Due to the ever-increasing demand for cruise holidays, the ships seem to be getting bigger and bigger. Improving technology ensures that this does not present any engineering problems and passengers can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious holiday in record numbers.
As well as providing more holiday options for cruise enthusiasts, these mega ships offer incredible spectacles and even more amenities. Here are five of the largest and most staggering cruise ships in service today.
Oasis of the Seas
Company: Royal Caribbean
Alongside sister Allure of the Seas, the Oasis is currently the largest passenger ship on the seas, capable of carrying more than 6,000 passengers. The incredible liner is full of breath-taking amenities such as the Central Park (the world’s first living park at sea) walk-through including a range of boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Designed with families in mind, the Oasis of the Seas contains a Youth Zone with a science lab and a comprehensive range of computer gaming.
Norwegian Epic
Company: Norwegian Cruise Line
The transatlantic repositioning is a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique cruise as the Norwegian Epic moves home from Miami to Barcelona. The Norwegian Epic is in a class of its own and offers an unprecedented array of amenities and activities on board. The 5,100 passenger capacity ship plays host to the spectacular Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil, performing regularly on the high seas.
The Epic contains a great selection of unique and quirky cabin designs, built around fun and rewarding family holidays.
Independence of the Seas
Company: Royal Caribbean
Alongside sister ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas; the Independence of the Seas marks Royal Caribbean’s second inclusion on the mega-ship list. With a capacity of more than 4,300 passengers; the Independence of the Seas plays host to a comprehensive interactive water park – the H2O Zone.
As part of the Freedom class of ships, the Independence was the joint largest ships on the seas for a year until the Oasis of the Seas took the crown.
Queen Mary 2
Company: Cunard
For two years, the Queen Mary 2 from Cunard was the largest passenger ship on the seas and remains the company’s only inclusion in the top 50. The Queen Mary 2 undertakes some of the longest and most comprehensive cruises available in the industry. Regularly travelling from Sydney to Southampton, UK and back again; some cruises about the Queen Mary 2 can last upwards of 50 nights.
The sophisticated ship plays host to more than 5,000 commissioned works of art throughout the public rooms, corridors, staterooms and lobbies, giving the ship an incredibly unique character.
Norwegian Getaway
Company: Norwegian Cruise Line
Rounding off the top 5 is another inclusion for Norwegian Cruise Line. The Norwegian Getaway only launched at the start of the year and has already attracted significant attention thanks to the beautiful design on the hull of the ship.
Alongside its sister ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, the Getaway plays host to the Illusionarium, an entertainment venue which is devoted to the art of magic and illusion. For the younger charges, a large water park is on board with five slides, including a freefall drop.
The top five does look set to change in the coming years with both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines announcing large ships to be launched soon.
Want to book a cruise of one of these megaships? Then check out our hottest cruise deals or ring out Australia-based cruise experts on 1300 857 345.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Monica R, EDDIE, Bejamin Reed, El Collecionista de Instante.
