What Is the Difference Between Ocean Liner and Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

An ocean liner is a large vessel designed to carry passengers across the ocean, usually on a route that travels in one direction and generally takes several weeks to complete. By contrast, a cruise ship is designed to take passengers on short trips around the world, often for a week or two. Cruise ships may make multiple stops along the way and are generally not limited to one particular route.

Size: Ocean liners tend to be much larger than cruise ships; they have more space for staterooms and amenities. Plus, they are built with extra cargo capacity so that they can transport goods during the voyage. Due to their size, ocean liners often have higher passenger capacities than cruise ships.

Amenities: Ocean liners typically offer more amenities and facilities than cruise ships. This includes restaurants, bars, nightclubs, theaters, swimming pools and other recreational activities. Cruise ships may also offer similar amenities but on a smaller scale.

Speed: Ocean liners are designed for speed and are usually faster than cruise ships. They are capable of traveling at speeds of up to 30 knots (about 34 mph). Cruise ships typically travel at around 20 knots (about 23 mph).

Conclusion:

The main difference between ocean liners and cruise ships is size; ocean liners tend to be much larger with greater passenger capacity and more amenities onboard. Additionally, ocean liners are faster than cruise ships with speeds of up to 30 knots compared to just 20 knots for most cruise vessels.