Cruise Ship – Overview
When it comes to cruise ships there is a lot to talk about. Cruise ships are floating hotel with a vacation destinations in around of themselves, offering travellers of all ages stunning and life changing experiences.
One can opt for a luxurious cruise or family vacation with cheaper cruises or adventurous ones, cruise ships can cater to almost every taste and budget. This blog by Merchant Navy Decoded consists of the significant features of the largest cruise ships currently in service
What Are Cruise Ships?
Cruise ships are the “floating hotels,” that offer an amazing vacation experience along with comfortable rooms, a variety of choices for meals, swimming pools, theaters, fitness centers and entertainment areas. Cruise serves visitors of all ages by offering kid friendly activities, movie theaters, nightclubs, live performances and family friendly events. Cruise ships are perfect for adventure, relaxation or family time since you see several places in one trip without having to deal with packing and unpacking.
Top 8 Biggest Cruise Ships
1. Royal Caribbean International โ Icon of the Seas: 248,663 gross tonnes
- Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world with 20 decks, itโs gross weight isย 248,663 tons.
- Icon of the Seas is made by Meyer Turku Shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in the world, Icon of the Seas has a capacity of 7,600 people and operates throughout the year
- Icon of the Seaas has Wรคrtsilรค engines and Azipod thrusters which help her attain a cruising speed of 22 knots.
2. Royal Caribbean International โ Wonder of the Seas: 235,600 gross tonnes
- Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship with 18 decks and a gross weight of 235,600.
- Wonder of the Seas equipped with modern Wรคrtsilรค engines of 82 megawatts of propulsion power, The height of the Wonder of the Seas 1,188 feet (362 m), it can accommodateย 7,084 passengers in 2,867 cabins while traveling at 22 knots.
- Wonder of the Seas, constructed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, defines the Caribbean itineraries starting from Miami and Cape Canaveral.
3. Royal Caribbean International โ Symphony of the Seas: 228,081 gross tonnes
- Symphony of the Seas, which launched in 2018, set a record for the world’s largest cruise ship, weighing 228,081 gross tons and carrying 6,680 people on 18ย decks.
- Symphony of the Seas cruises at 22 knots with high efficiency because of its three 20 MW (megawatts) of electricity from six cutting-edge Wรคrtsilรค diesel engines and Azipod propulsion which are the electric thruster.
- Symphony of the seas sails from Barcelona in April 2018, Symphony of the Seas, an iconic ship constructed at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard, provides remarkable seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.ย ย
- Symphony of the Seas on 31 March 2018 offered her first passenger cruise and began her maiden voyage on 7 April for a week-long trip.
4. Royal Caribbean International โ Harmony of the Seas: 226,963 gross tonnes
- Harmony of the Seas was launched in 2016, itโs the third Oasis-class cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 226,963 and a guest capacity of 5,479 on 18 decks.
- With its cutting-edge Wรคrtsilรค engines, Azipod thrusters, and tunnel thrusters, Harmony of the Seas can cruise at 23 knots with ease and generate 82 megawatts of propulsion power.
- After making her inaugural trip from Barcelona in June 2016, Harmony of the Seas conducts seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas.ย
- Harmony of the Seas is built by STX France at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire ( France) for Royal Caribbean International.
5. Royal Caribbean International โ Oasis of the Seas: 226,838 gross tonnes
- The oldest ship in our list is the Oasis of the Seas, it was built in 2009 as the world’s largest cruise ship, weighing 226,838 gross tons and housing 6,699 guests over 18 beautiful decks.
- Oasis of the Seas has three 20-megawatt Azipod motors and eight Wรคrtsilรค V12 diesel engines, Oasis of the Seas has 82 megawatts of propulsion power capacity and can cruise at 23 knots.
- Oasis of the Seas isย a groundbreaking ship that redefined luxury cruising for more than ten years, it was constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard and serves in the Caribbean and occasionally Mediterranean voyage.
6. Royal Caribbean International โ Allure of the Seas: 225,282 gross tonnes
- Allure of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean marvel that first time sailed in 2010, measures 225,282 gross tonnes and accommodates 6,780 guests across 16 decks.
- The Allure of the Seas propelled at 22 knots because to its six Wรคrtsilรค 46 diesel engines, which provide 97 megawatts of power and are pushed by Azipod thrusters.
- Allure of the Seas is currently sailing across the Caribbean itineraries from Galveston (Texas), this legendary ship was built at Turku Shipyard and Mediterranean lines.
7. MSC Cruises โ MSC World Europa: 215,863 gross tonnes
- MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises’ flagship was launched in 2021 with a gross tonnage of 215,863 and a capacity of 6,762 people across 22 sumptuous decks.
- MSC World Europa is powered by five LNG-fueled Wรคrtsilรค 46DF engines, which generate 44 megawatts of propulsion power. The ship also includes advanced sustainability technology such as nitrogen oxide reduction systems and LNGPac fuel storage.
- MSC World Europa stands as a environmentally aware cruising by sailing Mediterranean itineraries after serving as an accommodation vessel for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
8. Costa Cruises โ Costa Toscana: 186,364 gross tonnes
- Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda’s sister ship, is an LNG powered cruise liner with a gross tonnage of 186,364, measuring height of 337m (1,106 feet) long and a passenger capacity of 6,338 on 20 decks.
- Constructed in 2021 at the Meyer shipyard, she can reach a service speed of 17 knots thanks to two ABB Azipod motors and four MaK-Caterpillar engines that generate 57.2 megawatts.
- Costa Toscana mainly travels the Mediterranean, but it also visits places in Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.ย
Popular Cruise Lines and Ships
Famous cruise lines provide unique experiences in terms of entertainment, facilities and travel destination:
- Royal Caribbean is well-known for its big ships that include water parks and rock climbing.
- Disney Cruise Line is a fascinating Disney-themed vacation ideal for children.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a variety of routes with adaptable dining and entertainment options.
- Carnival Cruise Line is an enjoyable, inexpensive holidays with engaging entertainment cruise line.
Where Should You Go on a Cruise Ship?
Cruise ships provide vacations to amazing places all around the world over giant ships with full luxury that can be provided to mankind. Here are a few well-known places you can go:
- The stunning sandy beaches and clean water of the Caribbean Islands are well-known. Ancient Mediterranean towns like Rome and Athens. The Norwegian Fjords offer stunning views of Norway’s waterfalls and mountains.
- Consider taking a vessel like the Grand Dream ship or the Halong Bay Cruise to explore Asia for a unique experience.
6 Simple Steps to Book a Cruise
- Decide on Your Destination and Dates: Choose your travel destination (e.g., Caribbean, Mediterranean, etc) and pick dates that fit your schedule.
- Search and Compare Cruise Options: Use cruise websites or travel platforms to explore available ships, itineraries, and packages.
- Select Your Cabin Type: Decide your cabin: inside (affordable), ocean view (scenic), balcony (private) or suites (luxury).
- Add Customizations: Increase your luxurious experience with beverage packages, excursions, dining plans, or travel insurance.
- Book Your Cruise: Book online through a travel agent or via the cruise lineโs customer service.
- Prepare for Your Trip: Complete online check-in, upload necessary documents and arrange transport to the departure port.
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