Royal Caribbean has revealed that Utopia of the Seas will be the name of its sixth Oasis-class cruise ship. It was revealed during the steel cutting ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Utopia of the Seas Name Revealed
Utopia of the Seas will become the name of the sixth Oasis-class cruise ship, as announced during the steel cutting ceremony for the future vessel at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Physical construction has now started on the giant mega-ship at the popular shipyard and, once completed, will overtake Wonder of the Seas as the world’s largest cruise ship. The vessel will be over 236,877 gross tons and have over a guest capacity of 5,735 at double occupancy. According to a local report in France, Utopia of the Seascould be as large as 250,000 gross tons.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
“This is the twenty-third cruise ship that RCL will be building at our shipyard, and we are especially proud of it,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, when the agreement was completed in 2019. “The order reflects the confidence our customer puts on us, based on the exceptional quality of our long-term co-operation between the two companies and on our capacity to bring innovative solutions to meet our customer’s expectations.”
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Utopia of the Seas, the next largest cruise ship on earth – debuting in 2024
Utopia of the Seas is expected to be almost identical to her sister ships in terms of design, but with some added new features which are yet to be revealed. Not much else is known about the future cruise ship, but she is expected to continue tho neighborhood concept.
Sister ship Wonder of the Seas expanded with the new Suite Neighborhood and added some new venues compared to others in the same class.
“It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Oasis-class ship,”said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, during the agreement.“This order is a reflection of the exceptional performance of this vessel class and the extraordinary partnership between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.”
The agreement to build another Oasis-class ship was completed in February 2019, and now the design phase moves into the physical construction of the individual blocks. Each block will eventually come together to make up one entire ship.
There will be some significant milestones during construction, including the keel laying, which marks when all the blocks start to come together. Utopia of the Seas will then be floated out onto the water for the first time, and then finally, the critical sea trials to make sure she is seaworthy.
Photo Credit: Aurelien CHARRIER / Shutterstock
Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to be completed in 2024. Royal Caribbean has not yet announced where the ship will sail from or released any renderings. Further details will be announced at a later date.
This news comes on the same day that Royal Caribbean celebrated the keel laying of Icon of the Seas at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The vessel will be the first in the fleet to be powered by LNG.
There are currently five Oasis-class cruise ships, starting with Oasis of the Seas, which entered service in 2009, Allure of the Seas in 2010, Harmony of the Seas in 2016, Symphony of the Seas in 2018, and most recently, Wonder of the Seas in 2022.
Carnival Sensation has arrived at her final port of call right on schedule, as the ship arrived today at the ship-breaking yard in Aliaga, Turkey. It will now be several days or weeks before the next step in scrapping the ship begins, but her long journeys on open water have ended. The ship was also beached on April 5.
Carnival Sensation Beached for Scrapping
The Fantasy-class vessel was sold for scrap earlier this year, after it was announced that she would not return to service as planned.
Instead, the ship’s scheduled itineraries from Mobile, Alabama were reassigned to Carnival Ecstasy, and while Carnival Sensation did continue to host crew members transitioning in and out of quarantine periods, she would not welcome passengers again.
When she debuted in 1993, the ship had cost $250 million to build and was welcomed into the fleet with great fanfare.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
The ship weighs in at 70,367 gross tons, and her 10 decks featured accommodations for 2,056 passengers at double occupancy, and up to 2,634 guests when fully booked, with 920 international crew members providing truly sensational service.
The ship was scheduled to arrive at the yard on April 4, which she has done exactly as expected, completing her 29 years of service with punctuality and distinction.
It may be just hours or it could be several days before the ship’s transponder is deactivated as the shipyard officially takes possession and the cruise ship ceases to be an active vessel. She has already been beached on April 5, one of the final steps before scrapping begins.
Next Steps
The ship will now rest at anchor at the shipyard while the remaining crew members leave the vessel and additional supplies and materials are offloaded. At this time the scrapping process will begin with some interior dismantling, though the hull will remain temporarily intact.
When a space becomes available for the ship to be safely beached, she will be brought onto the shore and stabilized for safe cutting that will divide the hull into sections for removal and recycling. As the hull is opened, larger equipment and interior materials will continue to be removed.
Carnival Imagination at Scrapyard in Aliaga (Photo Credit: Sergey Levashov)
Carnival Cruise Line specifically selected the Aliaga yard for this process because of its higher safety standards and stronger commitment to environmentally-responsible techniques.
Not only will this protect local workers – ship breaking is a dangerous profession and injuries are common at many yards – but it will also ensure the ship poses as little risk to immediate the environment and habitats as possible.
The overall process of breaking up a ship can take several months from the time the ship arrives at the yard until the last bits of metal are removed, the hull is dismantled, and the vessel ceases to exist.
Former Fantasy-Class Vessels
Carnival Sensation is now undergoing the same fate as her Fantasy-class sisters have in recent months. Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Imagination were all similarly scrapped at the Aliaga yard, on Turkey’s west coast on the Aegean Sea.
Carnival Fantasy was the first to arrive at the yard, officially anchoring in Aliaga Bay on July 29, 2020. Carnival Inspiration quickly followed, with her transponder going silent on August 3, 2020. Carnival Imagination joined her sisters the next month, officially becoming silent on September 14, 2020.
Only three of the eight Fantasy-class ships remain in service today. Carnival Ecstasy, however, will retire in October, after a final sailing from Mobile, Alabama, on October 10.
That last voyage will be a 5-day Western Caribbean itinerary, visiting Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. It is not yet known whether the ship will be scrapped or could be sold to another company.
The last two Fantasy-class vessels are planned to remain in service. Carnival Paradise is sailing 4- and 5-day Western Caribbean itineraries from Tampa, Florida, while Carnival Elation is offering 4- and 5-day sailings from Jacksonville, Florida, to The Bahamas.
Resurrecting Ships
The Fantasy-class vessels have long been beloved by Carnival cruisers who enjoy smaller, more intimate ships and the open, multi-story atrium designs of the ships. Yet though five of the eight sister ships have already retired, they may not be gone for good.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival’s upcoming Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration, is integrating different aspects of retired Fun Ships into its décor and artistic elements.
While the line has not yet released many details about these commemorative highlights, it is possible that some nods to the popular Fantasy-class ships will be found aboard the cruise line’s newest vessel when she debuts in November.
In that way, and in the hearts and memories of the millions of passengers who sailed aboard her, Carnival Sensation and all her retired sister ships will never be forgotten.
Carnival Cruise Line has sent out a communication to guests on upcoming sailings that cruise gratuities will increase on departures on or after May 1, 2022. It is the first time the cruise line has raised the gratuity guidelines since December 1, 2018.
The amount the gratuity guideline is raised by is 51 cents per person per day. The raise will be a welcome break for the thousands of crew members that work hard every day to provide the excellent service they are known for.
Carnival Cruise Line Increases Gratuity Rate
Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Operating Officer Neil Palomba announced in a letter to guests that gratuity rates onboard the Carnival cruise ships will be raised by 51 cents per person per day, effective from May 1, 2022.
Palomba said, “Effective with all cruises departing on or after May 1, 2022, we are making adjustments to our recommended onboard gratuity guidelines.”
For Standard Staterooms, the new rate will be $14.50 per person, per day and for Suites, the new gratuity rate will be $16.50 per person, per day.
Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel / Shutterstock.com
The previous amounts were $13.99 per person per day for Standard Staterooms, and $15.99 per person, per day for suites. The gratuities are automatically added to the guest account if not pre-paid, ensuring crew members who might not always be as visible are equally well rewarded for their hard work.
Palomba continues to say, “Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, so we hope you will agree that this slight increase is well deserved. Guests may pre-pay their gratuities at the current rates, and save on other onboard services, by accessing My Cruise Manager using the reserve now button below.“
Gratuities are assessed based on all guests onboard, except for children under two years. The gratuities apply regardless of the dining options selected.
At the same time, an additional 18% service charge is added for beverage purchases and the cover charge for Chef’s Table, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Bonsai Sushi.
Why Increase Gratuities?
Many guests will be wondering why the increase in tips is necessary at this time. The reasoning can be found in the recent economic turmoil that has been felt worldwide. Since December 1, 2018, the gratuity rate has remained the same; however, since then, inflation has devalued the salaries of those working onboard.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
With that, since March 2020, thousands of crew members were forced to remain at home for months on end, living off their hard-earned savings. A slight increase of $0.51 goes a long way for the hardworking crew members onboard.
As Neil Palombo mentioned, guests can adjust their gratuity charge at guest services, making it more or less.
For ultimate comfort, the easiest way to deal with gratuities is to pre-pay everything before the start of the voyage, so there is no need to think about it afterward.
Carnival Cruise Line is not the first cruise line to raise the gratuities recently. On March 2, Norwegian Cruise Line announced the same, raising their gratuities to $16 and $20 per person per day.
Not Just Gratuities?
With costs rising for the cruise lines as well, Carnival is raising the prices for WIFI, beverages packages, and specialty dining.
In a message to travel advisors the cruise line said the following: “Although we’ve done our best to minimize the impact of rising costs, we will be implementingnominal changes to some of our onboard services while still providing your clients the bestvacation value, on land or at sea. Please encourage your clients to reserve pre-cruise (on MyCruise Manager) before May 1 to save on these categories.“
Before the new pricing is introduced on May 1, guests can lock in beverage purchases and save up to 15% on the old price or 20% on the latest prices. Wifi savings can be 25% on the old pricing and 32% on the latest pricing. Guests also can save up to 20% on specialty dining prices.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Huna Totem Corporation have agreed to jointly develop a new cruise terminal facility in Whittier, Alaska. The project will include access for trains and busses as well, offering travelers more convenient ways to enjoy the gateway to Prince William Sound, one of the most picturesque areas of Alaska and a popular stop for cruise ships.
Joint Project Announced
The new development is a joint project between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Huna Totem Corporation. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings includes not only Norwegian Cruise Line, but also Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and all three lines will have access to berths at the new facility.
Huna Totem Corporation is one of the most successful Native village corporations in Alaska, with the mission of advancing “the economic aspirations and culture of the Xúna Kaawu through business excellence, sustainable economic growth, leadership, and education.”
In addition to the cruise ship dock, the new project will also include overall terminal facilities with rail and bus access. This will permit easy arrivals and departures for shore excursions, giving cruise passengers more opportunities to explore and appreciate the area’s outstanding natural beauty. While details have not been released, it is likely the terminal will include local retailers and restaurants as well.
Whittier, Alaska (Photo Credit: SJ Brown / Shutterstock)
As Whittier is just an hour and a half from Anchorage it is possible that this new development may also create more options for embarkation and debarkation or pre- and post-cruise tours, though this has not been confirmed at this point.
“The strong public-private partnership with the City of Whittier, Norwegian, and Huna Totem is the tourism model of the future for Alaska,”said Russell Dick, Huna Totem Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer.
“This project integrates the natural beauty of Prince William Sound, its rich history, and diverse cultural experiences into the design of a new turn-port destination in Southcentral Alaska. Norwegian’s commitment to the Port of Whittier expands sustainable tourism for all of Alaska, and Huna Totem is thrilled to be part of this vision,”he continued.
The project will be privately funded, and no timeline has been announced either for the project to begin or for when it may be finished and ready for visitors.
Second Collaboration Between Companies
The new terminal to be developed in Whittier is the second joint development project between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Huna Totem Corporation.
The two companies partnered to develop a cruise pier and other facilities in Icy Strait Point, Huna Totem’s world-class cruise ship destination in Hoonah, Alaska, and close to Juneau, the state’s capital. Norwegian Cruise Line made its inaugural call on the Wilderness Landing pier at Icy Strait Point on August 7, 2021.
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
“Alaska is one of the premier cruise destinations in the world and we are excited to partner once again with Huna Totem Corporation to develop facilities to enhance the experience of the hundreds of thousands of guests our brands bring to Alaska on a yearly basis,”said Juan Kuryla, Senior Vice-president of Port Development and Construction for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.“We are proud to continue our commitment to bringing positive, long-term and sustainable economic impact to the region, particularly after the challenges the Alaska cruise tourism industry has faced over the past two years.”
Norwegian Encore was the first ship to visit the Icy Strait Point facilities. To commemorate the occasion, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open the pier and the first of two gondola systems. That port of call has quickly become a favorite among cruise ship passengers.
Huna Totem’s port model at Icy Strait Point is globally recognized and has received numerous awards, including Seatrade’s Global Port of the Year in 2020. That expertise and the company’s commitment to local sustainability and native preservation ensures that the new development at Whittier will be equally outstanding.
Several main islands make up this region, with three being the US Virgin Islands and four being the British Virgin Islands. What’s the best one to visit? Well, they are all good in their own way, and some are less secluded than others. Take a look at the list below to see which one may fit you best.
The US Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. These islands have plenty of culture and activities, making them perfect for families, couples, and singles. People can relax and work on their tan while listening to the waves crash on the beach or they can zipline at breakneck speed through the forest for a taste of adventure.
St. John
St. John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands. But despite its size, there is no lack of activities to engage in. Tourists can explore dozens of beaches, coves, and trails. If you enjoy nature, you can visit the Virgin Islands National Park. There, you’ll be able to enjoy wildlife and protected marine life. The island is home to dolphins, green turtles, and migratory birds.
Rams Head, St. John (Photo Credit: pics721 / Shutterstock)
Those who love hiking will fall in love with the Ram Head Trail. This is a 2.5-mile hike found within the national park. The trail itself is not exceptionally strenuous, but the views are spectacular. After your day at the park, you can visit Salt Pond Bay, found at the end of the trek.
St. John boasts superior snorkeling locations, including the clear blue waters of Honeymoon Bay. For more adventure, visit Trunk Bay, which has an unusual underwater nature trail.
St. Thomas
The island of St. Thomas is always a popular destination for cruise ships. St. Thomas is known for its bountiful shopping, crystal clear blue waters, and white sandy beaches. Ships tend to dock in Charlotte Amalie – the city’s capital – which is nestled between beautiful, forested mountain tops. Attractions and shopping are available right at the port.
The impressive array of boutiques includes shops and a wide selection of fine jewelers.
St. Thomas contains one of the world’s most spectacular beaches: Magens Bay. This beach has soft white sand that feels like sugar between your toes. Stunning mountains encircle the beach as it is found in a crescent-shaped area on the island. Since it is tucked away and sheltered, this area has a calm tide that’s perfect for relaxing and swimming.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (Photo Credit: NAPA / Shutterstock)
If it’s an adventure you seek, you will appreciate the hiking trail close to Magens Bay. It has 75 miles of hiking found on top of the hillside. You can also go kayaking in Cos Cay, where you can paddle while observing sea turtles and other wildlife. You can also jet ski to St. John’s Bay and swim with sea lions or dolphins.
If you love history, you’ll want to explore Charlotte Amalie, the capital city. There are 17th-century relics from colonial life combined with a bit of island charm and modernity. You can also walk up the historic 99 steps to take in a panoramic view of the city.
When you get hungry, the island offers numerous beach bars and restaurants filled with local cuisine. Waterfront cuisine makes dining extra memorable.
St. Croix
St. Croix is the largest US Virgin Island. It contains the most spectacular snorkeling and diving found in the Caribbean. If you enjoy these activities, you will want to go to Buck Island Reef National Park. St. Croix contains acres of underwater trails where you can explore the sea floor and view the colorful coral reefs.
For snorkeling, you can also visit Cane Bay found on the northern point of the island. There you will find seahorses, eels, and turtles. Cane Bay is popular for cruisers who are looking for a slow-paced, relaxing vacation.
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: NAPA / Shutterstock)
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge will allow you to view endangered species, such as leatherback sea turtles. Between April to September, the area offers a nesting ground for hatchlings and turtles. This area remains completely untouched by humans.
If you enjoy history, you will want to visit Christiansted. Christiansted is a Danish-influenced location on the island featuring an 18th-century fort called Fort Christiansvaern. It is a very popular island destination.
Visitors can also go to the historical location of Frederiksted, which has the Museum Center for the Arts.
If sitting on the sand and soaking up rays is your thing, then Rainbow Beach is a must-visit. Here you can enjoy local music, incredible food, and a beautiful beach to relax on.
The British Virgin Islands
On the British side of the islands, there are incredible beaches with white sand and a relaxing atmosphere. Each island has something unique to offer.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is another area that visitors can use for a quick day trip from Tortola. This island can be reached by a brief 30-minute ferry ride. The legend of this area is that Christopher Columbus named the island Virgin Gorda because its shape resembled a woman.
Virgin Gorda, UK Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock)
This tiny island contains breathtaking secluded beaches accompanied by sugar-like sand. It also is home to Virgin Gorda Baths, which are granite stones that are more than 1,000 years old. They surround the beach, where tourists can snorkel in transcendent waters and take in the beautiful scenery.
Jost Van Dyke
This island is a brief boat ride away from Tortola. Despite the location only being three square miles in length, it is packed with activities, beaches, and restaurants. The Great Harbor contains beach bars and local seafood restaurants.
Jost Van Dyke, UK Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: tomtomdotcom / Shutterstock)
This area has a more relaxed and chill atmosphere. This makes it a wonderful day trip from the island of Tortola. Visitors will see many yachts resting out at sea as this is a popular area for this activity.
The most impressive location is White Bay, which is a stretch of white sandy beach shaded by coconut palm trees. It offers an incredible, scenic walk that you will never forget.
Anegada
Anegada is a small volcanic island. Since it is very low-lying, it is known for its impressive coral reefs. Known for being quaint and containing an old charm, visitors will enjoy this area for its quiet retreat.
While this area is not as well-known, it is famous for its secluded beaches like Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay.
Anegada Island, British Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
With no elevation, clear springs bubble out of its coral beds. In terms of animal nature, visitors will love the pink flamingoes, abundant wildlife, and extensive marine life. The best nature trail on the island is Bones Bight.
Tortola
Tortola is the largest of these four islands. It contains several incredible beaches, but the top spot is Smuggler’s Cove, famous for its white sand. If you are into surfing, you may want to visit Apple Bay, which is one of the best spots in the Caribbean for this activity.
Cruisers will love Tortola’s distillery history found at Cane Garden Bay. This is the location for Callwood Rum Distillery, which dates back 400 years. It is the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Cane Garden Bay offers lounging on the beach with a drink in hand and plenty of beautiful views.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: i7pu3pak / Shutterstock)
In terms of diving, Tortola is the launching point if you want to visit the RMS Rhone shipwreck. The RMS Rhone sank during the 19th century from a powerful hurricane. This left the ship resting on the ocean floor. Visitors can also go to Mount Sage to take in its panoramic island views or experience nature while zip-lining through the trees.
Visitors can also go to the capital of the British Virgin Islands, Road Town, for swimming, diving, and windsurfing. You can go up Mount Sage for a panorama of the expansive, lush islands accompanied by sweeping ocean views.
What activities you enjoy doing will determine what is, for you, the best Virgin Island to visit. Most of the activities range from relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, outdoor adventures, nature hikes, visiting wildlife, and enjoying historic sites. There is certainly no lack of things to do in the Virgin Islands.
When you are done exploring or chilling on the sandy beaches, you can enjoy a culture rich in heritage and abundant in island food. The cuisine has a local flair surrounded by scenic views no matter where you are on the islands. Going to this destination will offer you anything you desire accompanied by an experience you will never forget.
The end has come for another Fantasy-class Carnival Cruise Line ship, as Carnival Sensation has set sail for the ship-breaking facility in Aliaga, Turkey. Satellite tracking data has confirmed the ship is en route for the same scrapyard that has been instrumental in the ends of three of her sister ships, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Imagination.
Carnival Sensation on Her Final Journey
The news of Carnival Sensation‘s retirement first broke in early February when it was announced that the vessel would not restart passenger operations. The ship had previously been scheduled to begin cruising from Mobile, Alabama, on March 7, 2022, but those sailings were reassigned to Carnival Ecstasy.
Carnival Sensation departed from her holding position in The Bahamas on March 18, and is currently sailing across the Atlantic Ocean for the final time. She is scheduled to arrive in Aliaga, Turkey, on April 4, 2022.
Last Days of Carnival Sensation
While the ship has not hosted passengers since the industry-wide pandemic shutdown began more than two years ago, Carnival Sensation has still served the cruise line well in recent months. Instead of sailing commercial voyages, the ship has been used to house crew members transitioning in and out of quarantine and isolation periods.
This has helped crew members stay safe and has allowed for better social distancing and health and safety protocols aboard active vessels. This tactic has been instrumental in maintaining safe cruising environments, which has enabled vessels to continue sailing without being denied at ports or forcing cruise cancelations.
As the ship now heads for the ship-breaking facility, she will continue Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to responsible environmental practices until her very end. The Aliaga yard, located on the Aegean coast in western Turkey, uses stricter environmental protocols than similar ship-breaking yards in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
For example, while ships are beached at the Aliaga yard, demolition crews take steps to control how toxins are exposed as ships are broken, such as oil booms to contain potential spills, concrete cutting floors to minimize seepage into the beach, and improved asbestos removal techniques to minimize contamination. Old cruise ships can potentially contain many toxins in insulation, pipes, conduits, sewage tanks, and more.
These facilities also have improved safety measures to safeguard workers during the demolition of massive cruise ships.
29 Years of Distinguished Service
Carnival Sensation first entered service in 1993 as the third of the Fantasy-class vessels. The vessel was built at the Kvaerner Masa-yards in Helsinki, Finland, weighing in at 70,367 gross tons and stretching 855 feet in length. During her heyday, Carnival Sensation had a guest capacity of 2,052 passengers, with 920 crew members providing sensational service.
Millions of passengers sailed aboard the vessel in nearly three decades, visiting popular ports of call throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Cuba. In August 2005, the ship was chartered as housing for Gulf Coast residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina, as well as relief workers in the region devastated by the Category 5 hurricane.
Now, the vessel’s days have ended, but she will always be fondly remembered by those who enjoyed her intimacy, amenities, neon-adorned Grand Atrium, three daring waterslides, and fun activities in sensational ways.
Often, the words cruise ship and ocean liner are used interchangeably. Most people don’t realize that there are significant differences between the two types of ships. Some are fundamental, while others are measurable. We delve deeper into what constitutes an ocean liner as opposed to a cruise ship.
Ocean liners are used to go from one destination to another. There tend not to be arrivals at multiple ports as they usually run across larger spans of ocean, including from the U.S. to Europe. Since they can experience various changes in weather, they need to be strongly built by using large amounts of steel in the hull.
Bows on these ships are tapered and long, allowing them to cut through waves. Deep drafts allow them to be more stable while still being designed for speed.
Cruise Ship Wake (Photo Credit: atm2003 / Shutterstock)
Ocean liners can be used as passenger ships or carry cargo overseas. Cargo ships are often referred to as ocean liners. They carry cargo, pallets, and containers to various destinations. Ocean liners will sit lower in the water than cruise ships, making them more capable of handling poor weather conditions.
Cruise ships, on the other hand, make several stops at various ports. They have multiple destinations, and the purpose is recreational rather than business. Cruise ships also tend to embark on shorter voyages.
Physical Differences
Since both ships have different purposes, they are designed very differently.
Primary Function – Cruise ships were built for leisure activities, whereas ocean liners were created for multiple purposes like transporting passengers, goods, containers, pallets, and large quantities of items from port to port.
Shape – A cruise ship will sit higher in the water and be more subject to differences in weather. An ocean liner rests lower in the water with a pointed bow. This makes it better able to withstand inclement weather. The bow tends to be longer to protect the vessel against the waves.
Thickness of the Hull – A cruise ship will have a standard thickness, whereas an ocean liner is designed to be extra thick to improve its durability and support the weight it is carrying. The steel tends to be several inches thicker than that found on a cruise ship.
Speed – Cruise ships move at a standard speed due to the passengers on board. There are detriments to it moving quickly through the water. An ocean liner moves quickly through water. Ocean liners go on scheduled voyages, which require more speed. Schedules on an ocean liner need to be maintained despite changes in weather.
Experience Onboard – Since a cruise ship is designed for leisure and carries thousands of guests, the onboard experience is luxurious, fun, and elegant. On an ocean liner carrying cargo, the atmosphere is varied.
Bridge is Higher on the Ship – Navigation bridges on an ocean liner rest on the top of most decks. This provides a good view and acts to protect the navigation equipment in the event of a storm.
Location of Lifeboats – Since ocean liners experience heavy seas – especially when crossing during the winter months – the boat deck is closer to the top of the ship, allowing the boats to be better protected from moisture.
Design Difference
As mentioned, ocean liners sit lower in the water and have a pointed bow. They are better equipped to handle bad weather and minimize the sensation of movement aboard the ship. Cruise ships, on the other hand, are more raised and are not as aerodynamic.
Photo Credit: shaineast / Shutterstock
They are not well-equipped to handle bad weather at all. The captain of an ocean liner will be able to successfully navigate through a storm due to the ship’s build. A cruise ship captain will need to be able to change the course and navigate around a storm because the ship will not be able to withstand the force against the boat.
When confronted with bad weather, a cruise ship will slow down, whereas ocean liners will go full steam ahead.
When it comes to materials, ocean liners contain stronger hulls comprised of a durable steel. Cruise liners are generally made of steel; however, they aren’t as strong or as thick as ocean liners. A cruise ship, because of its destinations, doesn’t need to be made as durably as a vessel crossing the ocean.
Speed Differences
Ocean liners are designed to go faster than a cruise ship. The quickest ocean liner, the SS United States, traveled at 39 knots, or 45 miles per hour. Currently, the fastest ocean liner is the Queen Mary 2, which goes at 30 knots (35 miles per hour).
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
Recently, cruise ships have been increasing in speed. Some cruise lines conduct repositioning cruises that begin and end in different ports. Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas travels at 22 knots at full speed.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jade, Pearl, Dawn, and Gem can cruise at 25 knots (29 miles per hour). Its fastest ship to date is the Norwegian Jewel, which has a maximum speed of 26 knots.
Variations in Atmosphere
Cruising on an ocean liner is like traveling on a modern cruise ship. The luxury cruise line Cunard Line strictly enforces dress codes and has established times for dining. The overall ambiance includes touches of elegance.
Cruise ships are designed specifically with onboard activities in mind. Their goal is to create an overall experience for guests. This is what is detailed in their design. Cruise ships contain several bars, restaurants, swimming pools, choice in cabins, casinos, theaters, gyms, and spas.
When going on a cruise, passengers look forward to the experience, which is equally important as the destination.
Ocean Liners
Today, there aren’t many ocean liners still in service. The only one still in operation is the Queen Mary 2, which is owned by Cunard Line. Queen Mary 2 frequently makes trans-atlantic cruises, along with smaller travels from South Hampton and New York.
As a hotel, guests can choose from the Queen Mary, SS Rotterdam, and Queen Elizabeth 2, which are all floating hotels.
Queen Mary 2 (Photo Credit: Stephan Backensfeld / Shutterstock)
Traditional ocean liners are used in a similar manner that one would use a bus, train, or airplane. The overall experience is dependent on cost to board the ship. For those who paid more to be in a higher class, the experience is like that of a cruise ship.
Passengers experience fine dining, and they can also work out in gyms, relax in a spa, go to a swimming pool, and enjoy space on the top deck. If the passenger paid for tickets that were budget-friendly, the voyage will not include many extras.
Why Aren’t More Ocean Liners Being Built?
The last ocean liner designed was the Queen Mary 2 in 2003. These vessels are no longer created because cruise ships can do similar things. Modern cruises are capable of going long distances and going through poor weather conditions.
Photo Credit: Wayleebird / Shutterstock.com
Changes in Cruise Ship Designs
The recent decline in ocean liners may be because cruise ships are now pushing the limits of ship design. Ships that are faster and larger than ever are now being built.
The cruise line industry discovered the opportunity to increase its revenue by charging for repositioning cruises. This forced them to make experiences onboard more pleasant in poor weather.
When you compare ocean liners and cruise lines, you will note that there are stark differences. In years to come, there may not be cause for distinction as the fate of the ocean liner is still unknown. Perhaps instead of being a passenger ship, the focus will be more on transporting cargo.
While there are few still in service, ocean liners have been around for a long time. Their gradual decline has been due to the emergence of cruise lines that offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on activities onboard accompanied by port excursions. For a cruise line, it is as much about the experience as the destination.
For an ocean liner, there is comfort, but it sails more with the destination in mind as activities tend to be more scaled back.
Royal Caribbean International’s newest, largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, is currently sailing her maiden voyage, but it hasn’t been without one notable glitch. According to reports from passengers aboard the vessel, a sprinkler malfunction occurred at approximately 12-1 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Sprinkler System Malfunctions
The sprinkler malfunction happened on the Royal Promenade, which stretches down the center of the vessel on deck 5, from the Royal Theater at the ship’s bow to the Main Dining Room toward the aft. The Royal Promenade has a high, open ceiling, with staterooms overlooking the interior from higher decks.
According to eyewitness reports and videos posted to social media accounts, the sprinklers soaked center portions of deck 5. Crew members acted quickly and efficiently to cordon off the area and the promenade was quickly closed for cleanup, including lowering the fire doors in adjacent sections to contain the water and keep guests safe from slippery floors and other possible hazards.
Parts of deck 4 and 6 were also closed, likely to check for any potential leaks or other necessary cleanup adjacent to the impacted sections of the Royal Promenade.
The incident appears to have been a malfunction, and there were no alarm calls made and no fire reported on board. Within a few hours, the area was cleaned up, dried out, and reopened for guests to enjoy.
Guests who witnessed the incident were quick to commend crew members from different departments who pitched in right away to facilitate the cleanup effort, noting how quickly the cleanup happened and the Royal Promenade was reopened.
Maiden Voyage Underway
Wonder of the Seas is currently on her maiden voyage, a 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed Fort Lauderdale on Friday, March 4. Today, the ship was calling in Labadee, Haiti, when the sprinkler malfunction occurred. Because the incident happened in the afternoon, many guests were likely off the ship enjoying the private port of call or participating in shore tours at the time.
The ship is scheduled to call on San Juan on Monday, followed by a day at sea, Nassau on Wednesday, and CocoCay on Thursday, before returning to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, March 11.
Fire Suppression on Cruise Ships
Fire is the gravest risk on any cruise ship, and fire safety protocols are part of every safety briefing before a cruise sets sail. Cruise ships include advanced fire suppression equipment, including sprinkler systems, alarms, isolation doors, and specially trained crews to respond to any risk of fire.
Guests are warned about the risk of fire, and are forbidden from tossing cigarette butts overboard. Even a small bit of hot ash blowing back onto a ship’s deck could cause a fire.
Crew members are routinely trained and drilled to respond to fires, and protocols are updated frequently as new equipment is developed to combat any possibility of fire on a cruise ship.
Maiden Voyage Mishaps
It is not unusual for a brand new ship to have unintended mishaps on a maiden voyage, the first time the ship is fully under sail with a full crew and passengers.
Past Royal Caribbean guests have reported previous sprinkler system mishaps on other vessels, including on an early voyage of Quantum of the Seas, though that sprinkler malfunction was confined to the Sorrento’s pizzeria. Accidental sprinkler activations have also been reported on Anthem of the Seas.
Photo By: René Beauchamp (Wikipedia)
One of the most notable maiden voyage mishaps for modern cruise ships occurred with Carnival Cruise Line’s very first vessel, Mardi Gras, on her very first voyage in March 1972. The ship ran aground on a sandbar shortly after departing Miami, with 530 passengers aboard. No injuries were reported (and no sprinklers were activated), and the “Fun Ship” image was born as drinks kept flowing while the ship was freed.
Cruise Hive wishes Wonder of the Seas all the best to complete her maiden voyage without further mishaps, and may she enjoy many years of incident-free sailings to bring a sense of oceangoing wonder to many cruise travelers.
The lure of the freedom of sailing the open seas and the glamour of traveling to exotic destinations all over the globe tend to be what draws people to the vocation of cruise ship captain. However, what many people don’t fully understand is that being a cruise ship captain is a great deal of work and responsibility. Becoming the captain of a cruise ship takes years of school and experience.
Before we delve into the schooling involved, the duties and responsibilities of this job should be thoroughly explored. As mentioned, while the position appears to be glamorous on the surface, the reality is a stark contrast.
“Master of the ship” is what defines this role. It sounds exciting to oversee an entire ship that sails to far away destinations that most people only dream of visiting. It is alluring to be in an environment where there is fun, romance, and excitement lurking around every corner. Plus, to get paid for it … It seems like a dream come true!
However, reality soon sets in because this job is a great deal of work and responsibility. To truly be successful as a cruise ship captain, you must genuinely love the work you are doing.
The Skills Required to be a Cruise Ship Captain
While not easy, being the captain of a cruise ship is indeed rewarding. They oversee a crew of thousands of individuals to ensure everything gets done and every need gets met. A captain needs to ensure that both local and international laws are met.
Captains use and maintain complex navigational systems, as well as the ship’s engines. They supervise as passengers enter and exit the ship. They need to ensure every person is accounted for and that no passenger is left behind or goes missing.
Safety of both crew and passengers is of the utmost importance in this position. The ship’s captain is responsible to be well-acquainted with the safety equipment and to ensure that it works properly in the event of an emergency. After all, everyone’s lives may be at stake if they don’t.
They need to be able to enforce proper safety protocols, navigate the ship through weather changes, and communicate with nearby ships and ports.
They also must be communicative and social. Captains are often required to socialize with passengers, including hosting dinners and making small talk. Since captains oversee the vessel, there are many people that report to them, like the cruise director, head engineer, and hotel manager.
Captains are the go-to person in all aspects of the ship and are responsible for its safety in addition to the guests. It is easy to see why this position is a huge responsibility, and it can be a weighty one.
Are You Ready for This?
While all of this sounds great, there are things that some people don’t consider with this job. The main thing is that cruise ship captains work long, tiring hours. They work 10 weeks in a row, then have 10 weeks off. However, in those 10 weeks of work, they are required to be on-call 24/7 and function with as little as five hours of sleep, depending on how smoothly things go.
Additionally, there are often emergencies that arise that passengers are completely unaware of. Captains need to be able to read the weather and know what is coming. This may mean changing course to bypass extreme weather. You need to avoid rough seas that can endanger guests.
Then there is the stress of arriving on time at various ports. Sometimes weather can make it challenging to arrive on time when a different course had to be plotted. In this case, the captain must determine whether they’ll speed up the vessel or try to make up for lost time another way.
Ultimately, they are responsible for ensuring that guests are happy. This means that the ship arrives and departs on time. However, not everything may run smoothly. Sometimes people are late, which pushes back departure. Other times, there may be mechanical issues.
Cruise ship captains must remain calm in all circumstances. This job can be highly stressful. Yet if the captain appears stressed, the guests will be uneasy. Guests can never know there is a problem unless they need to be aware of it. Captains try to navigate situations as best as they can, knowing that lives depend on them.
Plus, they often do this on very little sleep. So, when they do have 10 weeks off, they thoroughly enjoy the time to relax. While they are working, the ship truly becomes their mistress.
The responsibilities of a cruise ship captain are as follows:
Oversee navigation and operation of the ship
Work with crew members and senior officers
Oversee the ship’s position
Determine and establish the speed of the ship
Avoid potential and real safety hazards
Upkeep and maintain a vessel’s equipment and engines
Make sure all safety protocol is observed and followed
Comply with international and local laws
Comply with immigration and Customs laws
What Kind of Education is Required?
The very first step is obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. Once that has been achieved, the person must have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marine science/marine engineering. It is preferrable that the degree is received through a reputable maritime academy or college.
If you are in high school and know that you want to enter this career, it is advisable to get into a maritime high school for a more specialized education. This type of school focuses on maritime knowledge and skills.
Good grades are needed to have a better chance to get admitted to a maritime college or academy. Competition for entrance is very tough, so above-average grades are necessary for admission.
To gain good experience, you can try obtaining summer jobs or part-time employment in a maritime industry, like on a ship or in a shipyard. This allows learning to go beyond school. It will also prepare you for ship repairs, the chain of command on a vessel, and how a ship works.
Once admitted, specialized courses like Marine Engineering, Marine Science, Marine Transportation, and Ocean Science can be selected. In order to be considered for employment, a master’s degree isn’t always needed. However, it does provide an advantage. Additionally, you need to have excellent grades, since most cruise ships hire captains who rank in the top five to 10% of their class.
A bachelor’s degree will take three to four years to complete. A master’s will take an additional two to three years. If you want to receive the maximum education, a doctorate will take another two to three years.
Bridge of Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock)
After you graduate, most people begin as a third mate or deck officer. This is an entry-level position, and most captains begin within these ranks. You can also work in the Navy Reserve and the Coast Guard Reserve to gain years of experience.
Individuals must possess an in-depth knowledge of navigation, logistics, maritime/safety laws, and management. They also require a great deal of training to be a cruise ship captain. A captain’s license obtained by a federal maritime authority is required for the position. Obtaining this license may take 10 years.
To put it in perspective, it takes longer to become a cruise ship captain than a brain surgeon. Most captains earn their bars in 18 to 22 years.
Certifications and Exams
Captains of ships are trained by maritime academies. This is the quickest way to receive proper training. There are some academies that require people to serve in the armed forces. After completing a four-year program, potential candidates receive a Bachelor of Science degree, in addition to a Coast Guard license as a third mate.
Photo Credit: Philomena Venturini / Shutterstock
For certification, they require a Transportation Work Identification Credential. This is given by the Transportation Security Administration which aids in locating cruise ship captains. A Merchant Mariner Credential is required by the Department of Homeland Security. This entails passing physical exams, written exams, a vision test, and a drug test. Captains additionally need to complete the captain licensure exam after 10 years of work experience.
The road to how to become a cruise ship captain is not easy. It requires many years of education, good grades, and experience before you take your final testing for your license. You must work your way up after graduation, and you spend a great deal of time at sea.
Many captains love what they do and find it very rewarding. This can be an extremely satisfying career for those who love the sea and have the proper skill set.
