How Small Can a Cruise Ship Be?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ships come in all sizes, from the largest being longer than some of the world’s tallest buildings, to some that are smaller than a football field. The size of cruise ships varies depending on the type of cruise, the length of voyage, and the number of passengers it can accommodate. But what is the smallest size a cruise ship can be?

The size of a cruise ship is largely determined by its intended purpose. Ships designed for longer ocean voyages tend to be much larger than those designed for shorter coastal trips.

Cruise lines will also consider how many passengers they want to be able to accommodate when deciding on the size of their vessel. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships can hold up to 6,680 guests and 2,100 crew members, while their Quantum Class ships are slightly smaller and can accommodate up to 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew.

The smallest cruise ship currently in operation is the Azamara Pursuit. This small but mighty vessel was originally built for Renaissance Cruises in 2000 and has since been refurbished by Azamara Club Cruises.

The Azamara Pursuit measures a mere 570 feet (174 meters) long and carries just 700 passengers – making it one of the smallest cruise ships around. Despite its size, it still offers an array of amenities including multiple restaurants, bars, lounges and even a spa.

If you’re looking for an even more intimate experience then there are several river cruises which offer smaller vessels that carry fewer than 200 passengers. These vessels are usually around 200-300 feet (61-91 meters) long and offer a more personalized experience with fewer crowds. Some river cruises even offer luxury suites with private balconies as well as gourmet meals and wine tastings.

To summarise – How Small Can a Cruise Ship Be?

Cruise ships come in all sizes depending on their intended purpose and number of passengers they can accommodate; however, the smallest cruise ship currently in operation is the Azamara Pursuit which measures 570 feet (174 meters) long and carries just 700 passengers. For an even more intimate experience there are several river cruises which offer smaller vessels that carry fewer than 200 passengers.