Have you ever wondered how cruise lines can keep up with the insatiable demand for bigger and better ships?
Turns out they have a trick up their sleeve that’s almost as impressive as building a new ship from scratch.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of cruise ship “jumboization.”
A cruise ship split in half (Windstar Cruises)
The cruise boom: more passengers, bigger ships
Cruise vacations have grown in popularity in recent decades. In 1990, around 3.7 million people took a cruise, but if we fast forward to 2024, we are looking at a a whopping 30 million cruise passengers. There are many lines for the buffet.
To keep up with this growing demand, cruise lines have been building massive ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. This floating city can accommodate almost 10,000 people and has features such as a water park, seven swimming pools and 20 entertainment platforms. However, these megaships have a hefty price tag of $2 billion and take years to build.
Cruise ship split in half (Windstar Cruises)
Jumboization: the quick and (relatively) cheap solution
That’s where “jumboization” comes into play, a surgical procedure for boats almost as far-fetched as it sounds. For about $80 million and just a couple of months out of service, cruise lines can literally cut an existing ship in half, add a new half-section, and weld it all back together. The result is a larger boat with more cabins, more amenities, and more earning potential, all without the hassle of building an entirely new boat or training an entirely new crew.
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The process begins with engineers meticulously planning every detail of the new section to ensure all systems align perfectly. The new section is built separately and is often completed with interior fittings. Once ready, the existing boat is placed on special lifting jacks known as “non-slip shoes.” Workers then cut the ship in half using lasers for precision.
After that, the two halves are separated to make room for the new section, which slides into place. Skilled welders join the sections with millimeter precision, ensuring everything fits together perfectly. Thousands of cables, pipes and conduits are then reconnected to restore functionality. Finally, each system undergoes extensive testing before the ship returns to service.
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The Payoff: Why Cruise Lines Love Jumboization
This process is not just a genius feat of engineering. It’s also a financial gold mine for cruise operators. Additional cabins added during jumboization can pay for the entire operation in just a few years. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to upgrade other features, such as pools and motors, or even add completely new attractions.
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A cruise ship split in half (Silver Sea)
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
As demand for cruises continues to grow, we’re likely to see more and more ships getting the jumboization treatment. This trend is a testament to human ingenuity. We can take something as massive and complex as a cruise ship and essentially “stretch” it like candy. These “extended” ships show that sometimes the most impressive innovations are not about building something new but about reimagining what we already have. So next time you’re on a cruise, take a moment to appreciate the engineering innovation beneath your feet. It could be hiding a secret middle section.
What do you think about the environmental impact of jumboization in the cruise industry? Do you think the benefits of expanding existing ships outweigh the potential ecological costs? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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