The times when only wealthy people could afford holidays on cruise ships are long gone. Today, sea cruises offer tourists the opportunity to visit several countries in the shortest possible time at a very reasonable price, and the ticket price, as a rule, includes food and all kinds of entertainment. To accommodate personnel, passengers, recreation areas, restaurants and other attributes on board sea cruise, the dimensions of the liner must be appropriate. It is not surprising that information about the next record holder in size appears in the headlines almost every year. In this article, we will tell you about the fifteen largest cruise ships today.
Symphony of the seas
The largest cruise ship to date is Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. The giant 18-deck ship belongs to the Oasis class, it has 22 restaurants, 24 swimming pools, 2,759 cabins and huge park with tropical plants. In addition, the vessel boasts the world's tallest waterslide, which is operated in open waters. The total carrying capacity of the liner is 228,081 register tons, and the length is 362 meters.
Symphony of the Seas is subdivided into seven 'cities', each styled in a neighborhood style - such an organization of space is a distinctive feature of the Oasis class, and passengers love to explore the peculiarities of each 'city'. The maximum passenger capacity of the liner is 6,680 people, and the staff and the ship itself are perfectly prepared for such a large number passengers.
The Symphony of the Seas' maiden voyage took place in April 2018, but its days as the largest cruise ship in the world are numbered: in 2021, the fifth ship of the Oasis class will launch, the dimensions of which promise to be even more impressive.
Harmony of the seas
The predecessor of the modern record holder was the Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, which also belongs to the Oasis class. The ship launched in 2016 and can accommodate 6687 passengers. One of its distinctive features is waterslide Ultimate Abyss, on which vacationers can descend through 10 decks at a speed of 15 km / h. The Harmony of the Seas has a carrying capacity of 226,963 gross tons and a length of 362 meters, similar to Symphony of the Seas.
Allure of the seas
The Allure of the Seas was introduced in 2010 and is also part of the Oasis family. The ship's 6687 passengers can choose between 25 restaurants, 4 swimming pools and 10 jacuzzis. The highlight of this cruise ship is the huge 1,380-seat theater, which plays host to internationally award-winning Broadway musicals such as Chicago.
Royal Caribbean is actively cooperating with DreamWorks Entertainment, so you can meet famous cartoon characters on board the Allure of the Seas and other ships of the same family. The total carrying capacity of the liner is 225282 register tons, and the length is 360 meters.
Oasis of the seas
Oasis of the Seas is the first vessel of the Oasis line, it was on it that the system of organizing space in the form of "cities" was first applied in 2009, today this concept is a kind of standard.
At the time of the first launch of the vessel in 2009, its passenger capacity was considered a record - 6780 people. Also on the liner was the deepest pool ever built on a floating facility. In addition, vacationers at the Oasis of the Seas could watch the exclusive screenings of the Broadway musical Hairspray.
MSC Meraviglia
This liner became the first representative of the Meraviglia class of the MSC - Mediterranean Shipping Company. Meraviglia launched in 2017, and a second vessel of the same type will enter service in 2019. It can accommodate 5,714 passengers, and the most unusual among entertainment is Cirque du Soleil, which gives performances 12 times a week under an exclusive agreement with MSC.
Most of the routes of the MSC Meraviglia cruise pass along the Mediterranean, so tourists are offered mainly local cuisine, for example, there is a restaurant of the popular Italian chain Eataly on board. There is also an indoor promenade on the liner, available for holidaymakers around the clock - there is a huge 480 square meter LED screen on its ceiling. m, on which a variety of images are broadcast, creating a unique atmosphere in the room.
Norwegian Bliss
Breakaway-Plus class liner of the Norwegian Cruise company Line Norwegian Bliss entered service at the end of April 2018. NCL ships are easily recognizable from afar by their striking hull design, today there are three Breakaway-Plus class ships, the fourth will be launched in 2019.
A distinctive feature of NCL's liners is that restaurants are not located indoors, as in most ships, but on the open deck, so that vacationers can simultaneously enjoy a delicious dinner and the view of the sea surface. The Norwegian Bliss has a capacity of 4,004 passengers, has a total payload of 168,028 gross tons and a length of 329 meters. The vessel holds the record for the largest go-karting on a floating facility and the largest open-air laser tag field.
Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Quantum family consists of three identical vessels. Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014 and can carry up to 4,180 passengers. Although this liner is much smaller than the Oasis class ships of the same company, the rest on it promises to be no less eventful. Designed specifically for the Asian market, this ship is mainly used for cruises from China, as its style, entertainment and cuisine are adapted to the local ethnicity.
In addition to a large casino, Quantum of the Seas also has its own circuit, a circle for those wishing to get acquainted with circus art, numerous promenades and open areas. Also, vacationers can choose between 18 restaurants, and for thrill-seekers there is a very realistic skydiving simulator "North Star" and an attraction in the form of a glass capsule that rises 90 meters above upper deck liner - from there a stunning view opens up both to the ship itself and to the surrounding waters. You shouldn't ignore the Bionic Bar, where a robot bartender will mix a cocktail for you.
Anthem of the seas
The second liner of the Quantum class Anthem of the Seas is the only vessel of this family that sails in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The first flight of the liner took place in April 2015: it was an eight-day cruise from the British Southampton to the ports of France and Spain.
The Anthem of the Seas accommodates 4,180 holidaymakers and has a gross tonnage of 168,666 gross tonnes, making it the largest vessel ever to ship to Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2016.
Ovation of the seas
The Ovation of the Seas is currently the last Quantum-class ship in service, but plans to expand the lineup in the future. The liner is used for cruises around Alaska in summer time in the Northern Hemisphere, and spends the rest of the year in Australia.
The Ovation of the Seas has the same passenger and cargo capacity as its siblings. 
The Quantum series is renowned for its meticulously crafted cabins and common areas, and the Ovation of the Seas was the first liner to feature windowless interior cabins with virtual balconies that capture real-time images from the cameras surrounding the ship's deck.
Norwegian Joy
Another NCL liner, the 334-meter Norwegian Joy, was built by order of China, the interior was designed in accordance with the preferences of the majority. Chinese tourists, and the case was designed by famous artist Tan Ping. The total tonnage of the vessel is 167,725 register tons.
Since 2017, the Norwegian Joy has been sailing between China and Australia and can accommodate up to 3,883 holidaymakers. Unlike other ships on our list, this liner does not have a standard official language- English - and Mandarin or Mandarin Chinese.
Norwegian Escape
In 2015, the Norwegian Escape became the first NCL liner to be equipped with an exhaust gas cleaning system, also known as a scrubber: it captures impurities like sulfur oxide from gases. The installation of such a system allows ships to navigate in regions with strict environmental restrictions, for example, in Alaska.
The Norwegian Escape can accommodate up to 4,266 guests, is 326 meters long and has a total payload of 165,300 gross tons. Most of the routes of his cruises are in the Caribbean and Bahamas and the base port is in Miami.
Liberty of the seas
Another Royal Caribbean heavyweight on our list is Liberty of the Seas, which was previously a Freedom class launched in 2007. In 2012, the ship was reconstructed and reorganized according to the already proven Oasis class system. The total carrying capacity of the vessel remained at the level of the class standard - 154407 register tons, but the passenger capacity increased to 4960 people.
The 339-meter liner offers entertainment for every taste, including the Flow Rider, a climbing wall, an ice track, a 1350-seat cinema, etc. The designers paid special attention to the development of a three-story dining area, each floor of which is named in honor of the artist of the time of the Renaissance.
Norwegian epic
The liner of the NCL Norwegian Epic company can carry up to 4,200 passengers, its length is 325 meters, and the total carrying capacity is 134,500 register tons. Since 2010, the ship has been based in the port of Nassau in the Bahamas.
In 2016, Norwegian Epic received an award as one of the liners with the best entertainment on board. At the local theater, vacationers can watch Broadway shows like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Tourists looking for coolness in the warm waters around the Bahamas can descend into the ice bar, which is maintained at -8 ° C.
Freedom of the Seas
Like most of the liners we have listed, when it was launched in 2007, Freedom of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in service. For a long time, this liner was based in Florida, but recently it changed its home port to Puerto Rico and now operates seven-day cruises in the Southern Caribbean.
Freedom of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's Freedom class and can accommodate 4,370 people. Passengers can take part in the FreedomFest, during which they will learn about all the entertainment offered on the ship, including an ice rink, a climbing wall, a water park and swimming pools hanging over the sea surface, located on special structures outside the board.
Independence of the Seas
Prior to the introduction of the Oasis class, Royal Caribbean's Freedom ships were ranked as the largest cruise ships in the world. The Independence of the Seas liner - the last on our list - was commissioned in 2008, with 1,815 cabins on 15 decks that can accommodate up to 4,356 passengers. With a length of 339 meters, its carrying capacity is slightly higher than that of its class brothers - 160,000 register tons. 
V winter time The Independence of the Seas cruises from Port Everglades, Florida, and in the summer it cruises to the Southampton area. Among the entertainment available to vacationers there is a theater with 1200 seats, shopping promenades with shops and bars, an ice track, all kinds of sports grounds, a climbing wall, swimming pools and much more.
The largest and most famous for the tragic events passenger ship in the world is Titanic... Everyone knows the unfortunate story of this greatest achievement of the 20th century. The ship was launched in 1911. On its maiden voyage, it collided in Atlantic Ocean with an iceberg and sank. , which weighed 163 thousand tons, took with it about one and a half thousand lives to the bottom. Only 700 people were saved, they were picked up by a passing steamer.
After the incident with the Titanic, the level of safety on all ships has increased. All engineers and designers involved in the construction of passenger ships began to prioritize the conditions for ensuring the safety of human lives. As you know, one of the reasons for the massive loss of life was the lack of a sufficient number of spare boats on the ship.
The best ships of the 21st century: top 5
The title "The largest passenger ship in the world" is transferred from one ship to another every year - the rating is constantly changing. Ship models are constantly being improved, new requirements are being established at the local and international level, high technologies are being created. In this regard, it is possible that new names of sea giants will be added to the list in the near future.
Ever dreamed of a luxury ocean liner cruise that looks more like a floating city than a huge ship? Today I want to show you 11 of the largest and most technologically advanced cruise ships in the world.
11. Disney Fantasy
Length: 339 meters
Displacement: 128,000 tons
Passengers: 4,000
Disney Fantasy takes a trip to the Caribbean. This giant passenger ship boasts a virtual sports simulator, a water park with a play area "Aqualab", where numerous slides, geysers and fountains are located on an area of 550 square meters. Children can also enjoy the "Royal Tea Party" with princesses of Disney fairy tales.
10. Disney Dream
Length: 339 meters
Displacement: 128,000 tons
Passengers: 4,000
This fairytale cruise ship adopts the design style of the 20th century, called the “golden age of cruising”. The ship cruises to the Bahamas and is famous for its Aquadak water slide and seven entertainment areas for toddlers and teens of all ages.
9. Carnival Breeze
Length: 306 meters
Displacement: 130,000 tons
Passengers: 4,724
This majestic liner hosts comedy shows and also has a Guy's Burger Joint restaurant, 3-D cinema, rum and tequila bars.
8. Carnival Magic
Length: 306 meters
Displacement: 130,000 tons
Passengers: 4,724
On the Carnival Magic, in the SportSquare zone, there is a nine-hole mini-golf course, and for fans of extreme team activities - a rope course over the sea. Also at the Passengers' service: a pastry shop, a theater, a brewery and a branded beer "ThirstyFrog Red".
Length: 333 meters
Displacement: 133,500 tons
Passengers: 3,959
This Mediterranean cruise ship renowned for its Thermal Cave spa, twelve hydromassage pools and a 4-D cinema. The highlight of the liner is the Formula 1 simulator and the water park with 150 illuminated musical fountains.
6. MSC Splendida
Length: 333 meters
Displacement: 133,500 tons
Passengers: 3,959
The name of the ship was given by the famous actress Sophia Loren. The liner is equipped with innovative systems that protect the environment from pollution, which is why it has rightfully earned the title of "Eco-ship". On its decks were replaced: five dining areas, a large theater, a poker room. Children under the age of eleven travel free of charge on all MSC ships.
Length: 333 meters
Displacement: 139,400 tons
Passengers: 4,363
On the luxury liner MSC Divina there are restaurants of Italian, Mediterranean and Texas-Mexican cuisine, a cigar room and even an art gallery.
4. Norwegian Breakaway
Length: 329 meters
Displacement: 144,017 tons
Passengers: 4,000
This giant liner houses thirteen decks, three dining rooms, 17 restaurants, 12 bars, water slides the size of a five-story building, and all this is operated by 1,700 crew members. The famous comedy troupe "The Second City" entertains guests of the ship with magnificent comedy performances and pyrotechnic shows.
3. Norwegian Epic
Length: 325 meters
Displacement: 153,000 tons
Passengers: 4,228
The Norwegian Epic has a bowling alley, a theater where guests can dine while enjoying musicals and comedies, and jazz and blues clubs. It also hosts concerts of famous blue-headed drummers from the Blue Man Group.
2. Oasis of the Seas
Length: 360 meters
Displacement: 220,000 tons
Passengers: 5,400
The world's second largest royal cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas, has 16 different themed decks. For example, one of them has a handmade wooden children's carousel. It also houses a Starbucks restaurant, an ice skating rink, the largest casino in the world's cruise fleet, the Casino Royal, and a 750-seat aquatic amphitheater with outdoor fountains, jumps and diving towers. Thirty types of cupcakes can be tasted at the Cupcake Cupboard.
1. Allure of the Seas
Length: 360 meters
Displacement: 222,900 tons
Passengers: 5,400
Rounding out our rating is the largest cruise ship Allure of the Seas, whose dimensions are simply stunning. To get some idea of its size, take a thousand blue whales and place them on four football fields. More than 300 cabins overlook Central park with live trees, grass and flowers. The ship also has a golf course, a surf simulator and an ice rink where ice and circus shows are held.
In this selection, you will find out about the ten largest cruise ships in the world.
1. Princess Diamond. The weight of this vessel is 116 thousand tons, and its length is 294 meters. This cruise ship can accommodate 2,670 people. The area of this liner is tens of times larger than the area Buckingham Palace... The ship has over 700 high class cabins with balconies.
2. Carnival Dream. This liner weighs 130 thousand tons, and its length is 306 meters. It can carry 3646 passengers. This is a floating amusement park with several cinemas on board.
3. Voyajer of the seas. The weight of the vessel is 138 thousand tons, the length is 311 meters. There are 3114 passenger seats on the liner. On board this ship you can find a TV studio, an ice rink, a mini golf course and other entertainment.
4. Celebrity Eclipse. This cruise liner weighs 122 thousand tons, and its length is 315 meters, which is more than the length of four Boeing 747s displayed in a row. The boat has 19 decks, plus a lawn deck for croquet and bocce.
5. Norwegian Epic. The vessel weighs 156 thousand tons, and its length is 329 meters. The cruise ship can accommodate 4,100 passengers. There is a 24-hour room service for pizza on board.
6. Splendida. The liner weighs 137,936 tons and is 338 meters long. Its capacity is 3274 passengers. The space volume of the liner, which is one and a half million square meters, is greater than the volume of space Eiffel tower.
7. Freedom of the Seas. The liner weighs 160 thousand tons and is 339 meters long. The board accommodates 3634 passengers. This boat is like a floating water park, as there are all kinds of water activities on board: there are water slides, many pools, a jacuzzi, a wave emulator, a water park for children and an ice rink.
8. Disney Dream. The weight of this cruise liner is 130 thousand tons, and its length is 340 meters. The Disney Dream has a capacity of 2,500 and is almost an exact replica of Disneyland in the water space. There is a huge cinema and a water park on board.
9. Queen Mary II. This cruise ship weighs 151,400 tons and is 345 meters long. The board can accommodate 2,640 passengers. The length of the boat can be compared to the length of 80 tourist buses, fitted bumper to bumper.
10. Royal Carribean. Oasis of the Seas. The length of this giant vessel is 361 meters, and its weight is almost 223 thousand tons. In conditions of maximum comfort, 5.4 thousand passengers can be accommodated here. This vessel, due to its size, is not able to pass through the Panama Canal. The board of the liner resembles an amusement park, where various shows are held every day.
They are called "cities of the sea" with many attractions and all kinds of amenities for passengers. Until today, legendary, large-scale by passenger liner was considered the Titanic. But now the largest cruise ship in the world in 2016 is Harmony of the seas. It is 70 cubic meters high and 362 meters long. It even broke the record for the longest RCI ship built in 2010, Allure of the seas. The new giant is only 2 cm larger than the previous one.
The world's largest cruise ship: features
The vessel with a displacement of 225.282 thousand / ton is equipped with 16 decks, 2704 cabins, which can accommodate 5.4 thousand passengers. Among its class, it is environmentally friendly. Produces 20 percent less hydrocarbon emissions into the air. This is achieved through the use of new technologies.
The construction lasted 2.5 years. More than $ 1.5 billion spent. The area is larger than two football fields. The total power of the six diesel units is 132 thousand / horsepower, thanks to the engine motor traction, it develops revolutions of over 22 knots. This is the third giant in the "World's Largest Cruise Ship" class in 2016.
In order for passengers to rest for a long time, there are many entertainments on the ship, and some travelers sometimes do not have time to try everything during their stay. Here you can find leisure activities for every taste. Thrill-seekers will love the dizzying descents from the water slides, which are located at a height of 10 deck floors. At guests' disposal: swimming pools, casinos, fiery parties, sports grounds, jazz clubs.
Harmony of the Seas is divided into six thematic zones:
- Central Park is located in the heart of the ship. Created in the park Botanical Garden... Guests have every chance to enjoy walks in the park for a long time.
- Promenade (Boardwalk), Pedestrian area with cafes and bars. This sector organizes breakfasts and lunches for guests.
- Sports area with a swimming pool. No steamer includes so many water options. In addition to the many swimming pools, there are sports grounds for tennis, golf, etc.
- Vitality at Sea spa area, fitness center. This part of the infrastructure is designed for complete relaxation and recreation of travelers. Allocated special areas with saunas, baths, Spa for children.
- Amusement Park (Entertainment Place). Includes casinos, clubs, skating rink, theater.
- Children's play area (Youth Zone). Reminds me of Disneyland.
The largest cruise ship has 4 main categories of cabins:
- Suites. They differ from other rooms not only by their advantageous location, but by the large size of the living area.
- Rooms with balconies. Perfect for fresh air lovers
- Cabins with window that allow you to enjoy the views of the port calls.
- Simple comfortable rooms.
During the summer period, the liner carried out seven-day trips around Mediterranean, and will cross the Atlantic Ocean in the fall.
How much is the pleasure of riding such a miracle of water engineering? Really inexpensive. Quite for a reasonable amount, which will be equal to a 1-day vacation in Thailand, but if you do not order a luxury apartment, but settle in standard rooms... Nowadays, sea trips around the world are not only for the elite. Such entertainment is available to the middle class. So, all that remains is to make money for such a voyage, stock up on a great mood and go ahead - buy a tour on the largest cruise ship in the world in 2016!
The largest cruise ship: video
