Author: Peter Knego, Special to USA TODAY

The first brand-new Carnival cruise ship to debut on the West Coast in 20 years, the Carnival Panorama was christened in Long Beach in December.

The 3,660-passenger Sky Princess uses advanced technology to help guests do everything from ordering drinks to opening their stateroom doors.

The Sky Princess is the largest of 18 ships operated by Carnival Corporation-owned Princess Cruises.

The Sea Cloud II boasts 1930s-themed interiors that are infused with warm wood tones, brass, etched glass and period-style fittings.

The Seabourn Sojourn provides an inclusive cruise experience with an impressive crew-to-guest ratio.

The Island Princess has a loyal following of guests who prefer the relatively small ship to its larger Princess Cruises fleetmates.

The Scenic Eclipse features its own helicopters and a submarine, in addition to the usual armada of zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes.

Oceania Cruises 1998-built Insignia is the first of the line’s quartet of nearly identical regatta class ships to receive a stem-to-stern makeover.

The 92,000 gross ton, 2,081-guest Queen Elizabeth is the newest of three cruise ships in the Cunard Line fleet.

The Volendam may lack some of the bells and whistles of Holland America’s newer ships, but it offers an intimate, traditional cruising experience.