Initially, for their value river cruises, Viking has steadily expanded its fleet of ocean-going ships, maintaining the same high standards of service and sophistication.

Unlike other cruise lines that rapidly expand their fleets, Viking has taken a more measured approach, focusing on quality over quantity. This strategy has allowed Viking to offer a unique and consistent experience across its ocean-going ships.

What makes Viking Cruise Ships Different?

Viking cruise ships stand out because they focus on giving passengers intimate experiences. Unlike many big cruise ships, Viking ships are smaller, carrying only about 930 guests, so they never feel too crowded. The ships are designed with many open spaces, stylish interiors, and plenty of relaxing places.

Viking also offers exciting shore excursions that let passengers explore and learn about the places they visit. Plus, there are no kids’ activities or casinos, so the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, perfect for adults who want a relaxing and enriching cruise experience.

New Viking Ships on Order

Where Do Viking Ocean Cruise Ships Sail?

Viking cruises all over the globe. Passengers can explore Norway’s stunning fjords, soak up the sun in the Mediterranean, or discover the rich history of the Baltic Sea and the Caribbean. In the summer months, Viking also offers cruises to Southeast Alaska.

The combination of England’s 19th-century elegance and the innovations of the 21st century made P&O Cruises UK a popular choice for both young and old.

Their expansive fleet of ships resembles luxurious floating resorts, voyaging from Southampton to captivating destinations. Envision yourself basking in the Mediterranean sun, unwinding on Caribbean beaches, or exploring fascinating locales like Norway.

P&O Cruises UK should not be confused with P&O Cruises Australia, which announced in June 2024 that Carnival Cruise Line would absorb them.

5 Classes of P&O Cruises UK

The ships of P&O Cruises UK are divided into five classes, each filled with varying amenities.

We’ve listed all the ships in the P&O Cruises fleet in the UK and organized them from largest to smallest by gross registered tonnage, along with some basic information about the ships.

MS Arvia

What makes this ship notable? Arvia is the largest ship in the fleet, boasting an impressive 184,700 gross tons. Its LNG-powered engine sets this ship apart, marking a significant step towards environmental friendliness.

Key Features: Amber Lounge, Anderson’s Bar, Brodie’s Pub, Cellar Door, Crystal Bar, Infinity Pool Bar, Casino, Headliner’s Theatre, Ocean Studio, SkyDome, The Club House, Scene, Scubas (The Reef), Splahsers, Surfers, The Night Nursery, Atrium, The Ivory Suite, The Avenues Shopping, Oasis Spa, Altitude Minigolf, and Altitude Skywalk

MS Iona

What makes this ship notable? Iona, launched in 2021, was the largest ship for the British Market before Arvia was launched in 2022. Initially scheduled for a 2020 maiden voyage, the ship was delayed for over a year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the first P&O Cruises Excellence-class ship, Iona prioritizes modern design and guest experiences. Notably, it boasts the first onboard gin distillery for P&O Cruises.

Key Features: Anderson’s, Beachcombers Bar, Brodie’s, Crystal Bar, Emerald Bar, Infiniti Bar, Oasis Spa, Sindhu Bar, The 710 Club, The Limelight Club, Casino, Headliners Theater, Ocean Studios, The Reef, Beachcombers Pool, Skydome Pool, Whirlpool, The Avenues Shopping, Oasis Gym, and Golf Nets

MV Britannia

What makes this ship notable? Britannia is the only ship in P&O’s Royal Class (the same platform as Princess Cruises’ Royal Class). The ship focuses on a more upmarket feel and offers a luxurious hotel-like atmosphere. Britannia also has the world’s longest seagoing Union Jack on its bow, symbolizing British Heritage. The ship was also christened by Queen Elizabeth II in a grand ceremony in 2015.

Key Features: Horizon Restaurant, Meridian Restaurant, Oriental Restaurant, Peninsular Restaurant, Poolside Pizzeria, Java Cafe, Lido Grill, Sindhu, The Beach House, The Market Cafe, Blue Bar, Brodie’s, Crystal Room Bar, Riviera Bar, Casino, Atrium, Headliners Theater, The Cookery Club, The Crow’s Nest, The Limelight Club, Children’s Play Area, H20 Club, Scubas Club, Nursery Under 2’s. Surfers Club, Splashers

MV Ventura

What makes this ship notable? With the launch of Ventura, P&O Cruises UK witnessed a significant shift in cruise ship design. The ships evolved to a larger and more contemporary style, particularly noticeable in the expansion of the kids’ club. This enhancement offers an array of amenities and activities catering to various age groups.

Key Features: Bay Tree Restaurant, Cinnamon Restaurant, Saffron Restaurant, The White Room, Waterside, The Beach House, Breakers Bar, Beachcomber Bar, Laguna Bar, Metropolis, Tamarind Club, The Exchange, Fortunes Casino, Arena Theater, Atrium, Havana, Decibels, Jumping Jacks, The Reef, Toybox, Chapter One, Cirque Ventura, Eternity, Essence, Regalia, Emporium, The Wardrobe, and Oasis Spa & Health Club

MS Azura

What makes this ship notable? Azura, launched in 2010 following the success of Ventura, incorporates many of the features and innovations of its predecessor. Like Ventura, the ship prioritizes family-friendly activities, boasting expansive kids’ clubs with tailored activities for various age groups.

Key Features: Meridian Restaurant, The Oriental Restaurant, The Peninsular Restaurant, Venezia, Verona, The Epicurean, Sindhu, The Glass House, Aqua Bar, Blue Bar, Breaker’s Bar, Brodie’s, Coral Bar, Casino, Game On!, Atrium, Malabar, Manhattan, SeaScree Open Air Cinema, The Playhouse Theater, H2O Children’s Club, Scubas, The Sea Bed, and the Karmala Room

MV Arcadia

What makes this ship notable? Arcadia presents a more traditional aesthetic, making it a favored option for passengers seeking a classic cruise. Distinguished from other P&O ships, Arcadia caters to adults, providing a serene and more sophisticated experience.

Key Features: Belvedere Buffet, Caffe Vivo, Meridian Restaurant, Neptune Grill, Sindhu, Aquarius Bar, Brodie’s, East Bar, Intermezzo, Spinnaker Bar, The Rising Sun, Monte Carlo Casino, Atrium, Horizon, The Globe, The Palladium, The Screening Room, Aquarius Pool, Art Gallery, Emporium, and Piccadilly

MV Aurora

What makes this ship notable? Aurora is one of the oldest ships in P&O’s fleet. Along with Arcadia, it is one of the two adult-only vessels in the fleet. Like Arcadia, Aurora offers a traditional and classic aesthetic to the passengers, giving a touch of nostalgia.

Key Features: Alexandria Restaurant, Cafe Bordeaux, Horizon Buffet, Lido Grill, Sindhu, The Glass House, Champion’s, Charlie’s, Raffles, Terrace Bar, Monte Carlo Casino, Vanderbilt’s, Masquerade, The Crow’s Nest, The Curzon Theater, The Playhouse Cinema, Crystal pool, and Emporium

P&O Cruises Australia offers a range of cruises, from brief getaways to voyages through the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea.

P&O Cruises Australia Ships

P&O Cruises Australia keeps things simple with its fleet of three ships under two classes. All three of its ships previously belonged with Princess Cruises.

We’ve compiled an overview of all ships in the P&O Fleet in Australia, organized by gross registered tonnage from largest to smallest.

Pacific Encounter

What makes this ship notable? The Pacific Encounter is a Panamax-sized cruise ship capable of navigating the Panama Canal. It was originally built for Princess Cruises in 2002 and was known as the Star Princess. In 2020, it was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia.

Key Features: Waterfront Restaurant, The Pantry, Luke Mangan’s Salt Bar & Grill, Angelo’s, Marquee Theatre, Black Circus, Twin Racer Waterslides, The Bonded Store, four swimming pools, jacuzzi, 400 Gradi, Casino, Gym, Spa, and Byron Beach Club.

Pacific Adventure

What makes this ship notable? The Pacific Adventure is a Grand-class ship initially built for Princess Cruises. It was launched in 2001 as the Golden Princess and sailed on seven continents during its tenure with Princess. In 2017, it was announced that it would be transferred to P&O Cruises Australia. It’s a permanent fixture in the Sydney cruise market.

Key Features: 400 Gradi, Waterfront Restaurant, Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, The Pantry, Luke’s Bar & Grill, Shell & Bones, Gradi Pronto, Luke’s Burger Bar, Lilly’s, Charlie’s Bar, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, thermal suite, Spa treatments, Gym, Aqua Fitness, Marquee Theatre, and Black Circus

Pacific Explorer

What makes this ship notable? Despite being the smallest in the fleet, Pacific Explorer is the flagship vessel of P&O Cruises Australia. Previously Dawn Princess for 20 years, Pacific Explorer was the first cruise ship to dock at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal in 2022.

Key Features: Waterfront Restaurant, Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, 400 Gradi, The Pantry, Shell & Bones, The Lobby, Luke’s, Charlie’s Bar, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Lawn Bowling, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, thermal suite, Spa treatments, Gym, Aqua Fitness, Marquee Theatre, Blue Room, Casino Bar, and Black Circus

Oceania Cruises offers a fleet of seven intimate and elegant ships, each catering to a slightly different travel style. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, an Oceania vessel is perfect for you.

Oceania Cruise Ships Listed by Size

In this article, we’ve organized all of the Oceania Cruises cruise ships by size from smallest to largest and included statistics and highlights for each ship.

Oceania Insignia

Key Features: Grand Dining, Polo Grill, Terrace Café, Toscana, Waves Grill, Grand Bar, Horizon’s Lounge, Martinis, Boutique, Library, Oceania @ Sea, The Patio, Steam Room, and Styling Salon

Oceania Nautica

Key Features: Afternoon Tea, Baristas, Polo Grill, Terrace Café, The Grand Dining, Toscana, Waves Grill, Horizon’s Lounge, Martinis, The Grand Bar, Oceania @ Sea Internet Center, The Patio, Steam Room, and Styling Salon

Oceania Regatta

Key Features: Polo Grill, Terrace Café, The Grand Dining Room, Toscana, Waves Grill, Grand Bar, Horizon’s Lounge, Martinis, The Patio, Boutique, Library, Oceania @ Sea, Steam Room, Spa, and Styling Salon

Oceania Sirena

Key Features: Afternoon Tea, Baristas, Jacques Bistro, Red Ginger, Terrace Café, The Grand Dining Room, Tuscan Steak, Waves Grill, Horizons, Martinis, The Grand Bar, The Lounge, Activities Center, and Fitness Track

Oceania Marina

Key Features: Jacques, Afternoon Tea, Baristas, La Reserve, Polo Grill, Privee, Red Ginger, Terrace Café, The Grand Dining, Toscana, Waves Grill, Casino Bar, Grand Bar, Martinis, Wave Bar, Casino, Artist Loft, Horizons, Marina Lounge, Culinary Center, Oceania @ Sea, Sanctuary, Jacuzzi, Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, and Sports Deck

Oceania Riviera

Key Features: Jacques, Privee, Baristas, Grand Dining Room, La Reserve, Polo Grill, Red Ginger, Terrace Café, Toscana, Waves Grill, Casino Bar, Grand Bar, Martinis, Waves Bar, Casino, Artist Loft, Horizons, Riviera Lounge, Patio, Oceania @ Sea, Board Room, Sanctuary, Boutique, Activities Court, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Fitness Center, and Styling Salon

Oceania Vista

Key Features: Aquamar Kitchen, Baristas, Ember, Polo Grill, Privee, Red Ginger, Terrace Café, The Culinary Center, The Grand Dining Room, Toscana, Waves Grill, Casino Bar, Executive Lounge, Horizons, Martini’s, The Grand Lounge, Waves Bar, Artist Loft, Vista Lounge, LYNC Digital Center, Aquamar Spa: Pool, Duty-Free on Board, Aquamar Spa, Croquet/Bocce, Golf Putting Greens, Paddle Tennis, and Shuffleboard

RELATED: Regent Seven Seas Cruises — Ships by Size

Their fleet of ships are newer compared to today’s standards, with the oldest ship, Costa Fortuna, launched in 2003, and their latest ship, Costa Toscana, was launched in 2021. They have two ships powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).

Though rarely sailing through North America, the Costa Cruises made headlines across the globe when Costa Concordia attempted a sail-by salute past the island of Giglio, hit a rock, and laid the vessel on its side, drowning 32 people.

Three Costa ships were offloaded to Carnival Cruise Line and renamed Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Firenze, and Carnival Venezia.

Costa Cruise Ships by Size

Let’s look at Costa’s cruise ships by size from largest to smallest.

Costa Toscana

What makes this ship notable? This was the second ship to be powered by LNG and was one of the first Costa ships to complete the installation of Starlink high-speed internet.

Features: La Maremma, L’Oliveto, Il Vigneto Osteria, La Sagra Dei Sapori Buffet, Pummid’Oro Pizzeria, Sushino, Heineken Star Club & Bistro, Sole Mio Wellness Area, Pools and Jacuzzis, Gym, Sports Complex, Caffè Vergnano 1882, Campari Bar, Aperol Spritz Bars, Ferrari Spazio Bollicine, and Kartell Cafè

Costa Smeralda

What makes this ship notable? This was the first Costa ship powered by liquified natural gas. The design and theme of the ship are inspired by Italian culture, even featuring the Costa Design Collection Museum.

Features: La Colombina, Arlecchino, Il Meneghino, Il Rugantino, Tutti a Tavola, Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, La Sagra dei Sapori Buffet, Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant, Ristorante LAB, Bellavista Club Restaurant, Panorama Elite Restaurant, Pools and Jacuzzis, Spa, The Colosseo, Bars and Lounges, The Fortuna Casino, Gym, Jogging Track, and Solarium

Costa Diadema

What makes this ship notable? Costa Diadema was the first ship in the industry to introduce a guest-relations robot, which can speak in three languages – Italian, French, and English. It was also one of the first ships in the world to offer mozzarella cheese made on board.

Features: Corona Blu Buffet Restaurant, Teppanyaki Restaurant, Emerald Theater, 4D Cinema, Star Laser, Grand Prix race car-driving simulator, Country Rock Club, Pietra di Luna Disco, Golden Jubilee Casino, Eliodoro Bar, Grand Bar Orlov, Stella del Sud pool, Squok Club, Sun decks, The Samsara Spa, The Winter Garden, and TeenZone

Costa Pacifica

What makes this ship notable? Costa Pacifica is a music-themed ship designed by cruise ship architect Joseph Farcus.

It is also the first cruise ship in the world to offer a real recording studio. Passengers can belt out their favorite songs and record them as a souvenir.

Features: Restaurant Buffet Bel Horizon, Restaurant Buffet Metropolitano, Club Restaurant, Samsara Pizza, Teppanyaki Restaurant, The Pizzeria, Swimming pools and Jacuzzis, The Samsara Spa, The gym, The casino, The theater, Disco, the library, and the Internet Cafe

Costa Serena

What makes this ship notable? Greek and Roman Mythology heavily influenced Costa Serena. It has a nine-deck Pantheon Atrium and public areas named after deities like Mercury, Jupiter, Apollo, and more.

Features: Club Restaurant, Samsara Restaurant, Tivoli Buffet, Apollo Grand Bar, Atrium Bar, Mercurio Lounge, Londen Lounge, Casino, Art Gallery, Atrium, Card Room, Library, Solarium, Theater, Arcade, Squok Club, Chapel, Excursion office, Internet Center, Lido Pool area, Pool, Beauty Salon, Centro Benessere Samsara, Spa/Health Club, Jogging Track and Sports Area

Costa Fascinosa

What makes this ship notable? The most notable feature of Costa Fascinosa is its Holywood Theme. The ship’s design is based on legendary actors, iconic films, and famous directors. The public areas are mostly named after movies and Holywood stars.

Features: Tulipano Nero Buffet Restaurant, Ristorante Otto e Mezzo, Ristorante il Gattopardo, Pizzeria, Samsara Restaurant, Club Fascinosa, Pools and Jacuzzis, Topkapi Grand Bar, Classico Malia Bar, Blue Velvet Piano Bar, Scuderia Costa Bar, Theater, Casino, Spa and Wellness Center, Gym, and Solarium

Costa Favolosa

What makes this ship notable? Costa said that the ship’s name came from the Italian word “Favola”, which means Fairy. It doesn’t have a themed design, but more than 400 original artworks decorate the ship.

Features: Duca di Borgogna Restaurant, Club Favolosa Restaurant, Ca d’Oro Buffet Restaurant, Samsara Restaurant, Samsara Spa, Theatrone, Grand Prix Simulator, Pool Area, Squok Club, Teen Zone, Casino, and Dolce Vita Shops

Costa Fortuna

What makes this ship notable? Costa Fortuna’s interior design was a tribute to the grand transatlantic liners of the early 20th century. The art deco details and vintage travel posters will bring you back in time.

Features: Atrium Bar, Augustus Lounge, Classico Roma Bar, Conte Di Savoia Grand Bar, Conte Verde Lounge, Leonardo Da Vinci Lounge, Solarium Bar, Vulcania Disco, Neptunia Casino, Art Gallery, Atrium, Card Room, Library, Rex Theater, Solarium, Arcade, Internet center, Barcelona Pool, Beauty Salon, Spa/Health Club, Jogging Track, and Sports Area

Costa Deliziosa

What makes this ship notable? Despite its size, Costa Deliziosa was created with Panamax maneuverability in mind. It allows for more diverse itineraries than much larger ships that can’t navigate the Panama Canal.

Features: Aperol Spritz Bar, Atrium Bar, Bar Delle Delizie, Bar Vanilla & Lounge Vanilla, Piano Bar, Pool Bar, Cigar Lounge, Casino, Art Gallery, Card Room, Cinema, Grand Prix Racecar Simulator, Library, Theater, Squok Club, Arcade, Teen’s Zone, Chapel, Internet Center, Lido Acqua Regina Pool, Beauty Salon, Spa/Health Club, Yoga Area, Sports Area, and Virtual Golf

Costa Cruises was not immune to ships being sold during the cruise industry shutdown, as Carnival Corporation offloaded a couple of its older ships to raise money to remain operational.

While the operator running the Margaritaville cruise brand has a checkered operational past, the line is heading in the right direction thanks to new investments and partnerships.

In late 2021, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced they would undergo a rebrand to Margaritaville at Sea, initially converting the Grand Classica to the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.

And they went all-in on the branding. The staterooms have a tropical flare. The food venues are inspired by the late Jimmy Buffett and Caribbean cuisine— and the bars are essentially a Margaritaville at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Ships by Size

Margaritaville at Sea Islander

Those familiar with Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit-class ships will not have difficulty navigating the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The ship was built on the same platform as Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Legend.

Islander was operated under Costa Cruises for most of its service life; it was transferred to Carnival’s Chinese entity, where it never entered service. It was eventually sold to Paradise Cruise Lines (operator of the Margaritaville at Sea brand).

In early 2024, it entered a dry dock in Belfast, Ireland, for multimillion-dollar renovation before operating Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa, Florida, this summer.

Itineraries: The ship will sail from Tampa, offering four and five-night cruises to Key West, Florida; Progresso, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico. It will also offer some one-off seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean in late 2025.

Features: Landshark Bar & Lookout, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Pool Deck & Live Music, The Tiki Bar & Pool, The Flip Flop Atrium, Holin’, Puttin’, Dinkin’ & Drinkin’, JWB Prime Steakhouse, The Far Side Teen Lounge, and Caribbean Amphibian Splash & Slide

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

Formerly, a cruise ship that belonged to Costa Cruises, named Costa Classica, entered service with Bahamas Paradise in 2018 under the name Grand Classica. It was the only ship that survived the cruise industry shutdown.

Itineraries: The ship operates two-night cruises between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas (Grand Bahama Island). Guests can also purchase extended stays on Freeport and take the overnight cruise back at a later date.

Features: Fins Dining Room, Port of Indecision Buffet, JWB Prime Steakhouse, Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, pool deck, live music, casino, St. Somewhere Spa & Salon, Mixology class, and The Fins Up! Fitness Center

Former Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Ships (Bahamas Paradise)

The cruise line also sailed two ships no longer with the company: Grand Celebration and the Bahamas Celebration. Both vessels were taken out of service because of different incidents.

Grand Celebration

This was the cruise ship that started it all with the brand until it was run aground in 2014. Carnival Cruise Line recently transferred their Holiday-class ship, MS Celebration, to Iberia Cruises, where it cruised until the brand was discontinued. It then was transferred to Costa Cruises for another refit.

A day before it was scheduled to enter service with Costa, it was announced that it was sold to an unannounced buyer. That unannounced buyer was Palm Beach-based Bahamas Paradise.

It sailed with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line from 2015 until the cruise industry shutdown. It was eventually sold for scrap metal in late 2020. It met the shores of Alang, India, for scrapping on January 4, 2021.

MS Bahamas Celebration

This former cruise ship sailed as a ferry in Norway from 1981 to 2008. It was acquired by Celebration Cruises in 2008 and entered service as Bahamas Celebration. It sailed from Palm Beach to Freeport, Bahamas, for eight years before it was taken out of service after running aground in 2014.

Fortunately, the accident happened 200 yards from the port, and the ship returned to Freeport to debark guests, but it would never re-enter service. It sat at the cruise pier for two months with a ten-degree list. The ship was eventually sold for scrap metal in 2015 and would arrive at the scrapyard that fall.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Ships Listed by Size

In this article, we’ve organized the Regent Seven Seas cruise ships by size from smallest to largest and included statistics and highlights for each ship.

Seven Seas Navigator

Key Features: Galileo’s, Navigator Lounge, Pool Bar, Seven Seas Lounge, Casino, Card Room, Boutiques, Canyon Ranch Spa, and Fitness Facilities

Seven Seas Voyager

Key Features: Connoisseur Club, Horizon Lounge, Pool Bar, Pool Deck, Voyager Lounge, The Casino, Constellation Theatre, Atrium, Card & Conference Room, Observation Lounge, Fitness Center, Jogging Track, Coffee Connection, Prime 7, Signatures Restaurant, and Sette Mari at La Veranda

Seven Seas Mariner

Key Features: Connoisseur Club, Horizon Lounge, Mariner Lounge, Stars Night Club, The Casino, Constellation Theatre, Atrium, Card & Conference Room, Observation Lounge, Garden Promenade, Coffee Connection, Compass Rose Restaurant, Prime 7, and Signatures Restaurant

Seven Seas Explorer

Key Features: Connoisseur Club, Meridian Lounge, Explorers Lounge, The Casino, Constellation Theatre, Observation Lounge, Canyon Ranch Spa, Fitness Centre, Chartreuse, La Veranda, Prime 7, Sette Mari, and The Cafe

Seven Seas Splendor

Key Features: Connoisseur Club, Splendor Lounge, Coffee Connection, Meridian Lounge, The Casino, Constellation Theatre, Atrium, Culinary Arts Kitchen, Infinity Pool and whirlpools, Serene Spa & Wellness, Sports Deck, Pacific Rim, Compass Rose, Chartreuse, La Veranda, and Prime 7

Seven Seas Grandeur

Just The Facts
Gross Tonnage:	55,254
Entered Service:	2023
Year Refurbished:	N/A
Passenger Count:	754 at double occupancy
Crew:	542

Key Features: Connoisseur Club, Grandeur Lounge, Coffee Connection, Meridian Lounge, Observation Lounge, The Casino, Constellation Theatre, Atrium, Cigar Bar, Culinary Arts Kitchen, Infinity Pool and whirlpools, Serene Spa & Wellness, Pacific Rim, Compass Rose, Chartreuse, La Veranda, and Prime 7

Regent Cruises Experiences Onboard

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an all-inclusive, luxury experience that provides guests with spacious and elegant accommodations, a wide array of dining options, diverse entertainment and activities, thoughtful wellness and leisure facilities, enriching programs, vibrant bars and lounges, and exclusive services.

Accommodations

Regent Seven Seas boasts all-suite accommodations that range from the spacious Penthouse Suite, equipped with refined amenities and butler service, to the Regent Suite, which includes furnishings and a personal car with a driver at most ports. Every suite offers an indulgent, upscale experience with attention to detail, providing a home away from home.

Dining Options

Various gourmet dining experiences are available onboard, from the flagship Compass Rose with its custom-designed menus to the Prime 7, a classic steakhouse offering prime cuts and seafood. 

La Veranda serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch, transitioning into Sette Mari at La Veranda in the evening, presenting exquisite Italian cuisine. 

Pacific Rim celebrates Asian flavors, while Chartreuse provides a French dining experience. For a more casual atmosphere, the Pool Grill is perfect for relaxed meals al fresco.

Entertainment and Activities

Regent Seven Seas Cruises are filled with possibilities, whether it’s a Broadway-caliber show in the evening, a round of golf at the golf net, or a challenging game of shuffleboard.

The Culinary Arts Kitchen offers cooking classes for gastronomic enthusiasts, while other guests can try their luck at the casino or enjoy a cigar in the sophisticated Connoisseur Club.

Wellness and Leisure

Onboard wellness amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tranquil spa with a full range of treatments, and a spacious pool deck for relaxation and sunbathing. Guests can also participate in wellness activities like yoga and Pilates or use Seven Seas Society savings on select wellness programs.

Enrichment Programs

Culturally enriching experiences are a cornerstone of the cruise, with expert lectures, educational workshops, and local performances that enhance the journey. In-depth explorations of destinations through these programs allow passengers to connect with the places they visit.

Bars and Lounges

Guests can savor various drinks at several bars and lounges across the ship. Each venue offers a unique ambiance, from the convivial atmosphere at the Observation Lounge to the relaxed café vibe at Coffee Connection. The onboard bars serve an extensive list of premium spirits, fine wines, and other refreshments, all included in the cruise fare.

Exclusive Services

Exceptional service is a hallmark of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This includes personal butler service for guests staying in higher-tier suites and access to exclusive events for members of the Seven Seas Society.

Now under the umbrella of Carnival Corporation, which also owns entities like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line, Cunard Line has embraced modernity while retaining its tradition. 

Cunard Line Ships Listed by Age

The table below shows the ship’s name, class, age, gross registered tonnage, and how many guests it carries at double occupancy.

Queen Anne

Cunard Line is renowned for its ocean liners, offering traditional transatlantic crossings, as well as exclusive voyages across the globe. Whether you prefer the latest technology of Queen Anne or the timeless elegance of Queen Mary 2, each Cunard ship has a unique personality of its own.

Key Features: Admiral’s Lounge, Churchill’s, Commodore Club and Bar, Empire Casino Bar, Midship’s Lounge, Queen’s Room, Royal Court Theatre, The Zone, Grand Lobby, Grills Terrace, Hydro Pool, Royal Arcade, and The Pavillion Wellness Studio

Queen Elizabeth

Key Features: Commodore Club, The Grills Lounge, Empire Casino, Britannia Club, Grand Lobby, Queen’s Room, Royal Court Theatre, The Play Zone, Admiral’s Lounge, Cunarders’ Gallery, Hydropool, Queen’s Arcade, and Royal Spa and Fitness Centre

Queen Victoria

Key Features: Commodore Club, Hemispheres, The Grills Lounge, Cunardia, Grand Lobby, Queen’s Room, Royal Court Theatre, Winter Garden, Yacht Club, Teen Zone, The Play Zone, Grills Terrace, Pavillion Pool, Royal Fitness Centre, and Royal Arcade

Queen Mary 2

Key Features: Champagne Bar, Chart Room, Commodore Club, Terrace Bar, Empire Casino, Queens Room, Atlantic Room, Deck Games, G32, Grand Lobby, Illuminations, Royal Court Theatre, The Play Zone, Winter Garden, Minnows Pool, Splash Pool, and Therapy Pool

Royal Caribean’s Symphony of the Seas is one of the world’s largest cruise ships and dwarfs the Titanic, yet the Titanic’s formidable ocean liner reputation still echoes throughout history. But our ambitious comparison doesn’t stop at the sheer size.

We’ll delve into the differences and similarities between the crew, perks, and—crucially—the precautions onboard each behemoth. 

Comparing the two Vessels

The Symphony of the Seas, a dazzling jewel in the Royal Caribbean crown, tips the scales at an impressive 228,081 gross tonnage, making her one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

There are five Royal Caribbean mega-ships: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. A sixth will debut in the summer of 2024 with Utopia of the Seas.

She measures 1,188 feet from bow to stern, rivaling some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

On the other hand, the Titanic, once Queen of the ocean, measured about 882 feet in length and 46,328 gross tonnage. A formidable presence in her time, she was one of the largest vessels of the early 20th century.

However, when we stack these two side-by-side, Symphony of the Seas takes the cake for sheer size. 

Crew and Passengers 

Let’s discuss the people on the ship. Like any city, every ship, regardless of size, has its own population. There are crew members and passengers, each with their own needs and expectations.

The Titanic could carry 2,435 passengers (between first, second, and third-class passengers), and you have quite a busy ship. Each class had designated areas onboard, which somewhat mirrored the societal norms of that era. 

In contrast, our modern-day titan, the Symphony of the Seas, has a crew of approximately 2,200. These folks are the heart and soul of the ship. They run the restaurants, keep the staterooms clean, and ensure everyone’s safe and sound on the high seas.

Unlike the Titanic, the Symphony of the Seas has a double occupancy capacity of 5,518 passengers and can accommodate up to 6,680 with all berths full.

Differences in societal norms and the evolution of cruise culture are evident in the distribution of passengers on Symphony.

While Titanic’s class segregation was more rigid, Symphony offers a wide range of accommodations – from budget-friendly staterooms to high-end luxury suites with ocean views.

Plus, the crew is more fully integrated with passengers, often joining in on the fun to create a more unified, inclusive atmosphere. 

So, whether you’re a passenger or crew member, one thing’s for sure: life at sea on these iconic vessels would be anything but dull.

Safety at Sea

On safety, one can’t help but point out the glaring differences between the Symphony of the Seas and the Titanic, primarily due to the advances made in maritime safety standards over the century that separates them. 

When the Titanic set sail in 1912, she was touted as virtually unsinkable because of the ship’s double bottom and 16 water-tight compartments. If the hull was pierced, it was believed that a maximum of two to four compartments could be flooded, still allowing the ship to stay afloat.

Also in her inventory were 20 lifeboats meant to ferry passengers to rescue vessels rather than keep them afloat indefinitely. However, these lifeboats could accommodate about half of the ship’s total capacity. 

If we jump forward to the 21st century, we have a ship like the Symphony of the Seas, a testament to modern nautical engineering and safety.

It has state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology, including radar, computerized weather tracking, and satellite communication. It’s built with the most up-to-date design and safety features.

Compartmentalization is still a safety feature, but it has been significantly advanced — the Symphony has a double-bottom like the Titanic but also has additional stability features, and a large proportion of the ship’s hull is water-tight. 

The life-saving equipment aboard the Symphony is also impressive. It’s stocked with enough lifeboats, liferafts, life jackets, and other safety gear to accommodate everyone on board, which far surpasses the Titanic regarding safety preparedness.

A comprehensive safety drill, known as a muster drill, is carried out before the ship even leaves port, preparing passengers and crew for a scenario where they must evacuate. 

The valuable lessons we have learned from the Titanic disaster are worth noting. The maritime safety measures have been significantly improved, making cruising one of the safest travel options available today.

Although modern cruising may have a shared history and lineage with the Titanic, safety at sea has come a long way since that era.

A Glance at Amenities

Let’s pivot and talk about the fun and exciting aspect of cruise ships – the amenities and activities on board. The Titanic, during her time, was known for its lavish interiors and luxurious amenities, while the Symphony of the Seas has truly raised the bar for onboard entertainment and recreation, making it an ocean-going city of fun.

When it came to dining, the Titanic was a class act, offering first-class passengers a selection of up to 13 courses in the evening. Can you believe it? And we’re not just talking mac ‘n cheese here. Oysters, lamb with mint sauce, and peaches in chartreuse jelly graced their extravagant menu.

On board the Symphony of the Seas, guests have a choice of 23 dining options, ranging from high-end dining at the Chef’s Table to quick bites at the Boardwalk Dog House.

Moving on to entertainment, the Titanic offered orchestral music, a reading and writing room for the ladies, and a smoking room for the gents.

All very impressive for 1912, but imagine trading that for Broadway-style shows, an open-air water theater, or robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar aboard the Symphony. Quite the leap.

The Turkish bath and squash court on the Titanic were some of the ship’s most notable features. Now, imagine this: zip lines, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, a full-scale basketball court, and not one, but two surf simulators. That’s what a day at sea looks like aboard the Symphony of the Seas.

Throughout history, every ship has brought its unique interpretation of cruising. The Titanic introduced a new level of extravagance and grandeur.

Today, the Symphony of the Seas boasts various incredible features that would have astonished Jack and Rose.

RELATED: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

Virgin Voyages stands out in the cruise industry because it is exclusively for adults and includes gratuities, wifi, and specialty dining in the cost of the cruise.

Virgin Voyages Ships Listed by Age

Virgin Voyages boasts a young and vibrant fleet, with three of its four ships launched within the past three years.

In 2020, Virgin Voyages launched its first ship, the Scarlet Lady. The vessel boasts a sophisticated design and offers a wide range of onboard amenities, which reflects the cruise line’s dedication to redefining the cruising experience.

In the years following the launch of its first ship, Virgin Voyages has expanded its fleet with the introduction of additional vessels.

The table below shows the ship’s name, class, age, gross registered tonnage, and how many guests it carries at double occupancy.

In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of all ships in the Virgin Voyages fleet, organized from newest to oldest, along with some key features.

Brilliant Lady

Virgin Voyages offers a range of experiences and amenities designed to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of its guests. Every aspect, from the state-of-the-art accommodations to the eco-friendly sustainability practices, is thoughtfully crafted.

Key Features: Draught Haus, On the Rocks, Richard’s Rooftop, Sun Club Bar, The Aquatic Club Bar, The Loose Cannon, The Arcade, The Groupie, High Street, Voyage Vinyl, The Athletic Club, The Tune Up, and Training Camp

Resilient Lady

Passengers can opt for a diverse range of restaurants and bars, each with its own unique ambiance and food. The dining options available vary from high-end cuisine to more casual eatery options, all while ensuring that the quality is not compromised in any way. Every meal is included in the cost of your cruise.

Key Features: Draught Haus, Grounds Club, On the Rocks, Sip Lounge, Sun Club Bar, The Aquatic Club Bar, The Arcade, The Groupie, I.V., Sailor Services, The Cabanas, High Street, Voyage Vinyl, The Athletic Club, and The Perch

Valiant Lady

Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of award-winning and diverse entertainment options to its guests. These options include live music, DJ sets, theater productions, and various other activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the daytime activities cater to both.

Key Features: Draught Haus, Grounds Club, On the Rocks, Gym & Tonic, Sip Lounge, Richard’s Rooftop, Sun Club Bar, The Aquatic Club Bar, The Dock Bar, The Arcade, The Groupie, Medical Center, Sailor Services, The Cabanas, High Street, Voyage Vinyl, The Athletic Club, and The Perch

Scarlet Lady

Key Features: Draught Haus, Grounds Club, On the Rocks, Gym & Tonic, Sip Lounge, Richard’s Rooftop, Sun Club Bar, The Aquatic Club Bar, The Dock Bar, SIP, The Casino, The Red Room, The Arcade, The Groupie, Sailor Services, The Cabanas, High Street, Voyage Vinyl, The Athletic Club, and The Perch