The Largest Cruise Ships Ever Built

The history of cruise ships dates back to the 19th century and over time the capacity, technology, luxury, and speed of cruise ships has been improving exponentially. The introduction of Titanic, Olympic, and Britannica by the White Star Line (owned by American mogul) forever changed the cruise ship experience. Since then, larger and more luxurious ships have been developed with complete facilities like swimming pools, tennis courts, dining rooms, and entertainment suits. The 21st century has seen the unveiling of Harmony of the Seas, the largest cruise liner in the world.

Harmony Of The Seas

The Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis class cruise ship first constructed in May 2016. It is a part of the Royal Caribbean International sea liners. It has a gross tonnage of 226,963 GT and measures 1,188.1 feet in length. It has three water slides with each water slide measuring 10 stories tall. The Harmony of the Seas was built by STX Europe stationed in St. Nazaire, France at a cost of US$1.35 billion. Its 2,747 staterooms can house 6,780 guests and 2,100 crew members. Onboard entertainment and recreational activities are organized into seven themed areas referred to as "neighborhoods". It also holds an amphitheatre similar to other Oasis-class ships owned by Royal Caribbean International. There are additionally 24 guest elevators, an ice skating rink and two surf simulators. The ship is 20% more energy efficient compared to its predecessors because it has small air bubbles which reduces drag and in turn fuel consumption.

Allure Of The Seas

Previous to the introduction of Harmony of the Seas in 2016, the Allure of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world. It is also a cruise line of Royal Caribbean International. It was introduced in 2010. This magnate cruise ship has gross tonnages 225,282 GT. Measuring 1,187 feet; it has 2,706 staterooms that can accommodate 6,296 passengers. This luxurious cruise ship has seven neighbourhoods, 10 whirlpools, swimming pools, ice skating, and amphitheatre. The ship has two-deck dance hall and a theatre with seating capacity of 1,380 people featuring an ice skating rink. Before beginning its maiden voyage the ship was fitted with 80kW solar at a cost of $600,000.

Oasis Of The Seas

The Oasis of the Seas is a part of the Royal Caribbean International cruise liners. This mega-ship was unveiled in the year 2009 and has gross tonnage of 225, 282 GT. It measures 1,187 feet long and puts it at the same length with its sister ship, Allure of the Seas. The ship has state of the earth swimming pools, beach pools, unforgettable dining experience, sports zones, and entertainment palace. Besides, the massive diesel engines powering the ship, it has additional solar power that was installed at the cost of $750,000 and covers an area of 21,000 square feet. Oasis of the sea carries with it 18 lifeboats that hold 370 people each and the inflatable life rafts provide for additional crew and passengers.