Today, cruise lines are constantly striving to outdo themselves. They want ships that are bigger, better, and more technologically advanced than anything else at sea. Of course, the definition of "bigger and better" varies from cruise line to cruise line. Regardless, they want their ships appeal to all cruisers by packing them full of different fun activities.
From rollercoasters to skydiving simulators, laser tag, rock walls, waterslides, ice skating rinks, and adults-only sun decks, cruises are popular vacations because, for the most part, they do offer something for everyone.
Here are the 21 best cruise ships that are the most fun.
Royal Caribbean
Icon of the Seas
When Icon of the Seas sets sail in January 2024, she'll definitely be one of the most fun ships at sea. At 250,800 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 7,600 guests, she will be the largest cruise ship in the world.
Onboard, guests will find all sorts of activities to keep them busy--from Thrill Island, the ultimate, record-breaking waterpark at sea; to the family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood; and the cruise line's first AquaDome!
Don't worry, there will be many fan-favorites, too, like an upgraded Central Park, adults-only areas (including the first suspended infinity pool at sea), dedicated Adventure Ocean venues, and FlowRider surf simulator.
Since she's the first in her class, there won't be any other ships quite like Icon of the Seas until at least 2025.
Read more: The 15 big changes on Icon of the Seas that Royal Caribbean has planned
Wonder of the Seas
Launched in 2022, Wonder of the Seas is the newest Oasis Class ship and currently holds the title of largest cruise ship in the world, coming in at 236,857 gross tons.
Wonder features some redesigned Oasis Class favorites, like the largest Windjammer in the fleet and Wonder Dunes mini-golf, as well as some new additions, including the Vue, a cantilevered bar located near the Solarium that provides scenic ocean views; Social100, a patio for teen guests that has its own non-alcoholic bar and jacuzzis; and the Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar.
Due to Royal Caribbean's decision to revamp the Pool & Sports Zone, there is only one FlowRider onboard. The Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed climbing playground for children, took the place of the second one.
Similar ships: Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's Quantum-Ultra Class of ships. She's 167,704 gross tons and can hold up to 5,510 passengers on a single sailing.
Activities found on the ship include a rock climbing wall; iFly skydiving simulator; FlowRider surf simulator; North Star, a glass observation capsule that extends 300 feet above the ocean; and the SeaPlex, a large multipurpose indoor venue that accommodates activities such as basketball, roller skating, bumper cars, and even trapeze lessons.
Similar ships: Spectrum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas
Every Freedom Class ship is unique in their own way. Liberty of the Seas, for instance, is the only ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to feature the boomerang style waterslide Tidal Wave, but it never underwent any Royal Amplification. On the other hand, Independence of the Seas is the only ship in the class that has Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience.
Freedom of the Seas, technically, has fewer thrills, as it lacks a third waterslide and Sky Pad. However, it has the new colorful resort-style Caribbean pool deck, Lime & Coconut Bar, and an enormous Playmakers.
Truthfully, you can't go wrong with any Freedom Class ship. Each has a pair of Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course, ice skating rink, numerous venues for nightly entertainment, adults-only Solarium, arcade, and Sports Court. It really just comes down to preference.
Similar ships: Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas' $120 million Royal Amplification was completed in 2019. While she's a little smaller than the newer Freedom Class ships (about 139,000 gross tons compared to Freedom of the Seas' 154,407), many onboard amenities are the same.
There's no shortage of things to do, and guests can keep themselves busy with the FlowRider surf simulator, Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Sky Pad, Sports Court, mini-golf, laser tag, an escape room, and rock climbing wall.
Mariner of the Seas is also only one of two ships in the fleet that has Bamboo Room, a Polynesian-themed bar with signature cocktails.
Similar ships: Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the line's Excel Class and, therefore, the second in the world to host a rollercoaster at sea! Plus, she is currently the cruise line's flagship vessel!
Compared to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration weights about 2,000 more gross tons, or 183,521 gross registered tons.
Many fan-favorites are present onboard Carnival Celebration, like Guy's Burger Joint, Waterworks, Punchliner Comedy Club, and the Alchemy Bar, but they're unlike anything they have ever produced before. Compared to Carnival's older ships, the overall design of the vessel has a much more stylish and modern feel.
Kids ages 2-11 can partake in the Space Cruisers program, which was developed in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. While activities vary by age group, you can expect NASA-inspired activities including building and racing Mars Rovers, space-themed bingo, and designing a personal mission patch!
Currently, this program is only available on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration; however, they have plans to roll it out on all ships in the fleet.
Read more: A $1,300 Stateroom on Carnival Celebration cruise
Similar ships: Mardi Gras and Carnival Jubilee (launching December 2023)
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Panorama is a Vista Class ship that was launched in 2019. Weighing only 133,500 gross tons, she isn't the largest ship in the world; however, there are plenty of fun activities onboard for guests of all ages.
Unique to the ship is the first-ever Sky Zone trampoline park at sea! Throughout the cruise, you may find dodgeball or basketball challenges, as well as blacklight glow parties and toddler-only sessions.
There's also a mini-golf course, suspended pedal bike, cooking classes, poolside movies, a ropes course, and Waterworks waterpark.
Read more: Carnival Cruises Tips & Tricks
Similar ships: Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon
Carnival Breeze
Cruisers who are looking for a large, not mega, ship experience will enjoy Carnival Breeze, a Dream Class ship that debuted in 2012.
Prior to 2022, the ship was the only one in its class to feature a 4D cinema; however, it was removed during its most recent dry dock in order to expand the non-smoking area of the casino.
That being said, there are still tons of fun things to do on Carnival Breeze, including staying cool at the WaterWorks waterpark, getting pampered at the Cloud 9 Spa, laughing out loud at a comedy show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, testing your bravery on the ropes course, and, of course, Carnival's infamous deck parties!
Similar ships: Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic
Carnival Radiance
Formerly Carnival Victory, Carnival Radiance is a Destiny Class ship that received a complete $200 million renovation in 2021, and thus, a new name.
Even though the ship is just barely over 101,500 gross tons, it's got enough to keep everyone entertained! It is home to many Carnival Cruise Line favorites, such as Guy's Burger Joint, Waterworks, RedFrog Pub, video arcade, SportSquare, Cloud 9 Spa, and the Punchliner Comedy Club.
In other words, you get the newer Carnival experience on a older ship (and often for cheaper!).
Similar ships: Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunrise
MSC Cruises
MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape was launched in 2022 and is 169,400 gross tons and can hold up to 5,877 passengers per sailing.
The ship is part of what MSC Cruises has dubbed the "Seaside EVO" subclass. While MSC Seascape is technically part of the same class of ships as MSC Seaside and Seaview, the cruise line claims that 65% of the public areas were reimagnined onboard the two newer ships.
While you will not find a zip line onboard, guests will be kept busy with a trio of waterslides; sports court; bowling; ropes course; virtual reality attraction Beat Hero VR; kids' aqua park; and Robotron, a robotic thrill ride that moves riders in all directions 175 feet above the sea!
Similar ship: MSC Seashore
MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside was the first ship in the cruise line's Seaside Class and set sail in 2017. At 153,516 gross registered tons, it is smaller than the newer ships in the class; yet, there are some activities onboard that you won't find onboard those ships, most notably the longest zip line at sea and Adventure Trail hanging bridge.
Additionally, there are five waterslides on the top deck, compared to the four on MSC Seascape and Seashore.
Similar ship: MSC Seaview
MSC World Europa
At 215,863 gross tons with a maximum passenger capacity of 6,762, MSC World Europa currently holds the title for sixth largest cruise ship in the world!
Attractions on the ship include MSC Cruises' largest waterpark with VR technology, bumper cars, and 11-deck dry slide, five new full-scale theatre productions, roller skating, three concert-style shows, a whooping fourteen whirlpools, and video arcades.
Plus, the children's area is the largest in the fleet, encompassing over 8,200 square feet with seven rooms dedicated to different age groups spanning 0 to 17.
The itineraries are just as interesting and fun as the ship itself, sailing to places like United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Mediterranean, and even through the Suez Canal.
As of February 2023, MSC World Europa is the only World Class ship sailing; however, MSC World America is scheduled to launch in 2024, with two additional World Class ships following in 2025 and 2027, respectively.
MSC Virtuosa
Launched in 2021, MSC Virtuosa is the newest ship in MSC's Meraviglia Class and stands out from her sister ships in a few ways, as she is technically part of the Meraviglia-Plus Subclass.
First, she was the first ship to feature Rob at the Starship Club, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea (who will even tell you jokes)! Additionally, the promenade has the longest LED dome to date, as well as 12,000 square feet of retail!
Other activities found on MSC Virtuosa include the Savannah AquaPark; a bowling alley; five swimming pools; Formula One race car simulator; SportsPlex, interactive XD cinema, and the Himalayan Bridge high ropes course, which is located 80 meters (or about 260 feet) above the ocean!
Similar ship: MSC Grandiosa
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Prima
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to race around a three-story go kart track while in the middle of the ocean? You can while sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Prima!
Despite being their newest ship, she is not the cruise line's largest, with a gross tonnage of 142,500. In this case, however, size doesn't matter, as there's so much to do and experience onboard!
You can enjoy world-class entertainment such as "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" and "Noise Boys," as well as test your bravery on The Drop, the first free fall dry slide at sea with more g-forces than an accelerating F1 race car!
There's also a tech immersive mini-golf course, waterslides, and virtual reality arcade.
While Norwegian Prima is currently the only Prima Class ship in operation, a sister ship, Norwegian Viva, will enter service in 2023!
One major appeal to Norwegian Cruise Line specifically is their "Freestyle Cruising" concept. It is a more flexible approach to cruising, as there are no set dining times or dress! Plus, with their "Free at Sea" offer, you can often score a drink package for less than on other cruise lines, paying only for the gratuities.
Norwegian Encore
At 169,116 gross tons, the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet is Norwegian Encore. She is also the last ship to be built for the cruise line's Breakaway-Plus Class.
Try out Ocean Loops, a double loop waterslide that hangs 11 feet off the side of the ship and 159 feet above the ocean, race around the go kart track, hangout in the virtual reality arcade, or play a low stakes game of mini-golf with friends and family.
For foodies who cannot soak in enough ocean views, there is the Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront deck filled with restaurants, bars, and seating areas.
Similar ships: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway is the second ship in the cruise line's Breakaway Class and is smaller than her elder counterparts, with a gross registered tonnage of 145,655. However, she underwent a renovation in 2019 and got some new venues, including Starbucks and Syd Norman's Pour House. The ship also features The Illusionarium, a steampunk-themed dinner restaurant!
At seventeen decks above sea level, you will find the AquaPark, which is home is five multistory waterslides, two swimming pools, and four hot tubs. There's even a separate waterpark just for kids. Other things to do include an escape room and ropes course!
Both the Norwegian Getaway and Breakaway, the first ship in the class, feature Ice Bars, frozen chambers where the bar, seating, and glasses are all made from ice! You will want to pack a sweater and long pants for this, as the room is kept close to 17 degrees Fahrenheit! Parkas are provided by the ship.
Similar ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Virgin Voyages
Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages is a relatively new adults-only cruise line (sorry parents!). Their first ship, Scarlet Lady, was supposed to set sail in mid 2020; however, her maiden season was postponed due to the pandemic. Her inaugural season did not commence until fall 2021!
You won't find any mega "thrills" like onboard other cruise lines; however, there's one-of-a-kind entertainment like you've never seen before -- think drag shows, interactive late-night cabaret shows, circus-like performances, and some of the craziest dance parties at sea. Plus, there's a tattoo parlor and record store!
When it comes to dining, Virgin Voyages has done away with the traditional concept of cruise ship dining; there are no buffets, main dining rooms, or set dining times. All 20 restaurants onboard are included, and passengers can walk in anytime to be seated. Think of cuisine like Mexican, steak and seafood, Italian, Korean BBQ, and even an experimental "Test Kitchen."
If you are looking for a fun adults-only cruise, Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady may be right up your alley.
As of May 2023, Scarlet Lady has two nearly identical sister ships, meaning that Virgin Voyages is now going to expand their itinerary offerings and be able to accommodate more passengers annually!
Similar ships: Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady
Read more: Guide to Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond is the latest installment in the cruise line's Edge Class and is perfect for those who have aged out of wanting to be kept busy with water slides, surf simulators, rock walls, and escape rooms. Instead, their definition of fun is a little more relaxed.
Onboard, you will be amazed by venues like the Magic Carpet, the world's first cantilevered floating platform at sea; Eden, a lush three-story multipurpose venue, technologically mind-blowing entertainment, a resort-style pool deck, adults-only Solarium, and nightclub.
Plus, Celebrity ships tend to be more destination focused, and you can sail to neat places like Italy, Turkey, the Greek Isles, Spain, France, Croatia, Montenegro, the Caribbean, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, the British Isles, Ireland, Israel, and Egypt while onboard Celebrity Beyond or one of her sister ships.
Similar ships: Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Ascent (sailing December 2023)
Princess Cruises
Sun Princess
Princess Cruises' Sun Princess has yet to make her grand debut. Once she launches in 2024, she will be the cruise line's largest ship based on gross registered tons, as well the their first LNG-powered ship. In total, she will measure 175,500 gross tons, 1,133 feet in length, and be able to accommodate 4,300 passengers!
Onboard, guests will find 29 different bars and restaurants. Plus, Sun Princess will be the first-ever Princess ship to feature the Wake View Terrace at the aft. Here, there will be a South Beach-style resort deck, full bar, infinity pool, and unique entertainment.
Additionally, The Dome, a multi-leveled covered deck, will feature an indoor and outdoor pool during the day. At night, the pool will be converted into the first-of-its-kind entertainment venue.
Princess Cruises staples, such as The Sanctuary, Piazza, and Crown Grill steakhouse, will be making a return, too.
Read more: Princess Cruise Ships by Size
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Wish
After nearly ten years, Disney Cruise Line released a new ship in 2022: Disney Wish. It's the first ship in their brand-new Triton Class and their largest ship to date, weighing 144,000 gross tons. Yet, it accommodates just about the same number of passengers as the Disney Dream and Fantasy.
It's the ultimate ship for family-friendly fun and was built with storytelling in mind. The three main rotational dining rooms are themed after 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded and its Californian heritage; Frozen; and Marvel. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll enjoy the new Hyperspace Lounge.
When it comes to entertainment and attractions, Disney Wish is home to the AquaMouse, "the first-ever Disney attraction at sea." It is a two-minute immersive journey that includes video screens, sound effects, and 60 water nozzles that spray you throughout the ride! Plus, there are three Broadway-style musicals onboard: The Little Mermaid, Disney Seas, and Aladdin.
Kids will love the redesigned youth venues, which include themed play areas (i.e., Fairytale Hall, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Marvel Superhero Academy, and the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab).
A sister ship, Disney Treasure, is slated to enter service in 2024.
Read more: Shows you can see on a Disney Cruise
Disney Fantasy
Disney Fantasy is the second ship in the cruise line's Dream Class and originally set sail in 2012. It's another great option if you're looking to experience Disney magic at sea.
It is the only ship in the Dream Class that features the AquaLab, a 400 square foot waterpark-like area that had water sprayers, rain shower heads, cannons, and pouring water (or "paint") buckets.
One of the coolest experiences onboard is the Animator's Palate dining room, which pays homage to Disney's animation process. All guests are provided with a paper placemat and coloring utensils. The placemats are later collected by the waitstaff, and before the end of the meal, you'll see your creation brought to life on large screens that are located throughout the restaurant!
Additionally, you will find an AquaDuck water coaster. Unlike the AquaMouse on Disney Wish, it is lacks technological enhancements.
Other than decor, there are minimal differences between the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, meaning they're both good choices.
Similar ship: Disney Dream
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
