MSC Cruises has grown from a regional European operator into one of the largest cruise lines in the world, combining Mediterranean heritage with an expanding global footprint. Founded in 1988 as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the line…
Viking has redefined what it means to cruise with a focus on cultural immersion, minimalist design, and destination-driven itineraries. Founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, the company began as Viking River Cruises, operating a handful of vessels along Europe’s iconic…
Royal Caribbean International has built its reputation on scale, innovation, and bold design. Founded in 1968 by Ed Stephan and backed by a trio of Norwegian shipping companies, the line quickly distinguished itself by introducing purpose-built cruise ships at a…
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most recognizable names in modern cruising — and for good reason. Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, Carnival began with a single secondhand ship, the original Mardi Gras, and an unconventional marketing pitch:…
A complete, up to date, encyclopedia of all cruise lines. CruiseInd is launching a new editorial series that takes a closer look at the companies shaping today’s cruise industry. Each installment will focus on a single cruise line, offering a…
I’ll be setting out soon on a short two-day cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas. The itinerary is simple—just one port, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. It will be interesting to see just how much one…
CruiseInd is heading back to sea—and this time, we’re trading in megaships for masted sails. Next week, we will be boarding a Windstar Cruises voyage through the heart of the Mediterranean, tracing a classic route along the storied Riviera aboard…
How to turn steel into a floating city on the seas Royal Caribbean recently released a behind-the-scenes video that highlights what goes into building a cruise ship. While it focuses on their own process—specifically the construction of Utopia of the…
In part 4 of this series, we’ll explore the size of the ships that can make or break your experience. From entire floating cities with water parks to boutique-style ships that feel more like private clubs, to sailing yachts that…
In part 3 of this series we’ll look at other factors to consider once you’ve got a sense of the different cruise line types—mainstream, premium, luxury, and expedition—the next step is narrowing your options based on budget, destination, and the…
This next part in our ‘Choosing the Right Line’ series will be an expansion of the previous post exploring the different main stream cruise lines. If one of those listed doesn’t seem to pique your interest, then perhaps one on…
Start by Matching Your Travel Style To Your Ship Style Choosing the right cruise line is the single most important step in planning your vacation at sea. With more than 50 cruise lines offering everything from budget-friendly mega-ships to intimate…
My Ocean State of Mind Journey from Tenerife to Barcelona As I prepare to embark on my next luxury travel adventure, I’m filled with excitement for what promises to be a transformative experience. Soon, I’ll be boarding the elegant EXPLORA…
The 2025 Perspective on LNG and the upcoming, fuel cells on cruise ships Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas is the latest in the LNG powered newbuilds that are being launched. In early August, she completed her first…
Earlier today the SS United States made her long awaited (and sad) departure from pier 80 in Philadelphia. After an assortment of McAllister Tugs guided her out of her berth, she was attached to her ocean going tug the VINIK…
via reddit user historicalharborsyt The iconic SS United States began its final journey, leaving its dock in Philadelphia after sitting there since 1996. On Monday, February 17, Tuesday February 18, Wednesday February 19th, it will be towed down the Delaware…
If you’ve ever sailed in a cabin close to the bow of the ship, you may have been woken up in the early hours by a loud vibration as the ship is maneuvering into her berth at the pier. Well…
Virgin Voyages has completely reimagined the traditional cruise experience, bringing Richard Branson’s signature rebellious spirit to cruise industry. Here’s why this adults-only cruise line stands out from the crowd in remarkable ways based on what we’ve seen onboard. Adults-Only Paradise…
Our next adventure awaits. Or should I say ‘Voyage’… I’m beyond excited that my next upcoming adventure is aboard the Scarlet Lady, which will be my first time cruising on Virgin Voyages. This is a highly anticipated journey here and…
Thinking about your next vacation? Here’s why a cruise should be at the top of your list. From incredible value to amazing destinations, cruise vacations offer an unparalleled travel experience that’s hard to beat. 1. Unpack Once, Visit Multiple Destinations…
A well-coordinated flow of logistics ensures a smooth sail away day for thousands of passengers. Here’s a glimpse into the organized chaos that turns the pier into a bustling hub of excitement. As a 150,000gt ship slowly sails into a…
And most importantly why these are not a measure of how much the ship weighs. When discussing ships, people often like to compare ships to one-another. Frequently we can use which ship is longer; or which ship has more cabins;…
The U.S. Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a piece of legislation that has significant implications for various maritime industries, including the cruise industry. The Jones Act primarily governs the transportation of goods between…
In a continuation of Cunard Month here at CruiseInd, I wanted to explore what Grill Class is on Cunard and what the various facilities look like. Probably the most striking difference with Cunard Line is their utilization of Grill Classes.…
With the increasing concerns and regulations around global emissions from vehicles of all types, cruise ships, and the larger maritime industry at large, has taken to scrubbers as a way to get old ships up to par. As the world…