Is a Cruise Ship a Liner?

By Alice Nichols

A cruise ship can be considered a liner, although it is not the same type of vessel as a traditional ocean liner. Cruise ships differ from liners in many ways, but share some similarities.

Size: Traditional ocean liners are much larger than modern cruise ships, with some of the largest liners being up to 880 feet in length and displacing over 70,000 tons. Cruise ships are usually smaller and lighter, with most being in the range of 600-900 feet and displacing up to 50,000 tons.

Purpose: Ocean liners were primarily used for transporting passengers and cargo between distant ports. Cruise ships are mainly used for pleasure cruises and short trips around coastal areas.

Accommodations: Ocean liners generally offered basic accommodations such as bunk beds and cabins that could accommodate multiple passengers. Cruise ships offer more luxurious accommodations such as private cabins with en-suite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the sea.

Amenities: Liners typically had few amenities onboard such as restaurants and lounges for passengers to enjoy during their voyage. Cruise ships offer a wide variety of amenities and activities, including entertainment venues, swimming pools, casinos, spas and more.

Conclusion: Although cruise ships and ocean liners share some similarities in terms of size and purpose, they are still two distinct vessels that serve different purposes. While cruise ships offer more modern amenities than traditional liners, they can still be considered a type of liner due to their size and purpose.