Titanic vs Cruise Ship Comparison (Size, Cabins, and More)

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The story of the Titanic has fascinated people for over a century, leaving many to wonder how this historic ocean liner compares to today’s modern cruise ships.

But how does the Titanic compare to a modern cruise ship?

Modern cruise ships are, on average, 20% longer than the Titanic and twice as tall . Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world and is five times the size of the Titanic, with an internal volume of 250,800 GT.

In 1912, the Titanic was hailed as the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, but it doesn’t come close to modern cruise ships. Let’s look at the Titanic compared to modern cruise ships: size, passenger count, activities, dining, cabins, and safety features.

Table of Contents

Titanic vs Cruise Ship Size Comparison

Titanic vs Wonder of the Seas front view comparison

Built by White Star Line, the Titanic was the largest ship in the world upon its debut on April 10, 1912. The ship was the world’s largest and is still romanticized for its size and luxury.

RMS Titanic departing Southampton on April 10 1912

How big was the Titanic?

The RMS Titanic had a gross register tonnage of 46,329 tons, 882 feet 9 inches long (269 meters), and 92 feet wide (28 meters). The Titanic’s gross registered tonnage was 46,329 GRT.

Modern ships are much larger than the Titanic. Modern cruise ships are on average 20% longer and twice as wide as the Titanic .

Icon of the seas during sea trials in Turku, Finland, where it is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard

Today’s largest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas,  with a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT . Icon of the Seas measures 1,188 feet long and is 210 feet wide

When measuring internal volume, Icon of the Seas is more than five times larger than the Titanic.

  • Length: 882 feet 9 inches
  • Gross tonnage: 46,329 GRT
  • Width: 92 feet 6 inches
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,453
  • Length: 1,194 feet
  • Gross tonnage: 250,800 GRT
  • Width: 213 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 7,600
  • Crew: 2,350

Below is a size comparison between the Titanic and several modern cruise ships:

Titanic46,329 GRT882 ft 9 inches92 ft 6 inches2,435
Icon of the Seas250,800 GT1,198 ft213 ft7,600
236,857 GT1,188 ft210 ft6,988
Costa Smeralda185,000 GT1,106 ft137 ft6,544
P&O Iona184,089 GT1,130 ft137 ft6,600
AIDAnova183,858 GT1,106 ft137 ft6,654
181,808 GT1,130 ft138 ft6,630
MSC Grandiosa181,541 GT1,087 ft141 ft6,761
Norwegian Encore169,116 GT1,094 ft135 ft3,998
Queen Mary 279,287 GT1,132 ft135 ft2,695

Gross Tonnage

Titanic vs Wonder of the Seas cruise ship size comparison

The Titanic had a gross registered tonnage of 46,000 GRT. By today’s standards, the Titanic wouldn’t even make the top 100 cruise ships in the world .

The Titanic’s gross registered tonnage is smaller than all of the cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet . As well as the fleets of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages.

Infographic comparing the length of the Titanic to Wonder of the Seas

The Titanic was 882 feet 9 inches long (269 meters). Average cruise ships are around 1,000 feet in length.

Although cruise ships are much larger in every way, they’re not that much longer than Titanic.

That’s because modern ships still need to be able to dock in older ports that don’t receive frequent upgrades and expansions. The process of docking and maneuvering cruise ships means that although they can easily increase their height and width, they are limited in how long they can be built.

Passenger Capacity

The poop deck on the Titanic

The Titanic could carry 2,435 passengers and a crew of 885, for a total capacity of 3,320 people.

Modern passenger ships have an average passenger capacity of around 3,000 passengers and 1,200 crew members.

Meanwhile, Icon of the Seas has a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600 and a crew of 2,394, for a total of 9,382 people.

Thanks to its massive size, Icon of the Seas can hold three times as many people as the Titanic.

Deck Count (Height)

The Titanic had a total of 10 decks, with eight of those accessible to passengers.

Modern cruise ships have around 15 decks, with 13 accessible to passengers. While Icon of the Seas has 20 decks, with 18 passenger decks.

Construction Costs

The bow of the Titanic while under construction in the shipyard

The Titanic, built in 1912, had an estimated price tag of $7.5 million, equating to around $400 million in today’s dollars.

That may sound like a lot of money, but it pales compared to how much it costs to build a cruise ship .

An average-sized cruise ship costs around $1 billion to build. According to Royal Caribbean, the construction costs for Icon of the Seas are estimated at $2 billion.

Cruise Fares on Titanic Compared to Cruise Ship

Tickets to sail on the Titanic were not cheap. In 1912, a third-class ticket on the Titanic cost 7 pounds ($35), while a first-class suite cost 870 pounds ($4,000).

Adjusted for inflation, it would’ve cost 850 pounds ($1,071) for a third-class ticket and 105,000 pounds ($133,132) for a first-class suite.

I was surprised to learn that when adjusted for inflation, tickets to sail on the Titanic are similar to modern cruise ship fares.

While you can find 7-night cruise fares below $420 per person, tickets to sail on a new cruise ship are around $750 to $1,000 per person. The price of a suite on a modern ship is much lower than Titanic’s first-class cabins, at about $25,000 for a 7-night itinerary.

Cabin Comparison

Recreation of a Frist Class Cabin on Titanic

Perhaps the most striking difference between the Titanic and modern cruise, apart from the sheer difference in size, is the quality of cabins and the range of activities and entertainment.

Passengers on the Titanic were divided into first, second, and third-class statuses based on wealth.

In total, Titanic featured approximately 350 first-class staterooms. The luxurious staterooms could be used for second-class passengers if needed.

The Titanic didn’t have any balcony cabins.

First-class cabins were the epitome of luxury on the Titanic. With about 905 passenger spots, first-class staterooms offer ornate decorations and lavish furniture. First-class guests could also access exclusive amenities such as the Parisian café, grand staircase, elegant dining areas, and spacious lounges.

Despite their luxury accommodation, many first-class passengers shared communal bathroom facilities. Additionally, freshwater aboard the vessel was scarce, meaning guests of all classes bathed in seawater.

Because of the limited freshwater, there was no laundry service aboard the Titanic. However, first-class passengers had their linens changed daily.

Second class cabin on the Titanic with Bunk beds

On the other hand, second-class staterooms provided a relatively comfortable experience with small cabins and basic decor. The rooms were more modest than the first-class cabins but provided a comfortable stay for middle-class passengers.

Second-class passengers slept on bunk beds, with two or four cabins per stateroom. Bunk beds are still standard on cruise ships , especially in family-sized staterooms.

Recreation of third class cabins on the Titanic

Finally, the third class comprised the largest group of passengers with an estimated capacity of 974. Third-class cabins were more congested, with passengers sharing space in bunk-style accommodations. Despite the simpler living conditions, travelers in this class still enjoyed a decent level of service.

Third-class passengers shared two bathrooms on the ship, one for men and another for women.

Like the Titanic, today’s cruise ships model their cabins after high-end hotels. Fortunately for today’s cruise ship passengers, every stateroom has a full bathroom, air-conditioning, TVs, and even private balconies.

The sea terrace cabin on Scarlet lady with curtains bed and tv

Modern cruise ships provide far more choices in cabin styles, including interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite accommodations.

Royal Loft Suite onboard Anthem of the Seas

Although passengers are no longer divided into classes, many cruise ships offer added benefits to guests staying in higher-priced staterooms and suites. These benefits may include access to a VIP lounge, show reservations, exclusive discounts, and more.

So maybe things aren’t so different after all.

Activities and Entertainment

Titanic's first class gymnasium

There was very little formal entertainment onboard the Titanic. The ship’s entertainment consisted of an eight-man orchestra for the upper classes and a piano in the first-class dining room.

Indoor swimming pool on the titanic

First-class passengers also had access to an indoor swimming pool and Turkish bath.

Passengers in the lower classes weren’t provided with any entertainment. Third-class passengers had access to the poop deck on deck B, a recreational space.

Fortunately, Titanic offered some onboard activities to keep passengers occupied. The ship had a squash court, smoking room, lounge, Turkish bath, steam room, pool, and gymnasium.

Norwegian Encore go-kart track and outdoor laser tag

By comparison, the ships offered by modern cruise lines are basically floating resorts. Modern cruise ships boast numerous entertainment facilities, including multiple swimming pools, a spa, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, zip lines, and surf simulators.

Cruise ships also host live performances in grand theaters and smaller, more intimate venues that might cater to specific musical or comedic tastes.

Wonder of the Seas pool deck

The scope and scale of activities on modern cruise ships have expanded significantly since the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Passengers on today’s cruise ships enjoy an extensive range of options, ensuring entertainment choices suit virtually every preference and age group. The level of luxury and comfort available on modern cruises ensures passengers have a memorable and indulgent experience while on vacation.

Dining Comparison

A la Carte Restaurant on the Titanic

The Titanic had four onboard restaurants: A la Carte Restaurant, the Dining Saloon, the Verandah Cafe, and the Cafe Parisien.

A la Carte Restaurant was exclusive to first-class passengers. The restaurant is one of the earliest examples of extra-cost dining on a cruise ship. It was smaller than the main dining room but styled with elegant French decor.

Like specialty restaurants on modern cruise ships, there was an added fee to eat at the A la Carte Restaurant. The food consisted of “caviar, lobster, quail from Egypt, plovers’ eggs, and hothouse grapes and fresh peaches.”

The Dining Saloon on the Titanic (Colorized)

The Dining Saloon was the equivalent of today’s main dining room. Passengers had assigned seating arrangements, and food was only served at specific times.

The Verandah Cafe and the Cafe Parisian were located near the promenade and offered a more intimate and casual dining experience.

Although cruise ship food has historically had a bad reputation, modern cruise lines have greatly improved the dining experience. Nearly every cruise line has fine dining experiences and dozens of onboard restaurants.

Virgin Voyages has eliminated buffets and the main dining room in favor of over 20 restaurants, each with a unique menu and dining experience. They’ve even enlisted the help of Michelin-starred chefs to create outstanding meals for passengers.

Safety Precautions It’sarison

Titanic Lifeboats

It’s no secret that the Titanic didn’t have enough lifeboats for everyone. The ship was equipped with 20 lifeboats carrying up to 1,178 people, less than half the vessel’s capacity.

Surprisingly, the ship had enough space to carry many more lifeboats, which would be stored on the top deck. However, the ship’s operator decided that the added lifeboats would give the vessel a cluttered appearance and removed the lifeboats to preserve the Titanic’s luxury aesthetic.

The vessel was outfitted with approximately 3,500 cork-filled life jackets and 48 life rings. Unfortunately, they were of little use at the time of the disaster, given the temperature of the North Atlantic Ocean and the quick onset of hypothermia.

Oasis of the Seas Lifeboat

One significant change that has occurred is regulating the number of lifeboats onboard.

Today, modern cruise ships must have sufficient lifeboats and life-saving equipment for all passengers and crew on board, as mandated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

SOLAS is a set of international safety regulations established in response to the Titanic catastrophe to ensure maritime safety. These regulations encompass not only lifeboats but also emergency procedures, safety features, and robust design requirements.

Compliance with SOLAS is crucial for any cruise ship, and regular inspections are conducted to verify adherence.

One key safety measure now prioritized on cruise ships is the lifeboat drill.

The Titanic’s captain, Edward Smith, canceled the scheduled lifeboat drill the day the ship encountered the iceberg. In contrast, modern cruise ships routinely conduct lifeboat drills shortly after embarkation, familiarizing passengers with evacuation procedures and mustering points in the event of an emergency.

If you’ve been on a cruise ship, you’re familiar with the muster drill all guests must perform on embarkation day. It’s the law that the drill must be performed by every passenger prior to sailing to enhance emergency preparedness.

Additionally, modern ships have a suite of safety features to avoid disasters before they even occur. Advanced radar detection systems, fire suppression systems, advancements in steering technology, and more help make today’s cruise ships safer than ever.

While it is impossible to guarantee absolute safety, advancements in building methods, safety technology, and crew training have made disasters such as the Titanic rare.

Was the Titanic a Cruise Ship or Ocean Liner?

Colorized image of the Titanic getting ready to drop anchor in Southampton

The RMS Titanic was an ocean liner that sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

Although many people consider the Titanic to be a cruise ship, the Titanic is actually an ocean liner .

It’s an important distinction.

Ocean liners serve the primary purpose of transporting passengers or goods from one destination to another. Unlike cruise ships which are often a destination in and of themselves, ocean liners serve as a means of transportation.

Titanic departing Southampton on her maiden voyage

The Titanic’s operator, White Star Line, designed the Titanic to be both luxurious and comfortable to distinguish the ship from its competitors.

White Star Line’s biggest competitor, Cunard Line, focused on making its ships faster. Cunard Line prided itself on how fast it could transport passengers across the Atlantic.

White Star Line hoped that making their ships more comfortable for passengers would help differentiate themselves and attract more guests.

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 the world's fastest cruise ship anchoring off the coast of Saint Lucia

Ocean liners like the Titanic are all but a thing of the past.

Only one ocean liner is still in service; the Queen Mary 2 . This famous luxury ship has a top speed of 30 knots, compared to the average cruising speed of a cruise ship at 18-22 knots .

The Queen Mary 2 continues to offer traditional trans-Atlantic sailings from Southampton to New York.

Click here to learn more about ocean liners vs. cruise ships.

How Fast was the Titanic Compared to a Modern Cruise Ship?

The Titanic had a cruising speed of only 21 knots (39 kilometers per hour, 24 miles per hour) and could achieve a top speed of 24 knots (44 kilometers per hour, 28 miles per hour).

Ocean liners, like the Titanic, were built for speed and luxury to make regularly scheduled crossings.

The Titanic was powered by two four-cylinder triple-expansion steam engines as well as a low-pressure Parsons turbine.

Modern cruise ships have nearly the same maximum speed as the Titanic!

Compared to Titanic’s maximum speed, the Oasis of the Seas’ top speed is 24.5 knots , while 2020’s Mardi Gras ‘ is around 23 knots.

Some modern cruise ships can reach a top speed of 30 knots. But cruise ships rarely ever travel at top speed for safety and fuel efficiency. Most cruise ships travel at an operating speed of 18-20 knots.

Modern day cruise ship ships are built much larger than the Titanic; they are equipped with the latest propulsion technology. But the sheer size of today’s mega cruise ships means that extra horsepower doesn’t translate into faster speed.

But that’s okay because cruise ships aren’t designed to be fast.

Unlike ocean liners which travel long distances over periods of days, cruise ships don’t usually require fast speeds as they typically travel short distances between ports over the span of days.

Titanic vs Cruise Ship Infographic

Dane, K. (2019, July 4). Titanic dining . Titanic. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.titanic-titanic.com/titanic-dining/

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Titanic . Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Titanic

First class dining saloon . Titanic Wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://titanic.fandom.com/wiki/First_Class_Dining_Saloon

First class staterooms . Titanic Wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://titanic.fandom.com/wiki/First_Class_Staterooms

History.com Editors. (2009, November 9). Titanic . History.com. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/titanic

Titanic lifeboats • titanic facts . Titanic Facts. (2020, July 13). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://titanicfacts.net/titanic-lifeboats/

Solas . International Maritime Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://www.imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/ConferencesMeetings/Pages/S

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Inside the world’s largest cruise ship that’s 5 times bigger than the Titanic

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Inside the world?s largest cruise ship that?s 5 times bigger than the Titanic

Looking to travel the world without jet-setting?

The world’s largest cruise ship is almost here to fulfil all your ocean holibob fantasies .

Not only is it five times the size of the Titanic , it even has its very own waterfall.

Designed by Royal Caribbean Cruises, the Icon of the Seas was sailed for the first time as part of a four-day sea trial in Finland, where the ship was first built at a whopping cost of £1.5 billion.

A team of 450 specialists and four tugboats took part in a trial of the record-breaking vessel ahead of its formal arrival late last year, and it took its maiden voyage from the Port of Miami on January 27, 2024.

Welcoming 5,610 guests (although it can hold a maximum of 7,600) and employing 2,350 crew, the ship comes in at an impressive 1,198 feet or 365 metres long.

Inside the world?s largest cruise ship that?s 5 times bigger than the Titanic

By comparison, the famous Titanic – which was the largest ship afloat back when it debuted in 1912 – measured 269 metres.

The Icon of the Seas marks a new era for holidaymakers in combining theme parks, beach escapes, fine dining and entertainment, sailing seven-night cruises across the Eastern and Western Caribbean year-round.

There are different packages, depending on your budget, but it can be pricey. The cheapest option starts at £1,482 per person for a seven-night stay in an interior cabin in September 2024.

Meanwhile, the ship’s townhouse three-storey apartment (which sleeps eight and comes with its own cinema and a slide between levels) works out at roughly £70,000 for a week.

Inside the world?s largest cruise ship that?s 5 times bigger than the Titanic

Marketed as the ‘largest waterpark at sea’, the ship’s Thrill Island attraction has a record-breaking six waterslides, from the aptly named ‘Frightening Bolt’ to the ‘Pressure Drop’, the first open, freefall waterslide on a cruise.

This Icon doesn’t skimp on swimming pools, either: there are seven on board, along with nine whirlpools – enough for every possible mood, with a range of infinity edges that’ll leave you feeling at one with the ocean.

In terms of food, there are 40 restaurants to choose from, so you better make sure you’re hungry enough to sample them all.

That’s not all though: on this voyage passengers will get the opportunity to hop across some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Cozumel, Mexico, Philipsburg, St Maarten, Roatan and Honduras.

The Icon will also be accompanied by her sister ship, Utopia of the Seas, scheduled for her debut later in 2024. It’s slightly smaller, but with the longest dry slide at sea and its own train, it’s still super impressive.

The most jaw-dropping amenities on board Icon of the Seas

  • The boat is home to the largest waterpark at sea, Thrill Island, which also includes the first freefall slide at sea. There’s six record breaking waterslides, seven pools and nine whirlpools on board.
  • Of course, the largest waterpark at sea is home to the largest pool at sea – which is filled with 40,000 gallons of water.
  • Perhaps the biggest feat of engineering is the Aquadome – the largest free-standing dome at sea, made up of 700 glass panels. During the day, it boasts panoramic views of the ocean, and by night, it houses the AquaTheatre, where a 55ft waterfall tumbles down to a stage below, where circus style shows take place.
  • The ship is laid out in eight distinct neighbourhoods – Central Park is a relaxing area with an actual park that features real trees and 33,500 plants.
  • Fed up with all that lounging around and need a surge of adrenaline? There’s a zip-line suspended 154ft above the ocean.

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This article was first published on July 6, 2023.

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Symphony of the Seas vs. RMS Titanic: Comparing Two Giants

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Doug Parker

  • December 29, 2023

Imagine a face-off between two giant cruise ships: Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and the RMS Titanic.

symphony of the seas

Royal Caribean’s Symphony of the Seas is  one  of the world’s largest cruise ships and dwarfs the Titanic, yet the Titanic’s formidable ocean liner reputation still echoes throughout history. But our ambitious comparison doesn’t stop at the sheer size.

We’ll delve into the differences and similarities between the crew, perks, and—crucially—the precautions onboard each behemoth. 

Comparing the two Vessels

ItemTitanic Symphony of the Seas
Owner White Star LineRoyal Caribbean International
Year Launched19122018
Cost to Build£7.5 million$1.35 billion
ShipyardHarland and Wolff, BelfastSTX France, Saint-Nazaire
Gross Tonnage46,328 GRT236,857 GRT
Length 882 feet (269 meters)1,188 feet (362 meters)
Width92 feet (28 meters)194 feet (59 meters)
Passengers2,2245,774
Crew8922,100
Speed25 knots (46 km/h)23 knots (43 km/h)
Decks 918
AmenitiesSwimming pools, restaurants, bars, theater, casino, library, gymnasiumSwimming pools, water slides, surf simulator, zip line, ice skating rink, spa, laser tag, theater, casino, nightclubs, children’s activities
Notable featuresGrand staircaseUltimate Abyss slide, Ultimate Thrill ride, Perfect Storm waterslide complex

The Symphony of the Seas, a dazzling jewel in the Royal Caribbean crown, tips the scales at an impressive 228,081 gross tonnage, making her one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

There are five Royal Caribbean mega-ships: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. A sixth will debut in the summer of 2024 with Utopia of the Seas.

There are five Royal Caribbean mega-ships: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. A sixth will debut in the summer of 2024 with Utopia of the Seas.

She measures 1,188 feet from bow to stern, rivaling some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

On the other hand, the Titanic, once Queen of the ocean, measured about 882 feet in length and 46,328 gross tonnage. A formidable presence in her time, she was one of the largest vessels of the early 20th century.

symphony of the seas nassau bahamas

However, when we stack these two side-by-side, Symphony of the Seas takes the cake for sheer size. 

Crew and Passengers 

titanic symphony of the seas

Let’s discuss the people on the ship. Like any city, every ship, regardless of size, has its own population. There are crew members and passengers, each with their own needs and expectations.

When it sailed in 1912, the Titanic had around 885 crew members responsible for running this colossal piece of machinery and ensuring the comfort of its passengers. Their tasks ranged from steering the ship to serving caviar in the first-class dining rooms.

The Titanic could carry 2,435 passengers (between first, second, and third-class passengers), and you have quite a busy ship. Each class had designated areas onboard, which somewhat mirrored the societal norms of that era. 

IMG 5059

In contrast, our modern-day titan, the Symphony of the Seas, has a crew of approximately 2,200. These folks are the heart and soul of the ship. They run the restaurants, keep the staterooms clean, and ensure everyone’s safe and sound on the high seas.

Unlike the Titanic, the Symphony of the Seas has a double occupancy capacity of 5,518 passengers and can accommodate up to 6,680 with all berths full.

Differences in societal norms and the evolution of cruise culture are evident in the distribution of passengers on Symphony.

titanic 1912

While Titanic’s class segregation was more rigid, Symphony offers a wide range of accommodations – from budget-friendly staterooms to high-end luxury suites with ocean views.

Plus, the crew is more fully integrated with passengers, often joining in on the fun to create a more unified, inclusive atmosphere. 

So, whether you’re a passenger or crew member, one thing’s for sure: life at sea on these iconic vessels would be anything but dull.

Safety at Sea

On safety, one can’t help but point out the glaring differences between the Symphony of the Seas and the Titanic, primarily due to the advances made in maritime safety standards over the century that separates them. 

Safety FeatureTitanicSymphony of the Seas
Safety regulationsNot subject to modern safety regulationsSubject to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations
Lifeboat Capacity20 Lifeboats for 1,178 people18 lifeboats for 6,660 people
Watertight compartments16 watertight compartments20 fully-sealed watertight compartments
Fire SafetyLimited fire detection and suppression systemsAdvanced fire detection and suppression systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire doors
Navigation TechnologyLimited navigation technology, such as compasses and sextantsAdvanced navigation technology, including radar, sonar, and GPS

When the Titanic set sail in 1912 , she was touted as virtually unsinkable because of the ship’s double bottom and 16 water-tight compartments. If the hull was pierced, it was believed that a maximum of two to four compartments could be flooded, still allowing the ship to stay afloat.

Also in her inventory were 20 lifeboats meant to ferry passengers to rescue vessels rather than keep them afloat indefinitely. However, these lifeboats could accommodate about half of the ship’s total capacity. 

If we jump forward to the 21st century , we have a ship like the Symphony of the Seas, a testament to modern nautical engineering and safety.

It has state-of-the-art navigation and communications technology, including radar, computerized weather tracking, and satellite communication. It’s built with the most up-to-date design and safety features.

Symphony of the Seas

Compartmentalization is still a safety feature, but it has been significantly advanced — the Symphony has a double-bottom like the Titanic but also has additional stability features, and a large proportion of the ship’s hull is water-tight. 

The life-saving equipment aboard the Symphony is also impressive. It’s stocked with enough lifeboats, liferafts, life jackets, and other safety gear to accommodate everyone on board, which far surpasses the Titanic regarding safety preparedness.

A comprehensive safety drill, known as a muster drill, is carried out before the ship even leaves port, preparing passengers and crew for a scenario where they must evacuate. 

The valuable lessons we have learned from the Titanic disaster are worth noting. The maritime safety measures have been significantly improved, making cruising one of the safest travel options available today.

Although modern cruising may have a shared history and lineage with the Titanic, safety at sea has come a long way since that era.

A Glance at Amenities

Let’s pivot and talk about the fun and exciting aspect of cruise ships – the amenities and activities on board. The Titanic, during her time, was known for its lavish interiors and luxurious amenities, while the Symphony of the Seas has truly raised the bar for onboard entertainment and recreation, making it an ocean-going city of fun.

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS EXTERIOR

When it came to dining, the Titanic was a class act, offering first-class passengers a selection of up to 13 courses in the evening. Can you believe it? And we’re not just talking mac ‘n cheese here. Oysters, lamb with mint sauce, and peaches in chartreuse jelly graced their extravagant menu.

On board the Symphony of the Seas, guests have a choice of 23 dining options, ranging from high-end dining at the Chef’s Table to quick bites at the Boardwalk Dog House.

Titanic dinner menu

Moving on to entertainment, the Titanic offered orchestral music, a reading and writing room for the ladies, and a smoking room for the gents.

All very impressive for 1912, but imagine trading that for Broadway-style shows, an open-air water theater, or robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar aboard the Symphony. Quite the leap.

The Turkish bath and squash court on the Titanic were some of the ship’s most notable features. Now, imagine this: zip lines, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, a full-scale basketball court, and not one, but two surf simulators. That’s what a day at sea looks like aboard the Symphony of the Seas.

Symphony of the Seas' zip line

Throughout history, every ship has brought its unique interpretation of cruising. The Titanic introduced a new level of extravagance and grandeur.

Today, the Symphony of the Seas boasts various incredible features that would have astonished Jack and Rose.

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Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship – Size Comparison In 2023

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship - Size Comparison In 2023

Below, we contrast contemporary cruise ships with the Titanic. We’ll consider size, passenger capacity, crew, and other factors. You can see a side-by-side comparison of the Titanic and the biggest cruise ship in the world as well as a comparison to the typical cruise ship.

We won’t discuss the Titanic’s sinking. James Cameron will take care of that. The Titanic, which was the largest passenger ship of its era, will be contrasted with contemporary cruise ships.

Table of Contents

Titanic Vs Cruise Ship Size

When comparing the Titanic to modern cruise ships, let’s make sure to note that this ship was built over 100 years ago !

The Titanic was HUGE for its day and age! She is unquestionably smaller when compared to contemporary cruise ships. However, it wasn’t any smaller than what you might have anticipated given the time frame.

Our infographic above shows the comparison between the The Titanic and contemporary cruise ships. The size statistics of the Symphony of the Seas are also compared to those of the woman. The largest cruise ship in the world as of 2022 is Symphony of the Seas. Check out our post here for the 25 largest cruise ships in the world .

In the chart, you’ll find a column for “modern cruise ships.” For the cruise lines Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, and Disney, that includes all of their active ships.

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship - Size Comparison In 2023

Titanic Tonnage

What was the Titanic’s gross tonnage ? 46,328 gross tons were carried by the Titanic. This weighs less than the 113,525 GT of contemporary cruising ships. At 228,081 GT, the Symphony of the Seas is the largest ship.

Titanic Length

What was the Titanic’s ship length ? The length of the Titanic was 883 feet. With a length of 980 feet, this is comparable to contemporary cruising ships. From end to end, the Symphony of the Seas is 1,184 feet long.

Titanic Draft

What is the draft of the Titanic ? The distance between the water’s edge and the ship’s hull’s bottom is known as the draft. For its draft, the Titanic measures 35 feet. She is only bigger than her contemporary counterparts in terms of size. The Symphony of the Seas has a draft of 31 feet compared to the 27 feet of the typical ship today.

Titanic Beam

What was the Titanic’s beam or width ? A ship’s “beam” is essentially its width. The Titanic was 92 feet wide side to side. Today’s cruise ships have beams that are 119 feet wide. The Symphony of the Seas has a 137-foot beam.

How many passenger decks did the ship have ? There were ten decks in the Titanic. Eight of those were passenger decks. The Symphony of the Seas has a total of 16 passenger decks, whereas modern cruise ships typically have 13 passenger decks.

Cabin Count

How many cabins were on the Titanic ? On the Titanic, there were 840 staterooms. There were 416 first class cabins in total. There were 162 rooms in the second class, and 262 of these were for third-class travelers. The Symphony has a total of 2,745 staterooms, which is more than the 1,401 cabins that the average cruise ship has today.

Titanic Passenger Count

How many passengers did the Titanic hold ? 3,353 people were able to board the Titanic. There were 900 crew members and 2,453 passengers in total. The average passenger and crew capacity of contemporary cruise ships is 3,077. The Symphony of the Seas, the world’s biggest cruise ship, can accommodate 5,518 people. There are 7,718 passengers on board, and there are 2,200 crew members on board to serve these visitors.

How fast was the Titanic ? The vessel could travel at a top speed of 23 knots. That is approximately 26.5 mph for our land-based citizens. The average cruise ship today can travel at a maximum speed of 29 knots, while the largest ship operated by Royal Caribbean can travel at 22 knots.

Was the Titanic a Cruise Ship Or Ocean Liner?

Although the Titanic is frequently mistaken for a cruise ship, it is actually classified as an ocean liner.

This distinction is crucial.

Transporting people or goods between locations is the main function of ocean liners. Ocean liners are used for transportation, as opposed to cruise ships, which are frequently destinations unto themselves.

For the purpose of setting the Titanic apart from its rivals, its owner, White Star Line, designed it to be both opulent and cozy.

The ship’s common areas were decorated in a regal European style with elaborate woodwork and opulent furnishings. Not to mention the renowned sweeping staircase.

Cunard Line, White Star Line’s main rival, concentrated on accelerating its vessels. They took great pride in how quickly they could ship passengers across the Atlantic.

White Star Line believed that improving passenger comfort would help them stand out from the competition and draw in more travelers.

Ocean liners like the Titanic are essentially extinct.

Only one ocean liner is still in service; the Queen Mary 2 . The top speed of this well-known luxury vessel is 30 knots, while the typical cruise ship cruising speed is 18 to 22 knots.

Traditional transatlantic voyages from Southampton to New York are still provided by the Queen Mary 2.

Construction Costs

The Titanic’s construction would have cost about $400 million in today’s money.

The cost of building a cruise ship is much higher than what may seem like a lot of money.

The construction of a cruise ship of average size costs about $1 billion. Royal Caribbean spent $1.35 million building Wonder of the Seas and a record $1.6 billion on constructing Oasis of the Seas .

Cruise Fares on Titanic Compared to Cruise Ship

It cost a lot of money to board the Titanic. A first-class suite on the Titanic in 1912 cost 870 pounds ($4,000), compared to 7 pounds ($35) for a third-class ticket.

A third-class ticket would have cost 850 pounds ($1,071), and a first-class suite would have cost 105,000 pounds ($133,132), adjusted for inflation.

Nowadays, cruise prices are comparable. Although you can find 7-night cruises for under $420 per person, tickets to sail on a brand-new cruise ship cost about $750 per person. On a contemporary ship, a suite costs about $25,000 for a 7-night itinerary, which is a significant discount.

How Fast Was the Titanic Compared to a Modern Cruise Ship?

Now that we are aware of the Titanic’s and the Space Shuttle’s disparate sizes, modern cruise ships, it’s time to see if size played a difference regarding speed.

The Titanic had a cruising speed of only 21 knots (39 kilometers per hour, 24 miles per hour) and could achieve a top speed of 24 knots (44 kilometers per hour, 28 miles per hour).

The Titanic didn’t put much emphasis on speed. The ship’s main function was to transport passengers on opulent trips across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Titanic’s top speed is almost identical to that of contemporary cruise ships!

Compared to Titanic’s maximum speed, the Oasis of the Seas’ top speed is 24.5 knots , while 2020’s Mardi Gras ‘ is around 23 knots.

A few contemporary cruise ships have top speeds of 30 knots. For reasons of safety and fuel efficiency, however, they never move at top speed.

In comparison to the Titanic, modern ships are built much larger and feature cutting-edge propulsion systems. The sheer size of today’s mega cruise ships prevents more horsepower from translating into a faster speed, though.

However, cruise ships aren’t built to travel quickly.

Cruise ships typically don’t need fast speeds because they typically travel short distances between ports over the course of days, unlike ocean liners that travel long distances over long periods of time.

An average cruise ship travels at 18 to 22 knots.

Cabin Comparison

Aside from the obvious size difference, the quality of cabins and the variety of activities and entertainment are perhaps the most notable differences between the Titanic and a contemporary cruise.

According to their level of wealth, passengers on the Titanic were assigned to first, second, and third classes.

There were about 350 first-class rooms on board Titanic in total. If necessary, passengers in second class could travel in the first-class staterooms.

Balcony cabins were not available on the Titanic.

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship - Size Comparison In 2023

For first-class travelers, the most opulent staterooms were reserved. They had opulent interior decorations and were a decent size. First-class cabins were decorated in a variety of architectural styles, such as Georgian, Jacobean, and Italian Renaissance. To accurately recreate the historical components of each decor style, the designers paid close attention to detail.

Many first-class travelers shared communal bathrooms despite their luxurious accommodations. In addition, freshwater was in short supply on board the ship, so passengers of all classes took seawater baths.

The Titanic’s laundry service was unavailable for the same reason. However, first-class travelers received daily linen changes.

The accommodations in the ship’s second class weren’t nearly as cozy. The second-class cabins had simpler furnishings and a smaller size.

With two or four cabins per stateroom, second-class travelers slept on bunk beds. Bunk beds are still common on cruise ships , especially in family-sized cabins.

On the Titanic, however, third-class travelers had the least comfortable accommodations. This class of visitors stayed in cabins that held ten people each. On the Titanic, there were about 1000 passengers who used third-class facilities.

On the ship, there were two bathrooms for men and women that third-class passengers shared.

Today’s cruise ships model their cabins after upscale hotels, like the Titanic. Fortunately for today’s cruise ship passengers, every stateroom has a full bathroom, air-conditioning, TVs, and many even private balconies.

To Conclude

Modern cruise ships are significantly larger than the Titanic in terms of height and tonnage thanks to advancements in shipbuilding. The majority of modern cruise ships are much larger than the Titanic, with some being three times as big. However, some small cruise ships today are comparable in size to the Titanic.

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Titanic vs a Modern Cruise Ship Fleet – Comparison with Photos!

The Titanic was the largest and most complex cruise ship when she set sail in 1912 but shipbuilding has changed a lot since she set sail.

In this article, we will compare the length, height and tonnage of the Titanic to a variety of modern cruise ships.

Are Modern Cruise Ships Bigger Than The Titanic?

Modern cruise ships are, on average, 20% longer than the Titanic and twice as high. The average Royal Caribbean cruise ship is 325 meters long, 14 decks high and has a gross tonnage of 133,000. In comparison, the Titanic was only 269 meters long, 9 decks high, and had a gross tonnage of 46,000.

The sinking of the Titanic happened over 100 years ago and although she was the largest ship at the time of her launch a lot has changed since. Almost all modern cruise ships are bigger than the Titanic was.

biggest yacht vs titanic

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ships – Length Comparison

The Titanic was 269 meters long which means that if we were to compare her to the current fleet of Royal Caribbean cruise ships the Titanic would be longer than one ship and shorter than all other ships in the fleet.

The table below shows the Royal Caribbean cruise ship fleet ordered in terms of length with the Titanic in second place.

Empress of the Seas210m 
*** *** * *
Majesty of the Seas270m
Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of The Seas, Vision of The Seas279m
Radiance of the Seas, Brilliant of The Seas, Serenade of The Seas, Jewel of The Seas293m
Enchantment of the Seas301m
Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of The Seas, Adventure of The Seas, Navigator of The Seas, Mariner of The Seas 311m
Freedom of the Sea, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of The Seas338m
Spectrum of The Seas347m 
Quantum of The Seas, Anthem of The Seas, Ovation of The Seas348m
Oasis of the Seas, Allure of The Seas, Harmony of The Seas, Symphony of The Seas
360m +

The graph below shows the length of Titanic in comparison to the Royal Caribbean fleet. It’s interesting to note that although lengths of cruise ships have increased on average cruise ships aren’t much longer than Titanic was.

The process of having to dock and maneuver cruise ships means that although they are able to increase almost exponentially in height the same can’t be said for length. Modern cruise ships still need to be able to dock in ports that are often quite old.

Titanic Length Comparison Against Royal Caribbean Modern Cruise Ships

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ships -Tonnage Comparison

The Titanic had a gross tonnage of 46,000 which is less than all cruise ships in the modern Royal Caribbean cruise ship fleet.

The table below shows Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the order of tonnage with Titanic first as she has the least tonnage. The average tonnage of a Royal Caribbean ship is 133,000 which is almost 3x that of the Titanic.

*** **** *
Empress of the Seas48,000
Majesty of the Seas73,000
Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of The Seas, Vision of The Seas73,000
Enchantment of the Seas82,000
Radiance of the Seas, Brilliant of The Seas, Serenade of The Seas, Jewel of The Seas90,000
Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of The seas, Adventure of The Seas, Navigator of The Seas, Mariner of The Seas140,000
Freedom of the Sea, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of The Seas156,000
Spectrum of The Seas169,000
Quantum of The Seas, Anthem of The Seas, Ovation of The Seas168,000
Oasis of the Seas, Allure of The Seas, Harmony of The Seas, Symphony of The Seas
225,000+

The below graph shows the comparison between ships. It’s interesting to note that cruise ships have managed to increase their tonnage despite not increasing length a great deal, this is due to the fact that cruise ships have increased in height dramatically.

Building methods and materials have also improved greatly since Titanic was built which allows ships to be built bigger and faster.

Titanic Weight Comparison Against Royal Caribbean Modern Cruise Ships

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ships – Height Comparison

The main way that modern cruise ships are able to be so much larger than the Titanic is because they are so much higher.

The Titanic was built in one piece by riveting large plates together whereas modern cruise ships are built in smaller sections, then loaded into place using large cranes. The modular way that modern cruise ships are built allows them to be built higher faster than using traditional ship building methods.

*** ***
Empress of the Seas9
Majesty of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of The Seas, Vision of The Seas, Enchantment of the Seas11
Radiance of the Seas, Brilliant of The Seas, Serenade of The Seas, Jewel of The Seas12
Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of The seas, Adventure of The Seas, Navigator of The Seas, Mariner of The Seas, Freedom of the Sea, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of The Seas14
Spectrum of The Seas, Quantum of The Seas, Anthem of The Seas, Ovation of The Seas16
Oasis of the Seas, Allure of The Seas, Harmony of The Seas, Symphony of The Seas
18

Royal Caribbean Harmony Of The Seas Children

The largest cruise ship for Royal Caribbean has double the number of passenger decks as the Titanic had.

For the purpose of this comparison the decks mentioned are accessible passenger decks, the ships may have more decks which are off limits to guests.

titanic deck comparison against modern cruise ships

Cunard Fleet Compared to Titanic

Comparing the Titanic to the current Cunard fleet also shows that the Titanic was smaller and lighter than modern Cunard ships.

The same goes for the majority of mainstream cruise lines.

269m314m294m345m
46,00083,673 90,049149,215
9121214

biggest yacht vs titanic

The above diagram shows the Titanic (in black) in comparison to the Queen Mary 2 mentioned above. For reference a person, car, bus and plane are also shown.

Do Modern Cruise Ships Have More Lifeboats Than The Titanic?

The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 brought about many changes, the most famous of which being the number of lifeboats required by a ship. In 1914 The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was created to provide guidelines that ships must follow.

Modern cruise ships must have the following:

  • Enclosed of partially enclosed lifeboats for 50% of the ships capacity on each side (totally 100%).
  • Life rafts that hold at least 25% of the ships capacity.

The Titanic actually had space on board to carry many wooden lifeboats but it was decided that only 16 lifeboats and 4 collapsable life rafts would be enough.

Had the maximum amount of wooden lifeboats that the Titanic could hold had been carried there would have been more than enough space for all passengers and crew of the Titanic.

For comparison, the Queen Mary 2 mentioned above has 22 life boats (capacity of 150), 2 rescue boats (capacity of 6) and 60 life rafts each (capacity of 37).

The Titanic Had a Different to Modern Cruise Ships

The Titanic wasn’t ever designed to be a cruise ship, she is an Ocean Liner and there are many differences between the two. To find out more about the differences in design and function, check out the post below:

Cruise Ships vs Ocean Liners – Measurable Differences You Need to Know

When the Titanic sunk she was sailing from Southampton, UK to New York City, USA via Cobh in Ireland. The black circle shown on the picture below is where the Titanic sank.

The Titanic had electricity onboard AND A SWIMMING POOL which was incredible for the time. You can find out more in the posts below.

Inside Titanic’s Swimming Pool – Real Photos, Restrictions, and Design
The Titanic and Electricity – How Did They Generate it and What Was it For?

To Conclude:

Changes in shipbuilding have allowed modern cruise ships to far surpass the height and tonnage of the Titanic. Although some small modern-day cruise ships are a similar size to the Titanic the majority of ships are much larger with some being 3x as large.

biggest yacht vs titanic

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Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship Size Comparison | Infographic

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship Size Comparison | Infographic

By jeremy camosse nov 2021.

Compare the Titanic vs modern cruise ships and you might be surprised. The titanic was HUGE. But, how does it stack up to the largest cruise ship in the world today?

Below we compare the Titanic vs modern cruise ships . We'll look at size, passenger count, crew, and more. You'll find a comparison to the average cruise ship and also a side-by-side view of the Titanic vs the largest cruise ship in the world!

We'll not get into the sinking of the Titanic. We'll let James Cameron handle that one. We want to compare the largest passenger liner of its time, the Titanic, vs modern cruise ships.

Titanic Wasn't Technically a Cruise Ship

We need to mention this for the serious maritime enthusiasts out there. The Titanic wasn't technically a cruise ship. It was an ocean liner. Its primary purpose was to transport passengers across the Atlantic. Its secondary purpose was to carry mail along this same route. White Star Line (Titanic's owner) chose to focus on comfort and luxury. For this reason, the ship was more similar to today's cruise ships when compared to other transport vessels at the time.

Built by the White Star Line, the RMS Titanic was the largest ship entering service in 1912 . White Star was in competition with Cunard Cruise Line for dominance over the Atlantic passage. Cunard focused on speed. The Titanic prioritized size and comfort.

Like modern cruise ships, the Titanic wanted to be the biggest and most awe-inspiring vessel out there. White Star spared no expense in the construction and it came with a hefty price tag. It cost $7.5 million to build ($200 million in today's dollars). The financing was actually provided by JP Morgan!

Cruise Ship Rate of Growth

It's interesting to look at the rate of growth experienced in the cruise world.

While the average marine vessel has grown significantly since the early 1900's, this growth pales in comparison to that of sky-rise buildings.

Cruise Ship Growth vs Building Growth

You can see from the chart above that building size has grown significantly faster than cruise ship size. The tallest building in 1912 was just 390 feet high. Today it's 2,717 feet! Compare that to the Titanic's length of 883 feet vs the biggest cruise ship today length of 1,184 feet.

Let's now compare the Titanic vs modern cruise ships on each major metric. For more context, we also measure her against the Symphony of the Seas. This is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

Titanic vs Modern Cruise Ship Size Chart Infographic

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Titanic vs Cruise Ship Size

When comparing the Titanic to modern cruise ships, let's make sure to note that this ship was built over 100 years ago !

The Titanic was HUGE for its day and age! When compared to modern cruise ships, she's smaller for sure. But, not smaller in the magnitude that you'd expect given the time span.

Our infographic above shows the comparison between the Titanic vs modern cruise ships. It also compares her size stats with that of the Symphony of the Seas. As of 2022, the Symphony of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world. Check out our post here for the 25 largest cruise ships in the world .

In the chart, you'll find a column for "modern cruise ships." That includes all active ships for the following cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, and Disney.

What was the Titanic's gross tonnage?

The Titanic measured 46,328 in gross tonnage. This compares to modern cruising vessels weighing in at 113,525 GT. The Symphony of the Seas tips the scales at 228,081 GT.

What was the Titanic's ship length?

The Titanic measured 883 feet in length. This compares to modern cruising vessels at 980 feet long. The Symphony of the Seas is 1,184 feet from end to end.

Titanic Length vs Cruise Ship Chart Infographic

What was the draft of the Titanic?

The draft is the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the ship's hull. The Titanic draws 35 feet for is draft. This is only sizing measurement for which she's greater than her modern day counterparts. The average ship today has a draft of 27 feet, while the Symphony of the Seas draws 31 feet.

What was the Titanic's beam or width?

A ship's "beam" is essentially its width. From side to side, the Titanic measured 92 feet in width. The beam of a modern cruise ship today measures 119 feet. The Symphony of the Seas spans 137 feet.

How many passenger decks did the ship have ?

Titanic had a total of 10 decks. Eight of those were passenger decks. Modern cruise ships average 13 passenger decks and the Symphony of the Seas has a total of 16 decks for guests.

How many cabins were on the Titanic ?

There were 840 staterooms on the Titanic. First class cabins made up a total of 416 of these. Second class rooms accounted for 162 and 262 of these were for third-class passengers. Today's cruise ship averages 1,401 cabins and the Symphony has 2,745 total staterooms.

Titanic Passenger and Crew Count Graph Infographic

How many passengers did the Titanic hold ?

Titanic held a total of 3,353 individuals. This included 2,453 passengers and 900 crew members. Modern cruise ships compare with an average capacity of 3,077 cruisers and 1,203 crew members. The largest cruise ship in the world, the Symphony of the Seas, has a capacity of 5,518 passengers. The ship has 2,200 crew members serving these guests for a total of 7,718 people on board.

How fast was the Titanic ?

The ship had a total maximum speed of 23 knots. For our non-maritime folk, that's roughly 26.5 mph. The typical cruising vessel today has a max speed of 29 knots and Royal Caribbean's largest ship maxes out at 22 knots.

How much did a ticket cost on the Titanic ?

The Titanic had three classes of cabins. First, second and third. The cost of each were surprisingly consistent with cruise costs today.

TITANIC CRUISE COST VS MODERN SHIPS

The lowest cabin class ranged in cost from $15 to $40. In today's dollars, that would be $423 to $1,129. From our cruise pricing widget below, you can see that you can cruise the largest ship in the world for less than the Titanic would have cost 100+ years ago.

The second class cabins were roughly $60 ($1,693 adjusted to today). This is similar to the cost of a standard, inside cabin on modern cruise ships.

First class cabins cost $4,234 in today's dollars, or $150 at that time. Balcony cabins, and even mini suites will cost roughly the same on the Icon of the Seas.

The most expensive suite on the Titanic was the Parlor Suite. In 1912, it cost $4,350. That's the equivalent of $122,722 today! The Ultimate Family Suite on the Symphony of the Seas will set you back a whopping $85,000 during Christmas week.

Titanic Ticket Price Chart Infographic

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biggest yacht vs titanic

Giants of the Sea: How Modern Cruise Ships Size Up to the Titanic

Left: The RMS Titanic. Right: Harmony of the Seas.

When the world isn’t in the grips of a pandemic, Park West Gallery provides artwork from some of the giants of the art world, and does so on some of the largest cruise ships sailing the seas.

Perhaps the most famous ship known for its size is the Titanic. The massive passenger liner measured in at 882 feet and 9 inches long, weighed 46,328 gross tons and had a 2,453-passenger capacity, making it the largest ship afloat at the time it set sail in 1912.

Nowadays, cruise ships have outright surpassed the Titanic and feature some of the most innovative attractions and amenities found at sea. The largest ships for each cruise line include:

Royal Caribbean International Harmony of the Seas 226,963 1,188 154 6,360
Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Escape 164,600 1,069 136 4,248
Princess Cruises Royal Princess 141,000 1,083 126 3,600
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Vista 133,500 1,062 122 3,936
Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Reflection 125,366 1,047 123 3,046
Holland America Line Koningsdam 99,500 935 104 2,650
Titanic 46,328 882 92 2,453

Royal Caribbean International

Harmony of the Seas leaving the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France for her first sea trial. (Photo courtesy of RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com)

Harmony of the Seas

This behemoth currently claims the title of largest ship ever constructed and in service, with a gross tonnage of 226,963 and measuring 1,188 feet in length. The Oasis-class ship boasts a number of amenities, including the Bionic Bar with its robot bartenders, the  Ultimate Abyss slide  that starts 150 feet above sea level, a Central Park outdoor area and even the first at-sea production of “Grease.” Its sister ships, the Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, are second and third for the largest cruise ships in service.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Escape, with hull artwork by Guy Harvey (photo courtesy of Escape.NCL.com)

Norwegian Escape

Not only does this ship claim the title of the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship at 164,600 gross tons, its massive hull features the artwork of artist and scientist Guy Harvey . Thrilling waterparks that have some of the fastest waterslides at sea, the first-ever craft beer hall at sea ( District Brew House ), Broadway hits like “After Midnight” and more await cruisers aboard this gigantic vessel. Guests can even chill out with the line’s first “snow room” or at the restaurant-lined boardwalk.

Princess Cruises

Royal Princess (Photo courtesy of Princess.com)

Royal Princess

The Royal Princess offers a modern, classy and fun time for its passengers, and serves as the flagship of the Princess Cruise’s fleet. The Royal Princess, which weighs 141,000 gross tons, features the SeaWalk glass walkway for amazing views; Princess Live!, the first TV studio at sea; and the Movies Under the Stars poolside venue. There are even youth and teen centers to provide fun for all members of the family. True to its name, the Royal Princess has the honor of having the Duchess of Cambridge as its godmother.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Vista (Photo courtesy of carnival-news.com)

Carnival Vista

Carnival’s massive ship, launched in May 2016, is the first in the line’s Vista-class of ships. Among the amenities to explore on the 133,500-gross-ton are the first-ever North American floating brewery, the RedFrog Pub ; an IMAX theater, the first ever located aboard a cruise ship; and the ship’s signature SkyRide experience, an aerial ride invented by the creator of rollerblades where guests pedal on recumbent-like cycles at speeds up to 25 MPH on an elevated 800-foot-long track. The Havana Cabanas and Havana suites give guests a taste of Cuba with outdoor patios and hammocks.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Reflection (photo courtesy of CelebrityCruises.com)

Celebrity Reflection

While technically one of the oldest ships on this list (construction began in spring 2011 ), Celebrity Reflection is not lacking in size or sophistication as the fifth and largest Solstice-class ship at 125,366 gross tons. The Alcoves provide guests the chance to take a private retreat in cabana-style areas, while those seeking a culinary treat aside the 20 options in the Main Restaurant can check out the Lawn Club Grill for a taste of outdoor grilling while at sea. Celebrity Cruise favorites make a return as well, such as the Sky Observation Lounge and the Solarium.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s Koningsdam (Photo courtesy of the Holland America Line blog)

Although it is the smallest on this list, it still outclasses the Titanic in size, weighing almost double what the Titanic weighed (99,500 gross tons compared to 46,328 gross tons). The newest and largest ship in the Holland America Line’s fleet boasts designs based on the theme of “Architecture of Music.” Fans of music are sure to not only enjoy the amazing structural design, but also the ship’s Music Walk featuring three music venues. The ship also contains purpose-built staterooms for both individual and family travelers and Blend, a venue where guests create their own wine.

To collect art while cruise lines are shut down, register for Park West Gallery’s exciting online auctions !

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biggest yacht vs titanic

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biggest yacht vs titanic

biggest yacht vs titanic

Is Tom Brady's Yacht Bigger Than the Titanic?

Seven-time super bowl champion tom brady does own a yacht, but this claim from an online ad left us scratching our heads., jordan liles, published june 7, 2022.

False

About this rating

In early June 2022, an online advertisement claimed, " Tom Brady 's New Yacht Is Bigger Than the Titanic ." However, this was little more than misleading clickbait.

An online advertisement said that Tom Brady's New Yacht Is Bigger Than the Titanic.

At the time that we reviewed this ad, Brady , a seven-time Super Bowl champion , was the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League ( NFL ).

We clicked the ad about Brady owning a yacht bigger than the Titanic . It led to a 43-page slideshow article on YourDIY.com. Brady appeared on page 35 . However, the page said nothing of Brady owning a yacht bigger than the Titanic . It simply said that Brady owned a Wajer 55 S yacht, which he named Viva a Viva . It measured 55 feet (17 meters) long.

Brady later upgraded to a Wajer 77 model yacht that measured 77 feet (23 meters) long.

By comparison, the Titanic measured more than 882 feet (269 meters) long. The Titanic was more than eleven times larger in length than Brady's Wajer 77, and that's before getting into the obvious disparities in width and height. (The voyage of the Titanic ended in April 1912. Its sinking led to the deaths of around 1,500 people.)

Had Brady purchased a boat that truly was bigger than the Titanic , it would have been major news across the world. We're not ship experts, but one can only imagine the cost of building, delivering, and managing a yacht that's larger than the Titanic . According to a few articles that we found online that provided the estimated cost of building large cruise ships (potentially more than $1 billion), even someone as famous and successful as Brady didn't appear to have enough money to build one. Several websites that showed up in Google search results provided an unofficial and unverified estimate of Brady's net worth (supposedly around $250 to $400 million), which is far less than large cruise ship construction estimates.

This wasn't the first time that Brady was featured in a misleading online ad about owning an expensive mode of transportation. In 2021, we looked at an ad that claimed , "Tom Brady's Private Jet Was a Gift from Whom?" While it's true that Brady has traveled on private jets, there's no evidence that he ever received one as a gift. The clickbait ad led to a story that never mentioned anything of anyone buying one for Brady's family.

In sum, no, Brady did not own a yacht that was bigger than the Titanic . Our explanation below details why these kinds of ads lead to lengthy slideshow articles.

Gardocki, Jon. “Celeb Yachts: The Most Expensive Ships in Hollywood’s Fleet.” YourDIY.com , https://yourdiy.com/celeb-yachts/.

Gartland, Dan. “Tom Brady Buys $6 Million Yacht.” Sports Illustrated , 7 May 2021, https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2021/05/07/buccaneers-tom-brady-new-yacht-wajer-77-photos.

Grant, Robert. “How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost to Build?” Cruise Deals Expert , 19 Mar. 2020, https://cruisedeals.expert/how-much-does-a-cruise-ship-cost-to-build/.

“How Big Was the Titanic?” Titanic Facts , 4 June 2018, https://titanicfacts.net/how-big-was-the-titanic/.

“How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship?” Cruise.blog , 30 Sept. 2021, https://cruise.blog/2021/09/how-much-does-it-cost-build-cruise-ship.

Introducing Tom Brady’s Wajer 77 . Tom Brady Daily Fans, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvqxoTrk8_w.

Liles, Jordan. “Did Tom Brady Receive a Private Jet as a Gift?” Snopes.com , 8 Feb. 2021, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/tom-brady-private-jet/.

Ma, Haiyan. “How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship?” Cruise Hive , 27 Apr. 2022, https://www.cruisehive.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-cruise-ship/70619.

“Tom Brady Net Worth - Google Search.” Google , https://www.google.com/search?q=tom+brady+net+worth.

Tom Brady’s Blinged-out Yacht “Viva a Vida.” FOX 13 Tampa Bay, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzPnNDAnC4.

“Wajer 55 S.” Wajer Yachts , https://www.wajer.com/models/wajer-55-s.

“Wajer 77.” Wajer Yachts , https://www.wajer.com/models/wajer-77.

By Jordan Liles

Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016.

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