Note: Gross tonnage figures are rounded. The Quantum class is subdivided between Quantum ships with a capacity of 4,900 passengers and Quantum Ultra ships with a capacity of 5,500 passengers.
Each cruise line (e.g. the illustrated cases of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises) classifies its vessels according to similar sizes and experiences offered to its passengers. About 3 to 6 ships are ordered within a few years, constituting the fleet associated with that class. All cruise ships in a particular class share a handful of amenities and stylings, so a fairly similar experience can be expected across all of the ships. Still, newer ships within a class will likely have better amenities and technologies. Within 5 to 10 years, a new class is introduced, which includes the latest developments in ship design and amenities.