A few years ago, I never thought any ship would surpass Royal Caribbean’s 3,500-passenger Voyager-class ships in size. Cunard Line’s 148,528-ton Queen Mary 2 was even larger (in size, not passenger count), although she was built for transatlantic crossings and longer voyages. Then, in June, 2006, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, 158,000 tons and a maximum capacity of 4,200 passengers, entered the fray.
And then RCI announced it is building a 220,000-ton, 5,400-passenger “Genesis-class” vessel scheduled to enter service in 2009.
Every cruise line contracts larger and larger ships. This year Celebrity Cruises’ first “Solstice Class” ship debuts at 118,000-ton with a 2,850-passenger capacity. This cruise line prides itself on outstanding food and service. Can anyone maintain high levels on a huge ship?
Do you draw the line in terms of size of ship? At what point is a ship simply too large?