the world cruise ship owners

Who Owns the World Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

The world’s cruise ships are floating cities, a combination of luxury and convenience that takes passengers to all corners of the world. Cruise ships offer a unique way of experiencing the world, from sun-drenched beaches to ancient ruins. But who really owns them?

The answer is complicated and depends on the individual ship in question. Most of the world’s larger cruise ships are owned and operated by publicly traded companies.

These companies own their ships outright, and are responsible for their maintenance, operations, and overall customer experience. Examples of major cruise ship companies include Carnival Corporation & PLC, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and NCL Corporation.

Smaller cruise lines may be independently owned or part of a larger company. These cruise lines often lease their vessels from other companies or investors.

This means they pay a fee to use the ship but do not actually own it outright. This is common in the industry, as it allows smaller companies to get into the business without having to invest large amounts of capital in buying their own vessels.

Finally, some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships are owned by private individuals or entities. These owners purchase these vessels outright and then rent them out for private cruises or charters. Often times these owners are wealthy individuals who have an affinity for luxury travel and want to share it with others.

Conclusion:

Overall, who owns a particular cruise ship is complex and depends on many factors such as size, purpose and ownership structure. Generally speaking however, most of the world’s larger cruise ships are owned by publicly traded companies while smaller ones may be leased from other organizations or investors. Finally, some luxury vessels are owned privately by wealthy individuals or entities.

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Your Home at sea: The World

With 165 individual Residences, The World is the largest private residential yacht on Earth. Launched in 2002, the Ship is continuously maintained to the highest standards of performance, safety, and style – representing the pinnacle of bespoke comfort, sophisticated design, and remarkable amenities.

The best of all worlds

At 644 feet / 196 meters, The World is large enough to hold several extraordinary culinary venues, recreational spaces, and world-class amenities, yet with an average of only 200 or fewer Residents & Guests aboard at any given time, The World elegantly balances a sense of community with privacy and serenity. The Ship has the size and power for comfortable transoceanic crossings and polar exploration, and at the same time is small enough to dock in rarely-visited ports inaccessible to large commercial cruises.

The most extraordinary Home you will ever own

Each of the 165 Residences aboard The World is a privately owned, exquisitely stylish Home. From elegant studios to vast Ocean Residences with two or three bedrooms and spacious entertaining areas, Residents begin and end each day in any corner of the globe surrounded by the genuine comforts of home.

The World is always evolving

Our Residents collectively own the Ship, and they continually invest in maintaining and improving every aspect of The World’s shared spaces, as well as their private homes on board. Every three years, The World enters a major dry-dock, during which extensive renovations and visionary redesigns elevate the restaurants, lounges, and other facilities of the Ship beyond even our own unsurpassed standards.

Ready to learn more?

Determine whether life aboard The World is the right fit for you. Talk to one of our Residential Advisors today to learn more about this unique lifestyle, details of upcoming Journeys and Expeditions, and ownership opportunities.

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Tom Wolber Named CEO at The World

• October 28, 2021

The World Resident Holdings (TWRH) today announced that Thomas Wolber has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for The World, Residences at Sea effective January 3, 2022.

Wolber was most recently the CEO of Crystal Cruises and was previously a senior executive at Disney Cruise Line. He succeeds Pamela Conover who is retiring after serving as CEO for The World since March 2015.

“We are very fortunate to have recruited such an accomplished senior executive to serve as our next CEO,” said Craig R. Smith, M.D., Chairman of the Board of Directors of TWRH. “He is highly respected in the cruise industry for his leadership at Disney Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises. He brings a highly effective management style, a wealth of technical knowledge, and a keen appreciation of luxury hospitality standards to the task of operating our Ship and leading our community.”

“I am honored to join the team at The World as its next CEO. Both the Shoreside and Shipboard teams have done an outstanding job of serving the Resident community and operating under Pam Conover’s leadership,” said Wolber. “The Residents are from over 20 countries and have a love of adventure. They have a deep interest in the cultures and natural wonders of the destinations they visit and are committed to continuous improvement of the exceptional quality of the Ship. Most importantly, the safety and security of the Ship and all who sail on her are paramount. These are values and perspectives I greatly admire.”

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Cruise ship The World is a floating city of millionaires

The home at sea

Imagine that your home is on a cruise ship. You live at home and travel the world at the same time. What can be more fun than this?

Seems like an unlikely scenario, but this kind of propriety exists. Meet The World, a ship that travels around the Globe for the owners of its cabins.

Let me explain. The World is a floating city of millionaires. It's the 21st century Titanic in terms of grandeur. The 200m vessel is the largest privately owned residential yacht. The residents are from 45 countries, and all live aboard as the ship travels. Some of them live on board full-time, while others visit periodically.

The World was the idea of Knut Kloster, a Norwegian with ties in the marine industry. The hull was built in Sweden with the superstructure completed in Norway. The ship was launched in 2002 and by 2006 all the residences were sold. She has 165 residences: 106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios.

The ship is operated by ROW Management Ltd, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America, but sails under the Bahamas flag.

Owned by its residents

When launched, the concept was a bit different. And it nearly went broke. The ship was then owned by a hotel company, and the sixth floor was initially reserved for hotel rooms. But it didn't work. In 2003, the business model was changed. No more tourists on board, only residents of a very high net worth. Until now MS The World remains the only residential cruise liner in existence.

All the residents are shareholders and vote on everything that happens with the ship: from the yearly route to the Christmas decorations.

So, what kind of people buy a propriety on a cruise vessel? Some very wealthy people, of course. The type of people that own private jets, collect art and have more than one residence.

Also, they value their privacy and confidentiality. The ship is a sanctuary, a refuge, and no paparazzi are allowed near it.

Nobody knows who lives on the ship.

142 unidentified families reside on the ship and everybody have undergone a strict vetting process before being allowed to buy. according to some sources, the average age is 64 years old.

Most residents spend about six months every year on board the ship. Christmas is a popular time to be on board with their families and friends.

Life in a sea of luxury

Life on the The World is impressive. Each apartment receives complementary cleaning service twice a day. Bathrooms are stocked with Bvlgari toiletries each day. There is internet wifi coverage even when at sea. There are doctors on board; even a pilates teacher is available.

The ship offers myriad services and amenities. These include an art gallery, arts & crafts, billiards, florist, gourmet deli, housekeeping, laundry, library, Medical Center, nightclub. There is also a non-denominational chapel, sports center offering real and virtual golf excursions to the world’s top-ranked courses, The World Boutique & Showroom, The World Concierge, The World Spa & Wellness Center, theater, video and board games, video-on-demand, and youth program.

But the question is: people with such financial ability aren't more comfortable on their own private superyacht?

The appeal of the The World lies in the adventurous itineraries.

In 2017, the World will sail approximately 44,000 nautical miles visiting more than 100 ports of call in over 20 countries. Residents will learn about different cultures, plus enjoy expeditions to two of the most remote regions on earth (Antarctica and Melanesia), all from the comfort of their own home on this one-of-a-kind ship. The 2017 journey begins in Sydney harbor, exploring the heart-shaped island of Tasmania and its unique treasures before an extensive visit up the coast of New Zealand through famed vineyards and lush hillsides. This spring the ship visits East Asia and discovers the unique traditions of Japan, Shanghai’s glamorous past and the dazzling neon lights of Hong Kong. After a Pacific crossing, summertime begins amid the beautiful blue water and tropical islands of Hawaii before saying aloha and venturing up the California coast to western Canada. The World then reverses course and heads south to explore the Sea of Cortez and Central America before transiting the infamous Panama Canal. Winter brings a voyage up and down the U.S. east coast, Bermuda’s pink sand beaches and a spectacular New Year’s celebration in the Miami, Florida.

Beside the classic itinerary, three times a year, the ship goes on expeditions into unusual destinations. The crew is joined by environmentalists and scientists who give an expert opinion about the destinations. It's like being back to school for a week, says one of the residents.

The World is a small floating town

MS The World is a 196m cruise ship with a tonnage of 43,188 GT. It has a maximum beam of 30m and a draft of 7m. The crew and residents quarters are located on 12 decks. The maximum speed is 18.5 knots.

The ship is privately owned by residents: 142 families from 19 countries – North America (49%), various European countries (36%), and Asia, Australia, and South Africa (15%).

The ship needs a crew of 280 people. The staff is international, with some 42 nationalities on board.

Construction of the vessel began in May 2000 in Rissa, Norway and in March 2002 the vision was realized when The World set sail from Oslo with its inaugural residents on board. Her maiden voyage departed from Lisbon, Portugal on 2 May 2002 and on 17 May 2002 she was christened in Venice, Italy. On 30 September 2003 the residents purchased the ship, and in June 2006, the original inventory of residences was sold out.

The World is the first ship of its size burning marine diesel oil rather than heavy bunker fuel, making for a much more environmentally friendly ship and allowing The World to call in areas where ships burning heavy fuel are banned.

Soon, The World won't be the sole ship of its kind. Another project, even larger, is in progress. The ship will be named Utopia and she is scheduled to set sail in 2021. The Utopia ship is 300m long and it's being built at the Samsung shipyards. With a tonnage of 108,000 GT, Utopia will be propelled by six Wartsila diesel engines for a top speed of 22 knots.

She will have 199 luxury residences and 218 hotel rooms. For operating the ship, she will need a crew of 600 people.

Read more about cruise ships:

Norwegian Escape cruise ships escapes Hurricane Irma

Crystal Endeavour is a Polar Class megayacht

Symphony of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world

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Royal Caribbean Is the New Owner of the World's Largest Cruise Ship The 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas weighs 250,800 tons and has 20 decks.

By Sam Silverman • Nov 28, 2023

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Royal Caribbean has added the world's largest cruise ship to its fleet.

The cruise company has taken ownership of the Icon of the Sea, a 1,198-foot-long vessel that cost approximately $2 billion to build, according to the cruise website Go Port .

"Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it's also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience," said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO, in a press release . The transfer of ownership took place on Monday, November 27, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, with 1,200 crew members and workers in attendance.

RELATED: Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' Completes First Sea Trials, Sets Sail Towards 2024 Debut

The Icon of the Sea took 900 days to build and weighs 250,800 tons, according to a press release from Royal Caribbean. It has 20 decks and can hold 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

Its maiden voyage is set to depart from Miami, Florida, on January 27, 2024, and will travel around the Caribbean for seven days.

RELATED: See Where the Thousands of Workers Aboard the New World's Largest Cruise Ship Will Spend Their Free Time

The vessel features eight "neighborhoods" for passengers to explore and 40 dining and drink options, plus it has 28 different options for accommodations. The ship's AquaDome is the largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship, it also has the most water ever on board with seven pools and six record-breaking waterslides.

The Icon of the Sea is powered with liquified natural gas, making it the first waste-to-energy plant at sea, per CNN .

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Largest Cruise Shipping Companies

See here the complete list of the world's largest cruise companies (passenger shipping corporations), associations and organizations. Corporate cruise line ownership - who are the owners of all cruise brands. As this is a very long survey, for your convenience next links jump down directly to largest cruise corporations (shipowners) , list of ALL cruise lines , RIVER travel brands and NEW brands .

According to official cruise industry statistics, the world's 4 largest cruise companies slowly conquered the market. Their combined market share was projected to grow over the forecast period 2015-2021 from 83,2% to 87,6%. World's largest (by combined fleet's passenger capacity/stats 2020-Q4) are Carnival Corporation (39%), RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (24$), MSC (11,5%), NCLH-Norwegian (8,3%). All other companies had combined market share (2020-Q4) 17,2%.

For the ones that are no more, see CruiseMapper's list of DEFUNCT companies .

What is a cruise line?

Cruise company's business is leisure travel, cruise tours, and entertainment. Most brands have unique activities and signature amenities offered exclusively onboard their vessels. Many activities and land tours are additionally (optionally) offered in ports of call along the ship's itinerary route.

Cruise ship companies typically hire two separate types of staff: crew (commanded by the Captain) and service staff (hotel and dining operations) supervised by Hotel Manager.

The cruise line is a passenger shipping company operating privately-owned, parent-owned or chartered vessels. Cruise brands differ from ferry companies, which operate Ro-Ro ships and offer combined passenger and cargo shipping services on a limited number of routes and in just a few regions/destinations.

Most companies are well-established passenger shipping brands. Most were founded in the second half of the 20th century, and specifically for cruising. Some were founded over 100 years ago as cargo shipping lines. Failures and consolidations in the 1990s resulted in many subsidiary companies existing as "brands" within large corporations. Brands exist partly because of their repeat customer loyalty, also to offer different levels of quality and services. Corporative shipowners frequently sell, renovate or simply rename their vessels to keep up with the travel industry's trends.

All brands offer complimentary onboard live entertainment, leisure facilities, daily scheduled activities, enrichment program, youth programs, buffet dining.

Cruise lines classification

According to the quality and price of their product, brands are classified into 4 distinct types.

CHEAPEST brands (aka mass-market/mainstream) offer good product at affordable prices. Fares range from $50-300 (Inside-Suite) pp per day. Itineraries range from 3 to 10 days. Typical passengers are a mix of veterans and first-timers, many kids and couples in their 50s. Ships are large-sized (over 3000 passengers), providing large resort-like experience. Examples include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC, Costa, Holland America, AIDA, TUI.

BUDGET brands fares range from $200-500 pp per day. Itineraries range from 3 to 17 days. Typical passengers are predominantly first-timers, singles, families, kids. Ships are smaller and older, usually serving regional markets. Examples include NCL Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, Princess, Star Cruises, Marella, P&O, Pullmantur, Phoenix Reisen, Fred Olsen, Bahamas Paradise.

LUXURY brands are Viking OCEAN, Resorts World, Cunard, Oceania, Hapag-Lloyd, Ponant, Saga UK. Services are premium (including 24-hour highly personalized concierge), prices are affordable, and the boats are new (refurbished more often), but the product is not all-inclusive.

ALL-INCLUSIVE brands are Seabourn, Silversea, RSSC-Regent, Azamara, Crystal, Virgin Voyages, NYV-Norwegian Yacht Voyages, Four Seasons Yachts, Ritz-Carlton Yachts, SeaDream Yachts. Onboard product is the industry's best and includes 24-hour personal butler service, all beverages, specialty dining, Internet, shore excursions, gratuities, flights, transfers, sophisticated enrichment programs (world-class performers, professional lectures and classes, art auctions), fewer mega-ship seaports, more yachting destinations. Vessels are mid-sized (mega-yachts) with a capacity between 200-1000 passengers, industry's highest ratios (passenger-to-space and passenger-to-staff), usually without kids facilities (babysitting arranged with off-duty staff). Passengers are sophisticated, highly social, wealthy, adventurous. Itineraries are diverse and global. Most mega-yachts provide alternative private ship-charter deals to large corporations and the world's richest families. The smallest boats are yachts with capacity from 100 up to 300 passengers. Some accommodate up to 700-800 guests. Most luxury ships operate in Europe (Mediterranean), Asia, Oceania, Alaska, Galapagos Islands, Around South America, Around the World .

EXPEDITION TRAVEL brands operate nature-themed voyages to unusual destinations (Arctic, Antarctica, Galapagos, Indian Ocean islands, Alaska). Prices depend on itinerary (fares from $150-500+ pp per day. Itineraries range from 1-3 weeks. Passengers are older and more experienced. Ships are usually with ice-strengthened hull (also icebreakers), marina platform (watersports) and Zodiacs (large boats for landings). Examples include Windstar, Lindblad-National Geographic, Quark Expeditions, Uncruise Adventures, Star Clippers, Metropolitan Touring.

RIVER TRAVEL brands operate modern boats on inland waterways (lakes, rivers, and canals), mainly in Europe and USA-Canada, also in Russia, China, Egypt, Peruvian Amazon. Fares range from $250-450 pp per day. Itineraries are 1-2 weeks. Passengers are regular and loyal. Most boats accommodate between 90-200 passengers (over 300 on Russian ships). Shipboard amenities and services are of premium quality. The market's largest are Viking, Uniworld, CroisiEurope, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Scylla, Luftner, American Cruise Lines, Russia ( Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox ).

Cruise Lines List

Small cruise lines list.

The following small ship cruise companies (and cruise ferry lines) are well-known brand names. Some of them operate locally, others operate expedition ships. Most companies are in the "small ship luxury cruise" business.

RIVER Cruise Lines List

River cruise lines provide as product a very "especially modern" style of travel cruising. It's the perfect combination of the world's best river cruise itineraries (in Europe, USA, Asia, Africa), tranquility and style, vessels with innovative design and top technology, highest standards of service, all-inclusive cruise deals prices - and much more.

NEW Cruise Lines (2021-2024)

World's largest cruise companies.

The biggest cruise companies - they all are very big, some are bigger big, one is the biggest. They all are very very very much rich!

(No 1) Carnival Corporation & plc (1972-founded American-Panamanian company) is the world's largest cruise shipowner, with 1/2 share of the market. The company is dual-listed (as Carnival Corp and Carnival plc), Southampton-headquartered, has a combined fleet of 100+ ships, 160,000+ berths, 10,000+ employees, ~75,000 crew, USD 38,9 billion in assets, USD 16,4B revenue (data 2016). Carnival owns the following brands (in brackets - the year of acquisition/establishment) - AIDA (2000), CCL-Carnival (1972), Costa (2000), Cunard (1998), HAL-Holland America (1989), Ibero (2007), P&O UK and P&O Australia (2003), Princess (2003), Seabourn (1992). Carnival's major stock-holder is the company founder's Arison family (47%).

(No 2) Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) - 1997-founded as an American-Norwegian cruise company. RCG is the 2nd largest cruise shipowner in the world, controls over 1/4 of the cruise market, with 58,000 employees, nearly USD 20 billion in assets, and almost USD 7B in revenue (data 2011). The combined fleet includes the brands Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity , Pullmantur (purchased 2006), CDF Croisieres de France (est 2008 / merged with Pullmantur in 2017). RCG also fully owns Air Pullmantur, and 50% of TUI Cruises (2009-founded joint venture with TUI AG).

(No 3) Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC, founded in 1970, owned by the Aponte family) - the 2nd largest shipping line in the world (by container ship capacity), with more than 555 vessels of almost 2,2 million TEU (including 11 under construction - some of the world's largest container ships ever built, with capacity 15,000 TEU each). The MSC shipping line serves 270 ports worldwide, with over 29,000 employees.

(No 4) Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH) ownership is 43,4% Genting Group, 32,5% Apollo Management and 10,8% TPG Capital (Texas Pacific Group, large private equity global investments firm). NCL controls ~8% of the global cruising market.

Genting Group (founded in 1964, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). Genting is a leading Asian multinational company (developing, operating and marketing in Tourism, 1,800 ha Resorts World Genting, Gaming (casinos), Real Estates, 54,000 ha Plantations, Power Generation, Oil-Gas, e-commerce, over 58,000 employees, USD 5,1 billion revenue, USD 13,5B in assets). One of the most famous tourist features of Malaysia is the "Genting Highlands" resort, with a world-class casino and a theme park. Owns about 20% of Star Cruises (the world's 3rd largest operator).

Apollo Global Management LLC (founded in 1990 as Apollo Advisors). Apollo is one of the world's largest private investment companies (over USD 37 billion in assets, USD 16B in companies, headquartered in NYC). The firm specializes in private equity funds (buyout transactions, and purchasing distressed securities), and capital markets (with hedge funds and real estate funds, corporate restructuring, and consolidations).

The Walt Disney Company - founded in 1923, and nowadays the largest and richest media conglomerate in the world. Headquartered in Burbank CA, and owning 6 major divisions, 10 subsidiaries (almost 150,000 employees, USD 71 billion in assets, USD 38B revenue - data 2011). Amongst Disney's best-known (and priced) assets are the ABC media, the ESPN cable network, and the PIXAR Animation Studios, along with all the Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide.

P&O Princess Cruises PLC was a restructured company between 2000 and 2003. This company was the successor of "Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company" (P&O/1837-founded). P&O owned 6 line brands and 26 ships. The company merged into Carnival Corp in 2003.

NYK Line ("Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha", translated as "Japan Mail Shipping Line"), main headquarters Chiyoda (Tokyo) and regional in London, NYC, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Sao Paulo. Established in 1870, a core Mitsubishi company and currently the world's 10th largest cargo-container and shipping company. In the recent past, the majority of Japan's merchant fleet sailed under its flag (1900-1950). Entered the passenger cruise ship business with one of the most expensive cruise lines in the world - its newly-formed in 1989 subsidiary Crystal Cruise Lines. The NYK Line also operates the MS Asuka II (the ex MS Crystal Harmony), catering to the Japanese market exclusively. Financial data: revenue about USD 25 billion, about 55,000 employees worldwide, with 240 offices in 26 countries.

Largest cruise industry organizations

CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) - since December 17, 2012, this is a Global Trade Association (umbrella company) for 9 of the largest cruise industry associations:

• CLIA itself (world's largest, representing brands, operators, agents, port authorities, partners; engaged in training-marketing-research)
• ECC (European Cruise Council)
• ACA (Asia Cruise Association)
• PSA (Passenger Shipping Association)
• CLIA France (France, Association Francaise des Compagnies de Croisieres)
• ABREMAR (Brazil)
• NWCCA (Northwest and Canada Cruise Association)
• ACA (Alaska Cruise Association)
• ICCA (International Cruise Council Australasia)

ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) - ICOMIA is a global (marine industry) trade association with the majority of its members being national marine industries and manufacturers. The biggest (full members) are:

• IMCI (International Marine Certification Institute)
• CCYIA (China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association)
• FIN (French Nautical Industries Federation)
• DBSV (German Boat and Shipbuilders Association)
• JBIA (Japan Boating Industry Association)
• HISWA (Dutch Boating Industry Association)
• BMF (British Marine Federation)
• NMMA (National Marine)

Now the list of all the rest large organizations:

• ACE (Association of Cruise Experts / UK)
• LCA (Leading Cruise Agents / UK)
• AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators)
• CSA (Caribbean Shipping Association)
• ECSA (European Community Shipowners Associations)
• FCCA (Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association), members list includes the brands AIDA, Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, NCL Norwegian, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, TUI.
• IG River Cruise (Europe)
• JOPA (Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association)

This article is integrated with CruiseMapper's list of the world's largest shipbuilding companies .

Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the world's biggest cruise ship

The world's biggest cruise ship is now in the hands of its new owner, with Royal Caribbean accepting delivery of the 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas this week.

The 20-deck, 250,800-tonne ship was officially handed over to the cruise company at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, on Nov. 27. Its inaugural voyage is set to depart from Miami on January 27, 2024, and will tour the Caribbean for seven days.

According to a news release issued by Royal Caribbean, it took 900 days to build Icon of the Seas, which has the capacity to hold a whopping 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. That's nearly 10,000 people – the population of a small town.

"Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it's also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience," said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty during a ceremony at the shipyard on Monday.

When it sets sail in late January, Icon of the Seas will have eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore, and some 40 bars and dining options.

Among these is Thrill Island, which will feature Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea. This neighborhood will also have a ropes course/thrill ride that lets guests swing 154 feet above the ocean, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

On the opposite end of the vacation spectrum is Chill Island, which will have four of Icon's seven pools and an adults-only zone.

Over in the AquaDome, guests will find a 55-foot-tall water curtain and the AquaTheater, which has a cast of robots, skateboarders, divers and more.

The Hideaway is where travelers will find the world's first suspended infinity pool at sea.

And that’s barely scratching the surface.

In terms of sleeping options, guests can choose from 28 different styles of cabins and suites including the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Royal Caribbean says Icon of the Seas is the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will have the first waste-to-energy plant at sea.

It was originally scheduled for delivery in early 2022, but the Covid pandemic created delays.

According to the cruise line, Icon of the Seas is now on its way to Cadiz, Spain for some final touches before it sets sail for its new home in Florida.

Viral photo creates a buzz

Much has been said about Icon of the Seas in the months leading up to its delivery, proving once again that cruises are a polarizing travel topic – particularly when mega-ships are involved.

A colorful, extremely detailed image of Icon's stern section went viral in July – and the reaction was far from positive.

It got billed as a " monstrosity, " a " pile of decadence ," and one user suggested a better name for it would be " Icon of Disease ."

But some experts CNN spoke with said this was not out of the ordinary.

The "Icon Of The Seas" sets sail in January 2024. 5610 passengers, 2350 crew members, 5 times larger and heavier than the Titanic, 19 floors with more than 40 bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. What a monstrosity! pic.twitter.com/igoQRUZ3nP — Ray Monk (@Raymodraco) July 9, 2023

"Images of Royal Caribbean's ships have often elicited strong responses," cruise expert Stewart Chiron told CNN Travel when questioned about the reaction in August.

"The negative responses to Icon of the Sea are evidently from non-cruisers. The current image is quite colorful and depicts a ship with lots of options. The positive responses far outweigh the others.”

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson, when contacted by CNN several months ago, did not comment on the feedback to this specific image, but said that since the Icon of the Seas was revealed in October 2022 there has been an "incredible reaction," which has led to the highest volume booking week in the company’s history when sales opened.

The current "world's largest cruise ship" title holder is another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Wonder of the Seas, which made its inaugural voyage in 2022. Slightly smaller than Icon of the Seas, it stretches 1,188 feet in length and has 18 decks to explore.

Includes reporting from CNN's Jacopo Prisco.  

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Royal Caribbean officially owns the world's largest cruise ship

Icon of the seas sets sail from portmiami on jan. 27, 2024, by monica galarza • published november 29, 2023 • updated on november 29, 2023 at 8:27 am.

It's official: Royal Caribbean is the owner of the largest cruise ship in the world.

The company accepted the delivery of the Icon of the Seas on Monday during a momentous ceremony in Turku, Finland.

With 20-decks, the Icon of the Seas comes in at 250,800 tons and will be more than 6% bigger, about 10 feet longer, than the Wonder of the Seas, a news release by Royal Caribbean said.

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The ship, which took 900 days to build, is set to set sail from PortMiami on Jan. 27, 2024.

Not only will the ship have eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore , but the 7,600 passengers allowed onboard will also have seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and about 40 bar and dining options to choose from.

“We are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

The Icon of the Seas has all the bases covered no matter what type of vacation you are looking to have.

For the adventure-seekers, Thrill Island will feature Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea.

This neighborhood will also have a ropes course and thrill ride, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

If you are looking to relax, Chill Island has four of the seven pools and an adults-only area.

The company added that the Icon of the Seas is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas, a transitional fuel.

The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. 

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• United Kingdom
• United States
• North America
• Latin America
• APAC (Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific)
• EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

The World’s Ten Richest Ship Owners

Have you ever wondered who’s behind those acres of colourful containers that cross the oceans daily in their hundreds of thousands? The shipping industry may be seeing a slump right now due to overcapacity – TMT Group even filed for bankruptcy recently – but the guys and girls at the top of the business are still enormously wealthy. Let us introduce you to the top ten richest shipping magnates today.

1. Li Ka Shing & Family – Net Worth $31 Billion, Hong Kong

Li Ka Shing owns the Fortune 500 Company Hutchison Wampoa Limited, and through Hutchison Port Holdings they control a staggering 52 terminals in 26 different territories across the globe. The family also dabbles very successfully in real estate, telecommunications and retail.

2. A.P. Møller-Maersk & Family – Net Worth $21 Billion, Denmark

A true household name in shipping, Moeller-Maersk is a global conglomerate with nearly 90,000 employees. The family has built its vast fortune on owning and operating container ships and ports, as well as being heavily involved in logistics, oil and gas.

Want to find out about international shipping costs ? Our detailed guide will help.

3. Iris Fontbona & Luksic Family – Net Worth $17.4 Billion, Chile

Widow of the late billionaire Andronico Luksic, Chilean Iris Fontbana inherited her Croatian husband’s fortune in 2005. The family’s key wealth stems from Antofagasta, the world’s biggest copper mine Andronico founded in the eighties. The family has mining ventures all over the world, as well as interests in energy, transportation and port services, and they own two chains of Croatian holiday resorts.

4. Robert Kuok – Net Worth $12.5 Billion, Malaysia

Described as ‘the perfect businessman’, Kuok bought the rights to bottle Coca-Cola in China in 1993, so his staggering fortunes isn’t purely down to shipping by any means. Aside from his shipping interests he is also involved in mining, trading, real estate, hotels and publishing across much of South East Asia and Australasia. Kuok is the richest man in Malaysia.

5. John Fredriksen – Net Worth $11.5 Billion, Cyprus

Norwegian-born John Fredriksen holds a Cypriot passport, lives in London and owns the world’s largest oil tanker fleet. He joined the shipping industry in the sixties when he started trading oil in Beirut, and bought his first tankers in the nineties. He is involved in container shipping through significant investments with the travel group TUI AG, a major shareholder in Hapag-Lloyd. Fredriksen holidays in Marbella.

6. Oetker Family – Net Worth $9.2 Billion, Germany

The family known for Dr Oetker frozen pizzas as well as baking products and yoghurts, owns the Hamburg Süd shipping company as well as a bank, a publisher, breweries, hotels and an insurance organisation. The Oetker Group conglomerate also owns Brazilian and Spanish shipping outfits as well as having taken over several other shipping companies over the decades. Hamburg Süd containers are a distinct bright red.

7. Klaus-Michael Kuhne – Net Worth $9.0 Billion, Germany

Klaus-Michael joined the family’s logistics company, Kuehne & Nagel in 1963 and three years later he was crowned CEO. These days he is retired from the shipping world, but retains a whopping 53 percent of the company which specialises in sea and air freight as well as IT-based logistics.

8. Gianluigi Aponte & Family – Net Worth $8.0 Billion, Switzerland

Gianluigi Aponte and his wife are the proud owners of MSC, the second largest container shipping line in the world, with over 400 vessels to their name. Gianluigi started his career as a ferry captain in the 1960s, and a decade later launched Mediterranean Shipping SA with his wife Rafaela.

9. Idan Ofer – Net Worth $6.5 Billion, Israel

Israeli Londoner Idan Ofer is the CEO of Quantum Pacific Group, whose key interest is in the world’s largest private shipping lines. He is also the principal shareholder of Pacific Drilling, which went public on the New York Stock Exchange two years ago. Idan Ofer recently donated £25 million to refurbish the London Business School, where he once studied.

10. Eyal Ofer – Net Worth $6.0 Billion, Israel

Idan’s brother Eyal is chairman of Zodiac Maritime Agencies, a shipping line with a fleet of over 130 vessels. He also holds interests in both Royal Caribbean Cruise lines and OMNI Offshore Terminals. His vast property assets across the world include two prestigious New York addresses – 15 Central Park West and the Altria skyscraper. In 2013, Eyal donated £10m to the Tate Modern in London, for refurbishment purposes.

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Royal Caribbean takes ownership of world's largest cruise ship

November 28, 2023 / 8:29 AM EST / CNN

(CNN) - The world's biggest cruise ship is now in­­ the hands of its new owner, with Royal Caribbean accepting delivery of the 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas  this week.

The 20-deck, 250,800-tonne ship was officially handed over to the cruise company at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, on November 27. Its inaugural voyage is set to depart from Miami on January 27, 2024 and will tour the Caribbean for seven days.

According to a news release issued by Royal Caribbean , it took 900 days to build Icon of the Seas, which has the capacity to hold a whopping 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. That's nearly 10,000 people - the population of a small town.

"Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it's also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience," said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty during a ceremony at the shipyard on Monday.

When it sets sail in late January, Icon of the Seas will have eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore, and some 40 bars and dining options.

Among these is Thrill Island, which will feature Category 6, the world's largest waterpark at sea. This neighborhood will also have a ropes course/thrill ride that lets guests swing 154 feet above the ocean, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

On the opposite end of the vacation spectrum is Chill Island, which will have four of Icon's seven pools and an adults-only zone.

Over in the AquaDome, guests will find a 55-foot-tall water curtain and the AquaTheater, which has a cast of robots, skateboarders, divers and more.

The Hideaway is where travelers will find the world's first suspended infinity pool at sea.

And that's barely scratching the surface.

In terms of sleeping options, guests can choose from 28 different styles of cabins and suites including the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Royal Caribbean says Icon of the Seas is the cruise line's first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will have the first waste-to-energy plant at sea.

It was originally scheduled for delivery in early 2022, but the Covid pandemic created delays.

According to the cruise line, Icon of the Seas is now on its way to Cadiz, Spain for some final touches before it sets sail for its new home in Florida.

Viral photo creates a buzz

Much has been said about Icon of the Seas in the months leading up to its delivery, proving once again that cruises are a polarizing travel topic - particularly when mega ships are involved.

A colorful, extremely detailed image of Icon's stern section went viral in July - and the reaction was far from positive.

It got billed as a "monstrosity," a "pile of decadence," and one user suggested a better name for it would be "Icon of Disease."

But some experts said this was not out of the ordinary.

"Images of Royal Caribbean's ships have often elicited strong responses," said cruise expert Stewart Chiron when questioned about the reaction in August.

"The negative responses to Icon of the Sea are evidently from non-cruisers. The current image is quite colorful and depicts a ship with lots of options. The positive responses far outweigh the others."

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson, when contacted by CNN several months ago, did not comment on the feedback to this specific image, but said that since the Icon of the Seas was revealed in October 2022 there has been an "incredible reaction," which has led to the highest volume booking week in the company's history when sales opened.

The current "world's largest cruise ship" title holder is another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Wonder of the Seas, which made its inaugural voyage in 2022. Slightly smaller than Icon of the Seas, it stretches 1,188 feet in length and has 18 decks to explore.

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This 20-deck cruise ship is the largest in the world. Here's when it will set sail

Icon of the seas sets sail from portmiami on jan. 27, 2024, by monica galarza • published november 29, 2023 • updated on november 29, 2023 at 8:27 am.

It's official: Royal Caribbean is the owner of the largest cruise ship in the world.

The company accepted the delivery of the Icon of the Seas on Monday during a momentous ceremony in Turku, Finland.

With 20-decks, the Icon of the Seas comes in at 250,800 tons and will be more than 6% bigger, about 10 feet longer, than the Wonder of the Seas, a news release by Royal Caribbean said.

The ship, which took 900 days to build, is set to set sail from PortMiami on Jan. 27, 2024.

We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.

Not only will the ship have eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore , but the 7,600 passengers allowed onboard will also have seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and about 40 bar and dining options to choose from.

“We are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

The Icon of the Seas has all the bases covered no matter what type of vacation you are looking to have.

For the adventure-seekers, Thrill Island will feature Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea.

This neighborhood will also have a ropes course and thrill ride, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

If you are looking to relax, Chill Island has four of the seven pools and an adults-only area.

The company added that the Icon of the Seas is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas, a transitional fuel.

The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. 

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Live updates, elderly american couple stranded in spain after norwegian cruise ship left without them.

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They missed the boat — literally.

An elderly American couple was left behind by Norwegian Cruise Line in Spain this week after they returned late to the ship and the vessel refused to wait for them — despite it routinely departing behind schedule during the voyage.

“I am a very experienced traveler and have probably been on as many as 30 cruises during my lifetime,” Salt Lake City resident Richard Gordon, 84, told CNN .

“Never before have we ever missed catching a ship on time at a port. So we are not someone who abuses the system.”

Gordon and his wife Claudene, 81, had gone on an independently booked excursion to view the city of Grenada while their ship, Viva, was docked in Motril on Monday. Due to a rainstorm, they ran late for the 5:30 p.m. all-aboard time ahead of a scheduled 6 p.m. departure.

At 5:45 p.m. the Gordons, who were taking the cruise to celebrate Richard’s 85th birthday this week, notified a relative on board that they were running late but were nearby.

The family member was told that the Viva had to leave on time and would not wait. By the time the octogenarians arrived at 6:10 p.m., the boat had left the harbor, Gordon told the outlet.

“Our cruise began in Lisbon and we departed from Lisbon about one and a half hours after the scheduled departure at 4 p.m.,” he claimed.

“Then the next night or two, at least a half-hour late from the dock, so it is clear that they do not always leave on the exact moment scheduled.”

When the Viva set sail, the Gordons were left without their medication, eyeglasses and spare hearing aid batteries, which were on board.

Back in Salt Lake City, their daughter Marilee Baker, stayed up into the wee hours of the morning trying to book her parents a flight to Palma de Mallorca, where the boat was making its next call Wednesday morning, according to CNN.

The Gordons claim Norwegian didn’t make first contact with them until late Tuesday, and by the time they got to Mallorca, they were met with a luxury taxi service to bring them to the Viva.

“They picked us up at the hotel in a beautiful black BMW limousine to take us to the ship. There we were met by the head of ship services who escorted us inside the ship to meet the general manager of the ship, then they escorted us to breakfast, then they escorted us to our cabin,” Gordon told CNN, adding the boat blamed the Motril harbormaster, who they said was supposed to organize travel with the couple.

Despite their reception, Gordon said the boat’s failure to communicate with them left a sour taste in their mouth.

“The ship had not contacted us directly for two days so that doesn’t speak so well for them,” he said.

Norwegian Cruise Line disputed the couple’s account of what happened, telling The Post they were a full hour behind the 5:30 p.m. all-aboard time, and that it tried numerous times without success to contact the couple after they were left behind.

“After several attempts to contact these guests with the phone numbers provided, as well as trying to phone their emergency contact, we were unable to speak to them directly. However, we worked closely with the local port agents to make arrangements for the guests to rejoin the vessel,” a Norwegian Cruise Lines spokesperson said.

“It is important to note that a delayed departure has the potential to impact the ship’s ability to deliver its planned itinerary and thus influence the experience for all guests onboard. While this was a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”  

The Gordons are the second set of passengers to complain about being left behind by Norwegian Cruise Lines in just a month.

Earlier in April, nine passengers — including six Americans — missed their boat in Africa and were left to fend for themselves to catch up with the boat in Senegal.

The passengers — including a paraplegic person and an elderly man with a heart condition — were left stranded on the island without any belongings like money, medicine and necessary travel documents.

Norwegian reimbursed some costs they endured while trying to make it back onto the ship, the cruise line said .

Though not waiting for passengers late by their own doing is a common procedure on cruise ships , Norwegian has faced scrutiny in recent weeks after one of the passengers left behind in Africa had recently suffered a stroke and was sent to the hospital when the ship departed.

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These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered ships

There is nothing quite as magical — or romantic — as a cruise on a sailing ship.

To stand on the deck of a vessel topped with dozens of billowing sails, propelled through the waves by the power of the wind alone, is to go back in time to an earlier age of travel, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was challenging.

It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

In contrast to what you'll find on so many motor-powered ships, cruising on a masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about all the many attractions you'll find on board.

Only a handful of small cruise brands — so small that you might never have heard of them — offer trips on sailing ships. Here, we look at the three biggest players in this niche subset of the cruise industry.

Sea Cloud Cruises

If it's an authentic, old-style sailing experience you want, then Sea Cloud Cruises is the line for you. The Germany-based company operates three large sailing ships where the sails are unfurled by hand, just as they were on sailing ships centuries ago.

On the biggest of these three vessels, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , 18 deckhands scurry high into the rigging on sea days to manually untie and prepare the sails, an amazing sight. Unveiled in 2021 , it's a full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century.

Related: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a sailing vessel you'll want to try

Sea Cloud Cruises' two other vessels — Sea Cloud 2 and Sea Cloud — are smaller but offer a similar show as the sails are set by hand the old-fashioned way. The former is a 23-year-old, three-masted barque propelled by 23 sails (five fewer than Sea Cloud Spirit); the latter is a 93-year-old, four-masted barque with 30 sails and a storied past.

Now configured to carry 64 paying passengers, Sea Cloud was originally the private yacht of Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, the famed financier E. F. Hutton. At the time, the vessel was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the U.S. Navy as a weather ship during World War II, after which it became the presidential yacht for the Dominican Republic. It only began sailing as a cruise vessel in the 1980s.

If you have money to spare, you can still book Post's opulent private quarters on Sea Cloud, now its owner's suite. It'll set you back around $5,000 per day per couple. Her husband's slightly smaller quarters are also available to book at a similar rate.

Post, the wealthiest woman in the U.S. during her lifetime, notably also built Mar-a-Lago, the massive estate in Florida that is now the official residence of Donald Trump.

Sea Cloud Cruises is the most all-inclusive and upscale of the three brands listed in this story, with pricing to match. Expect to pay nearly $1,000 per person per day or more for many sailings.

Sea Cloud Cruises' three vessels offer a diverse array of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Cruising Costa Rica, Panama with Sea Cloud Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Founded in the 1980s, Windstar Cruises got its start as a sailing ship line. While it now operates traditional motor-powered ships, too, voyages on sailing ships are still a big part of its business.

Three of the Seattle-based brand's six vessels — Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf — are sailing vessels, and they all offer a similar yacht-like, small-ship experience.

Two of the three vessels (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are particularly intimate, measuring 5,407 tons and carrying just 148 passengers with every berth full.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The line's third sailing vessel, Wind Surf, is nearly three times the size at 14,745 tons. It's one of the biggest sailing ships in the world (only a sister vessel that sails for Club Med is bigger). Wind Surf carries 342 people, an enormous number for a sailing ship.

Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

Still, the experience of slicing through the waves by the power of the wind alone on Windstar ships is as glorious and romantic as it is on the Sea Cloud ships.

Windstar Cruises is less all-inclusive and pricey than Sea Cloud but still offers a relatively upscale experience. Its dining program is done in partnership with the food-focused James Beard Foundation, which also brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the ships regularly for food-themed itineraries.

For an extra $89 per person per day, passengers can also make the experience more all-inclusive with included Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities (three things that aren't included in regular fares).

The line's three vessels typically spend nearly all of their time sailing in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Read more about Windstar's itineraries

Star Clippers

Like Sea Cloud and Windstar, Star Clippers operates three sailing vessels that are among the biggest and most elegant sailing vessels in the world.

The belle of the ball at the line is Royal Clipper, a stunning five-masted ship that is billed as the largest square-rigged ship in the world. Its enormous array of 42 sails has a sail area of 56,000 square feet — significantly more than the sails atop any of the Sea Cloud or Windstar vessels. (Only Sea Cloud Spirit comes relatively close with a sail area of 44,100 square feet spread across 28 sails.)

Built to resemble Preussen, a legendary tall ship of the 19th century, the 24-year-old Royal Clipper shares the spotlight at Star Clippers with two smaller sister vessels, Star Flyer and Star Clipper.

Carrying 166 passengers apiece, the smaller vessels were designed to resemble the speedy clipper ships of the 19th century, which were known for their narrow profile and large sail area. Each vessel has a sail area of 36,000 square feet spread across 16 sails, a large amount for the size.

When it comes to the setting of sails, Star Clippers vessels offer a level of old-style authenticity that is in between the ships of Sea Cloud and Windstar. Like on Sea Cloud vessels, the sails are pulled into position by a team of deckhands using hand power and winches to tighten the "sheets," or ropes.

Unlike on Sea Cloud vessels, the deck hands don't climb high into the rigging to untie and prepare the sails for winching. That part is done automatically at the push of a button from the bridge, as it is on Windstar vessels.

In one key difference, though, Star Clippers lets passengers harness up and climb into the crow's nest of its vessels — a thrilling experience. Just be prepared for your knees to go a bit wobbly as you get to the top; it's way up there.

Star Clippers sailings are the most affordable option among the three sailing brands, in part because the onboard experience is less all-inclusive and upscale.

The three Star Clippers vessels mostly operate sailings in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and along the west coast of Central America.

Bottom line

It's still possible to get a taste of what traveling the world's oceans was like in the days before motor power. Three small cruise companies — Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers — offer voyages on large sailing ships that are as majestic as anything that has sailed the seas in centuries past.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Princess Cruises is taking a page out of the ultra-luxury cruise industry with new all-inclusive, $3,000 cabins

• Princess Cruises says its new Sun Princess and upcoming Star Princess will have all-inclusive cabins.
• Guests who've booked the new Sanctuary Collection category would get an inclusive package and private lounge.
• It's a move that could appeal to ultra-luxury cruisers .

If you want to go on an all-inclusive vacation at sea, you no longer need to book an ultra-luxury, ultra-expensive cruise line .

Just sail on Princess Cruises' new ship instead.

In October, Princess says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US with the company's first-ever Sanctuary Collection, an adult-only lounge exclusive to guests who've booked one of the collection's high-end cabins. These luxurious accommodations comprise 10% of the ship's 2,157 staterooms, including all its suites.

But the Sanctuary's biggest perk arguably isn't the lounge's private pool and restaurant — it's the all-inclusiveness , a rarity among mass-market cruise lines.

It's the Carnival Corp. brand's latest appeal to ultra-luxury cruisers

Mass-market cruise lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian typically follow the " budget airline " strategy: charge a cheap base fare and offer plenty of irresistible up-charged amenities (like specialty restaurants, as is the case of Sun Princess).

It's a stark contrast to the high-end cruise industry, where all-inclusivity is often considered the standard.

For example, luxury cruise line Explora Journey's fare includes alcoholic beverages, WiFi, and access to the spa — amenities that would typically cost extra on ships like Sun Princess. On Regent Seven Seas , all this, plus excursions, pre-cruise hotels, and roundtrip flights are also included in the cost to sail.

Related stories

Over the last few years, Princess has begun following in these high-end cruise lines' foosteps.

In 2022, it launched Princess Premier, an optional inclusive package covering amenities like WiFi, drinks, some upcharged restaurants, and workout classes. It's the same package Sanctuary Collection guests would get, along with the private restaurant and adult-only lounge with cabanas, a pool, and private events.

The exclusive lounge concept is nothing new. Royal Caribbean's two largest cruise liners have a "neighborhood" exclusive to suite guests. The same applies to Norwegian, Celebrity, and MSC Cruises' vessels.

However, while these competing retreats offer perks like drink packages, WiFi, or private restaurants, none are as "inclusive" as Princess'.

In 2024, Sun Princess' Sanctuary cabins start at more than $3,000 per person for a weeklong Caribbean cruise in mid-December. To compare, the cheapest interior cabin for the same itinerary starts shy of $700 per person.

The cruise line says its next ship, Star Princess, which will debut in late September 2025, will also carry the Sanctuary Collection.

Following in the footsteps of high-end, all-inclusive cruise lines could be a wise decision for Princess. These luxury vacations at sea have become increasingly popular as travelers continue to spend big on their trips.

Like Princess, expedition cruise company HX recently shifted to an all-inclusive model as well.

Back on dry land, hotel giants like Hyatt and Marriott have also seen a boom in these "everything free" resorts .

Apparently, every vacationer — whether on water or solid ground — just wants one thing: stress-free poolside lounging with bottomless drinks.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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New cruise company explora journeys is a potent luxury contender.

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The Explora I cruise ship, built in 2023 for just 922 passengers, sails past downtown Manhattan.

The arrival of enormous ships, like the 7,000 passenger/3000 crew member Icon of the Seas, is an effective way to promote the cruise industry. But cruise companies are also launching smaller vessels designed to give passengers more individual attention, like the new EXPLORA I from Explora Journeys.

The EXPLORA I, launched in 2023, is a sleek 63,000-ton ship designed for just 922 passengers, each housed in an oceanfront suite. Another important number is 1.32 to 1. This represents the crew to passenger ratio, showing the line’s commitment to passenger service.

Ship staterooms start with the Ocean Terrace suites, at 377 square feet. They feature amenities such as a king bed, a chaise lounge day bed, and big glass doors that make it true ocean front view. Bathrooms include European walk-in showers, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. The ship also has some 67 penthouses from 462 to 763 square feet, and the Ocean Residences, from 750 square feet up to 1600 square feet.

The EXPLORA I has 12 bars and lounges, and 64 cabanas on deck for guests, with multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools. The spa has a dry sauna, a steam room, Himalayan salt treatments and more, for “the gift of ocean wellness,” which also includes workouts with free weights, 30-minute yoga classes, Pilates, and rowing machines.

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Explora Journeys, said to be the only major cruise line that’s privately owned, is part of the MSC Group. The Italian owners made their private yacht a model for the type of service they planned to deliver. EXPLORA Iis the first of a planned six ships, with EXPLORA II set to arrive in August 2024.

Along with many travel agents, a key market for Explora Journeys, I was invited on an introductory cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. Destinations enroute included San Francisco, Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Michelin-star awarded Chef Claude Le Tohic, and staff at Anthology Restaurant on Explorer I.

Focusing on luxury, Explora’s rates are all-inclusive, including gratuities, alcohol and its powerful Wi-Fi service. A handful of amenities, such as Anthology Restaurant, which features a rotating cast of Michelin-star chefs , have an additional price.

For the cruises themselves, the prices we found range from a ten-night journey from Barcelona to Barcelona for $3,835 (via Gibraltar, Seville, Madera, etc.) to a 44-night extravaganza “connecting continents” from Vancouver to Barcelona via the US West Coast, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean for $18,450.

The Explora experience began at the Port of Los Angeles, a warehouse-sized building reminiscent of a bus terminal. However, Explora Journeys made check-in fast and almost fun, with friendly representatives using data tablets to check us in at small tableclothed tables, rather than at the clerk’s counter.

The commitment to meeting passenger needs shows up everywhere, such as in the availability of 24-hour room service. The restaurants were uniformly excellent, and the fast elevators quickly whisked you from deck to deck. Yet after a couple of days, I really enjoyed taking breakfast in my cabin, eggs, waffles, pancakes, and vats of coffee.

EXPLORA I was full of such experiences. I watched a chanteuse descending the staircase into the grand Lounge Bar singing jazz standards. Later, I smoked a Winston Churchill Petit in the fragrant cigar lounge at midnight.

The grand Lobby Bar on Explora Journeys new cruise ship Explora I.

Explora Journeys is based in Geneva, so when I laid a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the blackjack table I was politely told to use my room card or change money at the cashier’s booth—euros only.

The friendly casino kept drawing me back. Of course, I ended up losing all my cash, but made $200 last the entire six -day cruise. The dealers seemed much more concerned if I was having a good time than those in Las Vegas.

The service was excellent, with barmen opening “closed” bars to pour drinks. Even when the crew didn’t fully understand a request, they gave it their all. In one lounge, I asked for a martini with blue cheese olives, aka ‘Maytag olives.” The server apparently rustled about the ship and returned with a small plate containing 4 ounces of blue cheese. I did not have the heart to tell him and instead, ate the evidence.

The ship has a well-equipped gym, but I also ran the marked jogging track on Deck 12 in my gray sweats in the wind, feeling like I was in CHARIOTS OF FIRE. I practiced hitting a pickleball over the net on the sports court and shot some 3-pointers.

Later, I sat in one of the EXPLORA I’s warm whirlpools directly overlooking the sea. The ship is said to have more water on board than any other.

The ship was so relaxing, in fact, that many passengers chose to stay on board during port days, taking advantage of massages and other services. Understood, as with cruising, the journey is really the destination.

A view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Marin Headlands in Sausalito, California, ... [+] United States on January 27, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But they missed out on Explora Journeys well-organized excursions. In San Francisco, I took a coach tour into Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge. The intrepid bus driver drove us safely over a zig-zagging road full of bicyclists to Muir Woods.

The guide told us about the history of the redwoods, how 95% of the old giants were cut down, and how they were saved at national parks like Muir Woods. Once we got there, he left us alone with our thoughts, to walk the easy trail and admire the trees.

The intrepid bus driver found a parking spot at the Marin Headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay for selfies of the Golden Gate Bridge. Memorably, we had sailed under the bridge on EXPLORA I’s journey into the city.

I particularly enjoyed the day we spent in Astoria, Oregon, a port city on the Columbia River where it flows into the Pacific. Founded in 1811, Astoria is a destination I might never have encountered if it were not for the cruise. Astoria got its name from wealthy New York entrepreneur John Jacob Astor, who monopolized the booming fur trade.

Our excursion brought us majestic views of the river dividing Oregon and Washington. We investigated the less-than-luxurious dwellings at the Lewis and Clark Fort where that expedition lived. At the Maritime Museum, we learned about the treacherous currents of the Columbia and the salmon cannery industry that once dominated the town.

Lunch at the Mediterranean Yacht Club with its fish, humus and other Mediterranean food was a treat. I enjoyed a great ribeye in Marble, the amazing steak restaurant on board. The fresh pizza on board was also great. Late at night, I thanked the servers who stayed open just for me, pouring a shot of Macallan before bed.

An Ocean Terrace Suite on the cruise ship Explora I. The entry-level suite is 374 square feet and ... [+] includes a terrace with a chaise lounge and a bathroom with heated floors.

The EXPLORA I makes a strong effort to keep the passengers entertained, with Broadway hits in the Journey Lounge, and individual performers in others. (I loved “Better Shape Up” from GREASE performed with just a guitar accompaniment). There are three Steinway pianos in different lounges. Explora also has alternate entertainment like silent discos, a tough trivia game, a cooking experience and “luminaries” on board to talk about various topics.

Cruise expert Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor at Cruise Critic , says, “Explora Journeys is an entry into the luxury cruise world. Backed by the private shipping company MSC, the line has the money and ambition to fine tune its product to attract those guests who might normally choose a high-end resort or hotel, as opposed to a cruise.”

Before launching Explora Journeys, the founders interviewed 20,000 luxury travelers and 250 travel advisors. Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, said the idea was to “build a ship that’s like a private yacht. An intimate ship, with many, many spaces.”

What resulted, said Austin, is something “that doesn’t feel like a cruise ship, it feels like a luxury boutique hotel.” In terms of onboard shopping, “We have Piaget, Cartier, Panerai and the only Rolex watch store at sea.”

According to Austin, just 4% of luxury travelers cruise. But “after 8 months of operating, we are seeing cruisers on second and third cruise.” He added, “There is no more stunning view than when you sail into a port, as opposed to catching a taxi from the airport. Ultimately, having 6 ships will allow us to discover the world together. We call it the Ocean State of Mind.”

The new cruise ship EXPLORA in the Mediterranean.

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