The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MOTORBOAT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
O
T
O
R
B
O
A
T
More clues leading to the result MOTORBOAT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Cruise liner? Yes – and no! (9)" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cruise liner? yes – and no! (9) = motorboat.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MOTORBOAT mean?
MOTORBOAT noun- Any vessel driven by an engine (either inboard or outboard), but especially a small one.
- To press one's face between a woman's breasts.