Largest New Cruise Ships
From LoveToKnow Cruises
The largest new cruise ships offer an astonishing range of features, amenities, and cruise activities for passengers to enjoy, but before booking passage, prospective travelers should consider whether such gargantuan ships are truly the best choice for their travel preferences.
Overview of the Largest New Cruise Ships
The term “large” is a relative description, and what is definitely oversized for one cruise line may only be a moderate size for another, and size figures may relate to the ship’s physical dimensions or its passenger capacity. Even capacity is a questionable number at times, because ships can be categorized differently if judged on the number of cabins, their double occupancy totals (generally an industry standard), or the sum of every available berth.
As cruise vacations become increasingly popular, cruise lines are continually vying for dominance in the market by introducing ever more glamorous, impressively large ships. The largest ships afloat today – and those planned for the near future – are generally found in mainstream cruise lines that offer more itineraries and are suitable for a wide cross section of the cruising population.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruises is the current leader in cruise ship size. The massive Freedom of the Seas debuted in 2006, and at a whopping 1,112 feet long it is one of the physically largest ships in the world. Its true distinction, however, is its capacity – Freedom of the Seas can host more than 3,600 passengers per sailing. Royal Caribbean’s commitment to bigger ships does not end there, however. The second ship in the Freedom class, Liberty of the Seas, will debut in early summer 2007 and can host over 4,300 passengers per voyage.
To firmly secure its place as the premier large ship line, Royal Caribbean is also planning an even larger class of ships under the code name Genesis. Few details about these massive ships are known, but rumors indicate a passenger capacity ranging from 5,400 to 6,400 travelers. The first of the Genesis ships is scheduled to debut in 2009, with a sister ship joining the fleet in 2010.
Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line already offers passengers the largest existing fleet of ships, and they are gradually introducing larger vessels among the ranks of Carnival cruise ships afloat. Currently under development is the Carnival Dream, the line’s largest ever ship projected to have a capacity of over 3,600 passengers. The Carnival Dream is scheduled to make her maiden voyage in October 2009, with her sister ship, the Carnival Magic, to join the fleet in 2011.
Cunard
Cunard’s classic elegance gives it a larger than life personality, but its true claim to fame is the sheer size of its most famous new ship, the Queen Mary II. This massive ocean liner may only host 3,000 passengers per voyage (certainly no small number but significantly lower than the largest mainstream ships), but her length of 1,132 feet has made her an awe-inspiring sight since her launch in January 2004.
Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line is well known for attractive ships boasting unique hull artwork, but in 2009 the line plans to launch a new class of cruise ships to rival the largest ships afloat. Slated to accommodate 4,200 passengers, these as yet unnamed ships are sure to be another sparkling gem in Norwegian’s stunning fleet.
Disney
Disney Cruise Line has finally decided to expand its fleet from its current fleet of two ships has to include larger vessels with the intention of bringing Disney flair to a greater number of passengers. The new ships, which will each host 3,750 guests, are scheduled to debut in 2011 and 2012, undoubtedly with characteristic Disney sparkle.
Features on Large Ships
The idea of a cruise ship hosting thousands of passengers may be daunting, but travelers needn’t be concerned about crowds or lack of attractions. The biggest new cruise ships recognize the value of open, spacious designs, and their sheer size allows them to incorporate a wide range of unique entertainment and activity features. In addition to the classic casinos, spas, and show lounges, features on large ships may include:
- Surfing and golf simulators
- Planetariums
- Indoor or outdoor movie theater screens
- Boxing rings
- Bowling alleys
- In-line skating or ice skating
- Miniature golf
- More exclusive children’s or adults only areas
- More pools, including retractable roof or indoor pools
- Demonstration kitchens
- Bridge and navigation overlooks
- More luxurious suite accommodations
- Specialized wine, cigar, martini, or coffee bars
With so much to do, large ships are more like floating cities than the floating hotels smaller cruise ships are associated with.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Before making cruise reservations on the next big ship to launch, interested passengers need to carefully consider whether such a large ship is right for them. While there are many activities and features to enjoy, the intimate on-the-sea experience may be diminished. Larger ships can be more difficult for passengers to navigate, and longer passenger lists guarantee longer lines when checking in to the cruise terminal, leaving for cruise shore excursions, or waiting to debark at the end of the cruise. If several large ships visit the same port of call on the same day, attractions and shopping may also be overcrowded and less enjoyable, and the very largest ships may be unable to visit popular cruise destinations because port facilities cannot accommodate them.
The largest new cruise ships offer passengers far more than just a cruise ship – with stunning features and exciting activities, they are destinations in and of themselves. At the same time, passengers need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of choosing a large vessel before they set sail, but in the end, the only size that matters is whether each passenger manages to have a larger than life vacation.
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