CRUISE SHIPS
Get to Know the Ships
Explore cruise ships, cabin types, dining, entertainment, and onboard amenities so you can better understand what different ships have to offer.
Cruise Lines
Learn how cruise lines differ in ships, onboard experiences, dining, entertainment, and overall style.
Ships & Ship Classes
Explore individual ships and learn how ships within the same class compare.
Life Onboard
Take a closer look at cabins, restaurants, activities, entertainment, and amenities around the ship.
FEATURED GUIDE
Understanding Cruise Ships
From small ships to today's massive floating resorts, learn about ship size, layouts, neighborhoods, decks, venues, and the features that can make one ship very different from another.
LEARN ABOUT CRUISE SHIPS
Cruise Lines
Explore cruise lines and learn about their fleets, onboard experiences, dining, entertainment, and amenities.
Cruise Ships
Browse individual ships for information about accommodations, dining, activities, entertainment, and more.
Dining
Learn about main dining rooms, buffets, specialty restaurants, casual dining, room service, and other options onboard.
Cabins & Suites
Understand interior, ocean-view, balcony, suite, and specialty accommodations found across cruise ships.
Entertainment & Activities
Explore theaters, live entertainment, pools, waterslides, kids' clubs, sports, nightlife, and other things to do at sea
Ship Amenities
Learn about spas, fitness centers, adult-only areas, shopping, casinos, lounges, and other spaces around the ship.
EXPLORE
Discover What's Onboard
Frequently asked questions
Are all cruise ships basically the same?
No. Ships can vary considerably in size, layout, accommodations, dining, entertainment, activities, and overall atmosphere. Even ships operated by the same cruise line can offer different experiences.
Can I see a ship's layout before my cruise?
Yes. Cruise lines publish deck plans showing cabin locations, restaurants, entertainment venues, pools, elevators, and other areas of the ship. Looking at the deck plan can help you understand the ship before you sail.
Does a bigger cruise ship mean a better cruise?
Not necessarily. Larger ships often offer more restaurants, entertainment, activities, and amenities, while smaller ships may provide a quieter atmosphere, fewer crowds, or access to ports that cannot accommodate very large vessels. It depends on the experience you prefer.
Is food included on cruise ships?
Cruise fares generally include meals at certain restaurants, such as the main dining room and buffet. Ships may also have specialty restaurants, cafes, or other venues that charge an additional fee. What's included varies by cruise line and fare.
What's the difference between an interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabin?
Interior cabins generally don't have an exterior window. Ocean-view cabins have a window or porthole, while balcony cabins include a private outdoor space. Exact layouts, sizes, and features vary by ship.
Do cruise ships have activities for children?
Many cruise ships offer supervised kids' clubs and activities divided by age group. Some ships also have water parks, arcades, sports areas, family entertainment, and dedicated spaces for teens. Offerings vary considerably by ship.
What is a cruise ship class?
A ship class is a group of ships built using the same or a similar design. Ships within a class often share layouts and major features, although individual ships may have different restaurants, attractions, decor, or updates.
Do all cruise ships have casinos?
No. Many mainstream cruise ships have casinos, but not every cruise line or ship does. Casino availability may also depend on the itinerary and local regulations.
View All FAQ's
Ship Classes Explained
A straightforward look at interior, ocean-view, balcony, suite, and specialty cabins.
LATEST ARTICLES
Cruise Ship Guides & Insights
Cabin Types Explained
What's Included on a Cruise Ship
How to Read a Deck Plan
Learn why cruise lines group ships into classes and what that means for your onboard experience.
See which dining, entertainment, activities, and amenities are commonly included in your fare.
Learn how to find cabins, restaurants, elevators, entertainment venues, and other important areas of the ship.