Biggest Cruise Ship

Aquatheatre of Oasis, Royal Caribbean International.

Until Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships launch at the end of 2009, the cruise line’s Freedom class will continue to sail the biggest cruise ship in the world. Led by Freedom of the Seas, which debuted in 2006, the class also features Liberty of the Seas (2007) and Independence of the Seas (2008) – all of which share the same dimensions.

Aquatheatre of Oasis, Royal Caribbean International.

Freedom of the Seas

Built in Turku, Finland, by STX Europe (Aker Yards), Freedom of the Seas became the largest passenger ship upon its completion in 2006 – a title previously held by Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary 2. With a gross tonnage of 160,000 GT, the ship is nearly 9,000 GT greater than the Queen Mary 2.

The Definition of "Big"

The dimensions of the Freedom of the Seas are an amazing 1,112 feet long by 184 feet wide. With 15 decks, it can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers and features a crew of 1,300. It towers some 208 feet into the sky, comparable to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina, which is visible from 20 miles out.

As the world's biggest cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas also aims to offer guests an experience like no other, with entertainment, activities and culinary choices to meet most any expectation. A brief rundown of the ship’s highlights include:

Staterooms and Meeting Facilities

As for accommodations, you will find a total 1,817 staterooms. Of these, 1,084 feature an ocean view and 855 come with balconies. Of the 733 interior rooms, 172 of them enjoy a promenade view. As noted, the ship has room for up to 4,300 passengers, due to its 855 cabins with space for third and fourth berths.

The Suites

Naturally, Royal Caribbean also has you covered if you need more room. Its suites not only offer more space but various perks as well, such as complimentary concierge service. The six Freedom of the Seas suites are:

1. The Junior Suite
2. The Royal Suite
3. The Owners Suite
4. The Grand Suite
5. The Royal Family Suite
6. The Presidential Family Suite

The size of a comfortable apartment, the Presidential Family Suite can accommodate up to 14 people, thanks to:

• Four bedrooms, including two master bedrooms with baths
• Two additional bathrooms (with showers)
• And a spacious living area, with baby-grand piano, wet bar, and 10 flat-panel TVs

In total, the suite is over 2,000 square feet – 1,215 sq. ft. of interior space, with 810 sq. ft. of private balcony space.

The Business Center

While most of us will spend our voyage relaxing, the Freedom of the Seas realizes that sometimes business calls. For this reason, the ship offers conference facilities with breakout rooms and a reception area large enough to accommodate 400 people.

Though traveling the high seas, connectivity is also no problem on Freedom ships, with onboard high-tech presentation rooms ready to go, along with extensive Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the vessel. There is also a serviceable library.

Inside the Numbers

At a speed of 21.6 knots, Freedom of the Seas consumes approximately 28,000 gallons of gas per hour. Conceivably, when gas prices were at $4, that mileage would equal $1,867 per minute. A few more fun facts and figures to ponder:

• Cost to build: $870 million
• Pieces of steel comprising the ship’s hull: 350,000
• Amount of window space: 62,430 square feet
• Works of art on board: 4,700
• Pounds of ice cubes made each day: 78,000!
• Tons of water in the ship’s swimming pools: 530
• The Main Dining Room can seat 2,101 passengers – at the same time.
• The Arcadia Theatre can seat 1,350 guests.
• The ice-rink can hold an audience of 850.
• The Book Nook contains 3,600 volumes.
• When she debuted in 2006, operating costs for Freedom were at $1 million per day.
• Trivia: The ship is 229 feet longer and 108,000 GT larger than the legendary RMS Titanic.

Biggest Cruise Ship Gets Bigger

Since her arrival, Freedom of the Seas has enjoyed the title of "biggest cruise ship" in the world. However, that torch will pass in December 2009 when Royal Caribbean launches her successor – the first ship from its new Oasis class.

Conceived back in 2006, Oasis of the Seas will once again redefine "big." Formerly known as Project Genesis, the ship will measure 1,180 feet long (or four football fields) and accommodate a staggering 5,400 guests at double-occupancy (6,400 when full). It's no wonder why 16 decks and 2,700 staterooms will be needed! Buzzed-about highlights include the seven onboard neighborhoods, the nine-deck slot canyon, and the 28 ultra-luxurious royal loft suites.

The Buzz

Her maiden voyage is planned for December 1, 2009. To learn more of Oasis of the Seas's exciting plans, visit these sites (and LoveToKnow) for continuing coverage:

• Popular Mechanics: A behind-the-scenes first look at the massive ship's construction.
• USA Today: An exclusive look at one of the ship's seven neighborhoods – the expansive Central Park.
• Wired: Go inside the ship's hull with this photo gallery of Oasis.
• Popular Science: A preview of Royal Caribbean's newest "floating city."
• Oasis of the Seas: Follow the ship's progress at the official site, full of video, images, and news!

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