Why It Costs $1 Million Per Day To Run One Of The World’s Biggest Cruise Ships | Big Business

Summary

The video explores the operations of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, a colossal cruise ship supporting over 6,000 passengers. It delves into the logistics of daily life aboard, from the preparation of 30,000 meals daily by a 2,400-strong crew to the intricate waste management systems. Highlighting the ship's efficiency, the video also showcases the entertainment, including high-flying aerial performances, and the challenges faced by the crew in maintaining smooth operations at sea.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Symphony of the Seas is a massive cruise ship that operates like a floating city, hosting over 6,000 passengers weekly.
• 💰 The daily operation of the ship costs over $1 million, with passengers paying as low as $100 per day, necessitating efficient profit-making strategies.
• 👨‍🍳 A crew of 2,400 works tirelessly to manage the ship's operations, including producing 30,000 meals daily in cramped kitchens.
• 🚢 The ship requires meticulous logistics, including the rapid loading of 500 pallets of inventory, including over 600,000 pounds of food and beverages, within a tight nine-hour window.
• 📊 The top three cruise lines are estimated to spend $2.3 billion on food and drink in 2023, highlighting the scale of provisioning required for a week-long cruise.
• 🛳️ Symphony of the Seas utilizes advanced technology and systems for waste management, striving to be a zero-landfill ship and employing water purification to reduce environmental impact.
• 🚀 The ship is propelled by six giant engines, with bow thrusters and Azipod propellers allowing for versatile movement and precise maneuvering out of ports.
• 🏝️ Itineraries are carefully planned to comply with the Passenger Services Act of 1886, requiring stops in other countries when sailing between two US ports to avoid fines.
• 🎭 The ship features a variety of entertainment options, including ice shows, Broadway-style plays, and aqua performances, all requiring a high level of athleticism and adaptation to the ship's movement.
• 🍽️ The culinary team feeds passengers multiple meals a day, with a $1 million weekly budget for food, and kitchens operating around the clock to meet demand.
• 🔄 The ship has a comprehensive recycling program, processing large quantities of waste, including glass, cardboard, plastic, and metal, and even incinerating food waste as part of its environmental efforts.

Q & A

What is the capacity of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in terms of passengers?

The Symphony of the Seas can accommodate over 6,000 passengers a week.

How much does it cost to operate the Symphony of the Seas on a daily basis?

It can cost over $1 million a day to keep the Symphony of the Seas running.

How many staff members are required to operate the Symphony of the Seas efficiently?

A staff of 2,400 people is needed to keep the operations of the Symphony of the Seas running smoothly.

How many meals are prepared daily on the Symphony of the Seas?

Chefs on the Symphony of the Seas prepare 30,000 meals every single day.

What is the significance of the 'turnaround day' in the cruise schedule?

Turnaround day is when passengers disembark and new ones board, and it involves a major cleaning and restocking operation.

What is the role of the engine room in moving the Symphony of the Seas?

The engine room provides the power for the ship, with six giant engines and four bow thrusters, and three electric Azipod propellers.

How does the Symphony of the Seas manage waste and recycling?

The ship uses a zero-landfill system, with separate teams for different recyclables and an incinerator for waste. It also has a hydro-processor for food waste.

What is the role of the ship's kitchen staff in managing food supplies?

The kitchen staff, led by Jaret, is responsible for ordering, storing, and preparing over 30,000 meals daily from compact kitchens on the ship.

How does the design of the Symphony of the Seas contribute to passenger experience and operational efficiency?

The ship is designed with seven distinct neighborhoods, 17 pools, and a central park to distribute passengers and prevent overcrowding. This design also aids in emergency isolation and COVID-19 control.

What are the challenges performers face on the Symphony of the Seas?

Performers must adapt to the movement of the ship, work with complex flying apparatuses, and deal with environmental factors like wind and waves during performances.

How does Royal Caribbean manage the environmental impact of its cruise operations?

Royal Caribbean uses advanced wastewater purification plants, recycles waste, and employs technology like bubble systems to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.