Compare cruise ship sizes and discover the benefits of small cruise ships, medium-sized vessels and mega ships to find the right cruise holiday for you.
When planning a cruise, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right ship size. With everything from intimate expedition vessels carrying fewer than 200 guests to floating mega-resorts accommodating thousands, today’s cruise ship size comparison can feel overwhelming for first-time cruisers.
But bigger doesn’t always mean better.
While the world’s largest cruise ships offer endless entertainment, restaurants and attractions, smaller and medium-sized ships often provide a more relaxed atmosphere, personalised service and access to destinations larger vessels simply can’t reach.
The key is finding the right-sized ship for the kind of holiday you want.
Cruise ships are generally grouped into three broad categories: small ships, medium-sized ships and large or mega ships. Each offers a very different onboard experience.
Small cruise ships typically carry anywhere from 100 to around 1,000 guests.
These ships are often designed for destination-focused itineraries, expedition cruising or luxury travel. Their smaller size allows them to access ports, fjords and waterways that are off limits to larger ships.
For travellers asking what the best small cruise ships are, some of the most popular options come from cruise lines such as Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises.
Small ships tend to focus less on headline attractions and more on immersive travel experiences, attentive service and spacious surroundings.
Medium-sized ships often strike a balance between variety and atmosphere, usually carrying between 1,000 and 3,000 guests.
For many cruisers, this size category offers the best of both worlds – enough dining, entertainment and facilities to provide choice, without feeling overcrowded.
Some of the best medium-sized cruise ships can be found across fleets including Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Olsen and P&O Cruises.
These ships are particularly popular with guests who want a more traditional cruise atmosphere while still enjoying modern entertainment and dining options.
Large cruise ships and mega ships are the giants of the cruise industry, often carrying more than 5,000 guests.
These vessels are designed to feel like floating resorts, with huge entertainment complexes, water parks, theatres, dozens of restaurants, and extensive family facilities, all under one roof.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships currently represent the biggest cruise ship size in operation, with Icon of the Seas holding the title of the largest cruise ship ever built.
For families and travellers who want nonstop entertainment and huge amounts of onboard choice, these ships can be incredibly appealing.
While larger ships often dominate headlines, the benefits of small cruise ships have become increasingly appealing to many travellers.
One of the biggest advantages is access. Smaller ships can sail into ports and regions larger vessels cannot reach, including remote fjords, smaller Mediterranean harbours and expedition destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic.
Small ships also tend to offer a quieter atmosphere, more personalised service and fewer crowds. Embarkation and disembarkation are often smoother too, helping guests spend more time enjoying the destination rather than waiting in queues.
For many travellers, small ship cruising feels more immersive and connected to the places they visit.
Not necessarily.
The biggest cruise ship size may offer spectacular attractions and huge amounts of entertainment, but larger ships can also feel busier and more resort-focused than destination-led.
For some travellers, that’s exactly what they want, especially on family cruises with children or guests who enjoy action-packed sea days filled with activities.
Others may prefer smaller guest numbers, quieter evenings and itineraries that focus more heavily on the destinations themselves.
The “best” ship size ultimately depends on your personal travel style.
If you’re unsure which size ship to choose, it often helps to think about what matters most during your holiday.
Large ships tend to suit travellers who enjoy lively atmospheres, family entertainment, and plenty of dining and activities. Medium-sized ships are often ideal for guests seeking a balance between amenities and relaxation.
Meanwhile, smaller ships are particularly popular with travellers who prioritise destinations, luxury experiences and more personalised service.
The right cruise ship isn’t necessarily the biggest one; it’s the one that best matches the type of holiday you want.
Every cruise ship offers a different experience, from lively mega ships packed with entertainment to smaller vessels focused on immersive destinations and relaxed surroundings.
At Odysia Cruise, you can explore a wide range of cruise lines, ship sizes and itineraries to help you find the style of cruising that suits you best.
