Imagine setting sail on an ocean liner, where the adventure begins the moment you step onboard!
Ocean liners are designed for long, smooth voyages across seas, often between continents. They offer a more relaxed, elegant experience compared to traditional cruise ships, and here's why they’re so popular:
Benefits? Oh, there are plenty!
You get to enjoy spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and impeccable service, plus they’re built to handle any kind of weather, making them super reliable. And the best part? You can take your time to truly enjoy the journey, whether you're crossing the Atlantic or exploring new destinations.
Activities? So much more than you think!
From indulging in luxurious spa treatments to catching a show at the onboard theater, there's something for everyone. You can relax with a good book in a cozy library, work out at the gym, or even take a dip in the pool. And don’t forget about social events, themed parties, and classes—perfect for meeting fellow travelers!
Who can travel?
Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking romance, or a family looking for fun, ocean liners are welcoming to all! They cater to every kind of traveler with a wide range of activities and accommodations to suit your style.
Why should you consider an ocean liner voyage?
It’s the perfect blend of travel and relaxation, where the journey itself becomes a destination. No rushing between ports, just endless horizons, fresh sea air, and the luxury of time. It’s also a fantastic way to visit multiple destinations in one go, without the hassle of airports and packing/unpacking.
Myths? Let’s debunk a few!
- "It’s only for the rich." Not true! While ocean liners offer luxury, there are also budget-friendly options to suit everyone.
- "It’s boring." Far from it! There’s a world of activities onboard for all ages and interests.
- "It's too long of a trip." Think of it as the ultimate escape—time to unwind, enjoy, and explore at a slower pace.
So, why not experience the charm and magic of an ocean liner voyage? It’s not just about where you’re going, but how you get there!
Discover the Best of Ocean Cruise Liners
My Top 3 Picks for Unforgettable Ocean Cruises
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Why NCL?
FREESTYLE CRUISING
Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Cruising set the industry standard by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to vacation their way. Your can dress up or dress down, sleep in or catch a sunrise from your private balcony, take in some never-before-seen entertainment at sea.
FREESTYLE DINING
You can eat what, where, when and with whom you want each day.
Consider the possibilities: Steak and a dry martini after a great day snorkeling. Sushi to follow lounging by the pool all day. French or Mediterranean after a long day of shopping. Seafood creations before attending a hit Broadway show. Pasta and a nice bottle of wine after sightseeing. Made-to-order specials at the buffet’s action stations to follow their massage. Burgers and pizza to celebrate their youngster’s birthday. Or perhaps the most romantic meal of all, served in the private seclusion of your balcony.
GREAT STATEROOMS
Norwegian Cruise Line really does have the widest choice of contemporary and comfortable accommodations afloat (up to 45 different categories), the largest suites (Garden Villas over 6,000 sq. ft on Dawn Class) and the most interconnecting suites and staterooms.
EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES
With the youngest fleet at sea, NCL amenities are cutting edge. Think splashing down multi-story waterslides at the first waterparks at sea, bowling, rock wall climbing, and attending comedy shows and Broadway performances—all at sea.
Happy Family. A cruise is the perfect way to spend time with family. And a Freestyle cruise makes it even better. Families can create the vacation of their dreams with Freestyle Cruising. Sometimes, even on family getaways, kids want the option of doing their own thing and so do adults. That’s where Splash Academy® for kids and Entourage® for teens programs come in. From pizza making and treasure hunts for the little ones to swim parties and dance clubs for the not-so-little, there’s something for every age group. Another family-friendly bonus: Our kid’s programs are completely complimentary.
CRUISING FROM NORTH AMERICA
Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer cruises from a number of U.S. and Canadian ports making getting to the ship easier than ever before. You can choose the departure port that works best for you providing less travel time, more affordable options and in many cases you can drive to the port.
Norwegian has ships sailing from:
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- New York
- Boston
- Miami
- Tampa
- New Orleans
- Honolulu
- Seward
- Quebec
- Orlando (Port Canaveral)
- San Juan
- San Diego
- Vancouver
NCL is the only cruise line to sail from New York year-round.
MEET NCL FLEET
Having the youngest fleet at sea is hugely important for Norwegian Cruise Line. All Norwegian Cruise Line ships introduced since 2001 have been purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, with the flexibility and variety that many of you seek in a vacation and that other cruise lines wish they had.
NCL fleet is made up of different classes of ships and several ships that are unique in design. Ships in the same class have little differences.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Why Princess Cruises?
Welcome to the MedallionClass Experience
Exclusively on Princess, MedallionClass makes cruising easier than ever. By wearing the Medallion™, you can discover an array of vacation experiences: Get whatever you need delivered on demand, find your way around the ship, find your travel companions, plan your day, even wager real money with casino gaming and more – just by using your smart device. MedallionClass ships also feature the best Wi-Fi at sea, so you can video chat, text, share photos and stream your favorite shows.
Guests who become OceanReady™ at home prior to their cruise will enjoy a seamless and hassle-free check-in process that takes them from curbside to poolside in a breeze.
Using the OceanNow™ feature, you can order almost anything from drinks and food, to sunscreen, extra towels and more, and have them delivered directly to them throughout the ship and even to their stateroom.
MedallionNet™ delivers land-like connectivity that lets you stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports, post photos, video chat and more.
MedallionPay™ all guests can use an easy and hassle-free payment experience enabling crew members to focus on guest service interactions.
OceanCompass™ featuring Wayfinding you can navigate to virtually any place on the ship with point-by-point directions or they can find their shipmates, using their smart device and on portals throughout the ship.
With OceanView® you can stream more than 100 hours of award-winning Ocean Original travel content to your smart device anywhere on the ship at no cost. You can access a real-time look at your itinerary, along with events and activities taking place during the cruise with JourneyView™.
Dining Experience
Princess has made a significant enhancement to the main dining options found across the fleet, designed to give you the ultimate in flexibility and choice when it comes to their dining experience. Guests are now offered three table service options – Traditional, Reservable Flexible, or Walk-in – coupled with the brand’s industry exclusive OceanNow® location-based “anything, anywhere, anytime” service.
Guests can reserve their preferred option using “Reserve Dining” in the Princess Cruises app.
Traditional: Classic cruise experience with choice of early or late seating at same table with same waitstaff.
Reservable: Just like a restaurant, you can reserve any table size at a time that works for you in this dining room.
Walk-in: For those who want the ultimate flexibility, this dining venue lets you walk in on your schedule (no reservations).
Entertainment and Activities
TV’s wildly popular international singing competition comes onboard with “The Voice of the Ocean”.
Magic to Do is the first of four shows to debut from this unique Princess partnership with the Broadway legend. A spell-binding musical revue, the show features some of Schwartz's best musical hits along with history’s greatest magical on-stage illusions.
Weddings, Celebrations and Gifts
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, reunion or just quality time with your favorite people, the only thing to decide is: where will you celebrate?
You can say “I do” either in port, on board or in a unique destination. And because your love deserves commemoration, Princess also offer packages for renewal of vows, honeymoons and more!
Family Cruising
Make the most of your family time together at the Family Fun Fair, a mini festival with face painting and other family-friendly activities. And make memories playing onboard games like trivia and singing your heart out at karaoke. They even bring sled-dog puppies aboard in Alaska to meet you!
From sea to sky, you've got endless family-fun options on board. Enjoy the water at The Reef Splash Zone . Even go Stargazing with real-time views of planets, stars and galaxies. No matter which ship you're on, you can hit the basketball (or pickleball) court, take a fitness class, get some laps in on the track or play some mini golf.
Make friends with the cuddliest bear at sea. Interact with Stanley throughout the voyage - at photo ops, story time, breakfast with Stanley and craftsl You can even get your own Stanley exclusively on board, and bring him home as a reminder of your special journey. And don't forget to share your adventures on social media with #StanleyAtSea.
Viking Cruises - Ocean Ships
Why Viking?
Expand your horizons on an elegant Viking ocean ship thoughtfully designed by experienced nautical architects and designers to bring you closer to your destination in every way, with just 930 guests, allowing Viking ships to dock where larger ships cannot.
Viking boasts a fleet of small, all-veranda, modern ocean ships. Each sister ship is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” the fleet features understated elegance and Scandinavian design.
Explorers’ Lounge
With two-story panoramic windows for maximum views, the Explorers’ Lounge is inspired by epic journeys of discovery. This inviting space is the perfect place to share a cocktail with friends or relax while taking in the scenery.
The Wintergarden
Afternoon tea is served at the Wintergarden, adjacent to the Main Pool. Decadent finger sandwiches, scones and desserts are accompanied by international teas, tea ceremony demonstrations and relaxing classical music from the Viking Resident Musicians.
Aquavit Terrace®
The revolutionary Aquavit Terrace is a magical space where your destination is your dining room. Located outside the World Café, it provides more al fresco dining experiences than on any ship at sea.
The Nordic Spa
After a day of exploration or a relaxing day at sea, indulge in The Spa, a soothing sanctuary of Nordic wellness. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or work out in the Fitness Center, you will feel recharged and revitalized.
Main Pool with Retractable Dome
The heated Main Pool provides a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof allowing for year-round swims and soaks. In the evening, enjoy movies under the night sky on our giant poolside screen.
The Theater
The perfect venue to attend lectures or watch movies, our state-of-the-art, multipurpose Theater seats up to 450 guests and can be transformed into two HD cinemas for TED Talks, Destination Insights and occasional specialized seminars.
All Veranda Staterooms & Suites
Choose from 5 categories of spacious rooms, including some of the largest suites at sea—all with king-size beds, large showers, heated bathroom floors, LCD TVs, private verandas and 24-hour room service.
Spend More Time in Port
With overnight stays in many ports of embarkation and disembarkation. With fewer days at sea, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in each destination.
Viking Cruises - Expedition Ships
Technology & Comfort
Viking expedition ships have a dynamic positioning mode that allows them to hover in place when anchoring is difficult, providing guests with more comfortable small craft embarkation for excursions. To further enhance guest comfort, the ships feature both fin stabilizers that reduce rolling while sailing and a U-tank stabilizer that reduces rolling by nearly 50% when the ships are stationary.
Sized for Discovery
The expedition ships are optimally sized for expeditions: small enough to navigate remote areas, yet large enough to provide speed, superior handling, and stability in the roughest seas.
Designed for Views
With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Public rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Aula, the panoramic auditorium, offers 270° views. Staterooms are also designed to maximize observation, from our Nordic Balcony Staterooms to Explorer Suites with verandas and gardens.
The Hangar
An industry first, this enclosed in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s slipway. Guests can embark on Special Operations Boats shielded from wind and waves from a flat, stable surface inside the ship and glide into the water to depart on their excursion. They re-enter The Hangar after excursions via the slipway to the protected marina before disembarking their Special Operations Boats.
Special Operations Boats
The two military grade, 12-seater ice strengthened aluminum, ocean-going Special Operations Boats are built for exploration. With twin water jet propulsion (2 x 450 horsepower onboard engines), individually suspended seats and the unique ability to convert the open seating into an enclosed cabin.
Zodiacs
Designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, fleet of seventeen Zodiacs with fuel-efficient Yanmar Dtorque 111 engines are reinforced throughout yet stable and comfortable for a day of exploration.
Kayaks
The nine traditional tandem paddle kayaks offer superb stability and a large, open cockpit for easy accessibility. Built of durable rotomolded polyethylene, these kayaks are equally at home on the Great Lakes and in the Arctic or Antarctica.
Submarines
The uniquely designed submarines comfortably accommodate 6 guests and a pilot for an incomparable undersea experience. The revolving seats plus nearly 270° spherical windows offer an undistorted view in all directions for every guest.