The 12 Most Popular Cruise Ship Names Of All Time

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Cruise ships are known for having some wonderfully creative names… but there are a few that appear far more often than you’d expect.

Some names get recycled when older ships retire, while others pop up across completely different cruise lines. With so many ships sailing over the years, certain words have become surprisingly common at sea.

Princess Cruises ship sailing with mountains in the backdrop.

I’ve gone through the full list of major cruise ships throughout history to see which names come up again and again – and a few of them might surprise you. Here are the ones that made the final cut…

    1. Star

    Star of the Seas

    “Star” is the most popular name for cruise ships, with 20 vessels carrying the title. It’s a favourite because it can mean so many things – the standout star of a fleet, or that bright, captivating beacon that feels right at home at sea.

    A-ROSA STAR

    A-ROSA Cruises – 2005 to present

    A-ROSA STAR is a river cruise ship offering luxurious journeys along Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Known for its elegant design and exceptional service, it has been a favourite for river cruise enthusiasts.

    Atlantic Star

    Pullmantur Cruises – 2009 to 2013

    Atlantic Star has featured for several big cruise lines, including P&O Australia and Princess, but it was under Pullmantur that she sailed with that name for four years.

    China Star

    China Cruises – 2005 to 2017

    China Star was a prominent cruise ship for China Cruises, also known under several other “Star” names – Omar Star and Saipan Star.

    Norwegian Star

    Norwegian Star cruising through the vast blue ocean

    Norwegian Cruise Line – 2001 to present

    Norwegian Star is a popular ship in the NCL fleet, and one of the longest-serving ships for the cruise line. She sails to various exotic destinations and underwent significant refurbishments in 2018.

    Star Breeze

    Star Legend

    Star Pride

    Wind star Star Legend cruise ship sailing the seas
    Star Legend

    Windstar Cruises – 2014 to present

    These three ships used to sail for Seabourn but were sold to Windstar Cruises to serve as the line’s new Star Class of ships, moving away from the traditional sail ships that they had been known for, but still offering stunning luxury for guests.

    Star Clipper

    Star Flyer

    Star clipper under the bright blue sky while cruising the sea

    Star Clippers – 1992 to present

    Star Clipper and Star Flyer are stunning tall ships that offer a unique sailing experience. With their four masts and traditional design, they offer a blend of adventure and luxury, reminiscent of the golden age of sailing.

    Star of the Seas

    Star of the Seas

    Royal Caribbean – 2025 – Present

    The second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, shares the crown as the biggest cruise ship in the world with her sister, Icon of the Seas.

    Star Pisces

    Star Cruises – 1993 to 2022

    Star Pisces was a cruise ship that was owned by Star Cruises, offering short breaks from Hong Kong. Following the collapse of the company’s parent, Genting Hong Kong, the ship was sold for scrap in 2022.

    Star Princess

    Princess Cruises – 1989 to 1997

    The first Star Princess served for Princess Cruises before being transferred to P&O Australia. She was ultimately scrapped in 2021.

    Star Princess

    Princess Cruises – 2002 to 2020

    The second Star Princess continued the legacy of this popular name. Like her earlier namesake, she also transferred to P&O Australia, and she continues to sail.

    Star Princess

    Princess Cruises – Due to launch 2025

    The third Star Princess ship will be the second Sphere-class ship in the fleet, following Sun Princess. She’ll offer stunning accommodation options and a wealth of great dining venues.

    Viking Star

    Viking Star with another Viking cruise ship cruising the ocean together

    Viking Ocean Cruises – 2015 to present

    Viking Star is the first ocean-going ship for Viking Cruises, known for its sophisticated design and cultural enrichment programs.

    Wind Star

    Wind star resting in a port under a clear, bright sky

    Windstar Cruises – 1986 to present

    Wind Star is another of the classic Windstar ships to be powered by a mix of motor and sails. Like her sisters, she has a capacity of just 148 guests.

    Star Seeker and Star Explorer

    Windstar – Launching 2025/2026

    Windstar is also expanding its fleet with two brand-new small luxury ships – Star Seeker, launching in December 2025, and Star Explorer, following in 2026. Unlike Windstar’s famous sailing yachts, these ships won’t have sails; instead, they’re modern, boutique-style cruise ships built for around 224 guests, designed to reach smaller ports while offering an intimate, upscale experience.

    Star Voyager

    StarCruises – 2025 to Present

    The Star Voyager launched in March 2025, marking the latest addition to the StarDream Cruises fleet under her new name. Formerly known as Pacific Explorer for P&O Australia, the ship now sails vibrant itineraries across the Asia-Pacific region, from a new home port in Singapore. With the “Star” moniker now firmly in place, she continues the long legacy of cruising vessels carrying the “Star” name.

    Star Navigator

    StarCruises – 2025 to Present

    Previously sailing under names such as SuperStar Virgo, Explorer Dream and Resorts World One, this ship was rebranded as Star Navigator and returned to the re-launched StarCruises brand. Her first sailing under the new name departed from Keelung, Taiwan, on 28 March 2025, beginning a season of cruises to Japan and South Korea.

    2. Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit cruise ship sailing on the ocean under clear blue skies.

    “Spirit” is the second most popular name for cruise ships – there are 18 that I’ve counted, although a few of those are for one cruise line. It’s a great name that invokes a sense of adventure, or perhaps it just hints at the booze you’ll enjoy if you get a drinks package (I’m kidding)!

    Aegean Spirit

    Golden Sun Cruises – 2000 to 2001

    Aegean Spirit is better known as Enrico Costa, serving as a cruise ship for Costa Cruises. She was originally built in 1951 but only refurbished as a cruise ship in 1965, and for around a year she cruised as Aegean Spirit once sold to Golden Sun Cruises.

    Carnival Spirit

    Massive carnival spirit, gliding through the open sea.
    Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Cruise Line – 2001 to present

    Carnival Spirit was the first ship in Carnival’s Spirit Class, and despite her age, she remains a popular ship in the fleet. She cruises from Alabama and Seattle.

    Marella Spirit

    Marella Cruises – 2003 to 2018 (also as Thomson Spirit)

    Marella Spirit actually sailed for Holland America Line as an earlier Nieuw Amsterdam ship – she was sold to Thomson Cruises in 2003 and would serve until 2018, being sold that year and later scrapped the same year.

    Norwegian Spirit

    Norwegian Spirit cruise ship sailing on the ocean under clear blue skies.

    Norwegian Cruise Line – 2004 to present

    Norwegian Spirit is one of the older ships in the NCL fleet – she was first built in 1998 for Star Cruises, sailing as SuperStar Leo. She was refurbished in 2020.

    Regent Spirit

    Regency Cruises – 1992 to 1996

    Regent Spirit is a ship with a long history, being first built in 1962. She served under a range of cruise lines, with four years spent sailing the Mexican coast and the Mediterranean under the Regent Spirit name.

    Seabourn Spirit

    A large white cruise named Seabourn Spirit sailing on the water.

    Seabourn – 1989 to 2015

    Seabourn Spirit was a very popular luxury ship for Seabourn for many years – she first launched in 1989 and served over 25 years for the cruise line. She now sails as Star Breeze for Windstar Cruises, meaning she makes another appearance later in this list…

    Spirit of London

    P&O Cruises – 1972 to 1974

    Spirit of London didn’t last long with the name that she launched with, serving just two years before she was transferred to Princess Cruises and became Sun Princess. So this is another ship you’ll see again in this list – more than once, actually.

    Silver Spirit

    The Silver Spirit cruise ship from Silversea Cruises passing under the iconic Tower Bridge in London, which is raised to allow the vessel through, highlighting the grandeur of both the ship and the landmark bridge.
    Silver Spirit sailing under Tower Bridge

    Silversea – 2009 to present

    Silver Spirit was the sixth ship to launch in the Silversea fleet, and she continues to offer guests a stunning luxury cruise experience, with a maximum capacity of just 648 guests.

    Spirit of Adventure

    Spirit of Adventure gracefully sailing across calm blue waters. The vessel is modern and sleek, painted in a dark navy blue with a contrasting yellow funnel. Multiple decks lined with balconies are visible, and the ship is equipped with several large satellite domes. The overcast sky adds a serene and tranquil ambiance to the scene, emphasizing the ship's smooth voyage.

    Saga Cruises – 2020 to present

    Spirit of Adventure is a modern cruise ship sailing for Saga Cruises, a British cruise line aimed at an older audience. Despite launching in 2020, her maiden voyage was delayed until 2021 due to the global shutdown at the time.

    Spirit of Alaska

    Spirit of Columbia

    Spirit of Discovery

    Spirit of Endeavour

    Spirit of Glacier Bay

    Spirit of Oceanus

    Spirit of Yorktown

    Spirit of ‘98

    Cruise West – Various from 1990 to 2010

    Cruise West was a small-ship cruise operator best known for Alaskan cruises. The fleet of ships were all named “Spirit of…”. The cruise line was forced to cease operations in 2010, with the ships sold off.

    Wind Spirit

    Windstar Cruises – 1987 to present

    Wind Spirit is a currently-serving cruise ship for Windstar Cruises – one of three ships to feature a classic sail yacht design. She offers small ship luxury cruises for just 148 guests.

    3. Dream

    Image of a large cruise ship, Carnival Dream, at a dock.

    Do you ever find yourself dreaming of your next cruise? Perhaps a cruise is your dream holiday, as in your perfect option. Either way, it’s no surprise that 11 ships have adopted the “dream” name.

    Carnival Dream

    Carnival dream looking fabulous with its white and blue color under a blue sky

    Carnival Cruise Line – 2009 to present

    The lead ship in Carnival’s Dream Class, Carnival Dream, was the biggest ship in the Carnival fleet when she first launched. She’s still highly popular, offering cruises from Galveston in Texas.

    Disney Dream

    Disney dream

    Disney Cruise Line – 2011 to present

    Disney Dream is the first of two Dream-class ships to launch for Disney Cruise Line, followed by her sister Disney Fantasy. While these ships were the biggest in the fleet for a decade, they’ve now been surpassed by the Wish Class.

    Dream Princess

    Caspi Cruises – 2004 to 2006

    This is another cruise ship that has been operated by several cruise lines and under several names, though her longest run was as Song of Norway for Royal Caribbean from 1970 to 1997.

    Explorer Dream

    Dream Cruises – 2019 to 2021

    Sometimes a ship name is made up of just two very popular words, which is why Explorer Dream makes this list twice (see Explorer section underneath).

    Genting Dream

    Dream Cruises – 2019 to present

    Genting Dream is another cruise ship to have been built for the doomed Genting Hong Kong. She’s also transferred to Resorts World Cruises, but she has kept her name.

    Marella Dream

    Marella Cruises – 2010 to 2021

    Marella Dream (also Thomson Dream, before the rebrand) enjoyed an 11-year stint sailing for the British cruise line, after a longer career as the Westerdam for Holland America Line. She was scrapped in 2022.

    MS Dream

    Tianjin Orient – 2023 to present

    The MS Dream has a storied history, having served as the Adonia for P&O Cruises for a two-year period sandwiched between two stints as the Sea Princess for Princess Cruises. She now sails throughout Asia.

    Ocean Dream

    Ocean Deluxe Cruises – 2012 to 2015

    This is the former Spirit of London ship already mentioned, and following her time under that name and as Sun Princess, she spent her last years as Ocean Dream before she was sunk and scrapped.

    Ocean Dream

    Pullmantur Cruises / Peace Boat – 2008 to 2021

    The Ocean Dream began life as the Tropicale and sailed for Carnival Cruise Lines for several years. She also sailed for Costa Cruises and P&O Australia before joining the Ocean Dream in 2008. She was scrapped in 2021.

    SeaDream I and SeaDream II

    SeaDream Yacht Club Slide

    SeaDream Yacht Club – 2001 to present

    The SeaDream yachts were originally built in 1984 and 1985, respectively and have sailed for Cunard and Seabourn prior to forming the SeaDream fleet. These luxury small ships have a capacity for just 112 passengers each.

    4. Explorer

    Huge cruise ship named Marella Explorer gloriously sailing the ocean

    A cruise offers a sense of adventure, giving you the chance to see parts of the world you otherwise wouldn’t. The name “Explorer” is therefore the perfect choice for a ship that will whisk you off on a journey of a lifetime. I found 10 ships with the name Explorer.

    Explorer Dream

    Dream Cruises – 2019 to 2021

    The Explorer Dream was one short-lived name of this popular cruise ship, which had previously spent 20 years sailing as SuperStar Virgo for Star Cruises. After the collapse of Genting Hong Kong, she’s now joined Resorts World Cruises and sails as Resorts World One.

    Explorer of the Seas

    The Explorer of the Seas fun filled deck shown on a bird's eye view

    Royal Caribbean – 2000 to present

    One of the oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Explorer of the Seas, is still a very popular choice for loyal fans who prefer the Voyager-class ships to the biggest ships in the fleet.

    Explorer Starship

    Exploration Cruise Lines – 1974 to 1989

    Explorer Starship spent 15 years sailing for the smaller cruise line Exploration, before becoming well known as the Song of Flower under Seven Seas Cruises and later Radisson. Later in life, she would also sail as Le Diamant for Compagnie du Ponant, and then Ocean Diamond.

    Marella Explorer & Marella Explorer 2

    Marella Explorer 2 cruising the vast teal ocean

    Marella Cruises – 2018 to present

    The Marella Explorer ships are former Celebrity Cruises ships that were transferred to Marella Cruises to serve the British market. Marella Explorer 2 now operates as the cruise line’s adults-only ship.

    National Geographic Explorer

    Lindblad Expeditions – 2008 to present

    The National Geographic Explorer is an expedition cruise ship designed to handle icy waters and often sails to the Arctic and Antarctic seas. She previously sailed for Hurtigruten as the Midnatsol.

    Pacific Explorer

    P&O Cruises Australia ship

    P&O Cruises Australia – 2017 to 2025

    Pacific Explorer is a Sun-class ship that spent most of her career sailing as Dawn Princess for Princess Cruises before joining P&O Australia in 2017. She’s due to leave the fleet in 2025 and will be renamed Star Voyager as she moves to join a new cruise line.

    Sea Explorer

    Clipper Group – 2013 to 2014

    The Sea Explorer was a name given to a cruise ship that had previously spent much of its life sailing for Renaissance Cruises, before the company went bust in 2001. She’s undergone several name stints and is now known as Hebridean Sky, sailing for Noble Caledonia.

    Silver Explorer

    Silver Explorer cruising the misty Fjords

    Silversea – 2011 to 2023


    Silver Explorer is an ice-rated expedition ship that famously sailed for Silversea as a luxury vessel for several years. She had previously sailed under a variety of names, such as World Discoverer and Baltic Clipper. She now sails as Exploris One for the Exploris line.

    Star Explorer

    Launching in 2026

    Another mention for this ship, which is set to join Windstar Cruises in late 2026 after a major refit.

    5. Sea 

    A majestic white sailing ship with billowing sails on the open sea.
    Caption: Mozzihh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Sometimes the simplest names are the best, and so there are several ships named after that huge blue expanse that you’ll be sailing on. There are loads of inspirations you can draw from the sea, and plenty of great ships that bear the name. I found 9 ships (not including the Royal Caribbean ones).

    Sea Breeze

    Sea Breeze I sailing under the gray clear sky

    Dolphin Cruise Lines – 1988 to 2000

    The Sea Breeze launched for Costa Cruises way back in 1958, sailing for 25 years as the Frederico C. She ultimately ended up at Dolphin in 1988 and was renamed Sea Breeze. She sank in 2000.

    Sea Cloud

    Sea Cloud II

    Sea Cloud Spirit

    A grand white sailboat with full sails cruising through the ocean.

    Sea Cloud Cruises – 1979 / 2001 to present

    The Sea Cloud ships are beautiful sail ships that offer luxury small-ship cruises. Sea Cloud first launched in the 1970s, and the latter ships are more recent builds, aiming to recreate the authentic feel of the original.

    Sea Diamond

    Louis Hellenic Cruise Lines – 2006 to 2007

    The Sea Diamond was the former Birka Princess, sold to Louis Hellenic in 2006. She ran aground in 2007 in Santorini, ultimately sinking.

    Sea Explorer

    Clipper Group – 2013 to 2014

    I’ve already covered the ship – now known as the Hebridean Sky – in the ‘Explorer’ section above, but as another “sea” ship, she gets a mention here too.

    Sea Princess

    Princess Cruises – 1998 to 2003, 2005 to 2020

    This is the MS Dream I’ve covered above – a ship that completed 20 years of service for Princess Cruises, split between two runs (with a two-year gap as P&O’s Adonia in the middle). She’s now operating in Asia.

    MSC Seaview

    MSC Seaview

    Operated by MSC Cruises and delivered in 2018, MSC Seaview is a Seaside-class mega ship built to bring more outdoor space and big vistas of the sea.

    Viking Sea

    Part of the ocean fleet of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Sea entered service in 2016 and accommodates about 930 guests. With her name anchored in “Sea,” she reinforces the appeal of that simple, strong motif at the heart of cruising.

    …of the Seas

    Royal Caribbean ships

    Various (Royal Caribbean)

    You could make an argument that “Sea” is actually the most popular cruise ship name since the entire Royal Caribbean fleet is named *something* of the Seas. I wanted to give it a brief nod since the “of the Seas” suffix isn’t part of the cruise line name, so it is a branding choice, but really the ships are better known by their first word.

    6. Sun

    Ocean view of a cruise ship with blue and white stripes. named Sun Princess

    It’s no surprise that “Sun” (and slight variants) is one of the most popular cruise ship names – it instantly has you thinking of great weather and the great times that go with it. I found 9 ships with Sun in their name.

    Carnival Sunrise

    Carnival Sunrise cruising the dark blue ocean under a  clear sky

    Carnival Cruise Line – 1999 to present

    An older ship, Carnival Sunrise, used to be called Carnival Triumph, but she was refurbished in 2019 and given a new name to match her exciting new features.

    Carnival Sunshine

    Carnval Sunshine

    Carnival Cruise Line – 1996 to present

    The oldest ship sailing in the fleet, Carnival Sunshine, was formerly known as Carnival Destiny, but she was rebranded in 2013 when she became the first for Carnival to get the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades.

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun NCL  with a beautiful sun design on the sides, cruising the sea majestically.

    Norwegian Cruise Line – 2001 to present

    The second-oldest ship in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Sun, is the second of the Sun-class ships and a sister to Norwegian Sky (see below). Despite her age, she is still popular with loyal NCL fans.

    Sun Princess

    Princess Cruises – 1974 to 1989

    This ship makes its third entry in this list – the former Spirit of London and eventual Ocean Dream spent most of her life as the original Sun Princess for Princess Cruises.

    Sun Princess

    Princess Cruises – 1995 to 2020

    The second Sun Princess was the first purpose-built ship for the cruise line since 1984’s Royal Princess. She was sold in 2020 and now operates as Pacific World for P&O Australia.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess back angle shot while cruising

    Princess Cruises – 2024 to present

    The third ship sailing for Princess Cruises with this name, Sun Princess, is the first Sphere-Class ship for the cruise line.

    Sun Vista

    Sun Cruises – 1997 to 1999

    The Sun Vista was an older cruise ship, first built in 1963. After launching as Galileo Galilei and later sailing as Galileo, she joined Celebrity Cruises as Meridian. After being sold to Sun Cruises, she sank two years later.

    Viking Sun

    Viking Cruises – 2017 to 2021

    Viking Sun was one of Viking’s elegant 930-guest ocean ships, offering destination-rich itineraries with a focus on culture and exploration. She later moved to the joint venture Viking Sun Limited and now sails as Zhao Shang Yi Dun for China Merchants Viking Cruises.

    Sun Viking

    Royal Caribbean – 1972 to 1998

    One of Royal Caribbean’s original trio of ships, Sun Viking enjoyed a long career before being sold and renamed several times under Asian operators. She continued sailing under various identities until she was scrapped in 2022.

    7. Discovery

    A large cruise ship, Saga Spirit of Discovery, sailing in the ocean.

    “Discovery” is a great name for a cruise ship, because there really is so much that you’ll discover on a cruise holiday – from stunning destinations, to great food, and even just the best ways to relax. I found a total of 8 cruise ships called Discovery.

    Celestyal Discovery

    Celestyal Cruises – 2024 to present

    Celestyal Cruises is a Greek cruise operator specialising in itineraries that call at multiple islands per day. In 2024, the former AIDAaura joined the fleet, rechristened to Celestyal Discovery. 

    Discovery

    Voyages of Discovery – 2002 to 2014

    Voyages of Discovery was a British cruise line and Discovery was one of the primary ships, mainly aimed at Brits but with some international guests too. She was broken up in 2014.

    Discovery I

    Discovery Cruises – 1970 to unknown (scrapped eventually)

    Discovery I underwent several names during her sailing career, including Bleheim, Scandinavian Sea, and Venus Venture.

    Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess cruising the ocean with a magestic cityscape behind

    Princess Cruises – 2022 to present

    One of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, Discovery Princess was the final Royal-class ship to launch. She’s extremely popular, with modern features and a wealth of great bars and restaurants.

    Marella Discovery

    Marella Discovery 2

    Marella Discovery cruising the empty sea with shear beauty

    Marella Cruises – 2016/17 to present

    The Marella Discovery ships are the smallest ships in the Marella fleet, offering family-friendly, all-inclusive cruises for the British market. Both ships previously sailed for Royal Caribbean, as Splendor of the Seas and Legend of the Seas respectively.

    Spirit of Discovery

    Saga Cruises – 2019 to present

    Spirit of Discovery is one of Saga’s boutique, British-market ocean ships, offering an intimate small-ship experience with a strong focus on personalised service. Launched in 2019, she features elegant décor, all-balcony cabins, and a relaxed, all-inclusive style that appeals to UK cruisers.

    Discovery Sun

    Discovery Cruise Line – 1988 to 2012

    Originally built in 1968 and later sailing as Discovery Sun, this ship operated short Bahamas cruises from Florida for Discovery Cruise Line. She developed something of a cult following for her no-frills, budget-friendly day cruises before eventually being scrapped in 2012.

    8. Voyager

    The back side of Voyager of the seas

    Seven ships have adopted the name “Voyager” as another name to conjure up that sense of adventure. Book your own voyage to experience a truly unforgettable holiday.

    Grand Voyager

    Ibero – 2005 to 2011

    The Grand Voyager is a cruise ship that has enjoyed many ‘Voyager’ names, including Olympic Voyager and Costa Voyager, while sailing for Costa Cruises. She now sails for the Bohai Ferry Company as Chinese Taishan.

    Ocean Voyager

    Cruise ship sailing on the lake

    American Queen Voyages – 2021 to 2023

    Ocean Voyager is a small cruise ship that was best known for sailing for American Queen Voyages, until the company went bankrupt and was forced to sell the ship.

    Marella Voyager

    Marella voyager cruising the sea during a wonderful sunset posing a majestic reflection on the water

    Marella Cruises – 2023 to present

    The latest addition to the Marella Cruises fleet, Marella Voyager had previously sailed as the Celebrity Mercury and was due to be the original TUI Explorer 2, but that was delayed and instead the current Marella Explorer 2 took her place.

    Seven Seas Voyager

    In majestic white. Seven Seas Voyager docked on a port.

    Regent Seven Seas – 2003 to present

    One of the ultra-luxury ships sailing for Regent Seven Seas, the Seven Seas Voyager is an all-suite vessel with the finest accommodations and service onboard.

    Voyager of the Seas

    Voyager of the cruising the ocean

    Royal Caribbean – 1999 to present

    A classic of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Voyager of the Seas is one of just a few ships to have been built pre-2000 to still be sailing for the cruise line. She’s still well-liked too, despite her age and comparatively small size.

    Variety Voyager

    Variety Cruises – 2012 to present

    Variety Voyager is a sleek, yacht-style cruise ship carrying just 72 guests, offering intimate itineraries across the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. With its boutique feel and relaxed luxury, it showcases how the “Voyager” name works perfectly even for small-ship adventures.

    World Voyager

    Atlas Ocean Voyages – 2023 to present

    World Voyager is a luxury expedition ship designed for immersive exploration, particularly in Antarctica and the Arctic. With stabilisers, ice-class construction and high-end suites, she brings a modern twist to the Voyager name, combining adventure with upscale comfort.

    9. Sky

     A huge cruise ship cruising on the open sea with a huge mountain behind.

    Six ships have been given the name “Sky”, and it’s another great choice. The only thing more expansive than the ocean is the sky, and as well as the connotations of a beautiful blue sky to enjoy on your cruise, it conjures up a sense of sailing off into the great unknown.

    Island Sky

    Noble Caledonia – 1992 to present

    Island Sky currently sails for Noble Caledonia, offering small-ship cruise tours with luxurious accommodations. There are just 59 suites onboard.

    Norwegian Sky

     A large cruise ship, NCL Sky, sailing in the ocean.

    Norwegian Cruise Line – 1998 to 2004, 2008 to present

    Norwegian Sky is a Sun-class cruise ship currently sailing for NCL. She was originally to be called Costa Olympia but the incomplete hull was bought by NCL. She was renamed Pride of Aloha for four years while sailing for NCL America but her name reverted in 2008.

    Royal Viking Sky

    Royal Viking Line – 1973 to 1991

    The Royal Viking Sky was used for luxury cruises around the world when she first launched. She’s undergone several names and been owned by many cruise lines since, including NCL and Princess. She was well known as Boudicca for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, too.

    Sky Princess

    Princess Cruises – 1988 to 2000

    The original Sky Princess was first built for Sitmar Cruises as Fairsky and would also serve time sailing as Atlantic Star (yes, the one mentioned above). 

    Sky Princess

    Sky Princess under a starry night while sailing the ocean.

    Princess Cruises – 2019 to present

    The second Sky Princess ship to sail for Princess, this Royal-class ship debuted in 2019 and offers some spectacular features, including the impressive Sky Suite.

    Viking Sky

    Viking sky in one frame with towering mountains

    Viking Cruises – 2017 to present

    Viking Sky is another luxury cruise ship sailing for Viking on the oceans. She was the third ship to launch, following the Viking Star and Viking Sea.

    10. Breeze

    Carnival Breeze sailing the sea with the sunset taking place behind

    “Breeze” is a beautiful name for a cruise ship, and I found 5 that have been christened with it. It has connotations of breezing through the sparkling waters, but also reminds you of that feeling of standing on the deck, drink in hand, as the breeze gently washes over you. Talk about idyllic!

    Carnival Breeze

    Carnival Breeze in St Thomas

    Carnival Cruise Line – 2012 to present

    Carnival Breeze is one of the best-loved Carnival ships in the fleet. She is packed with fun features and offers plenty of exciting itineraries from Galveston.

    OceanBreeze

    Premier Cruise Lines – 1997 to 2000

    A relatively short stint as the OceanBreeze for this ship, which had previously sailed as Southern Cross, Calypso and Azure Seas. She was scrapped in 2003.

    Sea Breeze

    Sea Breeze I sailing under the gray clear sky

    Dolphin Cruise Lines – 1988 to 2000

    Another mention for the Sea Breeze, which sank in 2000. Check out the Sea section above for more.

    Star Breeze

    Windstar Cruises – 2015 to present

    The Star Breeze is the former Seabourn Spirit. The luxury cruise ship was sold by Seabourn in 2015 after 26 years of service, joining Windstar’s new Star Class.

    Coral Breeze

    Coral World International – 1987 to present

    Coral Breeze is a small cruise and excursion vessel operating mainly in the Caribbean, offering day trips and short coastal cruises. While not a major ocean-going cruise ship, it still carries the “Breeze” name and has been in operation for several decades, making it a notable addition for completeness.

    11. Majesty

    Royal Caribbean's 'Majesty of the Seas' cruise ship, easily identified by its name on the hull, cuts through the blue waters, topped with green-striped decks under a partly cloudy sky.

    There are many regal-sounding names for cruise ships, with “Majesty” being the most common of those – a name befitting a holiday where you really are treated as a VIP. I found 4 ships with the name Majesty.

    Aegean Majesty

    Seajets – 2020 to present

    The former Veendam for Holland America Line, the ship was sold to Seajets in 2020 and rebranded as the Aegean Majesty. However she remains laid up since then, not yet having sailed.

    Majesty of the Oceans

    Seajets – 2021 to present

    Another ship sold to Seajets and then remaining unused since, Majesty of the Oceans was better known as Majesty of the Seas for 28 years, operating for Royal Caribbean.

    Ocean Majesty

    Majestic International Cruises – 1995 to present

    A former ferry, the Ocean Majesty has operated as a cruise ship since 1989 following extensive renovations, with the name Ocean Majesty being given to her in 1995. She is still technically sailing though has been used to house asylum seekers in recent years.

    Norwegian Majesty

    Norwegian Majesty cruising the ocean under the orange sunset sky

    Norwegian Cruise Line – 1997 to 2009

    This cruise line has had several ‘majestic’ names under different cruise lines, including Royal Majesty and Thomson Majesty. But her longest stint with a single name was as Norwegian Majesty, for 12 years.

    12. Vista

    Oceania Cruises vista docked near a small town

    A “vista” is a spectacular view, and is there any better view than the one you’ll get from a cruise ship? Maybe just that view you’ll get of the ship itself as you arrive in port, ready for your holiday to begin!

    Carnival Vista

    Carnival vista under a bright blue sky

    Carnival Cruise Line – 2016 to present

    Carnival Vista is the lead ship of Carnival’s Vista Class, alongside sister ships Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama. She offers sailings year-round from Port Canaveral.

    Sun Vista

    Sun Cruises – 1997 to 1999

    A second mention for this ship – Sun Vista was the former Galileo and Meridian which sank in 1999. Check out the “Sun” section above for more.

    Vista

    Vista cruise ship from Oceania Cruises leaving  a small island town as the night approach

    Oceania Cruises – 2023 to present

    In 2023, Oceania Cruises debuted the new Allura Class of premium-luxury ships with the Vista, to be joined by Allura in 2025. She offers exceptional dining venues and beautiful accommodations.

    Vistamar

    Plantours & Partner – 1989 to 2012

    The Vistamar was a cruise ship sailing for German cruise lines, primarily Plantours & Partner. She would go on to be renamed Med Queen and Orient Queen, and sank following an explosion while berthed in Beirut.

    Final Word

    Those are the most common cruise ship names, but there are plenty of amazing unique ship names too.

    Do you have a particular favourite name for a ship? Maybe you’ve got your own ideas for what the ultimate cruise ship would be called? I’d love to hear them!

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