Cruise Ship Classifications

In general, cruise ships can be classified into seven categories. Within each category you can select from a variety of options to aid in your cruising experience.

Each category is listed below along with a summary description.  We have also listed the most popular cruise lines and ships for each category as determined by past client requests. This does not preclude other significant cruise offerings of which there are many.

Popular or Major Market Ships

This covers larger ships which are more heavily advertised and popular with people of all ages. These ships offer casinos, large pool facilities, on board health clubs, spas and Las Vegas style entertainment. Children’s programs are also part of the package. Most offer itineraries all over the world. They may carry as many as 5,400 passengers and have a dress code. The most popular cruise lines in this category are:

• Princess
• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Norwegian Cruise Lines

Upscale Cruise Lines

The upscale cruise lines offer ships that are a cut above the mass market ships. They range in size from under 1000 to 3000 tons and offer a higher ratio of crew to guest. There is a greater emphasis on gourmet dining with culinary centers, specialty restaurants, wine pairing, celebrity chefs and cooking classes. Guests will find more upscale amenities including terrycloth robes and name-brand bath products. Activities include more cultural programs. Upscale Cruise Lines have a dress code similar to the Popular Market. They also offer a variety of programs but children’s programs are not as extensive as the Popular Market Ships.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line

Premium Cruise Lines

Premium cruise ships are smaller (between 670 and 1250 passengers) and have a higher ratio of crew to guest (generally 1:2). Such ships offer casinos, pool facilities, entertainments and essentially the same amenities as the Popular ships, but they are presented as a more upscale experience. Dress codes are “country club casual”. Varying itineraries are offered to most parts of the world and ships tend to spend more time in each port with 1 or 2 overnights in places to allow guests a more in-depth experience of the region. Such items as specialty coffees, bottled water for shore excursions and soft drinks are included. Emphasis is on fine dining and wine. Depending upon the line and the sailing, the price of accommodations may include gratuities and/or alcoholic drinks. Entertainment is on a smaller scale, and more cultural programs are offered, than the Popular and Premium Lines. This unstructured style of cruising is not oriented towards children. These lines offer no children’s programs or staff to supervise children.

• Oceania
• Azamara

Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise ships offer a more intimate experience and the highest crew to guest ratio. You will find both small and large ships in this category ranging from the 110 passenger Sea Dream Yacht Club to the 1080 passenger Crystal Serenity. These lines offer luxury cabin décor and amenities, more cultural experiences both on the ship and on shore excursions. They also offer more inclusions, which will vary from line to line. Some are all inclusive, others offer gratuities or wine and beer. Other lines includes spirits as well. Some lines offer alcohol at lunch and dinner, while others offer it throughout the ship. Casinos and entertainment are part of the agenda but on a scaled down level from the big ships. Dress codes may vary with the itinerary but are becoming more relaxed on many of the ships. Luxury lines emphasize pampering, haute cuisine, fine wines, creature comforts and a more relaxed experience. Guest Lecturers are very popular. Wine and food sailings are also popular with celebrity chefs and wine pairings. Luxury cruise ships do not normally attract children. However, during the holidays and summer vacations, you may find families travelling with children. Children’s programs during these times, vary from line to line.

• Crystal Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Ships
• Sea Dream Yacht Club
• Silver Sea Cruises

Sailing Ships

Casual luxury is the best way to describe this group of small ships (150-312 passengers). The average age of a passenger is 45-60, yet these yacht like ships are popular with young honeymooners. They attract a group of people seeking a true sailing experience. These ships may offer a small casino but lavish shows are not their style. The dress code is relaxed. The emphasis is on sailing, water sports and port of call. The sailing ships tend to visit more exotic ports as they can dock where larger ships cannot. Fine cuisine and great service are part of the package. Some of the ships offer spas. Sailing ships tend to get a large percentage of repeat passengers. Children are not encouraged on these yachts and these is no staff to supervise them.

• Windstar
• Star Clippers
• Sea Cloud

Adventure and Expeditions Cruises

Here the emphasis is on the experience rather than luxury. Service is good but no casinos, shows, spas or cooking lessons. The ships are small enough to get into ports without the use of a tender. Cabin size is basic. Capacity can range from 50 to 125 passengers. Zodiacs are used to get close to nature and shore excursions are usually included in the price. The quality of the guides is key in these exotic ports. Popular ports are Alaska, Galapagos, Antarctica, South America and the South Pacific. Such ships have a loyal following among people who like off-the-beaten-path excursions among the most unique islands in the world.

• Celebrity Xpedition
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Clipper Cruise Lines
• Galapagos Explorer II
• Isabela II
• Santa Cruz

River Cruises

These 50-300 passenger ships provide easy access to city centers. Sail directly to the heart of every destination and dock in the middle of town. Walk right off the ship and join the day’s activities. You spend less time getting there—and more time being there. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel from city to city. And, river cruise vessels keep moving, so you see new vistas and explore new destinations throughout the day, every day. The ships often travel at night, so you can wake up in an exciting new place each morning, with no effort on your part. You can cruise the rivers of America, Europe, China, Russia, Egypt, and more. Some of the more popular lines are:

• AMA Waterways
• American Cruise Lines
• Avalon Waterways
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Viking River Cruises