Summary
Starships play a key role in the universe ofStar Trek, from protecting the Federationduring times of galactic conflictto embarking on voyages of discovery to the furthest stars. The long-term mission profiles of many of these impressive vessels mean that each must provide a home away for their intrepid crews, including living quarters and recreational facilities.
Of course, while traversing the depths of space is not for the faint-hearted, brave Starfleet crews choose to face the unknown aboard vessels like theEnterprise-D, the USSVoyager, and the USSDefiant. While each of these vessels offers different challenges to those serving aboard, they’re united in their exploration of the final frontier.
1USS Grissom
Oberth-class | Era: 23rd Century
The USSGrissommay bebetter known for its unusual designthan its role in Starfleet history, but this small science vessel facilitated scientific investigations of several worlds, including the Genesis Planet in 2285.
Unfortunately, theGrissomwas destroyed in a Klingon ambush shortly after reaching the Genesis Planet, so would-be crew members wishing to avoid an untimely demise should disembark before the starship’s fateful voyage. Nonetheless, for those looking to contribute to Federation research in a more laid-back environment, the USSGrissommight be the perfect fit.
2USS Cerritos
California-class | Era: 24th Century
The United Federation of Planets is a vast alliance spanning countless light years, and not every ship in Starfleet can dedicate itself to expanding those frontiers. Indeed, utilitarian ships like the USSCerritosalso help to ensure the Federation’s longevity by undertaking follow-up missions, maintenance work, and diplomacy—as well as by providing a haven for Starfleet’s less industrious cadets.
However, life aboard theCerritosis far from boring: Captain Freeman was accused of a genocidal plotagainst the alien Pakleds, while the starship played a vital role in ending an AI uprising in 2381. While theCalifornia-class starship might not be the most glamorous vessel in Starfleet’s arsenal, it offers great opportunities for those who prefer to work in the background to (mostly) avoid death and destruction.
3USS Voyager
Intrepid-class | Era: 24th Century
Star Trekis known for its focus on exploration, but it is sometimes possible to have too much of a good thing. This may well be the case for the USSVoyager; while Katherine Janeway’s vessel holds the distinction of being the first Federation vessel to successfully traversethe mysterious Delta Quadrant, it spent nearly a decade isolated from the Federation. As a result, only those who have no desire to spend time with their friends and family back home are likely to enjoy serving aboardVoyager.
However, those who are up to the challenge have the opportunity to participate in some historicStar Trekmoments, from mapping a truly unknown part of the galaxy and meeting new species to re-encountering old foes like the Borg. Working aboard the USSVoyageris unlikely to suit every aspiring officer, but it does offer an experience like no other starship.
4Enterprise NX-01
NX-class | Era: 22nd Century
Thefirst starship to bear the nameEnterprisemay not be the most technologically advanced (the set was designed to resemble a contemporary submarine rather than a futuristic vessel) or the most well-loved by fans, but the NX-class ship still has plenty to offer to willing pioneers. For example, Captain Archer’sEnterpriseencountered classic species like the Klingons, Romulans, and Borg for the first time, laying the groundwork for further voyages.
Admittedly, theEnterpriseNX-01 misses out on many perks offered by other starships, as it is relatively slow and possesses only rudimentary transporter technology. However, for those wanting to take the first steps into the unknown, this starship is ideal.
5USS Defiant
Defiant-class | Era: 24th Century
The Federation’s Starfleet is not intended to function as a military organization. Indeed, before the development of the USSDefiant, Starfleet’s vessels, while well-armed, were designed for exploration and research rather than full-blown combat. Seismic geopolitical events forced the Federation to change its ways, resulting in the proliferation of dedicated warships like theDefiant. Despite its diminutive size, the starship packs a punch, playing an outsized rolein several key battles.
However, this focus on armaments inevitably came at the expense of relaxation facilities. Crews serving aboard theDefiantwere faced with a bare-bones living experience as well as the prospect of sustained combat duties. While service aboard the USSDefiantoffers an exciting post for those wishing to defend the Federation from dangerous threats, this comes at the cost of a lower quality of life as compared to working aboard a larger vessel.
6USS Relativity
Wells-class | Era: 29th Century
WhileStar Trek’s iconic opening suggests that space is the final frontier, there is another dimension worthy of exploration: time. Time travel technologyappears infrequently within theStar Trekfranchise(most famously in the lightheartedStar Trek IV: The Voyage Home), but several episodes suggest the widespread adoption of time travel by Starfleet centuries after the iconic adventures of Kirk and Picard.
The time-traveling USSRelativityis capable of exploring not only space but also the entire span of history. However, there may be some drawbacks to working aboard theRelativity, including an increased chance of developing temporal psychosis, a debilitating condition caused by overuse of the starship’s temporal transporter system. As such, only the most fearless Starfleet cadets should consider a posting aboard this ship.
7USS Enterprise
Constitution-class | Era: 23rd Century
Commanded by Starfleet legends like Christopher Pike and James T. Kirk, theConstitution-class version of the USSEnterpriseis not only the flagship of the United Federation of Planets but also one of the best starships on which to work. Admittedly, this version of theEnterpriseis smaller than those that would follow and features some eye-straining interior decor, but it nonetheless played a pivotal role in Federation history.
Perhaps the greatest drawback to serving aboard theEnterpriseisthe crew’s high mortality rate, especially among the red-shirted personnel. Those wishing to work aboard Kirk’sEnterpriseshould consider a career in the relatively safer blue-shirted sciences department unless they’re willing to be pointlessly killed by the alien of the week.
8USS Enterprise-D
Galaxy-class | Era: 24th Century
ManyStar Trekfans view theEnterprise-D as the premier ship within the sci-fi franchise, and for good reason. As well as making first contact with numerous alien species and playing a key role in galactic politics, the massive starship provides a life of luxury for those who serve aboard it. In addition to advanced holodecks, extracurricular activities aboard theEnterprise-D include amateur dramatics and Ten Forward, a stylish barrun by the enigmatic Guinan.
Nor do parents have to worry about childcare, as theGalaxy-class vessel contains a well-equipped school to educate the next generation. Admittedly, theEnterprise-D frequently encounters danger, but thanks to the expertise of its command staff, these crises are always resolved. For those wishing to explore the galaxy from the comfort of a cruise liner,The Next Generation’s hero ship has no competition.
