Cruise
REDEFINING HOSPITALITY AT SEA
Shipyards and owners must manage cruise ships that are growing in size and complexity. We bring our expertise in cruise ship classification, safety and compliance from across the global value chain directly on board.
Bureau Veritas is in a unique position to assure every square meter of our clients’ cruise ships. We are a close partner at every stage, enabling our clients to create a competitive advantage through future-ready ship design and superior operational performance. We are renowned for our longstanding expertise in LNG fuel and tank design and its’ cross-industry application to the cruise sector.
We operate in 140 countries, with hubs in Miami and close relationships with European and Chinese shipyards. We are present for every specialist need, no matter where you are in the world.
Key Figures
Global Market Leader Cruise
BV Marine & Offshore
The cruise industry has successfully repositioned itself to appeal to multigenerational customers looking for hospitality, experiences and entertainment all in one place. We are proud to help shipyards, owners and operators worldwide secure this demand with a new generation of ships.
CAPTURING THE CRUISE OPPORTUNITY
As shipyards come under increased pressure to meet the swell in cruise ship demand, efficiency in design and delivery has never been more important.
Meanwhile, owners and operators are working in an increasingly changeable environment. Innovation is key to capturing the imagination of future passengers seeking the thrill of novel experiences. Pending regulation is also creating divergence around decarbonization and the energy transition, making the landscape more diverse still.
Specialist teams can help navigate the complex dynamics shaping the global cruise sector, wherever fleets are in the build process, and wherever they are in the world.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
Bureau Veritas supports cruise ship owners and operators across the vessel lifecycle. From design review to in-service optimization, we provide technical expertise to shipyards, owners and charterers at every stage. We offer a comprehensive set of Rules and notations for cruise ships to guarantee safety while allowing for flexible design. As the leading classification society for large and complex cruise ships for luxury and expedition vessels, we operate in 140 countries and throughout the full value chain.
OUR CRUISE SERVICES
 | ClassificationClassification of cruise and passenger vessels provides ship owners with confidence that their vessel, crew and equipment will remain safe, and that they have taken appropriate measures to safeguard their customers onboard. We have developed 3D classification as a cost and time-efficient approach for our clients. |
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 | Specialized notationsBureau Veritas offers several class notations aligned with the IMO Polar Code (e.g., POLAR Category A) for passenger ships traveling to the Arctic and Antarctic.
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 | Large and complex ship buildsBureau Veritas offers risk-based analysis related to strength, safety and stability, in addition to alternative design assessments for new construction projects. Our technical expertise supports the design, construction and operation of large and luxury ships, as well as expedition vessels in polar waters.
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 | Surveys and inspectionsWe are innovating how we conduct our surveys and inspections to deliver safer, more efficient and cost-effective services through the use of remote inspection techniques (RIT). Our field-based methodology utilizes specially trained surveyors to deploy drone (UAV) technology while onboard to inspect confined spaces.
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 | Passenger comfortNoise and vibration measurement and mitigation (COMF) help bring luxury standards to every vessel. Bureau Veritas certified noise and vibration measurements for the Orient Express Corinthian in line with COMF notation.
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 | CybersecurityOur cybersecurity services and Cyber Health Analysis Report Tool (CHART) help protect your city at sea, and the connected systems behind the guest experience from cyber-attacks. Bureau Veritas contributed to IACS’ development of unified requirements E26 & E27. We partner with shipyards, systems and equipment manufacturers to support cyber resilience onboard.
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 | Passenger SafetyWe help shipowners keep pace with ambitious design through fire safety, evacuation and biorisk expertise. We are the world’s leading certification body for health and safety audits. Our 20-year safety partnership with MSC Cruises was recognized by the Platinum Pearl Award in Miami in April 2025. |
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EQUIPPING YOUR CRUISE SHIP WITH INNOVATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
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Wind Propulsion
Wind propulsion can offer ships considerable energy savings. It can also accelerate emissions reductions as an alternative to carbon-intensive fuels. In 2026, Bureau Veritas supported the delivery of the world’s largest sailing cruise ship, the Corinthian, for luxury travel brand the Orient Express.
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Novel hull forms
We are specialists in ice-strengthened expedition hulls and supported the design and delivery of Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot Polar Class 2 ice rating and ice-strengthened hull. Our Icebreaker 3 fore and Icebreaker 4 aft service notations ensure vessels can safely move back and forth in the ice.
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Alternative Fules
We are pioneers in de-risking the fuels of the future including LNG, dual-fuels and methanol-ready. Bureau Veritas classed Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, the first cruise ship to be equipped with a membrane tank and to use LNG as fuel.
YOUR ADVISORY PARTNER ACROSS THE CRUISE SHIP LIFECYCLE
Our specialist engineers help make ambitious ship concepts buildable through feasibility studies, specification reports and structural and hydrodynamic analysis, from novel hull forms to alternative propulsion.
Our experts in large passenger vessels help keep assets compliant while optimizing performance across the lifecycle. OptiCARBON™, our digital modeling tool for energy and cost optimization, further supports cruise ship owners with energy efficiency and meeting IMO and EU regulations.
REFERENCE PROJECTS
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World’s largest sailing cruise ship
Orient Express Corinthian, Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
In service May 2026
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World's first LNG hybrid-electric icebreaking cruise ship
Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant
First passenger ship to reach the geographic North Pole
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OPTIMIZING THE WAY, WE WORK FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
Bureau Veritas works hand-in-hand with clients to define and develop digital solutions to advance the maritime industry.
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3D Classification
Our collaborative platform at the heart of 3D Classification takes hull structure design review to a new level of efficiency. All stakeholders, including surveyors, shipyards, and clients can access the platform simultaneously, exchanging information, reviewing class comments on the 3D model and addressing them in real time.
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Augmented surveys
Our Augmented Surveyor 3D (AGS 3D) is Bureau Veritas’ advanced AI-powered asset integrity management system for ships and offshore units. Combining LiDAR surveys, AI corrosion detection, and 3D modeling, it transforms inspection data into actionable intelligence, helping reduce downtime, improve safety, and strengthen predictive maintenance.
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Real-time fleet monitoring
Our digital fleet management platform MOVE provides live survey status, document management, condition alerts, and CII tracking, allowing ship owners and fleet managers to consolidate essential information.
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Smarter cruise ships
We transform data into action through automation and smart systems. Our Augmented Surveyor 3D uses AI to improve predictive maintenance, and our SMART notations help the shipping industry navigate ship connectivity, including autonomous vessels.
POWERED BY OUR GLOBAL NETWORK OF CRUISE SPECIALISTS
Miami and EuropeOur leadership team is at the center of the cruise market in Miami and our teams work closely with shipyards in Europe to build the world's most advanced ships. | ChinaBureau Veritas offers Chinese yards and owners a strong on-site presence. We classed the first newbuild cruise ship delivered by a Chinese shipyard, the expedition cruise vessel Greg Mortimer, delivered by CMHI to SunStone Ships. | Future shipping teamThe FST designs pragmatic and technically viable solutions that help enable greater fleet efficiency and sustainability. Their specialist insight shapes a wide range of technology, digital, fuel and retrofit decisions. |
ONE SINGLE PARTNER ACROSS THE GLOBAL VALUE CHAIN
Our cross-sector expertise as a global testing, inspection and certification (TIC) body makes us a unified partner able to support your entire customer ecosystem. From food safety to buildings and infrastructure, we make sure you can deliver out-of-the-ordinary venues with excellence and sustainability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How is cruise ship classification different from other ships?
Cruise ship classification and cruise ship classification services must take into account the specialist requirements of large and complex passenger vessels, such as the technical requirements of the voyage (icebreaking hulls for expedition cruises) and passenger experience and comfort (noise and vibration measurements). Our cruise ship classification services are designed to keep these vessels safe and compliant with regulations.
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How do IMO cybersecurity guidelines apply to cruise ships?
Cruise ships present one of the most complex maritime data protection challenges as the passenger experience relies on expansive operational and information systems. This makes cruise ships a target for cybercrime and attacks. Bureau Veritas’ cyber notations for cruise ships help shipowners meet and go beyond IMO guidelines to develop cyber resilience across their fleet.
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How is the cruise shipping industry reducing carbon emissions?
Bureau Veritas works with clients across the cruise segment to define their decarbonization strategy. Our joint development program with Ponant covers regulatory framework development, technical studies, advanced modeling, risk analysis, certification and classification pathways, and broader market awareness around decarbonization solutions for the maritime industry.
RECENT NEWS AND INSIGHTS
Bureau Veritas supports MSC Cruises’ industry first with independent verification and flag state recognition of actual methane emissions for FuelEU Maritime compliance | Read More |
Bureau Veritas showcases next-generation remote inspection at Posidonia with launch of Athens survey center | Read More |
World’s largest sailing cruise ship, Orient Express Corinthian classed by Bureau Veritas | Read More |
Bureau veritas and Ponant Explorations Group sign cooperation agreement to advance low-carbon cruise innovation, including the Swap2Zero project | Read More |
