Top 10 Cruise Ship Companies Worldwide | Fleet Size & Destinations

Here is a much more detailed description of the top 10 cruise ship companies in the world with an emphasis on their history, specialization and what kind of entertainment they provide:

1-Carnival Corporation & plc

History: Launched in 1972 by Ted Arison where the foundation was laid, it changed the entire image of cruising by making it more Fun and less Expensive. Such a concept has now evolved into this huge corporation.

Specialties: With brands serving diverse segments of the market, Carnival Corporation, through its several subsidiary companies, are able to provide every kind of travel need – from budget family vacation (Carnival Cruise Line) to luxury holidays (Seabourn). The Performances onboard focus upon fun which permeates throughout the ship and many port calls.

Fleet Size: All of its various brands make up to 100 plus ships.

Destinations: Global including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaskan and Asian spheres.

2-Royal Caribbean Group

History: Founded in 1968 Royal Caribbean specialised in building huge ground-breaking vessels that could incorporate technologically advanced facilities such as ice-Skating, surf Simulators and areas to create a Central Park on-board. The group is regarded as the one willing to bring changing sea trick to the next level.

Specialties: Shifting the focus to the activities and adventures offered for families and general thrill-seekers, Royal Caribbean opens up new horizons for the industry with fun and Progressive elements, while its luxury brand Celebrity Cruises is famous for sophistication. Silversea Cruises devotes its more intimate and ultra-luxury cruises on other disciplines.

Fleet Size: More Than 60 vessels are posed across all its brands.

Destinations: Throughout the globe, ranging from Caribbean region to even farther places such as Antarctica.

3-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

History: NCL, established in 1966, is known for becoming an industry pioneer by creating a new term “Freestyle Cruising” which gave customers additional liberties especially for dining and in great onboard activities.

Specialties: The modern day flexibility in cruising is aimed at cruise purchasers who have self shame and prefer more wait and do less. Oceania cruises and Regent Seven Seas are in the luxury segment with Oceania focusing on food and Regent giving all-in-one packages of ultra-luxury.

Fleet Size: Consists of more than 28 vessels in its shipyard under various brands.

Destinations: The core regions of the company are; North America, Europe, Asia among other regions

4-MSC Cruises

History: The same company was established in 1970 and branched into cruises in 1988. This business expanded quickly and today it is a strong performer, mainly in Europe

Specialties: Beautiful elegantly crafted fleet and a cruise line associated with European style exquisiteness, MSC emphasizes on families, couples and multi-national tourism. The company’s vessels are famous for style, comfort and usability with the innovations in ecology

Fleet Size: It has more than 20 ships, the latest continues to come out.

Destinations: Countries in the Med, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America,Centre and others.

5-Genting Hong Kong

History: Genting was in cruise business from the 1990’s through Star Cruises aiming at the Asia market. Subsequently, it purchased Crystal Cruises and started Dream Cruises.

Specialties: Dream Cruises targets mass market cruise customers who desire high-end experiences and therefore the opposite of Crystal Cruises that is more oriented to ultra-luxury cruise vacations. Genting is particularly focused on the Asian audience and is famous for the big resort style cruise ships with casinos, luxury services, and various entertainment programs.

Fleet Size: Approximately 10 vessels under its brands.

Destinations: Mainly Asia, with some international voyages concentrating on Crystal Cruises.

6-Disney cruise line

History: In 1998, the Walt Disney Company launched the Disney cruise line, a venture where the Disney theme parks were combined with cruising. Now it is one of the family cruises that many seek.

Specialties: Well, more family-oriented with-Come-Magic-activities and with activities for children, teens as well as grown-ups. In addition, their ships have all ages fans and deploy characters from Disney and Pixar films.

Fleet Size: 5 ships at the moment, there are options for new constructions.

Destinations: Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska and exclusive voyages to Castaway cay, the Disney’s private island.

7-TUI cruises

History: Established in 2007, TUI Cruises is a joint venture between the European travel giant TUI Group and American cruise operator, Royal Caribbean. It serves primarily the German market.

Specialties: TUI provides a luxury cruise which includes- everything. Focusing on well-being and relaxation during a cruise. “Mein schiff” has large cabins, excellent cuisine, and is environmentally conscious.

Fleet Size: 9 Ships

Destinations: Europe, Caribbean, Asia, North America.

8-Viking Cruises

History: Formed in 1997, Viking traces its out niche in river cruises and diversified its service to sea cruises from the year 2015. It is primarily known for the enrichment of culture and elegant activities.

Specialties: Vikings are of profound cultural emphasis with their cruises leading to more overseas itineraries. There are no gambling facilities or other entertainment of this as its market is more aged people who fancy travel experiences than obvious holidays. Their river cruises are well known for penetrating some of the most historical rivers in Europe and outside the nation.

Fleet Size: More than 60 river ships and 10 ocean ships.

Destinations: Europe, Asia, North America and some other regions.

9-Silversea Cruises

History: Founded in 1994, Silversea is recognized as the ultra-luxury cruise line. Part of the Royal Caribbean Group since 2018, still remains true to itself, offering durable high-end fully inclusive voyages.

Specialties: Offers an ultra-luxury experience with dedicated staff, gourmet cuisine, and large suites. Its smaller vessels go to less trodden routes in the Arctic and Antarctic as well as other tenders places within the market such luxury resorts.

Fleet Size: 11 ships.

Destinations: Worldwide, polar and southern, Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America.

10-Hurtigruten

History: Founded in1893 Hurtigruten began as a Norwegian coastal ferry company but later ventured into expedition cruises which focused on unique and adventurous locations.

Specialties: Hurtigruten is the expedition cruise company which travels to the polar areas, and also encompasses Norwegian coastline. Its ships provide adventures that are rugged and educational as well as green. Its ships are hybird powered hence thought of as eco-friendly as well as the company itself

Fleet Size: 16 ships, of these are advanced expedition vessels.

Destinations: Norway and its polar region, Antarctica, the Arctic and its many other outposts.

Key Takeaways

These cruise lines serve the beaches of the family oriented casual fun journeys and adventure journeys, up to the outrageously luxurious, cultural experience. These companies not only cover every corner of the world, be it the frozen continents of Antarctica or a relaxing Mediterranean holiday or cruises to the beautiful Caribbean, but also have a range of offer for every traveler, including you.

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