• Expedition and adventure cruise ships can access more destinations, have itineraries with several stops in a local area and because of their size, have the lowest infrastructure demands and impacts.  They are also characterised by higher passenger return visits and higher base port spends.
  
  
• Boutique cruise ships usually have a capacity of less than 500 passengers. (eg Silver Cloud). They provide quality services and experience and are targeted at the higher yield end of the market with passengers likely to consider return visits to destinations included in the cruise.
  
  
• Mid-size cruise ships, have a capacity of 500 to 1,250 (eg Pacific Princess) or of 1,250 to 2,000 passengers (eg Pacific Sky). These vessels have greater port infrastructure demands than previous classes, requiring greater channel depths and generally requiring wharf berthing.  Their size generates demand for a range of shore tours and facilities.
  
  
• Mega cruise ships are the largest. They generally limit their visits to major capital cities or tourist destination centres. These ships do not usually come to Tasmania. This type of ship is a floating resort with advanced recreational features and they often visit their own exclusive enclaves or islands. However, a notable exception is the Sapphire Princess, an example of a “smaller” mega cruise ship, which has visited Tasmania a number of times per cruise season.

There are also visiting military vessels with a ‘rest and recreation’ component to their visit.  Some have crews in excess of 5,000 and the crew can spend as much as $400 each per day. So, they can have similar economic impacts to more traditional cruise ships. These vessels are generally not included in the cruise ship data.

Ferries with overnight accommodation are not included. Small coastal cruisers are also not included. While they fit the cruise ship profile, their size means that their infrastructure needs and the way that they operate are different.

The global cruise ship fleet is dynamic. New vessels are being introduced into the market all the time. For instance, worldwide there were 68 vessels introduced into the industry between 2000 and 2004. In addition a further 20 vessels, were expected to enter the market by the end of 2008.