What Is the Average Size of a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships come in a variety of sizes and configurations, but the average size of a cruise ship is somewhere around 855 feet. That’s a little over two and a half football fields long!

Cruise ships are usually more than 150 feet wide, with some as wide as 200 feet. A handful of the world’s largest cruise ships measure over 1,000 feet from bow to stern.

The size of a cruise ship affects its capacity for passengers and crew members. A smaller vessel may be able to hold 300-500 passengers and 200-300 crew members, while larger vessels can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members. The size also affects the number of cabins that can be built on board; some of the larger vessels have more than 2,000 cabins.

The size of the cruise ship also affects its draft; the deeper it is in the water, the greater its draft will be. This means that larger ships will typically not be able to make port at smaller harbors or visit shallow areas due to their depth in the water.

In addition to size, there are other factors that affect the design of a cruise ship such as amenities, passenger capacity, and speed capabilities. Depending on these factors, other features such as swimming pools, restaurants, theaters and spas may be included onboard. Cruise lines often design their ships with specific destinations in mind so they can ensure they are offering amenities and experiences that will appeal to their customers.

Conclusion:

The average size of a cruise ship is 855 feet long by 150-200 feet wide with varying passenger capacities based on size and design features. Larger ships have deeper drafts which limit them from stopping at certain ports or visiting shallow areas. Amenities onboard vary based on destination focus so passengers can enjoy unique experiences determined by each individual cruise line.