There are over a hundred cruise lines sailing the seas at the moment, all of them being mechanical behemoth, ton by ton pastiches of contemporary technology. So to top this list, a cruise liner can be nothing short of a modern marvel. Below is a list of the top 5 World’s largest cruise ships.
Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas
These 2 sister ships from the Royal Caribbean fleet are the largest commercial cruise ships in the world. At 360 meters long (30 double deck buses) and weighing around 225,000 tonnes (nearly 41,000 adult elephants) they each hold a maximum capacity of 6400 people. Can you imagine the amount of range cookers needed to feed everybody? Not to mention the washing machines and tumble dryers for all those clothes.
With a ship of this size, there’s no reason for any passenger to get bored. You can zip-line across the ship, try your balance at surfing on the Flowrider, and relaxin front of the big screen at their custom built theatre. If you’re hungry, you can choose from 1 of 25 dining options on board, from gourmet to buffet. There are plenty of options for accommodation, includingstaterooms, interior cabins and outer cabins, with a personal balcony to look out at the magnificence of the ocean, from the comfort of your bedroom.
Norwegian Epic
This Norwegian Cruise linewas voted “Best Cruise Ship” by Travel weekly in 2011 and weighs around155,873tons. At 329meters long, it’s the second largest ship in the world and can hold a maximum of 5183 people on board.
With more than 20 different dining options – from fine dining to finger food – the Norwegian Epic will never leave you any less than completely satisfied. It plays host to the famous Blue Man Group, a state of the art fitness centre (to burn off those guilty, holiday-online calories) and an Aqua Park for those moments where you need to cool off. With around 20 different room types to choose from, you can be sure to find one that will match your requirements, and who knows? It could end up feeling like a home away from home – that floats!
Freedom, Liberty and Independence of The Seas
These three Royal Caribbean sister ships weight around 154,000tonnes and are 339meters in length. They hold a maximum capacity of 4375 people on board. Keeping all of these people fed and entertained is a huge feat but the Freedom class of ships does this very well. With over 20 different room types there is something for everybody and if you’re feeling peckish there are over 10 different places to eat. They have a 3D Cinema, Flowrider surf simulator and if you have a good head for heights you can try your grip on the rock climbing wall.
RMS Queen Mary 2
This huge member of the Cunard Line weighs in at around 148,000tonnes and, from front to back, measures around 334meters in length. It holds around 3090 people on board including crew and guests, though Cunard tend to encourage a smaller number of passengers on board, even on large ships, to provide their guests with a more personal feel.
On this beautiful ship, you’ll find extravagant dining rooms, luxurious ballrooms, the Royal Court Theatre and – most notably – the world’s only sea-worthy planetarium. If you have children then there’s a great Play Zone for them with toys, games and activities,but you may have trouble trying to make them leave!
MSC Divina
This magnificent MSC Cruises liner weighs in at a massive139,000tonnes. At 333meters long, it is the 5th largest liner in the world to date, with a maximum capacity of 3900 people.
There are 4 main types of staterooms; Inside Cabins, Ocean View cabins, Balcony Cabins and the Aurea suite, if you can afford the pricetag that comes with an extra batch of luxury. With so many different bars, restaurants and coffee shops, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. There are drinks inspired by Jazz, Tex Mex Food and freshly baked bread on board. If you’re a more active cruise-goer, do not fret; with theatre shows, cinema and even a Casino if you fancy your chances, there is plenty to do and see onboard the Divina. And if you still walk away pumped full of energy, there is a fantastic night club to dance the night away!
Written by Alan Gregory who works for Appliances Online by day and hunts down the facts by night. I enjoy cruising, drinking coffee and lying in on a Sunday. You can follow me on Twitter @AlanJGregory.