While on my first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, I overheard two passengers chatting. One exclaimed, “You know, I haven’t even seen the ocean yet!”
For some, massive ships like the Oasis — large enough to hold five Titanics — are the ultimate way to explore the ocean. Others might prefer a cozier, more intimate sailing experience, or something in between. Either way, when you factor in the costs of lodging, meals, and transportation, cruising is by far the most economical way to travel the world in comfort, even with a family. And since cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, if you scan the horizon long enough, you’re sure to find one that’s just right for you. To help you choose, here’s a comparison of different ship sizes.
Navigate the Options: Mini, Midsize & Mega Cruise Ship Comparison
| Mini Ships (River Cruises) |
Midsize Ships (Traditional Cruises) |
Mega Ships (WOW Cruises) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Fewer than 1,200 passengers and river ships | 1,000–2,500 passengers | 2,500–6,000 passengers |
| Target Travelers | Sophisticated vacationers and couples who enjoy a relaxed, crowd-free experience. River lines often offer great deals on air-inclusive fares. | A good value for travelers who want classic cruise amenities. Some premium midsize ships carry fewer passengers for better service—expect prices starting around $300/day on luxury lines like Crystal Serenity. | Primarily families, but these ships cater to everyone with activities for all ages. |
| Entertainment | Small ships feature intimate theaters or cabaret shows. Riverboats often showcase local performers, and European river cruises typically include shore excursions in the fare—a major perk. | Entertainment is more modest: Think cozy venues similar to Las Vegas lounges rather than Broadway-scale productions. | Expect grand theaters with Broadway-style shows like *Chicago* or *Hairspray*. Some ships even feature planetarium shows or world-class art exhibits. |
| Pools | Small ocean ships often have one elegant pool; river ships may offer a hot tub. | Usually feature more than one pool, but they’re smaller and busier. | Enjoy a wide choice—most megaships offer two to five pools. |
| Cabins | Ocean miniships have standard cabins; newer riverboats use design tricks like sliding glass doors for mini-balconies. Luxury lines like Uniworld offer staterooms styled to each destination’s unique story. | Most midsize ships have retrofitted balcony cabins. Cabins are comfortable but not much larger than standard ones. | Cabins are similarly sized, but outside cabins usually include balconies or large windows. Some lines, like Disney, feature “virtual portholes” projecting real-time views for inside cabins. |
| Dining | Some ocean miniships boast world-class dining. Riverboats’ limited kitchen space often means simpler fare—exploring local restaurants ashore can be the highlight. | Multiple dining spots, from formal restaurants to buffets with linen service. Variety improves with ship size and class. | Megaships offer countless dining venues—from buffets to specialty restaurants created by Michelin-star chefs. Expect gourmet options at reasonable surcharges. |
| Destinations | Sail Europe, Asia, or Africa’s rivers with lines like Avalon, Uniworld, or Viking. In the U.S., options include the American Queen Steamboat and American Cruise Line. | These ships can travel almost anywhere—from Bora-Bora to the St. Lawrence River. | Due to their size, megaships visit major ports with robust facilities, like the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. |
| Your Cruise, Your Way! Contact Us to Discover the Best Ship Size for Your Adventure | |||
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