Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity

Rating:
   November 26, 2015 ,   Ships and Lines

View cruise ship ratings and learn what is average/normal and max cruise ship passenger capacity. Cruise ships capacity (passengers and crew/hotel staff) and space ratios of the world's most famous ships are sorted alphabetically by the names of their owners (companies, lines, and operators) according to the official cruise ship data.

Most online travel media publish ship ratings based on onboard amenities (dining/entertainment), itineraries/destinations, special/unique facilities, and experiences. Some ratings are based on website visitors' feedbacks and conducted polls. However, while the latter ratings could by easily manipulated, "expert review" based ratings could be only suggestive as top-rated will be always the largest liners and the newest vessels.

Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity - CruiseMapper

Cruise Ship Capacity

The "full" cruise ship passenger capacity is based on double occupancy (2 guests per cabin). The cabin's capacity varies according to stateroom's type, category, and also by line and ship. A standard passenger ship cabin usually accommodates 2 or 3 guests, but there are some "smaller" and "bigger" exceptions.

Our survey also includes smaller ships (under 500 passengers), and some ships are intentionally omitted from the big table to be included in the small one (about passenger capacity of top luxury cruise ships, with emphasis made on their highest guests-to-crew ratio. If searching for a particular vessel, use the Ctrl+F key combination and type the name in the search box. Good to know things:

  • Ships will sail at varying capacities depending on itinerary and season.
  • The average cruise ship passenger capacity is around 3,000 guests for ocean liners and around 150 guests for bigger river cruise ships.
  • The largest cruise ship passenger capacity is 5,412 (at double occupancy) and 6,318 max capacity if all berths are occupied. And, of course, these big numbers are part of the specifications of the first in the list of the biggest cruise ships in the world - the Oasis ship of Royal Caribbean International.
  • Single cruise cabins (called also "studios", or "solo cabins"), though rarely available, offer some of the cheapest rates for solo travelers by avoiding the double occupancy policy of all the major cruise ship companies, with the range of single supplement rates being between 50 and 100% (depending on line and ship).
  • Family suite cruise accommodations generally have the biggest passenger capacity (up to 6 guests) and are some of the most expensive cabin categories (again, not available on all ships). Cheap suites are available on most Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa ships.

Max (largest) passenger capacity of a cruise ship would signify this ideal financial situation, when all the berths, plus all upper and lower bunks, "Pullman" beds and single and double sofa beds (available in types and numbers according to the ship's cabin grades) are all occupied by the most numerous crowd the ship can ever gather on board. However, on most of the sailings, even the full-ship capacity (at double occupancy level) is not reached. This automatically opens the "big ships doors" for great deals, like kids sail for free, buy one get one free, free cabin upgrades, bonus amenities, and also huge price discounts on luxury cruise deals. For more info, you can read our survey on unsold cruise cabins/cheap cruise upgrades.

Cruise passengers-to-space ratio

The ship's "space ratio" (by definition) is the enclosed space (measured in ft3/cubic feet) per passenger. A ship of 45,000 GT (gross tonnage) with capacity 1,000 passengers will have a space ratio 45 (or 45ft3=45000/1000). So if your ship has generally smaller cabins but very large public spaces, she will have a higher space ratio, and the higher the space ratio number, the more guests will enjoy a sense of spaciousness on board.

Average/max cruise passenger capacity

AIDA ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
AIDAaura1266 - 130041833
AIDAbella2050 - 250058734
AIDAblu2192 - 250060733
AIDAcosma5400 - 6600150037
AIDAdiva2050 - 250058734
AIDAluna2050 - 250058734
AIDAmar2194 - 268660933
AIDAmira1248 - 149867032
AIDAnova5200 - 6600150028
AIDAperla3286 - 340090038
AIDAprima3286 - 340090038
AIDAsol2194 - 268660933
AIDAstella2194 - 270060933
AIDAvita1266 - 158238433

Azamara ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Azamara Journey710 - 78140839
Azamara Onward672 - 80437338
Azamara Pursuit680 - 74840040
Azamara Quest710 - 78140839
Azamara Onward672 - 80440039

CCL-Carnival ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Carnival Breeze3690 - 4428138629
Carnival Celebration5374 - 6338173529
Carnival Conquest2984 - 3581115031
Carnival Dream3626 - 4533136929
Carnival Firenze (Costa)4232 - 5078127827
Carnival Freedom2984 - 3581115031
Carnival Glory2984 - 3581115031
Carnival Horizon3930 - 4716145028
Carnival Jubilee5347 - 6631173529
Carnival Legend2124 - 254996134
Carnival Liberty2978 - 3574115031
Carnival Magic3690 - 4428138629
Carnival Mardi Gras5282 - 6338174529
Carnival Miracle2124 - 254996134
Carnival Panorama3930 - 4716145028 
Carnival Paradise2204 - 266898028
Carnival Pride2124 - 254996134
Carnival Spirit2124 - 254996134
Carnival Splendor3016 - 3619115031
Carnival Sunshine (Destiny)3012 - 3765115027
Carnival Sunrise (Triumph)2984 - 3730111027
Carnival Valor2984 - 3581115031
Carnival Radiance (Victory)2896 - 4375144829
Carnival Venezia (Costa)4232 - 5145139327
Carnival Vista3930 - 4716145028

CSSC Carnival China / Adora Cruises ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Adora Magic City4250 - 5246140032
Adora TBN4250 - 5246140032
Costa Atlantica2210 - 265290232
Costa Mediterranea2114 - 253792034

Celebrity ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Xcel3260 - 3521132037
Celebrity Beyond3276 - 3950140036
Celebrity Constellation2130 - 255699735
Celebrity Eclipse2850 - 3420100036
Celebrity Edge2918 - 3521137737
Celebrity Equinox2850 - 3420100036
Celebrity Infinity2170 - 260499735
Celebrity Millennium2158 - 259099735
Celebrity Reflection3046 - 3655100034
Celebrity Silhouette2886 - 3463100035
Celebrity Solstice2850 - 3420100036
Celebrity Summit2158 - 259099735
Celebrity Xpedition98 - 1184824
Celebrity Flora1205048

Celestyal ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Celestyal Journey/ex Ryndam1258 - 151256037
Celestyal Crystal1200 - 145240627
Celestyal Olympia1611 - 166454026

Ponant ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
L'Austral224 - 26413654
Le Boreal224 - 26413954
Le Bougainville92 - 18411054
Le Champlain92 - 18411054
Le Commandant Charcot (icebreaker)123 - 245235 
Le Dumont d'Urville92 - 18411054
Le Laperouse92 - 18411054
Le Lyrial224 - 26413954
Le Paul Gauguin160 - 35221754
Le Ponant64 - 673223
Le Soleal224 - 26413954

Costa ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Costa Concordia (sank in 2012)3000 - 3600110031
Costa Deliziosa2260 - 2712105034
Costa Diadema3772 - 4526125329
Costa Fascinosa3014 - 3617110032
Costa Favolosa3014 - 3617110032
Costa Fortuna2698 - 3250106831
Costa Luminosa2260 - 2712105034
Costa Magica2698 - 3250106832
Costa Pacifica3014 - 3617110032
Costa Serena3014 - 3617106832
Costa Smeralda5200 - 6518168228
Costa Toscana5322 - 63381678-

Crystal ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Crystal Serenity1090 - 125463554
Crystal Symphony904 - 104053049

Cunard ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Queen Anne2996 - 3353122534
Queen Elizabeth2077 - 250390036
Queen Mary 22726 - 3271125345
Queen Victoria2074 - 248990036

DCL-Disney ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy2500 - 3500145837
Disney Magic, Disney Wonder1754 - 245694734
Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney tbn2476 - 3466155042
(Genting) Global Dream4700 - 95002300-

Fred Olsen ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Balmoral1350 - 142051029
Bolette1380 - 165664738
Borealis1404 - 168562037
Braemar929 - 97037025

Hapag-Lloyd ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Hanseatic Spirit199 - 23017068
Hanseatic Inspiration199 - 23017068
Hanseatic Nature199 - 23017068
ms Europa40828564
ms Europa 2251 - 51637077

HAL-Holland America Line ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
ms Eurodam2104 - 252592934
ms Koningsdam2650 - 3194102531
ms Nieuw Amsterdam2106 - 252792934
ms Nieuw Rotterdam2668 - 3210102531
ms Nieuw Statendam2650 - 3194102531
ms Noordam1972 - 236682035
ms Oosterdam2024 - 242981734
ms Prinsendam838 - 100647038
ms Volendam1432 - 171864736
ms Westerdam1968 - 236281735
ms Zaandam1432 - 171864736
ms Zuiderdam1970 - 236481735

Hurtigruten ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
MS Finnmarken100015024
MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen3209044
MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen530 - 60015012
MS Kong Harald, MS Nordnorge, MS Nordkapp, MS Nordlys, MS Richard With6227023
MS Lofoten3404018
MS Midnatsol10007524
MS Nordstjernen3004020
MS Polarlys6197025
MS Trollfjord8227523
MS Vesteralen5105020

National Geographic - Lindblad ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
National Geographic Endeavour96 - 1126424
National Geographic Endeavour II96 - 966422
National Geographic Explorer148 - 1627041
National Geographic Islander48 - 502725
National Geographic Orion102 - 1067538
National Geographic Quest50 - 1003529
National Geographic Sea Bird62 - 70249
National Geographic Sea Lion62 - 70249
National Geographic Venture50 - 1003529

Marella UK ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Marella Celebration1262 - 135052027
Marella Discovery1830 - 207476036
Marella Discovery 21832 - 219873531
Marella Dream1533 - 177360036
Marella Explorer1924 - 268190040
Marella Explorer 21814 - 217778040
Marella Voyager1912 - 266991032

MSC ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
MSC Armonia1950 - 234072128
MSC Bellissima4488 - 5386140031
MSC Divina3502 - 4202138833
MSC Euribia4828 - 6327170431
MSC Fantasia3274 - 3929163735
MSC Grandiosa4888 - 6334170028
MSC Lirica1984 - 254872128
MSC Magnifica2506 - 3007103832
MSC Meraviglia4488 - 5386140031
MSC Musica2550 - 3060101430
MSC Opera2142 - 257072826
MSC Orchestra2550 - 3060105430
MSC Poesia2550 - 3060103930
MSC Preziosa3502 - 4378138832
MSC Seaside4134 - 4961141331
MSC Seascape4540 - 5632164831
MSC Seashore4560 - 5877164831
MSC Seaview4134 - 4961141331
MSC Sinfonia1950 - 234072128
MSC Splendida3274 - 3929137035
MSC Virtuosa4888 - 6334170028
4x MSC WORLD (Europa, America, Asia, tbn)5240 - 6774213833
MSC Explora fleet (1,2,3,4,5,6)922 - 1473640-

NCL-Norwegian ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Norwegian Bliss4004 - 4903173134
Norwegian Breakaway3957 - 4819159530
Norwegian Dawn2340 - 2808101033
Norwegian Epic4228 - 5074140431
Norwegian Encore4266 - 5218173132
Norwegian Escape4266 - 5218173132
Norwegian Gem2394 - 2873101033
Norwegian Getaway3957 - 4819164030
Norwegian Jade2402 - 2882110032
Norwegian Jewel2388 - 2866110033
Norwegian Joy3850 - 4620173136
Norwegian Pearl2394 - 2873115433
Norwegian Prima3215 - 3950138836
Norwegian Sky2004 - 240584732
Norwegian Spirit2012 - 2414112531
Norwegian Star2344 - 2813108433
Norwegian Sun1936 - 232384734
Norwegian Viva3215 - 3950138836
Pride of America2192 - 263080031

Oceania ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Oceania Allura1218 - 146980046
Oceania Insignia698 - 80337238
Oceania Marina1258 - 144780046
Oceania Nautica698 - 80337238
Oceania Regatta698 - 80337238
Oceania Riviera1258 - 144780046
Oceania Sirena698 - 80337538
Oceania Vista1218 - 146980046

P&O Cruises (UK and Australia) ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Arcadia1904 - 190488044
Aurora1882 - 225885034
Azura3096 - 3737122631
Arvia5204 - 6264176229
Britannia3645 - 4406135033
Iona5204 - 6264176229
Ventura3106 - 3727122631
Pacific Adventure2632 - 3158110034
Pacific Encounter2596 - 3115110035
Pacific Explorer1996 - 239592432

Phoenix Reisen ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Albatros812 - 83034035
Amadea508 - 62428046
Artania1188 - 126053737
MS Deutschland520 - 63628037

Princess Cruises ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Caribbean Princess3138 - 3766120030
Coral Princess2000 - 240089538
Crown Princess3062 - 3674120031
Diamond Princess2706 - 3247110036
Discovery Princess3668 - 4402135032
Emerald Princess3066 - 3679120031
Enchanted Princess3668 - 4402135032
Grand Princess2602 - 3122115034
Island Princess2214 - 265790035
Majestic Princess3560 - 4272135033
Regal Princess3560 - 4272135033
Royal Princess3560 - 4272135033
Ruby Princess3060 - 3672120031
Sapphire Princess2678 - 3214110036
Sky Princess3668 - 4402135032
Star Princess (2025)4320 - 5189155034
Sun Princess (2024)4320 - 5189155034

Quark Expeditions ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Quark Ultramarine199140-
Island Sky108 - 1187036
MV Sea Spirit60 - 1207235
Ocean Adventurer118 - 1328747
Ocean Atlantic132 - 19814065
Ocean Diamond113 - 25110637
Ocean Endeavour300 - 45012464
Ocean Nova68 - 783822
World Adventurer196 - 20013021
World Discoverer196 - 20013021
World Explorer86 - 17612553
World Navigator196 - 20013021
World Seeker196 - 20013021
World Traveller196 - 20013021
World Voyager196 - 20013021

RSSC-Regent Seven Seas ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Seven Seas Explorer754 - 82954268
Seven Seas Grandeur754 - 82954268
Seven Seas Mariner708 - 77944060
Seven Seas Navigator506 - 55731551
Seven Seas Splendor754 - 82954268
Seven Seas Voyager706 - 77744763

RCI-Royal Caribbean International ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Adventure Of The Seas3382 - 4058118034
Allure Of The Seas5490 - 6314215036
Anthem of the Seas4168 - 4825130035
Brilliance Of The Seas2150 - 258085835
Empress Of The Seas1592 - 191067125
Enchantment Of The Seas2288 - 274677030
Explorer Of The Seas3282 - 3938118035
Freedom Of The Seas3784 - 4541136034
Grandeur Of The Seas1994 - 239377031
Harmony Of The Seas5475 - 6314239436
Icon Of The Seas5610 - 7600235034
Independence Of The Seas3630 - 4356136035
Jewel Of The Seas2144 - 257385935
Liberty Of The Seas3630 - 4356136035
Majesty Of The Seas2386 - 286382226
Mariner Of The Seas3334 - 4001121335
Navigator Of The Seas3272 - 3926121336
Oasis Of The Seas5484 - 6307215036
Odyssey Of The Seas3844 - 4805130535
Ovation Of The Seas4162 - 4819130035
Quantum Of The Seas4162 - 4819130035
Radiance Of The Seas2122 - 254685835
Rhapsody Of The Seas2026 - 243176532
Serenade Of The Seas2150 - 258085935
Spectrum Of The Seas4246 - 4819155035
Symphony Of The Seas5518 - 6370239436
Vision Of The Seas2036 - 244376532
Voyager Of The Seas3282 - 3938118035
Wonder Of The Seas5734 - 6988240035
Utopia Of The Seas5668 - 7958230035

Saga UK ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Spirit of Adventure99953056
Spirit Of Discovery99953056

Seabourn ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Seabourn Encore532 - 63833063
Seabourn Odyssey450 - 54033060
Seabourn Ovation532 - 63833063
Seabourn Quest450 - 54033060
Seabourn Sojourn450 - 54033060
Seabourn Venture264 - 31712073
Seabourn Pursuit264 - 31712073

SeaDream yachts capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
SeaDream I94 - 11210039
SeaDream II94 - 11210039

Emerald Cruises-Scenic Cruises yachts capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Scenic Eclipse 1114 - 22817272
Scenic Eclipse 2114 - 22817272
Emerald Azzurra50 - 1006881
Emerald Sakara50 - 1006881

Silversea ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Silver Cloud252 - 30221756
Silver Discoverer128 - 1547034
Silver Explorer144 - 17311135
Silver Galapagos100 - 1207534
Silver Moon576 - 69140859
Silver Muse576 - 69140859
Silver Nova, Silver Ray364 - 72853663
Silver Shadow388 - 46629561
Silver Spirit540 - 64837656
Silver Whisper388 - 46629561
Silver Wind296 - 35519748
Silver Endeavour (Crystal Endeavor)100 - 200200125

Small Cruise Lines ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Aegean Paradise648 - 72025032
Americana108 - 1384522
Aranui 5206 - 2566445
Asuka 2872 - 96054552
Caledonian Sky1147537
Club Med 2372 - 38621438
Galapagos Legend100 - 1105537
Golden Iris800 - 95935020
Greg Mortimer120 - 1607421
Hebridean Sky114 - 1207236
Knyaz Vladimir720 - 77032512
Leisure World580 - 85025018
Magellan Explorer10060 49
MS Adriana308 - 3508013
MS Berlin412 - 42018023
MS Birka Stockholm1800 - 200020017
MS Hamburg394 - 42017038
MS Serenissima110 - 1185026
ms The World150 - 200280216
mv Aegean Odyssey378 - 39618031
MV Glory Sea83823030
MV Hondius180 - 1967632
MV Ortelius100 - 1165246
MV Plancius106 - 1164729
MV Reef Endeavour140 - 1505021
MV Stella Australis100 - 2106221
MV Ventus Australis100 - 2106221
Ocean Dream1340 - 142255026
Ocean Majesty548 - 62125719
Pacific Venus680 - 72022032
Paul Gauguin320 - 35219954
Pearl Mist210 - 2166524
RMS St Helena128 - 1565643
Royal Clipper224 - 22410622
Star Clipper170 - 1707214
Star Flyer170 - 1707214
Vidanta Elegant29825219
(Swan Hellenic) SH Minerva & SH Vega152120-
(Swan Hellenic) SH Diana192140-

(Genting) Star Cruises ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Star Pisces1552 - 190075040
SuperStar Aquarius1750 - 215070032
SuperStar Gemini1750 - 215070032
SuperStar Libra1480 - 150074028
SuperStar Virgo1974 - 2800130038

TUI Cruises ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Mein Schiff 12534 - 2894100040
Mein Schiff 22534 - 2894100040
Mein Schiff 32506 - 2700100040
Mein Schiff 42506 - 2700100040
Mein Schiff 52534 - 2700100040
Mein Schiff 62534 - 2700100040
Mein Schiff 72534 - 2894100040
Mein Schiff 8tba - 41001100tba
Mein Schiff 9tba - 41001100tba

(Ocean and Expedition) Viking Cruises ships capacity / identical

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Viking OCEAN (Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Orion, Saturn, Sea, Sky, Star, Sun, Vela, Venus, Vesta)92846552
Viking EXPEDITIONS (Octantis, Polaris)37826052

Virgin Voyages ships

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Scarlet Lady2770-2860116039
Valiant Lady2770-2860116039
Resilient Lady2770-2860116039
Brilliant Lady2770-2860116039

Windstar ships capacity

Vessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Star Breeze212 - 25414039
Star Legend212 - 25414039
Star Pride212 - 25414039
Wind Spirit148 - 1788432
Wind Star148 - 1788432
Wind Surf312 - 37417839

1-ship cruise lines

Line/BrandVessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)CrewPassengers-to-Space-Ratio
Resorts World CruisesGenting Dream3376 - 3400200045
Aroya Cruises SaudiAroya Manara3376 - 3400200045

Luxury yacht cruise lines

Line/BrandVessel NamePassengers (Min - Max)Crew
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  1. Evrima
  2. Ilma, Luminara / identical
  1. 214 - 298
  2. 228 - 456
  1. 246
  2. 374
Four Seasons YachtsTBN / identical95 - 180160
SeaDream Yacht ClubSeaDream I, SeaDream II / identical94 - 112100

For boats that are dead and forgotten see at CruiseMapper's Scrapped Cruise Ships hub.

Cruise Ship Ratings

0 (or no Stars) doesn't mean the ship is the worst ever, but not yet rated.

"Specialty" means usually a smaller ship offering deals on adventure or expedition cruises. Emphasis on itinerary/destination and unique experiences rather than onboard services/amenities/activities. Cabins are modest (as size and amenities), but also comfortable.

3 Stars mean "Contemporary" and big resort-like experiences on bigger ships with a multi-generational clientele, a huge variety of family and kids programs, at least 2 swimming pools, huge fitness/spa centers, distinct nightlife (clubs, a casino, deck parties), several dining options. Cabins range from cozy Inside to large family suites and many connecting/adjoining rooms. Itineraries from 3 to 7-night in length (repeating, round-trip) leaving from big and popular ports.

4 Stars mean a "Premium" product, medium-sized ships with higher guest-to-crew ratios compared to similar-sized mainstream ships. The onboard experience - fewer kids, larger than average cabins with upgraded (luxurious) amenities, high-level of service, dining, and entertainment, extensive enrichment programs, a luxury spa, longer itineraries (from 7 to 14 and even 21-night in length).

5 Stars mean a "Deluxe" product, from medium-size to small cruise ships with deluxe staterooms, bedding and cabin amenities, impeccable service, multiple specialties (gourmet) dining options, also less entertainment and onboard activities. The itinerary is mostly port-intensive, and longer than 10 nights, with deals on back-to-back cruises.

6 Stars mean "Best Luxury" on small ships, intimate cruising experiences, highest guest-to-crew ratios (fewer guests). These are mostly ships with all-inclusive cruise deals - gratuities and beverages (often alcohol) and gourmet (specialty restaurant) dining are all included in the fares (often with shore excursions and tours), spacious staterooms and public spaces, the highest level of service. Many of these are all-suite ships (with different category suites). Port-intensive itineraries and exotic destinations, often offering deals on Around the World Cruises.

All cruise ship ratings are based on CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) categorizations, and reviews from "WMPH Vacations" (iCruise, AlaskaCruises, EuropeCruises, HawaiiCruiseOutlet, RegentCruises, and CruiseCheap) specialists and advisors. Cruise ratings also may vary on the ship's age, size, cabins/venues/amenities, passenger feedback, etc. Besides CLIA and WMPH, other cruise vessel rating sources are Berlitz Guide, Fieldings Guide, Sterns Guide, CruiseCritic, CruiseReviews, and CruiseMates.

Cruise ship star ratings meaning

5,5 stars rating - a top luxury cruising, impeccable and highly personalized service, finest quality food & amenities; attention to detail, perfect maintenance, spacious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, the highest level of service, authentic furnishings, top of the line fitness & spa facilities.

5 stars rating - the highest level of food/service in a premium cruising market, high-quality meals, attentive service, well-equipped staterooms (not necessarily large), list of cabin amenities include bathrobes; butler service, public spaces are with beautiful decors.

4,5 stars rating - friendly decor, good maintenance, full range of onboard activities.

4 stars rating - best overall experience, above-average food & service, satisfactory entertainment.

3,5 stars rating - an average overall experience, very small to large accommodations, good service, delicious food, kids facilities without dedicated areas, mediocre entertainment.

3 stars rating - modest experience on an older cruise ship, may not have balcony cabins, mediocre food & lack of proper service, expect interesting destinations/itineraries.

2 stars rating - the ship is comparable to a low-budget hotel, a major refurbishment needed for refit and renovation of public areas and staterooms, lousy service (the staff will only supply the most basic service), itineraries with little or no popular (cheap charging) ports of call.