OCEAN
Viking Sky in Tromsø, Norway
OCEAN
Compared to river cruises, ocean vessels carry significantly more guests. And with more passengers come more amenities, including multiple places to eat and drink, larger-budget entertainment productions and casinos, waterparks and all the other fun attractions that make traveling from point A to point B feel more like a vacation. On land, your time in transit might be spent shuffling through lines, waiting for trains and sitting in taxis. But on a cruise, you can unpack your bags as soon as you board and immediately start doing things you enjoy, whether that’ s relaxing by the pool, catching a Broadway-style show or getting dressed up for a glittering gala. You’ ll have your pick of ships, from family-friendly options with lots of activities for the kids, luxury lines made for romance or bold new vessels boasting an abundance of over-the-top parties and entertainment.
With short and long itineraries all around the world, there’ s almost no limit to where you can go. Popular routes include destinations like Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska, where piecing together a land vacation through the same regions would be an incredibly complicated— or in some cases, entirely impossible— logistical feat.
QUICK FACTS
Popular Destinations: The Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe
Ship Size: 12-15 + Decks
Guest Count: 1,500-4,000 + Passengers
Price Range: $- $$$
Why We Love It: Great value, extensive onboard amenities, panoramic ocean views and a wide variety of itineraries, destinations and ships to choose from
St. Lucia
10 · NAUTICUS 2026