How Much Horsepower Does a Cruise Ship Engine Have?

By Michael Ferguson

A cruise ship engine is one of the most powerful engines ever built. It has to be able to power a massive vessel through the water and withstand the strain of long-distance travel. Cruise ship engines are usually diesel or gas turbine powered and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small-scale models used for pleasure boats to massive, ocean-going vessels.

When it comes to horsepower, cruise ship engines can have anywhere from 10,000-50,000 horsepower depending on the size and type of engine used. The majority of cruise ships will use diesel engines that range from around 20,000 to 40,000 horsepower. Gas turbine engines can be used as well and typically offer more power but at a higher cost.

The largest cruise ships currently in operation are powered by two Wärtsilä 12V46F diesel engines that produce an astonishing 80,080 horsepower each! This allows for a maximum speed of around 24 knots (27.6 mph). Smaller vessels may only have one engine or use smaller engines with lower horsepower ratings.

Cruise ships are designed to operate at cruising speeds for long distances which means they don’t need the same level of power as more high-performance vessels such as speedboats or racing boats. This means that while they have high levels of engine power on board they rarely operate at full capacity which helps keep fuel costs down and helps reduce environmental impact.

In conclusion, the amount of horsepower that a cruise ship engine has depends on its size and type but typically ranges from 10,000-50,000 horsepower with larger vessels having the highest ratings. Gas turbine powered engines can provide even higher levels of power but come at a higher cost.