The 10 Most Beautiful Cruise Ships in the World

1. Harmony of the Seas - Royal Caribbean
Credit: FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands

 

Waking up in the morning in a luxurious suite, looking out the window, and admiring a unique panorama of a boundless expanse of an open sea. It a dream, right? Well, you can experience all that by traveling on a cruise ship. No wonder, the cruise today, more than ever, is one of the most practiced types of vacation. In fact, the demand for this type of vacation increases every year.

And, how wouldn’t when there’s no other type of travel allows you to visit many places in a relatively limited amount of time. Plus, it allows you to live an on-board experience of total relaxation and fun, in a luxurious and pampered setting like in the best resorts.

Cruises have a very long history. The first cruise ship in the world was the Francesco I, built in 1831. The first cruise set sail from Naples in 1833, and in just something over three months, the ship visited places like Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Malta, Corfu, Patras, Delfo, Zakynthos, Athens, Smyrna, and Constantinople, delighting passengers with excursions, dances, tables deck games, and parties on board. It wasn’t very different from today’s Mediterranean cruises. However, it was a unique event and not open to the public. The cruise was reserved exclusively for nobles, authorities, and royalty. The first commercial cruise was in the early 20th century.

Now that we’ve briefly looked at the history of cruising, we can look at the 10 most beautiful cruise ships in the world. Enjoy!

10. Celebrity Reflection – Celebrity Cruises

10. Celebrity Reflection - Celebrity Cruises
Credit: Moonik

The Celebrity Reflection, of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, opens the ranking. This ship is equipped with every possible comfort, themed restaurants, theaters, swimming pool, and many other recreational activities. In the Lawn Club, you can take part in painting lessons and, in the Lawn Club Grill, you can enjoy the pleasure of an outdoor grill. It is a real temple of floating luxury, offering 5-star service to its guests, allowing them to enjoy maximum relaxation, and making the trip an incredible experience.

Itinerary: Mediterranean (Italy, Greece – Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus – Turkey, Crete)
Weight: 126.000 tons
Size: 315m / 36m, 15 decks
Capacity: 1.523 cabins for 3.030 passengers and approximately 1.515 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: starting from € 1.932

9. Carnival Breeze – Carnival Cruise Lines

9 - Carnival Breeze - Carnival Cruise Lines
Credit: ChrisCruises from Orlando, Florida, USA

Luxury and fun are the watchwords of Carnival Breeze. The rich entertainment onboard provides a unique and unforgettable experience for the lucky guests. Among the various activities and services offered, there is a fantastic 5D theater and a Game Show. Nothing is missing from the catering as well since it’s able to meet the tastes of even the most demanding palates. Gourmet burger restaurants, pubs, international restaurants, and New York-style steakhouses, there is a place for everyone. Other attractions onboard include a water park, a SportSquare area with minigolf and outdoor fitness, an area with hydromassage tubs suspended over the sea, and a spa with a thalassotherapy pool.

Itinerary: Caribbean (Miami, Antigua, Barbados, Puerto Rico)
Weight: 130.000 tons
Size: 306m / 37m, 14 decks
Capacity: 1.845 cabins for 4.724 passengers and approximately 1.386 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: starting from €1.951

8. MSC Fantasia – MSC Cruises

8 - MSC Fantasia - Msc Crociere
Credit: wikipedia

In the 8th position, we find the wonderful MSC Fantasia, a perfect synthesis of warmth and comfort typical of Mediterranean environments and cutting-edge design. It is a spectacular and modern ship, which can offer a memorable experience to its guests.

The heart of the ship consists of a square in real stone, with a café where freshly baked cakes and excellent ice creams are served. On an area of ​​27.000 sqm, there are various public spaces: a wellness center, 5 restaurants, 4 swimming pools, 12 whirlpools, bars, shops, a children’s area, a formula 1 simulator, and an interactive 4D cinema.

MSC Fantasia is also the first ship to offer an exclusive VIP area – an MSC Yacht Club with 99 suites, bar, solarium, 2 whirlpools, 1 skydome pool with a transparent ceiling, observation lounge, reserved area with bar, concierge, and a panoramic view towards the bow.

Itinerary: Italy, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, United Arab Emirates
Weight: 137.936 tons
Size: 333.30m / 37.92m, 18 decks including 14 passengers’
Capacity: 1.637 cabins, including 43 for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility, for 3.274 passengers and approximately 1.370 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: MSC Yacht Club Suite, starting from €2.499

7. Royal Princess – Princess Cruises

7. Royal Princess - Princess Cruises
Credit: Barry Skeates

Royal Princess is a wonderful ship in which much importance is given to the entertainment and maximum relaxation of the guests. Its intimate design combined with the style of a luxury yacht makes this ship the perfect fit for the world’s most exotic destinations.

Onboard, you will find a Spa, a magnificent library with wooden panels, many restaurants, and a very attentive service that pays the utmost attention to the customer’s well-being.

Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean (Fort Lauderdale, Antilles, Barbados, Virgin Islands, Bahamas)
Weight: 141.000 tons
Size: 330m / 38.40m, 17 decks
Capacity: 1.780 cabins for 3.600 passengers and about 1.346 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: starting from €3.804

6. Norwegian Getaway – Norwegian Cruise Line

6. Norwegian Getaway - Norwegian Cruise Line
Credit: Dickelbers

The Norwegian Getaway, which is part of the fleet NCL, was created with the aim to express all the romance and charm of the sea journey. It offers wide open spaces where guests can relax and enjoy the magnificent spectacle offered by the sea.

The ship has several restaurants that can meet everyone’s tastes (bistros, luxury restaurants, steakhouses, and Asian restaurants) and a large relaxation area with a spa and fitness area. The part dedicated to entertainment shouldn’t be underestimated as there are many shows, dances, and magic games, as well as a casino area dedicated to gaming.

Itinerary: Baltic capitals (Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm)
Weight: 145.655 tons
Size: 324m / 40m, 18 decks
Capacity: 2.114 cabins for 3.969 passengers and approximately 1.640 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: €4.499

5. Norwegian Breakaway – Norwegian Cruise Line

5. Norwegian Breakaway - Norwegian Cruise Line
Credit: Dickelbers

In the 5th place, we find another ship from the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. Norwegian Breakaway is a ship with a unique design that can satisfy all the needs of its guests and gives them an extraordinary travel experience. Onboard, you will find the best restaurants, services, and activities, which will allow you to enjoy the journey in a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere.

Itinerary: Southern Caribbean (New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Castries, St. Lucia, Basseterre, St. Kitts)
Weight: 146.600 tons
Size: 324m / 40m, 18 decks
Capacity: 2.114 cabins for 3.969 passengers and approximately 1.640 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: €4.679

4. Norwegian Epic – Norwegian Cruise Lines

4. Norwegian Epic - Norwegian Cruise Lines
Credit: wikimedia commons

Another ship from the Norwegian Cruise Lines fleet finds its place on this list of the most beautiful cruise ships in the world. And, again, relaxation and entertainment are guaranteed to the guests. The Norwegian Epic is a spectacular ship, modern and welcoming, which operates in the Caribbean in winter and in the Mediterranean in summer.

Its guests can enjoy rich entertainment, 23 different culinary choices among thematic restaurants, and one of the largest spas in the middle of the sea onboard.

Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica)
Weight: 155.873 tons
Size: 329m / 41m, 18 decks
Capacity: 2.114 cabins for 4.100 passengers and approximately 1.753 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: €5.179

3. Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

3. Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean
Credit: Stephen & Katherine from Burton on Trent

On the lowest step of the podium, we find the Oasis of the Seas from the Royal Caribbean, one of the largest ships in the world: 18 bridges full of innovation and fun. Onboard, you will find 7 different thematic areas that can satisfy every taste and need.

Among the various activities aimed at the entertainment of the guests, there is the extraordinary Aqua Theater, where you can attend extraordinary theatrical performances, acrobatics, and aquatic choreography. Also, there are a Pool Area and Sports Zone with surf simulators; a water park for families; a solarium; 4 swimming pools and 10 whirlpools; and a Fitness Center which includes the largest SPA ever built onboard a ship with a fully equipped gymnasium. And, there is an astounding variety of entertainment: theater, ice shows, jazz cabaret, ballroom, and Casino.

Itinerary: Western Caribbean (Orlando, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico)
Weight: 220.000 tons
Size: 362m / 47m, 16 decks
Capacity: 2.700 cabins for 5.402 passengers and approximately 2.115 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: starting from €3.864

2. Allure of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

2. Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean
Credit: Jorge in Brazil

In second place we find Allure of the Seas, another ship from the Royal Caribbean fleet and a sister ship of the Oasis. It also provides a fantastic experience to the guests, with a series of unique and innovative activities in the world of cruises.

A real floating resort, which allows guests to enjoy the journey in a completely luxurious and relaxing atmosphere, visiting enchanting places, and enjoying the inimitable entertainment on board.

Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean (Florida, Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico, Haiti)
Weight: 225.280 tons
Size: 360m / 47m, 16 decks
Capacity: 2.700 cabins for 5.400 passengers and approximately 2.115 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: € 5.456

1. Harmony of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

1. Harmony of the Seas - Royal Caribbean
Credit: FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands

In the first place, we find the Harmony of the Seas, also from the Royal Caribbean fleet, and the third sister ship of the Oasis. It is a brand new ship, which has been sailing the seas since April 2016, and the largest ship in the world. With its 16 decks, it offers the guests the unique features of Oasis with the 7 onboard districts, unique elements such as the Bionic Bar – the first bar run by barman-robot, and rooms with virtual balconies.

Among the novelties exclusively on Harmony, there are three multi-level slides with breathtaking curves and twists that offer a descent at full speed from the highest deck. Also, there’s the Grease musical, which lands on Harmony directly from Broadway along with Columbus. Of course, there are also many new attractions that can guarantee an unforgettable experience for the guests.

Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean (Florida, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Haiti)
Weight: 227.000 tons
Size: 362m / 47m, 16 decks
Capacity: 2.700 cabins for 5.480 passengers and approximately 2.115 crew members.
Cost of the most expensive suite: €5.150