Is Bigger Really Better?

We’ve seen several new ship launches over the course of the last year or so and there are several more exciting new liners set to sail the high seas by 2020 and I cant help but notice the size of these whoppers just keep getting bigger….and bigger… and bigger. Not only are they increasing in size and in passenger numbers, but they are becoming more technologically advanced, more glitzy and modern and seemingly aimed with the thrill seekers and younger market in mind – some of the cruise lines it would seem are at war. Who can build the biggest, best, most exciting mega liner yet!

This month we see the launch of Harmony of the Seas, the latest addition to Royal Caribbean International’s fleet. Boasting the most water slides at sea, the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest water slide at sea and the first Bionic Bar at sea where robots serve guests with their chosen cocktail tipple one could argue that ‘firsts at sea’ is the name of the game when it comes to building cruise ships. Weighing in at 227,000 tonnes Harmony has the capacity to carry 6315 passengers and is currently the worlds largest cruise ship, she cost almost £800 million to build and is 165 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower! Amazing right? Royal Caribbean have announced that a third ship for their Oasis Class will be launched in 2018, she has yet to be named but once complete the cruise line will be the proud owners of the worlds largest trio on the waves. 

At the other end of the scale we have the 40,000-ton Silver Muse. Launching in Spring 2017 she will be the largest ship in the Silversea fleet. Silversea describes the intimate 596-passenger ship as a step toward “ultra-luxury ocean cruising,” she will feature all-suite accommodations, a supper club-style specialty restaurant and will be their flagship for the line. With more dining options than any other ultra-luxury ship – eight venues including an exclusive Relais & Chateaux restaurant, Silver Muse is set to offer the finest and widest bespoke culinary experience at sea. Although nothing new for most cruise lines, Silver Muse will offer a new approach to sailing for the line: a state-of-the-art theatre, an elegant pool in beautiful surroundings, an exclusive spa area, plus cosy corners, outdoor lounges and relaxing spaces. No ziplines, waterslides or robots to be seen here. Thank heavens I hear some of you cry!

Whilst its amazing to see what some of these lines are achieving with their record breaking ships its great to see that some cruise lines haven’t lost touch with the understated beauty (and demand) of the smaller, more intimate vessels that many regular cruisers have come to cherish.

So what do you think….Is bigger really better or do the finer things in life come in smaller packages?