How Much of a Cruise Ship Is Above Water?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are the most luxurious way to travel, and they offer a high-class holiday experience for many people. But how much of a cruise ship is actually above water? It turns out that the answer varies depending on the size and type of ship.

The majority of modern cruise ships are built with a hull that is partially submerged in the water. This means that only a fraction of the hull is visible above the surface.

The exact amount depends on the type of ship, but generally between 20 and 25 percent can be seen from outside. On larger ships, like those used for longer cruises, this amount can be closer to 40 percent.

However, when looking at a cruise ship from inside, it is easy to forget just how much of it is actually submerged in water. The interior areas of a ship are typically well-insulated and air conditioned so that guests don’t feel as if they’re on a floating hotel. The lobby, cabins, restaurants and other public spaces are all built into the upper decks – which are all above water.

But even when looking at these internal areas it’s important to remember that they too sit upon huge amounts of submerged steel. In fact, around 80 percent of a large cruise liner’s total volume is located beneath the surface. This includes huge tanks for fuel, ballast and freshwater as well as mechanical systems such as engines and generators.

Conclusion:

To summarise then – how much of a cruise ship is above water? It depends on the type and size but overall around 20-40% can be seen from outside while 80% remains hidden beneath the surface. Although guests may not notice this whilst inside, it’s important to remember just how much of a cruise liner sits beneath the waves.