Every year, cruise lines introduce new ships, and the prevailing notion is that bigger is better. However, while larger ships offer more activities, entertainment, and dining options, the overwhelming array of choices can be daunting. On the other hand, small cruise ships provide a more intimate and tranquil vacation experience, with fewer options available.

Big cruise ships can accommodate over 5,000 passengers and boast dozens of bars, pools, restaurants, activities, and entertainment choices. These mega cruise ships are akin to floating resorts, catering to a diverse demographic of passengers. However, the sheer number of passengers on these larger ships sometimes makes them feel crowded.

Conversely, small cruise ships offer a more intimate setting, with fewer amenities. These vessels often belong to the older segment of the fleet. While larger ships are restricted by the ports they can access, smaller ships can navigate more remote destinations and exotic ports of call.

Big cruise ships are ideal for those seeking the latest attractions and exhilarating experiences, even if it means dealing with larger crowds. On the other hand, small cruise ships are perfect for individuals who prefer a relaxed and intimate cruise vacation without the need for extravagant features found on newer vessels.

If you crave culinary variety or tire of dining at the same place throughout your trip, large ships offer numerous opportunities to indulge your taste buds. With an abundance of restaurants, bars, and lounges, you can savor a different cuisine each night, whether it's sushi, Italian, Mexican, or something entirely new. However, it's worth noting that some specialty restaurants may require an additional fee for a premium dining experience.

The size of a cruise ship can greatly influence the quality of your vacation. Big and small ships differ significantly in terms of atmosphere, activities, and entertainment. What might be a dream cruise for one person could be a nightmare for another.

When selecting a ship, it's crucial to consider your own preferences and those of your fellow travelers. This guide will assist you in determining which type of ship is best suited to your needs. For additional assistance, be sure to read our other guides, such as how to choose the best cruise line.

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of big cities like New York or Las Vegas or the excitement of destinations like Walt Disney World, and prefer an abundance of entertainment, food, nightlife, and action, then a big ship is the right choice. The presence of crowds and noise won't bother you, as you thrive on activity. Big ships often visit popular ports on well-established routes, such as the Caribbean from Miami. Onboard, they prioritize activities for the whole family, including children.

Conversely, small ships cater mostly to adults seeking a more intimate and luxurious experience. Evening entertainment and casinos may not be as prominent on these ships, as they focus on offering up-close encounters with some of the world's most secluded destinations. Lectures and enriching experiences are often part of the itinerary during off-tour hours.

Of course, some cruise ships fall somewhere between these two extremes. Here are some key points to consider for each cruise type, which can help you make an informed decision.

Big Ships: Big Action

The latest titanic vessels offer amusement park-like attractions, such as Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, which boasts a roller coaster, or Royal Caribbean's thrill slides and Norwegian Cruise Line's go-kart racetracks atop their newest ships. Multiple waterslides also contribute to the excitement. Participatory game shows, sports tournaments, virtual reality experiences, escape rooms, and laser tag games are among the many activities available for the whole family.

Entertainment takes center stage on all big ships, with multiple theater shows, including full productions of Broadway.

On all big ships, entertainment is a focus, with multiple shows in the theaters, sometimes even full productions of Broadway musicals such as "Cats" and "Jersey Boys." You may also catch Cirque de Soleil on MSC Cruises ships the famous circus troupe. Live music occurs in many venues, so passengers may listen to classic rock, jazz, Caribbean tunes, or a classical quartet. Comedians perform, the casino is active, and you'll find a big late-night party at the disco – or sometimes even on deck. You may have a choice of a dozen bars and lounges.

There is little chance of you ever being bored on a big cruise ship. From the hot tubs and pools to the spa and serene spaces to relax, there is an abundance of R&R available, but the endless list of activities truly sets the bigger ships apart from their tiny peers. Depending on the ship you choose, you could have surf simulators, laser tag, ice skating, escape rooms, arcades, karaoke, trivia, art auctions, mini golf, roller coaster, water parks, go-karting, bingo, casinos, darts, beer pong, shuffleboard, VR-gaming, zip-lining, and more available to you. Once upon a time, the ports were the biggest draw of cruising, but today, the giant cruise ships at sea are destinations unto themselves!

The noise level may be high, especially when many kids are on board, and you will sometimes feel like part of a crowd (especially when ships ramp up to their pre-pandemic occupancy levels). But grownups can still sneak away to more sedate areas such as the adults-only pool and sundeck areas, the extensive spa and fitness areas, or a specialty restaurant for a romantic dinner. While the grownups play, the kids will be well-occupied and looked after in a camp-like kids' program. There are often different activities for teens and hard-to-please tweens.

Big ships have a vast choice of accommodations that range from inside cabins for the budget-conscious to balcony cabins to lavish suites, some with outdoor hot tubs. Some of the largest ships have ship-within-a-ship suite complexes with private restaurants and pools.

There are dining options that may rival what you'll find in a small city – dining rooms serving leisurely multi-course meals, food courts, buffets, hamburger grills, pizza, and taco stands, and specialty restaurants serving sushi, French, Italian or fine steaks.

While doing nothing but staring at the ocean is an option on big ships – and you can choose to stay to yourself and order room service in your cabin – that is not really what they are about. Dressing up for a night on the town is much more fun.

Whatever your preference, choose the cruise ship vacation while considering this important but relevant information about big and small ships. Have fun and enjoy your sailing!