‘Shem’s Idle Notes’

The news is full of reports about the Italian Cruise Ship, Costa Concordia that crashed off the coast of Italy last Friday.  Most people don’t understand the concept of a cruise ship and what sets it apart from other sea-faring vessels.  For starters, a cruise ship is all about luxury, and size! Here is a list of the world’s top ten largest cruise ships.

10.   Explorer of the Seas

At 311m length, Explorer of the Seas is tenth of the biggest cruises around the world. This cruise was launched in 2000 and is still operational with a capacity of 3114 passengers on every trip. Part of the Royal Caribbean International fleet, this ship is one of the oldest ships in the category of largest cruise ships to be still functional

9.       MS Mariner of the Seas

With a length of 311.12m, the ninth longest luxury cruise has a total of 1557 staterooms with a total capacity of 3114 passengers. It was launched in October 2003 and has been in service ever since. It makes a routine voyage around Rome, making its way throughout the Mediterranean region. 

8.       MS navigator of the Seas

Ever since its launch in 20002, this cruise has been one of the biggest cruises of the world. It stands at 311.1 m long with a beam of 49.1 m and has a GT of 138,279 tons. It flaunts everything you can ask for from a luxury cruise- fun, food, and frolic. 

7.       RMS Queen Mary 2

Besides being a transatlantic cruiser, the ship’s length at 345 m makes it one of the biggest cruise ships in the world. When it was launched in 2003, it got instant success because of high quality offered.
Currently, it’s rated high on passenger happiness, dining experience and children friendliness. It has a GT of 151,400 tons and can accommodate 3056 passengers at a given time. 

6.       MS Independence of the Seas

With a gross tonnage of 154, 407 tons, this cruise liner easily becomes the sixth biggest cruise in the world. At 339 m length, this long cruiser makes a trip to parts of Europe ever since it was first started in 2008.
Its most exciting feature is the Pyramid lounge, an Egyptian themed lounge, along with water pools, rock climbing walls, volley ball courts and gaming sections. The sports activities offered on this ship are some of the best offered on any cruise line. 

5.       MS Liberty of the Sea

In 2007, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line launched a 15 deck ship with a capacity of 3634 passengers making it the fifth of the largest cruise ships in world.
This cruiser is 338.9 m long with a gross tonnage of 154, 407 tons. The options for leisure on this ship include ice rinks, volleyball court, fitness centre, children’s play area, fitness centre and much more.

4.       MS Freedom of the Seas

Another gem in the Royal Caribbean cruise lines, MS freedom of the Seas, launched in 2006, is a 338.9 m long beauty with a beam of 38m. It ranks fourth among the largest cruise ships of the world but is one of its own when it comes to luxury. The first ship to feature a surf-simulator onboard, Freedom of the seas is considered one the best cruise liners in the world. From fun moments with the FlowRider, H2O Zone to private moments in Café Promenade and Solarium Pool, there is something for everyone on this luxury cruise liner.
With a capacity of 3634 passengers, this ship offers everything from Irish pubs to best quality coffee, casinos, ice rinks and many opportunities for great family time.

3.       Norwegian Epic

This huge vessel places third amongst the biggest cruises of the world. Norwegian Epic has a length of 329.49 m with a 40 m beam. With 19 decks and a gross tonnage of 155,873 GT, this ship has a capacity of 4100 passengers.
But that’s not all that makes this ship one of the best luxurious cruises around. On this ship, you can enjoy everything from an ice bar to a bowling alley, shopping, theme parks and great dining experiences in one of the 21 dining halls.

2.       MS Oasis of the Seas

Second on the list of largest cruise ships is MS Oasis of the Seas, only 50 mm shorter than the first one. The two sister ships are together owned by Royal Caribbean International. At a slightly shorter length, this ship has same displacement as her enormous sister.
MS Oasis flaunts a total of 16 decks, six marine diesel engines that allows it a maximum speed of 22.6 knots and three diesel run engines to produce on board electricity for the ship. The electricity produced is used to run the ship’s huge theatre, all the dining halls that serve delicacies from around the world.
 
MS Allure of the Seas

This is THE biggest cruise ship created ever. Ordered in 2006, this ship is owned by the Royal Caribbean International Company. Besides its gigantic size, Allure of the seas features a double deck dance hall, a theatre with a capacity of 1385 people, an ice rink, 25 dining options and a crew of over 2000 people at your service all the time.

The biggest cruise ship ever constructed can carry 6,360 passengers and beats Oasis of the Seas by a mere 5 centimetres in length! With new additions like Starbucks, hot dog joint and a Mexican cantina restaurant there are some wonderful staples like live full-sized carousel, adults only Solarium, Youth Zone, Central Park and the amazing AquaTheater.

Ends