43+ Cruise Industry Statistics for 2024

Table Of Content

• What’s the Best Month to Cruise? Pros & Cons of Sailing Each Month of the Year
• Oasis of the Seas (6,780 passengers)
• Ship Sizes and What They Have to Offer
• List of largest cruise ships
• Cruise Ship or Aircraft Carrier: A Comparative Look at Size
• Cruise Ship Size Comparison, Dimensions
• Small Cruise Lines ships capacity

Larger ships can accommodate a significantly higher number of passengers compared to smaller vessels. Additionally, luxury cruise lines that prioritize spacious accommodations and personalized service may have lower passenger capacities compared to mainstream cruise lines. As of February 2024[update], there are 68 passenger ships with over 135,000 GT in service. The first ships over that size were the Voyager-class ships from Royal Caribbean Group's Royal Caribbean International (RCI). With a smaller passenger capacity, usually ranging from around 100 to 500 guests, small cruise ships create a more intimate atmosphere.

What’s the Best Month to Cruise? Pros & Cons of Sailing Each Month of the Year

Virgin Voyages takes it a bit further with in-cabin tablets controlling the temperature, mood lighting, movies, and music. On top of that, the balconies on Virgin ships have hammocks that are perfect for relaxing on those warm-weather Caribbean days. Another advantage of smaller, older ships is their passenger flow -- corridors often tend to be wider and the elevators and stair towers are less crowded. Sailing with 2,000 passengers, versus 5,000 or 6,000 cruisers also means there is more of an opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and not overwhelm smaller ports when your ship pulls in. Given the current trend, you might think that cruise ships will continue to increase in size in the future.

Oasis of the Seas (6,780 passengers)

For a real example, consider that Dream Cruises’ Global Dream is slightly smaller by gross tonnage than Royal Caribbeans’ famous Oasis of the Seas ships. For example, a small ship (less than 800 ft in length) may have a high passenger capacity if every guest sleeps in a bunk bed. At the same time, a large vessel (over 1000 ft in length) may have a lower passenger capacity if every passenger gets a private suite. While some older ships may not have the multiple specialty restaurants of their newer fleetmates, their main menus often provide selections from those eateries. There is no question that newer ships offer many more outdoor diversions than older ships.

Ship Sizes and What They Have to Offer

On the other end of the spectrum, mega-ships are the giants of the cruising world, capable of accommodating over 2,000 passengers and sometimes even surpassing the 6,000-passenger mark. These floating resorts offer an unmatched variety of amenities, activities, and entertainment options. From multiple pools, water parks, and sports facilities to Broadway-style shows, casinos, and shopping promenades, mega-ships provide a wealth of options to cater to different tastes and interests. One of the key factors that contribute to the size and scale of a cruise ship is its passenger capacity. Cruise ships are designed to accommodate a specific number of passengers, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand. The passenger capacity of a cruise ship is determined by its size, layout, and the available amenities and facilities.

It’s no longer just a cruise ship or aircraft carrier size comparison—it’s about witnessing a renaissance in ocean travel, where each colossal liner is a statement of human achievement on the high seas. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. As of January 2022, Wonder of the Seas has the largest passenger capacity, with a total capacity of 6,988 passengers. The ship is owned by Royal Caribbean and was completed at the beginning of 2022.

How Big Is a Cruise Ship: Understanding the Dimensions

The focus on cruise ship safety has intensified as the cruise industry builds more extensive and more advanced vessels. The expansive cruise liner length and width are complemented by sophisticated engineering, which includes robust cruise ship engine specs designed for endurance and efficiency. With these grand dimensions come greater responsibilities to protect passengers and crew, and the maritime sector is rising to the challenge with remarkable safety solutions.

Cruise Ship or Aircraft Carrier: A Comparative Look at Size

Until you are standing next to a modern cruise ship, it’s hard to appreciate just how massive they actually are. Small ships are the most nimble, so they can travel to remote areas (like the Arctic or South Pacific) or smaller ports in popular cruise regions like Europe and the Caribbean. Expect longer itineraries on average without a lot of homeporting and repeat ports. Because cabins are limited, these ships can sell out quickly, especially on sought-after sailings, so the best prices and perks packages are usually offered early. Mega-ships are the biggest and newest of the big ships, generally offering the most restaurants, entertainment venues and accommodation categories in a cruise line's fleet.

A Look Inside the World's Largest Cruise Ship, Launching January 2024 Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler

A Look Inside the World's Largest Cruise Ship, Launching January 2024 Condé Nast Traveler.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Some cruises can cost as little as a few hundred dollars per person, while others can cost several thousand dollars per person. Whatever size of cruise ship you choose, be sure that it is from a reputable line and exceeds your expectations for what a vacation should be. In determining how big a ship is, we listed the size, category, and which cruise lines had the best ratings. What size cruise line you choose will depend on your own preferences and what you expect from your experience. For some, it may not be necessary to go aboard a large cruise line when a smaller vessel is better suited for their tastes.

Small Cruise Lines ships capacity

A standard passenger ship cabin usually accommodates 2 or 3 guests, but there are some "smaller" and "bigger" exceptions. The size of a cruise ship’s propeller can be quite impressive, reflecting the power needed to propel such large vessels through the water. The Titanic, once the largest ship afloat at the time of her maiden voyage in 1912, was significantly smaller than modern cruise ships. Surprisingly, most medium and large cruise ships (150,000 GT to 225,000+ GT) have a length right around 1,000 feet (300 meters). The reason cruise ships aren’t built longer is that cruise ships sail to many ports around the world. These massive vessels must dock and maneuver in ports that don’t require frequent upgrades and expansions.

These ships are designed to cater to a wide range of travelers, offering a diverse range of amenities, activities, and entertainment. They feature multiple dining venues, pools, theaters, bars, and often have extensive kids’ and teens’ clubs. Mainstream cruise ships typically sail to popular destinations and offer a variety of itineraries, making them a popular choice for families, groups, and first-time cruisers. It’s worth mentioning that the overall passenger capacity also includes the crew members on board. These dedicated professionals play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the ship and the comfort of its guests.

Like cruise ships, aircraft carriers have a reputation for their massive size. An aircraft carrier is an at-sea airbase with a flight deck from which planes can take off and land. The largest cruise ships and the biggest aircraft carriers are somewhat comparable in size, but there are notable differences.

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. Mega-ships are also more likely to offer exclusive venues to suite passengers, as well as priority seating in common venues or the ability to jump lines for these cruisers. Overall, when choosing a cruise line, it's important to consider not only ship size, but also itinerary, onboard amenities, and overall vibe.

No two cruise ships are exactly alike in terms of size and passenger capacity. The dimensions of a cruise ship can vary greatly, with lengths ranging from around 200 meters to over 360 meters. These dimensions determine not only the physical size of the ship but also its stability and ability to navigate various ports and waterways.

In August 2023, Tripadvisor’s most expensive luxury cruise was a 125-night global tour with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind, costing nearly $132,000 per person. In 2022, the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda topped the list of global cruise destinations, attracting approximately 9M passengers. The average age of ships in the fleet of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) members is 14.1 years. Aside from staterooms and balconies being larger overall on some of the older ships, there is admittedly less variety to choose from, and the percentage of balcony cabins tends to be lower. 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.

That year, the global guest capacity of cruise ships was estimated at approximately 701 thousand. 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. For example, the largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 228,081.