Where exactly are cruise ships built?
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the process of building cruise ships, the shipyards where they are constructed, and the countries where the majority of cruise ships are built..
Cruise ships are an iconic symbol of the modern-day travel industry, with luxurious amenities and features that make them stand out as one of the most popular modes of transportation for vacationers. However, while most people may be familiar with the concept of a cruise ship, few may know where these impressive vessels are actually built.
The Process of Building a Cruise Ship
Building a cruise ship is a complex process that can take several years from start to finish. The construction process involves a wide range of skilled professionals, including engineers, architects, designers, and shipbuilders.
The first step in building a cruise ship is to design the vessel. The design phase involves creating detailed plans and blueprints that specify every aspect of the ship’s construction, including its size, shape, and layout. The design team works closely with the shipbuilder to ensure that the plans are feasible and that the ship can be constructed within the allotted budget and timeline.
Once the design phase is complete, the shipbuilder will begin the actual construction process. The construction process typically starts with the ship’s hull, which is the large, steel structure that forms the base of the vessel. The hull is constructed using a process known as “block building,” which involves assembling large sections of the hull, or “blocks,” in a dry dock.
As the hull is constructed, other components of the ship are built separately and then assembled onto the hull. This includes the ship’s superstructure, which is the upper part of the vessel that contains the cabins, dining areas, and other amenities.
Once the ship is fully assembled, it undergoes a series of rigorous tests and inspections to ensure that it meets all safety and regulatory standards. This includes tests of the ship’s propulsion systems, navigation equipment, and emergency procedures.
The final step in the construction process is to outfit the ship with furnishings, equipment, and other amenities. This includes everything from the ship’s furniture and décor to its entertainment systems, pools, and dining facilities.
The World’s Largest Cruise Shipyards
There are a number of shipyards around the world that specialize in building cruise ships. Some of the largest and most well-known cruise shipyards include:
Meyer Werft - GermanyMeyer Werft is one of the largest and most prestigious shipyards in the world, and is located in Papenburg, Germany. The shipyard has been in operation for over 200 years, and has built some of the most impressive cruise ships in the industry, including Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy.
Fincantieri - ItalyFincantieri is another leading shipyard that specializes in building cruise ships. The shipyard is located in Trieste, Italy, and has built some of the most iconic ships in the industry, including Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess.
STX France - FranceSTX France is one of the largest shipyards in Europe, and is located in Saint-Nazaire, France. The shipyard has built some of the most innovative and luxurious cruise ships in the world, including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - JapanMitsubishi Heavy Industries is one of the largest shipbuilders in the world, and has a shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan that specializes in building cruise ships. The shipyard has built some of the most advanced cruise ships in the industry, including Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista.
Chantiers de l'AtlantChantiers de l’Atlantique – France
Chantiers de l’Atlantique is another leading shipyard in France, located in the city of Saint-Nazaire. The shipyard has a long history of building innovative and groundbreaking cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship at the time of its launch.
MV Werften - GermanyMV Werften is a relatively new shipyard, having been established in 2016 after the acquisition of three shipyards in Germany. The shipyard specializes in building large and technologically advanced cruise ships, such as Genting Hong Kong’s Global Class ships.
Meyer Turku - FinlandMeyer Turku is a Finnish shipyard that has been in operation since 1737. The shipyard has a strong reputation for building environmentally friendly cruise ships, and has recently built ships for companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
Damen Shipyards Group - NetherlandsDamen Shipyards Group is a Dutch company that specializes in building a wide range of vessels, including cruise ships. The company has built ships for companies such as SunStone Ships and Viking Ocean Cruises.
These shipyards represent some of the largest and most advanced facilities in the world for building cruise ships. However, there are many other shipyards around the world that also build cruise ships, including shipyards in China, South Korea, and the United States.