15 Surprising Facts You Might Not Know About Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are floating cities with remarkable features and fascinating histories. While they are designed to provide comfort and luxury, there are many surprising facts about them that even frequent cruisers might not know. In this article, we’ll explore 15 intriguing facts that showcase the complexity, innovation, and sheer scale of modern cruise ships.

Cruise Ships Are Taller Than Some Skyscrapers

Most people imagine cruise ships as wide and long, but their height is just as impressive. The largest cruise ships today can reach up to 20 decks high, making them taller than many skyscrapers. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s “Symphony of the Seas” measures about 238 feet from the waterline to the top of the funnel. That’s taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Cruise Ships Generate Their Freshwater

You might not realize that cruise ships are largely self-sufficient, including their ability to produce fresh water. Modern cruise ships use desalination systems to convert seawater into fresh water. This process involves evaporating seawater and condensing the steam back into water, providing thousands of tons of freshwater daily to meet the needs of passengers and crew.

The Kitchens Serve Up To 30,000 Meals Per Day

Feeding thousands of passengers and crew requires a well-oiled culinary machine. On large cruise ships, up to 30,000 meals can be served each day. The food is prepared in multiple kitchens, including specialized ones for different cuisines, ensuring that everyone aboard has access to a wide variety of dishes at any time of day.

Cruise Ships Are Designed To Withstand Rough Seas

Cruise ships are engineered to handle rough weather and turbulent seas. Their stability comes from both the ship’s design and sophisticated stabilizers, which can extend out from the hull to counteract the motion of the waves. These stabilizers can reduce the ship’s roll by up to 85%, making the journey more comfortable for passengers.