When it comes to cruises, the bigger the better! Large ship and commercial cruise lines have competed for years to have the largest cruise ship on the water, and they keep getting more and more extravagant each passing year. The Titanic was just a small draft version compared to the amazing cruise ships on the seas today. 

Large ship cruises are by far the most popular, and usually, affordable types of cruises available for passengers. They are aimed at tourists and vacationers looking to escape reality and enjoy their holiday. Mainstream cruise lines will go over the top to make their passengers happy with onboard activities and attractions. 

Most cruise ships are designed to keep passengers entertained, so they keep coming back time and time again. If it is your first time on a cruise ship, you may be anxious about what to expect once you onboard. The beginning process is pretty simple, but there are some things you should be aware of. 

-Long Lines: When boarding and onboarding the ship, this can be a lengthy process. It’s not always easy with so many people. However, once the cruise begins, lines aren’t so much of an issue. 

-Wifi: There is Wifi available on board, but it is often an additional fee. There may be internet cafes or working spaces available as well for passengers to use onboard. 

-Food & Drink: There is a never-ending selection of cuisine and drink options. Large ships tend to have a large variety of cuisine options in dozens of different bars, restaurant, and cafes throughout the ship. On some, room serviced may be provided upon request.  

-Lack of Boredom: With the abundance of attractions and activities available to cruise passengers on large ships, it is impossible to ever be bored. No matter what travel style you prefer, there is something for everyone. 

Since these ships are so large in size, they are able to hold a lot more for their passengers to enjoy. Most cruise ships in general contain bars and restaurants, and usually some kind of live entertainment. But, on many majestic over-the-top cruise ships, there is so much more available than just the usual attractions. 

Royal Caribbean has some of the biggest ships ever made out on the water all over the world. The wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, are all attractive cruise lines for not only their size but this component all well. 

In addition to the usual features, there are casinos, water parks, swimming pools, shopping centers, ziplines, and even different neighborhoods throughout the entire ship. Whatever it is you are looking to experience on a large cruise ship, you are sure to find it on one of them. 

In addition to these attractions, some large cruise ships are even designed to have permanent residents all year round. While it isn’t feasible for most people, it would be easy to forget you are out on open water, and not a small coastal town with all these ships have to offer. 

In the early years, cruises use to be a vacation or holiday for the elite class and were labeled as more of an upscale holiday choice. In recent years, the industry has expanded so it’s now possible for the average American. Budget cruises to luxury cruises have expanded to make it a great trip for singles, families, couples, and retirees. 

The average cruiser is anywhere between the age of 30-80, with 45 being the median age. During your cruise, there will people a variety of different passengers on board along with you. 

There tends to be indoor cabins, often being the least expensive, and outdoor cabins, with views out into the ocean and are spacious, for a larger price. On larger ships, there are usually other options as well, such as single rooms or luxury suites.

Large cruise ships more often than not, have certain amenities on board many to all ships including cabins, restaurants, bars, pools, gyms, shops, and seating or relaxing areas. Since larger cruise ships hold so many passengers, there are trained medical and safety staff on board in case of sickness, as well as nurseries and daycare services for kids. 

Large cruises are often the first choice for newbie cruisers, in addition to families and vacationers in general. While it is very clear that large cruises are equipped with about everything a person would need, there are always negative aspects of larger cruises compared to smaller ones. 

Pros: 

-Onboard Amenities: Large cruise ships have dozens, if not hundreds of amenities and onboard activities for passengers to enjoy, and a variety of them at that. These cruises are designed for fun and adventure, rather than peace and relaxation. 

-Evening Entertainment: The evening entertainment on large cruises can range from stand-up comedians, live music, amazing singers, dance groups, and more. It almost feels like every night is Saturday. 

-Price: Since large cruise ships tend to target families and vacationers, they are often more affordable than smaller luxury ships or river cruises. It is more affordable to attract more passengers. Once onboard, it is up to the passenger where their money goes from there. 

Cons:

-High Crowds: Since these cruises are so big in size, there are thousands of people on board these ships. While it is a great opportunity to meet new people, this can often cause stress and aggravation while on holiday. 

-Long Waits: Lines are going to be long everywhere onboard larger ships, especially when embarkation and debarkation. Expect longer than usual waiting times in lines, and for service. 

-Not as Personable: Smaller cruise ships have more of an opportunity to be friendly with staff members, and even become on a first-name basis with many crew members. On larger ships, that is almost impossible as there are just too many people for crew members to cater to specific people. 

Royal Caribbean

One of the most popular cruise lines, Royal Caribbean, introduced the largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas. It can hold 6,988 passengers, in addition to staff and crew. It has 8 different neighborhoods, all with their own restaurants, bars, and activities. 

Carnival

Carnival Cruise Line is the owner of the famous Mardi Gras cruise. This is one of Carnival’s largest cruise ships in its line, bringing all the excitement and traditions of Mardi Gras, out into the open water. Expect to see younger crowds, with lots of bars and restaurant options, and entertainment going on all day and night. 

MSC 

MSC is a relatively younger, and very popular European cruise line, that caters more to North Americans. The largest ship in their line is the MSC Meraviglie, which features ‘Cirque De Soleil at Sea’ and holds over 5,000 passengers.