Mega ships Galore

Is the world ready for yet more megaships?

In light of recent speculation that cruise lines are not doing enough to lessen their impact on the environment the rate at which these mega ships are being cranked out seems ludicrous.  Especially as some of the ports are not really geared for the large number of ships docking at one time. Where exactly are they all going to go?

The Latest offerings include, the second liner for Dream Cruises, the World Dream which is getting ready for sea trials out of Meyer Werft’s ship yards.

Then there is the announcement by Royal Caribbean of their latest Quantum Class Ship. The first piece of steel was cut this week on the construction of Spectrum of the Seas. This is not just a Quantum class but will be a Quantum Ultra class and as with most Royal Caribbean ships will come fully loaded with high-tech gadgets and features. I am sure as usual there will be something new to give it that wow factor.  Set to launch in April 2019 she will be based in China and Asia.

In addition, there are a number of Mega ships due to launch soon.

MSC Seaside – November 2017

Carnival Horizon – March 2018

Symphony of the Seas – April 2018

Norwegian Bliss – April 2018

MSC Seaview – May 2018

Holland America New Statendam – November 2018

Celebrity Edge – December 2018

MSC Bellissima – March 2019

The list goes on.

In addition to these there are a number of smaller ships being launched by Seabourn and Viking to name but a few.

So, what do you think? Are there too many new ships? Do we need new ports for these ships to dock at and what will it mean for the cruising experience?

Personally, although I have been on the larger ships and enjoy the facilities, I hate docking miles from anywhere in some industrial setting where you need to get a coach for 30 minutes to get to the nearest town.

I much prefer the pretty ports of call like Kotor in Montenegro, Santorini in Greece,

Venice, Dubrovnik,

Stockholm in Sweden and some of the small ports in the Fjords like Flam.

  I like a picturesque setting to dock not an industrial port. Unfortunately for these mega ships they cannot dock in many of these places and the ones they still can may soon start to limit them calling due to the environmental impact.

What do you think? Is it bring it on? Or do you say no to more megaships?

I would love to hear your views.