People have always been fascinated by the idea of traveling on the ocean, especially on luxurious cruise ships. The name Titanic makes people think of greatness, tragedy, and curiosity. The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, was introduced on January 27, 2024. This brought back the question of how it compares to the Titanic.
The Icon of the Seas compared to Titanic is much bigger and represents modern technology. Comparing these two ships can show us how they are different in size and how luxury and safety on ships have changed over time.
Let’s look at the big differences between the Icon of the Seas vs Titanic.
Titanic vs Icon of The Seas Size Comparison
When comparing the sizes and capacities of the two ships without considering their historical backgrounds, it’s clear that the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, is much bigger and better than the RMS Titanic and its sister ships. The Titanic compared to cruise ship, was impressive when it was built in 1912 and considered the largest moving thing ever made, but ship design has advanced since then.
The Icon of the Seas is a huge ship, measuring 250,800 GT, 1,198 ft long, and 213 ft wide. The Titanic, in comparison, is 46,328 GT, 883 ft long and 92 ft wide. The Icon of the Seas is twice as tall and wide as the Titanic, not counting its towering funnels. The Icon of the Seas is five times bigger in volume and 35% longer than the Titanic.
The real difference in size between the two ships is seen in the number of decks. The Icon of the Seas has twice as many decks as the Titanic, and they run the full length of the ship. In conclusion, the 2024 Icon of the Seas is much larger than the 1912 Titanic.
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 Feet | 883 Feet |
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 GT | 46,328 GT |
| Width | 213 feet | 92.5 feet |
| 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
Titanic and Icon of the Seas differ in size and weight, but they have similar cruising speeds of 21 to 22 knots, with a maximum speed of about 23 knots, which is around 25 miles per hour on land.
Older ships and modern ships travel at the same speed because cruise ships are not built for speed. They are designed for leisure and relaxation, not transportation. The speed of Icon of the Seas and Titanic is average. The fastest cruise ship, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, can reach speeds of up to 30 knots.
If the Icon of the Seas was meant to be a fast ocean liner, new engine technology would make it go faster.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: Construction Cost
The Icon of the Seas is the most expensive cruise ship ever built, with a construction cost of over $2 billion. In comparison, the Titanic cost around $7.5 million to build, which would be approximately $500 million when adjusted for conversion rates, inflation, and other factors. This means that the Icon of the seas cost at least six times more in comparison.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: Ticket Cost
Icon of The Seas Ticket Cost
Icon of the Seas cruises start at $731 per person for a 7-night trip in the Caribbean. The most expensive option is an Ultimate Family Townhouse cabin that costs up to $80,000 for one week. This cabin is 1,772 sq ft, spans three decks, and can accommodate up to 8 people.
Titanic Ticket Cost
The cost of a third-class (cheapest) adult ticket was £8, and for children, it was £3. This is about $900 to $345 in today’s money. First-Class suites on the Titanic, which cost £870 or $104,000 in today’s money.
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 in the past century.
The Titanic is known for being very big and 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. Icon of the Seas 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 has 15 free restaurants, some for quick bites. You could eat at a different restaurant for every meal on a five-day cruise without spending extra money. It offers a variety of dining options, from popular chains like Starbucks to unique, specialized restaurants. Passengers with specific tastes can find something they like on the ship.
The Titanic had many dining places on board to cater to the needs of its passengers. Here are the 4 main restaurants on the Titanic: Dining Saloon, A la Carte Restaurant, Verandah Cafe and Cafe Parisien.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: Accommodations
Icon of the Seas outperforms Titanic even in private accommodations. Icon of the Seas has 2,805 rooms. There are choices for all budgets, from basic rooms to fancy suites. The ocean liner’s two biggest Deluxe Parlor Suites.
This modern cruise ship compared to Titanic has a large three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse that can accommodate up to 8 guests. It is 1,770 sq ft with a 750 sq foot balcony. The townhouse has multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a living and dining area, an in-suite cinema, white picket fence, mailbox and an interior dry slide. Guests also receive Royal Genie service.
The Deluxe Parlor Suites on the Titanic were very luxurious and among the best suites on the ship. They had 2 large bedrooms, 2 walk-in wardrobes, a private bathroom, a spacious sitting room, and writing desks.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: Activities
Icon of the Seas offers a wide range of exciting activities and amenities for its guests like;
- 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 also offered various activities and amenities to its passengers like;
- Squash Court
- Deck Games – Quoits and Shuffleboard
- Dominoes
- Card Games
- Chess
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: Pools
Icon of the Seas has
- 7 swimming pools (including the first with a swim-up bar)
- 9 whirlpools
- Waterpark featuring 6 high-speed slides
In Comparison, the Titanic 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 Titanic has better safety equipment. It has advanced radar that can detect dangers like icebergs early on, preventing any potential 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
Lack of Lifeboats on the Titanic
The Titanic compared to modern cruise ships didn’t have enough lifeboats, which could have saved lives. Titanic only had 20 lifeboats (including 14 standard wooden lifeboats, 2 wooden cutters, 4 collapsible canvas lifeboats) which could hold 1,178 people, the legal minimum. There were over 2,240 people on board, including the crew.
Lifeboats on the Icon of the Seas
The Icon of the Seas has 17 lifeboats, each able to carry 450 people. In total, the lifeboats can accommodate 7,650 people.
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. In comparison, the Titanic is smaller at 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.
- Carnival Radiance Rooms to Avoid - July 8, 2024
- Icon of the Seas Cost Per Person - July 6, 2024
- Largest Cruise Ships in the World - July 5, 2024