Featured Ship Review
Celebrity Apex redefines modern luxury cruising with innovative spaces, exceptional dining, and a sophisticated onboard casino. This Edge-class ship focuses on outward-facing design and premium amenities, offering a refined atmosphere with a variety of table games and slots. It is ideal for travelers seeking a contemporary, upscale experience.
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A mega-ship known for its seven distinct neighborhoods, extensive entertainment, and family-friendly amenities. It offers a wide range of dining venues and activities, and its casino is large and lively with a dedicated poker room. Great for families and groups.
A modern ship with a focus on entertainment, including a race track, virtual reality, and a vibrant casino. It features the largest casino at sea (at launch), a variety of dining and bar options, and is popular with younger travelers and groups.
An iconic ocean liner offering a classic transatlantic experience with refined elegance and a traditional casino. Known for its formal atmosphere and heritage, the casino offers a sophisticated setting with classic games. Ideal for travelers seeking a traditional cruise experience.
Consider ship size, passenger capacity, onboard amenities, and itinerary to match your travel style. Large ships offer more activities and dining options; smaller ships provide a more intimate experience. Check the ship's age and recent refurbishments, and read reviews focusing on areas important to you such as cabins, dining, and casino.
Deck plans help you choose a cabin location and navigate the ship efficiently. Cabins near elevators may be noisy; cabins at the front or back may feel more motion. Check proximity to venues you plan to frequent, such as the casino, restaurants, and pool. Use deck plans to avoid cabins above or below noisy areas.
Pack for varied activities, formal nights, and practical needs like seasickness remedies and power adapters. Check the cruise line's dress code for formal nights and casino attire. Bring a power strip (non-surge) as cabins may have limited outlets, and pack layers for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces.
Deck plans are available on cruise line websites and in our ship reviews. They show the location of cabins, public areas, and amenities. Look for deck plans in PDF or interactive format. Our reviews include deck plan highlights for key areas like the casino and dining venues. Use deck plans to choose a cabin that suits your preferences.
Smaller ships with high-end amenities, personalized service, and refined casinos. Examples include Celebrity Apex and Queen Mary 2. They focus on fine dining, spacious cabins, and elegant public spaces. Casinos tend to be quieter and more sophisticated.
Large ships with extensive activities for all ages, including water parks, kids' clubs, and family-friendly casinos. Examples include Oasis of the Seas and Norwegian Encore. They offer a wide range of dining options and entertainment. Casinos are lively but may have age restrictions.
Ships with large, well-equipped casinos offering a wide variety of games and tournaments. Examples include Norwegian Encore and many Royal Caribbean ships. Casinos often feature poker rooms, high-limit areas, and slot tournaments. Ideal for travelers who enjoy gambling as a primary activity.
With its modern design, exceptional dining, and refined casino, Celebrity Apex is our top pick for luxury travelers. It features innovative Edge-class design with outward-facing spaces, a sophisticated casino atmosphere, and excellent service and premium amenities.
With seven distinct neighborhoods and endless activities, Oasis of the Seas is perfect for families. It features a zip line, carousel, aqua theater, and multiple pools. The casino is large and separate from family areas, and there is a wide variety of dining options.
Norwegian Encore boasts one of the largest casinos at sea, making it a top choice for gambling enthusiasts. The casino features a wide range of slots, table games, and a poker room, with a vibrant atmosphere and regular tournaments. Plenty of other entertainment options are available for non-gamblers.
We evaluate ships based on cabins, dining, entertainment, onboard infrastructure, and casino quality.
Each ship receives an overall rating out of 5, based on weighted scores across all criteria. Ratings are based on first-hand experience and traveler feedback. We update reviews periodically to reflect changes, and detailed breakdowns are available in individual reviews.
Discover detailed reviews of dozens of cruise ships, including deck layouts, cabin guides, and casino information. Filter by cruise line, ship size, or category, and find the perfect ship for your next voyage.
Browse ReviewsStay updated on upcoming ship launches from major cruise lines. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024. Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Ascent launched in late 2023, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Viva launched in 2023.
Many ships undergo refurbishments to update amenities and add new features. Queen Mary 2 underwent a major refurbishment in 2023. Oasis of the Seas received new dining venues in 2022. Check our reviews for the latest updates.
