Resort Cruising
Big ships. Endless choice.
Big ships. Endless choice.
These are the ships where the experience onboard can be as much a part of the holiday as the destinations themselves, with extensive dining, entertainment, activities and facilities all in one place.
From waterparks and spectacular shows to quiet adults-only spaces, speciality restaurants and family-friendly attractions, the experience can vary enormously between ships.
Resort cruising could be right for you if...
- ✓You enjoy having plenty of dining and entertainment choices
- ✓You want lots to do onboard
- ✓You are travelling as a family
- ✓You like a lively, sociable atmosphere
- ✓You want a wide choice of ships, itineraries and accommodation
Cruise lines to explore
Royal Caribbean
Known for large, innovative ships with an extraordinary range of entertainment, activities and family-friendly attractions.
- ✓World-class entertainment and shows
- ✓Waterparks, surf simulators and zip lines
- ✓Broad range of dining options
- ✓Strong family and multi-generational appeal
- ✓Itineraries across every major ocean
Best suited to
Families, groups and those who want the widest possible choice of things to do at sea.
Worth knowing
Ship choice matters enormously with Royal Caribbean. The newest Icon Class ships feature everything from the largest waterpark at sea to spectacular AquaTheater shows, while older ships can offer a much more traditional cruise experience.
MSC Cruises
Lively, international ships combining extensive facilities, entertainment and dining with a distinctly European feel.
- ✓Vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere
- ✓Extensive Mediterranean itineraries
- ✓Strong entertainment programme
- ✓Excellent value for money
- ✓Strong family facilities & kids' clubs
Best suited to
Those who enjoy a sociable, international atmosphere and want strong Mediterranean or Caribbean itinerary options.
Worth knowing
MSC Yacht Club offers a premium enclave within the larger ship. This is a great option if you want resort-scale facilities with a quieter and more refined retreat available.
Norwegian Cruise Line
A relaxed approach to cruising with a particularly strong focus on entertainment, dining choice and flexibility.
- ✓Freestyle dining with no fixed times or seating
- ✓Broadway-style productions & live entertainment
- ✓The Haven luxury enclave on selected ships
- ✓Racetracks and innovative attractions on selected ships
- ✓Relaxed, informal atmosphere
Best suited to
Those who value flexibility and a relaxed pace, and want strong entertainment and dining options without a formal structure.
Worth knowing
NCL's newest ships push resort-style attractions particularly far — Norwegian Aqua introduced the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea.
P&O Cruises
A relaxed style of cruising with plenty of choice, from family-friendly ships to adults-only escapes and a wide range of sailings from the UK.
- ✓Strong choice of cruises from Southampton
- ✓Adults-only sailings available
- ✓British-style dining and entertainment
- ✓Good choice of included dining and entertainment
- ✓Gratuities included in the cruise fare
Best suited to
Those who value a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of choice and convenient UK departures, with options to suit couples, families and solo guests.
Worth knowing
Aurora and Arcadia remain adults-only for most sailings, but selected cruises now welcome guests of all ages.
Finding the right resort ship
With so much variation between ships, bigger does not automatically mean better. The right choice depends on who you are travelling with, how you like to spend your time onboard and what you want from the overall experience.
I can help you compare the options and find the ship, cabin and itinerary that suit the way you want to travel.