Not sure whether a mid-size or mega cruise ship is right for you? This easy-to-use chart breaks down the key differences — from port access and motion to onboard activities, pricing, and real ship examples. Whether you're planning your first cruise or just want a refresher, this guide has you covered.
Not sure if a mid-size or mega cruise ship is right for you? This mid-size vs mega cruise ships comparison chart breaks it all down — from port access and dining to motion at sea, crowds, and onboard activities. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or helping someone else decide, this chart makes it easy to compare ship sizes at a glance.
🛳️ Cruise Ship Size Comparison Chart: Mid-Size vs. Mega Ships
| Feature | Mid-Size Ships | Mega Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Count | 1,500–3,500 guests | 3,500–7,000+ guests |
| Port Access | 🛳️ Access to small, unique ports like Santorini or the Panama Canal | 🛳️ Limited to major ports with big infrastructure |
| Activities | 🧩 Trivia, enrichment classes, game nights | 🎢 Water parks, zip lines, laser tag, go-karts |
| Entertainment | 🎷 Live music, comedy, small-scale shows | 🎭 Broadway productions, AquaTheater, glow parties |
| Kids & Teens | 👨👩👧 Smaller clubs with fewer kids onboard | 🧒 Full-scale kids/teen zones, waterslides, arcades |
| Motion at Sea | 🌊 Slightly more noticeable (especially in open seas) | 🛑 More stable due to size and advanced stabilizers |
| Crew Interaction | 🤝 More personal service, familiar faces | 👥 Less personal, more staff-to-guest ratio |
| Dining | 🍽️ Fewer venues, more relaxed atmosphere | 🍕 Dozens of restaurants, buffets, and specialty dining |
| Crowds | 🧘♀️ Fewer lines, quieter lounges and pool decks | 🚶♂️ Crowds at elevators, pools, shows |
| Price | 💸 Generally lower fares with fewer add-ons | 💰 Often higher base price + more upcharges |
| Great For… | 👥 Couples, solo travelers, mature groups, cultural travelers | 👨👩👧 Families, multi-generational trips, thrill-seekers |
| Cons | 🧭Fewer high-tech features, older ships, limited kid activities | 🛟Can’t visit small ports, more complex ship to navigate, more impersonal |
| Best Cruise Lines | 🛳️ Virgin Voyages, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess | 🛳️ Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Carnival |
| Example Ships | 🛳️ Scarlet Lady, Celebrity Xcel, MSC Poesia, Island Princess | 🛳️ Icon of the Seas, MSC Seascape, Norwegian Joy, Carnival Celebration |
| Suggested Itineraries | 📍Alaska, Panama Canal, Mediterranean, longer cultural cruises, short 3-5 day Bahamas | 🏝️Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, private islands, week long itineraries |
| This Chart Created By | Shore to Cruise — Your Cruise Planning Companion |
This mid-size vs mega cruise ships chart was designed to help you compare features quickly while planning your perfect cruise.
✨ Curious about what MSC offers on their mega ships like Seascape? Read my MSC Cruises Ultimate Guide to get to know all about MSC through dining tips, itinerary insights, and must-know cruise hacks.
Why Ship Size Matters
Ship size plays a big role in what kind of cruise experience you’ll have. If you love Broadway shows and thrill rides, a mega ship might be your style. Prefer fewer crowds, easier navigation, and unique ports? A mid-size ship may be your sweet spot.
👉 Want the full breakdown, including pros, cons, and travel-style tips? Read my full post: Mid-Size vs. Mega Cruise Ships.
🚢 Considering Virgin Voyages? Read my post on what I wish I knew before my first Virgin cruise — packed with honest tips, cabin insights, and bar tab hacks!
📌 Bookmark this chart for your next cruise planning session — or share it with a friend who’s trying to decide what ship size is best!
We're here to help you from Shore To Cruise!
Written by Michelle Strawcutter, cruise expert and founder of Shore to Cruise. With 30+ cruises under her belt, she’s here to help you sail smarter!