Mediterranean - Western Cruises | Ocean Village, Ocean Village (Passenger/crew ratio: 3.2)
Part of the P&O group, Ocean Village is aimed at the younger market (30-55 years of age), particularly first-timers who don’t fancy the ‘traditional’ image of cruising. (The company’s slogan is: ‘For people who don’t do cruises’).
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Oriana, P&O Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.4)
One of the most popular ships among UK passengers, with a very British feel – regular passengers have said they feel like they are “coming home” when they board.
Service is friendly and polite.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Sea Princess, Princess Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.2)
Formerly a P&O ship, this is the first Princess ship to sail out of the UK (operating Mediterranean and Scandinavian cruises out of Southampton during the summer). It’s the only ex-UK ship to have an outdoor cinema, Movies Under The Stars, and to offer weddings at sea.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Artemis, P&O Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.4)
The ship has an informal atmosphere and is particularly geared to the British market. There are no inside cabins, so prices are slightly higher than other ships in the fleet.
Service is friendly and efficient, as typical of all P&O ships, with Asian and British crew and staff.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Aurora, P&O Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.2)
This ship has a cosmopolitan feel, with lots of options not previously available to the British market. There is an excellent range of facilities, although some people service and quality has suffered as a result.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Black Prince, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.3)
The ship is old by modern-day cruising standards. It entered service in 1966 and this shows with many small cabins, tired public areas and restricted views in the main entertainment area. However, its décor and unpretentious, which many of its customers like.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Black Watch, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.6)
The ship offers a lot of space for its passengers in public areas and offers a very comfortable cruise at good-value-for-money. Cabins include 43 with balcony.
The food is better than many ships of this standard and is tailed to the British clientele.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Braemar, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.6)
The ship’s public areas are spacious and the decks offer a lot of room for sunbathing. There are two outside bars and comfortable lounges. The cabins are mostly for couples, but the ship, like its sisters, does cater well for single travellers.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Costa Atlantica, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.2)
A newer, glitzy ship. Expect a lively and elegant cruise in very comfortable surroundings, with mainly Italian guests. The interior is beautifully decorated, particularly the stunning lobby. Movies are the theme on this ship.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Costa Classica, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.0)
The interior is innovatively designed and there is lots of marble and glass. Classical Roman and Renaissance themes abound around the ship. Cabins are comfortable but just 10 have balconies. There is a good alfresco restaurant, but the food can be disappointing.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.7)
The Costa Concordia was launched in July 2006. This is Costa’s largest and longest ship in the fleet, able to carry 3,700 passengers (all berths).
The ship has four pools, 13 bars and even its own Grand Prix simulator.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Costa Europa, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.4)
After 20 years sailing, the interior is a bit tired and facilities somewhat dated. However, there is a good amount of decking for sunbathing, although the covered pool is quite small. There are no balconies, but cabins are comfortable. Don’t expect any really good entertainment.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Costa Fortuna, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.5)
Just two years old, the ship offers very comfortable Mediterranean cruises with a good range of facilities in an Art Deco setting. There are 11 bars to enjoy and lots of public spaces off the massive atrium.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Costa Magica, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.5)
Just two years old, the ship, a sister to Costa Fortuna, offers very comfortable cruises with a good range of modern facilities and attractions.
There are 11 bars to enjoy and lots of public spaces off the massive atrium.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Costa Marina, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.9)
Over 15 years old, the ship, a sister to Costa Allegra, offers comfortable cruises with slightly tired interior and facilities. Food is continental and tailored to the German market. The theatre is poor by cruises standards and seats often have a poor view.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Costa Mediterranea, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.3)
As the sister to Costa Atlantica, the ship offers comfortable an elegant cruise in very comfortable surroundings, especially the stunning lobby. Contemporary and classical Italy are the themes on this ship.
Cabins are comfortable and there are more than 700 with balconies.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Costa Victoria, Costa Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.5)
The ship is over 20-years-old but has a good amount of outside areas and the interior is well furnished in an Italian-style. A 2004 refit added 246 balconies and this is a welcome upgrade.
The standard cabins are okay, if rather small. The theatre is very standard.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Crystal Symphony, Crystal Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.8)
Uncrowned, stylish and comfortable, Crystal Symphony offers an upmarket experience on a mid-size ship, carrying 1,000 passengers. Most passengers are American. Food is varied and of a high standard. Service is excellent and there are no on-board announcements.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Discovery, Voyages of Discovery (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.7)
One of the original “Love Boats”, of the US TV show Love Boat, this is an older ship that offers interesting itineraries for well-travelled people who would hate to be on board one of the mega-liners offered by mass-market cruise companies.
Expert lecturers are on board.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Grand Princess, Princess Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.3)
One of the biggest ship’s afloat, there is plenty to entertain and there are lots of different options for eating. You can either choose to eat in the main restaurant, or sign up for Personal Choice – you choose where you want to eat each night.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Island Escape, Island Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 3.4)
A mass-market cruise, tailored to British tastes, Island Cruises was originally launched to cater for a younger (35-45 years) age group. However, it attracts customers of all ages who want a low-cost cruise experience with few frills.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Le Levant, Compagnie des Iles du Ponant (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.6)
Another ship that is marketed mainly at French-speaking clientele, Le Levant carries only 90 passengers and has a private yacht feel about it.
It carries out some interesting itineraries, such as expeditions in the Amazon tributaries and the Great Lakes of the US and Canada.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Le Ponant, Compagnie des Iles du Ponant (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.1)
With capacity for only 65 passengers, this three-mast sail-cruiser is an unusual sailing experience.
All cabins have outside view and the on-board ambience is sophisticated, yet relaxed.
Passengers rate the food, much of which is bought locally at ports of call.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | MSC Armonia, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.2)
The ship was formerly Festival Cruises’ European Vision, but has been refurbished in the MSC modern style.
There are a good number of cabins with balconies and many have an outside view.
The food and wines, as expected are of good quality.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | MSC Lirica, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.1)
Launched in 2003, the ship is used in the Caribbean and in the Baltic region.
The décor is very Italian and is quite sumptuous within, with two restaurants.
Entertainment is not a strong point, but dining is good with typical Italian dishes.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | MSC Melody, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.1)
Although the outside decking is generous, it can be quite noisy.
There are kids’ clubs and the pool is on both the outside and inside. Dining is Italian in style, but the entertainment is not up to much.
Serves South America and the eastern Mediterranean.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | MSC Musica, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.6)
This brand-new ship is Italian cruiseline MSC’s flagship and will set the standard for future vessels in the fleet. The cruiseline is growing at a rate of knots, with one ship planned each year over the next three years.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | MSC Opera, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.3)
The Italian design and excellent quality finish give an expensive feel to this ship, There are many facilities not available with MSC’s older vessels, including a large Internet centre, shopping gallery with bar and upscale nightclub.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | MSC Orchestra, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.6)
This is the MSC Cruises’ second Musica-class ship and while the décor is chic, the designs are definitely more daring – even a little tacky in places – as MSC follows the trend towards a brasher look so beloved of some rival lines.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | MSC Rhapsody, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.3)
Despite being 30 years old, there is a lot of outside deck space and interior room for cruisers, with an enjoyable alfresco entertainment area aft.
Cabins have been extensively refurbished, although there are no balconies.
There is a small gym and spa.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | MSC Sinfonia, MSC Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.2)
A newer ship, highlights include the outside pool deck with hot tubs and bandstand.
Internally, the ship is well furnished and has a modern look. Quite a few of the cabins have balconies, but even the interior rooms are fairly roomy.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Ocean Village 2, Ocean Village (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.8)
Ocean Village Two was passed down two sister companies before becoming Ocean Village’s second ship in 2007, after a major refurbishment to change the dining areas and bring the look and feel of the vessel into line with the line’s casual concept.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Oceana, P&O Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.2)
Less elegant than Princess ships (and some would say, with less atmosphere) this is nevertheless a good value four-star product. Since it entered the P&O fleet, this ship has had its dining areas expanded, to cater for the British market.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Pacific Princess, Princess Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.8)
For six months of the year, this ship operates for Princess Cruises in French Polynesia. For the other six months, it transfers to Sydney, where it operates Australasian cruises for sister company P&O Australia. There are only three wheelchair-accessible cabins.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
.gif) | Queen Mary 2 (QM2), Cunard (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.1)
The first ship to be built by Cunard since QE2 in 1969, QM2 caused lots of excitement when it joined the fleet in 2004. This is the largest ship in terms of length and tonnage in the world, and mainly carries out transatlantic cruises from Southampton – New York.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Rotterdam, Holland America Line (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.0)
As with other Holland America ships, the majority of passengers are American and the ship has a traditional, less glitzy feel than some rivals.
There is a greater emphasis on learning something new with an interesting guest speaker programme.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Royal Princess, (Passenger/crew ratio: .2)
With this ship, Princess Cruises is going back to its roots. The original Royal Princess was the first purpose-built ship for the fleet, entering service in 1984, and was a popular member of the fleet. She is now part of sister cruiseline P&O Cruises, sailing as Artemis.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Saga Rose, Saga Holidays Ltd. (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.7)
Built in 1965, this is a traditional-looking ship, built for long-distance cruising. A good-value product, as tips, transfers to and from the ship and in port are all included in the price. It has some interesting and unusual itineraries.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Saga Ruby, Saga Holidays Ltd. (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.7)
Previously the Cunard Caronia, this classic-looking ship was built in 1973. It underwent a $17-million refit before becoming Saga’s second ship in 2005. Again, it offers some interesting and unusual itineraries. The European and Filipino staff are friendly and helpful.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Cruise Line (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.5)
Seabourn guarantees a luxurious cruise on board a small ship that delivers an intimate experience. Seabourn Legend is the newest of the line’s three ships (though still over 10 years old) and generally regarded as of a slightly higher standard.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Silver Cloud, Silversea Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.6)
Sister ship to Silver Wind, Silver Cloud is ultra-all-inclusive, offering gourmet cuisine, and with no annoying on-board announcements and no hard-sell that often occurs on some of the more mass-market ships.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Silver Shadow, Silversea Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.3)
Silver Shadow is newer than Silver Cloud and Silver Wind and holds about 100 more passengers. It is an elegant and spacious ship, offering gourmet cuisine, and with no annoying on-board announcements and no hard-sell that often occurs on some of the more mass-market ships.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Silver Whisper, Silversea Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.3)
Elegant and spacious, ultra-all inclusive, Silversea offers an upmarket experience that is informal and flexible, rather than stuffy.
Sister ship to Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper holds about 100 more passengers the older vessels in the fleet, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Silver Wind, Silversea Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.6)
Sister ship to Silver Cloud, this is ultra-all-inclusive, offering gourmet cuisine, and with no annoying on-board announcements and no hard-sell that often occurs on some of the more mass-market ships.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Summit, Celebrity Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.0)
Another nice looking ship, with the same service and attention to detail offered on other Celebrity ships.
As well as an Internet café, there is Internet access in all cabins.
Expect the same level of good service that Celebrity is well known for.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Thomson Destiny, Thomson Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 2.9)
One of the attractions of sailing with Thomson is that the operator flies to the ship from so many regional airports. Thomson Destiny is the biggest ship in the fleet, although, like all Thomson ships, it does feel very crowded.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries :: Reviews |
 | Wind Spirit, Windstar Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.6)
Identical to Wind Star, Wind Spirit is an attractive ship with sails that are used when the weather allows. The on-board experience is casual and comfortable, although the ship is not particularly spacious.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Wind Star, Windstar Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.6)
A lovely looking ship, with sails that are utilised when the winds allow, the on-board experience is casual and comfortable, although the ship is not particularly spacious. There are no formal nights and passengers can sit where they like for meals.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
 | Wind Surf, Windstar Cruises (Passenger/crew ratio: 1.6)
Wind Surf is bigger than the other two ships in the fleet, and feels more spacious. Its seven sails are used when the wind allows. The on-board experience is casual and comfortable, there are no formal nights and passengers can sit where they like for meals.
Cruise Dates & Itineraries |
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