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A dream job at sea: best cruise ship to work for in 2023 .

  Onique Campbell

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A Dream Job at Sea: Best Cruise Ship to Work for in 2023

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Are you looking for a unique and exciting career opportunity? Working on a cruise ship could be your dream job. With a wide range of positions available, from entertainment to hospitality, there's something for everyone.

In 2023, the best cruise ship to work for is highly based on preference and career goals. As you explore this opportunity, it's essential to know what to expect with a new life onboard:

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• Video - A Dream Job at Sea: Best Cruise Ship to Work for in 2023

What are the benefits of working on a cruise ship?

How can you prepare for a career on a cruise ship, and what skills are necessary, what are the challenges and potential drawbacks of working on a cruise ship, other related pages links ↓.

• Carnival Cruise Line: Serving up plenty of onboard entertainment and all of your favourite activities, Carnival is an excellent choice for those seeking a dream job at sea in 2023! With top-notch amenities, hearty food, and spacious cabins, Carnival Cruise Line offers all the fun and luxury of a relaxing getaway at sea.
• Royal Caribbean International: Known for its variety of activities, Royal Caribbean International is a great option for those looking to work aboard a cruise ship. With incredible dining options, an array of onboard entertainment, and plenty of destinations to explore, you can make your career a voyage worth taking!
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line is always a good bet when it comes to choosing an ideal cruise job. Whether you're interested in being a bartender, casino dealer, entertainer, or even a cook, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a plethora of career options for the best job experience at sea!
• Celebrity Cruises: Part of the recently enhanced Edge Series of ships, Celebrity Cruises offers the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. With plenty of activities, lounges, bars, and exclusive lounges on board, Celebrity Cruises is an ideal choice for those seeking a career on a luxury cruise line.
• Princess Cruises: Featuring a wide range of comfortable accommodations, delicious restaurants, and plenty of onboard entertainment, Princess Cruises is the perfect choice for those seeking a career aboard a cruise ship. Plus, with activities like onboard surfing simulators, it's the perfect way to get your waves in while you work!
• Cunard Line: Experience A World-Class Voyage. There is no doubt that Cunard Line offers good working environments for cruise ship employees. From the vast open sea to an unparalleled level of service, Cunard is the place for an unforgettable cruise experience.
• Costa Cruises: Feel The Mediterranean Sun. If you’re looking for a sun-filled, exotic experience, Costa Cruises is the place to apply for a job. Spend days discovering ancient cities and sample local cuisines while being surrounded by friends and coworkers.
• Disney Cruise Line: The Happiest Cruise on Earth. Cruise around the world in one of the most magical settings, Disney Cruise Line. This ship offers a unique working experience on the high seas, making it a popular destination for cruise ship workers.

• Unforgettable Traveling Experiences: Cruise ships take you to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Sail the Caribbean Sea, explore spectacular Norwegian Fjords, and call on fascinating Mediterranean ports. What better way is there to see the world?
• Variety of Jobs: From serving as a chef in a fine dining restaurant to teaching yoga classes, there is a wide range of jobs available on cruise ships. With so many positions available, you can find something that suits your skill set and interests.
• Fun Working Environment: Cruise ships offer a unique and fun workplace. Your job will take you to different locations, and you'll be able to get to know other crew members, passengers, and locals.
• Benefits Package: Cruise ship employers generally offer attractive benefits such as healthcare, accommodation and meals, and travel discounts.
• Opportunity for Career Advancement: Working in the cruise industry can think of many career development opportunities. You can go from working as a deckhand to becoming a captain, you can gain advanced skills that can be easily transferred to other roles ashore.
• Increased Salary Possibilities: As a Crewmember you may be eligible for Annual pay increases, season bonuses, and higher wages for specialized positions can help you maximize your earning potential and make more money.
• Research the cruise shipping industry: Take the time to learn about the various aspects of working on a cruise ship, such as company policies, job duties and safety regulations.
• Take courses to improve relevant skills: Many employers require cruise staff to have certain qualifications in order to work onboard. Consider taking courses in areas like hospitality management and customer service to increase your chances of securing a position.
• Obtain certificates: Cruise ships require workers to have certain licenses and certifications, depending on the particular job. Make sure you have all the required documents before applying.
• Learn a foreign language: Most cruise businesses have passengers from different countries, so it’s beneficial to have basic knowledge of foreign languages in order to communicate better with them.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Employers look for people with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, as they’re an important part of creating a pleasant environment on the cruise.
• Prepare yourself for travel: Working on a cruise means you will be spending a lot of time in different locations and climates, which can be taxing both physically and mentally. Be prepared for the rigors of living and working on the seas.
• Polish your resume: Make sure you have an up-to-date resume outlining your previous work experience, qualifications and certifications. This can help show potential employers that you are serious about embarking on a career in the cruise industry.
• Lost Sense of Place: Constantly being in motion can lead to a sense of being disconnected from having a permanent home and livelihood.
• Physical Demands: Working on a cruise ship can be physically and emotionally demanding, including dealing with long hours of being on your feet, heavy lifting, repetitive and strenuous tasks, and difficult customers.
• Limited Time Off: The days when you are not working often still involve long hours, as you will be away at sea and unable to take days off to rest and relax.
• Pay Rate: The pay and benefits on cruise ships can somewhat reflect much lower compared to what you would receive for similar work on land depending on location (US, UK, Canada etc.).
• Isolation: Being away from home, family, and friends can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

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Social media users get dramatic after Carnival cruise ship hits ice in Alaska: 'Titanic moment'

No damage was found after the carnival spirit hit ice.

Carnival cruise ship strikes ice in Alaska, passenger video shows

The Carnival Spirit struck ice Sept. 5, 2024, in Alaska, the cruise line confirmed to FOX Business. A passenger caught this video from her balcony. (Courtesy: Cassandra Goskie)

A Carnival Cruise Line ship struck "an errant piece of drifting ice last Thursday while sailing in Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska," the company confirmed to FOX Business on Monday.

The hull of the Carnival Spirit underwent an assessment and no damage was found, the company said. The ship continued on its current seven-day cruise that arrives back in Seattle, Washington, on Tuesday. 

Carnival said "the vessel continued on its cruise and there has been no impact to operations." Despite this, social media reactions took a turn for the dramatic.

"If we die, it was damn-well worth it," passenger Cassandra Goskie said in a video she posted in a private Carnival VIFP Club Members Facebook group and shared with FOX Business. "It's a Titanic moment."

CARNIVAL CRUISES FEATURE SPACEX STARLINK INTERNET ON ENTIRE FLEET

Carnival Spirit sails in an undisclosed location in this photo from the cruise line. (Carnival Cruise Line / Fox News)

"Oh, we are hitting it," she said, as other passengers could be seen looking over the side of the ship. "Damn."

The video's caption reads, "Carnival did an AMAZING job of keeping all the passengers and staff safe and updated."

One X user shared photos with their local meteorologist that showed the iceberg and a boat, which appeared to be assessing the ship for damage.

Carnival said in a statement to FOX Business that the ship did not experience delays, and that the Spirit "arrived in Skagway on Friday as scheduled."

The Carnival Spirit was built in 2001. It can take just over 2,600 guests on voyages with 920 team members onboard, according to a ship fact sheet.

While its home port is currently Seattle, the ship has upcoming cruises from Mobile, Alabama.

CRUISES CANCELED FOLLOWING CARNIVAL FREEDOM FIRE DURING BUSY SPRING BREAK SEASON

Icebergs from the Sawyer Glacier at the entrance to Tracy Arm, a fjord in Southeast Alaska near Juneau, Tongass National Forest, Alaska. (Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via / Getty Images)

Alaska is considering a new policy to limit the number of visitors to its capital, Juneau, amid concerns about the impact of overtourism, expanding on measures introduced last year. 

Juneau last year limited visitation to just five cruise ships per day, and in June, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian agreed to limit the number of passengers visiting the shore per day as well: 16,000 per day Sundays through Fridays and 12,000 on Saturdays starting in 2026, according to the Alaska Beacon . 

Cruise ship among ice floes in Tracy Arm fjord, Alaska. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via / Getty Images)

Cruise season runs from early April to late October, and the capital continues to prove a highly popular destination with several glaciers nearby , including the Mendenhall Glacier. Residents in recent years have raised concerns about the increased traffic, congested trails and noise pollution from both cruise ships and helicopter tours. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS  

The cruise industry produces around $375 million in direct investment into Juneau, mostly through passenger spending. Tourism dipped during the coronavirus pandemic, but has spiked in the past 18 months as travel resumed normal levels, with a record 1.6 million cruise passengers visiting Juneau in 2023. 

FOX Business' Peter Aitken contributed to this report. 

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Cruise Industry Gearing Up to Hire 20,000+ New Crew Members in 2025

• 30 August 2024

The cruise industry is getting ready for a major boom, with a whopping 62 new cruise ships expected to hit the seas by the mid-2030s.

Some of these ships will have space for over 2,000 crew members, leading to a big hiring spree in the industry. According to the Cruise Industry News Global Cruise Ship Index , cruise lines are gearing up to bring on board over 20,000 new crew members in 2025 to handle the upcoming fleet.

Norwegian Cruise Line is looking at a big increase in their onboard staff, planning to hire over 16,000 crew members for eight new ships.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises will be adding seven new ships by 2028, and they'll need about 11,000 new employees to keep things running smoothly.

Carnival Cruise Line has ordered five new large vessels this year and is expected to grow its workforce by more than 10,500 crew members.

Royal Caribbean International is introducing three new ships for its Icon and Oasis classes, which means they'll have to bring on board nearly 9,000 more crew members to handle the workload.

Disney Cruise Line  is also on an expansion spree, planning to hire over 6,000 new staff members in the next few years.

Overall, the cruise industry is preparing to bring on board many new crew members to manage the arrival of new ships and guests.

This exciting growth spurt will see nearly 150,000 new berths added to the market, resulting in a guest-to-crew ratio of 2.4 to 1. It's clear that cruise lines will need to focus on bringing in and training new crew members to support their burgeoning fleets.

In short, the cruise industry is set for a major hiring drive in 2025, with plans to bring on board over 20,000 new crew members to handle the influx of 62 new ships. This hiring spree signals not only the industry’s rapid growth but also the potential for new job opportunities in the cruise sector.

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Cunard Line cruise ship

Cunard Line is a relatively small cruise company with just four ships, but that doesn't mean it has a small footprint when it comes to places its ships go.

The storied passenger ship company — one of the oldest in the world, with a history that dates back to 1840 — offers cruises to almost every corner of the globe.

The line's four vessels — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne — are almost always on the move. They operate diverse itineraries on multiple continents, including Europe, North America and Asia.

They also often travel around the world on epic voyages that can last three months or more. For 2026, for instance, two of Cunard's four vessels will operate complete circumnavigations of the globe lasting many months (more on these below).

Among its many itinerary offerings, Cunard has a particularly large footprint in Europe, with at least three of its four vessels spending at least some time each year in the region. Asia is another big destination for Cunard, with at least two or three of its ships heading there most years for at least a few sailings, too.

The line also regularly offers sailings in North America, including in the Caribbean, New England and Canada, and Alaska. Australia and New Zealand appear often on Cunard's itinerary schedule as well.

Cunard ships sail everything from super-short, two-night voyages between Southampton, England, and Hamburg, Germany, that don't include a single port call to 116-night globe-circling trips that take in dozens of ports.

Here are our picks for the five best Cunard cruise destinations.

The Atlantic

If Cunard has an iconic itinerary, it is the regular transatlantic voyages that its flagship, the 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2, operates between New York City and Southampton, England, throughout the year — something unique in the world of cruising.

In most cases, these trips lack even a single port stop. They are one-way sailings designed to get you across the Atlantic in relative speed and comfort — just like the line offered in the 19th century. But unlike back then, they aren't voyages people take out of necessity.

Both leisure and business travelers can now travel between North America and Europe in a matter of hours on speedy jets, so there's no longer a pressing need for such transatlantic crossings on a practical level. But Cunard has been able to keep the tradition alive for a subset of travelers who enjoy moving between the continents in a more leisurely way.

For many people who take Queen Mary 2 across the Atlantic, the ship itself and the experience of the crossing on it is the destination. It's not uncommon for passengers to take Queen Mary 2 one-way across the Atlantic just to experience a crossing before flying back home.

Queen Mary 2 was specifically built for such crossings, with a more streamlined shape and more powerful engines than traditional cruise ships. It can cut through the sometimes rough waves of the Atlantic at higher speeds and with more comfort for passengers.

Aficionados say Queen Mary 2 is a true ocean liner — a ship designed to sail a direct course across oceans between two far-apart destinations — not a cruise ship. It is thus something truly different in the world of cruises.

Related: Why I was wrong about transatlantic cruises

Having sailed across the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2 three times over the years, including on its maiden voyage in 2004, I couldn't agree more. There is nothing quite like zooming across the ocean on the vessel, which is built with a grand ballroom, elegant restaurants and other formal spaces that evoke the famed ocean liners of a century ago. It's a throwback to an earlier time.

In a typical year, Queen Mary 2 operates about 20 Atlantic crossings. In most cases, it makes the crossing in seven nights without any stops, but it sometimes does longer eight-night crossings. It occasionally adds a stop in a destination along the way — Boston, for instance, or the Azores.

In addition to transatlantic crossings, Cunard has long been known for epic around-the-world voyages that stop at dozens of destinations on four, five or even six continents.

Cunard usually will send one and sometimes even two of its four ships on monthslong jaunts around the world every year, something it has done for many decades.

In a typical year, the line will begin one around-the-world sailing in Southampton, England, its traditional home base, and another in a North American port such as New York, allowing Americans to travel across the globe without ever getting on a flight longer than a few hours.

That's the case for 2026, when Queen Mary 2 will sail a 109-night world voyage out of New York City, and the 2,996-passenger Queen Anne will sail a 109-night world voyage out of Southampton (the latter voyage also can be boarded in Hamburg).

Related: 12 epic around-the-world cruises

As is sometimes the case with such trips, the sailing on Queen Anne won't be a full circumnavigation of the globe. The ship will travel from Southampton to the Mediterranean and then through the Suez Canal to Asia and Australia before looping back westward to travel around Africa back to Europe. It's a sailing that will hit large portions of the world but not complete the circle.

The Queen Mary 2 sailing will be a true circumnavigation, with the ship circling the world westward. The voyage will take the ship to New York, Curacao, the Panama Canal and the West Coast of Mexico and the United States before a Pacific crossing to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia. From there, Queen Mary 2 will make multiple stops across Asia before cruising westward to the Middle East and through the Suez Canal to Europe.

In part due to the fact that it's based in Southampton and has a strong following among British travelers, Cunard has long had a particular focus on sailings in Europe. As of the publishing of this guide, 289 of the 632 departures on Cunard's schedule were devoted to Northern Europe, Western Europe or the Mediterranean. If you add in transatlantic departures between Europe and North America, that number jumps to 381 — more than half of all departures on Cunard's schedule.

For the coming year, three of Cunard's four vessels (every one but Queen Elizabeth) will spend at least part of the year sailing in Europe, with the biggest portion of sailings in the Mediterranean.

These Europe routings vary greatly in length and destination. Unlike many of its competitors operating in Europe, Cunard offers lots of short sailings, sometimes as short as two or three nights, that provide a chance for a quick trip between, say, Hamburg and Southampton. Often, these short sailings are one-way on Queen Mary 2 and timed to lead straight into a transatlantic crossing.

Someone in Europe could board Queen Mary 2 in Hamburg for a two-night sailing to Southampton and then stay aboard for a subsequent seven-night sailing to New York City.

Cunard also often offers many round-trip "short break" getaways lasting three or four nights out of Southampton to places like Bruges, Belgium; Amsterdam; and Le Havre, France. These trips are mostly aimed at a local British crowd.

Additionally, Cunard operates many longer Europe itineraries, sometimes as long as 30 nights, which take in a dozen or more major destinations. A good example of the latter is the line's 28-night Mediterranean Highlights itinerary from Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), to Barcelona, a one-way trip that takes in a wide range of ports across Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Malta, Spain and Turkey.

In the Mediterranean, the line's main hubs are Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); Istanbul; Trieste, Italy; Barcelona; and Civitavecchia.

In Northern Europe, Cunard's big hub is Southampton, but it also offers voyages out of Hamburg and Kiel in Germany.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruises for every type of traveler

Cunard is one of just a handful of Europe-based cruise lines that has regularly devoted a ship to the Alaska market in recent years — typically the 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth.

For the summer of 2025, for instance, Queen Elizabeth will operate a dozen round-trip sailings to Alaska out of Seattle.

These Alaska voyages will mostly be 10 or 11 nights in length, which is longer than the typical Alaska sailing out of Vancouver. A handful of the sailings will be seven nights in length.

Cunard's typical 10- and 11-night Alaska sailings include calls at Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and either Haines or Skagway in Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The ship will also visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and at least one other nature-focused destination such as Misty Fjords National Monument or Endicott Arm.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Cunard usually sends at least one of its three ships to Asia, Australia and New Zealand every winter for sailings out of such major hubs as Tokyo (where ships sail from nearby Yokohama) and Sydney.

The line also typically sends one or two ships on around-the-world cruises every winter that include segments in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The result is as many as three of the line's four vessels could be sailing in the regions during the winter. (See more on the line's world cruises above.)

Cunard ships typically offer a relatively wide mix of itineraries in the regions, never staying in the same part of Asia, Australia and New Zealand for too many voyages in a row.

That said, for 2025, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth will be based out of Tokyo for nearly two months for multiple sailings around Japan. These sailings typically also include a stop in either South Korea or Taiwan.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Among the Australia itineraries that Cunard has on its schedule for the next two years is an epic 27-night sailing around Australia out of Melbourne that includes nearly a dozen stops in such Australian cities as Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth and Adelaide.

Shorter sailings out of Australian ports include a five-night voyage from Sydney to Hobart in the Australian island state of Tasmania.

Bottom line

Despite its small size, Cunard offers a diverse array of itineraries in cruise destinations around the world, from North America to Asia. It's also well known for its transatlantic sailings between New York City and Southampton, plus its epic around-the-world cruises.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Travel Updates

Viral clip shows issue with Carnival Vista ship during Southern Caribbean voyage

Mayhem broke out on a recent Carnival cruise ship with a passenger sharing a clip showing the technical issue that caused it to change locations.

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When passengers abroad Carnival Vista were told it wasn’t going to its intended destination in the Caribbean, hundreds were left fuming with a clip of the chaos going viral.

The eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise left Port Canaveral, Florida on August 10 and was intended to stop in Aruba, Curacao and Turks and Cacaos.

However, due to an engine problem, the cruise line had to alter the itinerary, instead heading to the Bahamas, making stops at Nassau, Princess Cays, Freeport, and Half Moon Cay,

A Carnival cruise spokesperson told the New York Post a “technical issue” had affected the ship’s cruising speed.

New footage shared by a passenger standing at the back of the vessel shows the alleged propeller issue that affected the vessel’s speed — in turn changing the course of the itinerary.

“Typically the ship has two wakes coming out – and see right now it only has one wake,” the passenger said as he pointed to the working wake.

“This propeller on this side is working (on the right). This propeller on this side (left) is not working.

“So the ship goes a little slower. We’re only doing about 11 to 12 knots which is super slow for a cruise ship, it normally goes 18 to 20 knots.”

He said this limits where you can go on the ship , adding it was now heading to the Bahamas which he didn’t have a problem with.

“I am fine with it,” he said.

However, not everyone shared his stance, with a viral clip from August 28 showing passengers loosing it when they learned on the day of departure of the change in itinerary.

“Give us our money,” several guests chanted as cruise staff attempted to explain the situation.

The cruise line did offer a $US400 ($A600) on-board voucher or full refund for any guests who wished to cancel their trip despite the revised itinerary — but many were still left disappointed.

In the clip, a staffer stood before hundreds of guests apologising for the change in itinerary as he explained that due to s technical issue the ship “simply doesn’t have the power” to go on to its intended destination.

“On behalf of Carnival, ourselves and all the crew, our apologies over what’s happened,” the staffer said.

“It’s not something that is under our control unfortunately. We had a technical issue as we were coming in this morning, hence we have a delay arriving.

“Our technicians have been working on it on-board. The long and short of it is it’s an ongoing live issue.

“We had to make an itinerary change because we simply don’t have the power to get to where we want to go.”

He then explained guests can opt for a refund and also have $US400 ($A600) credits to use on-board.

An eight-day cruise aboard the Vista averages $US779 ($A11700) per person.

“We communicated directly with guests on board regarding their options for the sailing,” Carnival told the New York Post in a statement.

“Those that sailed were given an on-board credit as well as a future cruise credit toward another cruise to make up for the unexpected change, and those who preferred not to sail were offered a 100 per cent refund.”

Even with the choice of not cruising to the Bahamas, passengers were still frustrated.

“They knew about the problem prior to us getting onto the ship,” Ashley Ball told Inside Edition.

“They just didn’t say that until we were already on the ship, and, you know, went through customs and the lines and securities and all that, and then decided to display that information.”

However, others have taken to social media to defend the cruise liner, saying passengers would have signed contracts that explained ports can change at any time.

“You signed a contract stating ports may change,” one person wrote on TikTok

“Was on the Vista in June. Deck 11 balcony room. Hottest ship I have EVER BEEN ON,” another said.

“Was just on the Vista, was actually my best Carnival cruise,” said another.

Spencer Aronfeld, a cruise ship lawyer from Florida, who shared a TikTok about the saga, said under federal maritime law and under the contract passengers have with Carnival, “the cruise line can change its itinerary for basically any reason at all, anytime for whatever they want”.

“Whatever is in the best interest of the passengers and the vessel and most likely Carnival,” he added.

Many flooded the comments section saying they would have been disappointed if they were told they were going to a location, and then didn’t.

“I choose cruises based on where its going. This cruise was supposed to go to Aruba & they removed that stop. I’ve always wanted to go to Aruba. If the ship was no longer going there I’d be upset,” one viewer said.

“I don’t think they should get a full refund, but I do think Carnival should have notified them of the itinerary change before the day of the cruise,” wrote another.

Some claimed the liner needs to “do better maintenance on their ships”.

“With how much people pay, there isn’t any reason dry dock isn’t done every year (sic)!” One person wrote.

More Coverage

“We were on the Vista 8/10-8/18 and had our ports changed due to the propulsion issues,” said another.

The Vista which has since been on several voyages since the August 10 departure has reportedly had its September 7 departure from Port Canaveral cancelled, Inside Edition reported.

News.com.au has contacted Carnival for comment.

A couple have been hauled off a flight to Ibiza, after the pair allegedly hurled abuse and spat at cabin crew trying to intervene.

An Aussie has been forced to pay for an entire flight’s fuel after his on-board behaviour forced the pilot to turn around and dump its load.

An innocuous mountainside hiding a dark secret sparked an intense stand-off, with one man threatened with prison and torture over a simple photo.

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This Elegant 96-Room Ship Is Putting a Stylish Spin on Expedition Cruising

Sailing from the Arctic to Antarctica, Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana is transporting cruisers in style.

The Staterooms

Bars and restaurants, where sh diana sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Courtesy of Swan Hellenic

When I boarded Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana for its christening journey in May 2023, I was instantly struck by how elegant the ship was.

Thanks to the work of renowned firm Tillberg Design of Sweden , Scandinavian-inspired interiors are understated, with abundant wood, natural materials, clean lines, and neutral hues. Just the staircase alone, black in color, contrasted by light filtering through wooden slats, is a thing of beauty. Details like this for what would otherwise be an inconspicuous element were a sure sign that this vessel was crafted with no stone left unturned.

I marveled at the beautiful finishes as I walked through the various spaces. Leather straps on backrest cushions, touch-activated table lamps in the Swan Restaurant, and an incredible array of plush seating and concealed TVs in the Observation Lounge make for a modern marvel. However, the real show is outside, of course, so you’ll find large picture windows affording panoramic vistas at every turn.

But I’ve digressed. If you haven’t heard of Swan Hellenic, you’re not alone. Dating back to the 1950s, the cruise line started as an extension of Swan’s Tours, a British travel agency operated by father and son. The duo leaned into “cultural cruising,” providing guests with the experience of on-board lectures with well-known academics and writers and near-daily port calls in ancient sites along the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea.

However, once it was acquired by P&O in 1983, Swan Hellenic began to lose its identity, particularly when ship capacity swelled to nearly double. Over the decades, ownership continued to shuffle, and the brand was even repositioned as a river cruise line at one point. It eventually fell into a three-year limbo while in the hands of G Adventures. But when 2020 came around, Andrea Zito, who had helped broker the sale to G Adventures, scooped up Swan Hellenic and promised to bring it back to its roots, but with a luxurious twist.

Now the CEO of Swan Hellenic, Zito plans to breathe new life into the storied brand, especially with SH Diana , the latest addition to the company’s fleet. Like her two sibling ships, SH Diana sails to both the Arctic and Antarctica , but will also venture to a mix of remote and familiar destinations around parts of Europe and Africa. While aboard, the exploration continues. Zito affirms that “the core offering for [Swan Hellenic] is education.” As such, the company will bring on either a scientist from SETI Institute or an esteemed academic to lead lectures centered around the destinations being visited. For example, on the post-naming cruise through the Norwegian fjords, Dr. Terje Leiren, professor emeritus of Scandinavian studies and history at the University of Washington, hosted daily presentations. It’s a meaningful component that not only caters to curious minds but also helps keep the brand’s legacy alive.

Here, find out what it’s like aboard SH Diana .

• With no more than 192 passengers, SH Diana provides an intimate experience aboard a sleek and modern ship.
• All cabins face the water and the large majority have balconies.
• The collaboration with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs provides an upscale dining experience with venerable chefs.

All 96 staterooms boast ocean views, and the majority have furnished balconies, which not only afford great views but also serve as the perfect location for a private meal. Accommodations start from 215 square feet, which is fairly spacious by cruise standards. They feature a living area that can be curtained off from the bedroom, ample storage space, and either burnt orange or moss green accents.

For those who choose to upgrade to a suite, there are three categories to choose from. The Junior Suite starts at 344 square feet, and both the Suite and Premium Suite come in at 441 square feet, but the latter has a significantly larger balcony. In addition to more space, suite guests will enjoy the comforts of a separate bathtub, a walk-in closet, and a soothing digital fireplace.

The Swan Restaurant is the ship’s primary dining space and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. International cuisine is offered daily, and local ingredients are utilized where possible. All three meals are included in the rate, as well as drinks and a rotating selection of wines by the glass. Small bites, pastries, and refreshments are also available in the Club Lounge throughout the day should you want something to snack on outside of dining hours.

On select days, weather permitting, the al fresco Pool Bar & Grill also serves a pared-down selection of what’s offered at Swan Restaurant alongside pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. There’s also an open bar (premium spirits call for an additional fee) in the Observation Lounge. Otherwise, 24-hour room service is available at no extra cost.

But the highlight of select voyages is the Maris dinner. A culinary program designed with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, these itineraries will feature a different chef from the organization’s portfolio of 375 restaurants, many of which have been awarded Michelin stars. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chef and embark on a gastronomic experience for the special evening, while some voyages may also include cooking demonstrations and culinary excursions.

Taking advantage of its PC6 ice-class status, the vessel’s signature destinations are the Arctic and Antarctica. As the ship moves between these two frigid destinations, SH Diana spends most of its time in Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and northern, western, and southern Africa.

On my sailing from Amsterdam to Norway , included shore excursions were largely more leisurely, mainly consisting of scenic drives with multiple stops for photo opportunities led by local guides, with the option to upgrade to more immersive and adventurous activities for a supplementary fee. There were a couple of walking tours and the ship did stop for an Arctic plunge.

However, excursions become more exhilarating once the vessel heads to the polar regions. With onboard expedition leaders at the helm, be prepared for Zodiac outings and wet landings to explore the ends of the earth.

Despite being a relatively small ship, SH Diana has some great amenities. A stern-facing heated infinity plunge pool tends to be a preferred hangout spot, particularly on sunny days at sea. You’ll also find a wellness complex with a spa with two treatment rooms, a salon, an ocean-facing sauna, an outdoor whirlpool, and a sizeable gym with equipment facing the water. There’s also a self-service laundry room, which is handy if you have additional travel plans after disembarkation.

When it comes to additional outdoor spaces, nestle into one of the daybed nooks on the promenade, swaddled in a cozy blanket, walk out onto the Swan’s Nest, an observation deck at the bow, or head up to the stargazing deck on a clear night.

As for entertainment, if you’re searching for casinos or a club, this is not the ship for you. In the basecamp area, you’ll find a library stocked with books about nature and travel and a laboratory that includes guests in onboard research projects. By day, the Observation Lounge offers expert-led lectures and discussions while a crooning pianist sits at the grand piano every night.

Children aged 6 and up are welcome on non-polar voyages, but the age requirement increases to 8 years old for Antarctic and Arctic cruises. However, it’s worth noting that the ship doesn’t offer any specific programming, babysitting services, or dedicated facilities for kids.

The SH Diana has two ADA-compliant accommodations — one an Oceanview cabin and the other a Balcony room — with wheelchair-accessible wet units. The ship also has a pair of elevators that access all levels except for the top deck. Some observation areas are only accessible by stairs; however, specific amenities like the pool, hot tub, and sauna may be challenging to access.

Related Articles

We sailed in an interior cabin on Carnival and an ocean-view room on Royal Caribbean. We'd only book one again.

• Two Business Insider reporters took cruises — one with Carnival and the other with Royal Caribbean.
• The reporters each sailed for seven nights in an interior and an ocean-view stateroom.
• They agreed that the larger space and window were worth the extra $700 on Royal Caribbean.  

When it comes to cruising, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are often mentioned in the same sentence. The two cruise lines are competitors and are among the world's most popular cruise lines. Business Insider reporters went on both.

In April 2022, Joey Hadden took her first cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , one of the largest cruise ships in the world that can hold about 7,000 guests. During Joey's seven-night voyage , the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

In July 2021, Monica Humphries joined 2,700 vaccinated passengers on the Carnival Vista, the first Carnival ship to depart the US since the pandemic began. Due to COVID-19, it purposefully sailed at partial capacity but can hold 3,934 passengers. The seven-night trip embarked from Galveston, Texas, and made stops in Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.

The reporters spent their week on their respective ships in different stateroom types. On the Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Joey slept in a mid-tier, ocean-view room . Monica, on the other hand, spent seven nights in an entry-level standard interior room .

The rooms and ships are inherently different. Take a look at how their accommodations varied in price, amenities, and size, and why we thought the Royal Caribbean room was ultimately worth the upgrade.

One of the easiest differences to spot was the price. Joey's Royal Caribbean cabin cost about $700 more than the Carnival cruise.

Joey's seven-day cruise was originally priced at $3,000, but she purchased it on sale for $2,000 including gratuities. 

Even at the sale price, it was still $700 more than Monica's cruise, which cost $1,288 including gratuities. 

Joey's higher price was due to two main factors. First, she purchased a mid-tier, ocean-view room. Meanwhile, Monica sailed in the Carnival Vista's cheapest room option: an entry-level interior stateroom.

An interior room on a typical Royal Caribbean ship could be between $25 and $40 cheaper per day than an ocean view room, according to Royal Caribbean Blog . So, even if Joey had booked one, it likely still would have cost more than Monica's stateroom did.

Royal Caribbean also charged Joey a single supplement fee , an extra fee that cruise lines charge single travelers to compensate for the revenue that would have come had there been a second person on board. As a result, Joey's cruise cost double what it would have been per person had she been traveling with a buddy.

Monica was not charged any additional fees for traveling solo, likely because the ship ran at partial capacity during its July 2021 sailing. Carnival does charge a single supplement for solo cruisers but often runs promotions that waive the fee. 

The rooms were located in different parts of the ship, which impacted each reporter's ability to sleep.

Joey selected her room at the very front of deck eight, and she felt constant motion in her room. It was one of the last oceanview rooms available when she booked, and she soon found out why. According to some of her fellow passengers, the front of the ship is one of the worst places to be if you're often seasick. Higher decks in the middle of the ship will likely feel calmer and more stable, they said.

On the roughest nights, Joey heard and felt thunderous sensations beneath her room every few minutes. Loud thumps and heavy vibrations in her room sounded like large pieces of furniture falling down. 

Meanwhile, Monica was not able to choose her room as that cost extra and was assigned one that was located on deck one — the bottom floor of the 15-deck ship. Her room was quiet each night. While she could feel the movement of the ship, it didn't keep her up. Instead, she thought the gentle rocking helped her fall asleep. 

Both rooms had a mailbox next to their door where they found informational flyers and their stateroom keys on the first day of their cruises.

After boarding the ship, Joey wandered to deck eight and found her room down a long hallway of identical doors. There was a slim pocket between the room number and the wall where attendants left flyers. 

On the first day of the cruise, Monica boarded the ship and was left to find her stateroom by herself. She found her room key outside her stateroom door tucked inside a mailbox. For the rest of the week on the ship, she sometimes would come back to her room and discover a flyer or two waiting for her in the mailbox or on her bed. 

Monica's cheaper, lower-tier room was actually a few feet larger than Joey's cabin.

Joey's stateroom was 179 square feet and came with a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and an ocean view. She thought she'd feel cramped in the room, but thanks to plenty of storage space, she felt it had everything she needed and left no space unused.

Monica was also impressed with how large the cheapest room on the Carnival Vista felt . The 185-square-foot cabin had a closet, two nightstands, and plenty of storage space.

Although Monica's room was larger, a window helped make Joey's room feel more spacious. She thought it was one of the Royal Caribbean room's largest luxuries.

Since she booked an ocean-view room, Joey was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above her bed. An electronic shade over the window could be brought down during the day for some grand views.

Monica had just enough space as a solo traveler in her cruise ship cabin, although she thought a second person might've made the room feel cramped. Without a window, she missed waking up to sunlight each morning. She also thought sunlight would open up the room to create an illusion of more space.

When both reporters walked into their rooms, the TVs were playing safety videos.​​

On day one, both Joey and Monica boarded their ships and made their way to their muster stations, where passengers learn about safety procedures for emergencies.

Additionally, both reporters had videos playing in their rooms when they arrived that emphasized these processes. 

The video in Joey's room played safety directions given by a cartoon instructor.

Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal led the safety video in Monica's room, detailing where to find her life jacket in the closet and where to go on the ship if there was an emergency alarm.

The Royal Caribbean room also had enough space for a couch.

Joey thought having an additional spot to sit and relax in her room was nice. She also tossed her backpack and laundry on the couch to keep the floors clear.

Meanwhile, Monica's room didn't have any extra space for lounging. If she wanted to relax in her room mid-afternoon, she hopped on the bed.

Both reporters had king-sized beds, which were two twin-sized beds pushed together.

Cruise lines often use twin-sized beds in their staterooms so passengers can configure their rooms to their liking. For example, if Monica or Joey had been traveling with a friend, they would've been able to have the beds separated, so each passenger had their own bed.

Both Joey and Monica read this in the description of their rooms before boarding, so they weren't surprised. 

Joey found the two beds uncomfortable, as she often found herself waking up in the crevice. 

After long days at sea, Monica thought the beds were comfortable. She enjoyed sprawling each night, and the cruise bed size was an upgrade from her queen-sized bed at home. 

Nightstands hugged each king-sized bed in both rooms.

Both rooms had a desk and vanity.

The Royal Caribbean and Carnival rooms came with amenities that included a hair dryer, mini fridge, and phone. 

Joey thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events. She used the vanity to display photos to make her room feel more like home.

Monica didn't use the desk and vanity much. Each day, she stored towels and her hair straightener on the desk. 

Joey's room also had outlets conveniently placed on the vanity and nightstands, while the outlets in Monica's room were behind the bed.

On one side of the room, Joey had a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports. There were more outlets and USB ports on her nightstands. 

Monica's biggest inconvenience was that the only outlet near the bed was behind it. So she couldn't charge and use her phone or laptop from her bed.

Joey and Monica agreed they had plenty of storage in their rooms, although Joey had an extra closet, a dresser, and storage hooks.

Inside each of Joey's two closets, she found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe.

Monica's room had one closet with hangers, drawers, and a safe. It also had two nightstands that could be used for storage. For one person, it was plenty of space. 

The reporters also noticed the decor was different. Joey's room had art on the walls; Monica's had just the essentials.

Joey noticed three pieces of art hanging above the couch in her room. Each frame showcased a photograph of something in nature. 

There was less decor inside Monica's room. Housekeeping placed a mat so Monica could unpack a suitcase on her bed on the first day. Besides that, Monica thought the walls and beds looked largely unadorned.

Inside the bathroom, Royal Caribbean provided Joey with a bar of soap and a two-in-one hair and body wash. Carnival's toiletries included soap, shampoo, and body wash.

Both cabin bathrooms came with multi-use toiletry product dispensers.

Joey used her own toiletries rather than those provided by Royal Caribbean, such as their Salt and Breeze shower gel, because their familiar scents made her feel more at home while at sea .

Monica found a dispenser inside the shower with unbranded shampoo and shower gel.

Both reporters had a stateroom steward who came into their room twice a day to make their beds, bring fresh towels, and tidy up.

Each morning, a stateroom attendant cleaned Joey's room. And after she left for dinner, they came back to clean up again. Every evening, Joey got fresh towels — sometimes creatively folded — and a flyer featuring the next day's schedule on the ship with the weather, dress code, and other important information, such as a time zone change. 

Monica had a similar experience on the Carnival Vista. Her stateroom attendant checked in every day to see which times Monica preferred to have her room cleaned and have nightly turndown service. Similar towel animals, along with important trip information, were waiting for her each afternoon. 

Ultimately, Monica and Joey agreed both rooms were spacious enough for solo travelers. But if either boarded another cruise, they'd splurge for more space and a window.

Having less than 200 square feet of space for seven nights might not feel like a lot of space for a week, but both reporters said they made it work.

However, Monica was envious of Joey's sunlight and couch and Joey agreed Monica's room was located in a better section of the ship.

For any future sailings, the reporters said they think it's ultimately worth it to pay more to book a room with a window in the heart of the ship for a smoother cruise. 

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