What Is the Difference Between an Ocean Liner and Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to maritime transportation, ocean liners and cruise ships both provide a great way to travel in comfort and style. While they may have some similarities, there are also several key differences that should be noted between them.

Design:

The first major difference between ocean liners and cruise ships is their design. Ocean liners are much larger than traditional cruise ships, with a length generally between 700-950 feet long.

They also have a more boxy shape, with a large superstructure that houses amenities such as restaurants and shops. Cruise ships, on the other hand, are usually much smaller and more streamlined than ocean liners. They also come equipped with many amenities such as pools and theatres.

Speed:

The second major difference between ocean liners and cruise ships is their speed. Ocean liners are designed for speed, able to reach speeds of up to 30 knots when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

Cruise ships, however, are designed for leisurely cruises rather than for speed. Most cruise ships can only reach speeds of about 20 knots.

Purpose:

The third major difference between ocean liners and cruise ships is their purpose. Ocean liners were originally designed to transport passengers from one port to another in the most efficient manner possible.

They are much faster than traditional cruise ships because they need to make multiple stops along their routes. Cruise ships, on the other hand, were designed for leisurely vacation trips around the world or from one port of call to another.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there are several key differences between an ocean liner and a cruise ship that should be noted before choosing which type of vessel best suits your needs. Ocean liners are typically larger with a more boxy shape while being designed for speed; whereas cruise ships tend to be smaller with a more streamlined design while being better suited for leisurely trips around the world or from one port of call to another.