What is the biggest cruise ship in the world today and how does it compare to cruise ships of the past?

Michael Monroe

Over 380 days at sea! (Cruising) Updated Jul 6

What is the biggest cruise ship in the world today and how does it compare to cruise ships of the past?

I noticed that the previous answer didn't give you the information you requested. So here is an update. In the last quarter of 2023, when you posed the question, the correct answer was Wonder of the Seas. She is a Royal Caribbean ship, the 5th Oasis class ship and weights in at 236,857 GT. She was launched in 2022 and measures 362 meters or 1188 ft long, 18 decks high and has 2867 guest cabins, for a double occupancy number of 5734. She is certified for a maximum 7084 passengers. Her crewsize is about 2300. Her guest services are broken up into 7 neighborhoods.

Royal Caribbean has held the title of largest cruise ship since 1999 when the Voyager of the Seas launched. Several ship in the line have held the title since then but the Oasis class sisterships have held the title from 2009.

Late in 2023, Royal Caribbean took delivery of the Icon of the Seas. She is larger than her Oasis class brethren at 250,800 GT, but obviously a derivative of her slightly smaller sisters. She is 1198 feet long and 20 decks high. 2805 cabins or 5610 passengers at double occupancy, but a maximum of 7600 passengers. Crew size is 2350. Note that although she is bigger, passengers have more room: passenger common space ratio of 44.7 compared to Wonders 41.3 ratio.

As far as I am aware she is the first ship to employ a large battery storage system as part of her power distribution system. She has 8 neighborhoods and boast so many other firsts that my hunt and peck typing style would be overtaxed. Her maiden voyage (with paying passengers) is next Saturday January 27th, 2024.

IT IS TIME FOR AN UPDATE: July 2025

Star of the Seas is about to launch. She will be the exact same size as the ICON and therefore tied for the largest ship. The following year or so Legend of the Seas will launch and there will be a three way tie for the largest ship (at least this is the announced plan). MSC has announced that they will build an even larger ship class, but this remains to be seen. The dynamics of the industry is changing and many European ports are closing access to MEGA Ships (and some to large ships).

Ports like Amsterdam are closing to Cruise Ships altogether. Pressure from residents to control the number of tourists and pollution concerns are the driving forces. Of course the wealth and increased value of the dwellings they currently enjoy because of their location may take a hit.

May you live in interesting times…..

(2023) Here is a side by side photo of the largest and 2nd largest cruise ships in the world (until they build another). Taken at Coco Cay, RCIs private island in the Bahamas.

What are the differences between Mykonos and Santorini? Which island do you prefer and why?

Giota Detsi

Knows a lot about life in Greece 2y

What are the differences between Mykonos and Santorini? Which island do you prefer and why?

Olala, this is the battle between the two giants of tourism of the Aegean!

Both islands are unbelievably picturesque with high touristic infrastructure. They both belong to the Cyclades, which means that both have the unique transparent light of the region, clear blue seawater, and the famous white houses. Differences do exist and make each one of them worth a visit.

Santorini’s relief is marked by the local active volcano; the caldera, the bizarre colorful cliff rocks, and the pit houses (that provide excellent protection from earthquakes and the summer heat) are not found on the other islands. And do, believe me, the sense of the volcano is unique (you’ll swim in it!) and so is the view from the cliffs around it.

A less-known fact about Santorini; the island has a unique micro-climate that results in the production of super tasty vegetables. If you ever find the (ugly-looking and small) Theran tomatoes, aubergines, etc., jump on them, they will be the most delicious vegetables you’ll ever taste.

Santorini

Pumice layers in Athinios port, Santorini

Island in the caldera – a large crater, about 10 kilometers in diameter now filled by the sea – which has formed during the major explosive eruptions of the volcano over the past few tens of thousands of years.

A view from above

The volcano in action, 1950.

Sunset at Santorini

Pit house in Santorini

Santorini’s vegetables. Don’t miss the local caper! The white “thing” in the basket is an aubergine, simply delicious.

The Kamari beach with black pebbles….

This is Santorini, an out-of-this-world, romantic island. And now, let’s head North to Mykonos. It’s not far, just 2.5 hours by boat.

Mykonos has no volcano or a unique microclimate but is called the island of winds for a reason… It is an island with low, smooth hills that end in gorgeous beaches….I mean a lot of gorgeous beaches (there are around 50). Sun, sea, traditional architecture, high-end nightlife, and a truly sensual atmosphere are all the island offers but does it close to perfection…

Both islands are top summer destinations and both are worth a visit. Which is my favorite?

This is a difficult dilemma….but I have a winner, it’s Mykonos!

Why? Because even though I’ve been several times there, I, an archeophile, never managed to make the 10′ trip to Delos. Mykonos has its way to keep you there…

Can you explain what Pattaya, Thailand is like?

Megaworld Asia

Photographer Updated Jun 8

Can you explain what Pattaya, Thailand is like?

The sun goes down and the lights come on along the Pattaya foreshore

I lived in Pattaya for seven years. I’ve heard it said, more than once, that Pattaya “is the world’s biggest brothel.” No doubt there’ll be people who’ll be offended by this statement. They’ll offer up a myriad reasons why they consider Pattaya to be one of the best places in the world to reside. For those who live there, or spend extended periods there, then this is understandable. They’re just protecting/defending their home turf.

The sign says it all

The reality of Pattaya is it’s predominantly an adult entertainment/nightlife spot. The Beach front area, and the adjoining streets and laneways, are crammed with beer bars, gogo bars, massage parlours, and nightclubs, which are staffed by ladies who provide sexual services, for a price. This is an undeniable fact. The focal point of Pattaya was, is, and will be this beach front zone. Tourists who come to Pattaya, gravitate to this area for fun and entertainment. This area, and it’s associated support busnisesses of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and beauty shops, is the life blood of the town. There are other areas, such as Soi Buakhaow, which offer a similar entertainment services, albeit at a less expensive price, for long stay foreigners.

A typical bar scene in Pattaya

This in itself isn’t a bad thing. The town provides a service/location where single, foreign males can go for a paid for sexual liaison. It’s also an industry which provides employment for uneducated girls from the northern provinces of Thailand. For the most part, the girls working in the bars of Pattaya are from the rice farms of Isarn. Their motivation for choosing to work in these bar areas is simply poverty, and nothing else.

The girls along the avenue

The beaches of Pattaya, compared with Hua Hin and Phuket, are hardly remarkable. If you understand geography, then this isn’t difficult to discern. The coastline on this Gulf side of Thailand is shallow. Even when the tide is in, you’ll need to wade at least fifty meters from the shoreline to be in waist deep water. Because of this geographical constant, the water tends to be murky, warm, and unavoidably polluted with run off and plastic. Even over in Jomtien, which is considered a cleaner beach area, if you swim with goggles the amount of plastic seen on the seabed is quite shocking.

Along the Pattaya foreshore

If you reside in Pattaya, for any length of time you’ll come to understand it’s a bakingly hot place, especially from March to May. The landscape is predominantly flat. Yes, there’s a hill/peak which forms a headland between Pattaya and Jomtien but this is an isolated geographical feature. The surrounding landscape is flat and scorching. Compounding this is the radiated heat from the concrete urban sprawl. For this reason the majority of foreigners residing there will either stay at home in the afternoons, or head to the air-conditioned relief of shopping malls or bars. And therein lies the crux of Pattaya. Because of the unrelenting heat of the place, life tends occur from late afternoon and into the night. Once again, the inescapable fact is that Pattaya is predominantly a night time/night life location.

A great spot for a few sun downers.

Because of the heat factor, those participating in outdoor activities, such as golf, tend to do so in the mornings. Beach joggers can be seen along the foreshore in the mornings. No one, certainly not the locals, goes jogging in the mid-afternoon heat. For a foreigner, residing in Pattaya, their day might look something like this: 1. Get up mid morning and head to a restaurant (the Pig and Whistle or the Victoria) for a western breakfast. 2. Meet with friends for a coffee, late morning. 3. Go to an airconditioned shopping mall (Central or Big C) for lunch. 4. If you’re health minded, go to a gym in the afternoon. If you’re not health minded, go sit in an outdoor beer bar along Beach Road, or some other drinking establishment which expats frequent. 5. Late afternoon, go for a massage (with or without extras). Rinse and repeat.

Resident expats meet for a coffee and a chat

Foreigners who reside in Pattaya long term, for the most part, tend towards an alcohol based lifestyle. Many end up being alcoholics. Long term, if you value your health, you’ll eventually move to either Hua Hin or Phuket. Both of these locations have cleaner air, a greener landscape, and less polluted seas.

Safe travels,

Mega.

Uncomfortable Situations

October 31, 2025 Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today

Pierre Subleyras, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Video On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. Luke 14:1 Jesus accepted an invitation from this prominent Pharisee to dine at his house. The people at the dinner were “observing him carefully.” It’s somewhat easy to picture the scene. For most people, being invited to a dinner with many strangers who are observing them carefully may leave them feeling quite uncomfortable and self-conscious. But Jesus showed up with perfect confidence and an unwavering commitment to share the Gospel. One thing we can learn from this dinner and Jesus’ disposition at it is that uncomfortable situations are actually great opportunities to share your faith.  We will all have times when we are put in an uncomfortable situation. Imagine, for example, being invited to a party for a distant relative or a new neighbor. You decided to attend and knew that you would know very few people there. The tendency for those who are shy would be to show up, find someone they know, and then spend the rest of the time with that person. But consider what Jesus did. He probably knew very few people at this dinner. Jesus’ primary purpose in attending was not to just relax and have a fun time while He met new friends. Instead, His primary purpose was to preach His saving message to those in need. Thus, He went to those in need and did so with confidence. Whether you are one who likes to socialize and meet new people, or are one who dreads such settings, consider the simple fact that these settings are wonderful opportunities to share your faith. Like our Lord, if you are willing to put yourself out there, entering situations that are new and unfamiliar, then you may start to discover that the opportunities abound. New settings and new people are new opportunities to evangelize. True, they are also opportunities to make new friends and enjoy yourself. But if you have a heart set on the desire to share the Gospel, then you will regularly look for new opportunities in which you can somehow share your faith with others. Reflect, today, upon this simple Gospel scene of Jesus attending a dinner, with many people He did not know, for the purpose of sharing the faith with them. Imagine yourself joining our Lord at this meal. How would you have felt? Would you have been self-conscious and uncomfortable? Or would you have seen it as an opportunity to share the Gospel? Reflect upon how zealous you are in your efforts to evangelize others and recommit yourself to this holy endeavor. Tell our Lord you are ready and willing to be used by Him wherever He sends you and then try to see every new adventure and experience in life as a new opportunity to share Christ’s saving message with others. My saving Lord, You desire that Your saving message be shared far and wide, to the ends of the earth. Please fill me with zeal for souls. Give me an unwavering desire to share the Gospel with everyone I meet. Please use me, dear Lord, in the way You desire, so that Your love and mercy will be brought to those in need. Jesus, I trust in You.

Protection, Healing and Salvation

October 30, 2025 Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today

Images via Adobe Stock: Main; Featured Video “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!” Luke 13:34 It’s helpful to ponder the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His heart is one that is strong and gentle, compassionate and just, merciful and truthful. In this Gospel passage, we are given a glimpse of Jesus’ love for the people of Jerusalem. He was not expressing His love for the city, but for the people in the city. It is clear that His deepest desire, His strong yearning, was that they allow Him to draw them close to Him so that He can protect them from all evil. Jesus begins by speaking the word “Jerusalem” twice. This expresses deep compassion for the people of that city. It also expresses a lament that they have not turned to Him, remaining unwilling to change. Their refusal began long before Jesus walked the earth when their forefathers rejected the call of the prophets to repent and turn back to God. The stubbornness of their fathers continued with the people of Jesus’ day, and He experienced their rejection. This rejection did not lead Jesus to anger or condemnation as much as it led Him to holy sorrow. The image of a hen gathering her brood under her wings is a lovely image to meditate upon. A mother hen protects her chicks with great courage and without concern for her own safety. When danger approaches, she extends her wings and covers the vulnerable chicks to protect them. Jesus uses this motherly image to express His desire to protect not only the people of Jerusalem, but all of us. If Jesus yearned to gather the people together under his “wings” to protect them, then we should know, with certainty, that we need our Lord’s protection. He would not desire something that was unnecessary. He is not an overly protective God Who irrationally worries about His children. His concern is real and necessary, and we must know that we need His protection. As you go about your daily life, do you feel as though you can handle life on your own? Do you act as an independent child who wants to separate yourself from the safety of your parents? Though we must all work to become responsible in life, we will never arrive at a point where we no longer need the protection of our loving God. The world in which we live is filled with dangers from which only God can protect us. At the beginning of today’s Gospel, Jesus referred to Herod as a “fox.” That image must be seen in the context of Jesus desiring to act as a mother hen, protecting her brood. Jesus was told that Herod was trying to kill Him, but He clearly was not afraid of Herod. Of Herod’s desire to kill Jesus, Jesus said, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’” As a protector, Jesus took authority over demons, performed healings and opened the gates of Heaven by rising from the dead on the third day. As we go through life, there will be many demons who seek to attack us. We will need many forms of healing, and without the gift of Jesus’ triumph over death itself, we will not be led to the glories of Heaven. Demons are real. Wounds are real. And the need for a Savior is real. Reflect, today, upon the image of Jesus acting as a mother hen, extending His wings over you to protect you from the many temptations and diabolical attacks you will encounter in this world. Ponder the fact that you need His daily protection. The demons will never stop their attacks. Mental, emotional and spiritual wounds need His healing. Jesus is the only one Who can protect you and heal you so that He can then pour forth the gift of eternal life. Remain under His protective care, and allow Him to fulfill the yearnings of His Sacred Heart. My compassionate Lord, You yearn to protect me from the many evils in this world. You yearn to heal me of the wounds my sins have caused. And You yearn to bestow upon me the gift of eternal life. I accept Your protection, dear Lord, and pray for the healing I need. Please cover me always and bestow upon me the gift of eternal life. Jesus, I trust in You.

How was your travel experience in the Paris Metro?

Nicholas Stone

Extensive life long interest in public transport.Sep 25

How was your travel experience in the Paris Metro?

I first travelled on the Paris Metro in October 1975, and my most recent trip was in September 2025. During those 50 years of travel across Paris by Metro, I’ve travelled on most of the lines and visited many of the central stations.

"What remains the mind's eye is the image of a dash across Paris and boarding a train to distant places.”

Eric Robson, BBC Great Railway Journeys of the World, 1980

The Paris Metro offers efficient, reliable, safe and affordable travel across the French national capital. Almost all of central Paris is less than a 500 metre walk from a Metro station. Indeed, average distances between station are around 700 metres, less than 1,450 metres between London Underground stations. This does mean that Metro train speeds are comparatively slow - usually just 20 km/h. Walking at street level can be faster for shorter journeys. I’ve walked between Gare du Nord and central landmarks in around 30 minutes or less.

The author of this answer at Les Halles Metro station. The station is part of the wider Châtelet–Les Halles complex which served by five Metro lines and three RER lines. Note the ‘secteur’ signage.

The Metro network has noteworthy features. As well as frequent station stops, there also several lines with rubber tyred trains - offering a distinctive sound and travel experience. The tunnels are twin track, as opposed to the single line tracks for each direction on many London deep level lines. Metro lines are numbered and direction is marked by each line’s destination. Several Paris Metro stations are enormous - including the legendary Châtelet–Les Halles. Other mega station complex are Saint-Lazare-Auber-Have Caumartin and Montparnasse with its long passageways.

The enormous network hub at Saint-Lazare, Auber, Opera and Have Caumartin.

Paper tickets have been scrapped. Passenger now either use a rechargeable card (costing €2) or the Bonjpour RATP mobile app. The base fare is €2.50 and €12 for day pass covering most transport across the fives concentric zones of Île-de-France region.

A personal favourite is line 4 - the Metro’s second busiest. The line connects three large SNCF railway stations and popular city centre landmarks. Full automation was introduced at the end of 2023, and driverless train allow passenger to sit in seat at the front of the train - allowing forward views.

Paris Metro line 4 is now automated and with driverless trains. Stations have platform edge door and passengers have great view from the front carriage. Picture taken by Nicholas Stone, the author of this answer.

The dash across Paris between grand terminal stations using the Metro offers additional railway excitement when travelling across France. Between arrival into Paris on one long distance train, and departure on the next, you should make time for lunch and a glass of wine. For me, it’s a always highlight.

The Paris Metro ticketing now digital and paper tickets were scrapped. Passengers use either the RATP mobile app or Navigo rechargeable card. Picture taken by Nicholas Stone, the author of this answer.