crew cruise ship size

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Cruise Ship Size Comparison, Dimensions

Compare cruise ship sizes by length, weight (tonnage), height, width/beam. Review cruise ship dimensions in both meters and feet, and FAQ information, definitions.

Cruise ship size comparison

In our huge table below there's a list of all most famous, ever best passenger cruise ships sorted by name. This survey also offers smaller cruise ships size comparison of top luxury all-inclusive vessels with gross tonnage even lesser than 5,000 GT. Now the list of all ship sizes related and integrated articles:

• passenger capacity of cruise ships
• cruise ships cost
• newest cruise ships (on order/under construction)
• list of the biggest cruise ships of the world
• world's largest cruiseship building companies
• cruise line companies list

Length of a cruise ship (Length Overall / LOA)

The cruise ship length is professionally referred to as LOA (length overall), meaning the maximum length between the two most distant points on its hull. LOA may also include the tip of the bowsprit - the pole extending from the ship's prow (usually on tall sailing ships, yachts, and smaller boats). The bowsprit is the "winning" part of the ship when competing in a race or during trials/speed tests.

Another passenger cruise ship length measuring (though not included in this survey) is called LWL. LWL signifies "loaded waterline length" (or just "waterline length"). It excludes the total length, denoting only the length at the point where the vessel sits in the water. The LWL measure plays an important role when assessing some ship properties, like "hull speed" (aka "displacement speed"), water displacement, the amount of paint needed for the ship's bottom, etc.

Longest cruise ship in the world

The longest cruise ships by size also occupy the first two positions in the list of the largest cruise ships of the world by passenger capacity and gross tonnage. The humongous Royal Caribbean's floating cities Allure and Oasis boast the whole 360 meters in length (1,181 ft), and breadth of 47 meters (154 ft), the unbelievable for a passenger cruise ship tonnage of 225,300 tons, and max crew-passenger capacity of almost 8,500 (2,170+6,300) - each!

Weight of a cruise ship (tonnage) and draft

The size (tonnage weight) of a cruise ship is measured in "gross tonnage" (GT). It relates to the vessel's internal volume (keel to funnel* and to the outside of the hull) and applying a mathematical formula. The cruise ship tonnage is generally used for determining registration fees, port fees, safety rules, regulations. Another ship data (though not included in this survey) is the vessel's "deadweight tonnage" (DWT), which is the weight a vessel can safely carry (cargo, passengers, etc).

The cruise ship draft (or draught) measures the number of meters/feet from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel - or the ship's "invisible" portion below the surface (and especially when loaded). The cruise ship's draft is very important when considering docking in a particular port, sailing through channels or the inland waterways of the continents (rivers and canals).

*Note: Actually, the ship's funnel is the only part of the enclosed interior space that is NOT included in its Gross Tonnage measurement.

Cruise ship weight

As one of our fans Mr John Spooner (cruiser / Retired Master Mariner) have pointed out, the "Gross Tonnage" weight is a measurement of VOLUME, and not of MASS. GT  is an index related to marine vessels' overall internal volume. According to Wikipedia's definition:

• "Gross Tonnage" (GT) calculations are based on the volume of all the ship's enclosed spaces.
• "Gross Register Tonnage" (GRT) is the vessel's total internal volume measured in "register tons" (each ton equals 100 ft3 / 2,83 m3).
• Neither GT nor GTR measures the vessel's displacement (mass), but really show how big cruise ships are.
• "Deadweight Tonnage" (DWT) measures how much weight a cruise ship (or any of the marine vessel types) can carry safely. This a weighted sum of the vessel's cargo (incl provisions, passengers, crew), fuel, water (fresh and ballast), etc.
• "Displacement Tonnage" is how much weight the water that a cruise ship (any vessel) displaces when floating (the total weight of the ship / including its contents). Displacement is usually applied to the navy rather than commercial marine vessels. It is measured when the ship is loaded at full capacity.

Compare cruise ship sizes

These Cruise Ships Score the Highest Passenger-Crew Ratio

How many crew members are there for one passenger, and why this is important for you? This ranking will inform you about cruise ship passenger and crew capacities and help you understand how much "crew time" you can expect on which cruise ship.

Crew Passenger ratio explained the easy way

The passenger-crew ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of passengers by the total number of crew members . It is a measure of the level of service you can expect during your journey. The higher the ratio, the more time each crew member has to fulfill your wishes.

It is not to be confused with the passenger-space ratio, which is the gross tonnage of a cruise ship divided by the number of guests.

Why should you check a cruise ship's passenger to crew ratio?

If comfort and excellent quality of service is a priority for your cruise vacation, knowing this will help you choose the best cruise ship for you . Although the largest cruise ships can guarantee onboard space, getting personalized service from the cruise staff is even more crucial. Many cruise lines, especially from Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International or MSC Cruises are taking this more seriously.

As you will see in the below ranking, the biggest cruise ships in the world like Symphony of the Seas, Oasis Of The Seas, Quantum of the Seas or Harmony Of The Seas, all from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line don't necessarily offer the highest passenger to crew ratio.

Cruise ship passenger to crew ratio ranking

The following list will show vessels with the highest crew-passenger ratio first so you have a good idea of cruise ships that have the most crew available per guest. Moreover, getting a large crew is expensive, that's why the ranking is dominated by luxury cruise ships.

Once you have scrolled down to view the entire list, you'll never book the wrong cruise ship again. Click next on the cruise ship's name to get more information about its available sailings, average price per day and cabin type, and finally the ship's current location .

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Cruise Ship Size Comparison: A Comprehensive Guide

by Judith Eve | Oct 30, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

Cruise ship size is an important factor to consider when planning a cruise vacation. With so many different cruise ships available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of cruise ship sizes to help you make an informed decision.

Cruise ships come in a variety of sizes, from small vessels that can accommodate just a few hundred passengers to mega-ships that can hold over 6,000 people. The size of a cruise ship can impact the overall experience of your vacation, as larger ships may offer more amenities and entertainment options while smaller ships may provide a more intimate and personalized experience .

This article will compare cruise ship sizes in terms of length, weight (tonnage), height, and width/beam. It will also provide information on the passenger capacity, amenities, and destinations that each size of ship is best suited for. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you choose the perfect cruise ship for your next vacation.

Understanding Cruise Ship Sizes

When it comes to choosing the right cruise ship, understanding the different sizes and their features is crucial. Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, from small luxury vessels to large resort-style ships. Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to understanding cruise ship sizes:

Gross Tonnage

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to cruise ship sizes is gross tonnage. This refers to the overall volume of the ship, including all enclosed spaces. The higher the gross tonnage, the larger the ship. For example, the largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 228,081.

Length, Width, and Height

Another important factor to consider is the length, width, and height of the ship. The length overall (LOA) is the total length of the ship from bow to stern, while the beam is the width of the ship at its widest point. The height of the ship is also important, as it determines which ports the ship can access. For example, the Queen Mary 2, one of the largest ocean liners in the world, has a length of 1,132 feet, a beam of 135 feet, and a height of 236 feet.

Draft refers to the depth of the ship below the waterline. This is important because it determines which ports the ship can access. A ship with a shallow draft can access smaller ports and shallower waters, while a ship with a deep draft is limited to larger ports and deeper waters.

Passenger Capacity

Another important factor to consider is the passenger capacity of the ship. This refers to the number of passengers that the ship can accommodate. Smaller ships typically have a capacity of 500 passengers or less, while larger ships can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers or more.

Amenities and Onboard Features

Finally, it's important to consider the amenities and onboard features of the ship. Larger ships typically have more amenities, such as multiple restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Smaller ships may have fewer amenities, but they often offer a more intimate and personalized experience.

In conclusion, understanding cruise ship sizes is an important part of choosing the right cruise for your needs. By considering factors such as gross tonnage, length, height, draft, and passenger capacity, you can make an informed decision about which ship is right for you.

Largest Cruise Ships in the World

Cruise ships have been growing in size over the past few decades, with some of the latest vessels being the largest ever built. Here are some of the biggest cruise ships in the world:

• Symphony of the Seas : This Royal Caribbean ship is currently the largest in the world, with a gross tonnage of 228,081 and a length of 1,188 feet. It can accommodate up to 6,680 passengers and has a crew of 2,200.
• Harmony of the Seas : Another Royal Caribbean ship, the Harmony of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 226,963 and a length of 1,188 feet. It can also accommodate up to 6,680 passengers and has a crew of 2,100.
• Wonder of the Seas : The newest addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet, the Wonder of the Seas is set to debut in 2022. It will have a gross tonnage of 236,857 and will be able to accommodate up to 6,988 passengers.
• MSC Grandiosa : This MSC Cruises ship has a gross tonnage of 181,541 and a length of 1,085 feet. It can accommodate up to 6,334 passengers and has a crew of 1,700.
• MSC Virtuosa : Also from MSC Cruises, the Virtuosa has a gross tonnage of 181,541 and a length of 1,086 feet. It can accommodate up to 6,334 passengers and has a crew of 1,704.
• Costa Smeralda : This Costa Cruises ship has a gross tonnage of 185,010 and a length of 1,112 feet. It can accommodate up to 6,554 passengers and has a crew of 1,646.
• Carnival Mardi Gras : The newest ship from Carnival Cruise Line, the Mardi Gras has a gross tonnage of 180,800 and a length of 1,130 feet. It can accommodate up to 6,630 passengers and has a crew of 1,745.
• AIDAnova : This ship from AIDA Cruises has a gross tonnage of 183,900 and a length of 1,106 feet. It can accommodate up to 6,600 passengers and has a crew of 1,500.
• MSC Bellissima : Another MSC Cruises ship, the Bellissima has a gross tonnage of 171,598 and a length of 1,033 feet. It can accommodate up to 5,686 passengers and has a crew of 1,536.
• MSC Meraviglia : The Meraviglia from MSC Cruises has a gross tonnage of 171,598 and a length of 1,034 feet. It can accommodate up to 5,714 passengers and has a crew of 1,536.

These are just a few of the largest cruise ships in the world, with many more new vessels being built every year.

Cruise Ship Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cruise ship is its capacity. Cruise ship capacity is typically measured in terms of the number of passengers it can accommodate. This number can vary greatly depending on the size of the ship and the amenities it offers.

Passenger capacity is usually determined by the number of cabins, suites, and staterooms available on the ship. These accommodations can range from small, interior cabins to spacious, luxurious suites with balconies and private hot tubs.

Some cruise ships also offer additional amenities, such as restaurants, bars, theaters, and swimming pools, which can increase their passenger capacity. However, it's important to note that larger ships with more passengers may also mean longer lines and more crowded public spaces.

When choosing a cruise ship, it's important to consider your personal preferences and travel style. If you prefer a more intimate experience with fewer passengers, a smaller ship may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities and entertainment, a larger ship may be more your style.

Overall, cruise ship capacity is an important factor to consider when planning your next cruise. By taking the time to research different ships and their passenger capacity, you can find the perfect cruise for your needs and preferences.

Cruise Line Comparisons

When it comes to choosing a cruise line, size is just one factor to consider. Each cruise line has its own unique personality, itinerary offerings, and onboard amenities. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular cruise lines and how they compare in terms of ship size and other important factors:

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the largest cruise lines in the world, with a fleet of 27 ships. Their newest and largest ship, Symphony of the Seas, can accommodate up to 6,680 passengers. Royal Caribbean is known for their innovative onboard activities, such as rock climbing walls, zip lines, and surf simulators.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a European cruise line that is rapidly expanding its presence in North America. Their newest ship, MSC Meraviglia, can accommodate up to 5,714 passengers. MSC Cruises is known for their elegant onboard design and world-class entertainment, such as Cirque du Soleil shows.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which allows passengers to dine and dress as they please. Their newest ship, Norwegian Encore, can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line is also known for their wide range of dining options, including celebrity chef partnerships.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world, with a fleet of 24 ships. Their newest ship, Mardi Gras, can accommodate up to 5,282 passengers. Carnival is known for their fun and festive atmosphere, with activities such as water parks and onboard breweries.

Holland America

Holland America is a premium cruise line that offers more traditional cruising experiences. Their newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, can accommodate up to 2,666 passengers. Holland America is known for their exceptional dining options and high level of service.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line that offers a more upscale experience. Their newest ship, Celebrity Apex, can accommodate up to 2,910 passengers. Celebrity is known for their modern and sophisticated design, as well as their culinary offerings.

Overall, when choosing a cruise line, it's important to consider not only ship size, but also itinerary, onboard amenities, and overall vibe. Each cruise line has its own unique strengths, so it's worth doing your research to find the one that's right for you.

Cruise Ship Costs

Cruise ship costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size of the ship, the length of the cruise, and the amenities offered. Some cruises can cost as little as a few hundred dollars per person, while others can cost several thousand dollars per person.

When comparing cruise ship costs, it's important to consider the price on a per-day basis, as this can give a better idea of the overall value of the cruise. For example, a seven-day cruise that costs $1,000 per person may seem expensive at first glance, but when broken down to a cost of $143 per day, it may actually be a good deal.

In addition to the base cost of the cruise, there may be additional fees and expenses to consider. For example, some cruises may charge registration fees, which can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost of the cruise. It's important to read the fine print and understand all of the costs associated with a cruise before booking.

When looking for deals on cruise ship costs, it's important to do research and compare prices from different cruise lines. Some cruise lines may offer discounts for early booking or for booking multiple cruises at once. It's also a good idea to check with travel agents, as they may be able to offer special deals or packages.

Overall, while cruise ship costs can be expensive, there are ways to find good deals and get the most value for your money. By doing research and understanding all of the costs associated with a cruise, travelers can make informed decisions and enjoy a memorable cruise experience.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

Cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities and activities for their passengers to enjoy while at sea. Depending on the size of the ship, there may be more or fewer options available. Here are some of the most common onboard amenities and activities that can be found on cruise ships:

Restaurants and Bars

Cruise ships typically offer a variety of dining options, ranging from casual buffets to formal dining rooms. Many ships also have specialty restaurants that require an additional fee. Bars and lounges are also common, offering a range of beverages and cocktails.

Spas and Fitness Centers

Most cruise ships have onboard spas and fitness centers, offering a range of services such as massages, facials, and fitness classes. Some ships even have outdoor jogging tracks and sports courts.

Many cruise ships have onboard casinos, offering a range of games such as blackjack, roulette, and slot machines.

Entertainment Venues

Cruise ships offer a variety of entertainment options, including live music, theater shows, and comedy acts. Some ships even have movie theaters and outdoor screens for movies under the stars.

Onboard Venues and Attractions

Larger cruise ships often have a variety of onboard venues and attractions, such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and mini-golf courses. Some ships even have water parks and go-kart tracks.

Overall, the amenities and activities offered on a cruise ship can vary depending on the size and type of ship. However, there is usually something for everyone, making a cruise a great option for those looking for a resort experience at sea.

Planning Your Cruise Vacation

Planning a cruise vacation can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so many options to choose from, it's important to consider your preferences and priorities to ensure you have the best experience possible.

When planning your cruise, consider the ports of call and itineraries offered by different cruise lines. Some cruises may focus on popular destinations, while others may offer more unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It's important to choose an itinerary that aligns with your interests and travel style.

Cruise ships come in a variety of sizes, from large mega-ships to smaller, more intimate vessels. Larger ships offer more amenities and activities, while smaller ships provide a more intimate feel and personalized service. Luxury cruises often rank higher in terms of service and amenities, but they come with a higher price tag.

It's important to keep safety rules and regulations in mind when planning your cruise vacation. All cruise ships must adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members. Additionally, it's important to research the safety record of the cruise line you're considering and read reviews from past passengers.

Overall, planning a cruise vacation requires careful consideration of your preferences and priorities. With the right research and preparation, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience on the high seas.

Ship Specifics

When it comes to comparing cruise ships, there are several key factors to consider. One of the most important is the ship's length, which can impact everything from the number of passengers it can carry to the amenities it can offer. Another important factor is tonnage, which is a measure of the ship's size and weight.

The length of a cruise ship can vary widely, with some ships measuring less than 100 meters and others stretching more than 300 meters. Longer ships can typically accommodate more passengers and offer a wider range of amenities, while shorter ships may be better suited for more intimate voyages .

Tonnage is another important factor to consider when comparing cruise ships. This measurement takes into account the ship's size and weight, and can impact everything from the ship's stability in rough seas to its ability to offer a wide range of amenities. Larger ships typically have higher tonnage, while smaller ships may have a more intimate feel.

It's also worth noting that different cruise lines may have different standards for ship size and tonnage. For example, some luxury cruise lines may prioritize smaller, more intimate ships, while other lines may focus on larger, more amenity-rich vessels.

Overall, when comparing cruise ships, it's important to consider a range of factors beyond just size and tonnage. Other important considerations may include the ship's age, its onboard amenities, and the destinations it visits. By taking a comprehensive approach to ship comparison, travelers can find the vessel that best suits their individual needs and preferences.

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.

Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.

Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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Cruise Ships with Best Crew to Passenger Ratio: Major Cruise Lines Compared

Customer service is one of the most important factors of your cruise vacation.  No one wants to wait in long lines at the customer service desk or walk around trying to find a crew member to help with something.  The more crew members available for each passenger the smoother a cruise will be.

So, we compared the biggest cruise lines in the world and looked at the number of crew members compared to the double capacity of guests on each cruise ship.

Over 100 cruise ships were compared to see how many passengers per crew member were on each ship.

Using the number of every crew member on a ship is not a perfect metric. After all, cruise passengers only interact with certain crew members that are in public spaces on a ship. But still this figure gives an idea of the kind of service you can expect.

This list does not compare luxury cruise lines like Seaborn Cruise Line, Azamara, Viking Ocean Cruises,  Regent Seven Sea Cruises, etc.   These lines are in a different tier, and you can expect a passenger-crew ratio closer to 1:1.

Related: A Better Crew Makes for a Better Cruise

How did we calculate the passenger to crew ratio in this list?

To come up with the figures below we took the double-capacity of a cruise ship and divided that by the number of crew members.   We then sorted the ships of each major cruise line by this ratio from worst to best in terms of more crew members per guest.

Also, a key variable that can change from trip to trip is the actual number of guests on a voyage, but using a standard double-capacity figure keeps that variable static in our calculations.

I also realize that the crew numbers can fluctuate, but I did try to get the latest numbers based on the data available.

Each cruise line is compared separately, and then an average passenger to crew ratio number is given.

Remember, the lower the number the better the ratio.   So a 2.25 means there are an average of 2.25 passengers for each crew member on the ship. This may also be represented as 1:2.25.

I recently compared cruise ships by their space to guest ratio as well. This was an imperfect but interesting way to examine how crowded a ship may feel.  But an even bigger factor in your cruise experience is customer service and how accessible the crew is to each guest.

Related: Best cruise lines compared

Carnival Cruise Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Carnival Cruise Line ships is 2.54 .

Check latest price drops on Carnival Cruises here.

Royal Caribbean Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is 2.63 .

Check latest cruise deals on Royal Caribbean cruise ships here.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Norwegian cruise ships is 2.29 .

Check the latest cruise deals on Norwegian Cruise Line ships here.

MSC Cruise Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on MSC cruise ships is 2.75 .

Check out the latest deals on MSC cruise ships here.

Celebrity Cruises Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Celebrity cruise ships is 2.25 .

See the latest deals on Celebrity cruise ships here.

Princess Cruises Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Princess cruise ships is 2.54 .

Check latest cruise deals on Princess Cruises here.

Holland America Cruise Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio

Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Holland America Line ships is 2.39 .

Check latest prices on Holland America cruises here.

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Chart: See the Dramatic Rise in the Size of Cruise Ships

How much larger have cruise ships become? Until you are standing next to a modern cruise ship, it’s hard to appreciate just how massive they actually are.

Many times they are called floating cities. That’s not just a cute phrase. It’s accurate. The largest cruise ship in the world — Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas — can hold 6,600 passengers and 2,200 crew. That’s nearly 9,000 people.

Meanwhile, the amenities onboard include everything you need to run a city of that size, from nearly 20 restaurants to medical facilities, from laundry facilities to storefronts.

Growing in Size Over the Years

Gone are the days where a cruise ship was designed simply to be the vessel to get you from port to port. Today, the cruise ship is the destination.

For years there’s been an arms race when it comes to ships. The major cruise lines — including Carnival , Royal Caribbean , and Norwegian — have competed to create ships that not only push their own fleets bigger, but also put them on par with their rivals.

That’s led to the largest cruise ships the world has ever seen… and a steady increase in average size over time.

Consider that from 1990 until 2000, most cruise new ships built were in the 70,000-80,000 gross ton range. (Gross tonnage is a standard measure of a ship’s size.) The average size of all new ships during this time from the major cruise lines was 80,000 gross tons.

But since then the size of ships has soared.

From 2015 until today, the average gross tonnage of a new cruise ship from the major cruise lines is 164,000 gross tons — more than twice the size of a ship built during the 1990s. That includes the Symphony of the Seas, which comes in at a staggering 228,081 gross tons.

Take a look at just how dramatic the increase in cruise ship size has been during the past 30 years:

As you can see from the chart, when it comes to size, all the cruise lines continue to move toward larger ships. Every single cruise line has dramatically increased in size over the past several decades.

However, Royal Caribbean is the line that pushes the envelope the most when it comes to building bigger ships.

The line of ships at the top right of the chart represent the cruise line's Oasis-class of ships, which are the biggest in the world. First launched in 2009, the ships within this class are all at least 225,000 gross tons.

That's about three times the size of the average ship built in the 1990s .

Why Cruise Ships Continue to Get Bigger

So why do cruise ships continue to get larger? For cruise companies and passengers, there are a number of benefits to larger cruise ships.

For passengers, larger ships simply mean more options. With more space comes more restaurants, public areas, activities, and cabin types.

Consider Carnival's Mardi Gras. The new mega-liner is set to debut at the end of 2020, and will have more than 15 spots to eat on board. That's a long way from just having a buffet, dining room and maybe another restaurant or two like you would have found on much older cruise ships.

Norwegian's Breakaway-Plus class of ships like Norwegian Encore have the space to include a number of activities that were unheard of just a few years ago. This includes laser-tag arenas, virtual reality areas, and even go-kart tracks at sea.

For cruise lines, larger ships bring economies of scale come into play. Put simply, it's much cheaper for a cruise line to build and operate one 6,000 person cruise ship than two ships with 3,000 people sailing. It requires less staff, and less cost to build a single large ship than two smaller ones.

With more space, there are also more chances to earn money from passengers. As mentioned by Travel Weekly , "large ships have far greater potential for onboard revenue than smaller ones, with more space for bars, restaurants, and bigger casinos and spas."

Finally, cruise ships act as a marketing tool for the cruise line.

With each new ship comes new media coverage and attention to the ship and the line. In the race to gather attention, bigger and more extravagant lead the way to gather the imagination of potential passengers. There's a very good reason that you never see older ships in the advertisements from the cruise lines.

Limits on Cruise Ship Size

Given the current trend, you might think that cruise ships will continue to increase in size in the future. That's likely not the case. There does come a point to where size becomes a negative instead of a benefit.

Consider that the Oasis of the Seas -- the first of the largest Oasis-class vessels built by Royal Caribbean -- was built in 2009, more than a decade ago. Since then, it's had several sister ships built, that have been marginally larger at most. However, there hasn't been a significantly larger cruise ship built.

Instead, at least for now, this seems to be the upper limit for how large cruise ships will become. As ships get larger, so too do the logistical issues that come with them. Namely, not every port of call can handle the size and scale of the largest vessels.

For example, the Port of Tampa Bay simply can't have the largest cruise ships dock because the height of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at the entrance to the bay is too low.

The Port of Galveston (the busiest cruise port outside of Florida) anticipates welcoming an Oasis-class vessel in the future, but first has to work with Royal Caribbean to build a new terminal that can accommodate ships of that size.

But while the limit on the size of ships may have maxed out for now, there is still room for more vessels to be built up to current standards. Of the 120 cruise ships included on our chart above, 49 of them (41%) are less than 100,000 gross tons.

Given the recent troubles the industry has faced it may take some time to replace those older, smaller ships with larger vessels. But there's no question that the trend definitely is moving that way.

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