It is estimated that there were around 314 cruise ships in operation worldwide, with a total passenger capacity of over 550,000.
These cruise ships vary in size, from small luxury vessels that can accommodate a few dozen passengers to massive ocean liner ships that can carry upwards of 6,000 passengers.
The cruise industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with new ships being built and launched on a regular basis. 24 new cruise ships entered service, adding to the already large fleet of ships in operation in 2019 alone.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the cruise industry, with many ships being forced to suspend operations or operate at reduced capacity in order to comply with public health guidelines.
Despite their popularity, the cruise industry has faced criticism over the years for its impact on the environment, with concerns being raised about the amount of waste and pollution generated by cruise ships.
That said in recent years, cruise lines have made efforts to reduce their environmental footprint by implementing more sustainable practices, such as using cleaner fuel and reducing plastic waste.
The number of cruise ships in the world is constantly changing, as new ships are built and older ships are retired from service.
With the industry now seeing significant growth in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the industry continues to grow and as such so will the number of cruise ships.
What is the biggest cruise ship?
The largest cruise ships in the world are owned by the major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises.
These ships can be as long as four football fields and have a passenger capacity of up to 6,680 guests. They are equipped with a wide range of amenities, including multiple restaurants, theatres, casinos, swimming pools, and shopping areas.
As of 2021, the biggest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. It measures 1,188 feet (362 meters) long, 215.5 feet (66 meters) wide, and has a gross tonnage of 228,081. The ship can carry up to 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members.
Symphony of the Seas features a wide range of amenities and attractions, including 22 restaurants, 42 bars and lounges, a theater with a capacity of 1,400 people, an ice skating rink, a zip line, and a full-sized basketball court. The ship also has seven neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere and attractions.
The ship’s accommodations include a wide range of cabin categories, from interior staterooms to luxurious suites. Some of the suites feature private hot tubs, panoramic views, and access to exclusive amenities such as a private lounge and restaurant.
Symphony of the Seas is the fourth Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, and it debuted in 2018. The Oasis-class is known for its size and scale, and the ships in this class are currently the largest cruise ships in the world.
What is the most famous cruise ship?
One of the most famous cruise ships of all time is the RMS Titanic, which famously sank in 1912 on its maiden voyage. Although the ship’s ill-fated voyage ended in tragedy, it remains a legendary vessel that has captivated the public’s imagination for over a century.
The Titanic was designed and built by the British shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff for the White Star Line. At the time of its launch, it was the largest and most luxurious ship in the world. The ship was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath, and several restaurants.
On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives. The disaster was a wake-up call for the shipping industry, leading to the implementation of stricter safety regulations and the development of new technologies for detecting icebergs and other hazards at sea.
The Titanic remains a source of fascination for people all over the world, with countless books, movies, and documentaries exploring the story of the ship and its passengers.
One of the most well known films is James Cameron’s 1997 classic “Titanic”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet‎; and tells the story of a seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious and of course ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Even today, several companies offer Titanic-themed cruises that allow passengers to retrace the ship’s ill-fated journey, visiting sites related to the disaster and learning more about its impact on the world.