For passenger ships that also carry a small amount of goods, they are also called passenger and cargo ships. Most of the passenger ships are scheduled, so they are also called liners or cruise ships. The passenger ship is characterized by a multi-storey deck superstructure, complete dining room, health and entertainment facilities, and sufficient life-saving equipment, fire-fighting equipment and communication equipment. Some passenger ships are also equipped with anti-rolling devices to improve the navigation environment.

The superstructure of passenger ships with multiple decks is used for arranging passenger compartments; It has relatively complete restaurants and health and entertainment facilities; It has good anti-sinking property, which is generally "non-sinking system of second cabin" or "non-sinking system of third cabin"; Equipped with sufficient life-saving and fire-fighting facilities; Fast speed and large power reserve.