ms caribe cruise ship

• What Ever Happened To........???

Anyone remember the Caribe?

By Bill-Squared , February 28, 2006 in What Ever Happened To........???

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Bill-Squared

I've only been on one cruise, and it was 15+ years ago. Horrible experience, so might have blocked most of it out. It was not one of the new, mega-vessels. We got caught in a storm and I hated the entire trip. Tiny, tiny room...where I spent most of time sick as could be!!! :( Swore I'd never go on another cruise, but my partner has finally (after nine years) talked me into another one.

Anyway, I think that was the name of the ship, but don't remember the cruise line. Anyone remember this one? What can you tell me about it? Just want to make sure I'm not on something similar this time... :eek:

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dougnewmanatsea

Your CARIBE would have been one of two ships, both operated for Commodore Cruise Line.

The first operated for them between 1976 and 1981. Here is her history, in brief:

Built 1968 at Orenstein-Koppel und Lübecker Machinenbau, Lübeck, West Germany as FREEPORT for Miami Terminal Transport Co. (Freeport Cruise Line), Monrovia. Renamed FREEPORT I before entry into service. Miami-Freeport service and cruises. Sold 1973 to Oy Birka Line Ab, Mariehamn; renamed FREEPORT. Stockholm-Helsinki service. Sold 1974 to Rederi Ab Svea, Stockholm; reanmed SVEA STAR. Helsingborg- Travemünde service. Sold 1976 to Bremer Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG, Bremen; renamed CARIBE. Replaced BOLERO on summer Portland-Yarmouth service for Price of Fundy Cruises and winter Caribbean cruises for Commodore Cruise Lines. Renamed CARIBE BREMEN 1981. Sold 1981 to Scandinavian World Cruises, Nassau; renamed SCANDINAVIAN SUN. Commenced Miami-Freeport service 1982. Transferred to SeaEscape Cruises Ltd. Nassau (successor company to Scadniavian World Cruises) 1985, continued in Miami-Freeport service. Sold 1992 to Belle Meade Shipping, Monrovia; renamed BALANGA QUEEN, placed in Karlskrona-Gdynia service for Corona Line. Chartered 1994 to Hansatee, Tallinn; transferred to Tallinn-Helsinki and Tallinn-Travemünde service for Tallink. Sold 1994 to Discovery Cruise Line, Panama; renamed DISCOVERY SUN, placed in day cruise service from Port Everglades from 1995. Presently in service.

This ship is somewhat interesting in that she has had a wide variety of different roles but in design terms she is really a ferry more than a cruise ship.

The second possibility, rather more likely to have been the ship in which you sailed, is a vessel called CARIBE I which operated for Commodore between 1984 and 1991. Her history:

Built 1953 at A. Stephen & Sons Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland as OLYMPIA for Transatlantic Shipping Corp. (Greek Line), Monrovia. Piraeus-New York service and cruising. Laid-up at Piraeus, 1974. Sold 1981 to Sally Shipping GmbH, Bad Schwartau. Originally intended for static use but, following the capsizing and classification as a constructive total loss of proposed future Commodore flagship NAVARINO, renamed CARIBE and extensively rebuilt for cruising at Perama, Greece, and Hamburg, Germany. Entered service for Commodore 1984; name amended to CARIBE I. Sold 1991 to International Shipping Partners, Nassau, renamed REGAL EMPRESS. Cruising for Regal Cruises. Regal Cruises ceased operations 2003, ship sold to Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines. Presently in service.

Unlike the previous CARIBE, she was built as an ocean liner, for Transatlantic service. As REGAL EMPRESS she is one of the oldest active passenger ships in the world. You can read a lot more about her here from maritime historian Peter Knego.

Incidentally, Commodore went out of business in 2001, but they'd sold both CARIBEs long before they went under.

Whichever of these ships is "your" CARIBE, rest assured that RADIANCE OF THE SEAS is very new and very large, all in all just a completely different sort of vessel with a far wider appeal. Imagine a big resort that just happens to move and you've got the idea ;) !

I hope you enjoy your second cruise more than your first! Many people who haven't cruised in many years (or who haven't cruised at all) are utterly stunned when they first step aboard a modern cruise ship. It's rather hard not to be, really...

Doug, thanks for the information. It was probably the second reference. We would have sailed in '87 or '88, out of Miami to San Juan, St. John (which we could enter due to weather) and St. Thomas. Loved the islands and am looking forward to going back on my cruise in November.

I really appreciate all your help and the information. Have a great day!

We would have sailed in '87 or '88

Well, that was the height of CARIBE I's career as such!

I have to say that your cruise would probably have been a lot more enjoyable if it weren't for the storm. This ship in all her incarnations has had a strong reputation as not being a "good sea boat". Back in her OLYMPIA days she was known to many as the "Rollympia" :rolleyes: !

Today she is one of the last of her kind, and the very last still operating from a US port.

Doug.... thanks for finally clearing up my confusion over Caribe/Caribe I. We took our first cruise on Caribe on a Miami-Freeport-St Thomas-San Juan-Puerto Plata- Miami routing and it was almost our last. Not the fault of Commodore but the weather. We started rocking and rolling as we left the Miami ship channel. Freeport was cancelled and we spent the next 2 days bobbing like a cork rising with each swell and crashing into the troughs with the whole ship shuddering....it was not a 'Happy Ship'. I remember the food was great and the crew did a fantastic job of tending to some very sick passengers. BTW it took me 25 years to get my wife on another ship - Voyager of the Seas - and now we are firmly committed cruisers. Thanks again

DAJ--I'm hoping that I share your wife's experience. I hated that cruise on the Caribe. :( We couldn't dock on the first TWO of our ports, and when we finally did, I almost refused to get back on board. :eek: It's taken me 15+ years to agree to another cruise. Hope I love it like you guys do now!!! :)

Aslanwrp... yes yes yes yes yes GO!!!.... being 'trapped' on a ship in bad weather is a nightmare (our cruise could have been called 'victory at sea')but today's ship don't behave the same as the Caribes we took way back when. We have done 5 cruises now (planning the 6th) and as I said we are firmly committed cruisers.

I think that was part of the problem last time...the room was sooooo small. :( That's one of the reasons THIS TIME, I booked a delux cabin with a balcony. From the photos, I shouldn't feel trapped, even if we have to stay in for bad weather. It's actually bigger than an apartment I had when I lived in Orange County, CA. ;)

aslanwrp.... don't know what ship you are going to be on and it really doesn't matter but you will love the balcony in the caribbean. We had breakfast on the balcony everyday....not a bad way to start your day. you will enjoy!!!

Our cruise will be on RCCL Radiance of the Sea. I also scheduled it after hurricane season...if there is such a thing these days. :eek:

Like the idea of breakfast on the balcony!!!

we have been on 18 cruises and prefer the old small ships. our first 2 were on the old azure seas, then 3 on commadores enchanted isle, and then the old HAL niew amsterdam. my wife came to the us in 1964 frm greece on the olympia 2nd class to new york.

nothing like winter crossings in the north atlantic on a 25,000 ton ship to let you know you're alive!

• 4 weeks later...

Doug, where did you find all that wonderful information? I recently was looking over the Feb 2006 Cruise Travel magazine and reading about all the ships that are currently afloat, and it included previous names for ships, but I'd love to read more about their histories.

A group of 8 of us went out on the "Regal Empress" (formerly "Caribe") in March of 1995 and Jan. of 1996. We did the same itinerary both times and loved it. I remember Vic Serra was the cruise director and Rowena was one of our hostesses. We were very involved in the ships daily activities including the talent show. When we came back the 2nd year, Rowena remembered some of our names from the prior year. However, this was the only ship that I got seasick on. The morning we were supposed to arrive in Port Manatee, FL (just below Tampa) the captain had us sitting on the outskirts of a big storm that was hanging near the port. I guess we spent about 4 hours (it seemed like an eternity) waiting for the weather to clear some before heading in. Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves so much we went as part of larger groups for the next several cruises. The Regal Empress really "hooked" us into cruising as you may note.

You can read about Caribe here and if you scroll down there is info about Caribe I - including pictures of both ships!

Doug, where did you find all that wonderful information?

I wrote it, but the actual information came from various places.

Incidentally, I just realised that I forgot something... If you click here you can read a great article (eight pages!) by maritime historian Peter Knego which gives the entire history of REGAL EMPRESS (the former CARIBE I) from her beginnings as OLYMPIA in 1953 right up through the present day.

Also click here for a report of a cruise in her last month by the same author. He says:

The REGAL EMPRESS is an absolute "must do" for anyone with an interest in classic passenger ships ... Now is the time to savor the delights of this Clyde-built EMPRESS, but expectations of giant plastic atria, neon, and massive spas must be left at home.

I myself am hoping to perhaps take a little jaunt in her this summer... Some friends from the UK are coming over to this side of the pond and want to try her out so I think that would be the perfect opportunity for me as well. This ship has been in my backyard for years so really I have no excuse for not having tried her yet...

PattiMerritt

Just returned from a weekend on the old Caribe -- now known as the Regal Empress and owned by Imperial Majesty. The ship is making two night cruises from Pt. Everglades to Nassau. While they are trying to take care of her, the cruise itself is nothing more than two days of constant bingo reminders over the loudspeakers... a great disappointment. Sadly, it appears as if Imperial Majesty is taking what used to be a great lady and have turned her into nothing more than a Greyhound bus.

PrincessDiHere

That picture didn't work...looks like you are trying to put something from AOL?

(ooops, double post)

• 3 weeks later...

cruisingabes

We took this lovely ship 6/99- it as a super cheap Apple Vacations charter out of Phila, PA. Paid $458 total for 2 on a weekend trip called "American Heritage"- from Philly on Friday nite to NYC (past WTC towers), turned around and headed back. i fugured, how bad could it be? It is a cruise, right? I LOVED this ship- much prefer the small, old, intimate ships of yesteryear. I did not want to leave. I have read her history and actually met a man on our sailing that travelled on it as a troop ship during the war (want to say 1942 or 1943)- he shared lots and lots of stories with my husband who loves "war stories"- an interesting fellow. The only ONLY issue I had was the pax aboard the sailing. Definatly not your HAL crowd- they were all drunk, loud, loud, and louder. The draw of a cheap cruise, urban departure city, and no days off work required made for an interesting mix of folk. It should have been marketed as a weekend cruise to nowhere drunkfest as there were no "ports" to get off at- but I walked the decks of that ship forever, absorbing all of the history and class that it had to offer. It was awesome. I am surprised to hear that she is still sailing in the US. We are booked on the Carnival Legend in June, but I will definately look into checking her out again in the winter. Even if she is turning into a Greyhound- if I appreciated her as I did in Philly in 1999- I can suffer thru another try from FL!

Thanks for the memories!

Cruising89143

I cruised on the Caribe back in May of 92 for a week to the Western Caribbean. She was a nice little ship but we did hit a tropical wave after leaving Ocho Rios and for the next eight hours the ship did some serious rocking. Overall a great ship. I have seen her two or three times within the last few years. Below is a link to a photo of here that I snapped in Nassau as the Regal Empress.

http://cruisingator.smugmug.com/gallery/640328/3/27324826

• 4 months later...

newmexicoNita

The Caribe was our first cruise back in about 83 I believe. I never had so much fun in my life, nor did DH, DD and SIL and every MIL. 20 plus cruises later I still remember how much fun we had.The entertainment was the staff, lots of fun games at night, a very small casino, only 1 restaurant plus a little outside snack bar/line more than an actually buffet. The cabins were small (I have seen smaller) the crew was outstanding and they had the old fashion horse races we don't see anymore. About 8 years later, just before she left Commodore, we took her again. Beleive it or not we had the same room steward. Maybe she wasn't glitzy like the ships we sail now, maybe you couldn't find art auctions, Vegas type shows or 10 choices in dining, but what fun she was. NMNita

• 2 months later...

flowerchild

My first cruise ever was out of Miami on the Caribe in July 1985 when I was 18 yo. It was my parents and my sister and I in one cabin and although I remember it to be rather small, I dont remember much else except for bunk beds! I remember it as being elegant, sophisticated and oh so grown up...the itinerary included San Juan, PR, Port Au Prince, Haiti, St. Thomas, and the DR. Living in Miami most of my life, docking in Haiti was very exciting for me as I saw my first mountain landscape!! Does anyone remember this itinerary? You never forget your first cruise...

• 5 years later...

To all those who loved the Caribe 1 and remember her fondly, I'm sad to say she is gone. She was taken to Alang and broken up for scrap in 2009/2010. We will all miss her as she was a grand lady of the sea. Today's ships are like floating Vegas casinos-glitz and glamour but no real service. What the Caribe may have lacked in glitz & amenities she made up for in Service and old world charm.

That is truly sad to hear about Caribe I. She was our first sailing adventure, back in 91. Most cruise ships from Med had been brought to Caribbean when it wasn't deemed safe to sail in the Med (there was war in Kuwait, plus a tourist had been tossed from a hijacked ship, etc). We had been advised to call for rates and to ignore brochure rates due to the great number of ships available. We figured we could afford an H cabin on the Caribe, with an A at the top of the price list. When I called and asked what I could get for the price of an H, she offered me an A! So we took it!

We found our cabin in Caribe I's one-time "first class" section, with all its once-decadent glory: deep rich woods, red velvet materials, shining/gleaming brass, etc. It was a large cabin, with a sitting area and a bedroom. That we got for $250/week per person! Yes, the cabin was showing its age, but it was twice the cabin of almost any ship we've sailed since. The old first-class section bar was gorgeous....and unfound by most everyone else on the ship. My husband was in heaven. The bartender got to know him and what he would drink and always had it ready for him. We basically had a "private" bar whenever we wanted it.

It was a wonderful cruise...met some fun people, loved the ship from bow to stern, and got our first introduction to the Caribbean. We've been Caribbean sailors ever since...on a variety of ships (mostly small) and for the past 10 years, we've become tall-ship sailors. But Caribe I, which started it all for us, remains dear to our hearts. So it is very sad to hear she is gone.

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mid ship century.com

Mv caribe i.

Although the REGAL EMPRESS (former CARIBE I, OLYMPIA) enjoyed a career few other ships can match, her departure from the seas still is hard to accept. She was a true survivor and enjoyed a loyal following all the way to the end. Nothing was better than a delicious meal in the Caribbean Dining Room in the golden glow of that Scottish-built woodwork, those nickel sconces, etched mirrors and moody William Ware paintings.

After a remarkable career spanning 56 years, the REGAL EMPRESS was beached at Alang for scrapping in August of 2009. She was built by Alexander Stephen and Sons of Glasgow, Scotland for Greek Line as the 17,362 gt SS OLYMPIA in 1953. The handsome ship was the first transatlantic newbuild for a Greek company, sporting a rather dashing and modern hull form, curvaceous superstructure and a streamlined, cone-shaped funnel. She was a two clas ship with a capacity of 138 first and 1,169 tourist passengers and a number of interchangeable cabins. For her first two years, the OLYMPIA operated between New York and Bremerhaven with occasional winter cruise service. In 1955, she began crossings from New York to Piraeus. extending the service to Haifa and Alexandria in 1961. OLYMPIA became a full time cruise ship in 1970 with a revised capacity of 1,030 passengers. In 1974, she was laid up at Piraeus, a victim of the fuel crisis.

After six years of deferred maintenance and with her outmoded and expensive steam turbine propulsion, it was largely presumed the OLYMPIA would be joining most of her contemporaries in a Taiwanese scrap yard but she cheated the breakers for an unexpected new career in cruising.

Sally Shipping bought her in 1981 for their Commodore Cruises division and sent her to Germany where her turbines were replaced with diesels and she was given the name CARIBE (later CARIBE I). Although many of the ship's public spaces were left basically intact, her cabins were largely rebuilt and she was given a more modern profile with a strange new funnel in a grilled crescent shape (replaced with a more shapely stack in 1987). But quite wonderfully, the ship retained teak decks, lustrous paneling, etched glass mirrors, marquetry and original paintings by renowned British artist William Ware.

CARIBE I sailed for Commodore in seven day Caribbean cruise service from Miami until 1993 when she was sold to newly-formed Regal Cruises and renamed REGAL EMPRESS. REGAL EMPRESS was based in New York in the summer and Port Manatee, FL in the winter and managed to attract a loyal following of cruisers who appreciated her old world charms. Balconied cabins were carved out of her forward promenade in a refit in 1997 when the ship was upgraded to conform to new SOLAS regulations.

In 2003, the REGAL EMPRESS was sold to Imperial Majesty Cruises who placed the ship on two night cruises to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale. The ship remained in their service until 2009 when a replacement vessel was bought. Unable to conform to new 2010 SOLAS regulations, the ship was sold for scrap in March and sailed off to Alang, where she arrived that August. By March of 2010, the former OLYMPIA had ceased to exist.

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MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Which big-ship line is right for you?

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean — how do they compare? Both cruise lines are known for offering affordable cruise fares and onboard fun for passengers of all ages, although Royal Caribbean's prices can be considerably higher on its newer, more popular ships. Each has an extensive fleet that includes splashy megaships carrying more than 6,000 guests at full capacity and a wide range of itineraries in top cruise destinations such as the Caribbean and Europe.

There are, however, key differences in the onboard experience. Both cruise lines offer thrilling activities (just not the same kind), and each has its own approach to entertainment, kids clubs and dining.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Which cruise line should you choose? Read on for a head-to-head comparison of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. We'll cover each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide.

Meet the cruise lines: MSC vs. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has better name recognition than MSC Cruises among Americans. The Miami-based cruise line, known for its groundbreaking innovations, operates 26 vessels, including the five largest cruise ships in the world . Two more megaships will join the fleet in 2024, when Icon of the Seas , the first in a new class for the cruise line, and Utopia of the Seas , the line's sixth Oasis-class ship, will claim the first and second largest ship titles from two other Royal Caribbean vessels.

Italian-owned, Geneva, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group, the world's largest container shipping company. This fast-growing cruise brand has launched a dozen cruise ships since 2012.

The U.S. market was largely introduced to MSC between 2017 and 2022 when it debuted four Seaside-class ships designed primarily to sail to the Caribbean from Miami. One of its sales strategies? Kids under age 17 can frequently sail for free when staying in the same cabin with accompanying adults.

In 2025, the cruise line will christen MSC World America, a Miami-based megaship sibling of 2022's MSC World Europa . Both use cleaner-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises | The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Size of ships

Neither Royal Caribbean nor MSC Cruises has a ship that carries fewer than 2,000 passengers at double occupancy — and their biggest ships accommodate more than three times that at full capacity.

Royal Caribbean's older ships (Vision, Radiance, Voyager and Freedom classes) carry 2,000 to 3,900 guests at double occupancy, while its newest (Oasis and Quantum class) accommodate 4,000 to almost 6,000.

The five Oasis-class vessels, to be joined by Utopia of the Seas in 2024, are the largest cruise ships in the world. They carry 5,700 guests at double occupancy and just over 7,000 at full capacity. They are distinctive for their split-hull design, allowing for interior-facing cabins, and themed neighborhoods, which help disperse foot traffic and make it easier for guests to navigate the ships' 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class vessels, introduced between 2014 and 2021, accommodate 4,180 guests at double occupancy and 5,500 at capacity. These five ships are distinguishable by the North Star sightseeing capsule that rises 300 feet above the sea.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

When Icon of the Seas sets sail, it will become the world's largest, as well as Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered ship. Able to carry 5,600 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at capacity, Icon of the Seas will feature eight neighborhoods and offer more cabins and suites that can accommodate four or more passengers than any other ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships, which carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy, and its Voyager-class ships, which accommodate 3,100, offer some of the thrilling activities of its larger ships. Its Vision-class ships, which date to the 1990s and accommodate 2,400 to 2,500 guests, feature notably fewer onboard attractions. Radiance-class ships are the smallest in the fleet, carrying 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Those who prefer a ship that's not mega-size might want to consider Royal Caribbean's good-value Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska itineraries on its refreshed Radiance- and Voyager-class vessels.

MSC Cruises likes big ships, too. It has six vessels ranked among the Top 20 largest cruise ships in the world, including MSC World Europa, which comes in just behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels. It accommodates 5,252 guests at double occupancy and 6,762 at capacity. World Europa features a Y-shaped design with a dramatic open-air atrium. It will be joined by sister MSC World America in 2025.

The next largest ships in MSC's fleet are its five Meraviglia-class ships, all introduced beginning in 2017. They carry 4,438 guests at double occupancy and as many as 6,327 at capacity. Both MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina are sailing U.S. itineraries out of New York and Miami, respectively.

The ships that U.S.-based cruisers are probably most familiar with are MSC's four Seaside-class vessels, which accommodate 4,132 passengers at double occupancy and 5,119 at capacity. They're almost identical (with close-to-identical names: Seaside, Seaview, Seashore and Seascape ) and have a high-energy vibe and a dazzling, multi-deck central atrium.

MSC's 12 older ships are divided among three classes — Lirica, Musica and Fantasia — and accommodate 2,000 to 3,500 guests at double occupancy. The Fantasia class's MSC Divina, launched in 2012, is perhaps best known to U.S. cruisers because it often sails itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami. The other ships are mainly based in Europe, South America and Asia.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Traveling with kids? Perhaps even Grandma and Grandpa? Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are leaders in family cruising , with passengers ranging from young parents with preschool children to multigenerational families. Both lines also attract couples and groups of friends who prefer a lively cruise ship ambience and don't mind sharing their vacation with several thousand other passengers.

MSC and Royal Caribbean primarily appeal to value-focused guests seeking affordable cruise fares, but more-affluent cruisers can also book higher-priced suites featuring elevated amenities.

While both cruise lines attract travelers from around the globe, especially on Mediterranean and Asian itineraries, MSC's passenger base is more international, even on ships cruising to the Caribbean from Miami. MSC cruise ships make important safety and disembarkation announcements in multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French and German), although all staff and crew speak English.

Figuring out which vibe appeals most to you — more North Americans (Royal Caribbean) or a predominantly international crowd (MSC Cruises) — can help you choose between these two megaship cruise brands.

Cabins and suites

Cabins on most mainstream cruise lines are designed more with functionality than flashy design in mind. Both lines feature windowless inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite accommodations.

Royal Caribbean has an enormous selection of room and suite categories — as many as 34 types on its newer ships — offering some pretty slick amenities. These range from interior staterooms with "Virtual Balcony" LED screens displaying views from outside the ship to two-level Loft Suites and even an Ultimate Family Suite featuring a gaming area and a slide from the sleeping area to the living room.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships feature balcony cabins without ocean views. That's because they overlook the bustling Boardwalk, an open-air interior dining and entertainment neighborhood, or the quieter Central Park.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Newer Royal Caribbean ships feature more balcony cabins and fewer ocean-view cabins than older ships. If booking an ocean-view, the aft- or rear-facing cabins on many ships are generally the most spacious.

Six Royal Caribbean ships (Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) offer cabins designed for solo travelers . These range from a 101-square-foot Inside Studio Stateroom to a 199-square-foot Studio Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony.

Top-tier accommodations are known as Royal Suite Class and rank among some of the most spectacular suites in the mainstream cruise line sector. They are available on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships and range from relatively modest 290-square-foot Junior Suites to two-level, 1,800-square-foot Royal Loft Suites that rival a contemporary penthouse apartment. Priced well above other staterooms, these concierge-serviced suites appeal to wealthy travelers, especially those cruising with their families, who prefer the lively ambience of a large ship to a smaller luxury vessel.

The two-level Ultimate Family Suite — a more playful and colorful option for families with younger kids and a very generous budget — is available on Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas.

All Royal Suite Class guests enjoy access to exclusive venues, such as the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and a private lounge and/or sun deck. Additional amenities and VIP perks vary by Royal Suite Class category booked.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in early 2024, it will offer 28 different cabin and suite categories, including 14 completely new room types. This ship was designed with families in mind, and 80% of its staterooms will be able to be connected or offer enough space to accommodate larger families.

The closest MSC comes to matching Royal Caribbean's stateroom and suite offerings is aboard MSC World Europa, which debuted in late 2022 and features 19 stateroom categories, including seven new designs. The most impressive non-MSC-Yacht-Club accommodation on World Europa is the 377-square-foot Grand Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool.

The largest suites on most MSC ships are in the MSC Yacht Club , an exclusive enclave on newer MSC ships offering private spaces and added amenities. This includes the MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite with Whirlpool Bath, offering 840 to 1,119 square-feet of interior space with an 840-square-foot balcony, and the 495-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool Bath, featuring a 301-to-334-square-foot balcony. MSC Yacht Club perks include a private lounge and restaurant, a private sundeck and butler service.

Because of World Europa's design, the ship also features four balcony cabin categories with a view of its interior promenade, similar to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships.

Unlike World Europa, MSC's other newcomer, Euribia , doesn't feature any suites larger than 700 square feet, but its MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool does offer 635 square feet of living space with a 248-square-foot balcony. For more outdoor space, choose the 624-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite with a 753-square-foot balcony.

For family-friendly accommodation, both ships offer a 269-square-foot Premium Balcony Aurea cabin, which features stationary bunk beds just inside the entry, a king-size bed, a pull-out double sofa and a larger bathroom with a bathtub and shower combo. This makes it ideal for a family of up to six. Some also feature a private whirlpool on the balcony.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

For solo travelers, all five Meraviglia-class ships offer 129-square-foot Studio Balcony suites, which have the benefit of balcony access without a required single supplement.

Seaside-class vessels feature 16 stateroom and suite categories. The largest option is the 1,055-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite.

MSC Cruises' dining program is pretty basic. Passengers can expect to dine most nights in one of the complimentary main dining rooms. Most ships have several, and guests are assigned to one with dining times dependent on the "experience" guests purchase when they book. Bella and Fantastica passengers can request early or late seating, which will remain the same throughout the cruise, while Aurea guests can dine any time during open hours in their designated dining room with My Choice dining.

Guests on World Europa and Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships can expect dining room menus to change each night and offer a good selection of globally inspired selections. MSC's food quality, presentation and portion sizes have improved with each new ship as the cruise line has adapted to U.S. customer feedback. Still, guests should plan to spend more time at the table, since MSC's service tends toward a slower European pace.

Marketplace, MSC's bustling buffet option, which on its newer ships can accommodate more than 1,300 guests at a time, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a selection of familiar yet often uninspiring hot and cold dishes and global specialties, with some of the best options being salads, pastas, pizza (mozzarella is made fresh daily) and desserts.

Related: Best cruise food: These are the 6 cruise lines with the best food at sea

Unfortunately, those are the only complimentary dining options onboard MSC ships. It's also worth noting that while the food quality is notably better in the restaurants on its newer ships, the free food options on older vessels, most of which offer cheap cruise fares, can be inconsistent and not very good.

MSC Cruises' specialty dining venues vary by ship, but typically there are three to five options. These can include Butcher's Cut for steaks and seafood, Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki for Japanese specialties, Hola! Tacos & Cantina for Latin-American-inspired street food, Ocean Cay for Mediterranean-style seafood and Indochine for Vietnamese classic with a twist. On MSC's newest ship, Euribia, French-bistro-inspired steakhouse Le Grill has replaced Butcher's Cut.

Guests can pre-purchase dining packages ranging from one specialty meal to unlimited specialty dining, although some menu items will incur a surcharge.

A note to chocoholics: MSC has partnered with both Italian chocolatier Venchi and U.S.-based French chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury to offer a wide selection of freshly made chocolates, baked goods, crepes and gelato. MSC World Europa and Seaside- and Fantasia-class ships feature Venchi while Meraviglia-class ships offer Jean-Philippe Maury. All these sweets, however, are available at an extra cost.

Royal Caribbean's dining scene, in contrast, offers plenty of choices. The cruise line has been a pioneer in onboard specialty restaurants and some of its ships, especially its newer ones, feature as many as 12 extra-cost specialty dining options. On a budget? Don't worry. Royal Caribbean also offers terrific complimentary casual dining venues in addition to its main dining room and Windjammer buffet.

Specialty restaurants vary from ship class to ship class, although a few such as Chops Grille (for steaks and seafood) are aboard most vessels. Other options include Giovanni's Italian Kitchen for family-style classics, Playmakers Sports Bar for casual snacks like burgers and chicken wings, Izumi for sushi and Japanese specialties, 150 Central Park for modern American fine dining and the recently introduced The Mason Jar for southern cuisine.

Passengers can purchase specialty dining packages at a discounted price prior to sailing.

In its main dining room, Royal Caribbean recently rolled out seven nights of new themed menus (French, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Mediterranean, etc.). The Classics section, offering selections such as grilled chicken breast and herb-crusted salmon every night, has been removed, although some of these favorites do appear at times on the new menus. This revamped format, with fewer choices, can limit options for picky eaters.

When booking, Royal Caribbean passengers must choose between traditional dining (either early or late seating for the entire cruise) or more flexible My Time Dining. With the latter, passengers can reserve a table of any configuration or show up at the main dining room and wait in line for a table.

Families with kids love Royal Caribbean's free casual eateries. These vary by ship, with Oasis- and Quantum-class vessels having the most. Options include Boardwalk Dog House for grilled frankfurters, Sorrento's for pizza, El Loco Fresh for tacos and burritos, Park Café for grab-and-go sandwiches and Vitality Café for healthy salads and wraps.

Onboard attractions

Big ships offer big thrills, and in the case of Royal Caribbean, these include some of the most memorable adrenaline rushes at sea.

On its Oasis-class ships, guests can scream their way down 10 decks of corkscrew spirals on the Ultimate Abyss slide, get soaked on The Perfect Storm waterslides or try simulated surfing with the FlowRider. Those without a fear of heights can tackle the rock climbing wall or zoom high above the Boardwalk neighborhood on a zip line. Other activities include ice skating, escape rooms, mini-golf, a carousel and pickleball.

Quantum-class ships offer an almost entirely different roster of exciting attractions, although the FlowRider and the rock climbing wall are consistent across the fleet. On board Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, active thrills include the sky-dive simulator RipCord by iFly, a two-level Seaplex with a sports court/bumper car rink and areas dedicated to Xbox, virtual reality gaming and laser tag. Quantum-class ships also have the North Star, a pod-like sightseeing capsule. But if you're looking for thrills on a waterslide, you won't find any on ships in this class.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Royal Escape Rooms (available on seven ships) are fun for the entire family (kids, however, must be 12 or older). A number of ships also feature Battle for Planet Z, a laser-tag game appropriate for kids ages 5 and older.

MSC's biggest thrills include Robotron , a top deck amusement park-style ride on Seascape that sends riders tumbling and swooping in seats attached to a moving "arm," and The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a stainless-steel dry slide with a looping 11-deck drop on World Europa.

Most MSC ships have an arcade-style complex with some cool games and attractions, including Formula 1 race car simulators and an exhilarating XD Interactive Theatre where viewers strapped into hydraulic seats battle zombies, clowns and other menaces. All games cost extra.

MSC's ships are also known for their top-deck attractions, which include the longest zip line at sea (on Seaside and Seaview), elaborate Himalayan Bridge ropes courses (on Meraviglia-class ships) and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides (on both Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships).

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Both brands' megaships also feature all the usual things designed for relaxation and fitness: lively casinos, spacious spas, fully equipped gyms and jogging tracks and multiple pools. They also host lively themed parties, such as the White Party on MSC and assorted decade-themed celebrations on Royal Caribbean.

As for bars and lounges, both offer a wide selection, including pool bars, piano and karaoke bars and sophisticated lounges. MSC's World Europa and Euribia have more than 20 places to imbibe, while Royal Caribbean's 10 largest ships each have a dozen or more — and Icon of the Seas will feature 15, including a few new concepts.

Kids activities

Both MSC and Royal Caribbean are family-friendly cruise lines offering plenty to keep junior cruisers occupied. Their ships have colorful and inviting kids clubs with dedicated staff as well as teen hangouts, gaming areas and organized activities.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program features expansive play spaces for kids ages 3-12 (the bigger the ship, the larger the kids' facilities). They can enjoy activities such as art and science projects, games and themed parties. The program is free during the day and early evening, but an hourly rate applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Babies & Tots nursery accommodates little ones ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off (for an hourly fee).

Teens cruising with Royal Caribbean have plenty of options. They can hang out in The Living Room, dance or chill with new friends at the Fuel teen club or compete for the highest score at the arcade (at an added cost).

MSC's kids club, called Doremi, also focuses on games and activities by age group — Mini Club for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club for ages 7 to 11, Young Club for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club for ages 15 to 17 — but its Baby Club (for kids under age 3) is complimentary.

The cruise line has a partnership with Lego, so creative kids who love to build will be thrilled. Mini Club participants can also partake in fun, family-inclusive events like the Doremi Disco, while Junior Club attendees can enter Masterchef at Sea Juniors or get in front of the camera with the Kelly & Khloe Onboard Green Screen Experience. Activities for Young Club and Teen Club attendees include sports tournaments, video gaming, dance competitions and karaoke.

Related: I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore

Entertainment

What do Broadway musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!", cover bands playing top hits of the '70s and '80s, high divers leaping into an onboard pool and multimedia spectacles in a dramatic 270-degree setting have in common? They're all in the entertainment line-up on Royal Caribbean's newest ships.

The cruise line is one of only two (the other being Norwegian Cruise Line ) to feature productions of hit Broadway shows on board — but you'll have to book an Oasis-class ship to enjoy one. Other ships offer high-energy production shows with musical and pop-cultural themes nightly. Game shows are also a Royal Caribbean thing, including some hilarious adults-only competitions focused on love and marriage.

Oasis-class ships offer two unique forms of entertainment: Thrilling high-dive performances in their aft AquaTheater and professional ice shows in Studio B. The latter space is also aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.

For something a bit edgier, the cruise line's Quantum-class ships feature Two70, a multi-level performance space where big-screen technology and daring acrobatics combine to create a unique kind of multi-sensory storytelling. These ships also have Music Hall, where cover bands channel the music of legendary rock bands like Bon Jovi and Journey.

Icon of the Seas will offer many passenger favorites plus exciting new venues like AquaDome, home to a next-level AquaTheater featuring state-of-the-art technology.

Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?

MSC certainly doesn't shirk its commitment to onboard entertainment. After dark, its ships' theaters and lounges buzz with vibrant musical productions and even fearless acrobatics. All of its Meraviglia-class ships feature The Carousel Lounge, which on the first four ships is a theater-in-the-round setting originally designed for Cirque du Soleil performances. It now houses themed variations on that genre, such as an illusionist-themed show.

MSC's newest ship, Euribia, however, has swapped high-flying theatrics for retro-inspired kicks with its reimagined Carousel Lounge. The space is now a sophisticated home for Big Band at Sea, a 19-piece orchestra with a genre-spanning playlist (although mid-20 th -century crooner classics best match the room).

Seaside-class ships have both a theater and a glittering multi-deck atrium with a stage, where live musical performances take place throughout the cruise.

And World Europa? This megaship features a new 300-seat multifunctional entertainment space call Luna Park Arena that hosts everything from movies and game shows to breakfast raves and stroller disco.

Itineraries

If cruising the world is on your travel agenda, perusing the itineraries offered by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises will set your wanderlust in motion.

Royal Caribbean is the dominant cruise line in its namesake Caribbean region, cruising there from multiple U.S. ports year-round, but it also offers dozens of itineraries geared toward North Americans in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia and New Zealand. In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 ports of call on itineraries spanning three to 14 nights.

MSC Cruises has deep roots in the Mediterranean, where it cruises year-round with a predominantly European passenger base. Its global reach extends to Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Arabian Gulf; these cruises also attract mostly international travelers.

The line has made inroads into the Caribbean and Canada and New England cruise markets, with sailings out of U.S. home ports with a higher percentage of American guests, but it doesn't yet cruise to Alaska. Across destinations, MSC's itineraries range from three to 20 nights.

One unique booking feature MSC offers in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe is the option for guests to embark in any port visited on a looping seven-night itinerary as long as they disembark in the same port.

For example, on a World Europa cruise that visits Barcelona, Genoa, Naples, Marseille and Messina, cruise fares are offered round-trip from each port. This offers flexibility, especially for Europeans, but it also means passengers embark and disembark daily. And since MSC makes all important announcements in six languages, hearing daily safety drills can quickly get tiresome.

Bottom line

Either of these cruise lines can be a good option for those seeking an action-packed, value-focused cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean may have the edge on innovative thrills, top-flight entertainment and a greater variety of included dining options, but MSC's newest ships mix budget-friendly fares, an international passenger base and far-reaching itineraries to offer their own recipe for affordable exploration.

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Caribbean Princess ®

Savor carefree moments at sea with enticing cuisine, engaging entertainment and venues to match every mood.

Best Cruise Ship for First Timers

Cruisers' Choice Awards Cruise Critic UK

Exciting adventures await aboard Caribbean Princess following her multi-million-dollar array of luxurious enhancements. From staterooms that offer a more restful sleep, to endless tempting new dining options, the newly reimagined Reef Splash Zone for kids and families plus other upgrades, you’ll find Caribbean Princess herself has come back new.

Inaugural Cruise:  April 3, 2004

Christener:  Jill Whelan (“Vicki” from The Love Boat)

Guest Cabins:  1,556

Number of Decks:  19

Tonnage:  112,894

Length:  952 feet

Height:  193 feet

Your vacation – effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

• Reserve Collection
• Two Bedroom Family Suite
• Wheelchair-Accessible

• Virtual Tour
• Panoramic Tour

Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony* includes all the amenities of a Reserve Collection Mini-Suite^^, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

*Some suites have windows rather than balconies and are labeled as Window Suites.

Includes all the fine amenities of a spacious Reserve Collection Mini-Suite plus:

• Approx. 460 to 932 sq. ft., including balcony
• Luxury balcony furniture including 2 loungers, 4 chairs, table and ottoman
• 2 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Separate sitting area with sofa bed, chair and 2 tables
• One complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water
• Spacious closet
• Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services
• Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening ^
• Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation
• Priority disembarkation at tender ports
• Comfortable queen or two twin beds ▲
• Refrigerator
• Two flat-panel televisions
• Private bathroom with tub and separate shower
• 100% cotton, high-thread count linens
• 24-hour room service †
• Desk with chair
• Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities
• Digital security safe

▲ 3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. ^ Applicable on cruises six days or longer. Reservations can be made once onboard your ship. † Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply. ^^ Full suite guests enjoy a complimentary mini-bar setup and do not receive the 750ml bottle of wine.

Mini-Suite with Exclusive VIP Touches

A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites — plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Reserve Dining, an exclusive dining area featuring expedited seating with no wait, additional menu options, dedicated wait staff and tableside preparations. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more!^

^Includes one 750 ml bottle of wine on embarkation day^^. ^^For mini-suite guests only: A one-time set-up for a 750ml bottle of wine on embarkation day. Full-suite guests enjoy a complimentary mini-bar setup and do not receive additional bottles of wine.

Standard Amenities:

• Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman
• Bathroom tub and massage shower head with upgraded amenities
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
• Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table
• Approximately 323 sq. ft., including balcony
• Complimentary welcome glass of bubbly on embarkation day
• Luxury mattress topper and pillows

Upgraded Amenities & Services:

• The Princess Luxury Bed
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise
• One-time complimentary wine set-up ^
• Evening canapés, upon request
• Luxurious terry shawl bathrobes

Reserve Dining: *

• Exclusive area of the Main Dining Room
• Expedited seating with minimal to no wait
• Additional menu options
• Dedicated waitstaff
• Uniquely-styled décor (Premium table linens only)
• Table-side preparations

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. ^Includes one 750 ml bottle of wine on embarkation day. †Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply. *Open every evening for dinner. Open for breakfast and lunch on sea days.

Add an Element of Luxury to Your Stay

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony* which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

*Some suites have windows rather than balconies and are labeled as Mini-Suite No Balcony.

• Bathroom tub and massage shower head
• Complimentary welcome glass of bubbly on embarkation day
• Hair dryer & bathroom amenities

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. †Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

Front Row Seat for Beautiful Scenery

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

• Approx. 214 to 222 sq. ft., including balcony
• Balcony with 2 chairs and table
• Refrigerator.
• Flat-panel television
• Private bathroom with shower
• Hair dryer & bathroom amenities

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. †Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

A Room with a View

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room.

• Approx. 146 to 206 sq. ft.
• A spacious picture window for memorable views

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. Note: Some categories have portholes versus picture windows. Some stateroom views are partially to fully obstructed. †Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

Our Most Affordable Option

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

• Approx. 158 to 162 sq ft.

Perfect for Large Groups

These suites are for larger families or groups traveling together and include special suite-only benefits and two bathrooms — connected by a large living room, which leads to an expansive private balcony. Each suite sleeps up to eight people.

Note: Diamond Princess® and Sapphire Princess® can sleep up to six people.

• Mini-Suite stateroom connected to an inside cabin via a shared lounge
• 2 bathrooms, one with bath tub the other with a walk-in shower
• Complimentary welcome glass of champagne on embarkation day
• Flat-panel televisions

For Guests with Limited Mobility

Princess offers a selection of staterooms that provide full wheelchair-turning space. In addition, these staterooms include a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, an easy access closet and accessible writing desk.

Note: ADA accessible stateroom shown is on board Caribbean Princess®. Amenities and stateroom arrangements vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Call Princess for more information or send inquiries to the Access Office via email at  [email protected] .

Included Dining

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

Dining Reservations

Dine when, how and where you like

With this new offering, you can customize every aspect of mealtime. Make reservations for the main dining room or specialty restaurants at your preferred time each day. Fit in a formal dinner before a show, or order food and drinks to your poolside perch with OceanNow®. The choice really is up to you.

The Salty Dog Grill

While you're enjoying the fresh air on the top deck, treat yourself to one of our 100% handmade gourmet burgers, including our Princess Burger or Triple Smoked Burger.

 WORLD FRESH MARKETPLACE

Whenever you visit, you’ll find plenty of well-balanced options to choose from. Stop by for breakfast and visit our gourmet pancake station, or enjoy one of our unique hot cereal offerings. At lunch, look for handcrafted sandwiches, regionally inspired dishes and soups, as well as our carvery selections. For dinner, there’s everything from international favorites, comfort foods, customized stir-fry or pasta, plus a multitude of fresh fruit and salad choices.

Slice Pizzeria

Our top-deck pizzeria features a bold new look that sets the stage for tempting toppings and classic favorites. Try a slice of our award-winning signature Neapolitan-style pizza. Go simple and delicious with just cheese, or mix it up with a variety of toppings that change daily.

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock

Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

Coffee & Cones

Complimentary ice cream cones await you at our top-deck creamery venue. Pick up a chocolate cone, a vanilla, or a combination. Or treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich, with a tempting choice of flavors. We’ve added specialty New Grounds Crafted Coffee, too. Energize with an Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte or Chai Tea. If you want to cool down, opt for a refreshing Frappe.

Specialty Dining

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

• Sabatini's Italian Trattoria
• Crown Grill{SM}
• Vines Wine Bar
• Ultimate Balcony Dining
• Chef's Table Experience

Unique, handmade pasta courses, prepared fresh daily and treasured family recipes curated by our Italian chefs across the fleet inspire the menu at our acclaimed Italian specialty restaurant. 

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions

With a rich wood décor and a theater-style kitchen, it’s no wonder Crown Grill was named among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by  USA TODAY . Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood.

Additional charge applies.

Wines from Around the World

Voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by  USA TODAY  and located in a charming corner of the Atrium, Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, fine Champagne and sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of unique wines by the glass. Gourmet delicacies, such as antipasti and tapas, are complimentary with any wine purchase.

Charges apply. Menu items may vary by ship and are subject to change.

A Private Breakfast with a View

A luxurious breakfast experience at sea all served right on the privacy of your own balcony by our dedicated waitstaff. Treat yourself to this unparalleled indulgence and savor food, views, and memories that will never be forgotten.

Additional charges apply.

Exclusive Glimpse into the Princess Kitchen

An extraordinary treat for both gastronomes and gourmet novices. The Chef’s Table is a perfect culinary journey for any special occasion. Indulge in an extravagant multi-course dinner created and hosted by the ship’s executive chef. Perfect for celebrating an anniversary or milestone, or just making your cruise vacation even more amazing. To remember the occasion a photo with the executive chef and a handwritten copy of the special menu is included.

Limited capacity, reservations required. Additional charge applies.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with Discovery™

Our exclusive partnership with Discovery™ lets you come back captivated with Stargazing on our top deck; activities featuring Discovery™ hit shows such as  Shark Week  and  Finding Bigfoot ; plus our new Encounters with Discovery at SEA speaker series. Get more out of your travels with shore excursions recommended by two of the most trusted names in world travel—Discovery™ and Animal Planet™.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers

From gaming lessons to the latest slot machines to prize tournaments, our Casinos offer fun and excitement. If you enjoy blackjack, or “21,” and Texas Hold 'Em, our tables play by Vegas rules and if you relish the challenge of roulette, we offer the American version.

Take a stroll into the European-style piazza

Discover Old World charm as you stroll through our breathtaking Piazza—a hub of activity, inspired by the vibrant squares of Europe. Roving street performers, quaint boutiques, a spiral staircase and several glass-walled lifts provide panoramic views. Visit the International Café for gourmet coffees, or marvel at the wine selection at Vines, voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by USA Today.

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping

It’s no surprise The Shops are awarded “Best Onboard Shopping” from  Porthole  magazine year after year. On board, you’ll find a fabulous range of fine merchandise from brands like Swarovski, Chanel, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, Calvin Klein, Citizen and Tissot, plus local crafts, keepsakes and souvenirs. And everyday tax- and duty-free savings can add up to as much as 30% off suggested U.S. retail prices.

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard

Great art, like the destinations we visit, can be awe-inspiring. Peruse our extensive art gallery, or attend an art history lecture highlighting some of the world’s greatest masters. And don’t miss our exciting Champagne Art Auctions, which give you the chance to view and bid on a wide range of fine art, including pieces by famous artists like Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max, and Michael Godard. There is no charge to attend these lively events.

Photo Gallery

Take home a unique photo keepsake

Our staff of digital photographers helps capture the highlights of your cruise including onboard events, ports and scenery for lasting memories of your trip. Our studio locations are set up in the Atrium each evening and all formal and casual portraits are on display in the gallery the following day. Please ask our staff about portrait packages, reprints and canvas reproductions of your favorite photos!

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation

Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of our whirling hot tubs. And don’t forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a refreshing cocktail or favorite beverage.

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities

Feel the court under your feet and the thrill of victory as you sink the ball in for two points. No matter your athletic ability, there’s nothing like shooting a few hoops out in the middle of the ocean as you watch the sun set and the stars come out. Our Sports Court is not only set up for basketball but also for volleyball. Pick up a game, compete against fellow guests for bragging rights, or start your own dream team.

Princess Links

Practice your putt and play like a champion

Imagine playing on the green while surrounded by a beautiful blue ocean. Whether you’re a dabbler or a devoted disciple of the game, our nine-hole miniature putting course will put your finer golfing skills to the test. After you play a round, step inside to try your hand at our golf simulator, which recreates some of the world’s greatest golf courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach so you can play and practice like a pro.

Venues vary by ship and are subject to change

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best Wi-Fi at sea

MedallionNet Wi-Fi is fast, reliable and wherever you are. Stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports. Stay connected to the internet anywhere on board so you can text, post photos, video chat and more.

Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts

Afternoon tea is a treasured tradition whether it’s a special occasion, an intimate moment for two, a mother-daughter tea party or just quiet time for reflection. Enjoy a wide selection of teas, or coffee if you prefer, served by attentive waiters in our dining room. The setting is elegant, with a delicious selection of tasty treats: freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cookies and cakes.

Entertainment

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night

Throughout the day and night, our exclusive open-air poolside amphitheater is the go-to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events such as live football games. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day, and enjoy that exciting car chase or mystery thriller on the giant screen.

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small

Crafted by some of the world’s top directors and choreographers, our remarkable and dynamic Princess productions transport you to realms as exotic as the destinations we visit. Imaginative shows created in-house feature dazzling stage sets, Broadway classics, popular hits and original numbers performed by some of the largest and most talented casts at sea.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night

When it comes to music and dancing we’ve got everything that your musical palette may desire. Whether it’s tapping your toes to cover bands, singing along in the piano bar, relaxing to classical strings or dancing the night away in the nightclub, you’ll be satisfied!

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages

Grab a seat, order a cocktail and be prepared to be entertained by our lineup of world class entertainers. From magic to comedy, singers to instrumentalists, jugglers to balancing acts and much, much more, we search the globe for top talent to be featured on our ships. So get ready to be amazed, entertained, mesmerized or just laugh the night away!

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea

With dazzling stage sets, artists from around the globe, modern hits and timeless classics, the Princess Theater, our largest theater yet, showcases lavish, original productions with dynamic cast members in sumptuous surroundings. In this ultramodern theater, relax in a plush seat with unobstructed sight lines as the velvet curtain goes up, a state-of-the-art lighting system illuminates the stage, and it’s on with the show!

Skywalkers Nightclub

Reach for the sky and dance

Hot music and cool cocktails set to a DJ spinning popular club tunes is the ideal setting for a night of dancing. Gleaming, ultra modern and ultra cool, this hot spot invites a little stargazing while the colorful neon dance floor invites everyone to get up and boogie down. Boasting panoramic views from its vantage point 15 decks above the sea, it’s the perfect place for dancing and socializing.

Club Fusion

One of our most popular nightspots

When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, it’s time to get your feet movin’ and your heart pumpin’ at Club Fusion. A little eclectic and a whole lot of fun, the dance floor lights and booming sound system invite you to get up and show off your moves and grooves. Karaoke contests, live performances and theme-parties like “60s British Invasion” are just a few of the nightly events that will have you on your feet.

Good Spirits At Sea

Good spirits, good stories

Good Spirits takes viewers around the globe in search of extraordinary everyday people, sharing stories of spirits and collecting farm-fresh, local ingredients to inspire one-of-a-kind cocktail creations. Immerse yourself in the region as skilled bartenders lead you through an immersive cocktail experience.

Joyful Rejuvenation

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

• The Sanctuary
• Lotus Spa® Fitness Center

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

With your overall wellness in mind, we’ve collaborated with a board-certified sleep expert to create the ultimate in blissful comfort. Our luxurious new beds feature a scientifically engineered mattress and bed springs, a plush two-inch pillow top, European-inspired duvets and 100% luxurious Jacquard-woven linens-to assure that at the end of your voyage, you come home feeling refreshed and renewed.

The Princess Luxury Bed is available across the fleet except for Regal Princess, where most staterooms have been updated. On Regal Princess all Full Suites and Reserve Collection staterooms have been updated and we are continuing to convert the few remaining beds.

Relax in a Tranquil Retreat Just for Adults

Take a break and indulge in a private getaway at The Sanctuary, our exclusive adults-only retreat offering a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere on the ship. With signature beverages, light meals, and al fresco massages, Serenity Stewards attend to your every need, whether it’s to be on hand to provide chilled face towels or Evian water atomizers.

Go Ahead, Be Pampered – You Deserve It

Named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365™, the Lotus Spa® offers a variety of relaxing treatments, such as facials, aroma stone therapy massages, detoxifying ocean wraps and an aromatherapy thermal suite. Or get ready for a night on the town at the salon which features women’s styling color, men’s haircuts and shaves, manicure and pedicure choices and teeth whitening.

A Host of Ways to Get an Energizing Workout

The Lotus Spa Fitness Center offers fitness programs designed to help you maximize your wellness with Tour de Cycle, personal training and classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Body Sculpt Boot Camp, Results Based Training and TRX suspension training. The Lotus Spa Fitness Center also features state-of-the-art equipment so you can tone on your own.

Kids, Teens & Family

• The Reef Splash Zone
• Just For Kids 3-7
• Just For Kids 8-12
• Just For Teens 13-17

Splash into the Reef

The Reef Splash Zone is the ultimate spot for families of all ages! The newly reimagined space features an interactive water playground with a splash pool, water showers and a whale feature that “rains” from its fluke. Plus a new Game Zone with oversized backyard games, comfy lounge sectionals and a kid-friendly bar setting so families can enjoy cocktails and mocktails during a day of splashing, laughing and playing.

Explore the Treehouse

Even the littlest guests will delight in this whimsical, forest-themed world that inspires playtime and invites exploration. Kids, ages 3 to 7, can dance, enjoy pajama movie nights, create art projects like Animal Planet™ puppets and masks or compete in a Lego® boat-building contest.

Step into the Lodge

Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center keeps kids busy with games, dancing and kid-sized Olympic competitions. Their minds stay busy, too, with California Science Center programs like rocket building, or they can explore outer space with Stargazing and learning how to build a model roller coaster. Exciting events like talent shows, theme nights, and treasure hunts encourage new friendships and family togetherness.

Hang Out in the Beach House

This contemporary lounge is "the place" for teens — perfect for hanging out and socializing with late-night movie viewing, hip hop dance classes, video game tournaments and sports competitions like dodgeball and basketball. But that’s just the beginning. They’ll dazzle on the red carpet with our Rock the Boat teens-only party, complete with awards and "mocktails."

Quality Time Together

Princess makes it easy to sail together in comfort. There is a wide selection of staterooms accommodating up to four guests, and you’ll enjoy substantial savings on your third and fourth guests. There are also connecting stateroom options, as well as Two Bedroom Family Suites, with room for up to eight guests, which offer more living space, a balcony and two bathrooms, including a full bath tub.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

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BIGGER. BOLDER. GAMECHANGER.

Oasis of the seas.

The original gamechanger is running up the score again — loaded with all new adventures in the biggest Royal Amplified reimagining ever.

Beyond the first of its class, Oasis of the Seas® was also the ship that launched a vacation revolution. And now this Oasis Class favorite will introduce even more new thrills for couples and kids of all ages, upgraded ways to soak up the sun or enjoy the shade, more delicious dining options than ever to elevate date night, and buzzworthy new spots to light up every evening. 

Make Room For Thrills

There are so many game changing adventures to choose from onboard the Amplified Oasis of the Seas® — where will you wander next?

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A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN SCENE

Find new thrills on every deck, like The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠. Grab bold bites to go at El Loco Fresh® and the first Portside BBQ℠, or cheer on your favorite team at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. This is the Amplified Oasis of the Seas® — and the adventure has never been bolder. 

PLAY IT UP BIG

This isn’t just changing the game. It’s changing how you play. From adrenaline-soaked thrills on The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides to our most drenchworthy Splashaway Bay℠ aquapark yet. Plus a cool new glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff where you’ll battle for control of a mystical frozen city. A space-age puzzler in the latest Royal Escape Room. The tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠. And totally interactive, completely redesigned spaces for babies, kids and teens of all ages.  

EVEN MORE ON THE MENU

When the options are this good, there’s no such thing as too many. That’s why we’ve added even more possibilities to our seemingly endless selection of best restaurants — so you can take that family dinner or date night to the next level. Now you can grab crazy good Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh® or game-day favorites at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. See how we put our own spin on a backyard favorite, with pitmastery perfection at the new Portside BBQ℠. And we’ve got you and your sweet tooth covered at Sugar Beach℠. 

ADVENTURE FROM DAY TO NIGHT

Rally your special someone and get down all day and all night at over a dozen of our best bars, plus some bold new contenders. Turn up the Caribbean cool with couples’ cocktails poolside at the Lime and Coconut®, or grab a beer at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Rock out on the dance floor to the best cover bands in the biz at Music Hall. And end the evening on a high note with a duet at the new Spotlight℠ Karaoke. 

discover tWo ways to play

Rev up your summer on the biggest ship to sail Europe — Oasis of the Seas ®. Be awestruck by the Colosseum in Rome one minute, then wander along the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona the next. Or, wander the white sand beaches in the Bahamas and take flight on a zip line over Labadee's coastline.

TROPIC LIKE ITS HOT

When the temperature drops, you can explore the vibrant shores of the Western Caribbean on a 7 night adventure onboard Oasis of the Seas®. Cruise to Perfect Day at Cococay to conquer the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean and grab a drink at the largest freshwater swim up bar in the Bahamas. Make it a romantic escape for two, or bring the whole family along for the thrills.

EXPLORE WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

MED ABOUT YOU

Sail from  Rome or Barcelona onboard the wow-worthy Oasis of the Seas® to Western Mediterranean shores. Soak up sun-filled days along Palma de Mallorca’s beautiful beaches. Admire the life-like details of Michelangelo’s David in Florence . And savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples . Kickstart your weeklong adventure onboard Oasis of the Seas. If you’re a Crown & Anchor Society member, prepare to be swept away on an epic journey onboard our upcoming weeklong President's cruise .

EXPLORE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO DISCOVER THE ORIGINAL GAMECHANGER

One-of-a-kind thrills and weeklong discoveries await you on  Oasis of the Seas ®. Show off your wave-taming skills on two FlowRider® surf simulators. Or plummet 10 stories down the Ultimate Abyss SM . Plus indulge in delicious dining options for the whole family and lively bars to elevate date night. Your boldest adventure yet is calling.

Check out our guides for additional tips on a memory-maxing vacation onboard the world’s boldest ships.

The Best Free Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 12, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas, smaller than Oasis Class cruise ships, offers an intimate low-key vibe that has kept a strong fanbase among vacation travelers.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Brilliance of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

MEET THE WORLD'S BIGGEST, BOLDEST SHIPS 

These engineering wonders take home awards every year for their cutting-edge design, first-of-their-kind attractions, world class dining and accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. From the tallest slide at sea, to culinary concepts that take guests from Japan to Italy to Wonderland, the world’s largest cruise ships are full of adventures guaranteed to wow every kind of explorer.

EXPLORE OASIS CLASS

THIS IS A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Conquer the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon . Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own overwater cabana . When you sail onboard Oasis of the Seas®, adventure is always on the itinerary.

THRILL- SEEKERS WANTED

If you’re into adrenaline-amping experiences, you’ll find plenty of bucket list worthy thrills to conquer on Perfect Day at CocoCay — Take on the twists and turns of Thrill Waterpark with record-breaking slides and adrenaline-pumping rides.

EXPLORE THRILL WATERPARK   

Elevate Your Vacay

Level up your lounge game at Coco Beach Club®, an exclusive retreat where you can sip cocktails while drifting along the disappearing edge of the infinity pool. Or experience a bit of Bora Bora with the first Overwater Cabanas in The Bahamas.

EXPLORE COCO BEACH CLUB

DIG IN TO DELICIOUS

Whether you fill your day with high-energy thrills or lots of laid-back lounging, eventually you’re going to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers tons of delicious dining options to satisfy all your cravings.

EXPLORE DINING AT PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY  

UPGRADE YOUR BEACH DAY

Level up your lounge game at Coco Beach Club®, an exclusive retreat with Overwater Cabanas and an infinity pool. Or crank the party vibe way up at Hideaway Beach℠, the ultimate adults-only beachfront paradise fueled by DJ-spun beats and craft cocktails.

EXPLORE HIDEAWAY BEACH

CRUISE SHIP OASIS OF THE SEAS REVIEWS

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Civitavecchia (rome), italy, piraeus (athens), greece.

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MSC Cruises: Kids Sail FREE on select sailings*

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MSC Cruises Africa cruises from $179*

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MSC Cruises is a cruise line founded in 1987 which seamlessly combines European-style service and Italian beauty to offer you a marvelous cruise vacation. MSC's youthful fleet of ships travels all over the world, bringing you to intriguing and diverse destinations that will inspire and excite you. With affordable luxury accommodations, an upscale and relaxing onboard experience, and European hospitality, MSC Cruises is a line that allows you to truly cherish your time on and off the ship. Try the Mediterranean way of life for your next vacation onboard an MSC cruise.

Accessibility

Learn about MSC Cruises' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with disabilities or special needs, including dietary restrictions, audio and visual impairments and mobility issues.

Enjoy dining aboard MSC Cruises, including the Main Restaurant, La Locanda Pizzeria, Eataly, Ristorante Italia, La Palmeraie, L'Etoile, Galaxy Lounge and many more.

Entertainment

Enjoy MSC Cruises' onboard entertainment, including theater shows, casino games, bars and lounges, bowling, video arcade, 4D movies and more.

Onboard Activities

Engage in MSC Cruises' onboard activities, including aqua parks, water slides, fitness classes, art auctions, pools, sports courts and duty-free shopping.

Service & Awards

Learn how MSC Cruises' staff and crew take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view MSC Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in MSC Cruises' Aurea Spa - featuring a sauna, steam room and whirlpool bath - fitness centers and wellness classes like yoga, dance and nutrition.

Special Events

Learn about MSC Cruises' special themed cruises, including a baseball themed cruise celebrating America's pastime.

Explore MSC Cruises' ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms, as well as the luxurious MSC Yacht Club exclusive retreat.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard MSC Cruises. Kids sail free on select sailings, and there are various youth programs for children ages 3-17, including DoremiLand's Mini and Junior Clubs.

Top 10 MSC Cruises Itineraries

• MSC Musica 6 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Cannes, France (Jun 2024)
• MSC Musica 4 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jun 2024)
• MSC Grandiosa 1 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Jun 2024)
• MSC Grandiosa 2 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Jun 2024)
• MSC Poesia 28 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Warnemunde, Germany (Jun 2024 - Jun 2025)
• MSC Grandiosa 6 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (Jun 2024)
• MSC Poesia 3 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Stockholm, Sweden (Jun 2024)
• MSC Poesia 21 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Copenhagen, Denmark (Jun 2024 - Jun 2025)
• MSC Virtuosa 5 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024 - Oct 2026)
• MSC Poesia 21 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Warnemunde, Germany (Jun 2024 - Jun 2025)

MSC Cruises Cruise Destinations

Visiting an array of exclusive and exciting ports all over the world, MSC crafts each itinerary to showcase the best of the region and ensure a perfect vacation experience. You can cruise with MSC to destinations like the Caribbean, South America, and across the grand Atlantic. Whether it's an adventurous cruise to the Red Sea, or a historically-focused voyage to Northern Europe, MSC can take you there in style.

Swaying palm trees, great beaches, and all the marvels of the Inhambane region can be found on a cruise to Africa.

Fresh spices to collect and sweet relaxation on the beaches of the gulf—this and much more when you cruise to the United Arab Emirates.

The Bahamas are waiting for you with adventure, history, beautiful beaches, and MSC Cruises’ exclusive, Ocean Cay.

Sail to the pink sands and pristine beaches of Bermuda with MSC Cruises.

Eastern Caribbean

A cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with MSC Cruises offers something for everyone - from the beautiful scenery and excellent cuisine, to the exciting activities.

Mediterranean

Whether you’d like to try Gaudi’s Experience, or create your own adventure along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll never forget your Mediterranean cruise.

Northern Europe

From castles to churches, country sides to market squares and everything in between, you’ll find your inspiration on a cruise to Northern Europe.

South America

Passion. Excitement. Cultural delights. Cruise to South America.

Southern Caribbean

You won’t believe your eyes when you travel to the islands of the Southern Caribbean where waterfalls, secluded beaches and wonderful wildlife are the norm. 

Western Caribbean

A cruise to the Western Caribbean with MSC Cruises offers travelers both relaxation and adventure.

MSC Cruises offers one-of-a-kind globetrotting world cruise adventures to more than two dozen countries and six continents.

MSC Cruises Departure Ports

With their flair for Mediterranean style MSC offers a variety of sailings in and around that area. However the cruise line is actively expanding with cruises to Dubai and Caribbean cruises leaving from Miami. MSC also visits South America with sailings leaving from Rio de Janeiro.  Find out more about MSC by talking with a qualified cruise consultant at The Cruise Web. 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Traditional cultures blend beautifully with modern advancements in Abu Dhabi, the stunning capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Alicante, Spain

Escape to this Mediterranean city of Alicante, Spain with enticing sandy beaches and museums.

Ancona, Italy

A beautiful spot along the Adriatic Sea, Ancona offers cruisers an interesting take on Italian history, especially given its history as a Papal State.

Bahia De Salvador, Brazil

Salvador is the largest city in the Northeast Region, situated on a peninsula that extensively shields the Bay of All Saints from the Atlantic Ocean.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Bari, Italy

Cruise to Bari and explore this extraordinary city in the South of Italy. Highlights include its interesting history and friendly people, who are always ready to show you their way of life.

Bilbao, Spain

Get a taste of some of the best cuisine in Spain when visiting Bilbao as well as discover some amazing beaches, museums, restaurants and shops.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados, where the weather is impeccable, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastically fresh.

Brindisi, Italy

This ancient city is sure to charm with its immaculate architecture, tranquil harbor and coastline, delicious cuisine as well as its Greek-Italian feel.  

Brooklyn, Ny

Trendy Brooklyn has something for everyone, including some of the world's best food, shopping and entertainment.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, this island offers wonderful blue lagoons, ancient buildings, white sand beaches and rich culture.  

Cannes, France

Live the glamorous life in Cannes, the city in the South of France known as the host of the yearly Cannes Film Festival.

Cape Town, South Africa

See the beautiful sights of Cape Town, South Africa’s most visited city, which offers cruisers natural beauty, plentiful wine, historical significance and a sense of peace.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a delightful city with some of the world’s most interesting places, like the longest pedestrian street and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Doha, Qatar

A bustling city in Qatar, Doha is known for it's iconic skyline and stunning beaches on the Persian Gulf.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a modern city that people from all nationalities flock towards to indulge in designer clothes, fancy hotels and the high life.

Durban, South Africa

Cruise to Durban and explore the colonial history South Africa and delight in the famous beaches where the locals spend their vacations.

Fort-De-France, Martinique

Visited by Christopher Columbus in 1502, Fort-de-France, Martinique welcomes you with its beautiful beaches and rich history that fills the island.

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The lush island of Madeira and its capital city of Funchal make for a beautiful excursion from the main land of Europe. Cruise to Funchal and spot the beautiful flowers and try the signature wine.

Galveston, Texas

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

Genoa, Italy

Cruise to the historical port city of Genoa for a laid back walk through history in the city’s well-preserved streets, and be sure to try the local foods like pesto and focaccia bread.

Hamburg, Germany

A large city, Hamburg offers visitors an array of attractions. From the old buildings of the past to the vibrant red light district, there’s something for everyone cruising to Hamburg, Germany.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences – from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city.

Itajai, Brazil

The city sits right on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the mouth of the beautiful Rio Itajai, or the Itajai-Acu River.

Izmir, Turkey

Ismir is a bustling metropolitan center located in Western Turkey, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Izmir and the Gediz River.

Kiel, Germany

Kiel is a major German maritime center and a popular cruise embarkation port for cruises going all around the world.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Kusadasi welcomes visitors from all over to discover the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, a powerful city that was once home to the Virgin Mary.

La Goulette, Tunisia

La Goulette is the port of Tunisia's capital city, Tunis. The port's name was derived from the word “gullet” that describes a channel where the city is located. 

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Explore the Canary Islands with a cruise to their most populous city, Las Palmas, on Gran Canaria Island. These Spanish islands have one of the best climates in the world, perfect for your next cruise vacation.

Le Havre (Paris), France

In Northern France, explore Le Havre, a city with modern architecture and one of the most inspiring collections of Impressionist artwork.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

As a port city on the western coast of a country known for its magnificent art, the cruise port of Livorno, Italy is a great starting point to exploring the phenomenal paintings and sculptures found in Italy.

Maceio, Brazil

Maceio is a Brazilian city that is named for natural, spontaneous flows of water that spurts from the soil. A beautiful city in Brazil, a must-see.

Malaga, Spain

Cruise to Malaga, the celebrated home of Picasso, one of the modern era’s most influential artists. Other attractions include the beautiful Moorish castles and mesmerizing coastal cliffs.

Marseille, France

Marseilles, France’s second most popular city, offers cruisers a vast landscape to discover the area’s ancient history and relish the more modern lifestyle of the French living off the coast of the Mediterranean.

Messina, Sicily, Italy

Enjoy Messina, the gateway to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean with a proud heritage and world renowned food.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Montevideo, Uruguay

The cruise port of Montevideo, Uruguay is a multifaceted destination with a vibrant culture, and a well-known hub for technological advancement.

Naples, Italy

Prepare your appetite if you plan to visit Naples, for it is home to many of Italy’s most famous culinary traditions. Naples is more than just great food, so make time to visit the beautiful cathedrals and enriching museums.

Okinawa (Naha), Japan

Interesting history and deep traditions make Okinawa a fascinating place for cruisers to experience a culture that has dealt with war and peace.

Olbia, Italy

Sail into Olbia, Italy to experience a sunny taste of Italy's Emerald Coast with beautiful beaches, scenic islands and secluded coastal trails.

Oslo, Norway

Enjoy the great outdoors in Oslo, the beautiful and spacious capital of Norway, where the city includes lakes, forests and lots of history.

Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Explore the varied history and culture of Palermo, Sicily’s capital city, and enjoy its diverse history, culture and art.

Palma De Mallorca, Spain

The island of Mallorca can boast of an impressive port city where the old and new worlds dwell in perfect harmony.

Paranagua, Brazil

Paranagua is a historic and charming coastal city located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and it boasts a cruise port that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant local life.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe

Explore the beautiful sights of Pointe-a-Pitre, the capital of the French island of Guadeloupe. Here you’ll have a wonderful spot to enjoy the laid back lifestyle of the Caribbean.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, has numerous activities for every desire. Cruise to Rio for the Carnival celebrations, natural environment, beautiful beaches and famous landmarks.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

With modern buildings and a bustling population, Rotterdam offers an interesting contrast to the more laid back feel of city’s like Amsterdam.

Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil

Cruise to Santos for the best of both worlds – a vivacious coastal city that is still quaint and laid back, but with easy access to one of the largest cities in Brazil.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai is the cultural and economic center of East Asia and is drawing more and more attention from all over the world as it is becoming a renowned international metropolis.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Split, Croatia

Beaches, historic sites and a melting pot of cultures can be found in this delightful city along the Adriatic Coast.

Whether looking out into the city’s waterways, ancient castles or modern buildings, you’ll always have a great view when cruising to Stockholm, Sweden.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Tarragona, Spain

Cruise to the mysterious city of Tarragonna, where ancient ruins and a spicy nightlight are the main attractions.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

See a different side of Europe with a stop at Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Awe-inspiring landscapes, artistic cultures, and unique flora and fauna highlight this ancient capital city.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a dazzling city where you might be overwhelmed at first by its modernity but will find lots of interesting subcultures in its various neighborhoods.

Trieste, Italy

Sit back and enjoy the sea breezes in Trieste, an Italian city that despite being close to Venice is more akin to Vienna, the capital of the Hapsburg Empire. 

Valencia, Spain

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is a city in Spain that attracts a lot of visitors to uncover the city’s past and revel in its modern achievements, most notably The City of Arts and Sciences.

Valletta, Malta

This entire city is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site leaving many historic areas and landmarks to explore during your visit to this impressive capital city.  

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Villefranche, France

Sometimes described as a small suburb of Nice, Villefranche is a perfect place to get away from the crowds and see the quiet life of the French Riviera.

Warnemunde, Germany

Warnemunde is a beautiful German town on the coast of the Baltic near the medieval city of Rostock, home to one of the world’s oldest universities.

Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium

Head to Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium for well-preserved medieval history, picturesque stone bridges and peaceful canals.

MSC Cruises Ships

MSC Cruises boasts a strong fleet of award-winning ships which also happens to be one of the youngest fleets at sea. Expect elegant décor which may include Italian marble, Swarovski crystal stairs, private enclaves, and vaulted transparent ceilings when you step aboard one of MSC's fine European vessels. Staterooms are spacious, innovative, and can include a VIP experience with butler service and a concierge. Spa treatments, vibrant entertainment and marvelously diverse dining are just a few highlights of the MSC experience.

Msc Armonia

• Passenger Capacity:  1,948 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2001
• Last Refurbished: 2014

Msc Bellissima

• Passenger Capacity: 4,402 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2019
• Last Refurbished: N/A

• Passenger Capacity:  3,502 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2012
• Last Refurbished:  2017

Msc Euribia

• Passenger Capacity: 4,838 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2023

Msc Fantasia

• Passenger Capacity:  3,272 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2008
• Last Refurbished:  2019

Msc Grandiosa

• Passenger Capacity:  4,842 (double occupancy)

• Passenger Capacity:  1,976 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2003
• Last Refurbished:  2015

Msc Magnifica

• Passenger Capacity:  2,558 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2010
• Last Refurbished:  2021

Msc Meraviglia

• Passenger Capacity: 4,428 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2017

• Passenger Capacity:  2,550 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2006
• Last Refurbished:  2016

• Passenger Capacity: 2,140 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004

Msc Orchestra

• Year Built: 2007

• Last Refurbished:  2018

Msc Preziosa

• Year Built: 2013

Msc Seascape

• Passenger Capacity: 5,632 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2022

Msc Seashore

• Passenger Capacity: 4,540 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2021

Msc Seaside

• Passenger Capacity: 4,132 (double occupancy)

Msc Seaview

• Passenger Capacity:  4,132 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2018
• Last Refurbished:  2023

Msc Sinfonia

• Passenger Capacity:  1,952 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2002
• Last Refurbished: 2015

Msc Splendida

• Passenger Capacity: 3,274 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2009

Msc Virtuosa

• Passenger Capacity: 4,842 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2020

Msc World America

• Passenger Capacity:  6,237 (max occupancy)
• Year Built: 2025
• Last Refurbished:  N/A

Msc World Europa

• Passenger Capacity: 6,762 (max occupancy)

Photo Gallery for MSC Cruises Cruises

This photo gallery of MSC’s stunning ships will give you an idea of what an MSC cruise is like, but to really see it sparkle we recommend a cruise on one of these Italian based ships. 

Lirica in the Caribbean

MSC Divina Aurea spa massage room

Poesia pool deck

Musica Copacabana nightlife

MSC Armonia nightlife

MSC Prezoisa kids pool

MSC Prezoisa sports and bowling diner

MSC Fantasia 4D cinema

MSC Musica mini golf

MSC Fantasia water park

MSC Divina Italian Piazza

Prezoisa Eataly Ristorante Italia

MSC Sinfonia II Galeone Restaurant

Balcony Stateroom

MSC Divina Yacht Club Suite stateroom

Santorini, Greece

Gondola ride in Venice canal in Italy

Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman

Norwegian Fjords of Northern Europe

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Our Cruise Ships

As we continue to grow and improve our fleet, there’s a huge range of unique features for our guests to explore on every MSC cruise ship. Blending classic elegance and cutting-edge innovation, our cruise ships offer the utmost in comfort, dining, innovation, entertainment, and onboard experience. Our newest, cruise ships also demonstrate our commitment to lower impact tourism, with onboard technology that focuses on mitigating our impact on nature.  Browse, explore, and choose a ship from the MSC Cruises fleet today, and discover a spectacular way to sail the seas.

MSC technology at the service of the art of hospitality

MSC for Me has been designed to meet our guests needs today and in the future and enhances every aspect the MSC holiday experience. Through the most innovative technology solutions MSC for Me interconnects guests, crew and ship so your time on board is literally in your hands. 

Available for guests travelling on MSC Euribia, MSC Seascape,  MSC World Europa, MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview,  MSC Poesia, MSC Musica.  The MSC for Me programme is also available on MSC Splendida and on MSC Magnifica, however it has reduced program features.

Coming soon on MSC World America.

SHIPS BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

Innovative energy-saving and water-recycling systems installed on our latest ships

We have great respect for the world’s oceans and while we sail an increasing number of guests across the globe, we continuously aim to reduce our impact on the environment per passenger. Through the use of modern technology and environmentally friendly actions, we are striving to lower the environmental impact of our cruises. From using the cleaner marine fuels, to efficiency-enhancing technology, to our advanced onboard recycling systems, we strongly believe that we have increased responsibility towards the environment. [READ MORE] Therefore, we are continuously working to reduce our impact on the environment, and optimize our cruise itineraries to help reduce fuel consumption. One of the ways to save fuel is by lowering water resistance. MSC Cruises uses an anti-fouling paint on the hulls of all of its ships to prevent hull fouling and substantially reduce drag. Each ship in the MSC Cruises fleet has an environmental officer who is responsible for all environmental aspects on board. All recycling and waste management activities are carefully monitored. MSC Cruises has been forward-looking in the way it has built its ships and ready them for future rules and regulations. Our engines are already certified for the future NOX emissions standards, and are in compliance with latest IMO-MARPOL Annex VI requirement. In addition, some of our ships are equipped with exhaust cleaning systems, to reduce SOx emissions released from the main engine. Our optimized ballast water management system also complies with the latest IMO guidelines aimed at minimizing environmental impact.    

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MSC Cruises

• Cruise History

Remembering 14 Cruise Lines of the Past

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• May 5, 2022

Most of us think of the big names currently in the industry when someone mentions a cruise line.  Some of us have extended knowledge of cruising and can therefore name a bunch of the smaller companies as well.

There are many cruise lines from ghosts’ past that used to be at the top of their game, but for different reasons, ended up going out of business or merging, only to be forgotten.

History buffs will especially enjoy this: I give you 14 former cruise lines that either you have never even heard of, or had long forgotten about. Although, you may recognize some of the ships.

1. Admiral Cruises

Admiral Cruises, which sailed on the eastern and western U.S. coasts, was formed in 1986 when three cruise lines merged together: Eastern Cruise Lines, Western Cruise Lines, and Sundance Cruise Lines. When the lines came together, each had only one ship, creating a three-ship fleet.

In 1988, the line announced that it had ordered a new vessel called Future Seas. In that same year, Admiral Cruises merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Shortly after the merger, the order for Future Seas was transferred to Royal Caribbean and became that line’s ship Nordic Empress when she debuted in 1990. In 2004, she was renamed Empress of the Seas.

In 1990, Stardancer (which had been Sundance Cruise Lines’ ship) was also transferred to Royal Caribbean and was renamed Viking Serenade.

In late 1991, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ended the Admiral Cruises brand and its two remaining ships — Azure Seas and Emerald Seas — were sold.

2. Commodore Cruise Line

Commodore Cruise Line was founded the same year that Norwegian Caribbean Line (now Norwegian Cruise Line) began operations – 1966.  Wallenius Lines acquired a ferry that was originally ordered by Lion Ferry, who had canceled their order.

This proved good for Commodore, as they reached an agreement with Wallenius who finished the ferry as a cruise ship, and chartered it to Commodore.  It became the first company to operate week-long cruises out of Florida year-round.  In the years to follow, Commodore Cruise Line was acquired by Rederi Ab Sally, and the company acquired more ships for Commodore, then eventually reverted back to just one.

In 1987, Rederi Ab Sally was sold to its competitors Effoa and Johnson Line, which was later merged into EffJohn.  Later, EffJohn decided to merge Bermuda Star Line into Commodore, therefore acquiring a few more ships.  In 1995, Commodore was sold to JeMJ Financial Services, who continued their operations.

Ultimately, in January 2001, after facing harsh competition, Commodore Cruise Line filed for bankruptcy.

3. Crown Cruise Line

This small, upper-class cruise line was founded in 1984 and was based in Boca Raton, Florida.  Their first ship was called Viking Princess,  and operated out of San Diego before being transferred to Palm Beach for Bahamas sailings.  The line bought a second ship from a Spanish shipping company, and it underwent a refit to become a cruise ship in 1986.

After another ship joining the line, a 45,000 terminal was built for Crown at the Port of Palm Beach in 1990.  The recession and Gulf War in 1991 affected consumer spending for cruise vacations, and the line had to scale back their business.

Crown Cruise Line was split in two by their parent company, Grundstad Maritime, and part became Palm Beach Cruises, and the other part was turned over to Commodore Cruise Line.

All together, Crown Cruise Line had five ships of their own before the business fell apart and they were all leased or sold to other operators.  The cruise line officially ceased to exist in 2001.

4. Cruise & Maritime Voyages

Cruise & Maritime Services International formed Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) in 2009 after its German-based Transocean Tours cruise line filed for bankruptcy. The British line marketed itself towards a more mature audience, being a more traditional line on smaller ocean ships and river ships and requiring that passengers be 16 or older.

In 2009 and 2010, Cruise & Maritime Voyages chartered its first two ships: Marco Polo (originally built as an ocean liner) and Ocean Countess. Marco Polo had a particularly unique history, launching as the Aleksandr Pushkin ocean liner for one of the three main shipping companies in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. The vessel was actually chartered to Transocean Tours back in 1979, and then changed hands multiple times after that.

In 2008, Global Maritime Group purchased the vessel and she was once again chartered to Transocean Tours, which is how she came to be chartered by CMV.

From 2013 to 2019, Cruise & Maritime Voyages slowly added and replaced ships, none of which were new builds. In total, the line operated 10 vessels, though not all simultaneously.

They included the former 1972-built Island Princess, Carnival’s Holiday, the former 1989-built Star Princess, and Holland America’s 1992-built Statendam (also formerly Pacific Eden for P&O Cruises Australia).

Cruise & Maritime Voyages had itineraries all over the world, but most were focused in the British Isles, northern Europe, Australia, and Mexico.

Like the rest of the cruise industry, CMV halted operations in March 2020 due to the pandemic. In July 2020, reports surfaced that the cruise line was facing insolvency and was looking to secure additional funding.

Attempts to secure financing failed, and Cruise & Maritime Voyages officially entered administration on July 20, 2020.

Four of its five vessels at the time were bought by an auction house, and subsequently either sold to other shipping companies or sold for scrap. The fifth ship had been under charter and was not officially owned by CMV.

5. Cruise West

Cruise West was a small, destination-focused cruise line based in Seattle, Washington. The line was originally a tour operator in Alaska founded by Chuck West in 1973. In 1990, the company acquired its first overnight vessel — the 52-guest Spirit of Glacier Bay.

Though the company’s focus then and through its lifetime remained on Alaska, it began expanding into other destinations such as the Snake and Columbia rivers, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and California coastal areas.

In 2001, Cruise West bought its first ocean-going ship, the former Renaissance Cruises’ Spirit of Oceanus. Then, the line expanded to Central America in partnership with Costa Rica’s Temptress Cruise Lines to offer cruises on the 100-passenger M/V Pacific Explorer.

In 2006, Cruise West purchased the 102-passenger Nantucket Clipper and 138-passenger Yorktown Clipper from Clipper Cruise Lines, and renamed them Spirit of Nantucket and Spirit of Yorktown, respectively. Spirit of Nantucket operated on the east coast and in the Great Lakes for two seasons before being moved to the Pacific Coast with the rest of the fleet. She was then renamed Spirit of Glacier Bay, making the vessel the second in the line’s history to bear that name.

Throughout the duration of the company, Cruise West operated nine small ships in the Americas, South Pacific, and Asia.

On September 8, 2010, the line announced that it was restructuring under new ownership, and suspended all new bookings. On September 18, it announced that it would cease operations.

Another small ship line operating mostly in Alaska, UnCruise Adventures, acquired Spirit of Endeavour and Spirit of ‘98 from Cruise West, renaming them Safari Endeavour and S.S. Legacy, respectively.

MORE: 9 Cruise Concepts That Didn’t Quite Catch On

6. Dolphin Cruise Lines

Dolphin Cruise Lines was a Greek line founded in 1984. Back before then, the Ulysses Line operated ships Ithaca and Calypso in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Isles, mostly marketed by UK tour company Thomson in the 1970s.

Thomson didn’t renew its charter with Ulysses, so the two ships were chartered to other cruise companies. Ithaca was renamed Dolphin IV in 1979, and was initially marketed by cruise line Paquet before moving to the newly-founded Dolphin Cruise Line.

The line acquired three additional ships through 1996. In 1997, Dolphin Cruise Lines was bought out by Premier Cruise Line, and the three remaining Dolphin ships along with Premier’s ships all formed one fleet under the Premier Cruise Line name.

Carnival Corporation established Fathom as a cruise line that would operate “social impact travel” cruises from Miami to the Caribbean. The line’s journeys included volunteer opportunities with established organizations on the ground in the destinations that the line visited.

The P&O Cruises ship Adonia was reassigned to Fathom, and became the line’s first (and only) dedicated cruise ship.

During the duration of the cruise line’s existence, Adonia sailed to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. When the ship docked in Havana in May 2016, it marked the first time in over 50 years that a U.S. cruise line had sailed from the U.S. to Cuba.

In 2017, the Fathom brand discontinued cruise line operations, and Adonia returned to P&O Cruises.

The volunteer-based shore excursions that made Fathom unique were continued through 2018 on other Carnival Corporation cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and P&O Cruises.

In January 2019, the Fathom brand was discontinued entirely.

8. Festival Cruises

This Greece-based cruise line was founded in 1992 by George Poulides using second-hand ships.  It began operating after acquiring  The Azur  from Chandris Cruises, and  Starward  from Norwegian Cruise Line the following year, which Festival renamed  Bolero.  

The line’s first new build was in 1999, called Mistral.   In 2000, Festival announced they were merging into Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), with the Festival brand being maintained under P&O.  The merger plan was abandoned later that year, though, and two more Mistral-class ships were built in 2001 and 2002.

The company had the option for two more, but decided against it; however, the Mistral-class ships did end up being built, instead for MSC Cruises as  Lirica  and  Opera.   Festival Cruises ultimately ended up going bankrupt in 2004, and all of their remaining ships were auctioned to other operators.

9. Ibero Cruises

Ibero Cruises, known as Ibero Cruceros in Spanish, was founded in 2003 as Viajes Iberojet by Iberojet — a travel wholesaler — as its cruise division. Based in Madrid, Spain, the line was aimed at the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking market, sailing in Europe and South America.

The line started with one ship, Grand Mistral — which was acquired from the failed Festival Cruises. In 2004, the line added two more ships: Grand Latino acquired from Royal Viking Line, and Grand Voyager from Royal Olympic Cruises.

In 2007, Viajes Iberojet became a joint subsidiary of Carnival Corporation and Orizonia Corporation and was renamed Ibero Cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line’s ship Celebration was transferred to Ibero Cruises in 2008 and renamed Grand Celebration. In 2009, another ship, the Holiday, was also transferred to Ibero from Carnival Cruise Line and renamed Grand Holiday.

In 2014, it was announced that Costa Cruises — another Carnival Corporation brand — would absorb Ibero Cruises by the end of the year. By this point, Ibero Cruises had already sold off all but its two newest ships.

Grand Celebration was transferred to Costa’s main fleet as Costa Celebration, and Grand Holiday was transferred to the British operator Cruise & Maritime Voyages as the Magellan.

10. Majesty Cruise Line

Majesty Cruise Line was founded in 1992 by Dolphin Cruise Line as a more premium option for its customers. The line’s first ship, Royal Majesty, was originally ordered by competitor Birka Line but the contract was resold to Majesty after the shipbuilder went bankrupt.

The vessel started out operating three and four-night cruises from Florida, then in 1995 began a route from Boston to St. George’s, Bermuda. In the winter, Royal Majesty returned to Florida.

In 1997, Majesty bought a second ship from Crown Cruise Line called Crown Dynasty, and renamed her Crown Majesty. For the rest of that season, she continued the same itineraries that were planned for her former cruise line.

At the end of the 1997 season, both ships were passed to Norwegian Cruise Line as Majesty Cruise Line merged into that brand.

MORE: 11 Former Carnival Ships – Where Are They Now?

11. Premier Cruises

This cruise company was formed in the early 1990s by Kristian Stensby, and was focused on new geographic markets that the bigger ones weren’t focusing on at the time.  Primarily they aimed their cruises toward Europeans and South Americans.  It consisted of three operations; Premier Cruise Line, Seawind Cruise Line, and Dolphin Cruise Line.

Stensby grew the company from one to six ships, and in 1997 it became the largest private cruise line in the world at that time.  Premier had many travel partners, including Pullmantur, Thomson Holidays, TUI, and more.

After 1997, Premier changed its business strategies and canceled these agreements.  A number of the partners decided to use the opportunity to create their own cruise operations, such as Pullmantur Cruises which was established when the agreement was canceled.  Thomson Holidays also used the opportunity to build and expand.

In late 2000, Premier Cruises filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations.

12. Renaissance Cruises

Renaissance Cruises was founded in 1989 by Fearnley & Eger Rederi in Oslo, Norway, and was later bought by Edward Rudner during the Gulf War.  The cruise line had eight Renaissance-class yacht-like ships between 1989 and 1998.

They carried around 100 passengers each, and were named Renaissance I  through  Renaissance VIII.   Renaissance Cruises operated voyages to the Greek Isles, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, South Pacific, northern Europe, and Scandinavia.

Its R class was their other class of ships, and these were more ‘cruise ship’ sized.  They were also named quite simply, being “R (number).”  They had eight ships throughout their years in service, R One  through  R Eight.  

They were the pride of the cruise line, and were all built between 1998 and 2001.  By 2001, the company had been in financial trouble for a while, and when the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred, it did the cruise line in.

Now, almost all of their former ships are currently either chartered or operating with other cruise lines.

13. Royal Viking Line

Royal Viking Line began in 1972, and each of its first three ships was owned by one of its initial investing partners.  The ships were all built at a shipyard in Finland, and were around 21,000 GRT.  In 1980, the ships were stretched and more cabins were added.  In 1984, the two companies that owned Royal Viking decided to sell it to Norwegian Caribbean Line, and the offices were moved from San Francisco to Coral Gables, Florida.

While under the new ownership, another ship was built for Royal Viking, which was finished in 1992; Royal Viking Queen.   In 1990-91, two ships were moved to the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, and another in 1993 moved to Royal Cruise Line.

In 1994, Knut Kloster (who owned Norwegian) was hard financially, and Royal Viking Line was dissolved.  Some vessels were sold to Cunard, and Royal Viking Sun  was combined with four of their other ships to form Cunard Royal Viking Line, which only lasted until 1998.

In the same year, all of Cunard’s ships were merged under the Cunard Line brand.

Two of the former Royal Viking ships have been scrapped (Royal Viking Sea and Royal Viking Sky) and others are owned by other companies. None of the ships are still sailing with Cunard.

14. White Star Line

The White Star Line of Boston Packets, more commonly known as just White Star Line, was a well-known British shipping company.  It was founded in 1845 in Liverpool, and sailed a fleet of clipper ships between Britain and Australia.  The line acquired its first steamship, the  Royal Standard , in 1863.

In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, millions of people were emigrating from Europe to Canada and the US, and White Star was one of the first shipping lines to have passenger ships, with the Oceanic -class ships that they began operating in 1870.

In April 1912, the most famous maritime accident in history occurred to one of White Star Line’s ships, the Titanic.  After boasting that they had built an unsinkable ship, during its crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sunk.  She took 1,502 passengers and crew down with her.

In 1933, both White Star and Cunard, their chief competitor, were in serious financial trouble in the midst of the Great Depression.  The British government agreed to help the cruise lines out because they merged their North Atlantic operations.  They agreed, and it was official on December 30, 1933.

For a while, they called themselves Cunard-White Star Limited, but in 1947, Cunard acquired the portion of the line that they didn’t own, as well as all assets and operations in 1949, and reverted to just the name “Cunard” on the first day of 1950.

Note: This article was previously published in June 2016. It was expanded and republished in May 2022.

READ NEXT: 10 Secrets And Money-Saving Tips The Cruise Lines Don’t Usually Tell You

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Highlights of mississippi river cruises.

A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

• Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
• Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
• Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
• Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
• Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
• Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
• Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
• Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
• Norwegian cultural experience at Vesterheim
• Intricate locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi

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Grande Caribe

Cruise line Blount Small Ship Adventures (Small Cruise Lines)

Grande Caribe last position

Grande Caribe last location was at US East Coast (coordinates 41.72397 N / -71.28611 W) cruising en route to WARREN RI. The AIS position was reported 4 years ago.

Specifications of Grande Caribe

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Grande Caribe Review

Review of grande caribe.

MV Grande Caribe cruise ship was launched in 1997 as a USA-built and flagged passenger ship with max capacity 118 people. The vessel is owned and operated by the US travel company "Blount Small Ship Adventures" and was specifically designed for coastal and river cruising.

Just like the sistership Grande Mariner , Caribe features a retractable pilothouse (navigation bridge) which allows passing under low bridges. The ship's shallow draft (just 2 m / 6 ft) allows it to operate on canal and river cruises, as well as near-shore cruising expeditions.

The vessel (IMO number 8978631) is currently USA- flagged (MMSI 369023000).

Decks and cabins

Grande Caribe passenger staterooms as sizes range between 70-95 ft2 (7-9 m2). They are in two types - inside and outside. The cheapest are interior cabins with a double bed. Outside (oceanview) staterooms are with either portholes or opening windows.

Some cabins open to the deck's central corridor or on the Promenade Deck (outdoor deck space).

The boat has 4 decks and is fully air-conditioned.

Shipboard facilities

The cruise ship features an underwater camera, aft-located swimming platform (for deploying watersports equipment), bow ramp (for beach landings), observation lounge (with single-seating capacity) and dining room restaurant (single-seating capacity, open-seating arrangement, serving all meals). Food is traditional American fare, with special dishes in the menu reflecting the itinerary's ports of call. Various dietary restrictions can be easily accommodated upon request.

The open-air sun deck has shaded seating and is furnished with 4-seat tables and deckchairs. The stairway connecting the dining room with the above decks has a stair lift assisting disabled passengers.

Blount's small ship cruising experience emphases on sightseeing, socializing and (itinerary depending) leisure activities, such as sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming, glass-bottom boating. Evening lounge entertainment is usually a themed lecture, followed by reading, watching movies and videos, playing cards. In some call ports, the ship is boarded by guest entertainers and music bands for live performances.

Itineraries

The ship's flat-bottomed hull is the reason for the relatively uncomfortable motion in rough waters. This is why most Grande Caribe cruise itineraries are on routes in protected waters - Great Lakes, inland waterways and harbours (during summer and fall). Departures are offered from Boston MA , Chicago IL , NYC New York , Rockland ME and Warren RI (Rhode Island) .

Blount cruise deals

Blount Small Ship Adventures Grande Caribe ship cruise deals are inclusive of:

• shipboard accommodations and all meals
• open bar cocktail hour, 2 formal dinners (Captain's Welcome and Farewell)
• 24-hour complimentary beverages (tea, coffee, juices, mixers, soft drinks, mineral water) and snacks
• onboard enrichment program (including activity workshops, themed lectures, video presentations, music parties)
• complimentary beer and wine (with all lunches and dinners)
• Shore excursions are at additional cost. They can be booked onboard or as pre-purchased package deals.

Passengers are allowed to bring their own bottled alcohol (wine and spirits) on the ship, which is an unusual policy, especially on smaller cruise ships.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Grande Caribe - user reviews and comments

Grande caribe ship related cruise news.

Blount Small Ship Adventures suspends cruise ship operations

The family-owned small cruise company Blount Small Ship Adventures permanently shut down because of the pandemic. The Rhode Island-based company...

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Other Blount Small Ship Adventures cruise ships

• Grande Mariner

High winds strand 2 cruise ships in Elliott Bay

by Gabe Katzman, KOMO News Staff

SEATTLE — A large cruise ship was stranded in Elliott Bay for hours due to high winds, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

As Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas came in to make its approach, strong winds forced the vessel to wait until available tugboats could help, according to Puget Sound Pilots (PSP).

The vessel was waiting for an extra tug, said Petty Officer Steven Strohmeyer with the USCG District 13 Public Affairs Office.

Before helping to bring in the cruise ship, PSP President Ivan Carlson said tugboats first had to move a fish processor farther south.

RELATED | Thousands without power across western Washington Monday morning

Carlson said tugboats had moved the other vessel, freeing up the small boats to move the Quantum of the Seas. KOMO News' tower camera showed what appeared to be tugboats near the cruise ship at 11:30 a.m.

The cruise ship finally appeared to dock successfully by 1:30 p.m.

"Due to high winds, Quantum of the Seas is delayed in returning to port," a spokesperson with Royal Caribbean told KOMO News. "We're closely monitoring the weather and are communicating updates directly to our guests."

Royal Caribbean also said the ship was waiting for better weather to berth out of an abundance of caution.

Peter McGraw with the Port of Seattle said access had not yet been granted to the terminal because the situation was still developing.

Abdul Ali, a driver waiting in the cell phone lot to pick up passengers from Quantum of the Sea, called the situation frustrating.

“Yes, we've been waiting almost four hours, five hours so far, and everything is kind of backed up right now. A lot of people are missing their flights,” Ali said. “They were saying there's a wind going on, and that's why they could not make it to the dock."

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a wind advisory that is in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday for portions of western Washington, including Elliott Bay. The NWS said the region could see gusts up to 40 mph.

Strohmeyer told KOMO News two tugboats usually bring in cruise ships, with one at the bow of the ship and one at the stern. But large container ships, Strohmeyer said, sometimes require three tugboats to dock.

The Quantum of the Seas vessel holds more than 4,900 passengers and is typically used to take passengers on week-long trips between Seattle and Alaska, according to the company's website .

The ship is more than 1,100 feet long and almost 150 feet wide, according to VesselFinder .

Another passenger ship, the MS Roald Amundsen, also appears to be stranded in Elliott Bay. The vessel, owned by Hurtigruten Expeditions, is nearly 460 feet long and holds more than 1,000 passengers .

VesselFinder reported the Quantum of the Seas arrived in Elliott Bay a little after 5 a.m. Monday.

"The mission of the Pilots is to ensure against the loss of lives, loss of or damage to property and vessels, and to protect the marine environment by maintaining efficient and competent pilotage service on our State’s inland waters within the Puget Sound Pilotage District," according to the PSP website .

The Quantum of the Seas won Best New Cruise Ship in the 2015 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

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Caribbean & Central America Cruises

Celebrate the diverse cultural heritage—British, Mayan, Spanish, Taíno, African, Emberá—of the Caribbean and Central America, in ports from San Juan to Colón. Gain an intimate view through carefully curated itineraries, more time in port and enriching excursions on land and sea.

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Highlights of caribbean & central america cruises.

Viking reveals the unmatched cultural diversity and magnificent beauty of the Caribbean and Central America. You may even learn about the impressive engineering behind the 48-mile-long Panama Canal. Here is a preview of the experiences you will enjoy in this lively region:

• Delicious, rare Antiguan black pineapple
• Soaring pyramids and temples of Chichén Itzá
• Colorful Caribbean marine life by snorkel, scuba or kayak
• Local aged rum from Barbados and Jamaica
• Lush, picturesque rainforests of Costa Rica
• Distinctive blue  adoquin  cobblestone of Old San Juan
• Natural wonders inside Bridgetown’s Harrison’s Cave
• Fascinating Mayan ruins at Belize’s Altun Ha
• Deep sea sportfishing for the catch of the day
• St. Lucia’s famed pair of volcanic pylons, Gros and Petit Pitons

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Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
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• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
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• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
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Viking Expeditions

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