From the seaside to the open ocean, cruise ships and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are two of the most magnificent creatures on Earth. But how do these two awe-inspiring giants compare to one another in size?
A blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth. A full-grown adult can reach lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weigh up to 173 metric tons (190 short tons).
On the other hand, cruise ships can range in length from just over 100 meters (328 feet) to a whopping 360 meters (1,181 feet). The largest cruise ships can weigh up to 220,000 gross tons.
Given their enormous size and weight, it is no surprise that blue whales are much larger than cruise ships. However, it is still impressive considering that a fully grown blue whale is much smaller than even the smallest cruise ship.
When comparing the two in terms of speed, cruise ships have a clear advantage. Cruise ships are powered by massive engines that allow them to reach speeds of up to 20 knots (23 mph), while blue whales can only swim at speeds of up to 12 knots (14 mph).
When it comes to intelligence, blue whales have the edge over their seafaring counterparts. Blue whales are highly intelligent animals with complex social structures and communication systems. In comparison, cruise ships are not known for their intelligence as they rely on humans for navigation and operation.
Conclusion
The comparison between a cruise ship and a blue whale shows that there is no competition when it comes to size; while both are tremendous creatures, the blue whale has a clear advantage when it comes to sheer mass and length. However, when looking at speed and intelligence, cruise ships take the lead with their powerful engines allowing them to move much faster than their aquatic cousins and their navigational capabilities relying on human operators.