Cruise ships come in many different sizes and categories, each with its own unique features. Cruise lines typically categorize their ships based on size, amenities, and destinations.
Understanding what each category means can help you make an informed decision when choosing a cruise.
Luxury Ships – Luxury cruises are often the most expensive type of cruise, but offer the most amenities and highest quality of service. These ships are typically larger and have more onboard activities than other types of cruises. Luxury ships may offer expanded dining options, larger cabins, spas, and other upscale features.
Contemporary Ships – Contemporary cruises are usually mid-sized and offer a variety of onboard activities, such as casinos and pools. These ships usually feature a range of dining options and cabins. Contemporary cruises tend to be more family-friendly than luxury or premium cruises.
Premium Ships – Premium cruise ships offer a good balance between luxury and contemporary cruising. They tend to be larger than contemporary ships but smaller than luxury ships. Premium cruises may feature expanded dining options, upgraded cabins, spas, casinos, and more onboard activities.
River Cruise Vessels – River cruise vessels are smaller and focus on sightseeing along rivers in Europe or other parts of the world. These vessels provide more intimate experiences with fewer passengers than larger ocean-going vessels. River cruising is often less expensive than ocean cruising.
Smaller Ships – Smaller cruise ships typically cater to a niche market such as adventure seekers or those seeking a more intimate experience with fewer passengers. These vessels tend to be smaller in size but may still include some amenities such as restaurants, bars, lounges, pools, or spas.
Expedition Ships – Expedition ships are designed for adventure seekers who want to explore remote areas around the world that are not easily accessible by traditional cruise ships. These expeditions tend to be longer in duration and feature educational elements such as lectures from guest speakers.
What Do the Different Categories Mean on a Cruise Ship?
Choosing the right type of cruise ship for your vacation is important for ensuring you get the best experience possible. Different types of cruise lines offer different levels of amenities depending on their size and Target market. Luxury cruises offer more amenities than contemporary or premium vessels but tend to be more expensive as well; river cruising focuses on sightseeing rather than entertainment; smaller vessels cater to niche markets; while expedition ships explore remote locations around the world.
No matter which type of ship you choose for your next vacation at sea, understanding what each category means will help ensure you select the right one for your needs.