What Size Waves Can a Cruise Ship Withstand?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ships are built to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions, so it’s no surprise that they can handle large waves. But exactly how large can a cruise ship withstand?

The size of waves a cruise ship can handle depends on the shape and design of the ship. All ships are designed to be able to handle some degree of wave height, however, modern vessels such as those operated by major cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have been specifically designed to be able to withstand larger waves than ever before.

Generally speaking, most modern cruise ships are able to handle wave heights up to 20 feet (6 meters). This is because the hulls of these vessels are designed in such a way that they absorb or deflect much of the force from incoming waves. Additionally, some cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers – fins protruding from either side of the ship – which help to reduce rolling and provide additional stability in rough seas.

In Conclusion:

Overall, modern cruise ships are well-equipped to handle waves up to 20 feet (6 meters). While there is no exact number for how high a wave a cruise ship can tolerate, this figure is generally accepted as a safe limit for most vessels.