How Big is a Cruise Ship?

With emphasis on luxury and comfort, the sizes of cruise ships have gotten bigger through the years. Below are the largest cruise ships active in the world today.

Dimensions of the Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship at 360 m (1,181 ft). The tonnage is 225,282 GT (gross tonnage). The beam measures 47 m (154 ft) and the height is 72 m (236 ft). The draught of the Oasis of the Seas has been measured at 9.3 m (31 ft). The depth is 22.55 m (74 ft).

The ship has 16 passenger decks and has a capacity of 5,400. The crew numbers 2,165. The size of cruise ship Oasis of the Seas allows it to move at 22.6 knots (26 mph; 41.9 km/h).

The power is derived from three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines (13,860 kW/18,590 hp each). Three more Wärtsilä 16V46D engines are installed. Each one produces 18,480 kW/24,780 hp. There are whirlpools, a coffee ship, a winery and duty free shops. There is also a golf course, TV and Internet access.

The ship is operated by the Royal Caribbean International and built at the cost of US$1.4 billion. It was launched on October 28, 2009. Its maiden voyage is scheduled sometime on December 2009.

Dimensions of the Freedom of the Seas

The Freedom of the Seas is 1,119 ft (338.9 m) long. The tonnage is 154,407 GT and the beam is 126.64 ft (38 m). The size of cruise ship Freedom of the Seas gives it a waterline of 184 ft (56.08 m).

The height is 209 ft (63.7 m); that’s about 15 decks. The draught is 28 ft (8.53 m). The 15 decks are the passengers; there are three more making a total of 18.

The passenger capacity of the Freedom of the Seas is 4,370 while the crew is 1,360. The speed is 21.6 knots (40 km/h or 25 mph). The power is derived from six Wärtsilä 46 V12 engines (diesel, 12.6 MW, 17,000 hp).

These drive generators at 514 rpm. The propulsion is provided by 3 ABB Azipod podded electric propulsion units. The ship cost $800 million to build.

Dimensions of the Liberty of the Seas

The size of cruise ship Liberty of the Seas is as follows: the length is 1,119 ft (338.9 m). The beam reaches 126.64 ft (38 m), and the draught is 28 ft (8.53 m). There are 18 decks. The speed of the Liberty of the Seas is 21 knots (25 mph; 40 km/h). The crew number 1,300 and the passenger capacity is 4,370.

The ship is owned by the Royal Caribbean International. It cost $800 million to build. Its first voyage was on May 18, 2007. This cruise ship is still active. Like the other cruise ships, the Liberty features first class rooms, sports centers and other facilities and accommodations.

The massive sizes of cruise ships make them a sight to behold. But as most people will tell you, their amenities are just as impressive.