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• Royal Caribbean International

[New here!] Question on cabin color codes?

By SailingJewel , April 13, 2012 in Royal Caribbean International

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SailingJewel

Helloooo! This is my very first post here on CC, attempting to book my very first cruise ever! I've been devouring everything here for a while now, officially joined a couple weeks ago, and I think I've read every post in the "First Time Cruisers" area as well as the RCI area here. :D I've certainly become QUITE educated on MDR dress codes, chairhogs, and alcohol smuggling. :p I'm particularly enjoying the "Live from..." and packing tips/suggestions threads.

I'm sure I'll have lots more questions as I go, but I haven't even booked a thing yet as I'm being guided by a seasoned RCI friend who is helping me wait for a really great deal. I'm completely flexible in terms of dates (shooting for Oct or Nov), destinations (Caribbean maybe?), and port doesn't matter to me (anywhere out of Florida is fine), so we're just going to wait and see what we can find as we get closer. I really, really want to do a 7-day, balcony room, so I need to pinch the pennies as much as I can! He filled me in on "guarantee" rooms too, which we might go for as well. I hope this is the right approach - I REALLY REALLY cannot wait. The thread about peoples' favorite moments from seeing the ship, the smell, the "ding" of the card, the sail away really did me in. I'm even craving old episodes of the Love Boat now! I cannot WAIT!

I'd really rather just book it NOW but I need a good deal more than I need immediate gratification. :rolleyes: I've been playing around with the booking tool online and I cannot for the life of me figure out what the color codes of the rooms mean. I can figure out the inside rooms, or the inside balconies, and I can plug in a what's clearly a big room number and see that it's a killer suite, but at quick glance, without referring to other pages, what do the colors mean? And how can you tell if a room is booked already? How do you know what's available at a glance? I know people agonize over their room choices (hump cabins? aft cabins? further forward if you're not a smoker? lower if you are prone to sickness? not directly under the pool if you're a light sleeper? :D ) , but it doesn't look as user-friendly to me! Am I missing some huge obvious color key or legend somewhere?!

p.s. My chosen user name has nothing to do with sailing on the Jewel of the Seas. :p Just coincidentally an old standby name of mine!

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Colors just denote category (letter number combo) and generally the lower the letter the more expensive. Exception are handicap accessible which are all (on the newer deck plans) shown with the same color and all start with A folllowed by a letter. They changed these when more restictive booking rules went in to effect.

To see what is available there are a couple ways...

1. For general feel you can use the RCI site to make a fake reservation (no worries, it ain't real until they ask for a credit card) and select a cabin category - it wil try to pick one for you but there is a show more optio to show 15 more (16 total).

2. For more specific use an online booking site such as Travel O City dot com for a fake booking. That one in particular will show deck plans and which cabins are available.

endymion6942

IMHO! I would find a local travel agent and go in a park yourself at his/her desk. Go in with an idea of what you prefer( ie. Balcony, Inside, whatever..). :confused: Again IMHO, A newbie should work one on one-face to face with a professional cruise travel agent. Worry about colors, cats, and planning things yourself until you know what your doing.:)

One more thing I have booked cruises myself on the cruise line web sites OR booked on ship during a cruise. I will then turn the reservation over to her to handle managing my reservation(s).:D

Others may disagree with me, :eek: and that's fine, but I think I am correct on this.:cool:

Thank you both so much! Yes, I have a very dear friend who is a travel agent that I will look to for help. :) No worries there. I, like so many here, just like to research and see stuff for myself while I wait! :)

IMHO! I would find a local travel agent and go in a park yourself at his/her desk. Go in with an idea of what you prefer( ie. Balcony, Inside, whatever..). :confused: Again IMHO, A newbie should work one on one-face to face with a professional cruise travel agent. Worry about colors, cats, and planning things yourself until you know what your doing.:)   One more thing I have booked cruises myself on the cruise line web sites OR booked on ship during a cruise. I will then turn the reservation over to her to handle managing my reservation(s).:D   Others may disagree with me, :eek: and that's fine, but I think I am correct on this.:cool:

I agree with you. For a first time cruiser, a TA can ensure that you don't get the cabin next to the anchor or under the disco among other things.

Emperor Norton

If you go the TA route it's important to find one that's familiar with cruising in general and the line(s) you're interested in in particular.

Yes. Find one that is certified for whatever line you are cruising. For RCI you want somebody with the "Expert Plus" designation.

My suggestion is that you print the deck plan for the Jewel of the Seas. Here's the link: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/ship/decks/deck/home.do?deckCode=09&shipCode=JW&shipProfile=1360&sailDate=1120419&hasNavigation=false* You can see the color codes and look at the various decks. It's a good learning tool. (Oasis & Allure are more complicated.) You'll quickly figure out that D1 balconies are purple. E1 balconies are green. E2s red. Etc. We always book staterooms sandwiched between 2 passenger decks avoiding noise from above or below. It sounds like you're totally flexible so you'll have many options. October is still considered hurricane season in the Caribbean so usually prices are lower. (Halloween cruises are always fun.) As an example, look at Nov. 19th on the Jewel out of Tampa. It's a 5 day cruise with quite a a few available "hump" balconies (midship). Open E1s are 8592, 8594, 8598. E2 7594. And, by the way, the picture you posted has cut off the color codes. It shows only a partial section of the deck so scroll up and down to get the entire layout. We love giving advice. You might also want to go to the RCI website, and find cruises from the various Florida ports - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, etc. If you use a travel agent rather than booking directly with RCI, ask if the agent charges a cancellation fee or fees of any kind. Since RCI honors price drops, it's usually a good idea to go ahead and snag a good stateroom and then check prices practically every day. Let us know what ship you're leaning toward and we'll have all sorts of biased, unsolicited opinions for you :-)

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Hull Art Updates: New Colors For Carnival, Contests and More

• November 7, 2021

As more cruise operators announce plans freshen up the looks of their existing and new ships, Cruise Industry News gathered the latest roundup of livery-related news.

Two Additional Ships Get Carnival New Livery

Currently undergoing drydocks, the Carnival Sunshine and the Carnival Spirit are receiving Carnival’s new hull color scheme. Introduced with the new Mardi Gras, the new livery features a stately navy-blue hull along with vibrant red and white accents running the entire length of the ship.

The new colors are now present on 11 Carnival vessels including the Carnival Magic, the Carnival Glory (pictured above) and the Carnival Dream, the first three ships retrofitted with the new look .

More recently, the Carnival Paradise and the newly refurbished Carnival Radiance also got adorned with the new hull design .

The other vessels currently sailing with the new colors are the new Mardi Gras, the Carnival Liberty, the Carnival Valor and the Carnival Legend.

According to Carnival, the new look is “an homage to maritime tradition with patriotic red, white and blue hues, also the colors of Carnival Cruise Line.”

Valiant Lady’s Mermaid Receives Final Touches  

As the final touches are being carried out on the hull of Virgin Voyages’ second cruise ship, the Valiant Lady now has her colors on .

Delivered earlier this year, the 2,770-guesst vessel features an art piece created by Hillary Wilson on its hull.

Depicting a mermaid, the art celebrates the strong, beautiful, friendly and modern embodiment of a black American woman, according to a press release previously issued by Virgin.

According to the company, the mermaids are an important symbol for the brand and meant to keep guests safe on their voyage.

MSC Cruises Invites Artists to Design the Hull of New Ship

MSC Cruises recently launched a design contest to select a hull art for its newest cruise ship, the LNG-powered MSC Euribia.

The Meraviglia-class vessel will be the first to feature a hull art piece in the company’s 19-ship fleet.

The initiative is opened to artists and designers worldwide and aims “to communicate the importance of respect for the environment,” the company said in a press release.

Only one winner will have their artwork showcased on the ship’s hull.

Five further shortlist finalists will also have their designs displayed in an exhibition onboard the Euribia, where guests can enjoy the art and its important message.

Azamara Ships Receive Company’s New Logo

During recent drydock stays , the Azamara fleet received a new livery featuring the company’s new logo.

Announced in June 2019 , the logo has three main elements, including an open world symbol signifying infinite opportunities for world travel; two artistic strokes representing both land and sea experiences; and a star, representative of Azamara’s namesake “Acamar,” which means the brightest star in the southern sky and represents the brand’s north star, according to the company.

The logo is now prominently featured on the funnel of the company’s three ships, the Azamara Journey, the Azamara Quest and the Azamara Pursuit. The new Azamara Onward, on the meantime, is expected to receive the brand’s look before launching service in spring 2022 .

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The 21 largest cruise ships in the world.

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The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

With every year comes bigger and grander cruise ships.

Just when you think cruise ships can't get any larger, a major cruise line unveils yet another longer, taller and grander state-of-the-art vessel – with the capacity to carry the population of a small town. To put the size of today's megaships into perspective: They often stretch three times longer than a 120-yard football field, and some feature nearly two dozen decks or measure more than 215 feet wide.

So, if you're looking for a vacation aboard a large-scale vessel, consider booking a voyage on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world. With cutting-edge technology and entertainment, world-class dining, and endless attractions and activities for cruisers of all ages, you may not even want to leave the ship. Here are the biggest cruise ships, arranged by gross tonnage.

• 1. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
• 2. Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
• 3. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
• 4. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
• 5. Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
• 6. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
• 7. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
• 8. MSC World Europa
• 9. Costa Smeralda
• 10. Costa Toscana
• 11. P&O Cruises Arvia
• 12. AIDAcosma
• 13. P&O Cruises Iona
• 14. AIDAnova
• 15. Carnival Jubilee
• 16. Carnival Celebration
• 17. MSC Euribia
• 18. MSC Virtuosa
• 19. Carnival Mardi Gras
• 20. MSC Meraviglia
• 21. Norwegian Encore

Find your perfect cruise

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Length: 1,198 feet

Width: 213 feet

Gross tons: 250,800

Maximum number of passengers: 7,600

Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship afloat when it debuts in January 2024. The next-level megaship is Royal Caribbean 's first Icon-class vessel and the first of three ships powered by liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which is considered a more sustainable alternative to other fuel options. The ship will have 2,805 staterooms and carry up to 2,350 crew. There's no end to the fun with eight unique neighborhoods, including the new Surfside: a stay-all-day space designed specifically for families.

Other features on the ship include seven pools, nine whirlpools and six record-breaking waterslides. There are also more than 20 new dining venues, such as the swanky Empire Supper Club, which features an eight-course tasting menu; the AquaDome Market, the line's first food hall; and sushi restaurant Izumi in the Park. Cruisers will also find other international cuisine, including Japanese, Mexican and Italian fare, as well as The Lemon Post, the Surfside Eatery and Pier 7 in the Surfside neighborhood.

Read: The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Length: 1,188 feet

Width: 211 feet

Gross tons: 236,860

Maximum passengers: 6,788

Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered Oasis-class ship will sail its debut voyage in July 2024. The new ship will have 2,834 staterooms and up to 2,290 crew members, as well as eight neighborhoods to keep passengers entertained. Ten complimentary dining venues include the line's new food truck concept, The Spare Tire, which serves up handheld eats on the pool deck. The ship will also feature sloping beach-entry and resort-style pools, plus three Lime & Coconut bars on the outdoor deck.

In total, there are more than 40 dining options, bars and lounges on Utopia of the Seas. Many of Royal Caribbean's specialty dining and bar favorites are returning, such as Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Rising Tide Bar and Vue Bar. Guests will also find familiar entertainment offerings with rock climbing walls, the AquaTheater, Splashaway Bay, laser tag, mini-golf, the Sports Court, Studio B and much more. With two casinos, five pools and a visit to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll never run out of things to do.

Read: The Top New Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Gross tons: 235,600

Maximum passengers: 7,084

Royal Caribbean's current largest ship at sea, Wonder of the Seas , first set sail in March 2022. The Oasis-class vessel has 2,867 staterooms and carries as many as 2,204 crew members. While you may get lost on this ship, you'll never be bored. Features include eight unique neighborhoods – such as Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the new Suite Class neighborhood, an exclusive space for suite guests.

Take advantage of the AquaTheater, an outdoor live entertainment venue with a 30-foot diving platform and incredible ocean views. Wonder Playscape is an underwater-themed outdoor space for kids filled with slides, climbing walls, games and more. You can also enjoy a few of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class favorites, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the rock climbing wall or laser tag at the Battle for Planet Z. If you dare, head into the Ultimate Abyss: Billed as the tallest waterslide at sea, it towers 150 feet above sea level and features an exhilarating 13-second ride through 10 stories of dark, winding tunnels.

When hunger strikes, dine at your pick of more than 20 complimentary and specialty restaurants, including the new Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar. If you're craving a cold beer, a cocktail or a cup of Starbucks coffee, you'll have roughly a dozen bars and lounges at your disposal.

Read:  The Top Party Cruises

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

Width: 215.5 feet

Gross tons: 228,081

Maximum passengers: 6,680

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas , another Oasis-class ship, debuted in April 2018. This ship features 2,759 passenger staterooms and accommodates 2,200 crew members. There are seven distinct neighborhoods, four pools, roughly 20 restaurants (about half of which are specialty venues), and about a dozen bars and lounges. The ship even boasts two robotic bartenders that whip up drinks at the Bionic Bar.

Adults can enjoy Broadway-style shows in the onboard theaters and major international sports games at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Meanwhile, kids can cool down at the Splashaway Bay water park, soar on a zip line nine decks high through the Boardwalk neighborhood, try out rock climbing or attend a show at the AquaTheater.

Read:  Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Gross tons: 226,963

Maximum passengers: 6,687

Another Oasis-class ship, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas has been sailing since May 2016. The vessel features 2,747 staterooms and up to 2,200 crew members. Cruisers have plenty of places to dine thanks to eight complimentary venues – including the main dining room and Windjammer Marketplace, a globally inspired buffet – as well as nine specialty restaurants serving everything from burgers and shakes to Italian fare. The Boardwalk, one of the ship's seven neighborhoods, is a favorite spot for cruisers; it contains casual eateries, retail shops and carnival games.

Harmony of the Seas also has Splashaway Bay, the Ultimate Abyss waterslide and a trio of slides called The Perfect Storm. In the evening, don't miss a pre-dinner cocktail at the Rising Tide Bar, which offers a ride between the Central Park neighborhood and the Royal Promenade with dazzling skylight views. Sit back and sip your drink while the entire bar slowly floats between the decks.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Simon Brooke | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Length: 1,187 feet

Width: 215 feet

Gross tons: 226,838

Maximum passengers: 6,771

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world when it was launched in 2009. The line's debut Oasis-class ship is nearly five times bigger than the Titanic by gross tonnage; it has 2,801 staterooms and carries 2,109 crew members.

Oasis of the Seas was reimagined in 2019, with many added amenities that are on newer Oasis-class ships, such as FlowRider simulators, the Perfect Storm waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Across the ship's seven distinct neighborhoods, you'll also find state-of-the-art technology such as VOOM, billed as the fastest internet connection on the high seas – plus exciting live performances and theater productions, laser tag, escape rooms and more.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Gross tons: 225,282

Maximum passengers: 6,826

Embarking for the first time in 2010, Allure of the Seas was Royal Caribbean's second Oasis-class vessel. The ship underwent a refurbishment in 2015. Allure of the Seas has 2,748 staterooms and 2,054 crew. Onboard highlights include seven neighborhoods, four pools, and several whirlpools and hot tubs, plus more than 20 dining venues and too many bars and lounges to count.

There are also plenty of entertainment options for guests of all ages, including an ice skating rink, the Sports Court, a nine-deck-high zip line, two rock climbing walls and two FlowRider simulators (a Royal Caribbean favorite). Kids will especially enjoy the interactive H2O Zone Water Park. Adults on this ship will appreciate Broadway productions like "Mamma Mia!," aerial acrobatic performances in Oceanaria (an original AquaTheater production) and '70s disco dance parties. If you find yourself on board for business reasons, rest assured that the ship's conference facilities can host as many as 1,394 guests.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

MSC World Europa

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Length: 1,093 feet

Width: 154 feet

Gross tons: 215,863

Maximum passengers: 6,762

MSC World Europa was one of the most anticipated new cruise ships when it launched in December 2022 as the first vessel in the line's MSC World-class fleet. It's also the first LNG-propelled ship by MSC Cruises , reaching a maximum cruising speed of 22.7 knots.

The ship's futuristic interior and exterior design features a 341-foot-long promenade. Half the promenade is covered with the Meraviglia-class LED sky screens, while the other half is open-air and offers ocean views. MSC World Europa features 2,626 staterooms and can house 2,138 crew members. As a special touch, each passenger deck is named after an international city, including London, Paris, Lisbon and Rome.

The ship is divided into distinct areas, with a quiet zen district for adults and a family zone that has bumper cars and roller skating. At the fleet's largest onboard water park, younger cruisers will find a twisty, stainless steel tunnel slide towering 11 decks high at the center of the ship. Luna Park Arena, the ship's 300-seat multifunction entertainment venue, can accommodate almost any performance or event.

When you're exhausted from all of the action, grab a bite to eat at one of 13 restaurants or a drink at a selection of bars and cafes. Then, take time to relax and unwind with a signature treatment at the Balinese-inspired MSC Aurea Spa. For an all-inclusive VIP experience during your voyage, book stateroom accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club. This exclusive part of the ship boasts premium suites, a separate pool, a private restaurant and lounge, butler service, and other amenities.

Costa Smeralda

Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Length: 1,106 feet

Width: 138 feet

Gross tons: 185,000

Maximum passengers: 6,554

Costa Smeralda was the first of the two Excellence-class vessels in the Costa Cruises fleet. The vessel debuted in 2019 as the Italian cruise line's largest ship to date. It was also the line's first vessel to use LNG power at sea and in port. The ship has 2,612 staterooms and can carry as many as 1,678 crew members.

Cruisers will never go hungry or thirsty, thanks to the 11 restaurants and snack bars plus 19 bars and lounges on Smeralda . One of the most notable dining venues on board is Archipelago, which serves innovative cuisine created by three world-renowned chefs. If you're interested in culinary pursuits, join other passengers for a cooking class at sea in the Food LAB. When it comes to entertainment, centrally located Colosseo – modeled after the piazzas across Italy – is the place to go for socializing and live performances. What's more, the ship also has 13 pools and hot tubs, an aqua park, the Beauty Spa Solemio, and the Squok Club for kids ages 3 to 11.

Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana, Costa Cruises' newest flagship and the second Excellence-class vessel in the fleet, set sail on its debut voyage in March 2022. Similar in size and passenger capacity to Costa Smeralda, Toscana is also LNG-powered. This vessel has 2,663 staterooms, and there can be up to 1,678 crew members on board.

Similar to Smeralda, Colosseo is the centerpiece of Toscana; you'll find live entertainment and themed bars in this area. There are 11 restaurants and snack bars plus 19 bars and lounges on the ship. For a refreshing aperitif with a view, head to the Aperol Spritz Bar, which features special beach cocktails. Another dining highlight is Sushino at Costa, the line's new sushi bistro. After dinner, take in unparalleled views of the sea along the Volare Skywalk, the highest point of the ship, which towers more than 200 feet above sea level.

Explore Costa Cruises deals on GoToSea.

P&O Cruises Arvia

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Length: 1,130 feet

Maximum passengers: 5,200

Arvia joined the P&O fleet as sister ship to Iona in December 2022. It is also LNG-powered, has 2,614 cabins and carries up to 1,800 crew. The family-friendly ship offers guests many firsts, including Altitude, a new activity area with an escape room, a high-ropes experience, the Splash Valley aqua zone, the Sports Arena and much more.

Arvia has 30 bars and restaurants. New dining venues include the American-inspired 6th Street Diner and Green & Co. feat. Mizuhana, which focuses on sushi and plant-based dishes. For entertainment, plan to see the line's production of "The Official Take That Musical," an adaptation of London West End musical "The Band." Guests can also head to the dome beneath the SkyDome retractable roof for live performances, aerial displays, movies on the giant SeaScreen and DJ parties under the starry skies.

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Courtesy of AIDA Cruises

Gross tons: 184,600

Maximum passengers: 6,654

The sister ship to AIDAnova, AIDAcosma set sail in early 2022. The partly LNG-powered AIDA Cruises vessel has 2,732 staterooms and the capacity for up to around 1,500 crew members. With 17 restaurants and 23 bars and cafes, AIDAcosma offers passengers a seemingly endless number of venues to dine and imbibe. Other onboard attractions include a four-deck outdoor area, complete with an infinity pool and an expansive area for sunbathing; an indoor playground with a bouldering wall and ropes course; the Body & Soul Spa; and a 360-degree stage at the Theatrium.

P&O Cruises Iona

Length: 1,129 feet

Gross tons: 184,000

P&O Cruises' Iona, which launched in spring 2021, has the distinction of being the first LNG-powered British cruise ship. The family-friendly vessel has 2,614 cabins and carries 1,800 crew members. Iona's top features include the two-story SkyDome, a gin distillery, four pools, 10 entertainment venues, and 30 restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of food and beverage options.

With selections ranging from casual eateries to gelaterias to Indian- and British-inspired cuisine at Sindhu, you won't get bored with the restaurant choices. For an especially unique meal, dine and sip wine while watching aerial performances in the Grand Atrium at The Glass House. Or, enjoy dinner at The Limelight Club, an adults-only supper club venue featuring vocal performances and other live music. After dinner, check out the entertainment around the ship, including aerial productions in the Grand Atrium, guest and crew shows in Headliners, late night dancing in The Club House, and performances in partnership with the entertainment company Creativiva in the SkyDome.

Gross tons: 183,900

When German line AIDA Cruises' first Helios-class ship, AIDAnova, debuted in December 2018, it was the first LNG-powered cruise ship in the world. The ship is equipped with 2,626 staterooms, including the two-deck Penthouse Suite, and carries around 1,500 crew members. You won't miss this ship when it's docked in port: It features the line's signature exterior design, with bold red lips at the ship's bow and blue-and-yellow eyes on the port and starboard sides.

While on board, passengers can check out 17 restaurants, along with 23 bars and lounges; party the night away at the Beach Club; and take in live performances on the 360-degree stage in the Theatrium. When it's time to relax, head to the Body & Soul Spa, where you can book a massage, spend time in one of the hot tubs or saunas, take a dip in the private pool, and chill out on the private spa sun deck.

Carnival Jubilee

Width: 137 feet

Gross tons: 183,521

Maximum passengers: 6,631

Carnival Jubilee, as sister ship to Carnival Celebration and Carnival Mardi Gras, will offer many of the same features and amenities as its two predecessors when it launches in December 2023. The new vessel will have 2,687 staterooms, 1,735 crew and six zones of fun. Currents and The Shores are new to Jubilee . Currents is inspired by the underworld of the ocean with mermaids and sea monsters; it's designed with new bars, restaurants, music venues and high-tech spaces, including a wave-shaped LED ceiling and six LED windows that virtually take guests under the sea. The Shores is all about the outdoors, inspired by beaches and boardwalks. Cruisers can grab a slice of pizza at Coastal Slice, a hot dog at Beach Buns and a cocktail at Marina Bar.

On Jubilee, you'll also find Carnival Cruise Line favorites such as BOLT, the first and fastest roller coaster at sea, as well as Waterworks, the onboard water park with twin racing slides, three spiraling slides and more. The line's "next-level fun" ship will also include familiar eateries and lounges like Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and more.

Carnival Celebration

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration sailed its inaugural cruise in November 2022. Carnival's second-newest ship at sea is LNG-powered and the second in the line's Excel class, with 2,687 staterooms and as many as 1,735 crew. Guests will find new attractions to enjoy on the ship, such as the partnership with the Kennedy Space Center at Space Cruisers: This program is designed for children ages 2 to 11 at Camp Ocean.

Adults can check out the new bar at Latitudes, which features specialty cocktails and outdoor scenery through the virtual windows. Celebration has a variety of complimentary dining venues, including Shaq's Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and Mexican favorites at BlueIguana Cantina. There is also a selection of specialty restaurants like Emeril's Bistro 1397, Rudi's Seagrill, the Steakhouse and Bonsai Teppanyaki. For action and 360-degree views of the ocean from the top of the ship, take a spin around the track on the BOLT roller coaster.

Compare Carnival Cruises on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia

Length: 1,087 feet

Width: 141 feet

Gross tons: 181,541

Maximum passengers: 6,327

MSC Euribia, the newest MSC Cruises ship, debuted in June 2023. The line's second LNG-powered vessel – and the fifth Meraviglia-class ship – has 2,419 cabins and can carry as many as 1,711 crew members. The ship's hull features Alex Flämig's artwork "#SaveTheSea" to highlight the company's dedication to preserving the marine ecosystem.

On board Euribia , guests will find five pools and 11 dining venues, offering everything from sushi and teppanyaki to Latin American street food. There are also 21 bars and lounges, the MSC Aurea Spa, the Ocean Cay Aquapark, luxury retail shopping and more. Two additional highlights are the longest – and most impressive – LED Dome at Sea, which covers the ceiling of Galleria Euribia, and the reimagined Carousel Lounge. The beautiful, updated space features floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces and cozy seating to enjoy live entertainment, including performances by one of the largest big bands at sea.

MSC Virtuosa

Maximum passengers: 6,334

This vessel launched in 2021 as a sister ship to MSC Grandiosa , the line's other Meraviglia Plus-class ship. MSC Virtuosa has 2,421 staterooms and carries around 1,704 crew members. It offers cruisers 11 dining venues plus 21 bars and lounges. At the heart of the ship, Galleria Virtuosa houses the largest shopping area on a cruise ship, with more than 12,500 square feet of retail space. In this area, you'll also find entertainment venues, restaurants and cocktail bars. And don't forget to look up: An impressive LED dome, one of the longest at sea, spans the ceiling of the promenade.

Another highlight to check out during your voyage is the MSC Starship Club, which features Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender on a cruise ship. The multilingual expert mixologist even tells jokes and will show you a dance move or two. After all the indoor fun, head outside for a cool dip in one of MSC Virtuosa's five pools or take a ride on the slide at the Savannah Aquapark.

Book an MSC Cruise on GoToSea.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Gross tons: 180,000

Maximum passengers: 6,465

One of Carnival Cruise Line's newest ships, Mardi Gras , debuted in July 2021. Its name honors the line's first ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, which launched in 1972. The original Mardi Gras was around 27,000 gross tons and 650 feet long – in contrast, the new Carnival Mardi Gras weighs more than six times as much and is nearly twice as long. This ship also holds the title as North America's first LNG-powered ship. It has 2,641 staterooms and holds up to 1,745 crew members.

Six themed areas each offer unique dining and entertainment experiences. For New Orleans -inspired cuisine, head to the French Quarter; there, you'll find Emeril's Bistro 1396 and The Brass Magnolia, a bar reminiscent of The Big Easy's jazz culture and Garden District. Don't miss one of the ship's top onboard attractions: the BOLT roller coaster, where riders can hit speeds of nearly 40 mph at 187 feet above sea level.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

MSC Meraviglia

Courtesy of Port Miami for MSC Cruises

Length: 1,036 feet

Gross tons: 171,598

Maximum passengers: 5,655

MSC Cruises' Meraviglia first set sail in 2017 with an impressive 2,244 staterooms and the capacity to carry 1,536 crew members. A dozen restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, including a Spanish tapas bar with dishes created by a Michelin-starred chef, Japanese teppanyaki, Italian fare, fresh seafood, steaks and more. There are also 20 bars, lounges and cafes serving everything from Champagne and cocktails to ice cream and crepes.

The central highlight of the ship is Galleria Meraviglia, a 315-foot promenade with eateries, boutiques and evening parties. Nightly entertainment includes live performances and shows in the Broadway Theatre and the Carousel Lounge. Kids will find plenty to do, as well: There's an Aquapark, an F1 simulator, a flight simulator, LEGO play areas, bowling and more. When it's time to wind down, book a signature treatment at the MSC Aurea Spa.

Norwegian Encore

Length: 1,094 feet

Width: 136 feet

Gross tons: 169,116

Maximum passengers: 3,998 (double occupancy)

Norwegian Encore was built in 2019 as one of Norwegian Cruise Line 's Breakaway Plus-class ships. The vessel has 2,040 staterooms and carries 1,735 crew members. There are several complimentary culinary venues on board, including three main dining rooms, The Local Bar & Grill, the Garden Café buffet, and grab-and-go options. Specialty dining restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from seafood to steak to Japanese teppanyaki.

When it's time for cocktail hour, 14 bars and lounges serve up everything from cold brews to fine wine and whiskey. For a pre-dinner option, head up to the Observation Lounge for panoramic ocean views. Norwegian Encore is also home to several entertainment venues featuring award-winning live shows and performances.

You'll find the most fun on the ship's top decks. First, head to the Encore Speedway race track, which takes thrill-seekers on a heart-pumping ride through high-speed curves extending 13 feet off the side of the ship. Also at the top of the vessel you'll find The Haven: Norwegian's exclusive "ship within a ship" concept boasts luxurious suites, villas and penthouses with balconies. These luxe accommodations include perks like 24-hour butler service, a concierge and a private sun deck.

Find a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Frequently Asked Questions

The largest cruise ship currently in service is Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, at more than 235,000 gross tons. Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world at 250,000-plus gross tons after its launch, set for January 2024.

Carnival Jubilee, scheduled to debut in December 2023, and Carnival Celebration are the line's largest ships at 183,521 gross tons.

The line's largest ship is Disney Wish at about 144,000 gross tons. The vessel is 1,119 feet in length and 128 feet wide; it has 1,254 staterooms and carries up to 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top World Cruises
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Top Gay Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance

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San Francisco Bay Cruise: This fully-narrated, one-hour cruise sails past the world-famous sea lions at PIER 39, underneath the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, around mysterious Alcatraz Island, past Angel Island State Park and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront. Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities and breathtaking views.  Click here  for more information.

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Regular ferry service to Sausalito and through its contract with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) service to: Vallejo, Oakland, Main Street Alameda, Seaplane Lagoon, Harbor Bay, Richmond, South San Francisco, Oracle Park (for San Francisco Giants games and special events) and Chase Center (for Golden State Warriors games and special events). Blue & Gold Fleet operates a fleet of 21 vessels.

Special Event Cruises

Blue & Gold Fleet offers a variety of seasonal and special events cruises.  Click here  for more information.  

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Yellow Funnel Installed on Costa Cruises Flagship

Construction of the new flagship of Costa Cruises - Costa Smeralda , is continuing at Meyer's shipyard in Turku, Finland . The yellow funnel with the blue “C”, that has identified all the ships of the Italian company for the last seventy years, has now been installed. It will not only be a symbol but is connected to one of the major technological innovations in the vessel.

Costa Smeralda is due to be the first ship for the world cruise market, specifically the European, to be fuelled, both at sea and in port, by LNG (liquefied natural gas), the world's cleanest fossil fuel. The environmental transformation will improve air quality as it almost entirely prevents particulate and sulfur oxide emissions. It also significantly reduces emissions of CO2 and nitrogen oxides.

With a GT of more than 180,000 tons and more than 2,600 staterooms, Costa Smeralda enters service in October 2019. Delivery of Smeralda's twin, also being constructed by Meyer-Turku, is scheduled for 2021. Smeralda and her sistership are part of an expansion plan for Costa Group fleet under which 7 newbuilds will be delivered by 2023, for an investment of more than 6 billion euros.

Costa Smeralda's debut is scheduled for October 20 with a 15-day inaugural voyage from Hamburg to Savona . The official christening ceremony will be held in Savona on November 3. On November 4, a 6-day inaugural cruise will depart Savona for Barcelona , Marseilles , and Civitavecchia . The ship will then continue sailing in the Western Mediterranean through April 2021, offering week-long cruises to discover Savona, Barcelona, Marseilles,  Palma de Mallorca , Civitavecchia, La Spezia .

This Cruise Life

Weekly wednesday – funnels.

Have you noticed that the funnels on some of your favorite ships look strange? On this week’s Weekly Wednesday, we’re going to dive deeper into the design for the most popular funnels and try to understand why they look the way they do!

While it is a statement on the vessels we sail on today, the funnel has quite a history with ships, originally serving as a way for exhaust gases to be lifted so they would not cause damage to the ship’s structure or decks, and by removing smoke on deck improving the ability for the crew to be able to carry out their duties. In the 19 th century, steam-powered ships helped pave the way for the modern-day cruise liners in how they are easily recognized thanks to its silhouetted appearance with the funnels.

The funnel was an early form of trademark for companies. They would specially design their funnels to be unique and different from other liners as this was something they could incorporate into marketing and publicity materials when offering sailings. As ships evolved and got bigger, they wanted to update their looks. Some of the builders incorporated multiple funnels with some being just for visuals to balance the appearance of the ship.

Cunard One of the companies that led this revolution to making their funnels distinctive was Cunard Line. They have been sailing since 1840 when they introduced the design of a red funnel with two or three narrow black bands and a black top.

Disney One company that will never be outdone by design is Disney. Several weeks ago, I outlined what made Disney Cruise Lines so unique , but there wasn’t much discussion about the design of the funnels on their ships. Step back to 1998 when they introduced their very first ship, Disney Magic. While built for speed and aesthetic, the ship was outfitted with two funnels. Both funnels are similar in that they share the iconic silhouetted Mickey Mouse head logo in white, on a triple blue-stripe wave over a red-painted funnel, however the forward funnel doesn’t function as a means of exhaust from the propulsion system. Housed inside the forward funnel on the Magic-Class ships is a teen center with a lounge and other activities.

P&O Cruises Up until 2014, P&O Cruises sailed with a yellow funnel. When they decided to renovate the MV Aurora in 2014, one major change that the drydock saw with the introduction of the signature British Union Flag (the red, white, and blue flag that represents the United Kingdom) painted on her bow and blue on her funnel featuring P&O’s illuminated rising sun motif, which pays homage to the Oriental part of Peninsular and Oriental (P&O).

Celebrity Cruises Originally founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of the Greece-based Chandris Group, Celebrity Cruises was formed to operate a higher-class of cruise ships to Bermuda. Currently owned by Royal Caribbean Group, the Celebrity ships were given an iconic funnel right out of the gate. On their funnel is displayed a giant “X” which is the Greek letter chi, for “Chandris”. Over the years, the design has evolved to become more prominent and incorporated into the funnel’s appearance. Originally it was a dark-blue painted funnel with a giant white “X” on it, and the funnel is now built in the shape of a giant “X” to really distinguish itself.

Costa Cruises Some cruise lines are so proud of the funnel designs their ships feature that it’s part of their branding logo. Costa Cruises is one of those lines with their iconic yellow funnel with a dark blue “C” and black tips. This design has ben in use on their ships since the 1940s, or even earlier.

Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, TUI Cruises & More The various lines in this section all use their respective logos to represent who the ship belongs to. Their funnels are more similar in design. Princess Cruises utilizes a design with a white background set onto a sweeping arc with the lady of the seas (Princess Cruises logo) spread across the funnel. Royal Caribbean has featured several different funnel designs, but theirs are similar to TUI Cruises with their white-stacked funnel that features the crown and anchor of Royal Caribbean, and the TUI logo on theirs. Holland America Line usually features a single funnel, or a pair of funnels side-by-side. They are painted white, stand tall and feature the famed logo since the 1980s.

Carnival Cruise Line Of course, the most prominent and easily recognizable funnel was saved for last: Carnival Cruise Line’s whale-tale funnel. Rather than placing the logo for the company directly onto their funnel, designer Joseph Farcus wanted to introduce something that was more eye-catching and memorable for passengers and would-be cruisers, alike. It was first introduced on the Tropicale and has been found on every Carnival ship ever since. The funnel may vary in size from ship to ship, and in some cases it can be seen from the bottom of the atrium through special red-tinted glass as part of the funnel’s design. The color scheme includes Red, White and Blue which are all the colors of the logo for Carnival Corporation.

After having sailed several times, I started to take notice of the different funnel types out there, yet hadn’t really put much thought into the design and why they’re all different. You may not have noticed all of these intricacies with the different cruise lines before. What are some of your favorites? Did I leave any notable funnels out of this article that are important to the industry?

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The Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier is officially flying a brand new battle flag at sea

The new aircraft carrier may still be working out the kinks, but its battle flag is certainly ready for action.

By Jared Keller | Published Oct 27, 2022 10:38 AM EDT

• Tech & Tactics

The first-in-its-class $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier may only be undergoing “service-retained early employment” ahead of its first formal deployment next year, but that doesn’t mean the once-embattled supercarrier can’t mark its first serious trip on the high seas with some pomp and circumstance. 

While operating alongside NATO allies in the Atlantic Ocean, the Ford unfurled a distinctive blue-and-yellow battle flag for what appears to be its first formal reveal aboard the aircraft carrier.

As with most Navy battle flags, the colors and symbols selected for the Ford’s banner pay homage to the ship’s namesake, President Gerald R. Ford. The core color scheme of maize yellow and blue represents the 38th president’s undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, while the nautical compass topped with a fleur-de-lis at true north symbolizes not just the spirit of Ford’s naval service during World War II, but his “distinction as the only President who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout,” according to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. 

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The flag is clearly evocative of the ship’s crest, which was originally unveiled back in 2013. While the ship’s motto of ‘Integrity At The Helm’ — meant to highlight Ford’s “extraordinary legacy of integrity and honesty and his legacy’s connection with the Navy’s core values,” according to the Ford Presidential Foundation — appears on the crest, the battle flag merely reads merely ‘Victory’ with a 78 for the ship’s CVN number. Despite this, both crest and flag center the nautical compass as its core symbol, a tribute to both Ford’s naval career and his moral fortitude. 

“The biggest attribute that we have on there is the compass, which you can refer to as a moral compass. That was what ruled Gerald R. Ford’s life,” said the Ford’s then-commanding officer Capt. John F. Meier way back in 2013. “As we talked with Susan Ford Bales, our ship’s sponsor, and other Ford family members, it’s become extremely evident that Gerald Ford was a man of integrity above all else. He made decisions he knew would not be popular, but did what he felt was right and I really admire that.”

Ford enlisted in the Naval Reserve in the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that catapulted the U.S. into World War II. Applying for sea duty in 1943, he ended up aboard the Independence-class light aircraft carrier USS Monterey until December 1944, during which the carrier helped capture Makimn Island and participated in numerous carrier strikes across the Pacific before the carrier was damaged by a typhoon-induced fire, according to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. He eventually left the service in 1946 as a lieutenant commander. 

Ford “is a fantastic role model for the crew,” Meier said. “His service to country really is limitless. He was a young lawyer when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened, Dec. 7, 1941. He volunteered to join the Navy, sailed into harm’s way and saw combat in World War II, not unlike the Sailors who are in this command who joined the service following the attacks on the U.S. on 9/11. A lot of folks saw that attack and immediately their response was, ‘Well, how do I serve my country?’ And they went and signed up for the Navy. I love that aspect of our namesake.”

The Ford flew its battle flag while steaming in formation with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy, the German frigate FGS Hessen, and Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel, among other warships, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), part of the Ford Carrier Strike Group’s mission “to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region” — a long-winded way of saying that this giant ship will help keep America’s territorial waters safe. 

The Ford’s initial cruise comes more than five years after the carrier was originally commissioned and four years after its initial deployment was pushed back due to problems and delays in developing and testing the carrier’s next-generation technologies. Indeed, the issues with the Ford’s much-maligned electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG) for quickly launching and recovering aircraft, faulty weapons elevators, and immature self-defense technologies are well documented in official reports from the Defense Department’s top weapons tester. 

The Ford’s integrated combat system “has yet to demonstrate that it can effectively complete its self-defense mission against the types of threats for which the system was designed,” according to the controlled unclassified version of the Pentagon’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation fiscal year 2021 report on the Ford’s systems published by the Project On Government Oversight. The same report notes that several core systems — the EMALS, AAG, weapons elevators, and dual-band radar (DBR) — “stand out as the most significant challenges expected to affect the ship’s flight operations.”

Despite these lingering problems, the crew of the Ford last month seemed amped to actually take the advanced carrier out on the high seas to see where its next-generation capabilities actually fit into the grand web of America’s power projection abroad.

“We’re going to sail on the high seas with our partners. We’re going to operate in concert with them,” as the Ford’s current commanding officer, Capt. Paul Lanzilottam told USNI News ahead of the cruise’s start. “We’re going to learn lessons with them. We’re going to build out the tactics that Ford-class brings to the table, kind of see where we’ve got, areas to improve. There’s always going to be areas to improve.”

While the Ford may not be totally ready for battle, it can clearly still fly its battle flag. And hey, nothing says power projection like a warship named for America’s only unelected president!

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Jared Keller is the former managing editor of Task & Purpose. His writing has appeared in Aeon, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the New Republic, Pacific Standard, Smithsonian, and The Washington Post, among other publications. Contact the author here.

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How to Identify Cruise Lines by Their Smoke Stacks

Cruise ships are floating luxury resort vehicles. At first glance, all cruise ships might seem similar in size and shape, but each cruise line uses distinct colors and design features to distinguish them from other ships.

A ship’s smokestack is one way for cruise lines to utilize creativity in decoration. Identifying each cruise line becomes easy when using photographs from websites, pamphlets and even by watching ships dock and sail in cruise ports.

Things You’ll Need

• Computer with Internet connection
• Cruise ship pamphlets and brochures

Look for Distinguishing Features

Study various pamphlets, websites, cruise passenger photos and even cruise ships themselves if you are lucky enough to live near a sailing port. Cruise smokestacks are easy to spot because they will be one of the tallest features on each ship, rising above the highest deck.

Learn the distinguishing features of each cruise line. Color and branding elements are the main way cruise ship smokestacks distinguish themselves from each other. Major cruise lines, like Disney Cruises, use Mickey Mouse as their identifying emblem, which they paint on each smokestack. Look for the obvious emblems for other cruise lines.

Line up photos of various cruise ships next to each other the way you would flash cards. Study each picture, one or two for each cruise line, until you are able to distinguish one line’s color scheme, size and shape of smokestack from the next. Keep a log of the ships you watch docking if you are near any ports.

Tips & Warnings

• Some cruise lines have very distinct marks, such as the aforementioned Mickey Mouse ear design on all Disney Cruise smokestacks. The Cunard cruise line pays homage to past cruise lines by painting their ships in colors that mirror historic vessels like the.
• Titanic, so look for a bright red smokestack. Costa Cruises have yellow smokestacks painted with large “C” emblems. Celebrity cruises have some of the most identifiable smokestacks, with big bold X’s that are easy to see for miles.
• Be careful if you are observing cruise ships from a sailing port to stay out of the way of workers and keep a respectful distance from boarding and departing passengers.

Tory has been writing for over 10 years and has built a strong following of readers who enjoy his unique perspective and engaging writing style. When he's not busy crafting blog posts, Tory enjoys spending time with his friends and family, traveling, and trying out new hobbies.

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