Ships come in all different sizes. Most cruise lines seem to be building bigger ships. Do most passengers prefer the bigger ones that the cruise lines are now building? Even HAL is now building larger ships. Do you prefer Small Ships that carry 600 - 2,999 passenger, Mid Size ships that carry 1,250-1,700 passengers or the Big or Mega ship that carry over 3,000 passengers? Each size has advantages & disadvantages.
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Admiral
In General, Which Ship Size Do You Prefer?
19 Answers
Contributor Level:
First Mate
First cruise was on the Seawind Cruise line. I don't remember name of the ship, but it carried about 750 passengers. Last few cruises have been on Carnival Conquest class, roughly 2900 passengers. I like the size of the ships and it never seemed too crowded. Service was great, tendering and disembarking wasn't too long, plenty of areas to move around.
I'm looking at the Magic for this summer, which carries about 3900 passengers. Will see how that goes. 
Contributor Level:
Captain
I must admit that I don't know the different classes of Carnival ships. We've cruised on 2 smaller ones, Imagination and Ecstacy and they were great. The imagination was our first so it was perfect to get used to cruising and finding our way around. The Liberty and Miracle were bigger and we really enjoyed the spaciousness of them and their features, even though the Miracle didn't have all the upgrades. I think the Sunshine is bigger and wil be another new experience to see how we like that. So far, the Miracle is my favourite, so I guess that's mid size.
Contributor Level:
Captain
Of all the ships we have been our favorites are, Seven Seas Voyager, Prinsendam, Pacific Princess (R-3), Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Mariner. These five ships run between 28,550 gross tons and 48,075 gross tons, or 490 guests to 835 guests. Every one of them is equipped for and suited for extended voyages circumnavigating the globe. The largest ship we have been on was 141,200 gross tons or 3,560 guests.
My comments regarding vessel size on our last cruise, Pacific Princess: "Excellent ship, confirms my preference for the smaller vessels. We both agree we like ships this size best, doubtful if we do much cruising in the future if all we have are the gigantic's to choose from. The smallest in the Princess fleet, a little over 30,000 gross tons with approximately 650 guests. In my opinion, more staff per guest, more space per guest and much less pushing and shoving than we have seen in quite some time on the high seas, plus much more quality and personal service. The library on this vessel is outstanding. The largest and quietest we have ever seen on any ship. Truly a library for a vessel engaging in lengthy exploratory voyages."
Contributor Level:
Admiral
Originally posted by:
Johngold
For the longer cruises I like the Golden Princess and the Island Princess for size.
Shorter trips I like the NCL Dawn
I have been on the Dawn but the only Princess ship I cruise was the Crown Princess.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
Originally posted by:
glomarrone
Ships come in all different sizes. Most cruise lines seem to be building bigger ships. Do most passengers prefer the bigger ones that the cruise lines are now building? Even HAL is now building larger ships. Do you prefer Small Ships that carry 600 - 2,999 passenger, Mid Size ships that carry 1,250-1,700 passengers or the Big or Mega ship that carry over 3,000 passengers? Each size has advantages & disadvantages.
I like the Fantasy Class ships, smaller, easy to move about the decks and for awhile they were close to me.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
Originally posted by:
akaGrandmaJo
We have only sailed on Carnival Dream class (large), Sunshine & Triumph (large), and Fantasy
Class (small).
There are features about each that we love. For us, the Fantasy class has more space to relax, it's easier to get to know crew/fellow passengers, and it's almost like we are a part of the ship family. The large ships have more entertainment and activity options, and we particularly enjoy the dive-in movies, as well as having more dining venues. The Dream class has the cove balconies, which are our favorite cabin type thus far.
Yes, each size has its advantage. I wonder how much longer we will have the opportunity to sail on a small ocean liner. I do love the river cruises because you get to know almost everyone on board by the end of the cruise.
For the longer cruises I like the Golden Princess and the Island Princess for size.
Shorter trips I like the NCL Dawn
Contributor Level:
Staff Captain
We have only sailed on Carnival Dream class (large), Sunshine & Triumph (large), and Fantasy
Class (small).
There are features about each that we love. For us, the Fantasy class has more space to relax, it's easier to get to know crew/fellow passengers, and it's almost like we are a part of the ship family. The large ships have more entertainment and activity options, and we particularly enjoy the dive-in movies, as well as having more dining venues. The Dream class has the cove balconies, which are our favorite cabin type thus far.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
For me it depends on where I am traveling. If I am going into smaller ports, a small or mid-sizes ship is best. There will be less tendering. But if I am just taking a cruise to enjoy the ship and am less interested in where it is going, then I prefer the larger ship. It will have better entertainment and more activities and more dining choices, too.
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19 Answers