How Many Feet High Is a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships have come a long way since the days of early steamboats, transforming from small vessels that could only carry a few dozen passengers to behemoths that can hold thousands of passengers. But just how tall are these modern-day floating cities? The answer depends on the specific cruise ship, but most cruise ships are between 70 and 200 feet high.

The tallest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which stands at a mighty 226 feet high. This monstrous vessel can accommodate up to 6,687 passengers and 2,193 crew members, making it one of the largest passenger ships ever built. Other super-tall cruise ships include Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas – both standing at around 220 feet tall – as well as Carnival Vista at 193 feet and Norwegian Epic at 186 feet.

Smaller Cruise Ships

Not all cruise ships are as massive as Harmony of the Seas. Many smaller vessels stand much lower than 200 feet, such as Princess Cruises’ Pacific Princess which stands at just 151 feet. Of course, even smaller vessels such as river boats will stand much lower than this – often between 40 and 50 feet.

How Cruise Ships Are Measured

When measuring a cruise ship’s height, it is important to note that not all measurements use the same method. The most common method is to measure from the keel line (the bottommost part of the hull) to what is known as ‘the topmost continuous deck’ – this is usually measured from any deck or structure above the bridge or wheelhouse.

Conclusion: Cruise ships vary significantly in height depending on size and design – some towering over 200 feet tall while others measure only 50 feet high or less. In general, most modern cruise ships range from 70 to 200 feet in height when measured from their keel line to their highest continuous deck.