Top 10 Cruise Line Companies of the World

By Smit Lokhandwala (Deck Cadet)

Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacation purposes. These ships allow you to visit different ports of the world including shore excursions. Cruise Line has become a major part of the tourism industry which carries around 19 million passengers worldwide in a year.

There are plenty of job opportunities that a cruise ship offers which includes Deck Crew, Cruise Directors, Disc Jockeys, Hosts & Hostesses, Shore Excursion Managers, Medical staff, Bartenders, Photographers, Casino Staff, Entertainers, Pursers, Lifeguard and many more. But which are the companies that provide such jobs? You don’t need to search it anywhere else because we got you covered, here’s a list of top 10 cruise companies in the world. Check it out!

10. Virgin Voyages–

Are you a party person? Do you like rave parties? Then this is the best pick for you! The atmosphere and feel of this cruise line are reminiscent of a superyacht which gives a unique spin to the traditional cruise vacation experience. This chain of cruise line was founded in 2014 and is in complete ownership of Virgin groups. It has its headquarters in Plantations, Florida, U.S. It gives an opportunity to explore 100+ gorgeous destinations which consist of Caribbean, Europe, South Pacific, Transatlantic cruises etc. 

No. of ships: 4
Biggest vessel: Scarlet Lady 
Length: 277.2m
Max Capacity: 2770 passengers

9. Cunard–

Even though many tourists enjoy luxurious, modern and cutting-edge cruises, a subset of tourists continues to pine for the splendour of ocean travel during its heyday. As a result, this cruise line was developed with such customers in mind. It was founded in 1840 and has headquarters in Carnival House, Southampton, United Kingdom. The world is your to explore with Cunard. It has its destinations as New Zealand, Canary Islands, Australia, Transatlantic, South America, and South Pacific. Also, it has world voyage which includes a world tour. Sailing aboard the Cunard is like stepping back in time to the great old days of ocean travel. Cunard is renowned for luxury and elegance, embodying a bygone era of cruising. 

No. of ships: 5
Biggest vessel: Fincantieri 6274 
Length: 322.51m
Max Capacity: 3000 passengers

8. Disney Cruises-

Disney is famous for its animated TV characters but many people wouldn’t be knowing that it has its own cruise lines. If you are a Disney fan then this is the best pick for you because the ships themselves have the same enchanted qualities as the programmes on television. Disney Cruise Line is a cruise line that is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

The company was founded in 1996 under the name Magical Cruise Company Limited which has its headquarters currently in Celebration, Florida. The company managed to grab $653 million last year. The Disney fleet of 5 ships currently sails in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Bahamas (where they make port at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay), as well as Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal.

No. of ships: 5
Biggest vessel: Disney Fantasy
Length: 339.8m
Max capacity: 4000 passengers

7. Costa Cruises–

Costa cruises are completing its 75th Anniversary this year due to which there are huge discounts on their cruisings. Being one of the leading and premium and luxury cruise lines you will have a great experience cruising with them. It was founded in 1854 in Genoa, Italy. It has its headquarters in Genoa, Italy. They make you experience some breathtaking beauties in their destinations. They give you an option of over 100 cool and marvellous destinations to choose from. They provide the best itineraries of 2023.

No. of ships: 9
Biggest vessel: Costa Smeralda 
Length: 337m
Max Capacity: 6554 passengers

6. Princess Cruises–

Princess cruises, one of the best recognized names in the industry, is best known for its cruise vacation concept. The company became famous thanks to the American Television Series The Boat of Love, which featured its Pacific Princess. The company was founded in 1965 and thereafter it is held in Santa Clarita, California.

The line has 15 ships cruising global itineraries that are marketed to both American and International passengers. They have getaway cruising of 3-6 days which cover some great destinations. Also they have a variety of other amazing destinations from which we can choose where we need to go cruising. 

No. of ships: 15
Biggest vessel: MS Island Princess
Length: 294m
Max Capacity: 2214 passengers

Also Read: How to Apply for Cruise Ship Jobs?: Career options & Eligibility Criteria

5. Celebrity Cruises–

Celebrity cruises is considered as one of the world’s premium luxury cruise lines. Celebrity Cruises is running smoothly from Miami, Florida and a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. The company was founded in 1988 by the Greece based Chandris Group, and merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise line in 1997. Relax like a star with Celebrity cruises and enjoy large pools, elegant nightlife, and signature spas. It sails over 200 exotic destinations across the world. 

No. of ships: 16
Biggest vessel: Celebrity Apex
Length: 306m
Max Capacity: 3405 passengers

4. Norwegian Cruise lines–

With Norwegian cruise lines party freaks get ready to party all night. Party cruises at sea is one of the many extras provided by Norwegian cruises. 24/7 dining is one of the major cruiser selling point. The company was founded in 1966 in Bermuda and is currently located in Miami. It is wholly owned by parent company Norwegian Cruise line Holdings.

We have a large number of destinations which include Panama Canal, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Mexico, Greek Isles, and also short weekend voyages. In addition, NCL offers cruise deals which consist of free Wi-Fi, Open bars with  no limits, and many such goodies.

No. of ships: 19
Biggest vessel: Norwegian Encore
Length: 333.44m
Max Capacity: 3998 passengers

3. MSC Cruises–

Mediterranean Shipping Company cruises lets you inhale great joys of cruising with a tincture of luxury and peace. You will get to experience the warmth of Italian culture on MSC cruises. The company was founded in 1989 in Naples, Italy as a part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company. Since then they are running from their headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and have their operation offices in Naples, Genoa, and Venice.

These are active in areas of the Mediterranean, Venice, Greece, Switzerland, Dubai, Egypt etc. It has its own swimming pools and if that is not enough they got a whole water park on ships which they name as Aqua Park. 

No. of ships: 23
Biggest vessel: MSC Virtuosa
Length: 331.43m
Max Capacity: 6334 passengers

2. Carnival Cruise lines–

Carnival means a celebration and you will get the same feel onboard Carnival Cruises. They will make your experience a memorable one and will make sure that you sail with them again. This cruise line was founded in 1972 and is currently headquartered in Doral, Florida. The company is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation and plc.

Carnival is ranked first on the list of largest cruise lines based on passengers carried annually. Its itinerary includes exotic and mind blowing destinations like Hawaii, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and many more. With its reputation as an entertainment company, Carnival offered low cost cruises for the first time. Decorated with neon lights of Las Vegas, Carnival cruises are perfect for young and young at heart. 

No. of ships: 24
Biggest vessel: Mardi Gras
Length: 340m
Max Capacity: 6500 passengers

1. Royal Caribbean–

Royal Caribbean International, as the name suggests, passengers will be treated royally on these ships. The company was founded in 1968 in Norway and has been a part of Royal Caribbean Group since 1997. The company has its headquarters in Miami, Florida, USA. It is the largest cruise line by revenue which counts to $1.532 billion last year. They provide trips to more than 300 destinations, which includes major ports in the US, Asia and Europe. 

No. of ships: 29
Biggest vessel: Symphony of the Seas
Length: 361.01m
Max capacity: 6680 passengers

Also Read: What Types of Jobs are available on Cruise Ships?: Pay Scale & Eligibility

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