Royal Caribbean is known for its popular ships. Rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, miniature golf courses, full size Everlast boxing ring, the FlowRider, among the standouts. Their cruise ships are incomparable for something else. SiZe! They do build ‘em BIG.

Presently, the largest ships for cruising are their Freedom Class. These include the Freedom, Liberty, and Independence of the Seas. The next generation is about to get bigger. So much so there are currently no ports with piers that could even dock them.

Here’s the Freedom Class facts:

  • Number of passengers: 3634
  • Gross Tonnage: 160,000
  • Length: 1,112 feet
  • Max Beam (width): 184 feet
  • Cruising Speed (for my NASCAR readers): 21.6 knots (that would be in the straight aways)

Make way for Project Genesis. RCCL has reportedly ordered a new ship which will dwarf its Freedom Class. Take a look at this comparable found by Cale, a loyal reader:

Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship comparison

The Genesis class will carry approximately 5400 guests, will be 220,000 gross tons, 1180 feet long (almost a quarter of a mile….wonder if they will offer taxi’s to take you to breakfast), and 240 feet high. This graphic really does not illustrate the vastness.

The announcement of Project Genesis has spurred a lot of debate as to if this is an example of going too far. Time will tell. The first Genesis class ship is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

Cale summed up his feelings after viewing the announcement with this statement, “How u like dem apples?”

Exactly.