How Much Does It Cost to Build a Small Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

Building a small cruise ship is no small feat. It requires a lot of time, money, and expertise to bring the project to fruition.

Depending on the size and complexity of the vessel, the cost can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.

The first step in building a cruise ship is designing the vessel. This includes approximating the size, layout, and other specifications of the ship.

This process can be expensive; depending on its complexity, it can cost anywhere from $300,000-$900,000.

Next comes engineering and construction. The estimated cost for this phase generally ranges from $50 million-$150 million for a small cruise ship that can accommodate up to 200 passengers. This price tag includes costs related to hull construction, interior design/furnishings, and outfitting.

After construction is complete, there are additional costs associated with outfitting and launching a cruise ship. These include costs for safety equipment such as lifeboats, navigation systems, and communications devices; as well as costs related to onboard amenities such as restaurants and entertainment venues. The total cost for outfitting can range from $10 million-$20 million.

In addition to these expenses, there are ongoing operational costs associated with running a small cruise ship. These include fuel costs, crew salaries/benefits, maintenance/repair expenses, and insurance premiums. Operating costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of fuel used (e.g., diesel or LNG) and how often the vessel is in use.

To sum up, it generally takes tens of millions up to hundreds of millions of dollars to build a small cruise ship that can accommodate up to 200 passengers – this includes design/engineering fees; construction expenses; outfitting/launching costs; as well as ongoing operational costs such as fuel expenses and crew salaries/benefits.

Conclusion: Building a small cruise ship is an expensive but rewarding endeavor that requires skillful planning and efficient execution in order to make it successful. With careful consideration given to all aspects involved in creating this type of vessel – including design fees; construction fees; outfitting expenses; operational expenses – one can expect that it will cost tens of millions up to hundreds of millions of dollars in order to build a small cruise ship.