Each of us loves to travel. Someone prefers to relax in the mountains, someone prefers car tourism, and some people prefer to relax in the forest. But there is a special category of pilgrims who choose as a passive vacation access to the sea on a cruise ship. It goes without saying that this type of tourism is not only very expensive, but also not suitable for every person, because a strong pitching can cause the so-called "sea sickness". However, in this article we will consider what the concept of "liner" includes, and we will learn its features.
Definition
So, a liner is a ship, often a passenger one, that makes voyages from the port of departure to the port of destination according to a pre-agreed and announced schedule. That is, the ship "stands on the line."
Holidays at sea
Today, a liner cruise is one of the most popular types of travel for wealthy people. Thanks to such a sea trip, you can immediately see several countries during the tour and visit many attractions. Such a vacation can last from several days to several weeks. The cost of the trip depends on the duration of the voyage, the level of its service and other moments.
Historical reference
Sea tourism received an impetus for its development in the mid-19th century, when many passenger companies began to try to find ways to use various passenger ships in the off-season of linear transportation. And since the liner was originally a ship with excellent seaworthiness and the highest engine power, it was actively used to transport passengers.
The Transatlantic line between 1846-1940 was very popular, since during this time almost 60 million people emigrated to the New World. Such an influx of people wishing to be on the liner has led to the fact that the level of competition between shipowners is constantly and rapidly growing. As a result, they were forced to strive to improve the conditions for people on the ship, to increase the level of customer service. This state of affairs led to the fact that the ships became, in fact, highly comfortable floating hotels.
One of the first officially known sea voyages for recreation was the route between Iceland and Britain, along which large cruise liners began to go back in 1835.
Nowadays
The most-cruise ship at the time of writing is Harmony of the Seas. On its first voyage, the ship set sail on May 15, 2016 from a French port called Saint-Nazaire. According to experts, the vessel is more efficient than its other "brothers" due to the improved engine design. In July, it is planned to use the giant for a week-long cruise from Rome.
Sea titans
If you try to answer in detail the question: “What are the largest cruise liners in the world?”, Then in this case it will be best to indicate the top ten largest vessels.
In tenth position is a ship called MSC Preziosa. Its capacity is 3959 passengers. The main route of the ship is the Mediterranean. In order to spend seven nights on the liner, you will need to pay an amount of € 560. The marine giant was originally built for one of the transport companies in Libya, but the war in this African state led to the fact that the ship was owned by the Italian company Cruises. On board the ship there is such an original entertainment as the Formula 1 simulator. Also available 4D cinema and a huge number of restaurants.
The ninth place was taken by the Royal Princess liner. On board it can simultaneously be up to 4100 passengers. The ship travels along the routes of the Caribbean, Europe and the British Isles. The name of the ship on June 16, 2013 was personally assigned by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton. At the launch ceremony, there were also Marines, the Irish Guard. On the ship are created: an open-air cinema and dancing fountains, a light show.
Norwegian Breakaway left the eighth line. The vessel, having a length of 324 meters, is capable of carrying up to 3988 passengers. The liner is based in New York. As an entertainment, the ship can offer tourists three Broadway shows, a restaurant with Michelin stars.
In the seventh position of the conditional rating is another liner - this is Queen Mary 2. With its own length of 345 meters, the ship places 3090 passengers on board. The ship runs on European ports, islands of the Caribbean, Transatlantic. Of the original entertainment of the ship, it is worth noting a planetarium, a 3D cinema, two libraries.
Lawbreaker and other ships
Sixth place belongs to Independence of the Seas. The vessel is able to provide seats for 4375 passengers. The length of the ship is 339 meters. On the ship there are: a theme water park, a surf park , an ice rink and even a boxing ring. In May of this year, an unpleasant incident occurred with the ship - it was seized in the Norwegian port of Alesund. The reason is non-payment of tax fees. In fairness, it should be noted that the host company literally an hour later paid the necessary amount (about € 72,150), and the liner again went to sea.
Norwegian Epic - a ship of that name firmly took fifth place. A distinctive feature that this liner possesses is the presence of studios with a special design for single travelers, along with ordinary cabins. There is also live music playing on the ship, there are many entertainment venues.
Fourth place - for Allure of the Seas. A ship 362 meters long on board carries up to 6296 passengers at a time. The ship is equipped with seven different zones, has 25 restaurants and cafes, climbing walls, a basketball court and the world's first Starbucks at sea. Parties are regularly held in the style of the beginning of the 20th century.
Prize troika
On the third line is the Oasis of the Seas with a passenger capacity of 6,292 people. The liner is equipped with two-story cabins with an area of 150 square meters. There is also mini golf, volleyball and basketball courts, two climbing walls and karaoke. The ship was able to pass under the Big Belt bridge (Denmark) and this despite the fact that the permissible height of the vessel should not exceed 65 meters. Oasis of the Seas is 7 meters above this value, but to pass under the barrier the liner pulled in its tailpipes.
The honorary "silver" rating was won by Quantum of the Seas with a length of 348 meters and a capacity of 4905 people. The ship makes transatlantic cruises. At the same time, for five nights you will have to pay $ 800. Not many cruise ships in the world, like this one, boast 16 decks, an observation tower located at an altitude of 90 meters above sea level. In addition, you can ride on the circuit and swim in the pool with a huge video screen.
And finally, the leader of the rating, the one without which the largest cruise liners in the world are simply inconceivable - the already mentioned Harmony of the Seas. This ship accommodates over 6,000 passengers. The number of decks reaches 18 pieces. Of the entertainment, it is worth noting three water slides, on which bartender robots work. It goes without saying that the number of casinos, spa centers and restaurants is also off the charts.