Have you ever wondered how the Titanic compares to Icon of the Seas in size, luxury, and features? The Titanic was once the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, but modern cruise ships like Icon of the Seas are much bigger and more advanced. From accommodations and dining to safety and entertainment, these two ships are worlds apart.
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas vs Titanic debate showcases how cruise travel has transformed over the past century. The Titanic was a masterpiece of its era, but Icon of the Seas is the ultimate symbol of modern cruise luxury.
Curious to know more about their differences and similarities? Keep reading to explore the fascinating comparison between the RMS Titanic vs Icon of the Seas!
RMS Titanic vs Icon of The Seas Size Comparison
The Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, is significantly bigger than the RMS Titanic and its sister ships. Titanic was a marvel of engineering in 1912, but compared to modern cruise ships, it is quite small.
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage (GT) of 250,800, measuring 1,198 feet in length and 213 feet in width. In comparison, the Titanic was 46,328 GT, 883 feet long, and 92 feet wide. Icon of the Seas is five times bigger in volume, 35% longer, and twice as wide as the Titanic. Not counting the towering funnels, it is also twice as tall.
The real size difference is in the number of decks. Icon of the Seas has twice as many decks as the Titanic, extending throughout the ship. This massive increase in size allows for better facilities, more entertainment options, and greater passenger capacity.
Overall, comparing the Titanic vs modern cruise ships, especially the Icon of the Seas, shows just how much shipbuilding has evolved. From luxury to safety and amenities, the Icon of the Seas is far superior in every aspect.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Size Comparison Chart
The following table compares key statistics of the Titanic compared to modern cruise ships.
| Stats | Icon of the Seas | RMS Titanic |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Class | Icon Class | Olympic Class |
| Length | 1,198 ft | 883 ft |
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 GT | 46,328 GT |
| Width | 213 ft | 92.5 ft |
| Total Decks | 20 | 10 |
| Guest Decks | 18 | 9 |
| Guest Capacity | 7,600 | 2,435 |
| Crew Capacity | 2,350 | 874 |
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Speed Comparison
The Icon of the Seas and the RMS Titanic may differ in size and weight, but they share a similar cruising speed of 21 to 22 knots, with a maximum speed of about 23 knots (approximately 25 mph). Despite advancements in shipbuilding, modern cruise ships are not built for speed. Instead, they focus on comfort, luxury, and relaxation, making their speeds comparable to the Titanic.
The fastest cruise ship, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, can reach 30 knots, far exceeding most modern and historical passenger ships. If the Icon of the Seas were built as a fast ocean liner, modern engine technology could make it much faster, but its purpose remains to provide the ultimate cruise experience rather than high-speed travel.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Construction Cost
The Icon of the Seas is one of the most expensive cruise ships ever built, with a construction cost of around $2 billion. In comparison, the Titanic was built for $7.5 million in 1912.
When adjusted for inflation, the Titanic’s cost would be about $200 million in today’s money. This means the Icon of the Seas cost nearly 10 times more than the Titanic if both were built in the same era.
The massive difference in cost is due to modern technology, safety features, and luxurious amenities. Icon of the Seas has high-tech navigation, water parks, and eco-friendly engines, which add to the price.
On the other hand, the Titanic was a marvel of its time but lacked modern innovations. Both ships are legendary, but the Icon of the Seas vs Titanic cost comparison highlights how shipbuilding has evolved over the years.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Ticket Cost
Below is a ticket cost comparison between Icon of the Seas and Titanic:
Icon of The Seas Ticket Cost
A 7-night cruise on Icon of the Seas starts at $1,400 per person covering meals, accommodations, and visits to destinations like St. Maarten, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Prices may vary depending on the season. Peak travel times such as holidays can cost up to $2,000 per person, while off-season months like September and November offer more affordable rates.
Titanic Ticket Cost
In 1912, a third-class adult ticket on the Titanic cost around £7, while a child’s ticket was about £3. Adjusted for inflation, this would be £850 ($1,070) for an adult and £365 ($460) for a child today.
For first-class luxury, the most expensive suites on the Titanic cost £870, which is equal to £105,000 ($133,000) in today’s money. These prices highlight the huge gap between travel classes and the exclusivity of first-class accommodations.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Amenities
The most interesting comparison between Icon of the Seas and Titanic is in accommodation, swimming pools, and dining. It shows how much cruise ships have improved over the past century.
The Titanic is known for sinking tragically. Its most special thing was how fancy it was back then. It had fun things to do and nice stuff that had never been on a ship before. This made the Titanic a symbol of luxury travel in the early 1900s.
In today’s world, the Icon of the Seas aims to capture the attention of the public like how the Titanic did in the past. Both ships were meant to change the idea of what a passenger ship could be. The Titanic was promoted as a luxurious way to travel across the Atlantic, while the Icon of the Seas was created as a floating paradise for families.
Icon of the Seas Vs Titanic Dining & Bars
Icon of the Seas has over 40 dining places and bars with about half being new to Royal Caribbean. It also has 15 restaurants alone in the Royal Promenade area along with other dining choices. There are many bars and lounges where you can have a drink including four locations for the Lime & Coconut bar.
Icon of the Seas compared to Titanic has 15 free restaurants, some for quick bites. You could eat at a different restaurant for every meal on a 7-day cruise without spending extra money.
It offers a variety of dining options from popular chains like Starbucks to unique, specialized restaurants like Empire Supper Club. Passengers with specific tastes can find something they like on the ship.
The Titanic offered multiple dining options to accommodate its passengers. The four main restaurants were the Dining Saloon, À la Carte Restaurant, Verandah Café, and Café Parisien. Each venue provided a unique dining experience, showcasing the luxury and elegance of the era.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Accommodations
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas surpasses the RMS Titanic in private accommodations, offering a wide range of rooms for different budgets. This modern cruise ship features 2,805 rooms, from standard cabins to high-end luxury suites, providing comfort and convenience for all travelers.
One of the most exclusive accommodations on the Icon of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. This impressive three-story suite is 1,770 sq ft with an additional 750 sq ft balcony. It can accommodate up to eight guests, making it perfect for families looking for a unique and spacious stay.
The townhouse includes multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a living and dining area, an in-suite cinema, a private white picket fence, a mailbox, and an interior dry slide for extra fun. Guests staying here also receive Royal Genie service, ensuring a personalized and luxurious experience. Here you can check Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas comparison.
On the Titanic, the most prestigious accommodations were the Deluxe Parlor Suites. There were four suites in total, with two on Deck B and two on Deck C. Each suite featured two large bedrooms, two walk-in wardrobes, a private bathroom, a spacious sitting room, and writing desks. These suites were considered the finest on the Titanic, offering unmatched elegance for first-class passengers.
The Titanic’s Deluxe Parlor Suites were exceptional for their time, but Icon of the Seas offers a far more advanced and luxurious experience, designed for modern travelers who expect the highest level of comfort and amenities.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Activities
Icon of the Seas offers a wide range of exciting activities and amenities for its guests. Here is the list of unique activities:
- Rock climbing walls
- Zip-lining
- FlowRider Surfing Simulator
- Laser tag and mini golf
- Aqua theater and an outdoor movie screen
- Vitality Spa
- Absolute Zero
- Jogging Track
The Titanic compared to Icon of the Seas also provided a range of activities and amenities for its passengers, offering luxury and entertainment for its time. Given below are activities offered on Titanic:
- Squash Court
- Deck Games – Quoits and Shuffleboard
- Dominoes
- Card Games
- Chess
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Pools
Below are the pools and waterparks on Icon of the Seas:
- 7 swimming pools (including the first with a swim-up bar)
- 9 whirlpools
- Waterpark featuring 6 high-speed slides
The Titanic compared to a Cruise Ships had pools, but only first-class guests could use them at specific times for men and women.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Safety Comparison
You may wonder if modern cruise ships like Icon of the seas compared to titanic is safe. It is possible for Icon of the Seas to sink if it hits an iceberg or encounters a hurricane or rogue wave, but it is unlikely.
Nowadays, cruise ship compared to Titanic is designed better and tested more, so a ship with a shallower draft should lean less than older ships. The wide width of the Icon of the Seas will help reduce leaning even more.
Icon of the Seas compared to the Titanic has better safety equipment. It has advanced radar that can detect dangers like icebergs early on, preventing any collisions.
If there is a breach on Icon of the Seas, having double hull structures and improved watertight compartments can help prevent flooding. Modern cruise ships compared to Titanic have more lifeboats, rafts, and flotation devices than needed for all passengers, unlike the Titanic.
The historic ocean liner disaster led to the creation of SOLAS (safety of Life at Sea) modern safety standards.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Lifeboats
The Titanic compared to modern cruise ships did not have enough lifeboats, which could have saved more lives. It carried only 20 lifeboats including 14 standard wooden lifeboats, 2 wooden cutters, and 4 collapsible canvas lifeboats, with a total capacity of 1,178 passengers, meeting the legal minimum at the time.
Titanic had over 2,240 passenegrs on board including passengers and crew, making the lifeboat shortage a major safety issue. This lack of adequate lifeboats became one of the most significant lessons in maritime history, leading to improved safety regulations for modern cruise ships.
Icon of the Seas is equipped with 17 advanced lifeboats, each capable of carrying 450 people. In total, these lifeboats can accommodate upto 7,600 passengers. This ensures maximum safety and compliance with maritime regulations for all onboard.
International Ice Patrol
The International Ice Patrol (IIP) is a coast guard agency that helps keep ships safe in the North Atlantic Ocean by watching for icebergs and avoiding accidents like the Titanic.
Ship Structure
After the Titanic sank in 1912, ship safety got better. Design and safety procedures changed. Old ships were updated with double hulls and higher bulkheads to stop water from coming in. Today’s modern cruise ship compared to Titanic are much safer with improved safety measures.
24 Hour Radio Watch & Distress Rockets
The 1912 Radio Act improved communication and safety rules for ships. It made it mandatory for ships to always have radio communication to send distress signals and prevent ships from getting lost at sea. Ships were also required to stay in touch with nearby ships and coast radio stations to collaborate during emergencies.
FAQs – Icon of the Seas vs Titanic
How Big is the Icon of the Seas Compared to Titanic?
The Icon of the Seas is a large ship, measuring 250,800 GT, 1,198 ft long, and 213 ft wide. The Titanic next to cruise ships is smaller and weighs 46,328 GT, 883 ft long, and 92 ft wide. Icon of the Seas is five times larger in volume and 35% longer than the Titanic.
Where was The Titanic Built?
The Titanic was constructed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the Harland & Wolff Shipyard.
Where was Icon of the Seas Built?
The Icon of the Seas was built in Turku, Finland, at the Meyer Turku Shipyard.
How Long did it Take to Build the Titanic?
The RMS Titanic was built in 1,098 days (3 years) by thousands of workers.
How Long did it Take to Build the Icon of the Seas?
The Icon of the Seas took 900 days (about 2 and a half years) to build.
What Type of Ship Was the Titanic?
The RMS Titanic was a fancy passenger ship made by The White Star Line. It was the biggest ship in the world when it started sailing.
What has Changed Since the Titanic to Make Modern Cruise Ships Safer Today?
Cruise ships are now built using improved technology, materials, and methods. Modern ships use submerged arc welding, which is tested with ultrasound. The design of bulkheads has also been updated. In 2008, the International Maritime Organization set new standards requiring ships to stay stable even if two compartments are flooded.
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