Choosing the Right Size and Type

Ships of Every Size and Type

The world of cruising offers great flexibility for almost every size group and type of event. Ships range from mega-sized “floating resorts” with jaw-dropping onboard experiences to smaller, deluxe vessels with highly personalized service. Here’s a guide to each category to help you decide which is best for your group:

Mega Ships – 3,000+ Guests
These massive vessels are the new breed of ships that have revolutionized the concept of cruising with such innovative features as shipboard “neighborhoods” and loft suites. The mega ships offer unique and exciting recreational activities ranging from Zip Line rides suspended over nine decks, to surf simulators, skating rinks and boxing rings. They boast the greatest variety of onboard shopping, dining, entertainment and activity options. Because of their size, the mega ships call on the larger, more popular eastern and western Caribbean ports.

Large Ships – 1,600 – 2,999 guests
Formerly known as “mega” ships until the latest generation of new-builds hit the seas, these are contemporary vessels with multi-story atriums, a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues, lavish production shows and the latest in AV equipment. Many premium ships have multi-screen video walls, dedicated conference space and well-equipped health clubs and spas. There are a large number of staterooms with private balconies. These seagoing resorts offer 3 to 7-night cruises to the world’s most popular destinations -the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and the Mediterranean.

Mid-Sized Ships – 600 – 1,599 guests
Mid-sized ships range from classic style to sleek and contemporary. They are mostly new vessels, though some are more traditional ships that are beautifully maintained. Depending on group size, these ships can offer a high degree of service as well as more exclusivity than the mega-liners. Most have ample activities and entertainment, as well as several venues suitable for group functions and meetings. While dining may be traditional (“fixed” seatings in main dining rooms at assigned times), there are usually one or two specialty restaurants for more intimate, alternative dining. Mid-sized ships offer a greater variety of destinations than the larger ships and mega-liners, which are restricted by their size.

Small Ships – 220 – 599 guests
Most of these vessels cater to the sophisticated, well-traveled passenger and provide the highest level of service, fine bedding and deluxe amenities. Many vessels in this category offer one seating in the dining room, the most leisurely way to dine. They are delightful for half-ship charters and full charters, depending on group size and timing of their more exotic itineraries in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Costa Rica, and Asia.

Intimate Ships – Fewer than 220 guests