Choosing the right cruise ship can make or break your cruise experience. From ship size and onboard activities to cabins, dining, and overall vibe, not all ships are created equal — even within the same cruise line.
This Ship Guides & Reviews hub helps you compare cruise ships across major cruise lines so you can choose the ship that fits your travel style, budget, and expectations. Below, you’ll find clear guidance on how to think about cruise ships, along with organized ship guides by cruise line when you’re ready to dive deeper.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for you if you:
Are trying to decide which cruise ship to book
Are overwhelmed by how many ships exist within one cruise line
Want to understand differences between older and newer ships
Care about onboard experience, not just itinerary
Still figuring out cruise basics? Check out the Cruise Planning Guide or the First Time Cruise Guide.
Are focused only on port destinations? see Cruise Ports & Excursions Guide
How to Choose the Right Cruise Ship
Cruise ships vary widely in size, layout, and onboard experience. Two ships from the same cruise line can feel completely different depending on when they were built, how they’re designed, and what they prioritize.
This guide helps you understand:
How ship size affects crowd levels and activities
Differences between newer and older ships
Which ships are best for families, couples, or adults-only vibes
How amenities, dining, and entertainment vary by ship
👉 Start exploring cruise ship guides below.
Cruise Ship Guides by Cruise Line
Below you’ll find cruise ship guides organized by cruise line. Each ship guide covers what the ship is like, who it’s best for, and what to know before booking.
Royal Caribbean ships range from smaller, activity-light vessels to some of the largest cruise ships in the world, packed with entertainment and amenities.
Browse Royal Caribbean ship guides to learn which ships are best for first-time cruisers, families, and travelers who want nonstop onboard activities.
👉 View all Royal Caribbean ship guides.
Carnival ships are known for their fun, casual atmosphere, but not all Carnival ships offer the same experience.
These guides break down differences between Carnival ship classes, onboard features, and which ships are best for your travel style.
👉 View all Carnival ship guides.
Celebrity Cruises ships focus on modern design, elevated dining, and a more relaxed, upscale onboard experience.
These ship guides help you compare Celebrity ships based on design, entertainment style, dining quality, and who each ship is best for — especially couples and adult travelers.
👉 View all Celebrity Cruises ship guides.
Disney Cruise Line ships are designed with families in mind, offering immersive theming, character experiences, and strong service.
These guides help you compare Disney ships and decide which one fits your family best.
👉 View all Disney Cruise Line ship guides.
Norwegian Cruise Line ships focus on flexibility and freestyle cruising, with a wide range of dining and entertainment options.
Use these ship guides to compare Norwegian ships and understand what makes each one unique.
👉 View all Norwegian Cruise Line ship guides.
Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only cruise experience with a strong focus on dining, nightlife, and modern ship design.
These guides break down what makes Virgin ships different, including included dining, cabin technology, and whether the experience is right for your travel style.
👉 View all Virgin Voyages ship guides.
Updates
Last updated: 2026
This page reflects the most current cruise ship information and will be updated as ships are refurbished, launched, or retired.
