Browsing the internet this morning, I came across an article about the Titanic and began wondering how that magnificent ship compared to today’s modern cruise ships, sizewise. Over the years, after reading many stories and books and seeing several movies, I had a mental image, not necessarily correct, of the Titanic and what a huge ship she was.
Then I came across these images from Malcolm Oliver’s WaterWorld, a blog about cruise ships. The article compares the Titanic (1912) to the Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship in 2009. Among the things I found most interesting, besides these images, was the theory that Titanic couldn’t turn fast enough because of her relatively small rudder and engines. The author notes “Oasis does not have a rudder. Her engines (giant electric motors) are housed in four pods suspended below the ship, all of which can rotate 360 degrees making her highly manoeuvrable for a big ship.”
I’m a fan of Titanic lore but have absolutely no interest in going on an ocean cruise. I don’t like the idea of being confined to a floating city with thousands of other people. Not to mention all the stories in recent years of fires, power failures, illness, etc. But this particular article was a fascinating comparison of two luxury liners from two different eras.
I had seen this photo before, and had visited the Titanic museum in Branson (MO) as well as seen the movies and Broadway musical– but the sizes struck home a couple weeks ago. My brother & SIL were on the Oasis for a week. She loved it; he said it was too big. Too many people. And mature trees in a park do not belong on a boat, thank you (his words). I enjoy cruising so far (Alaska- Glacier Bay) but that monster has no appeal. Oh, when they disembarked (Port Canaveral), their package trip sent them directly to Disneyworld. He may still be sitting in their barn to recover from all the crowds of people. 🙂
I was really stunned by the difference. I’ve no interest in a ship like the Oasis. Seriously, mature trees in a park!? I want a ship/boat that feels like a watercraft. I love sailing, with the waves slapping the hull, the rigging creaking, the wind and spray in my face. Without them, what’s the point of being on the water? I might enjoy the smaller coastal ships like you were on. Or the river cruises in Europe. But the ocean-going behemoths that call themselves ships? No thanks.
These new gigantic ships remind me of the livestock carriers that one sees at some ports in Australia.
The only difference is that these monsters have balconies for their sheep and cattle to sit in; which would be a necessity when you think about it, how else to get away from the throng crowding the shops and bars and casino’s on these vessels, plus the incessant noise from the ‘entertainment’ people.
Somewhat like a Billy Butlin holiday home of Great Britain after WWII, only on the water and moving through the seas.
There is nothing that remotely resembles the style, and class of those ocean liners of yesteryear. They are built with the sole intent of extracting money from the purses and pockets of the gullible .
I like them not! 👿
I think we are in complete agreement.
Seems we have much in common.
From a technological perspective these monsters are just magnificent, but my life would have to literally hang in the balance to get me aboard one! 😳
I agree. They are sea-going amusement parks. Disneyland afloat. Not my cup of tea.