Voyager of the Seas: The largest ever cruise liner takes to the oceans

The phenomenon that is the cruise liner market continued to gather pace in 1999, culminating with the handover in October of the largest cruise liner yet, the 137,000 gt Voyager of the Seas. Built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards' Turku site for US operator Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, the 311.01 m long ship, which has a capacity for 3840 passengers, is an estimated 30% larger than anything currently afloat and, with the help of a number of turnkey and other suppliers, was constructed in under three years from initial signing of the contract in January 1997. The most striking aspect of Voyager, apart from her obvious size, is the increase in breadth over conventional rivals, 38.60 m at the waterline level, and some 47.40 m at the bridge wings.