AUGUSTA OROBOSA

The Evolution of Cruise Ships

In the world of maritime travel, there are small boats, big boats, and then there are the colossal cruise ships. Take, for instance, the MSC Meraviglia, a grand vessel built in Saint-Nazaire, France, in 2017, and christened by the iconic Sophia Loren. It currently holds the distinction of being the largest cruise ship ever to dock in New York City. A floating wonderland, the MSC Meraviglia boasts a water park, rope course, spa, mall, arcade, bowling alley, casino, gym, two theaters, five pools, nine restaurants, 23 bars, 19 floors, and can accommodate 5,655 passengers and 1,536 crew members. Indeed, cruise ships have become the epitome of grandeur in passenger vessel design, but they haven't always looked this way.