Top 10 Luxury Cruise Ships Of 2011

The summer sun not only banishes away the dark and gloomy winter days but also brings the joys of the holiday and vacation season. And what is a holiday season without a holiday? Now you may enjoy the scenic Swiss Alps or you may want to saunter on the streets of Paris, but nothing comes close to the charm of cruising.

But why a cruise you may ask? Well can you think of anything better than being on a gigantic boat that takes you to exotic locations while you enjoy food, drinks and entertainment, all this while you slip back in luxury and sunbathe yourself away to glory? There isn’t anything more fun and relaxing at the same time than being on a cruise. To make your task a lot easier and to help you find your perfect dream-cruise, here is a list of the top ten cruise liners in the market today.

Allure of the seas

You cannot go wrong with Royal Caribbean’s finest gem, Allure of the seas. The biggest cruise ship ever constructed can carry 6,360 passengers and beats Oasis of the Seas by a mere 5 centimeters in length! With new additions like Starbucks, hot dog joint and a Mexican cantina restaurant there are some wonderful staples like live full-sized carousel, adults only Solarium, Youth Zone, Central Park and the amazing AquaTheater.

Oasis of the seas

Another water-wonder from Royal Caribbean, Oasis of the seas is the sister ship of Allure of the seas and debuted in December 2009. Although the ship, some claim, is identical to Allure in many ways, but things like DreamWorks Experience, set it apart from its sister ship. Other attractions like Broadway shows, staterooms and suits are almost the same on both the ships.

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Epic debuted in June 2010 and has been a favorite with passengers ever since. Innovation has been a catalyst in making Epic’s journey a hit with people. Solo studio cabins, ice-bar, performances by Blue-man group, new wave cabins and translucent bathrooms; the innovative changes are a pleasant change. Disposing off with just one multi-tiered mega theater in exchange for many distinctive entertainment venues across the ship, Epic’s entertainment system steals the show and gives you a much more intimate experience.

Queen Mary 2

If what you’re looking forward is to have a transatlantic adventure, then QM2 is the cruise you should be on. The first ever cruise line to be built for transatlantic voyage, QM2 was always regarded as the biggest cruise line in the world till Allure of the seas comfortably took its place on the number one spot. Since QM2 is used to cross the Atlantic Ocean, it’s designing and construction is a bit different from the other cruise liners. There is a plethora of activities to indulge into while onboard QM2 like relaxing on Canyon Ranch Spa Club, discovering your sporty side with fitness clubs, indulging in the Mayfair shops and boutiques, enjoying an entertainment filled evening in the Royal Court Theater and many more. Queen Mary offers you a truly English experience with class and regality galore.

Freedom of the Seas

Ruler of the cruising world, Royal Caribbean has another winner in its kitty, Freedom of the seas. The first ship to feature a surf-simulator onboard, Freedom of the seas is considered one the best cruise liners in the world. From fun moments with the FlowRider, H2O Zone to private moments in Café Promenade and Solarium Pool, there is something for everyone on this luxury cruise liner.

Liberty of the seas

Sister vessel of the Freedom ship, Liberty is the second largest ship on the seas, coming after the Oasis sisters. Cruising between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Liberty is actually not very different from its sister concern Freedom. Almost the same facilities are provided onboard Liberty as they are on Freedom, and except the size of the two vessels there is little difference between them. Onboard entertainment and recreation includes H2O Zone, FlowRider Surf-simulator, many free and for-fee dining options, Latin lounge Bolero, many onshore brands like Ben & Jerry’s and many more.

Independence of the seas

Keeping with the tradition of ruling the cruise world, Royal Caribbean can boast of another feather in its cap with Independence. Independence should be your natural choice if what you’re looking for is a wholesome family experience where there is fun things to do for both adults and the kids alike. Following the Royal Caribbean tradition, the cruise features Sports pool for volleyball and basketball, whirlpools extending to the sides of the ship, shop lined promenade, cabaret lounge inspired from the land of Egypt called the Pyramid lounge.

Navigator of the Sea

Navigator is part of the Royal Caribbean’s voyager class ships and is one of the finest luxury cruise liners in the world. Flaunting a glass-exterior the ship is the fifth of the voyager class cruise liners in the Royal fleet. Various amenities include Youth zones, Wine bars, plaza area featuring both free and fee dining options, first Latin jazz bar on the sea, Tuscany themed Solarium pool and many more. With the mix of relaxation, entertainment and adventure, Navigator is the perfect choice for an all-together family getaway.

Mariner of the Seas

The next cruise liner in the voyager class, Mariner is also one of the finest luxury cruise ship from the Royal Caribbean family. Although the last to make its debut in the voyager family; Mariner has kept its head high thanks to its uniqueness and the ability to offer fun and relaxation. Only 15% smaller than the Freedom ships, Mariner has everything to keep you busy day and night. Casino onboard offers plenty of gambling opportunities and onboard surfing, miniature gold ad rollerblading provides the high the adventure lovers crave for. With theater, lounges and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to imagine that all this is going on sea!

MSC Fantasia

A welcome change, Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC), Fantasia is another luxury cruise liner which has successfully held its own amongst the plethora of the Royal fleet. With more than 75% of rooms having balconies, Fantasia also features Europe’s best ship-within-a-ship concept. One of the most novel features onboard Fantasia is the Yacht Club, which includes a luxurious enclave of cabins, lunges and pools, within the ship! Besides the beautiful Yacht club the vessel has many amenities to offer like state-of-the-art wine bars, gyms, Turkish baths, Surf Park, ice skating rink, formula one simulator and etc.