featuring scenes specially-shot by the actors of the wildly-popular Avengers superhero movies. On its top deck there is even an innovative water slide with screens set into the side of the tubes which tell a story about Mickey Mouse whilst riders rocket past on rafts propelled by powerful jets of water.

The Disney Adventure is set to make an even bigger splash as it will have an entire street themed to 2014's animated Oscar-winner Big Hero 6 which was a huge hit in Asia. A poolside retreat will be inspired by another animated favorite – Moana – while shops and restaurants will be based on classic Disney cartoons like The Little Mermaid and Lilo & Stitch . The Avengers will have their own hub.

"We're bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Asia for the first time ever, and we want to give our guests the cruise relaxation and Disney fun they can only experience aboard one of our ships," said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. "When they set sail on the Disney Adventure, guests will find incredible, immersive areas that bring the worlds of Disney, Pixar and Marvel to life in ways like never before – and these uniquely Disney experiences will inspire families to reconnect, recharge and make unforgettable memories that they'll cherish forever."

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Singapore Tourism Board Chief ... [+] Executive Keith Tan announce the Disney Adventure (Daryl Goh, photographer)

They are the same kind of sentiments that Disney says guests will get from a visit to its theme parks and it's no coincidence. Disney's ships are almost the equivalent of mini theme parks which makes them ideal for locations where the media giant doesn't have an entertainment complex.

Unlike Universal, Disney has repeatedly rejected the opportunity to build inner city Family Entertainment Centers, instead choosing to focus on fewer, much larger, resorts scattered around the world.

There are only six Disney theme park resorts and although this is one more than Universal, its rival is expected to overtake it in the coming years with new outposts in Texas and the United Kingdom. Disney's theme park strategy leaves it under-exposed in a number of major markets including India, Australia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates which is one of the wealthiest untapped areas as we have reported .

In the fall last year, Disney launched its first cruises in Australia where its closest park is a nine and a half hour flight away from the country's biggest city, Sydney. It may seem like the Adventure ship is plugging a similar gap as Disney doesn't have a park in Singapore.

However, Asia is dripping with them. With parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, Disney has more resorts in Asia than in the Americas. All three are within a seven-hour flight from Singapore with Hong Kong less than four hours away which is no bad thing at all.

As we recently reported , when Disney launched its cruise line in 1998, it opened its Castaway Cay private island in the Bahamas at the same time. This enabled it to sell twin-center breaks where stays at Walt Disney World in Orlando are combined with a cruise to Castaway Cay. It sets off from Port Canaveral, just 50 minutes by car from Orlando, with transportation laid on by Disney to make the two destinations seem like they are part of the same vacation.

Thanks to their immersive theming, Disney's cruises are popular with mega-fans as well as families. Many of the former have the biggest budgets and therefore give Disney the greatest gains. So much so indeed that in 2022 its Adventures By Disney tour operator launched a 24-day package visiting every Disney park by private jet for the princely price of $110,000 per person. Despite being in the midst of the pandemic, it sold out so fast that the tour returned the following year at the increased price of $115,000. Yet again it sold out so it is taking place for a third time in 2024.

With three Disney resorts within striking distance of Singapore it seems like a no-brainer to schedule a cruise that takes them all in but, remarkably, this doesn't seem to be on the cards. Disney's announcement makes it clear that the Adventure will sail on cruises for three and four nights from Singapore which is just about enough time to get to Hong Kong but not back. It certainly isn't enough time to take in all three of Disney's Asian resorts which are widely seen to be the jewels in its crown as we have reported .

Disney's cruises do not visit Tokyo DisneySea (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

It isn't currently even possible to book any Disney cruises to or from Hong Kong, Shanghai or Tokyo despite all three being port cities with the theme parks in the latter located just a 22 minute drive from the terminal. A tour to these parks by ship would take several weeks though people would be prepared to pay a premium as Adventures By Disney has shown.

Disney could claim that this would defeat the object of the Adventure as it wouldn't be visiting untapped areas. However, if that is the driving force behind its location then Singapore isn't the ideal place for its home port as so many Disney parks are within a such a small catchment area.

Just last month, Disney's chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said that "the cruise business, frankly, is one that has an enormous number of opportunities for us" and it seems it hasn't plumbed the depths of all of them yet. The lack of a cruise which takes in all of the Asian resorts is another example of Disney leaving money on the table and it hasn't escaped the attention of other operators.

Testimony to this, cruising giant Holland America Line operates a voyage which visits the cities where all three resorts are located and it has been travelled with this benefit in mind by Disney mega-fans.

As we recently reported , the media giant has also been left in the wake of luxury operator Princess which was the first operator to introduce an on-board wireless guest recognition system even though Disney developed its own technology years earlier for its theme parks.

Likewise, as we also reported , earlier this year Princess swung open the doors to by far the most immersive entertainment experience at sea. Its spooky Spellbound nightspot is the first permanent outpost of Hollywood's exclusive Magic Castle club and it is packed with high-tech trickery. The venue has emerged ahead of a lounge based on Disney's Haunted Mansion theme park attraction which is due to debut on its new Treasure ship in December.

Industry giant Royal Caribbean has also cruised into Disney's waters with ships which are laden with attractions. In January it launched Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise liner which is also home to the Thrill Island water park, the largest at sea. Of course, other operators don't have Disney's characters and theme parks to keep them afloat and that's all the more reason why the Mouse should make the most of them.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Protect Your Trip »

The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

• New ships for 2023
• New ships for 2024
• New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an  Oceania  cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a  Carnival  cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore  Virgin Voyages  deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare  MSC Cruises  on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a  Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a  Norwegian Cruise Line  itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore  Silversea  cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare  Regent Seven Seas  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a  Celebrity Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Sun Princess: February 2024

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a  Cunard  cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• The Best Cruise Lines
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Transatlantic Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 4 best temecula wine tours.

John Rodwan and Nicola Wood July 2, 2024

The Best Puerto Rico Tours

John Rodwan July 2, 2024

Amazon Prime Day Luggage Deals

Amanda Norcross July 2, 2024

Best Monterey Whale Watching Tours

John Rodwan and Ann Henson July 1, 2024

Sun Princess Review

Holly Johnson June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024