CRUISE LINES

So many ships, so little time... how do you decide which cruse line and ship to choose? Use the Cruise Line Profiles to get a flavor of what to anticipate and check the "Fleet Fun Facts" links to discover ship details.
What are your expectations?

Cruise lines fall into loose categories that are generally termed Mainstream, Premium, and Luxury. Learn what distinguishes them from one another and which fits your style.

This is a list of cruise lines, companies that operate cruise ships.

Norwegian Cruise Lines (Norwegian Star )
Choice is truly king when sailing with Norwegian Star. Launched in 2001 and built expressly for Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” format, Star offers choice at every turn: from swimming to eating to entertainment.

Royal Caribbean (Liberty of the Seas)
Liberty of the Seas, launched in May 2007, follows in the wake of its highly successful and nearly identical predecessor, Freedom of the Seas, both currently in the world’s-largest-ship category. This brand new Freedom-class ship weighs in at 160,000 tons and carries 3,600 plus passengers on 15 decks as it sails the Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Lines (Carnival Elation)
Elation—one of the newest ships in Carnival’s ever-popular Fantasy class—was launched in 1998. At 855 feet in length and 70,367 tons, it’s nearly identical to its sister ships, yet it retains a boisterous and laid-back attitude that is all its own.

Holland America Line (Eurodam)
As the largest ship in Holland America’s fleet, the Eurodam provides a plethora of onboard options for passengers. Launched July 2008, Eurodam debuts with maiden sailings in Europe, Canada, New England, and the Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises (Celebrity Infinity)
Launched in 2001, Infinity is a member of Celebrity’s Millenium class of cruise ships. The 965-foot, 91,000-ton behemoth, which cruises in Alaska, South America, and the Panama Canal, is capable of hosting 2,118 passengers in its 1,059 staterooms.

Norwegian Cruise Lines (Norwegian Spirit)
At 880 feet and 77,000 tons, Spirit is capable of hosting 1,966 passengers. While by no means the newest ship in Norwegian’s ever-expanding fleet, Spirit is loaded with 11 restaurants, nine bars and lounges, two swimming pools, and much more.

Holland America Line (Oosterdam)
Oosterdam was launched in 2003 as the second of Holland America’s 82,000-ton Vista-class ships. Gleaming even more after Signature of Excellence upgrades in 2006, it’s a great choice for the seasoned passenger loyal to Holland America, while modern enough to please any younger passengers who want to try out the line.

Carnival Cruise Lines (Carnival Paradise)

The youngest of Carnival’s ever-popular Fantasy class, Paradise launched in 1998 and is designed to make each of her guests feel like a star. At 855 feet in length, the ship has 1,026 renovated cabins, over half of which are Ocean View.

Royal Caribbean (Monarch of the Seas)
Monarch of the Seas, first launched in 1991, underwent extensive renovations in 2003 as a member of Royal Caribbean's trio of Sovereign Class ships. The 2,400-plus passengers, most of whom are under 40, on the 14-deck, 74,000-ton ship can now revel in a rock-climbing wall, Latin dance lounge, Asian-fusion restaurant, and disco.

Carnival Cruise Lines (Carnival Sensation)
Sensation underwent a significant refurbishment in 2006, and offers cruises in the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Cruises aboard Sensation tend to be short itinerary, high-energy affairs, with passengers looking to pack as much fun and revelry into a few days as possible.