After being kicked by a donkey while visiting Grand Turk in the Caribbean, a Florida man is seeking compensation from Carnival Cruise Line. Although the man was injured, the social media commentary online suggests that people are wondering who is really at fault in this situation.
Florida Man Sues Carnival After Donkey Kick In Grand Turk
According to Daniel Goldston, a Florida resident and recent passenger onboard Carnival’s Mardi Gras, the cruise line is to blame for his less than stellar experience in Grand Turk.
Mardi Gras, an Excel-class ship, is currently one of the largest vessels operated by the cruise line at 180,800 gross tons and a maximum guest capacity of 6,500.
While visiting the cruise port with his wife, which is owned and operated by the cruise line, Goldston took a photo with a donkey. The animal then kicked him, fracturing his right knee, which he says has required multiple surgical procedures to treat.
The unhappy cruiser filed a lawsuit against Carnival Corporation on February 16, 2024, accusing the cruise line of negligence. Goldston alleges that Carnival was negligent because the company “failed to maintain and operate the cruise terminal properly and failed to install warning signs about the animals and potential risk of harm.”
He also claims that Carnival knew of similar incidents involving donkeys at the cruise terminal, but it’s unclear where he got this information and the cruise line has not responded publicly to this allegation.
That said, the popular cruise line, which currently operates 27 ships, does take safety seriously – but also acknowledges on its website that guests have a role in protecting themselves, too.
“Although everyone’s safety is our number one concern, all guests should take responsibility for their own personal safety,”reads Carnival’s code of conduct.
Carnival’s Mardi Gras Ship (Photo Credit: EetuH)
On social media, the sentiment among commenters was that Goldston was in the wrong for approaching an unknown animal or must have done something to provoke the donkey.
“Wonder what he was doing to the donkey… There’s no way the donkey kicked him (if it actually did) without being provoked or threatened,” commented another.
Alejandro J. Gonzalez of Homestead is representing Goldston in the lawsuit, in which his client seeks “compensatory damages for his injuries and medical expenses as well as lost income, earning capacity and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, disability, physical impairment, scarring, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience and loss of capacity to enjoy life. He also seeks court costs, interest and other relief.“
Neither Gonzalez nor Carnival Corporation have released public statements regarding the suit at the time of this publication.
Tourist Experience Takes A Nose Dive in Grand Turk
Carnival Cruise Line built, owns, and operates The Grand Turk Cruise Center – the only cruise port in the Turks and Caicos. The $50 million cruise terminal opened in 2006 to serve the island country, which is located between the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
Although the port mainly caters to Carnival Cruise Line ships, other cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Marella Cruises, and Virgin Voyages are also known to use the cruise terminal.
Donkeys at Grand Turk (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)
But lately, things haven’t been all smooth sailing in Grand Turk. At the end of 2023, it was reported that Grand Turk saw a decline in profitability and customer service ratings.
The main causes behind the lowered perceptions related to drug-related incidents and physical altercations on the island, as well as complaints of not enough shore excursions and activities. But, it also seems another problem may be getting out of hand.
Reports have been circulating that suggest that the population of wild donkeys and stray dogs is overwhelming communities in Grand Turk, which is leading to car accidents because of animals on the road and incidents with tourists who try to pet them.
There are also concerns about how to properly care for all of the animals, with some locals also concerned about the potential for animal neglect or for injured animals to go untreated.
Celebrity Cruises has reached out to guests who have sailed aboard Celebrity Ascent with notification of a Legionella diagnosis for two passengers who sailed aboard the ship in January 2024.
The notification has been sent in an abundance of caution, and the disease is not contagious between individuals, but lives in water droplets. Enhanced sanitation has been implemented onboard as a precaution.
Celebrity Cruises Informs Passengers
A letter sent to recent Celebrity Cruises guests has informed them of a confirmed diagnosis of Legionella from two prior guests onboard the brand new Celebrity Ascent.
“Your health and safety are always our top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we are reaching out because the CDC advised that two guests who sailed on Celebrity Ascent in January were later diagnosed with a respiratory illness known as Legionella,”the email notification read.
To be clear, the guests were not diagnosed onboard the cruise ship, nor has there been a recognized outbreak linked to a specific sailing.
“While they do not know if these guests were exposed onboard or elsewhere, we are working with the CDC to ensure awareness,”the email explained.
As soon as the cruise line was notified, extra sanitation protocols were implemented aboard Celebrity Ascent. This would include extra cleaning of vulnerable surfaces and equipment as needed, and changes to operational protocols to limit any potential spread.
It should be noted that the disease is not spread through person-to-person contact, but instead is a bacterial infection passed via contaminated water droplets such as through air conditioning condensers, hot tubs, water dispensers, and similar sources.
The disease also occurs naturally in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers, as well as in municipal water supplies, public pools, decorative fountains, hot water tanks, and other water sources.
To protect their privacy, further details about the exact Celebrity Ascent sailing or the infected guests’ names or identifying information has not been released. It is not known whether the individuals are related or were traveling together, though that does seem likely.
The 3,260-passenger, 140,600 gross-ton, Edge-class ship officially joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet in December 2023. Celebrity Ascent is now homeported from Fort Lauderdale, offering Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries until she moves to the Mediterranean in late April for the summer sailing season.
About Legionella
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionella – in its more severe form, Legionnaires’ Disease, and in its more mild form, Pontiac fever – has an incubation period of 2-14 days. It is unknown whether or not the individuals who tested positive after their cruise aboard Celebrity Ascent contracted the illness from the ship or from some other source prior to boarding.
It is also unclear exactly when the disease was confirmed, and given the variance in the incubation period, it is even possible they contracted the disease after the sailing. Droplets of contaminated water must be breathed in for infection to occur, or contaminated water must otherwise get in the lungs.
Celebrity Ascent Resort Deck
Typical symptoms of both Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac fever include coughing, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and shortness of breath. Severity of symptoms will vary between individuals, and may be confused with pneumonia or similar diseases.
Individuals at increased risk include those over the age of 50, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those with compromised breathing abilities, such as current or former smokers or individuals with emphysema or similar conditions.
In 2018 – the most recent year with complete data – roughly 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease were reported in the US. It is believed the disease is likely underreported due to the similarity of symptoms with other illnesses. The disease can be contracted at any time of year, but is more common in summer and early fall.
Celebrity Cruises is urging any passengers who experience symptoms associated with Legionnaires’ Disease within 14 days of sailing aboard Celebrity Ascent to seek medical attention and alert medical authorities to their recent travel.
Norwegian Joy has emerged from her three-week dry dock with amazing luxury upgrades, including a new Thermal Suite, redesigned suites, new balcony staterooms, and an expanded Vibe Beach Club.
The newly rejuvenated ship has returned to her homeport in Miami, Florida, and is now offering Caribbean sailings through the end of March. At that time, she will move to New York to offer outstanding cruises to Bermuda for the summer.
Norwegian Joy Dry Dock Updates
Norwegian Joy finished her lengthy dry dock update on February 11, 2024, and returned to service with an 11-night transatlantic cruise to return to Miami. This gave guests onboard the first opportunity to enjoy the ship’s new updates and extensive luxury.
The most outstanding of the numerous updates is the addition of the new centralized Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon on Deck 16. Featuring brand new four senses loungers, a sauna, an ice room, and an aromatic steam room, along with other luxurious amenities, the Thermal Suite is the largest such facility among Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-Plus vessels.
Guests familiar with Norwegian Joy will notice that the new Thermal Suite has replaced the ship’s virtual reality complex, Galaxy Pavilion.
Additional luxury is to be found in the newly expanded Premier Owner’s Suites in The Haven, Norwegian Joy’s exclusive ship-in-a-ship area. The suites have been expanded to three bedrooms, with three-and-a-half bathrooms, renovations throughout, and a separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing Horizon Lounge, exclusive to The Haven.
Travelers who want to enjoy the ship’s new luxury but aren’t quite ready for the Premier Owner’s Suites can try out the 24 new balcony staterooms taking the place of part of the ship’s Observation Lounge on the port side of Deck 15.
Norwegian Joy Suite
The Vibe Beach Club on Decks 19 and 20 has also been expanded to provide more space for guests to enjoy without feeling crowded.
“Our guests have asked for these enhancements to Norwegian Joy, and we delivered,”said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.“We strive to evolve the onboard experience based on our guests’ wants and needs, and this is another example of how we put them first in our decision-making.”
Haven Premier Owners Suite
What guests want onboard is more ways to relax, with abundant space to enjoy the ship’s amenities. To that end, Norwegian Cruise Line has gone above and beyond to bring the very best of luxury to Norwegian Joy.
“From an expanded spa to additional spacious accommodations, with these new updates, we have given our guests more space to relax, unplug and enjoy their time on board with their loved ones,”said Herrera.
Other Features Refreshed
In addition to the new luxury enhancements, all public areas onboard the 167,725-gross-ton Norwegian Joy have also been refreshed, including her 21 bars and lounges, 16 dining venues, and the quarter-mile oceanfront promenade.
For greater thrills, travelers of all ages will love the Norwegian Joy Speedway, the ship’s Aqua Park, miniature golf, and much more, including fun entertainment such as the ever-popular, interactive game show, Deal or No Deal.
Norwegian Joy Open Deck
Technical updates, general maintenance, and basic repairs are also part of these types of dry dock renovations, all of which have been done to make Norwegian Joy updated and amazing for every guest she welcomes.
The ship can host as many as 3,776 guests on each sailing (based on double occupancy), with more than 1,800 international crew members to ensure every traveler has a joyful cruise vacation.
Norwegian Joy will remain sailing from Miami through the end of March, before moving to New York for the summer and fall seasons, offering primarily Bermuda itineraries as well as select Canada and New England departures for amazing autumn voyages.
The ship will return to Florida in the fall, alternating sailings from Miami and Los Angeles before the 2025 Alaska season, after which she will sail from Port Canaveral.
Carnival Elation is on the move again after a delay of several hours due to heavy fog as the ship returned to the Port of Jacksonville.
Guests booked on the ship’s next cruise have been alerted to the delay and advised to move their arrival time appointments five hours later in the day to accommodate the late arrival, but all travelers must be onboard by 7 p.m. for the ship’s revised departure.
Carnival Elation Delayed Five Hours
Due to heavy fog that closed the Port of Jacksonville to all marine traffic on Monday morning, Carnival Elation was delayed while returning from her latest cruise, a 4-night Bahamas sailing. Now, the ship will be arriving at approximately 1 p.m. to debark guests and prepare the vessel for the next cruise.
Passengers eager to board for that next cruise have been alerted to the delay through a series of emails and text messages. The final update, provided at noon, was the good news that the ship would soon be arriving and the embarkation arrival plans were confirmed.
“This is our final update. Embarkation has been revised. Debarking guests must leave before we can accommodate you,”the notification explained.“Please delay your terminal arrival appointment by 5 hours. Kindly adhere to this schedule.”
This means an arrival appointment that was originally scheduled for 12 p.m. would now be at 5 p.m., a 1:30 arrival appointment would now be at 6:30, and so on.
All embarking guests must be onboard Carnival Elation no later than 7 p.m. for the ship’s departure for the 5-night Bahamas itinerary. Originally, the ship was to depart Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m.
To make up for the inconvenience of the delayed departure, all guests will receive a $25 (USD) onboard credit to make up for lunch. As the delay is relatively minimal, no other compensation is expected.
Help for Guests Onboard
Travelers still on the Fantasy-class Carnival Elation are likely being offered assistance to help adjust their travel plans after the cruise, such as complimentary internet use to change flight reservations or contact family members, friends, or ride share companies planning to pick them up at the cruise port.
If flights were purchased through Carnival Cruise Line, they will be automatically adjusted to the next available flights.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
During the delay, the onboard crew will also do everything possible to provide extra activities and updates, keeping everyone as informed as they can about the ship’s progress and docking plans.
Will the Next Itinerary Be Changed?
Guests may be understandably concerned whether or not their slightly-delayed cruise may suffer from knock-on effects to the overall itinerary.
The ship is scheduled for a day at sea, followed by a visit to Nassau on Wednesday and Bimini on Thursday, and another day at sea before Carnival Elation returns to Jacksonville on Saturday, March 9.
Because cruise ships typically slow down during days at sea to ensure more comfortable conditions for passengers to enjoy all the activities on the open decks – pools, hot tubs, deck parties, games, contests, live music, and more – it is easy for a ship to increase speed and make up lost time during a day at sea.
At this time, there are no expected changes to Carnival Elation‘s time in port. The ship will be in each port from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on their respective days, but it is possible those times may yet be revised as the ship is en route.
Holland America Line has opened up new Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises for 2025 and 2026, giving guests more opportunities to set sail for these bucket list destinations.
Five ships from five North American homeports will offer these sailings, some with brand new ports of call and with cruise lengths from 15-22 nights for the ultimate in vacation flexibility.
Holland America Line Panama Canal Itineraries
Sailing through the Panama Canal is a true bucket list voyage for many cruise travelers, and Holland America Line is making it easier and more exciting than ever with its new 2025-2026 itineraries.
The cruise line has added Acajutla, El Salvador on most Panama Canal itineraries, bringing guests to a new and exciting port of call and making the voyage even more unique with outstanding tour options.
“We know a Panama Canal transit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many of our guests are seeking, and by adding Acajutla to select voyages, we’re making it even more memorable,”said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer.
“Guests can discover the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ with a shore excursion to Joya de Cerén archaeological site, where they’ll explore a Mayan farming village remarkably preserved under volcanic ash.”
Guests will be able to explore ancient Mayan ruins, visit stunning waterfalls, tour a cacao plantation, and enjoy all the intimacy of a daylight transit through the famous Panama Canal locks with expert commentary on the open decks.
Three ships will be offering Panama Canal voyages, including Eurodam, Koningsdam, and Zuiderdam. The Pinnacle-class Koningsdam will actually be making her very first transit, a notable occasion in any ship’s history.
Holland America Koningsdam (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)
Travelers will have their choice of departure ports for memorable Panama Canal cruises, including Vancouver, Seattle, San Diego, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale. Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, other ports of call may include destinations in Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, California, and Canada.
Also included on many Panama Canal sailings is a stop at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas, ensuring guests an exclusive and enjoyable visit.
Options for Hawaii Sailings
Visiting the Aloha State is another cruise voyage on many travelers’ must-sail lists, and Holland America Line is offering amazing options with both roundtrip itineraries from either San Diego or Vancouver, as well as one-way voyages that start in Vancouver and end in San Diego.
Koningsdam, Zaandam, and Nieuw Amsterdam will all be sailing in Hawaii, and it’s especially notable that it will be Nieuw Amsterdam‘s first season in the tropical paradise.
Holland America Cruise in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
To bring guests a special taste of Hawaii, Nieuw Amsterdam offers the freshest seafood at Morimoto by Sea, while Koningsdam and Zaandam will also offer special “pop-up dinners” featuring the restaurant’s outstanding menu on select nights.
Depending on the itinerary and sailing date, guests will visit a variety of top Hawaiian ports – Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, and Kona. Many voyages also feature an overnight in Honolulu, giving guests extended time to explore the capital of Hawaii.
Exceptional Rates and Deals
Cruise-only fares for Panama Canal sailings begin at $1,779 per person (based on double occupancy), while Hawaii cruises start at $1,579. Port fees, taxes, and individual expenses are additional.
For a limited time, Holland America Line is offering bonuses for travelers who book the “Have It All” premium package, which already includes shore tours, specialty dining, a beverage package, and Wi-Fi access. In addition, guests will also get free prepaid gratuities as well as upgrades to the beverage and Wi-Fi packages.
With Holland America Line recently having smashed its own single-day booking record with great cruise deals, these unique and highly desirable itineraries are sure to fill quickly an interested guests will want to make their reservations soon to secure their preferred vessel and sailing date.
Carnival Elation delayed returning to Jacksonville due to dense fog closing the port to marine traffic.
Embarking guests told to wait and not proceed to the terminal; $25 onboard credit offered as compensation.
Second Carnival fog delay in three days after Carnival Spirit was delayed at Mobile, Alabama.
Just two days after a fog delay at the Port of Mobile in Alabama, fog has impacted another Carnival Cruise Line homeport with the Port of Jacksonville now closed to marine traffic, delaying the return of Carnival Elation.
Because the Port of Jacksonville is located up the St. Johns River and cruise ships must safely pass beneath the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge (the Dames Point Bridge) to reach the terminal, clear navigation is essential before Carnival Elation can proceed.
Carnival Elation Delayed
Carnival Elation is now delayed in returning from her most recent sailing, a 4-night Bahamas itinerary that left Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Heavy fog has temporarily closed the Port of Jacksonville to marine traffic, and the 70,367-gross-ton, Fantasy-class ship cannot safely enter the St. Johns River to navigate to the cruise terminal.
“The Port of Jacksonville is closed to marine traffic due to dense fog, and Carnival Elation’s arrival will be delayed,”a notification sent to embarking guests read.“This will impact your embarkation.”
The first notification did not include a time frame for the revised embarkation, and guests were advised to wait for further communication before proceeding to the cruise terminal. A second update sent at 9 a.m. advised guests that the port remained closed, but another update would be provided by 11 a.m.
“Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update,”the email read.
Guests were asked to sign up for text alerts for further notifications as the situation develops.
Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo Credit: Terrance Scarborough / Shutterstock)
All guests are also receiving a $25 (USD) credit posted to their onboard accounts to enjoy lunch on the cruise line’s tab while they wait to arrive at the cruise terminal.
At the moment, the cruise ship is holding position outside the mouth of the St. Johns River, offshore east of Jacksonville Beach to be sure to be clear of any marine traffic with sufficient room to maneuver. All operations onboard are fully functional.
Carnival Elation‘s next cruise is a 5-night Bahamas itinerary with port of call visits scheduled for Nassau and Bimini, as well as two days at sea. Because the days at sea are the first and last full days of the cruise, it would be easy for the ship to make up time for a minor to moderate delay without impacting her planned time in port.
The ship can welcome 2,190 passengers aboard for each sailing at double occupancy, or as many as 2,697 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are 900 international officers and crew members to ensure everyone has an amazing cruise vacation.
Ultimately, Carnival Spirit was delayed by four hours, and guests were asked to adjust their arrival appointment times accordingly so debarking guests could smoothly clear the terminal and parking areas before new passengers arrived.
Carnival Spirit Fog (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
All embarking guests were provided with a $25 onboard credit to compensate for the delay, and everyone needed to be onboard the ship by 6 p.m. for departure.
Fog delays are not uncommon, particularly at homeports where ships must navigate narrow or complex channels to reach the cruise terminal. Such delays are well known at Galveston, Tampa, Mobile, New Orleans, and Jacksonville, but can occur at any homeport for a variety of adverse weather conditions.
The fate of the SS United States is still in limbo as the court case over back rent and increased berth fees has not yet been decided, but such a decision could come any day.
If the case is decided against the ship, she will need to be removed from her south Philadelphia home, where she has been docked for nearly 30 years. Where could a new home for the vessel be? The answers are not all good ones.
SS United States Court Case Still Undecided
More than six weeks after the two-day court case hearing both sides of the disputes surrounding the SS United States, the case is as yet undecided whether or not the back rent will be due or will be declared null and void to preserve the ship’s berth space at Pier 82 in Philadelphia.
Should the federal case be decided against “America’s Flagship” and the SS United States Conservancy, the debts will become due and it is uncertain what may happen to the vessel.
According to CBS News Philadelphia, the outstanding fees related to the ship’s docking and berth space are greater than $731,000. Those fees are due to Penn Warehousing and Distribution, which owns the berth space.
While the ship has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996, it wasn’t until 2011 that Penn Warehousing took over the contract for the ship’s berth. In 2021, the rental fee was doubled from $850 to $1,700 per day, an increase that the SS United States Conservancy claims to have been implemented without proper notification and negotiation.
Should the case be decided against the ship, terms of repayment would still need to be determined.
Ship May Need to Move
Board members of the SS United States Conservancy have created a plan to move the ship if a new home is secured for the vessel, with the hopes that the legendary ship could be renovated into a mixed-use development with hotel rooms, event space, and other options that would appeal to a new generation of visitors to enjoy the ship and her amazing history.
Unfortunately, less desirable options may also be necessary if the ship must move from the space she has occupied for nearly three decades.
SS United States
“If this ship is evicted, it would have to be scrapped or reefed,”said Conservancy board member Warren Jones.“There is no alternative – given the size of the ship.”
The SS United States entered service in 1952 and spent 17 years on transatlantic passenger runs, offering record-breaking times to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
The ship is 53,329 gross tons and measures 990 feet long with a beam length of 101.5 feet at her maximum width. Her draft is approximately 32 feet, and from keel to funnel, she measures 175 feet across 12 decks.
When in service, the SS United States could welcome 1,928 passengers, and was also home to a crew of 900 to provide outstanding service to those aboard.
If the ship were to be scrapped, that work would likely be done at one of the major ship breaking facilities such as in Aliaga, Turkey; Alang, India; or Gadani, Pakistan.
There are also three ship breaking yards in the United States, two in Texas and one in California, but they may not be able to handle the work for a ship of this magnitude or may not have the time in their schedules when necessary.
If the ship were to be reefed, it would be deliberately sunk to become an artificial reef. To prepare for that fate, the ship would be moved to the appropriate location and all potentially hazardous materials would be removed before the vessel was scuttled.
A decision from the federal court is expected soon, though it could be months before the final fate of the vessel may be determined once this legal case is decided.
From the very beginning, cruise ships and ocean liners have captured the imagination of travelers. By offering a comfortable and luxurious mode of transportation, these enormous vessels provide voyages with a memorable experience rather than just a way of traversing the world’s waterways.
That’s why we’re pitting Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic, among the world’s most iconic ships.
Even though the two ships are separated by more than 100 years, they stand out as era-defining achievements in maritime engineering and design. More specifically, their enormous sizes redefined the eras when they were built.
Although Symphony of the Seas‘ 1,188-foot length is significantly larger than the Titanic’s 822-foot length, it’s important to remember the historical context.
Today, we will take an in-depth, side-by-side look into these two remarkable passenger ships to see how they compare. We’ll examine everything from their backgrounds and construction to what types of amenities, accommodations, and safety features they were equipped with.
Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic – How Do They Compare?
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is much bigger than the iconic RMS Titanic. Symphony of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 228,081 and is 1,188 feet in length, compared to Titanic’s 46,328 gross tons and length of 822 feet.
Titanic was the world’s largest ship when she entered service in 1912. Symphony of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship when she entered service in 2018.
Symphony of the Seas
The Symphony of the Seas was completed in 2018 for Royal Caribbean. The ship was the fourth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class line of cruise ships, named after the first of her class, the Oasis of the Seas.
At the time of her maiden voyage, the Symphony of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage. This meant she surpassed the previous record holder, her sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas.
Symphony of the Seas (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
The record lasted four years until a third Ocean Class vessel, Wonder of the Seas, set sail in March 2022. Even though it has since been surpassed, the Symphony of the Seas remains one of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Symphony of the Seas was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard (previously named STX Europe) in Saint-Nazaire, France. Ordered by Royal Caribbean in May of 2014, she was first launched for sea trials in June 2017.
RMS Titanic
The legendary RMS Titanic was first launched over a century earlier, departing on her tragic maiden voyage on May 31, 1911. The Titanic was registered in Britain to a joint American-British company called White Star Line.
Titanic Under Construction (Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock)
When the order was placed, she was meant to be the second of three Olympic-Class ocean liners. The original order was placed on September 17, 1908, and after successfully bidding to take the project on, the ship was constructed by Harland and Wolff shipbuilding company in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Not only did the designs call for the ship to be one of the world’s largest ocean liners, but the ship was to be the pinnacle of comfort and luxury for passengers. From the moment the keel was laid in March of 1909 until the day she was completed on April 2, 1912, over 15,000 men had worked on constructing and outfitting the ship.
Cost to Build the Ships and Launch Dates
Symphony of the Seas cost a staggering $1.35 billion and took roughly three years to construct. In contrast, the Titanic was valued at $7.5 million in 1912, which amounts to approximately $198 million in today’s money after being adjusted for inflation. At precisely three years and two days, the construction time for the Titanic was almost identical to that of Symphony of the Seas.
Symphony of the Seas Construction
The Symphony of the Seas was first launched with her maiden voyage from Barcelona, Spain, on April 7, 2018. The sailing involved a week-long trip to the Mediterranean Sea.
On the other hand, the Titanic set sail on her doomed maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, just eight days after she had completed her final sea trial. The voyage departed from Southampton, England, en route to New York City, USA, via the North Atlantic Ocean, but sadly she never arrived at her destination.
Size Comparison
While the two ships both set records and amazed spectators for their size and luxury when launched, they differ quite substantially in just about every measurement. To make it easier to appreciate the differences between the two gargantuan ships, here’s a side-by-side size chart:
Titanic vs Symphony of the Seas Size Chart
Measurement
RMS Titanic
Symphony of the Seas
Length
822 feet
1,188 feet
Width
92.5 feet
215.5 feet
Depth/Height
175 feet
238 feet
Gross Tonnage
46,328 GT
228,081 GT
As you can see, the Symphony of the Seas dwarfs the Titanic by every metric; however, it’s important to remember that this is mostly just a testament to the time separating the two ships. Technological advancements allow modern cruise ships to be built to unthinkable proportions in the early 20th century.
Passenger and Crew Capacities
As you would expect from the difference in physical size between the two vessels, Symphony of the Seas has a much larger passenger capacity and requires many more crew members to operate.
Photo Credit: AliveGK / Shutterstock
All of that extra size also translates to more passenger decks and cabins. With that said, it is once again worth remembering the historical context. For its time, the RMS Titanic was a true behemoth that captured the attention of the whole world.
Still, it’s interesting to see how a modern cruise ship compared to an ocean liner that was the largest ship afloat when she first set sail:
Titanic vs Symphony of the Seas Capacity Chart:
Measure
RMS Titanic
Symphony of the Seas
Maximum Passengers
2,435
6,680
Total Crew
892
2,200
Decks
10
17 (16 accessible to passengers)
Passenger Cabins
840
2,759
Passenger Accommodations
While the record-breaking dimensions of each ship are certainly impressive, they only partially explain why the Symphony of the Seas and the Titanic are such iconic vessels. Where they genuinely impress is the unprecedented number and variety of amenities they were outfitted with.
Layout of the Titanic (Credit: National Liverpool Museums)
The passenger accommodations on the ships also helped carve out their respective reputations for luxury and extravagance.
While the modern Symphony of the Seas is outfitted with luxurious suites, staterooms, and cabins with walk-out balconies, the Titanic featured lavish first-class suites, comfortable second-class cabins, and more basic shared accommodations in the third-class quarters.
Titanic Accommodations
The Titanic’s 840-passenger staterooms included 39 private suites, which featured separate bedrooms, private washroom facilities, a wardrobe room, and a seating area. Each room within these suites was separated by doors, giving the accommodations the feel of a luxury hotel in New York City, London, or Paris.
Three hundred fifty less extravagant first-class accommodations also featured private washrooms, but they had joint bedrooms and seating areas.
All of the first-class accommodations and some of the upper-tier second-class cabins were decorated in Louis XVI style, meaning they had the carved wood décor and furnishings that were more commonly associated with luxury hotels of the time.
First Class Titanic Stateroom (Photo Credit: Robert Welch)
Even the ship’s second-class passengers would have enjoyed more spacious and luxurious accommodations than the first-class cabins available on other ships of the time. Mahogany furniture, mirrors, storage shelves, oak wall paneling, and linoleum floors all would have impressed passengers staying in the second-class staterooms.
While many people assume that accommodations and facilities for third-class passengers would have been lowly and squalid due to their depiction in the 1997 film Titanic, they also would have been more impressive and better served than the typical third-class rooms of the time.
Symphony of the Seas Accommodations
The Symphony of the Seas offers a wide range of room types. Passengers can find accommodations that fit their travel style, as well as their budget.
Right at the top tier of the ship’s rooms is the Ultimate Family Suite, a two story, family-oriented option that looks more like a condominium than a cruise ship cabin. With an in-suite games room, air hockey table, slide, and a private balcony Jacuzzi tub, it’s unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else.
The Ultimate Family Suite onboard Symphony of the Seas
Royal Suite Class rooms also offer a similar experience, but the rooms are aimed towards luxury rather than child-friendly fun. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, interior and ocean-view staterooms offer luxury without breaking the bank. Standard cabins and those with balconies also provide guests with everything they need to enjoy their stay on this state-of-the-art cruise ship.
Onboard Amenities and Passenger Experience
Naturally, the Symphony of the Seas is outfitted with a greater variety of passenger amenities, but you might be surprised to learn just how many entertainment options the Titanic’s passengers would have had available to them. The following are just some of the amenities available to those traveling on these two iconic passenger vessels:
Dining Options
The food on the Titanicwas meant to reflect the ship’s overall sense of opulence, so it is no surprise that the “ultimate luxury ocean liner” offered guests several dining options.
First-class passengers had two dining rooms, an a la carte restaurant, a Parisian-style café, and several bars to choose from. The main first-class dining room on D deck featured a fireplace with panoramic windows, and it could accommodate up to 550 passengers at a time.
First Class Dining Room (Photo Credit: Francis Browne)
Unsurprisingly, the menus for first-class and second-class passengers were impressive. With multiple courses per meal, gourmet options, and a full staff of trained chefs, dining aboard the Titanic would have been a truly memorable experience.
Passengers holding second-class tickets also had access to dining rooms with an impressive atmosphere and delicious menu. Even the third-class dining room on G deck served three fresh meals a day, far beyond what would have been served to those traveling in the steerage of other ships.
Photo Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock
While the dining on the Titanic would have been revolutionary for the time, the Symphony of the Seas takes things to new heights. The ship features 20 unique dining establishments, including a magnificent main dining room and a myriad of casual dining options.
Passengers can choose from 10 different complimentary establishments, as well as basic room service, or they can choose to pay extra to enjoy some of the ship’s specialty restaurants, which include a sushi restaurant, seafood bar, steak house, and more.
Pool Facilities
The Titanic featured a full-sized, heated swimming pool and a Turkish bath. While this was considered to be cutting-edge for the time, Symphony of the Seas features three large pools on Deck 15, whirlpools, and a full-scale water park equipped with numerous water slides. Plus, thrill-seeking guests can enjoy the FlowRider surfing simulator.
Symphony of the Seas Pools (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Gyms and Recreation Options
The Titanic allowed guests to exercise and get their blood flowing in a fully equipped gymnasium. The ship’s gym was only available to first-class passengers, which explains why it was near its iconic grand staircase. Guests could also enjoy spa facilities, oak-paneled change rooms, and a squash court.
Titanic Gymnasium (Photo Credit: Robert Welch)
It won’t surprise you to learn that the Symphony of the Seas takes things much further. The ship features several gyms and fitness facilities and has a full-size running and jogging track. The ship’s Vitality Sea Spa also allows cruisers to relax and unwind after a workout.
Aft of Symphony of the Seas
While that may sound like a lot, it’s just the beginning. The ship also features a rock-climbing wall, zipline, mini golf course, numerous sports courts, FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag facility, and much more!
Laundry Options
Both the Symphony of the Seas and the Titanic were designed to offer their passengers full laundry services. Neither ship was equipped for self-service laundry facilities, but the paid services were designed to make things easy for all guests.
Ticket Prices
Average ticket prices on the Symphony of the Seas depend on the suite level, itinerary, and voyage duration. Plus, there are other considerations, like dining and drink upgrades.
With that said, it’s possible to stay on the ship for as little as $1,500, but the most luxurious accommodations, like the Ultimate Family Suite, could cost as much as $85,000! Rather than trying to guess prices, you are much better off checking for the latest cruise deals.
Symphony of the Seas (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)
For the Titanic, ticket prices varied according to class and accommodations. First-class tickets ranged from £30 to £870, equivalent to roughly $4,350 to $126,000 in today’s currency. Lower-class tickets were much cheaper but could still range from $435 to $5,220 in today’s money.
Safety Features
When they were built, both ships were equipped with advanced safety features for their respective times. Today, the Symphony of the Seas has state-of-the-art safety measures, like advanced navigation systems, a redundant propulsion system, and comprehensive emergency response procedures.
It is also outfitted with more than enough lifeboats and buoyancy aids for every single passenger and crew member on board the ship.
Titanic Lifeboat
In contrast, the Titanic represented the best in safety features for its era, but, as was tragically proven, these measures were still lacking.
A limited number of lifeboats and compartments that were not truly watertight meant the iceberg impact was a disaster for the ship and its passengers.
Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic FAQs
Why is the Symphony of the Seas the best?
Put simply, the Symphony of the Seas is the better ship due to technological improvements. With over 100 years separating the two ships, it only makes sense that the more modern of the two vessels would feature more complex engineering and improved amenities, accommodations, and entertainment options.
With that said, both ships were true icons of their time. The sinking of the Titanic somewhat taints the memory of the ship, but it’s important to remember that it was a true engineering marvel for its time.
Is Symphony of the Seas a party cruise?
No, the Symphony of the Seas is not strictly a party cruise. Although it does have the bars, clubs, live performances, and poolside cocktail lounges needed to cater to guests looking to enjoy more of a party atmosphere, it was designed to meet the needs of a wide range of passengers.
With plenty of areas for rest and relaxation, as well as child-friendly amenities and restaurants, Symphony of the Seas is a cruise ship for everyone.
Are modern cruise ships safer than the Titanic?
Yes, modern cruise ships benefit from over 100 years of advancement in safety standards and technologies. In fact, the Titanic disaster actually encouraged serious improvements in passenger ship design and safety equipment, as well as much stricter maritime safety standards.
Enormous ships have always captivated the imaginations of the general public. The RMS Titanic ocean liner and the Seawise Giant supertanker are among history’s most iconic and memorable vessels.
Although at 1,504.1 feet long, the Seawise Giant is the longest ship ever constructed, eclipsing the 882-foot length of the Titanic, the two ships are still considered titans of their respective eras.
Today, we are going to take an in-depth look at how these two extraordinary ships compare. From detailed comparisons of their dimensions and purposes to backgrounds on how they were constructed and their eventual fates, this guide will help you understand the differences and similarities between these two legendary vessels.
How Big is the Seawise Giant Compared to the Titanic?
Both vessels were giants of their time, but the Seawise Giant was much larger than the Titanic. The giant ship had a gross tonnage of 260,941, compared to the Titanic, which was 46,329 gross tons. Seawise Giant was 1,504 feet in length compared to the length of the Titanic, which was 882 feet.
To make it easier to understand how the origins of these two ships differ, we will take a look at each in isolation.
The RMS Titanic
While many people mistake the RMS Titanic for a cruise ship, she was designed to be the world’s most luxurious ocean liner. She was the second in a trio of Olympic-level ocean liners when the Titanic was built. Like her sister ships, the Olympic and Britannic, the Harland & Wolff Shipyard built the Titanic in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Titanic Ocean Liner
Although the Titanic would be a British-registered ship upon completion, she was owned by a joint British and American company called White Star Line. The order was first placed on September 17, 1908, but construction did not begin until March 1909. Almost exactly three years after the keel was laid, the Titanic was completed on April 2, 1912.
When her first sea trials began, she was the largest ship ever constructed. The unprecedented construction project required round-the-clock work and the efforts of over 15,000 laborers and craftsmen!
The Seawise Giant
The Seawise Giant stands in stark contrast to the Titanic. Not only is it significantly larger, it was designed for a completely different purpose. Where the RMS Titanic was designed to be a luxurious and opulent transatlantic passenger vessel, the Seawise Giant was designed to be the world’s biggest cargo ship.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries constructed the enormous supertankers at the Oppama Shipyard in Kanagawa, Japan. The order was placed in 1974 by a Greek shipping magnate.
Seawise Giant (Photo Credit: Octabeck)
Following completion in October of 1979, it was the longest and heaviest self-propelled ship ever constructed. Despite her record-breaking proportions, the ship was unnamed upon completion due to ownership issues and a lengthy arbitration proceeding between Sumitomo Heavy Industries and the Greek company that placed the order. The dispute resulted from financial issues on the Greek side, so the ship had to be sold to a Chinese shipping company owned by C.Y. Tung.
The reason why such an enormous vessel was ordered in the first place was due to the increasing global demand for oil. The 1970s saw a massive spike in demand for crude oil from the Middle East and elsewhere.
By building an enormous and efficient vessel capable of carrying massive quantities of oil across long distances, it was believed that the Seawise Giant would prove to be one of the most lucrative vessels ever made. Essentially, she would operate as an oil tanker on a massive scale.
Cost of Construction and Time to Build
When the Seawise Giant was constructed, the expenses soared to just over $100 million, equivalent to closer to $300 million when adjusted for inflation. The ship’s enormous price tag and the fact that the builders went way over budget contributed to the ownership issues that followed her completion.
The construction of the mighty ship went over budget, and it took longer to complete than anticipated. Original estimates gave a turnaround of about three years, but issues with vibrations during sea trials meant the entire project took closer to five years.
Titanic Construction (Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock)
By contrast, the Titanic cost $7.5 million in 1912, roughly $198 million today. Part of what remains so fascinating about the Titanic’s construction is how quickly she was completed and just over three years had passed when she set off on her maiden voyage and final journey on April 10, 1912.
This would be a stunning achievement for any large-scale ocean liner at the time, but the fact that the Titanic was so large and lavishly outfitted meant that the project was vastly more complex.
Size Differences
To truly appreciate the differences between the two ships, you need to compare their immense proportions:
Titanic vs Seawise Giant Size Chart
Measurement
Titanic
Seawise Giant
Length
882 ft.
1,504.1 ft.
Width
92 ft.
226 ft.
Height
64 ft.
81 ft.
Gross Tonnage
46,328
260,941
As you can see, the Seawise Giant overshadows the Titanic by every single metric. With that said, it’s important to remember that the two ships were designed for entirely different purposes and separated by over 68 years. While this may not sound like an overly significant amount of time, in terms of advancements in maritime engineering, it is an eternity!
Put simply, the fact that the Seawise Giant iseven longer than the Empire State Building would have been mind-boggling to observers at the time when the Titanic was constructed in the early 20th century.
Structural Differences Between the Two Ships
The Titanic was designed as a luxury ocean liner with intricate and segmented interior spaces in mind. The ship’s interior was also designed to accommodate 840 passenger cabins and suites and luxurious amenities like a gym, Turkish bath, and swimming pool. To achieve this aim, the Titanic featured a traditional passenger vessel hull design on a much larger scale.
Titanic’s Café Parisien (Photo Credit: Robert Welch)
The ship relied upon a steam-powered triple-screw propulsion system pointed at an angle that would cause the least discomfort and noise for passengers. With a top speed of roughly 22 knots, comfort, rather than speed, was the clear priority in the ship’s design.
In contrast, the Seawise Giant was designed to function as an enormous oil tanker, so the hull was designed to optimize oil capacity and stability. The interior of the supertanker did not have to accommodate passengers, so it could be tailored to the needs of the fuel cargo it would carry, as well as the safety of the crew.
Seawise Giant (Photo Credit: Octabeck)
The Seawise Giant also relied on two enormous Mitsubishi engines, which could propel the ship at a top speed of 16.5 knots. While this may seem relatively slow, it’s important to remember that the ship was designed to travel at a steady and safe speed to ensure stability for its highly flammable cargo. Plus, the ship’s record-breaking length and weight put tremendous strain on the 50,000 hp engines.
Fuel Requirements and Routes
As was typical of the time, the Titanic’s massive steam engines were both coal-fed. The Titanic’s enormous bunkers carried 6,611 tons of coal to fuel her transatlantic voyage. Each of the engine furnaces required at least 600 tons of coal per day, which was all shoveled by hand by the 176-person engine crew.
Given that the Titanic failed to complete a single journey due to its tragic sinking, she was only ever scheduled to travel from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States.
Titanic Sailing (Photo Credit: Robert Welch)
Had she completed her maiden voyage, she would then return to England. This relatively simple route would have continued, as the ship was designed to be a transatlantic ocean liner rather than a multi-stop, mega cruise ship.
On the other hand, the Seawise Giant’s powerful engines ran off of diesel. Due to its massive size and weight, the ship burned roughly 330 tons of diesel per day and could carry enough for a 42-day continuous journey. Of course, the fuel stores for the ship’s engines do not include the cargo capacity of roughly 4.1 billion barrels of crude oil.
Seawise Giant (Knock Nevis)
The Seawise Giant was outfitted with a much larger engine and was designed to traverse global shipping routes. Her primary routes included carrying vast quantities of crude oil from the Middle East to destinations worldwide.
Most of these voyages included traversing around the Cape of Good Hope, as the ship was too large to use the shallow waters of the world’s major shipping canals, like the Suez Canal, English Channel, and Panama Canal.
Passengers and Crew
As a luxury passenger vessel, the Titanic’s primary purpose was transporting people rather than cargo. The ship could carry a maximum number of 2,435 passengers and 892 crew members. Those traveling on the Titanic were offered various accommodations, segmented by three class groupings.
Titanic Voyage
Given that the current world’s biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, has a passenger capacity of 7,600, it’s still impressive that a luxury ocean liner from over 100 years ago could carry that many guests in style.
Even though the Seawise Giant is significantly larger than the Titanic, she requires a much smaller crew. While numbers varied according to the duration of the voyage, she typically traveled with 40 to 50 personnel. This crew would be tasked with everything from navigation and logistics to managing the cargo holds. As a supertanker, the Seawise Giant never carried passengers.
Comparison of Safety Features
Despite the Titanic’s moniker as an “unsinkable” ship, she actually lacked adequate safety measures for transatlantic travel. Without enough lifeboats and the watertight compartments needed to survive a breach, the ship’s tragic fate could be viewed as inevitable.
With that said, the Titanic was still considered outfitted with the latest safety features when it was first launched. The ship’s 16 compartments, meant to contain water if the hull was breached, could be remotely closed from the bridge. The ship was also designed so that she would remain afloat even if four compartments were flooded; however, the sinking proved this design to be faulty.
Titanic Lifeboat
The ship also featured a wireless radio system, which was cutting edge for the time, as well as enough life vests and buoyancy rings to help passengers survive had they been forced to abandon ship. Sadly, the ice-cold waters where she sank made long-term survival an impossibility.
Unsurprisingly, the Seawise Giant was outfitted with more advanced safety features, including a double hull construction, an advanced fire fighting system, and a crew thoroughly trained in emergency response protocols. The latest navigational systems and communications equipment, like radar and satellite systems, also ensured that the ship remained on course.
While nobody could have predicted that the ship would get caught up in a war, it is a testament to the ship’s incredible design that she was salvageable after taking direct missile fire.
Operational Histories and Fates
As mentioned, the Titanic had a short and tragic operational history. On April 14, 1912, just four days after departing, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and began sinking.
The enormous ocean liner took less than three hours to sink fully, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 people. While the ship was already an icon of size and luxury, its sinking carved out a special place in history as one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters of all time.
Titanic (Photo Credit: Everett Collection)
While the ship did not have the same cultural impact as the Titanic, the Seawise Giant also had a storied and deeply complex history. After a complex construction and ownership battle, the ship acted as a record-breaker in oil hauling.
Serving as one of the major players in the global oil supply chain, the ship transported millions of barrels of oil from the Persian Gulf to destinations around the world. Given that she was sold to three separate operators over her lifespan, the ship even had four other names – Happy Giant, Jahre Viking, Knock Nevis, and Mont.
Seawise Giant (Photo Credit: Nils Koch)
Aside from its record-smashing size, the most interesting thing about the ship was the damage she sustained during the Iran-Iraq War in 1998. Falling victim to an Iraqi missile attack, the ship burst into flames and eventually sank.
Even still, the behemoth persevered, and the wreckage was recovered and repaired following the war. By 1991, the ship was back in service under the new name Jahre Viking.
The ship remained in continuous operation until being used as a moored oil storage tanker off the coast of Qatar. Finally, in 2009, she was fully decommissioned and sent to be scrapped at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has the Seawise Giant sunk?
Yes, the Seawise Giant partially sunk in 1988 due to damage during the Iran-Iraq War. At the time, she was anchored off the coast of Iran. Iraqi planes attacked oil tankers located near the Strait of Hormuz to choke off Iran’s oil exports.
Fortunately for the mighty ship, a Norwegian consortium recovered and repaired her. After two years, it returned to service under the new name Happy Giant.
What was the largest ship ever built?
The Seawise Giant still retains the distinction of being the world’s largest ship. Even though she was taken out of service in 2009, there has not been a longer ship built since then. With that said, the Pioneering Spirit crane ship and four Batillus-class supertankers outweigh the Seawise Giant by gross tonnage.
How big was the crew on the Seawise Giant?
The Seawise Giant traveled with a crew of 40 to 50 personnel, with the number fluctuating according to the duration and requirements of the voyage.
