biggest cruise ship 2023 wiki

The 20 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World in 2023

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: March 1, 2022  - Last updated: January 6, 2023

Cruise ships have been getting bigger—and adding lots of attractions that were unheard of just a few years ago. To help you pick which megaship is right for you, I’ve rounded up the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world in 2023.

Along with a ranking of the top 20 cruise ships by size , I’ve included important stats and unique features for each ship. If you’re considering sailing on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, you’ll want to read this guide before you choose!

How do we determine the size of cruise ships for comparison?

Cruise ships can be measured by a variety of factors. You might assume that a ship’s size is determined by its length, weight, or even its passenger capacity.

But the size of a cruise ship is generally determined by gross tonnage —and (confusingly) that’s not a measurement of weight!

Gross tonnage, or GT, is a measure of the ship’s internal volume . To calculate GT, first a ship’s volume is calculated by measuring from keel to funnel to the outside of the hull framing. That number (in cubic meters) is then run through several mathematical formulas to determine GT. (I won’t go into all of that here, but if you’re interested the US Coast Guard has a simplified guide to measuring gross tonnage ).

The world’s 20 largest cruise ships in 2023

Currently, the top 20 biggest cruise ships have four sets of ties in the rankings, all between sister ships that share the same cruise line and class. So although we’ll start our list at #16, there are twenty ships in total!

Cruise fans will notice there are several new ships on the list this year. Have any of these newer ships bumped your favorites down in the rankings? Read on to find out!

16. (tie) MSC Seascape

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 170,412
• Length: 1112 ft / 339 m
• Max. beam: 135 ft / 41 m
• Staterooms: 2270
• Max. passengers: 5877
• Passenger decks: 15

Just making this year’s list of the world’s 20 largest cruise ships, MSC Seascape is tied for #16. The second Seaside EVO class ship launched by MSC Cruises in just over a year, Seascape features a glam New York City vibe.

The ship’s four-story Atrium is at the heart of the action on board, and boasts a sparkling staircase set with 10,000 Swarovski crystals—the perfect spot for a photo op on formal nights !

But MSC Seascape isn’t all glitz and glamour—the family-friendly ship offers 13 pools and water features and more than 140,000 square feet (13006 m²) of public outside space. Kids will love Pirates Cove Aquapark , a play space with slides, a rope bridge, and plenty of water sprayers and dumping buckets to beat the heat.

Seascape is also the first ship to feature the new thrill ride Robotron , a robotic virtual rollercoaster ride perched on the top deck.

Foodie guests on MSC Seascape will enjoy the ship’s eleven restaurants, including a massive Market Place Buffet and several specialty dining venues grouped together at Chef’s Court .

Related: MSC Cruises Launches MSC Seascape in New York City

16. (tie) MSC Seashore

• Year built: 2020 (launched 2021)
• Max. beam: 134.5 ft / 41 m

Almost identical to her sister ship Seascape , MSC Seashore is tied for #16 on the list of the largest cruise ships. The first in the EVO subclass of MSC’s Seaside class ships, Seashore and her sister are larger than other ships in their class and offer expanded outdoor spaces.

As an EVO ship, MSC Seashore offers improved technology to increase efficiency and reduce her carbon footprint. The energy-efficient equipment includes an advanced wastewater purification system and Safe Air , a new sanitation system that eliminates viruses and bacteria.

Seashore was purpose-built for the American market, but still offers the European flair that MSC is famous for. Guests can enjoy a taste of Italy at the ship’s Venchi 1878 gelato bars , offering twenty flavors of the decadent frozen treat in flavors like tiramisù and stracciatella.

MSC Seashore also features a gorgeous aft infinity pool—one of the largest at sea—with luxurious submerged sunbeds. The spot is a tranquil adults-only oasis by day, but it comes alive in the evening as the setting for the always-popular Silent Disco .

15. (tie) MSC Bellissima

• Year built: 2019
• Gross tonnage: 171,598
• Length: 1,036.2 ft / 315.83 m
• Max. beam: 141 ft / 43 m
• Staterooms: 2,217
• Max. passengers: 5,686
• Passenger decks: 14

Tied for the fifteenth spot in the list of the world’s largest cruise ships, MSC’s Bellissima is as tall as thirteen double-decker buses!

Perfect for a family cruise, Bellissima offers a wealth of kids’ activities for children aged one through seventeen. Parents can track kids’ whereabouts on board via an RFID bracelet synced with MSC’s app. For adults who want to enjoy a leisurely meal, there’s the Happy Dinner program where the little ones are escorted to the kids club as soon as they finish eating!

MSC Bellissima is home to a thrilling Grand Canyon-themed waterpark with three waterslides—two racing tubes as well as a champagne bowl-style slide. The younger set will love the Aquaplay spray area, and guests of all ages can climb the Himalayan bridge, a rope course that crosses the ship high above the water.

Guests aboard Bellissima also have access to an electronic cruise assistant, similar to Siri or Alexa. A first in the cruise industry, Zoe —who speaks seven languages and adapts to each passenger’s preference—provides information and help booking shows, spa treatments, and shore excursions, as well as notifications of events and promotions.

15. (tie) MSC Meraviglia

• Year built: 2017
• Staterooms: 2,244
• Max. passengers: 5,655

When MSC’s Meraviglia entered service in 2017, she was the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world—but has since fallen to #15, tied with her newer sister ship Bellissima .

The namesake of the Meraviglia class of cruise ships, she was the first to offer an expanded dining experience with fourteen restaurants, including a whopping four complimentary main dining rooms. Celebrity chef Carlo Cracco was enlisted to improve the quality of the ship’s cuisine.

On Meraviglia entertainment options abound—the Broadway Theatre hosts six unique shows each cruise, along with the Carousel Lounge where you can experience Cirque du Soleil at sea. The crew also puts on an impressive amount of activities and events, so there’s always something to do on a sea day .

The ship’s Amusement Park has a full-size bowling alley, 4-D cinema, F1 simulators, an arcade, as well as a sportplex that becomes a disco spot for young cruisers in the evening.

14. (tie) MSC Virtuosa

• Year built: 2020
• Gross tonnage: 181,541
• Length: 1,087.4 ft / 331.43 m
• Max. beam: 160 ft / 50 m
• Staterooms: 2,421
• Max. passengers: 6,334

MSC’s ship Virtuosa , built in 2020, is one of the newer offerings by the Swiss-Italian cruise line and is tied for number fourteen on our list of the world’s biggest cruise ships.

Virtuosa offers five pools in total, plus a water park with three waterslides, so water babies of all ages can spread out and enjoy the fun. The pools can accommodate over a thousand guests at a time!

If relaxing with a cocktail is more your style, stop by and see Rob the bartender at Starship Club . He’s the first humanoid bartender at sea, and speaks six languages!

Cruisers can also wander the Galleria Virtuosa —the pretty indoor promenade with restaurants and shops features an arched ceiling with the longest LED dome at sea , presenting an ever-changing light display.

14. (tie) MSC Grandiosa

• Staterooms: 2,632
• Max. passengers: 6,761

Tied for number 14, Grandiosa was the first vessel in MSC’s Meraviglia-Plus class , later joined by her sister ship MSC Virtuosa .

With 200 more staterooms than previous MSC ships, Grandiosa has expanded the number of accessible cabins on board, and added groups of up to three connecting staterooms as well as new family balcony cabins. Some spacious family staterooms can sleep up to twelve!

Grandiosa also has some innovative environmental features, including systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%, and sulfur emissions by 97%. She has a fuel-efficient hull and can run on shore power when docked.

Fun fact: Grandiosa ‘s godmother is Italian screen legend and longtime MSC ambassador Sophia Loren. She actually holds that honor for most of MSC’s fleet!

13. Mardi Gras

• Cruise line: Carnival
• Gross tonnage: 181,808
• Length: 1,130 ft / 344 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,641
• Max. passengers: 6,630

The 13th biggest cruise ship in the world is Carnival Cruise Line’s widely-anticipated Mardi Gras (currently the cruise line’s second-largest ship) which took her maiden voyage in July 2021.

Mardi Gras debuted several new concepts for Carnival, including three new dining venues. Big Chicken by Shaq serves up fried chicken and more, while quick-service Street Eats offers three food stations, each specializing in a different type of cuisine.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 , created in partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse (Carnival’s new Chief Culinary Officer ), serves up New Orleans-style Creole dishes.

The Grand Central Atrium reinvented the central area of the ship, with a larger space featuring bars, cafés, and shops with aerial performances overhead.

She also boasts the first rollercoaster at sea —BOLT is an open-air coaster with spectacular sea views. Riders can control their speed using pedals inside each two-person motorcycle-themed car.

12. AIDAcosma

• Cruise line: AIDA
• Year built: 2021
• Gross tonnage: 183,200
• Length: 1,106 ft / 337 m
• Staterooms: 2,626
• Max. passengers: 6,600
• Passenger decks: 16

Setting sail on her maiden voyage in February 2022, Carnival Corporation’s German brand AIDA ‘s newest ship AIDAcosma makes #12 on the list.

AIDAcosma ‘s unique features include the Ocean Deck , a four-story relaxation oasis with an infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

The ship also has a reinvented Fun Park , complete with a ropes course, rock-climbing wall, and a large indoor playground.

Her seventeen restaurants and 23 bars and cafés ensure that guests have plenty of variety on their cruise vacation! Notable is the new Mamma Mia specialty restaurant, serving fresh Italian cuisine including homemade pasta dishes.

11. Carnival Celebration

• Gross tonnage: 183,521
• Length: 1130 ft / 340 m
• Max. beam: 137 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2687
• Max. passengers: 6631

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship Carnival Celebration launched in 2022 as the second member of the Excel class , joining her sister Mardi Gras . The new ship almost made the top 10 of the largest cruise ships, landing at number 11.

Celebration pays homage to her homeport of Miami with the 820 Biscayne zone, named after the cruise line’s first headquarters. The zone will feature the Deco Deli and 820 Bar , serving up Cuban sandwiches and tropical drinks.

Pizza fanatics will want to try the brand new Miami Slice , a free pizzeria that replaces the Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano venues found on all other Carnival ships. The walk-up pizza joint features vibrant décor reminiscent of late-night eateries on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive. 

Younger guests can check out Space Cruisers , a new program offered in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center. Kids age 2 to 11 will have the opportunity to try NASA-inspired activities tailored to their age group.

Celebration is the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to be completely powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Related: Cassidy Gifford Becomes Godmother of Carnival Celebration in Miami

10. AIDAnova

• Year built: 2018
• Gross tonnage: 183,858
• Max. passengers: 6,654

In tenth place is AIDAnova , sister ship to AIDAcosma . The first of AIDA’s ships to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), AIDAnova has nearly zero emissions.

Wellness-minded cruisers will love AIDAnova ‘s 3545 square meters dedicated to fitness and relaxation. The new Body & Soul Spa features five ocean-view saunas, a sun terrace with three jacuzzis, and a tepidarium. Over 30 free exercise classes are offered each week in the Sport area, or train solo in the open-air gym.

Or take a leisurely stroll on the Lanai deck, where guests can walk almost all the way around the ship, stopping at restaurants and bars including the Lanai Bar at the stern.

• Cruise line: P&O
• Gross tonnage: 184,089
• Length: 1,130 ft / 344.5 m
• Staterooms: 2,614

Number nine is P&O UK’s Iona , the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market. One of the newer ships on the list, Iona was delivered in 2020 but made her first voyage in August 2021.

Family-friendly Iona features the enclosed SkyDome pool area, kids’ splash zone, and a shallow pool for little cruisers. Hosted by specially-trained Reef Rangers, the Reef kids’ club is a fun environment for children aged 2-17, open from early morning until late.

But Iona ‘s not all about the kids! She’s actually home to the world’s first gin distillery at sea , producing the Marabelle label. Inspired by the Scottish island of Iona, the gin contains 18 botanicals. Guests can attend two unique gin masterclasses on board, including one that allows you to craft your own gin with expert guidance.

8. (tie) Costa Toscana

• Cruise line: Costa
• Gross tonnage: 185,010
• Staterooms: 2,612
• Max. passengers: 6,554

Italian line Costa Cruises’ newest ship, Costa Toscana , comes in at the eighth-largest cruise ship in the world. The Tuscan-inspired vessel features furnishings, fabrics, and accessories all made in Italy. Even the driftwood used to craft dining tables at Archipelago restaurant was harvested from the Italian shoreline by Guardians of the Coast .

Food is a major focus of the ship, with many of her 21 restaurants offering authentic local cuisine by chefs including Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León. Even the littlest cruisers have a special place to eat— Squok Restaurant is dedicated to families with kids.

If all the amazing food on board inspires you, be sure to check out Toscana ‘s Food LAB , where guests can learn to prepare their own culinary creations alongside the ship’s chefs.

8. (tie) Costa Smeralda

Tied for eighth place is Costa Smeralda , a favorite of sustainability-minded cruisers. Smeralda was the first in Costa’s fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (sister ship Toscana now also shares this feature), a fuel source that reduces the ship’s environmental impact.

Other eco-friendly features include LED lighting throughout the ship, an onboard desalinization plant that sustainably harvests onboard water directly from the sea, and systems that recover the engines’ heat to reduce energy use.

Costa Smeralda earned the coveted Green Plus notation from RINA, only awarded to the most environmentally friendly cruise ships.

• Cruise line: P&O Cruises
• Gross tonnage: 185,581
• Length: 1130 ft / 344.5 m
• Staterooms: 2614
• Max. passengers: 6685

P&O UK ‘s newest ship Arvia is also the cruise line’s largest, and debuts at #7 on the 2023 list of biggest cruise ships. An Excel-class ship like Iona , Arvia is similar but boasts some key differences.

Like her sister, this ship also features a Sky Dome over the pool area—but Arvia ‘s is retractable to allow for alfresco swimming, dining, and entertainment when the weather is right.

Arvia is home to the fleet’s first swim-up bar , complete with plenty of in-water seating, allowing guests to order and enjoy a cocktail right in the pool.

The new ship debuted several new restaurant concepts, including Green & Co featuring Mizuhana , featuring fish and plant-based cuisine. Also new are Roast at The Quays for traditional British lunches and the 6th Street Diner , an American-style diner serving breakfast,brunch, and dinner.

Arvia also has the first rum distillery at sea ! The Tidal Rum has partnered with P&O to produce the unique rum blend on the ship at Anderson’s Bar .

6. MSC World Europa

• Gross tonnage: 215,863
• Length: 1094 ft / 333.3 m
• Max. beam: 154 ft / 47 m
• Staterooms: 2626
• Max. passengers: 6762

With the debut of MSC World Europa in December of 2022, MSC Cruises now has a whopping seven ships on the list of the top 20 biggest cruise ships in the world—the most of any cruise line!

The Geneva-based company has been working diligently to expand the fleet and MSC’s newest cruise ship is a whopper of a vessel.

The ship is an astounding 21 decks high (there’s a deck 22, but cruise superstition skips deck 13), four decks taller than the largest cruise ship in 2023. Sixteen of those decks are passenger-accessible.

Much like the megaships offered by Royal Caribbean, MSC World Europa is divided into several districts that contain similar offerings—a must-have on any gargantuan cruise ship. Guests can visit the adults-only Zen district for a bit of calm, or the Family district with ten kids’ facilities offering fun for little cruisers and their grownups.

Ranking among the top ships with the most water features at sea, World Europa offers six pools and 14 hot tubs , along with an aquapark featuring multiple waterslides.

MSC World Europa is also the line’s first LNG-powered cruise ship —and the biggest liquefied natural gas powered cruise ship in the world! This cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuel significantly reduces carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen oxide emissions.

5. Allure of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2010
• Gross tonnage: 225,282
• Length: 1,180 ft / 360 m
• Max. beam: 198 ft / 60.5 m
• Staterooms: 2,742
• Max. passengers: 6,780

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ranks as the fifth largest cruise ship in 2022. She’s the second (and smallest) of the Oasis-class ships.

Allure of the Seas features seven themed “neighborhoods”—the Royal Promenade, Central Park, Entertainment Place, Boardwalk, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea, and the Youth Zone.

With a ten-deck-high zip line and the interactive H2O Zone waterpark, Allure of the Seas is a favorite ship for adventurous cruisers of all ages.

4. Oasis of the Seas

• Year built: 2009
• Gross tonnage: 226,838

Number four is Oasis of the Seas , the first of the namesake Oasis class, and the oldest ship to make the top 15 list. Built in 2009, she was then the largest cruise ship in the world, and the first to have a maximum capacity of over 6000 passengers!

Oasis of the Seas may be an older ship, but she doesn’t look like one! In 2019 she had a $165 million transformation that brought the ship up to date.

Entertainment abounds on this ship, from the splashy Aqua80 show in the AquaTheater to Music Hall , a live music venue with plenty of floor space for dancing. Or try one of the four onboard water slides including the ten-story-high Ultimate Abyss .

3. Harmony of the Seas

• Year built: 2016
• Gross tonnage: 226,963
• Length: 1,188.1 ft / 362.12 m
• Max. beam: 215.5 ft / 65.7 m
• Staterooms: 2,747
• Max. passengers: 6,687

Coming in at number three is Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas , built in 2016 at a cost of 1.3 billion dollars.

With her three pool decks containing an impressive collection of pools and hot tubs, you’ll never feel crowded taking a dip. You can even learn how to SCUBA dive , right on the ship! Aboard Harmony of the Seas , guests have the opportunity to take the PADI® Open Water Diver Course, culminating with open water dives at various ports of call.

After you’ve worked up an appetite in the pool, try one of Harmony of the Seas ‘ twenty restaurants, serving over 200 different dishes on a daily basis.

2. Symphony of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 228,081
• Length: 1,184.42 ft / 361.011 m
• Staterooms: 2,759
• Max. passengers: 6,680

The largest cruise ship in the world until 2022, Symphony of the Seas comes in second—but is still a behemoth at 1184 feet and 228,081 gross tons!

Built in 2018, Symphony of the Seas boasts some fun tech! Check out the Big Wonder , a seven-ton canopy lit with color-changing LEDs that cast a glow over the ship’s Solarium at night.

Enjoy a cocktail at Bionic Bar , where one of two robot bartenders can shake you up the perfect martini. But don’t worry, the ship’s 13 other bars and lounges are staffed by friendly humans.

Or play a lively game of glow-in-the-dark laser tag to battle for control of Planet Z —when the ship’s ice rink is temporarily transformed into an alien world, of course.

1. Wonder of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 236,857
• Length: 1,187.8 ft / 362.04 m
• Max. beam: 210 ft / 64 m
• Staterooms: 2,859
• Max. passengers: 6,988

Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International is the cruise line’s newest—and the world’s biggest cruise ship, at almost 1188 feet long and 236,857 gross tons!

Delivered in February 2022, Wonder of the Seas made her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on March 4, 2022.

Like the other Oasis-class ships, she’s organized into neighborhoods, but with the addition of an eighth unique section. This new neighborhood is dedicated to suite guests, with a plunge pool and bar as well as the suites-only Coastal Kitchen and Suites Lounge .

Wonder of the Seas offers some exciting new features—in addition to boasting the largest poolside movie screen of any RCCL ship there’s also The Vue , a cantilevered bar offering panoramic ocean views.

For the kids, there’s the new Wonder Playscape —an underwater-themed play area with climbing walls and an interactive puzzle mural.

Comparing the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world

Largest cruise ships faq.

Ships are measured by gross tonnage, which is a measure of internal volume.

Maximum beam is the measurement at the widest part of a ship’s hull.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 236,857.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas is the world’s longest cruise ship at 1,187.8 ft (362.04 m).

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas can hold the most passengers, with a maximum occupancy of 6,988.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has the most passenger staterooms, at 2,859.

Have you sailed on one of the largest cruise ships in the world? Or do you prefer cruising on a smaller ship? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Nearly 1,200 Feet Long

Scheduled to debut in January, the vessel can accommodate 5,600 guests and 2,350 crew members

Daily Correspondent

The world’s largest cruise ship is almost ready to set sail.

Royal Caribbean’s massive new ship, Icon of the Seas , passed its inaugural round of sea trials with flying colors, bringing it one step closer to hitting the open ocean with passengers, the cruise line  announced late last month. If all goes as planned, the record-breaking vessel will begin sailing in the Caribbean in January 2024.

Just how big is Icon of the Seas ? Really big. As Jalopnik ’s Ryan Erik King writes, it’s the size of five Titantics. More specifically, Icon of the Seas measures 1,198 feet long—nearly a quarter of a mile—and has a gross tonnage of 250,800. All that space means it can accommodate 5,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

The cruise line is positioning the vessel as “the ultimate family vacation,” as CEO Michael Bayley told reporters earlier this year, per  CNN ’s Maureen O’Hare.

“When you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship, it is mind-blowing,” he added.

The previous world’s largest cruise ship was also a Royal Caribbean vessel, Wonder of the Seas , which spanned 1,188 feet long and featured 18 decks.

Crews in Turku, Finland, began work on Icon of the Seas in 2021. Last month, the vessel sailed the open ocean for the first time, as staffers spent four days testing the main engines, hull, brakes, steering system and other components. They also measured noise and vibration levels. 

The vessel will undergo another round of sea trials later this year before officially launching in Miami early next year, according to Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas will primarily take cruisers to the islands of the eastern and western Caribbean on seven-night itineraries.

With progress on Icon of the Seas moving along, Royal Caribbean has already started building another large “icon class” ship. The cruise line expects that unnamed vessel to launch in 2025, per a  statement .

Icon of the Seas has 20 total decks, 7 swimming pools and 8 “neighborhoods,” or distinct areas with entertainment and dining. Another noteworthy feature is Category 6, which will be the largest waterpark at sea when Icon of the Seas sets sail.

The ship will be equipped with a special grooming robot that will clean the hull whenever it’s in port to help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by 3 to 4 percent, reports  TTG Media ’s Charlotte Cullinan.

Icon of the Seas will also be the first ship in the cruise line’s fleet to run on liquefied natural gas and  fuel cells , which are similar to batteries but do not need to be recharged. Water is the main byproduct of fuel cells—which combine oxygen and hydrogen to produce energy—which should help the ship reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Liquefied natural gas , meanwhile, is a controversial energy source that involves cooling natural gas to a liquid state to make it easier to transport. The liquid version is “actually worse than ordinary gas,” writes the  Natural Resources Defense Council . “The energy required to chill, ship and regasify the fossil fuel makes it far more carbon-intensive and increases the potential for leakage of dangerous methane,” according to the organization.

Royal Caribbean’s leaders say they view liquified natural gas as a “ transitional fue l,” and that they hope to continue to  reduce the environmental impact of their ships moving forward. 

"[Liquefied natural gas] is about 20-30 percent better for the environment [than heavy fuel oil], but it’s still not going to be the solution,” Bayley tells TTG Media . “We don’t know the answer, but the whole industry is working towards the answer.”

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Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

Icon of the Seas review: What's it like on the world's largest cruise ship?

Editor's Note

It's "the biggest, baddest ship on the planet" (according to Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group), the most expensive Royal Caribbean ship to book and a social media star with equal numbers of lovers and haters. But what's it really like to sail the 250,800-ton, 7,600-passenger Icon of the Seas? It's pretty dang fun.

Royal Caribbean's goal was not to break size records. Instead, the cruise line wanted to create an epic family vacation experience that would rival not only other cruise ships, but the best resorts and destinations on land. To do that, the line would need to put a wide variety of delicious dining venues, appealing watering holes with modern cocktail menus, inviting hangouts and attractions and entertainment for all ages onto one ship.

Is it any surprise that the ship needed to be humongous to house all that?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

It's hard to be bored on Icon of the Seas, whether you like thrill rides or chill hangouts in the sun. With the ship divided up into "neighborhoods" with their own unique vibes, you're bound to find someplace to love. Or perhaps you'll find new areas of the ship to explore each day. The neighborhoods, plus some smart operational planning by the cruise line, make it easier than you think to make your way through the ship, no matter where you wish to go.

Whether you've been avidly waiting for this floating entertainment behemoth to arrive, or whether you've got a morbid curiosity about this sea monster, check your preconceptions and discover what it's really like to cruise Icon of the Seas.

Overview of Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is 20 decks high (with 18 passenger decks) and 1,198 feet long and measures 250,800 gross tons. It can carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin) or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy, plus 2,350 crew members. These stats make it the largest ship in the world .

That's larger than fleetmate Wonder of the Seas, the 2023 record holder for the world's largest cruise ship. To compare, Wonder of the Seas measures 235,600 tons and carries 7,084 passengers at maximum occupancy.

However, Wonder of the Seas beats Icon of the Seas in one specific area: cabins. Wonder of the Seas has 2,867 cabins, while Icon of the Seas will only have 2,805. That's because Royal Caribbean has styled Icon of the Seas to attract more families, with 80% of cabins designed to accommodate more than two guests.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Icon of the Seas also borrows the Oasis Class use of "neighborhoods" — themed areas of the ship with a mix of attractions and dining, drinking and shopping venues. It features eight neighborhoods, including three returning areas from its sister ships and five that are exclusive to its new class of ships.

From the lowest deck to the highest, here are the eight neighborhoods and what you can expect to find on board.

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade is a Royal Caribbean staple found on all Voyager, Freedom and Oasis Class ships. Icon of the Seas offers a two-deck version of this indoor mall-like space with multiple shopping, dining and drinking establishments. Highlights of Icon's Royal Promenade are floor-to-ceiling glass windows on either side that bring light and sea views into the space and The Pearl, the ship's iconic indoor sphere that functions as an artistic stairway and also as the support structure that holds up that section of the ship.

Surfside, on Deck 7 aft, is a neighborhood dedicated to young families . It's open to the sky and the back of the ship. A slide leads from Deck 8 down to the neighborhood, and the area is mere steps from the Adventure Ocean kids club and Social 020 teen club on Deck 6.

The stay-all-day destination for kids under 7 and their adult caregivers features family-friendly eateries, the Lemon Post bar with a menu of matching kid-and-adult mocktails and cocktails, a carousel, an arcade, a splash area with slides aimed at the youngest splashers and an infinity pool for grown-ups.

Despite its name, Surfside will not be home to Royal Caribbean's surf simulator, the FlowRider.

Related: Is Icon of the Seas the 'ultimate family vacation'? It depends

Central Park

Another open-to-the-sky neighborhood, the greenery-filled Central Park makes a return on Icon. On Deck 8, it lures adult cruisers to its bars and restaurants for a romantic date night or walk in its onboard park, featuring live trees and plants. New venues here include a grab-n-go window for Izumi's sushi, the intimate and upscale Empire Supper Club, jazz club Lou's Jazz 'n Blues and the walk-up Champagne venue, Bubbles.

Icon of the Seas does not have a Boardwalk, but it does offer its own version of that neighborhood's popular AquaTheater. The AquaTheater — which hosts acrobatic and diving shows in a high-tech stage/pool — has been moved from its outdoor, lower-deck, back-of-ship location on Oasis-class ships to an indoor, upper-deck, front-of-ship spot on Icon.

The theater is the marquee attraction within the ship's Deck 15 AquaDome neighborhood — if the draw is not the dome itself. The giant 363-ton glass-and-steel structure offers guests 220-degree ocean views. Inside, you'll find dining and drinking venues, cozy lounge space, a Royal Caribbean logo jewelry store and new cabins with panoramic views through the dome.

Chill Island

Aft of the AquaDome is Chill Island, Icon's main pool area featuring four of the ship's seven pools among its three decks. It will include the line's first swim-up bar, Swim and Tonic, and what Royal Caribbean is claiming is the largest pool at sea. Pools and hot tubs are positioned along the edges of the ship so guests can take in the sea views while soaking in the water.

Cabanas will be available to rent in this neighborhood, but there'll be plenty of free lounge space, too.

The Hideaway

High above Surfside, at the back of Deck 15, is The Hideaway — Royal Caribbean's take on an adults-only beach club. The main attraction here is the first suspended infinity pool at sea. It's flanked by tiered lounge space, hot tubs and a bar specializing in Champagne and Champagne-based cocktails.

Thrill Island

Thrill Island is Icon's go-to neighborhood for adrenaline-pumping activities. Found on Deck 16 aft, it's home to all the wild top-deck attractions Royal Caribbean is known for — as well as some new thrills.

The FlowRider surf simulator, Lost Dunes miniature golf, the Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall and the sports court are all Thrill Island staples. Category 6 is the largest water park at sea, featuring an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once and two mat-racing slides. The Crown's Edge is a ropes course-style attraction based around a giant version of the ship's crown-and-anchor logo.

Suite neighborhood

The ship's final neighborhood spans decks 16 to 19. The Suite neighborhood is a mix of many of the ship's top suites plus restaurants, lounges and outdoor areas exclusive to suite guests and some of Royal Caribbean's most loyal travelers. Icon of the Seas' suite neighborhood is Royal Caribbean's largest restricted-access enclave for suite guests, a la Norwegian Cruise Line 's The Haven.

The Coastal Kitchen restaurant returns, but is now two decks high, with windows overlooking the AquaTheater. The sun deck has been transformed into The Grove, a multistory space featuring an alfresco restaurant and bar, pool, hot tub and lounge areas.

Related: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program: The ultimate guide

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What I loved about Icon of the Seas

It's surprisingly easy to get around.

You might think you'd spend a week lost on the largest cruise ship on the planet. But you can learn your way around Icon of the Seas in a day. That's because the neighborhood concept (arranging themed attractions in one area of the ship) makes it easy to figure out where you're going.

The Royal Promenade on decks 5 and 6 is the central public space, flanked by the main dining room and the theater. Its upper level leads to Deck 7's family-focused Surfside, which leads up to leafy Central Park. (And if you don't want to hit Surfside, you can get directly from The Royal Promenade to Central Park via stairs by the Pearl Cafe.)

Chill Island, Thrill Island, The Hideaway and The Aquadome all flow into each other across the ship's top decks. The AquaDome is at the front (easy to remember once you've seen the outside of the ship with its bulbous forehead), with The Hideaway and the water park at the back for balance.

It's not perfect; I definitely got turned around in the huge elevator lobbies (there are two, each with 12 elevators), and I never remembered which spaces were on the forward or aft ends of the Royal Promenade. But the few dead ends are easily learned; access the Hideaway from Thrill Island (not the Windjammer), Absolute Zero from Playmakers and the Royal Theater from the Promenade (not through the casino). You'll be a pro in no time.

Related: Why the world's largest cruise ship won't be as crowded as you fear

The lighter, brighter Royal Promenade is the best in the fleet

The Royal Promenades on Royal Caribbean ships have always been compared to shopping malls because the long corridors are lined with restaurants, bars and shops and suffer from a lack of natural light. The second-level dead ends also frustrated guests trying to get from point A to B on a megaship. So the cruise line rethought out the promenade space on Icon of the Seas, and came up with a winning design that's lighter and more inviting.

Royal Caribbean ditched the promenade-facing cabins for multideck-high glass walls that flood the space with light. The need for a replacement structural support led to the creation of The Pearl, the central focal point art piece of the neighborhood. The cafe behind it is a win for its comfy windowside seating with killer views and elevated cafe snacks.

Another win is that the upper level is now a complete circle, so you can walk from the forward to the aft elevator banks and back on both decks of the Royal Promenade. There's even a stairwell up into Central Park.

Plus, some of the new venues on the promenade are quickly becoming guest favorites. The hip 1400 Bar, with its craft cocktails and central indoor-outdoor location, and Dueling Pianos Bar were happening hot spots on my sailing.

Related: TPG's first impressions of Icon of the Seas

The shows are incredible

My favorite evenings combine dinner and a show, and the top-notch entertainment is something I've always loved about Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas brings it in a big way with its new shows.

I was dreading a 90-minute version of "The Wizard of Oz" but fell in love with Icon's production due to its creative use of flying technology, gorgeous costumes and sets, adorable puppets and modern staging. "Starburst," the ice show, combined some stellar skating moves with an incredible juggler, and the AquaTheater is always killer no matter what those divers, dancers and acrobats are doing.

I was also pleased to see that Icon of the Seas will introduce shorter shows at earlier show times for families with young kids in the AquaTheater and Absolute Zero ice rink.

What I didn't love about Icon of the Seas

Thrill island is more extreme than i expected.

I was so excited to take my 9-year-old daughter on all the Category 6 waterslides at Thrill Island, and figured that we'd play there for hours, as we did on a recent trip to the Great Wolf Lodge water park. But four of the six slides were simply too extreme for a kid and her mom.

Our favorites were the two family raft slides, where two to four riders slide together in round rafts. But there wasn't a basic body slide that a kid could ride again and again without a friend or parent along. All the others had steep drops or were face first and super fast, with too much water in your eyes and nose.

Opposite the water park, the new Crown's Edge ropes course is also not a play-all-day, kid-friendly course, like the ones I've tried on Carnival cruise ships and Great Wolf Lodge. The course is extremely short, with a vertigo-inducing section over the open ocean. It's also got a steep entry fee (the water park is free).

I was hoping that Thrill Island would be a place where older kids and their parents could spend an entire afternoon hopping from ride to ride. The Lost Dunes minigolf course and the rock climbing wall are very accessible. But I'd rate the water park and ropes course more T for teen than E for everyone.

Related: What are the largest cruise ships in the world?

New Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabins are a mixed bag

On Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean added a new kind of balcony room: the Infinite Ocean View Balcony. An idea borrowed from sister line Celebrity Cruises , these cabins bring the balcony sitting area into the cabin's interior to create a longer room. To bring the fresh air in, the far wall of each cabin is a wall of glass, and the top half can roll down at the push of a button (like a car window).

Some of these cabins look out over the ocean, while others face inwards, overlooking Central Park.

I loved the extra cabin space and the additional sitting area facing a window. However, we rarely opened the window because it messed with the entire room's climate control as heat (or, in my case, chilly breezes) flooded the cabin. Plus, noise from other decks, like the poolside DJ, also infiltrated the entire room.

The new rooms also had a few design flaws, which were repeated in other categories as well. These included a lack of outlet variety by the beds, clunky wire baskets beneath the wardrobe that were hard to access because they were too close to the cabin's sofa and possibly not enough general storage for anyone traveling as a family in one room.

Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean cruisers will have 14 new cabin and suite types to choose from out of 28 total accommodation types. Many of these are family-friendly rooms that sleep four guests; some can accommodate six or eight guests. In total, 313 cabins and suites are listed specifically as family-focused accommodations, though many regular room types can sleep more than two guests.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Inside cabins

The most affordable rooms on Icon of the Seas are inside cabins (and they're still not cheap). In addition to standard 156-square-foot inside cabins and 178-square-foot Spacious Interior cabins, new 157-square-foot Interior Plus rooms feature extra-large walk-in closets.

Icon of the Seas also features 187-square-foot Surfside Family View Interior cabins (replacing Boardwalk View cabins) and similarly sized Central Park View Interior cabins. These rooms do have windows, but they look inward onto the neighborhoods.

No rooms on Icon of the Seas are listed as offering the "virtual balconies" found on select Royal Caribbean ships.

Ocean-view cabins

Icon of the Seas has only two types of ocean-view rooms with a window but no balcony. Its new Panoramic Ocean View rooms are within the AquaDome, offering floor-to-ceiling windows rather than the standard picture window. They will also be larger than the standard balcony cabin at 258 square feet (compared to 160 to 187 square feet).

Balcony cabins

The majority of Icon of the Seas' cabins are balcony rooms , ranging from 196 to 285 square feet in indoor space, with private verandas of 50 to 70 square feet. The ship introduces four new types of balcony cabins to the fleet.

The Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabin design takes an idea from Royal Caribbean sister line Celebrity Cruises, where instead of a standard balcony external to the ship, the room features a glass wall with a window that can roll down halfway (like a car window) to allow fresh air in. There are also curtains to close off that area from the rest of the cabin to create a veranda-like space.

Additionally, Icon has an extra-long family version of this room type. The Family Infinite Balcony cabin can sleep up to six people, with an alcove featuring upper and lower beds for kids, a separate sleeping area for grown-ups, a living area and a split bathroom (toilet and sink in one room and shower and sink in the other).

Also new to Icon are smaller Surfside Family View Balcony cabins and Infinite Central Park View Balcony cabins. Central Park balcony rooms, which look out over the interior's open-to-the-sky neighborhood, come in regular balcony versions as well. Icon also features hundreds of standard balcony cabins looking out to sea.

I stayed in an Infinite Central Park View Balcony cabin, which has the same cabin design as the regular Infinite Balcony room but overlooks the interior neighborhood instead of the sea. As I said above, I adored the additional interior space, but didn't make much use of the window. In addition to climate control issues, when I opened the window in my room, the noise from around the ship flooded my cabin, and I'm not sure any conversations I had on my "balcony" would be private.

I also discovered that all the inward-facing rooms of any category lack privacy. From my room, I could see straight into the cabins across from me. I watched people leaning on their balcony and room attendants cleaning cabins. And, yes, I did see a dude in his underwear one morning. Any time we needed to change clothes and once it got dark outside, I would close the curtains, changing my lovely room with a view into an inside cabin with no natural light.

Related: Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?

Royal Caribbean offers three tiers of suites , and each subsequent tier comes with increasing Royal Suite-class perks and amenities .

Icon's Sea-tier suites include Junior Suites and four new Sunset Junior Suites with expansive balconies.

The Sky tier includes several new suite types, starting with the Surfside Family Suites. These 269-square-foot suites sleep four with a glassed-in living area that can turn into a kids bedroom at night, plus a real 53-square-foot balcony overlooking the Surfside neighborhood.

Sky Junior Suites have the same layout as regular Junior Suites but are high up on the ship's top decks. Guests in these suites receive additional Sky-tier perks (such as access to all the Suite neighborhood amenities), whereas regular Junior Suites come with more limited amenities. Sunset Suites and Sunset Corner Suites feature extra-large balconies and beds that face the ocean rather than a wall.

Panoramic Suites are within the ship's iconic AquaDome structure, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You won't miss the balcony when you're gazing out to sea from your chic sitting area in front of the glass wall.

The Infinite Grand Suite offers the new convertible balcony design in conjunction with a larger space that sleeps four and includes a split bathroom, useful when multiple guests need to get ready at the same time.

Of the nine top Star-tier suites, only one, the Royal Loft, is on other Royal Caribbean ships. Seven of these top accommodations are new Icon Loft Suites, two-deck-high accommodations with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large balcony with a private dining area and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The creme de la creme of suites on board is the three-deck-high Ultimate Family Townhouse, an evolution of the Ultimate Family Suite that wowed guests on Oasis-class ships. In addition to kid and adult sleeping areas, this 1,772-square-foot top-level suite features an in-suite slide, a movie-viewing room, a karaoke machine and spacious indoor living spaces.

It also offers 751 square feet of outdoor space divided among two balconies and a "backyard" with a pingpong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence leading directly to all the Surfside neighborhood attractions. It can sleep up to eight guests.

Icon of the Seas restaurants and bars

Icon of the Seas takes Royal Caribbean's drinking and dining game to the next level. The line added new-to-the-brand restaurants to ensure that every neighborhood had a food venue easily accessible, with more quick-service eateries and options for families.

In addition, the line worked with master mixologists to create new and innovative bar menus, complete with zero-proof mocktail options, in watering holes throughout the ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Restaurants

Icon of the Seas showcases new dining venues and updated spins on guest favorites. From elevated dining experiences to quick bites, here is what you can expect on board.

The Dining Room: The three-level main dining venue (decks 3, 4 and 5) will offer three courses of globally inspired dishes, such as escargot and spaghetti Bolognese, as well as the cruise line's signature dishes. The center chandelier is stunning. Choose from multiple set-dining times or a more flexible dining plan . You'll find plenty of variety, a kids menu and waiters willing to expedite your dinner so you can make a show, even giving you your dessert to go. (Included.)

Windjammer Marketplace: It wouldn't be a Royal Caribbean ship without an enormous pool deck buffet, and Icon of the Seas has its version on Deck 15. The options are varied and tasty, with Indian entrees and a gluten-free counter in the back. I was impressed with the quality of my meals here. (Included.)

Sorrento's Pizza: You'll find several restaurants within the Royal Promenade, starting with Sorrento's . The popular complimentary all-day and late-night pizza parlor on the Royal Promenade churns out several flavors of pies daily. You'll also find a soda machine here. (Included.)

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: The extra-fee purveyor of pizza, pasta, meatballs and more Italian specialties found on some Oasis Class ships and a smattering of other Royal Caribbean vessels has a new location on Icon of the Seas. It's moved from Central Park (on Oasis Class ships) to the upper level of the Royal Promenade, open to all the hubbub and foot traffic of the bustling neighborhood. (Lunch $24.99 per person, dinner $54.99)

Pearl Cafe: This new grab-and-go coffee shop in the Royal Promenade is your day or night spot for fresh sandwiches, pastries and to-go salads. The warm sandwiches are a cut above what you'll find in its predecessor, the Promenade Cafe, but its comfy seating and stellar views steal the show. (Snacks included, but coffee drinks cost extra.)

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Bite into a juicy burger or an outrageous dessert at this extra-fee bar and grill. You can even order signature cocktails that come in football helmets. Playmakers has been repositioned to Deck 6 in an interior location across from Adventure Ocean and Social020 at the far end of the second level of the Royal Promenade. It makes the bar feel like more of a dive and less like a family-friendly grill where you'd take your kids for burgers. (A la carte pricing.)

Surfside Eatery: This new family-friendly buffet venue in the Surfside neighborhood is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It serves up kid-friendly casual fare and options for adults, meaning families don't need to trek up to the Windjammer buffet for meals, and kids can play within sight of their parents if they finish eating first. (Included.)

Pier 7: Also in Surfside, Pier 7 is the casual specialty restaurant aimed at families dining together. It serves California-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast all day (but not at night). The baja fish tacos and Korean fried chicken were excellent, and the warm toffee chocolate cake was perfectly molten with bruleed marshmallows on top. Kid dishes include grilled cheese and chicken tenders; brunch options range from a pancake board to eggs Benedict. (Included for kids under 12; a la carte pricing for adults.)

Surfside Bites: This walk-up window eatery makes it easy to grab quick snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken, french fries and cinnamon-sugar churros. (Included.)

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: Another relocated venue, Izumi takes its rolls, sashimi and juggling hibachi chefs to a new and larger Central Park location with more hibachi tables. It will also feature a Royal Caribbean first: Izumi in the Park, an all-day grab-and-go window for sushi takeout. (Hibachi $64.99 per person, sushi priced a la carte.)

Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean's steakhouse returns to Central Park on Icon but with a twist. Guests can now choose their own cut of meat from the butcher's display. Also, an open window provides diners with a view of chefs preparing their selected cut. (Lunch $29.99 per person, dinner $69.99.)

Park Cafe: This casual favorite for breakfast, lunch and snacks also returns to Central Park on Icon of the Seas. Its Royal Kummelweck roast beef sandwich has a cult following. (Included.)

Empire Supper Club: Designed to evoke an atmosphere of New York City in the 1930s, this new venue offers an upscale experience. Guests can savor an extravagant eight-course meal (think: caviar and wagyu), complete with entertainment. Each dish is paired with a cocktail created by celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim specifically for Royal Caribbean. A meal here will set you back some serious cash, though with spots for only 38 guests a night, you'll have to book quickly to get a table. ($200 per person.)

Vitality Cafe: Icon of the Seas' spa area on Deck 14 is home to a healthy cafe for extra-fee smoothies and fresh juices. (A la carte.)

AquaDome Market: The line's first food hall will feature five dining options — Feta Mediterranean (fresh pitas and bowls), Toast and Garden (sandwiches and salads), Mac's (macaroni and cheese with varied toppings like beef chili or bacon), GNGR (Asian dishes like tofu-vegetable stir-fry and sweet-and-sour shrimp with pineapple) and Creme de la Crepe (both sweet and savory options). (Included.)

Celebration Table: The new private 14-seat dining experience provides an ideal backdrop for celebrating milestone events. Choose from exclusive American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus. The table is set up inside Hooked Seafood, and your party pays the same rate to reserve the table regardless of whether you fill all the seats or not. Unlike a Chef's Table, you cannot purchase individual meals and seats and join a larger group at Celebration Table. ($999 for dinner for up to 14 people.)

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Hooked Seafood: Found in the AquaDome neighborhood, this New England-style seafood venue is the place to go when you're craving oysters, fish & chips and lobster rolls after staring at the waves all day long. (Lunch $24.99 per person, dinner $64.99.)

Sprinkles: Help yourself to ice cream at this Chill Island poolside lineup of soft-serve machines. You'll also find a soft-serve machine in the Surfside neighborhood. (Included.)

El Loco Fresh: Fast-casual Mexican hits the spot after a day in the sun. Pick up a quick lunch or dinner at this Chill Island outpost. (Included.)

Basecamp: When you've worked up an appetite after all the sliding, climbing and surfing at Thrill Island, head to Basecamp to fuel up. Order a hot dog, warm pretzel and tater tots for free, or pay a la carte for comfort food like chicken waffle bits, shrimp bao buns and Wisconsin cheese curds. (A la carte pricing.)

Desserted: Thrill-seekers can enjoy a different kind of rush at this milkshake bar in the Thrill Island neighborhood. You'll find sugary options for kids and spiked versions for grown-ups. At $14 a milkshake, we expected more than just a cute photo; get a cone of soft-serve and top it with a cookie or brownie from the buffet, and you'll replicate the taste for free. (A la carte pricing.)

Coastal Kitchen: This restaurant, exclusive to suite guests and Royal Caribbean's top-tier Pinnacle loyalty program members, features a new two-story layout overlooking the AquaTheater. (Included for select guests.)

The Grove: Icon's expanded Suite neighborhood now includes a casual, alfresco Mediterranean restaurant, reserved for suite guests. (Included for select guests.)

Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the craft cocktail craze with Icon of the Seas. The line worked with master mixologists to create new bar concepts and menus to take the ship's drinking game to the next level. If you're game to try them all, buy your drink package in advance of your cruise when they're often discounted.

The Royal Promenade is home to Royal Caribbean's first double-pianist bar, Dueling Pianos. The two performers take requests and involve guests in musical fun. It is definitely becoming a hot spot at night. That doesn't mean the lone pianist at the Schooner Bar on the opposite end of Deck 6 is feeling lonely. The nautical-themed bar is always a fan favorite.

You'll also find dueling coffee bars here — the dedicated Starbucks venue on Deck 5 and the Pearl Cafe, serving coffee drinks on Deck 6. Other Royal Promenade bars include 1400 (the place for craft cocktails that pay homage to the cruise line's history), Spotlight Karaoke (for that musical buzz), Boleros (the always popular bar and lounge for Latin music and dancing) and the Point & Feather pub.

Down on decks 3 and 4, the Music Hall is the place to jam out and dance to live music. Next door, the casino, of course, has its own bar.

You might not think the ship's family neighborhood would have a bar, but the Lemon Post in the Surfside zone serves both cocktails for the parents and mocktails (elevated lemonade mixes and overly sweet colorful juice concoctions) for the kids.

In Central Park, guests find the new jazz club Lou's Jazz 'n Blues, with cocktails themed to the biggest jazz cities around the world. The walk-up Champagne venue, Bubbles, features mimosas, bellinis and other bubbly-based drinks. The Trellis Bar is also back, now with an extra-fee food menu to accompany your beverage of your choice.

In the AquaDome, the Overlook is a gorgeous lounge featuring special nooks (Overlook Pods) and wraparound windows providing fantastic ocean views. Order the Overlook Bar's signature drink, the AquaDome Spritz, exclusive to this ship and venue. The new coffee shop Rye & Bean will offer caffeine hits and cocktails starring tea and coffee. (Don't miss the chai Old-Fashioned that smells as good as it tastes.)

Beverage destinations in Chill Island include a three-story Lime and Coconut Bar (now with frozen cocktail machines) and Cantina Fresca (serving margaritas). Swim & Tonic is the line's first swim-up bar.

The Basecamp bar in Thrill Island is the place to steady your wobbly post-ropes-course knees with a drink, or you can order a Desserted milkshake with a shot of Baileys or Fireball. The Hideaway Bar serves the adults kicking back in their no-kids-allowed resort-style infinity pool hangout.

Suite guests will find bars exclusive to them in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Grove sun deck. The spa also keeps guests refreshed with the Vitality Cafe smoothie bar.

Icon of the Seas activities

A Caribbean cruise is all about fun in the sun, and Icon of the Seas' upper decks are the place to be.

Chill Island is the ship's three-deck pool area with multiple pools and hot tubs situated along the sides of the ship for stunning ocean views. You'll also find a couple of ping-pong tables and a dry slide from Deck 16 to 15. Open-air cabanas are available to rent.

The Hideaway is an adults-only retreat with hot tubs, lounge chairs facing the ship's wake and an infinity pool cantilevered over the sides of the ship 15 decks up. You can only access The Hideaway from above on Deck 16; don't try to cut through the Windjammer Marketplace like we did. You won't get there.

Thrill Island consolidates all of Icon of the Seas' high-octane activities into one area along Deck 16 aft. Here, you'll find the FlowRider surf simulator, Lost Dunes minigolf courses and rock climbing wall.

Most of Thrill Island is dominated by the Category 6 water park with six slides. Two are raft slides that accommodate two to four people, and two are toboggan-style forward-facing racing slides. One is a drop slide and the other is a 90-degree plunge. Most of the slides are pretty extreme, and little kids (and their wussy parents) might find them too intense.

Also new on Icon of the Seas is the Crown's Edge ropes course. Its claim to fame is that the course takes you around the ship's giant logo, out over the ocean, with a zip line finish. However, there's not much else to the attraction; it's possibly the shortest ropes course we've ever traversed. You'll spend more time gearing up than you will enjoying the course. Crown's Edge offers a fun thrill, but I don't think it's worth paying $89 per person for one run of the course.

Related: 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

The ship's Vitality Spa on Deck 14 offers salon services for men and women, plus all your favorite spa treatments and an extra-fee thermal suite with heated loungers and aromatherapy showers. The fitness center is separate, located on decks 5 and 6 (though the Deck 5 entrance is off the jogging track that loops that deck). It's a sprawling gym, with space upstairs for fitness classes.

If you're looking for kid-friendly water play areas, the Surfside family neighborhood is your destination. It features Baby Bay for diapered tots; Splashaway Bay, with a dump bucket, water sprayers and junior waterslides; and an infinity pool for grownups and older siblings. Kids can also enjoy a climbing structure and the carousel with its colorful cartoon creatures to ride.

The Adventure Ocean kids club and Social 020 teen lounge, both on Deck 6, are the it spaces for the under-18 crowd. Adventure Ocean is easily accessible from Surfside, with a long entrance hallway peppered with gaming screens so kids can be entertained while they wait to be checked in (or parents can sneak in a game while they wait to pick up).

Unlike on older ships, Adventure Ocean is divided into AO Babies, the nursery for ages 6 to 36 months; AO Juniors for 3- to 5-year-olds, with their own play space; and the main Adventure Ocean club for kids ages 6 to 12. The Adventure Ocean space is further divided into the Hangout, with video games and digital game tables; the Arena for sports and active play; and the Workshop for science experiments and art projects. A theater space is set to host a black-light, interactive puppet show that families can participate in together.

Drop-off play at Adventure Ocean is free during the day and early evening; it's an hourly rate per child after 10 p.m. The nursery also charges per hour for drop-off at any time.

Social 020 is hidden between Playmakers and the Absolute Zero ice skating rink. It has gaming pods, hangout nooks and comfy seating, and foosball tables. It's meant to be a place for teens ages 13-17 to meet up and hang out, but much of the teen programming will take place around the ship. Look for teen-only takeovers of the water park and Hideaway Pool, VIP seating for select shows, group dinners at Izumi and exclusive laser tag play.

Absolute Zero is the ship's skating rink, accessed from Deck 6. If you're inspired by the cast of its shows, you can lace up and try a few spins during open skating hours on sea days. This is typically where Royal Caribbean hosts its laser tag games as well.

On the opposite end of Deck 6, Icon's escape room sits across from the Crown Lounge for Crown & Anchor VIPs.

You have to search to find the ship's casino on Deck 4. The Casino Royale has all your favorite slots and table games. Other nightlife options include Spotlight Karaoke for embarrassing guest performances, Music Hall for dancing, Dueling Pianos and Lou's Jazz 'n Blues for live music and Playmakers for watching sports and playing table games.

You'll also stumble upon live music across the ship, from the pool deck to Central Park to the pub.

The ship offers a mix of programming from Latin dance classes to liquor tastings, spa seminars, pool games, trivia and more. Check the line's app or the printed Cruise Compass daily newsletter so you don't miss events around the ship.

Family programming in Surfside will be led by Admiral Awesome, who's more or less the family cruise director. You won't miss him in his wild, brightly colored outfits. Activities include the Larger Than Life Family Festival (with giant games and face painting) and evening bedtime stories.

You'll find souvenir and jewelry shops throughout the ships, but predominantly in Central Park and along the Royal Promenade. A Park West art gallery is here, too.

Surfside features the Sugar Beach candy shop and Sunshine & Sundries, which sells plush dolls and kid swim gear you forgot to pack. Don't miss Royal Bling in the AquaDome, where you can buy Royal Caribbean logo jewelry, including a bejeweled chalice that costs $100,000 and comes with a free lifetime drinks package on all Royal Caribbean ships.

The guest services and NextCruise desks are located on the Royal Promenade by the pub. Shore excursions and the photo gallery are behind The Pearl on Deck 5. A conference facility and medical center are located on the ship's lower decks.

Icon of the Seas shows

Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative high-tech, large-scale shows — in the theater, in the water and on the ice. The entertainment on Icon of the Seas stays true to brand and does not fail to impress.

It's difficult to know this early on how hard it will be to get a seat at your preferred show time with so many people on board. It's a good idea to figure out how early you can book shows and book them in advance on the Royal Caribbean app or the "My Royal Cruise" section of the website, or as soon as you board. You'll also want to arrive early for the best seats — or to get in a standby line in case of no-shows.

Icon of the Seas' Royal Theater is located forward of the Royal Promenade on decks 4 and 5. Its signature show is "The Wizard of Oz," and you shouldn't dismiss it. Royal Caribbean has found a way to modernize the show, and the impressive special effects, including set pieces flying above the audience, will captivate cruisers of all ages. Don't miss Toto and other puppets created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

"Wizard of Oz" employs the biggest-ever orchestra at sea (16 pieces), so it's no surprise that Icon of the Seas' second theater show highlights their talents. "Showband!" was not running on my sailing, but the line describes it as an immersive, sensory experience, employing state-of-the-art technology.

On the opposite side of the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 aft is the Absolute Zero ice rink. You can access it past Playmakers on Deck 6. The venue features a circular rink versus the square ones in the Studio B rinks on sister ships.

Its new show is "Starburst," which is themed around the elements (carbon, helium, etc.). Group, solo and pair skating numbers are combined with next-level juggling by a character dubbed "The Starman."

The costumes are creative and fun (including glow-in-the-dark and light-up outfits), and the use of lighting and video on the walls and the ice sets a spacey scene. The round ice stage makes it easier for the skaters to use the entire space to get up speed to do jumps and tricks. You'll gasp at the impressive lifts, spins and jumps the skaters can execute on a moving ship.

The same cast will also present a second, shorter, family-focused show called "Once Upon a Time: The King's Royal Ball." In the show's story, familiar fairytale characters come to a king's party to entertain the families of the world.

Royal Caribbean's famous AquaTheater has been moved from an outdoor space at the back of the ship to the indoor AquaDome at the front of the ship on Deck 15. It also will run a longer, later main show and a shorter, earlier family-friendly show. Neither were ready yet on my preview sailing, but we got to see a few numbers, and they were jaw-dropping and stunning as only acrobatic/diving/synchronized shows with robots, wild lighting and video imagery can be.

The main show, "Aqua Action!" doesn't have a storyline, as far as I could tell, but is meant to push the boundaries of entertainment and wow every audience. You'll witness an aerial pas de deux, dancing robotic arms, crazy high dives and dancing with a lot of splashing. Trust me — you'll be mesmerized. Arrive early because the seating area is surprisingly small given the size of the ship and the popularity of these shows.

The family show is called "Pirates vs. Mermaids," featuring an epic battle to decide who truly rules the waves.

Icon of the Seas will carry on Royal Caribbean's Promenade parade tradition with a pirate-themed show called "Ships Ahoy!" Look out for a soon-to-debut Promenade street party focused on one-hit wonders.

The Attic is the ship's comedy club, located on the Royal Promenade on Deck 6 forward. You'll definitely want to show up early to get a seat for these popular shows.

Live bands perform at night in The Music Hall on decks 3 and 4 by the casino.

Icon of the Seas itinerary and pricing

Icon of the Seas sails weekly from the port of Miami. Its itineraries include weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that began with the ship's maiden voyage on Jan. 27, 2024. Travelers can book one of several routings available through April 2026:

• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Maarten (the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin), St. Thomas and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at St. Maarten, San Juan and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach on Haiti
• Seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Western Caribbean voyages with stops at Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Seven-night Western Caribbean voyages with stops at Costa Maya, Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship

Cruises on Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship don't come cheap, and the prices have only increased since the ship first went on sale in 2022. Expect premium pricing for this highly sought-after ship.

When we checked in January 2024, the lowest price for an Icon of the Seas sailing was $1,775 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. The cheapest balcony cabins started at $2,426 per person. These prices are for cruises departing in January 2026!

The most expensive sailing at present is a New Year's cruise, departing Dec. 28, 2024, with inside cabins starting at $9,419 and balconies at $10,104 per person.

You might wonder if Icon of the Seas' fares are all-inclusive — they are not. The fares include meals in the main dining room, buffet and a handful of other complimentary restaurants; most entertainment and activities; use of the kids club; and basic drinks like standard coffee and tea, milk and select juices at breakfast. You will pay extra for soda and alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments and select activities.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what you can do about them

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Since Icon of the Seas is currently sailing round-trip from Florida, U.S. citizens can sail with either a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo I.D. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

The name on your reservation must be the same as what's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Double-check if you've recently gotten married or go by a different version of your name.

If you're traveling with a child for whom you are not the legal guardian, you will need to bring a notarized letter, signed by the child's parents or legal guardians, giving you permission to travel with the child.

Related: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

The room stewards and dining staff on Icon of the Seas are friendly and helpful and deserve an extra thank-you. Royal Caribbean makes that easy by charging you an automatic gratuity of $18 to $20.50 per person per day, depending on your cabin category, added to your onboard account and final bill. You are allowed to adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking, but please don't — even if you are disappointed by the service. Gratuities are an important part of crewmembers' paychecks.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar, specialty dining and spa/salon bills. You should not feel pressured to add an additional tip.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea, called Voom, and you can take advantage of this on Icon of the Seas. Currently, Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth start at $30.99 per day for one device (or $24.99 per day per device for packages accommodating two, three or four devices), though prices do change over time.

Often you can get the best discounts on onboard Wi-Fi by purchasing your plans online in advance of your cruise. If you're a member of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program, check to see if you're eligible for discounts on Wi-Fi packages.

Certain suite guests and upper-tier loyalty program members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you sign up for a package.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks policy

Royal Caribbean guests of legal drinking age can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto Icon of the Seas at boarding. If you want to drink that bottle outside your cabin in a restaurant or lounge, you must pay a $15 corkage fee.

Guests can also bring up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas on board on embarkation day.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

Passengers can smoke in Icon of the Seas' casino while playing or in a designated outer area on Deck 17 by the Cloud 17 pool area.

Icon of the Seas does not offer self-service launderettes. Passengers can pay extra for laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

Cabins on Icon of the Seas have a ton of outlets, though not always where you want them. In my Infinite Ocean-View Balcony cabin, I found two USB, two USB-C, one North American-style 110-volt outlet and one European-style 220-volt outlet by the desk. Two more USB outlets were hidden in the shelving across from the sleeping area. One side of the bed had a USB outlet and the other a 110-volt outlet. (I would have preferred to have one of each on either side of the bed.)

There's also an outlet for shavers by the bathroom shelving near the sink.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar, but you won't need cash on the ship. You'll receive a SeaPass card that functions as your shipboard ID, room key and credit card. You'll charge shipboard purchases (drinks, souvenirs, extra-fee meals, shore excursions and so on) to your onboard account, and Royal Caribbean will charge your credit card on file once the cruise ends. You can check your onboard bill in the cruise line's app or at Guest Services.

The shops on CocoCay also take your SeaPass card. The onboard Starbucks outlet (not other cafes where Starbucks-brand beverages are sold) should take Starbucks gift cards and payment through the Starbucks app.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Icon of the Seas.

During the day, people dress casually. T-shirts, shorts, athletic wear, casual sundresses and bathing suits are commonly worn on board and ashore. Bring a cover-up to go from the pool back indoors.

You'll also want to dress for the activities you plan to do on board. Wear long pants, socks and a sweatshirt for skating in Absolute Zero (and bring something warm to wear when you go to one of the shows); full-coverage swimwear for the FlowRider and waterslides; and closed-toe shoes and a glasses strap for the Crown's Edge ropes course (and skip the skirt so you can easily put on the jumpsuit).

In the evening, the ship does have a suggested dress code, either casual (just look decent, but shorts are frowned upon at dinner), smart casual (nice restaurant or date attire) or formal (your version of fancy). A seven-night cruise will typically have two formal nights.

Royal Caribbean ships are pretty casual about the dress codes. What you really want to avoid is swimwear, bare feet, pajamas and athletic-style tank tops in the main dining room and specialty restaurants. And dress for your dining venue: You'll want to get dolled up more for a meal at the Empire Supper Club or Chops Grille than you might at Pier 7 or Giovanni's.

Related: Ultimate cruise packing list

Bottom line

Icon of the Seas is a groundbreaking ship for Royal Caribbean, introducing new venues, attractions and accommodation styles while bringing back and evolving fan favorites from past ships. Entertainment is next-level, and the ship's amazing attractions are sure to please all types of vacationers with multiple interests.

Though the ship is the line's largest, it's easy to get around, with lots of crowd control measures in place. You will, however, want to book quickly to obtain your preferred restaurant and show reservations. It might be difficult to be spontaneous and still get to see and eat everything you wish.

The ship has put special emphasis on catering to families with young kids and has created innovative programming for teens. However, its adults-only pool area, inviting bars with creative cocktail menus and plethora of grownup entertainment venues make the ship a perfect option for multigenerational families, friend groups and couples, as well.

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20 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023

From opulent suites to onboard surfing, explore some of the world's biggest and most luxurious cruise ships in the world for 2023.

Read update

These Cruise Ships Just Keep Getting Bigger!

• Cruise ships are growing larger and larger, with some of the newest ships in 2022, 2023, and 2024 being the largest in the world.
• Royal Caribbean dominates the cruising sector and has recently launched Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, which are breaking size and tonnage records.
• These massive cruise ships are like floating cities, with numerous decks, amenities, and activities to accommodate thousands of passengers.

Since the first trans-Atlantic cruises launched over a century ago, cruise ships have grown steadily. It is not just about the number of passengers and the crew's quarters ( and their lives on board the ship ) but also the vessel's size. Today's cruise ships are so large that they can be considered floating cities—some even come with their own private islands!

Love the idea of starting a new adventure at every destination or just craving a relaxing getaway in the lap of luxury? While there are no disappointments on the largest cruise ships in the world as of 2022 , 2023, and 2024 promise even bigger and amenity-packed vessels.

UPDATE: 2023/11/29 10:22 EST BY NOAH STAATS

This article has been refreshed with two of the newest 'big' ships in the water this year, including two new monoliths from Royal Caribbean. Whether it's the Icon or Utopia of the Seas, remember to book a room with a view. These are mini-cities!

RELATED: Royal Caribbean Unveils Their Icon Of The Seas Cruise Ship

1 Icon of the Seas

One of the more exciting announcements from Royal Caribbean has been the creation of its largest ship ever: Icon of the Seas. This mega-ship boasts the title of largest in the world, as well as being a new flagship design from the brand. Royal Caribbean has always dominated the cruising sector, but with Icon of the Seas, they bring that title to a new extreme. The ship will have 20 decks, be 1,200 feet long, and weigh 250,800 gross tons. That makes it more of a mini city than a typical cruise liner, with Icon of the Seas breaking all records.

• Gross tons: 250,800
• Length: 1,200 ft
• Width: 213 ft

Utopia of the Seas

• Gross tons: 236,860
• Length: 1,188 ft
• Width: 211 ft

P&O Arvia

• Gross tons: 185,000
• Length: 1,132 ft
• Width: 138 ft

MSC World Europa

• Gross tons: 215,863
• Length: 1,092 ft
• Width: 154 ft

Wonder Of The Seas

• Gross tons: 235,600
• Width: 215 ft

Symphony Of The Seas

• Gross tons: 228,081
• Width: 215.5 ft

Harmony Of The Seas

• Gross tons: 226,963

Allure Of The Seas

• Gross tons: 225,282
• Length: 1,187 ft

Oasis Of The Seas

• Gross tons: 226,838
• Length: 1,180 ft
• Width: 198 ft

P&O Iona

• Gross tons: 184,700
• Length: 1,129 ft

• Gross tons: 183,900
• Length: 1,106 ft

MSC Grandiosa

• Gross tons: 181,541
• Length: 1,087 ft
• Width: 141 ft

Costa Smeralda

• Length: 1106 ft

Norwegian Bliss

• Gross tons: 168,02
• Length: 1,094 ft
• Width: 136 ft

Queen Mary 2

• Gross tons: 149,215
• Width: 134 ft

Queen Elizabeth 2

• Displacement: 49,738
• Gross tons: 70,327
• Length: 963 ft
• Width: 105 ft

Viking Octantis

• Gross tons: 30,150
• Length: 665 ft
• Width: 77 ft

Viking Polaris

Carnival Mardi Gras

• Gross tons: 180,000
• Length: 1129 ft

Spectrum Of The Seas

• Gross tons: 169,379
• Length: 1138 ft

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The 21 largest cruise ships in the world.

Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts.

The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

With every year comes bigger and grander cruise ships.

Just when you think cruise ships can't get any larger, a major cruise line unveils yet another longer, taller and grander state-of-the-art vessel – with the capacity to carry the population of a small town. To put the size of today's megaships into perspective: They often stretch three times longer than a 120-yard football field, and some feature nearly two dozen decks or measure more than 215 feet wide.

So, if you're looking for a vacation aboard a large-scale vessel, consider booking a voyage on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world. With cutting-edge technology and entertainment, world-class dining, and endless attractions and activities for cruisers of all ages, you may not even want to leave the ship. Here are the biggest cruise ships, arranged by gross tonnage.

• 1. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
• 2. Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
• 3. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
• 4. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
• 5. Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
• 6. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
• 7. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
• 8. MSC World Europa
• 9. Costa Smeralda
• 10. Costa Toscana
• 11. P&O Cruises Arvia
• 12. AIDAcosma
• 13. P&O Cruises Iona
• 14. AIDAnova
• 15. Carnival Jubilee
• 16. Carnival Celebration
• 17. MSC Euribia
• 18. MSC Virtuosa
• 19. Carnival Mardi Gras
• 20. MSC Meraviglia
• 21. Norwegian Encore

Find your perfect cruise

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Length: 1,198 feet

Width: 213 feet

Gross tons: 250,800

Maximum number of passengers: 7,600

Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship afloat when it debuts in January 2024. The next-level megaship is Royal Caribbean 's first Icon-class vessel and the first of three ships powered by liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which is considered a more sustainable alternative to other fuel options. The ship will have 2,805 staterooms and carry up to 2,350 crew. There's no end to the fun with eight unique neighborhoods, including the new Surfside: a stay-all-day space designed specifically for families.

Other features on the ship include seven pools, nine whirlpools and six record-breaking waterslides. There are also more than 20 new dining venues, such as the swanky Empire Supper Club, which features an eight-course tasting menu; the AquaDome Market, the line's first food hall; and sushi restaurant Izumi in the Park. Cruisers will also find other international cuisine, including Japanese, Mexican and Italian fare, as well as The Lemon Post, the Surfside Eatery and Pier 7 in the Surfside neighborhood.

Read: The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Length: 1,188 feet

Width: 211 feet

Gross tons: 236,860

Maximum passengers: 6,788

Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered Oasis-class ship will sail its debut voyage in July 2024. The new ship will have 2,834 staterooms and up to 2,290 crew members, as well as eight neighborhoods to keep passengers entertained. Ten complimentary dining venues include the line's new food truck concept, The Spare Tire, which serves up handheld eats on the pool deck. The ship will also feature sloping beach-entry and resort-style pools, plus three Lime & Coconut bars on the outdoor deck.

In total, there are more than 40 dining options, bars and lounges on Utopia of the Seas. Many of Royal Caribbean's specialty dining and bar favorites are returning, such as Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Rising Tide Bar and Vue Bar. Guests will also find familiar entertainment offerings with rock climbing walls, the AquaTheater, Splashaway Bay, laser tag, mini-golf, the Sports Court, Studio B and much more. With two casinos, five pools and a visit to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll never run out of things to do.

Read: The Top New Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Gross tons: 235,600

Maximum passengers: 7,084

Royal Caribbean's current largest ship at sea, Wonder of the Seas , first set sail in March 2022. The Oasis-class vessel has 2,867 staterooms and carries as many as 2,204 crew members. While you may get lost on this ship, you'll never be bored. Features include eight unique neighborhoods – such as Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the new Suite Class neighborhood, an exclusive space for suite guests.

Take advantage of the AquaTheater, an outdoor live entertainment venue with a 30-foot diving platform and incredible ocean views. Wonder Playscape is an underwater-themed outdoor space for kids filled with slides, climbing walls, games and more. You can also enjoy a few of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class favorites, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the rock climbing wall or laser tag at the Battle for Planet Z. If you dare, head into the Ultimate Abyss: Billed as the tallest waterslide at sea, it towers 150 feet above sea level and features an exhilarating 13-second ride through 10 stories of dark, winding tunnels.

When hunger strikes, dine at your pick of more than 20 complimentary and specialty restaurants, including the new Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar. If you're craving a cold beer, a cocktail or a cup of Starbucks coffee, you'll have roughly a dozen bars and lounges at your disposal.

Read:  The Top Party Cruises

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

Width: 215.5 feet

Gross tons: 228,081

Maximum passengers: 6,680

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas , another Oasis-class ship, debuted in April 2018. This ship features 2,759 passenger staterooms and accommodates 2,200 crew members. There are seven distinct neighborhoods, four pools, roughly 20 restaurants (about half of which are specialty venues), and about a dozen bars and lounges. The ship even boasts two robotic bartenders that whip up drinks at the Bionic Bar.

Adults can enjoy Broadway-style shows in the onboard theaters and major international sports games at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Meanwhile, kids can cool down at the Splashaway Bay water park, soar on a zip line nine decks high through the Boardwalk neighborhood, try out rock climbing or attend a show at the AquaTheater.

Read:  Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Gross tons: 226,963

Maximum passengers: 6,687

Another Oasis-class ship, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas has been sailing since May 2016. The vessel features 2,747 staterooms and up to 2,200 crew members. Cruisers have plenty of places to dine thanks to eight complimentary venues – including the main dining room and Windjammer Marketplace, a globally inspired buffet – as well as nine specialty restaurants serving everything from burgers and shakes to Italian fare. The Boardwalk, one of the ship's seven neighborhoods, is a favorite spot for cruisers; it contains casual eateries, retail shops and carnival games.

Harmony of the Seas also has Splashaway Bay, the Ultimate Abyss waterslide and a trio of slides called The Perfect Storm. In the evening, don't miss a pre-dinner cocktail at the Rising Tide Bar, which offers a ride between the Central Park neighborhood and the Royal Promenade with dazzling skylight views. Sit back and sip your drink while the entire bar slowly floats between the decks.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Simon Brooke | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Length: 1,187 feet

Width: 215 feet

Gross tons: 226,838

Maximum passengers: 6,771

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world when it was launched in 2009. The line's debut Oasis-class ship is nearly five times bigger than the Titanic by gross tonnage; it has 2,801 staterooms and carries 2,109 crew members.

Oasis of the Seas was reimagined in 2019, with many added amenities that are on newer Oasis-class ships, such as FlowRider simulators, the Perfect Storm waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Across the ship's seven distinct neighborhoods, you'll also find state-of-the-art technology such as VOOM, billed as the fastest internet connection on the high seas – plus exciting live performances and theater productions, laser tag, escape rooms and more.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Gross tons: 225,282

Maximum passengers: 6,826

Embarking for the first time in 2010, Allure of the Seas was Royal Caribbean's second Oasis-class vessel. The ship underwent a refurbishment in 2015. Allure of the Seas has 2,748 staterooms and 2,054 crew. Onboard highlights include seven neighborhoods, four pools, and several whirlpools and hot tubs, plus more than 20 dining venues and too many bars and lounges to count.

There are also plenty of entertainment options for guests of all ages, including an ice skating rink, the Sports Court, a nine-deck-high zip line, two rock climbing walls and two FlowRider simulators (a Royal Caribbean favorite). Kids will especially enjoy the interactive H2O Zone Water Park. Adults on this ship will appreciate Broadway productions like "Mamma Mia!," aerial acrobatic performances in Oceanaria (an original AquaTheater production) and '70s disco dance parties. If you find yourself on board for business reasons, rest assured that the ship's conference facilities can host as many as 1,394 guests.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

MSC World Europa

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Length: 1,093 feet

Width: 154 feet

Gross tons: 215,863

Maximum passengers: 6,762

MSC World Europa was one of the most anticipated new cruise ships when it launched in December 2022 as the first vessel in the line's MSC World-class fleet. It's also the first LNG-propelled ship by MSC Cruises , reaching a maximum cruising speed of 22.7 knots.

The ship's futuristic interior and exterior design features a 341-foot-long promenade. Half the promenade is covered with the Meraviglia-class LED sky screens, while the other half is open-air and offers ocean views. MSC World Europa features 2,626 staterooms and can house 2,138 crew members. As a special touch, each passenger deck is named after an international city, including London, Paris, Lisbon and Rome.

The ship is divided into distinct areas, with a quiet zen district for adults and a family zone that has bumper cars and roller skating. At the fleet's largest onboard water park, younger cruisers will find a twisty, stainless steel tunnel slide towering 11 decks high at the center of the ship. Luna Park Arena, the ship's 300-seat multifunction entertainment venue, can accommodate almost any performance or event.

When you're exhausted from all of the action, grab a bite to eat at one of 13 restaurants or a drink at a selection of bars and cafes. Then, take time to relax and unwind with a signature treatment at the Balinese-inspired MSC Aurea Spa. For an all-inclusive VIP experience during your voyage, book stateroom accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club. This exclusive part of the ship boasts premium suites, a separate pool, a private restaurant and lounge, butler service, and other amenities.

Costa Smeralda

Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Length: 1,106 feet

Width: 138 feet

Gross tons: 185,000

Maximum passengers: 6,554

Costa Smeralda was the first of the two Excellence-class vessels in the Costa Cruises fleet. The vessel debuted in 2019 as the Italian cruise line's largest ship to date. It was also the line's first vessel to use LNG power at sea and in port. The ship has 2,612 staterooms and can carry as many as 1,678 crew members.

Cruisers will never go hungry or thirsty, thanks to the 11 restaurants and snack bars plus 19 bars and lounges on Smeralda . One of the most notable dining venues on board is Archipelago, which serves innovative cuisine created by three world-renowned chefs. If you're interested in culinary pursuits, join other passengers for a cooking class at sea in the Food LAB. When it comes to entertainment, centrally located Colosseo – modeled after the piazzas across Italy – is the place to go for socializing and live performances. What's more, the ship also has 13 pools and hot tubs, an aqua park, the Beauty Spa Solemio, and the Squok Club for kids ages 3 to 11.

Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana, Costa Cruises' newest flagship and the second Excellence-class vessel in the fleet, set sail on its debut voyage in March 2022. Similar in size and passenger capacity to Costa Smeralda, Toscana is also LNG-powered. This vessel has 2,663 staterooms, and there can be up to 1,678 crew members on board.

Similar to Smeralda, Colosseo is the centerpiece of Toscana; you'll find live entertainment and themed bars in this area. There are 11 restaurants and snack bars plus 19 bars and lounges on the ship. For a refreshing aperitif with a view, head to the Aperol Spritz Bar, which features special beach cocktails. Another dining highlight is Sushino at Costa, the line's new sushi bistro. After dinner, take in unparalleled views of the sea along the Volare Skywalk, the highest point of the ship, which towers more than 200 feet above sea level.

Explore Costa Cruises deals on GoToSea.

P&O Cruises Arvia

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Length: 1,130 feet

Maximum passengers: 5,200

Arvia joined the P&O fleet as sister ship to Iona in December 2022. It is also LNG-powered, has 2,614 cabins and carries up to 1,800 crew. The family-friendly ship offers guests many firsts, including Altitude, a new activity area with an escape room, a high-ropes experience, the Splash Valley aqua zone, the Sports Arena and much more.

Arvia has 30 bars and restaurants. New dining venues include the American-inspired 6th Street Diner and Green & Co. feat. Mizuhana, which focuses on sushi and plant-based dishes. For entertainment, plan to see the line's production of "The Official Take That Musical," an adaptation of London West End musical "The Band." Guests can also head to the dome beneath the SkyDome retractable roof for live performances, aerial displays, movies on the giant SeaScreen and DJ parties under the starry skies.

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Courtesy of AIDA Cruises

Gross tons: 184,600

Maximum passengers: 6,654

The sister ship to AIDAnova, AIDAcosma set sail in early 2022. The partly LNG-powered AIDA Cruises vessel has 2,732 staterooms and the capacity for up to around 1,500 crew members. With 17 restaurants and 23 bars and cafes, AIDAcosma offers passengers a seemingly endless number of venues to dine and imbibe. Other onboard attractions include a four-deck outdoor area, complete with an infinity pool and an expansive area for sunbathing; an indoor playground with a bouldering wall and ropes course; the Body & Soul Spa; and a 360-degree stage at the Theatrium.

P&O Cruises Iona

Length: 1,129 feet

Gross tons: 184,000

P&O Cruises' Iona, which launched in spring 2021, has the distinction of being the first LNG-powered British cruise ship. The family-friendly vessel has 2,614 cabins and carries 1,800 crew members. Iona's top features include the two-story SkyDome, a gin distillery, four pools, 10 entertainment venues, and 30 restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of food and beverage options.

With selections ranging from casual eateries to gelaterias to Indian- and British-inspired cuisine at Sindhu, you won't get bored with the restaurant choices. For an especially unique meal, dine and sip wine while watching aerial performances in the Grand Atrium at The Glass House. Or, enjoy dinner at The Limelight Club, an adults-only supper club venue featuring vocal performances and other live music. After dinner, check out the entertainment around the ship, including aerial productions in the Grand Atrium, guest and crew shows in Headliners, late night dancing in The Club House, and performances in partnership with the entertainment company Creativiva in the SkyDome.

Gross tons: 183,900

When German line AIDA Cruises' first Helios-class ship, AIDAnova, debuted in December 2018, it was the first LNG-powered cruise ship in the world. The ship is equipped with 2,626 staterooms, including the two-deck Penthouse Suite, and carries around 1,500 crew members. You won't miss this ship when it's docked in port: It features the line's signature exterior design, with bold red lips at the ship's bow and blue-and-yellow eyes on the port and starboard sides.

While on board, passengers can check out 17 restaurants, along with 23 bars and lounges; party the night away at the Beach Club; and take in live performances on the 360-degree stage in the Theatrium. When it's time to relax, head to the Body & Soul Spa, where you can book a massage, spend time in one of the hot tubs or saunas, take a dip in the private pool, and chill out on the private spa sun deck.

Carnival Jubilee

Width: 137 feet

Gross tons: 183,521

Maximum passengers: 6,631

Carnival Jubilee, as sister ship to Carnival Celebration and Carnival Mardi Gras, will offer many of the same features and amenities as its two predecessors when it launches in December 2023. The new vessel will have 2,687 staterooms, 1,735 crew and six zones of fun. Currents and The Shores are new to Jubilee . Currents is inspired by the underworld of the ocean with mermaids and sea monsters; it's designed with new bars, restaurants, music venues and high-tech spaces, including a wave-shaped LED ceiling and six LED windows that virtually take guests under the sea. The Shores is all about the outdoors, inspired by beaches and boardwalks. Cruisers can grab a slice of pizza at Coastal Slice, a hot dog at Beach Buns and a cocktail at Marina Bar.

On Jubilee, you'll also find Carnival Cruise Line favorites such as BOLT, the first and fastest roller coaster at sea, as well as Waterworks, the onboard water park with twin racing slides, three spiraling slides and more. The line's "next-level fun" ship will also include familiar eateries and lounges like Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and more.

Carnival Celebration

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration sailed its inaugural cruise in November 2022. Carnival's second-newest ship at sea is LNG-powered and the second in the line's Excel class, with 2,687 staterooms and as many as 1,735 crew. Guests will find new attractions to enjoy on the ship, such as the partnership with the Kennedy Space Center at Space Cruisers: This program is designed for children ages 2 to 11 at Camp Ocean.

Adults can check out the new bar at Latitudes, which features specialty cocktails and outdoor scenery through the virtual windows. Celebration has a variety of complimentary dining venues, including Shaq's Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and Mexican favorites at BlueIguana Cantina. There is also a selection of specialty restaurants like Emeril's Bistro 1397, Rudi's Seagrill, the Steakhouse and Bonsai Teppanyaki. For action and 360-degree views of the ocean from the top of the ship, take a spin around the track on the BOLT roller coaster.

Compare Carnival Cruises on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia

Length: 1,087 feet

Width: 141 feet

Gross tons: 181,541

Maximum passengers: 6,327

MSC Euribia, the newest MSC Cruises ship, debuted in June 2023. The line's second LNG-powered vessel – and the fifth Meraviglia-class ship – has 2,419 cabins and can carry as many as 1,711 crew members. The ship's hull features Alex Flämig's artwork "#SaveTheSea" to highlight the company's dedication to preserving the marine ecosystem.

On board Euribia , guests will find five pools and 11 dining venues, offering everything from sushi and teppanyaki to Latin American street food. There are also 21 bars and lounges, the MSC Aurea Spa, the Ocean Cay Aquapark, luxury retail shopping and more. Two additional highlights are the longest – and most impressive – LED Dome at Sea, which covers the ceiling of Galleria Euribia, and the reimagined Carousel Lounge. The beautiful, updated space features floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces and cozy seating to enjoy live entertainment, including performances by one of the largest big bands at sea.

MSC Virtuosa

Maximum passengers: 6,334

This vessel launched in 2021 as a sister ship to MSC Grandiosa , the line's other Meraviglia Plus-class ship. MSC Virtuosa has 2,421 staterooms and carries around 1,704 crew members. It offers cruisers 11 dining venues plus 21 bars and lounges. At the heart of the ship, Galleria Virtuosa houses the largest shopping area on a cruise ship, with more than 12,500 square feet of retail space. In this area, you'll also find entertainment venues, restaurants and cocktail bars. And don't forget to look up: An impressive LED dome, one of the longest at sea, spans the ceiling of the promenade.

Another highlight to check out during your voyage is the MSC Starship Club, which features Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender on a cruise ship. The multilingual expert mixologist even tells jokes and will show you a dance move or two. After all the indoor fun, head outside for a cool dip in one of MSC Virtuosa's five pools or take a ride on the slide at the Savannah Aquapark.

Book an MSC Cruise on GoToSea.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Gross tons: 180,000

Maximum passengers: 6,465

One of Carnival Cruise Line's newest ships, Mardi Gras , debuted in July 2021. Its name honors the line's first ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, which launched in 1972. The original Mardi Gras was around 27,000 gross tons and 650 feet long – in contrast, the new Carnival Mardi Gras weighs more than six times as much and is nearly twice as long. This ship also holds the title as North America's first LNG-powered ship. It has 2,641 staterooms and holds up to 1,745 crew members.

Six themed areas each offer unique dining and entertainment experiences. For New Orleans -inspired cuisine, head to the French Quarter; there, you'll find Emeril's Bistro 1396 and The Brass Magnolia, a bar reminiscent of The Big Easy's jazz culture and Garden District. Don't miss one of the ship's top onboard attractions: the BOLT roller coaster, where riders can hit speeds of nearly 40 mph at 187 feet above sea level.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

MSC Meraviglia

Courtesy of Port Miami for MSC Cruises

Length: 1,036 feet

Gross tons: 171,598

Maximum passengers: 5,655

MSC Cruises' Meraviglia first set sail in 2017 with an impressive 2,244 staterooms and the capacity to carry 1,536 crew members. A dozen restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, including a Spanish tapas bar with dishes created by a Michelin-starred chef, Japanese teppanyaki, Italian fare, fresh seafood, steaks and more. There are also 20 bars, lounges and cafes serving everything from Champagne and cocktails to ice cream and crepes.

The central highlight of the ship is Galleria Meraviglia, a 315-foot promenade with eateries, boutiques and evening parties. Nightly entertainment includes live performances and shows in the Broadway Theatre and the Carousel Lounge. Kids will find plenty to do, as well: There's an Aquapark, an F1 simulator, a flight simulator, LEGO play areas, bowling and more. When it's time to wind down, book a signature treatment at the MSC Aurea Spa.

Norwegian Encore

Length: 1,094 feet

Width: 136 feet

Gross tons: 169,116

Maximum passengers: 3,998 (double occupancy)

Norwegian Encore was built in 2019 as one of Norwegian Cruise Line 's Breakaway Plus-class ships. The vessel has 2,040 staterooms and carries 1,735 crew members. There are several complimentary culinary venues on board, including three main dining rooms, The Local Bar & Grill, the Garden Café buffet, and grab-and-go options. Specialty dining restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from seafood to steak to Japanese teppanyaki.

When it's time for cocktail hour, 14 bars and lounges serve up everything from cold brews to fine wine and whiskey. For a pre-dinner option, head up to the Observation Lounge for panoramic ocean views. Norwegian Encore is also home to several entertainment venues featuring award-winning live shows and performances.

You'll find the most fun on the ship's top decks. First, head to the Encore Speedway race track, which takes thrill-seekers on a heart-pumping ride through high-speed curves extending 13 feet off the side of the ship. Also at the top of the vessel you'll find The Haven: Norwegian's exclusive "ship within a ship" concept boasts luxurious suites, villas and penthouses with balconies. These luxe accommodations include perks like 24-hour butler service, a concierge and a private sun deck.

Find a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Frequently Asked Questions

The largest cruise ship currently in service is Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, at more than 235,000 gross tons. Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world at 250,000-plus gross tons after its launch, set for January 2024.

Carnival Jubilee, scheduled to debut in December 2023, and Carnival Celebration are the line's largest ships at 183,521 gross tons.

The line's largest ship is Disney Wish at about 144,000 gross tons. The vessel is 1,119 feet in length and 128 feet wide; it has 1,254 staterooms and carries up to 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top World Cruises
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Top Gay Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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The 25 Largest Cruise Ships in the World That You Can Sail in 2023

Here are the Largest Cruise Ships in the World available to sail in 2023, ranked from biggest to smallest . These are absolute units. If you're a fan of big ships, you'll want to copy and paste the following directly onto your bucket list.

Let's first get an idea of just how big these things are. As a society, we don't typically deal with such large measurements. It's tough to conceptualize these huge numbers. The chart below compares the size of the Symphony of the Seas (spoiler... that's the largest cruise ship in the world) to popular monuments around the world.

Many of us have stood at the base of the Empire State Building and gazed up in astonishment. Pulling up to a cruise ship provides the same " wow factor ."

Check out the size comparison chart below!

Here's a fun exercise. Picture 176 Lebron Jameses lined up from head to toe. What would that represent? If you said, " $84 billion dollars in value " then you're not wrong. 176 Lebron Jameses also equals the size of the largest cruise ship in the world!

Cruise Ship Size Increase Over Time

The trend is clear. The largest cruise ships in the world today measure roughly 8x the size of vessels 40 years ago ! Cruise lines proudly boast their biggest and newest ships. Each is guaranteed headlines when breaking the previous record for "biggest ship."

Look at the chart below. We've analyzed nearly 300 ships over the past 50 years. The graph represents average ship size (in gross tonnage) for the included periods.

It's interesting to look at the average ship length versus tonnage. While new vessels today are nearly 5x the gross tonnage as decades ago, ship length has increased roughly 2x. What does that mean? Ships are getting significantly "beefier." These massive gains are found in both height and width. Some of the largest ships in the world have 20 total decks and span 167 feet from side to side (later measured in the "beam" metric).

Cruise Ship Capacity Growth Over Time

Cruise lines are well aware that more passengers equals more profit . Using "economies of scale," these companies have been able to grow revenues disproportionately to the associated increase in costs. In nerd speak, the marginal returns can increase at a rate greater than marginal costs.

Consider this. Royal Caribbean decides to add their magnificent Central Park feature. That's a fixed cost and occupies a fixed space. Whether the vessel has 100 guests or 1,000, the marginal expense is essentially $0 for each additional passenger taking advantage of that space. Adding more passengers adds a clear impact to the bottom line . RC is going to optimize for the greatest number of people feasible in the available space.

How much to book the Largest Cruise Ship in the World?!

Would you guess that it's more or less expensive to book the largest cruise ships in the world? Their size allows all types of variety when it comes to dining, entertainment, and more. So it should be more expensive , right? But then again their size allows for economies of scale. They should be able to charge less as a result. Then is the largest cruise ships less expensive ? Below is a cruise pricing widget for the biggest cruise ship in the world. Play with dates and destinations to get a sense of pricing for the Symphony of the Seas.

Largest Cruise Ships in the World in 2022

Below we highlight the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world . You'll find a bunch of helpful metrics included with each. Take some time to explore metrics like beam, capacity, passenger decks, draft, year built, cost, and much more.

#1 - Wonder of the Seas Ship Size

The Wonder of the Seas has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 236,857 gross tons. The ship measures 1,188 feet (362 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Wonder of the Seas holds 7,912 passengers. That includes 5,518 cruise vacationers and 2,394 staff members. The Wonder of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,745.

• Cruise Line : Royal Caribbean
• Gross Tonnage : 236,857 GT
• Ship Length : 1,188 feet (362 meters)
• Beam : 137 feet (42 meters)
• Draft : 31 feet (9 meters)
• Max Speed : 25 mph (22 knots)
• Year Built : 2022
• Years Served : Future-2021
• Capacity : 5,518 passengers
• Crew Members : 2,394
• Total on Board : 7,912
• Total Staterooms : 2,745 cabins
• Flagged Country : Bahamas
• Ship Cost : $1,350 Million
• Status : active

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Wonder of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Wonder of the Seas Deck Plans .

#2 - Symphony of the Seas Ship Size

The Symphony of the Seas has a construction date of 2018 and a total size of 228,081 gross tons. The ship measures 1,188 feet (362 meters) in length and falls in line as number 2 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Symphony of the Seas holds 7,718 passengers. That includes 5,518 cruise vacationers and 2,200 staff members. The Symphony of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,745.

• Gross Tonnage : 228,081 GT
• Year Built : 2018
• Years Served : 2018-Present
• Crew Members : 2,200
• Total on Board : 7,718

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Symphony of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Symphony of the Seas Deck Plans .

#3 - Harmony of the Seas Ship Size

The Harmony of the Seas has a construction date of 2016 and a total size of 227,700 gross tons. The ship measures 1,187 feet (362 meters) in length and falls in line as number 3 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Harmony of the Seas holds 7,779 passengers. That includes 5,479 cruise vacationers and 2,300 staff members. The Harmony of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,745.

• Gross Tonnage : 227,700 GT
• Ship Length : 1,187 feet (362 meters)
• Beam : 122 feet (37 meters)
• Year Built : 2016
• Years Served : 2016-Present
• Capacity : 5,479 passengers
• Crew Members : 2,300
• Total on Board : 7,779

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Harmony of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Harmony of the Seas Deck Plans .

#4 - Allure of the Seas Ship Size

The Allure of the Seas has a construction date of 2010 and a total size of 225,282 gross tons. The ship measures 1,181 feet (360 meters) in length and falls in line as number 4 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Allure of the Seas holds 7,878 passengers. That includes 5,494 cruise vacationers and 2,384 staff members. The Allure of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,742.

• Gross Tonnage : 225,282 GT
• Ship Length : 1,181 feet (360 meters)
• Year Built : 2010
• Years Served : 2010-Present
• Capacity : 5,494 passengers
• Crew Members : 2,384
• Total on Board : 7,878
• Total Staterooms : 2,742 cabins
• Ship Cost : $1,500 Million

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Allure of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Allure of the Seas Deck Plans .

#5 - Oasis of the Seas Ship Size

The Oasis of the Seas has a construction date of 2009 and a total size of 225,282 gross tons. The ship measures 1,181 feet (360 meters) in length and falls in line as number 5 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Oasis of the Seas holds 7,888 passengers. That includes 5,494 cruise vacationers and 2,394 staff members. The Oasis of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,137.

• Year Built : 2009
• Years Served : 2009-Present
• Total on Board : 7,888
• Total Staterooms : 2,137 cabins
• Ship Cost : $1,300 Million

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Oasis of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Oasis of the Seas Deck Plans .

#6 - MSC World Europa Ship Size

The MSC World Europa has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 205,700 gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 6 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s World Class. At full capacity, the MSC World Europa holds 8,550 passengers. That includes 6,850 cruise vacationers and 1,700 staff members. The MSC World Europa total number of staterooms is 2,700.

• Cruise Line : MSC
• Gross Tonnage : 205,700 GT
• Ship Length : 1,083 feet (330 meters)
• Beam : 154 feet (47 meters)
• Years Served : 2022 - Present
• Capacity : 6,850 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,700
• Total on Board : 8,550
• Total Staterooms : 2,700 cabins
• Flagged Country :
• Ship Cost : $1,150 Million

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC World Europa Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC World Europa Deck Plans .

#7 - Costa Smeralda Ship Size

The Costa Smeralda has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 185,010 gross tons. The ship measures 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and falls in line as number 7 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Costa’s Excelence Class. At full capacity, the Costa Smeralda holds 6,870 passengers. That includes 5,224 cruise vacationers and 1,646 staff members. The Costa Smeralda total number of staterooms is 2,612.

• Cruise Line : Costa
• Gross Tonnage : 185,010 GT
• Ship Length : 1,106 feet (337 meters)
• Beam : 138 feet (42 meters)
• Draft : 29 feet (9 meters)
• Year Built : 2019
• Years Served : 2019 - Present
• Capacity : 5,224 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,646
• Total on Board : 6,870
• Total Staterooms : 2,612 cabins
• Flagged Country : Italy
• Ship Cost : $950 Million

To see how this compares to all Costa ships, click here: Costa Smeralda Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Costa Smeralda Deck Plans .

#8 - MV Iona Ship Size

The MV Iona has a construction date of 2020 and a total size of 184,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet (344 meters) in length and falls in line as number 8 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in P&O UK’s Class. At full capacity, the MV Iona holds 6,968 passengers. That includes 5,206 cruise vacationers and 1,762 staff members. The MV Iona total number of staterooms is 2,610.

• Cruise Line : P&O UK
• Gross Tonnage : 184,000 GT
• Ship Length : 1,130 feet (344 meters)
• Draft : 28 feet (9 meters)
• Max Speed : 20 mph (17 knots)
• Year Built : 2020
• Years Served : Future (2020)
• Capacity : 5,206 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,762
• Total on Board : 6,968
• Total Staterooms : 2,610 cabins
• Flagged Country : United Kingdom
• Status : future ship

To see how this compares to all P&O UK ships, click here: MV Iona Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MV Iona Deck Plans .

#9 - Carnival Celebration Ship Size

The Carnival Celebration has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 183,900 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet (344 meters) in length and falls in line as number 9 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Carnival’s XL Class. At full capacity, the Carnival Celebration holds 8,375 passengers. That includes 6,630 cruise vacationers and 1,745 staff members. The Carnival Celebration total number of staterooms is 2,641.

• Cruise Line : Carnival
• Gross Tonnage : 183,900 GT
• Max Speed : 26 mph (23 knots)
• Years Served : Future (2022)
• Capacity : 6,630 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,745
• Total on Board : 8,375
• Total Staterooms : 2,641 cabins
• Flagged Country : Panama
• Ship Cost : $1,000 Million

To see how this compares to all Carnival ships, click here: Carnival Celebration Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Carnival Celebration Deck Plans .

#10 - Carnival Mardi Gras Ship Size

The Carnival Mardi Gras has a construction date of 2020 and a total size of 183,900 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet (344 meters) in length and falls in line as number 10 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Carnival’s XL Class. At full capacity, the Carnival Mardi Gras holds 8,375 passengers. That includes 6,630 cruise vacationers and 1,745 staff members. The Carnival Mardi Gras total number of staterooms is 2,641.

• Years Served : 2020–Present

To see how this compares to all Carnival ships, click here: Carnival Mardi Gras Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Carnival Mardi Gras Deck Plans .

#11 - AIDAnova Ship Size

The AIDAnova has a construction date of 2018 and a total size of 183,900 gross tons. The ship measures 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and falls in line as number 11 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in AIDA’s Class. At full capacity, the AIDAnova holds 8,300 passengers. That includes 6,654 cruise vacationers and 1,646 staff members. The AIDAnova total number of staterooms is 2,626.

• Cruise Line : AIDA
• Years Served : 2018 - Present
• Capacity : 6,654 passengers
• Total on Board : 8,300
• Total Staterooms : 2,626 cabins

To see how this compares to all AIDA ships, click here: AIDAnova Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. AIDAnova Deck Plans .

#12 - Costa Toscana Ship Size

The Costa Toscana has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 183,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and falls in line as number 12 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Costa’s Excelence Class. At full capacity, the Costa Toscana holds 7,000 passengers. That includes 5,322 cruise vacationers and 1,678 staff members. The Costa Toscana total number of staterooms is 2,661.

• Gross Tonnage : 183,000 GT
• Year Built : 2021
• Years Served : Future (2021)
• Capacity : 5,322 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,678
• Total on Board : 7,000
• Total Staterooms : 2,661 cabins
• Ship Cost : $780 Million

To see how this compares to all Costa ships, click here: Costa Toscana Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Costa Toscana Deck Plans .

#13 - MSC Grandiosa Ship Size

The MSC Grandiosa has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 181,541 gross tons. The ship measures 1,087 feet (331 meters) in length and falls in line as number 13 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Plus Class. At full capacity, the MSC Grandiosa holds 8,038 passengers. That includes 6,334 cruise vacationers and 1,704 staff members. The MSC Grandiosa total number of staterooms is 2,421.

• Gross Tonnage : 181,541 GT
• Ship Length : 1,087 feet (331 meters)
• Beam : 141 feet (43 meters)
• Capacity : 6,334 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,704
• Total on Board : 8,038
• Total Staterooms : 2,421 cabins
• Flagged Country : Malta

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Grandiosa Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Grandiosa Deck Plans .

#14 - MSC Virtuosa Ship Size

The MSC Virtuosa has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 181,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,087 feet (331 meters) in length and falls in line as number 14 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Class. At full capacity, the MSC Virtuosa holds 8,038 passengers. That includes 6,334 cruise vacationers and 1,704 staff members. The MSC Virtuosa total number of staterooms is 2,421.

• Gross Tonnage : 181,000 GT
• Ship Cost : $937 Million

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Virtuosa Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Virtuosa Deck Plans .

#15 - MSC Meraviglia Ship Size

The MSC Meraviglia has a construction date of 2017 and a total size of 171,598 gross tons. The ship measures 1,036 feet (316 meters) in length and falls in line as number 15 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Class. At full capacity, the MSC Meraviglia holds 7,250 passengers. That includes 5,714 cruise vacationers and 1,536 staff members. The MSC Meraviglia total number of staterooms is 2,244.

• Gross Tonnage : 171,598 GT
• Ship Length : 1,036 feet (316 meters)
• Year Built : 2017
• Years Served : 2017 - Present
• Capacity : 5,714 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,536
• Total on Board : 7,250
• Total Staterooms : 2,244 cabins

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Meraviglia Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Meraviglia Deck Plans .

#16 - MSC Bellissima Ship Size

The MSC Bellissima has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 171,598 gross tons. The ship measures 1,036 feet (316 meters) in length and falls in line as number 16 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Class. At full capacity, the MSC Bellissima holds 7,222 passengers. That includes 5,686 cruise vacationers and 1,536 staff members. The MSC Bellissima total number of staterooms is 2,217.

• Capacity : 5,686 passengers
• Total on Board : 7,222
• Total Staterooms : 2,217 cabins

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Bellissima Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Bellissima Deck Plans .

#17 - MSC Seascape Ship Size

The MSC Seascape has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 169,500 gross tons. The ship measures 1,112 feet (339 meters) in length and falls in line as number 17 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Seaside Class. At full capacity, the MSC Seascape holds 7,525 passengers. That includes 5,877 cruise vacationers and 1,648 staff members. The MSC Seascape total number of staterooms is 2,270.

• Gross Tonnage : 169,500 GT
• Ship Length : 1,112 feet (339 meters)
• Beam : 135 feet (41 meters)
• Draft : feet (0 meters)
• Capacity : 5,877 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,648
• Total on Board : 7,525
• Total Staterooms : 2,270 cabins

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Seascape Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Seascape Deck Plans .

#18 - Odyssey of the Seas Ship Size

The Odyssey of the Seas has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 169,379 gross tons. The ship measures 1,139 feet (347 meters) in length and falls in line as number 18 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-Ultra Class. At full capacity, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,835 passengers. That includes 4,284 cruise vacationers and 1,551 staff members. The Odyssey of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,098.

• Gross Tonnage : 169,379 GT
• Ship Length : 1,139 feet (347 meters)
• Capacity : 4,284 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,551
• Total on Board : 5,835
• Total Staterooms : 2,098 cabins
• Ship Cost : $940 Million

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Odyssey of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Odyssey of the Seas Deck Plans .

#19 - Norwegian Encore Ship Size

The Norwegian Encore has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 169,116 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 19 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Encore holds 5,733 passengers. That includes 3,998 cruise vacationers and 1,735 staff members. The Norwegian Encore total number of staterooms is 2,040.

• Cruise Line : Norwegian
• Gross Tonnage : 169,116 GT
• Ship Length : 1,094 feet (333 meters)
• Beam : 136 feet (41 meters)
• Years Served : 2019-present
• Capacity : 3,998 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,735
• Total on Board : 5,733
• Total Staterooms : 2,040 cabins
• Ship Cost : $920 Million

To see how this compares to all Norwegian ships, click here: Norwegian Encore Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Norwegian Encore Deck Plans .

#20 - Spectrum of the Seas Ship Size

The Spectrum of the Seas has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 168,800 gross tons. The ship measures 1,139 feet (347 meters) in length and falls in line as number 20 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-Ultra Class. At full capacity, the Spectrum of the Seas holds 5,480 passengers. That includes 4,180 cruise vacationers and 1,300 staff members. The Spectrum of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,098.

• Gross Tonnage : 168,800 GT
• Years Served : 2019-Present
• Capacity : 4,180 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,300
• Total on Board : 5,480

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Spectrum of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Spectrum of the Seas Deck Plans .

#21 - Ovation of the Seas Ship Size

The Ovation of the Seas has a construction date of 2016 and a total size of 168,666 gross tons. The ship measures 1,142 feet (348 meters) in length and falls in line as number 21 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. At full capacity, the Ovation of the Seas holds 5,480 passengers. That includes 4,180 cruise vacationers and 1,300 staff members. The Ovation of the Seas total number of staterooms is 1,918.

• Gross Tonnage : 168,666 GT
• Ship Length : 1,142 feet (348 meters)
• Beam : 134 feet (41 meters)
• Years Served : 2016 - Present
• Total Staterooms : 1,918 cabins
• Ship Cost : $1,100 Million

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Ovation of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Ovation of the Seas Deck Plans .

#22 - Quantum of the Seas Ship Size

The Quantum of the Seas has a construction date of 2014 and a total size of 168,666 gross tons. The ship measures 1,142 feet (348 meters) in length and falls in line as number 22 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. At full capacity, the Quantum of the Seas holds 5,660 passengers. That includes 4,160 cruise vacationers and 1,500 staff members. The Quantum of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,090.

• Year Built : 2014
• Years Served : 2014-Present
• Capacity : 4,160 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,500
• Total on Board : 5,660
• Total Staterooms : 2,090 cabins

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Quantum of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Quantum of the Seas Deck Plans .

#23 - Anthem of the Seas Ship Size

The Anthem of the Seas has a construction date of 2015 and a total size of 168,666 gross tons. The ship measures 1,142 feet (348 meters) in length and falls in line as number 23 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. At full capacity, the Anthem of the Seas holds 5,654 passengers. That includes 4,154 cruise vacationers and 1,500 staff members. The Anthem of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,095.

• Year Built : 2015
• Years Served : 2015-Present
• Capacity : 4,154 passengers
• Total on Board : 5,654
• Total Staterooms : 2,095 cabins

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Anthem of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Anthem of the Seas Deck Plans .

#24 - Norwegian Bliss Ship Size

The Norwegian Bliss has a construction date of 2018 and a total size of 168,028 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 24 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Bliss holds 5,720 passengers. That includes 4,004 cruise vacationers and 1,716 staff members. The Norwegian Bliss total number of staterooms is 2,220.

• Gross Tonnage : 168,028 GT
• Years Served : 2018-present
• Capacity : 4,004 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,716
• Total on Board : 5,720
• Total Staterooms : 2,220 cabins

To see how this compares to all Norwegian ships, click here: Norwegian Bliss Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans .

#25 - Norwegian Joy Ship Size

The Norwegian Joy has a construction date of 2017 and a total size of 167,725 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 25 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Joy holds 5,625 passengers. That includes 3,804 cruise vacationers and 1,821 staff members. The Norwegian Joy total number of staterooms is 1,926.

• Gross Tonnage : 167,725 GT
• Years Served : 2017-present
• Capacity : 3,804 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,821
• Total on Board : 5,625
• Total Staterooms : 1,926 cabins

To see how this compares to all Norwegian ships, click here: Norwegian Joy Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Norwegian Joy Deck Plans .

#26 - Norwegian Escape Ship Size

The Norwegian Escape has a construction date of 2015 and a total size of 165,157 gross tons. The ship measures 1,069 feet (326 meters) in length and falls in line as number 26 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Escape holds 5,999 passengers. That includes 4,266 cruise vacationers and 1,733 staff members. The Norwegian Escape total number of staterooms is 2,092.

• Gross Tonnage : 165,157 GT
• Ship Length : 1,069 feet (326 meters)
• Years Served : 2015-present
• Capacity : 4,266 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,733
• Total on Board : 5,999
• Total Staterooms : 2,092 cabins

To see how this compares to all Norwegian ships, click here: Norwegian Escape Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Norwegian Escape Deck Plans .

#27 - Norwegian Epic Ship Size

The Norwegian Epic has a construction date of 2010 and a total size of 155,873 gross tons. The ship measures 1,081 feet (329 meters) in length and falls in line as number 27 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Norwegian’s Epic Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Epic holds 5,824 passengers. That includes 4,100 cruise vacationers and 1,724 staff members. The Norwegian Epic total number of staterooms is 2,122.

• Gross Tonnage : 155,873 GT
• Ship Length : 1,081 feet (329 meters)
• Beam : 171 feet (52 meters)
• Years Served : 2010-present
• Capacity : 4,100 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,724
• Total on Board : 5,824
• Total Staterooms : 2,122 cabins
• Ship Cost : $1,200 Million

To see how this compares to all Norwegian ships, click here: Norwegian Epic Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Norwegian Epic Deck Plans .

#28 - Freedom of the Seas Ship Size

The Freedom of the Seas has a construction date of 2006 and a total size of 154,407 gross tons. The ship measures 1,112 feet (339 meters) in length and falls in line as number 28 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class. At full capacity, the Freedom of the Seas holds 5,142 passengers. That includes 3,782 cruise vacationers and 1,360 staff members. The Freedom of the Seas total number of staterooms is 1,946.

• Gross Tonnage : 154,407 GT
• Beam : 128 feet (39 meters)
• Year Built : 2006
• Years Served : 2006-Present
• Capacity : 3,782 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,360
• Total on Board : 5,142
• Total Staterooms : 1,946 cabins
• Ship Cost : $800 Million

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Freedom of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Freedom of the Seas Deck Plans .

#29 - Independence of the Seas Ship Size

The Independence of the Seas has a construction date of 2008 and a total size of 154,407 gross tons. The ship measures 1,112 feet (339 meters) in length and falls in line as number 29 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class. At full capacity, the Independence of the Seas holds 5,008 passengers. That includes 3,648 cruise vacationers and 1,360 staff members. The Independence of the Seas total number of staterooms is 1,667.

• Beam : 127 feet (39 meters)
• Year Built : 2008
• Years Served : 2008-Present
• Capacity : 3,648 passengers
• Total on Board : 5,008
• Total Staterooms : 1,667 cabins
• Ship Cost : $830 Million

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Independence of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Independence of the Seas Deck Plans .

#30 - Liberty of the Seas Ship Size

The Liberty of the Seas has a construction date of 2007 and a total size of 154,407 gross tons. The ship measures 1,112 feet (339 meters) in length and falls in line as number 30 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class. At full capacity, the Liberty of the Seas holds 5,008 passengers. That includes 3,648 cruise vacationers and 1,360 staff members. The Liberty of the Seas total number of staterooms is 1,636.

• Year Built : 2007
• Years Served : 2007-Present
• Total Staterooms : 1,636 cabins

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Liberty of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Liberty of the Seas Deck Plans .

If you like big ships, we hope that there's a satisfying option in the list above.

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about the largest cruise ships in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest cruise ship in the world? Today, the largest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. It's also the biggest cruise ship ever built. The Oasis Class ship is 228,081 gross tons and spans 1,188 feet in length. The vessel has 2,745 cabins with a capacity of 5,518 passengers. See our chart above for more stats and fun facts about the Symphony of the Seas.

How many passengers does the largest cruise ship hold? The Symphony of the Seas has a maximum guest capacity of 5,518. The vessel also houses roughly 2,200 crew members. The total passenger capacity of this ship is 7,718 people on board during operation.

Where are the biggest cruise ships? Due to port restrictions, the biggest ships typically operate in the Caribbean. The region offers the most port destinations able to accommodate these huge vessels.

Who owns the biggest cruise ship? Royal Caribbean dominates the leader board when it comes to size. The brand has 10 of the 20 biggest ships in operation.

What is Carnival Cruise Line's biggest ship? The Carnival Mardi Gras is the cruise line's biggest. It measure 183,900 gross tons and spans 1,130 feet (344 meter) in length. Of our list of 20 biggest ships, the Mardi Gras ranks 9th.

We hope that the above is extremely helpful in answering, what are the largest cruise ships in the world?

If you enjoyed this, feel free to check out our post, How much does a cruise ship cost to build? .

Please use the "Share" buttons below to help other cruise fans find this sizing info!

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Today’s cruise lines are building bigger and better cruise ships regularly. These floating cities are now reaching unimaginable sizes and offering guests incredible amenities.

The Biggest Cruise Ships in the World

Cruise Addicts has rounded up and listed the worlds top ten biggest cruise ships in the world by gross tonnage (which is a measure of volume, and not weight). You will also find some other useful information and statistics to show incredible size these floating resorts have to offer guests.

When she is completed Icon of the Seas (shown above) will be joining our list when she enters service in January 27, 2024. She will then take her place as the largest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tonnage.

What’s the Largest Cruise Ship in the World?

Currently the largest cruise ship in the World is Wonder of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International. She is an incredible 235,600 gross tones and is part of the popular Oasis Class and can hold a total of 7,084 passengers.

Keep in mind that this list of biggest cruise ships in the world changes annually as cruise lines regularly updating their fleets. Take a look at our list of the biggest cruise ships in the list below.

1.  Wonder of the Seas  (Royal Caribbean)

Wonder of the Seas  is the fifth ship in the popular  Oasis Class  and is 235,600 GT’s. She carries   5,734 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 7,084. Wonder of the Seas is the first ship in the Oasis Class to feature 8 neighborhoods with the addition of the new  Suite Neighborhood . She also received other design enhancements to the Windjammer Café and other areas and is the first ship to include the popular restaurant,  The Mason Jar . The Godmother of the ship is Marie McCrea.

Wonder of the Seas  Stats

• Cruise Line:  Royal Caribbean
• Entered Service:  March 4, 2022
• Gross Tonnage:  235,600
• Length:  1,188 ft
• Decks:  18
• Staterooms:  2,867
• Passenger Capacity:  5,734 (Double) / 7,084 (Total)
• Crew Capacity:  2,204

2.  Symphony of the Seas  (Royal Caribbean)

Symphony  of the Seas   is the fourth ship in the Oasis Class and is 228,081 GT’s. She carries 5,518 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 6,680. The 18 deck ship ship includes 7 neighborhoods and the Ultimate Family Suite. You can also take a ride of the Ultimate Abysss, which is a 10-story dry slide. The GodFamily of the ship are the PeneVegas family which includes Alexa, Carlos and Ocean.

Symphony of the Seas Stats

• Entered Service:  April 7, 2018
• Gross Tonnage:  228,081
• Staterooms:  2,759
• Passenger Capacity:  5,518 (Double) / 6,680 (Total)
• Crew Capacity:  2,200

3.  Harmony of the Seas  (Royal Caribbean)

Harmony  of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Oasis Class  and is 226,963 GT’s. She carries   5,479 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,687. The 18 deck ship took her maiden  voyage  on May 29, 2016. Her Godmother is Brittany Affolter.

Harmony of the Seas Stats

• Entered Service:  May 29, 2016
• Gross Tonnage:  226,963
• Decks: 18
• Staterooms:  2,747
• Passenger Capacity:  5,479 (Double) / 6,687 (Total)

4.  Oasis of the Seas  (Royal Caribbean)

The revolutionary  Oasis   of the Seas  is the first ship in the Oasis Class and is 226,838 GT’s. She carries   5,602 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,771. The ship features 7 different neighborhoods and highlights like the Portside BBQ, Ultimate Panoramic Suite, Music Hall, Ultimate Abyss (10-story dry slide), The Perfect Storm waterpark and more. Her Godmothers are Gloria Estefan, Michelle Kwan, Dara Torres, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Shawn Johnson, Jane Seymour and Daisy Fuentes.

Oasis of the Seas Stats

• Entered Service:  December 5, 2009
• Gross Tonnage:  226,838
• Length:  1,187 ft
• Staterooms:  2,801
• Passenger Capacity:  5,602 (Double) / 6,771 (Total)
• Crew Capacity:  2,300

5. Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Allure   of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Oasis Class  and is 225,282 GT’s. She carries   5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,826. The 18 deck ship took her maiden voyage on Dec 5, 2010. The ship features 7 different neighborhoods and highlights featuring a Central Park, Carousel, Zip Line ride and an Aquatheater. Her Godmother is  Princess  Fiona.

Allure of the Seas  Stats

• Entered Service:  December 5, 2010
• Gross Tonnage:  225,282
• Staterooms : 2,742
• Passenger Capacity: 5,496 (Double) / 6,826 (Total)
• Crew Capacity:  2,054 

6.  MSC World Europa  (MSC Cruises)

At 1,093 ft. long, 22 decks high and with 430,556 sq. ft. of public space,  MSC World Europa  is MSC Cruises’ longest ship in the fleet, but this space is not just for show. The increased size means that the ship will offer a variety of novel and engaging experiences to be enjoyed by one and all.

One of the key features of the completely reimagined ship is The Spiral – a striking architectural centerpiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks – the longest at sea! The sleek curves of the impressive stainless-steel slide make it a true work of art as well as a fun way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade.

MSC World Europa Stats

• Cruise Line:  MSC Cruises
• Entered Service:  December 2022
• Gross Tonnage:  215,863 tons
• Length: 1,093 feet
• Decks:  16
• Staterooms:2700
• Passenger Capacity:  5,400 (Double) / 6,762 (Total)

7. Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)

The LNG powered  Costa Smeralda  was built in 2019 and is one of the line’s Excellence Class ships .

Costa Smeralda Stats

• Cruise Line:  Costa Cruise Lines
• Entered Service:  2019
• Gross Tonnage:  185,010
• Length:  1,106 feet ft
• Decks:  20
• Staterooms:  2,614
• Passenger Capacity: 5,224 (TWO) / 6,554 (Max)
• Crew Capacity:  1,646

8.  Costa Toscana  (Costa Cruises)

Costa Toscana Stats

The LNG powered  Costa Toscana was built in 2022 and is one of the line’s Excellence Class ships.

• Entered Service:  March 2022
• Gross Tonnage: 1 82,700
• Length:  1,105 ft
• Decks:  19
• Staterooms:  2,663
• Passenger Capacity:  6,600 passengers
• Crew Capacity:  1,678

9. P&O Iona (P&O Cruises)

P&O Iona Stats

At 185,000 tonnes, 1131 feet in length with 16 guest decks, Iona is P&O Cruises second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology to date.

• Cruise Line:  P&O Cruises
• Entered Service:  August 2021
• Gross Tonnage: 184,700
• Length: 1,128 ft
• Decks:  15
• Passenger Capacity:   5,200 passengers
• Crew Capacity:  1,800

10.  P&O Arvia  (P&O Cruises)

At 185,000 tonnes, 1131 feet in length with 16 guest decks, P&O Arvia is P&O Cruises second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology to date. Arvia has an optimised hull design to minimise drag and is installed with the latest energy-efficient technology on board.

P&O Arvia Stats

• Entered Service: December 15, 2022
• Gross Tonnage:  185,000
• Passenger Capacity:  5,734

Looking Ahead at  Icon of the Seas

Join us as we take a special first look at  Icon of the Seas , the World’s next biggest cruise ship. Royal Caribbean International has revealed the highly anticipated  Icon of the Seas , the Icon of Vacations.

Arriving in late 2023 ahead of its January 2024 debut, the first  Icon Class  ship will be the travel industry’s first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation.

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Mississippi RIver's largest cruise ship ever debuts in June 2023

The largest cruise ship to ever sail on the Mississippi River is scheduled to set sail after June 2023.

Viking Mississippi is a large riverboat that boasts 5 decks .

The Viking River Cruises ship measures 450 ft (137 m) in length and 75 ft (23 m) in width. The vessel can accommodate 386 passengers in 193 staterooms (served by 148 staff/crew). The passenger staterooms provide the ultimate comfort and all have private step-out balconies (except 8x French Balcony cabins), King-sized double beds, minibars, and bathrooms with heated floors.

The ship has amenities aplenty for passengers. Some of these include a Sun Terrace with an Infinity Plunge Pool. Besides the luxurious infinity plunge pool, a vacationer can enjoy some alone time at the Bow, a sitting area at the front of the boat. 

Guests can also visit the Explorers’ Lounge and bar which offers 2-story panoramic views of the Mississippi. At River Cafe, they can order Norwegian delicacies/American dinners.

This river cruise ship offers 4 itineraries from 8–15 days. Some of the guided tours/excursions are also included.

There are several places to visit on the Mississippi. Some common activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and camping by the river.

These Are the Five Largest Ships Cruising in the Mediterranean in 2023

• July 24, 2023

The Mediterranean is seeing record-breaking cruise capacity in 2023, with over 170 vessels sailing in the region throughout the year according to the 2023 Cruise Industry News Annual Report .

With its growing popularity, the European region has also been attracting some of the world’s largest cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and MSC Cruises’ new MSC World Europa.

Using data from the  Global Cruise Ship Index  by Cruise Industry News , we have compiled a list of the five biggest cruise vessels sailing in the Mediterranean this year:

Symphony of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Year Built: 2018 Capacity:  5,448 guests Tonnage:  227,625 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain) and Civitavecchia (Italy)

With 227,625 tons, the Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship sailing in the Mediterranean this year.

Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis Class, the 5,448-guest vessel is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean . Sailing from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the ship’s regular itinerary features visits to ports in Spain, Italy and France.

MSC World Europa Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Year Built: 2022 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  205,700 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Genoa, Messina and Naples (Italy); and Marseille (France)

After entering service for MSC Cruises in late 2022 as one of the world’s largest cruise ships, the MSC World Europa kicked off a year-round program in the Western Mediterranean in April .

Now offering week-long cruises to Spain, Italy, France and Malta, the 205,700-ton vessel is currently the second largest cruise ship sailing in the European inner sea.

AIDAcosma Cruise Line: AIDA Cruises Year Built: 2021 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  183,900 Homeports: Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona (Spain); and Civitavecchia (Italy)

Serving the German market, the AIDAcosma holds the third position in the ranking of largest cruise ships cruising in the Mediterranean in 2023.

Part of Carnival Corporation’s XL Clsas, the LNG-powered cruise ship offers a series of seven-night cruises to Spain, Italy and France through the end of the summer. Sailing from Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Civitavecchia, the itineraries feature visits to Ajaccio, La Spezia, Cagliari, Marseille and more.

Costa Toscana Cruise Line: Costa Cruises Year Built: 2021 Capacity:  5,224 guests Tonnage:  182,700 Homeports: Genoa, Cagliari and Civitavecchia (Italy); Marseille (France); and Barcelona (Spain)

Slightly smaller than the AIDAcosma, the Costa Toscana is presently the fourth biggest cruise ship sailing in the Mediterranean .

Part of Costa Cruises’ eight-ship summer program in the region , the 5,224-guest vessel is offering a series of weeklong cruises to Spain, France and Italy that sail to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Cagliari, Barcelona and Marseille.

Costa Smeralda Cruise Line: Costa Cruises

Year Built: 2019 Capacity:  5,224 guests Tonnage:  182,700 Homeports: Savona, Civitavecchia and Palermo (Italy); Barcelona (Spain); and Marseille (France)

The Costa Smeralda holds the fifth position in the ranking of largest cruise ships sailing in the Mediterranean in 2023.

Along with its sister ship, the Costa Toscana, the 182,700-ton vessel is offering a series of weeklong cruises in the Western Mediterranean this summer . S

ailing from several homeports, the ship’s regular itinerary includes visits to Palermo, Savona and Civitavecchia, in Italy; Barcelona and Ibiza, in Spain; and Marseille, in France.

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 2 largest cruise ships. They were shockingly similar for the $1,000 difference

• Royal Caribbean operates many of the cruise industry's biggest ships.
• Icon of the Seas  launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest.
• Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

In January, the highly anticipated vessel — complete with more than 40 bars and restaurants, a six-slide waterpark, and a waterfall — set sail, dethroning its less than two-year-old precursor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise ship.

Before its debut, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, had already repeatedly called Icon its "best-selling product" yet. The company experienced its largest booking day ever when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas more than a year before its launch, it said

Despite all of this fanfare, you might be surprised by how similar it is to its predecessor.

I've sailed on both ships. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Both ships stunt the size of their competitors.

Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022 as the then-world's largest cruise liner, measuring 235,600 gross-tons, 1,188 feet-long, and 18 decks-tall. The ship can accommodate up to 9,288 people, including 2,204 crew.

Icon of the Seas is, comparatively, 13,063 gross-tons heavier, eight feet longer, and two decks taller. It can sail up to 9,950 people, including 2,350 crew, although it's 52 feet less wide than its predecessor.

Both vessels feel more like amusement parks than traditional cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean invited me on complimentary, non-revenue sailings on both ships: two nights on Wonder in late 2022 and three nights on Icon in January.

I spent most of my time lost, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

It's no surprise both ships are operating weeklong itineraries this year. Any less, and you might not have time to experience all the activities and restaurants on your list.

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder and Icon have eight 'neighborhoods' that serve separate purposes.

The new ship shares three of Wonder of the Seas' neighborhoods : Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite.

Icon's other five — Thrill Island , Surfside, Hideaway, Chill Island, and AquaDome — are a first for the cruise line.

Many of the ships' amenities overlap, but in differing quantities.

Wonder has three waterslides. Icon has a six-slide waterpark complete with rafting and racing options.

Both have increasingly popular cruise amenities like decks-long dry slides, mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, and playgrounds.

But instead of Wonder of the Seas' zipline , Icon of the Seas has Crown's Edge, a thrilling agility course with a small zipline that leaves travelers dangling 154 feet above the ocean.

Wonder’s Boardwalk neighborhood was my go-to.

Boardwalk delivered exactly as it had promised: an open-air space grounded by wood-planked floors, a hot dog stand, a sweets store, and kitschy, colorful decor.

Icon of the Seas' Surfside , designed for families with young children, felt like its closest dupe.

Both neighborhoods had a carousel, an outdoor playground, and family-friendly dining. But Surfside was more toddler-friendly, as suggested by the children's water play area and nighttime story readings.

On to entertainment: Both mega-ships have ice skating performances and exciting multi-disciplinary shows at the AquaTheater.

But travelers who enjoy musicals at sea will want to stick to Icon.

Unlike its predecessor, the new ship shows a rendition of Broadway hit "The Wizard of Oz" — Munchkins, a puppet Toto, and a 16-piece live band included.

The layout of Icon's amenities were better than its cousin.

Some of Wonder of the Seas' enticing outdoor amenities — like the surf simulator, zipline, and mini-golf course — are clustered on the deck above and away from the pools and water slides.

This layout might be difficult for parents with children who bounce from one activity to the next. Wouldn't it be easier to have all of these outdoor extras near each other, or at least on the same deck, for parental supervision purposes?

This is where Icon of the Seas excelled: All its exciting open-air activities were adjacent.

The rows of pools flowed perfectly into Thrill Island's waterpark , rock climbing walls, mini-golf course, and Crown's Edge.

The best part? The adult-only Hideaway — which flexes an infinity pool club with a DJ — is right behind Thrill Island, creating a clear separation between parents and their children without being too far from each other.

'Free' options like the buffet and build-your-own tacos and burritos bar are available on both ships.

But you won't find the larger vessel's five-stall food hall or mini-golf-adjacent finger food stand on Wonder.

As expected, Icon of the Seas has more dining options than its predecessor, although there are some overlaps.

Wonder of the Seas has 11 bars and 21 dining venues (9 complimentary and 12 upcharged).

Icon of the Seas has eight more bars, four more complimentary restaurants, and three more specialty dining choices.

Nor will you find the new ship’s plush $200-a-person Empire Supper Club on any other cruise liner.

The multi-course dinner, paired with cocktails and live music, stunts the cost of either vessel's other dinner options.

But if you love Johnny Rockets, you’ll be disappointed by Icon of the Seas.

Restaurants like the popular burger chain and Southern comfort-inspired Mason Jar are only on Wonder of the Seas. Fine by me: My fried chicken at Mason Jar was as dry as a desert.

The younger ship doesn't have Wonder's robot bartender-armed bar either. It does, however, have new watering holes with dueling pianos and live jazz.

Surprisingly, Wonder of the Seas has 65 more cabins than its new cousin.

But several of Icon's 28 stateroom categories are a first for the cruise line.

This includes the new family infinite balcony cabin, which has a small bunk bed nook for children.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony stateroom on both ships.

My Wonder of the Seas' cabin was 20 square-feet smaller than the one on Icon. But my bathroom on the latter was so tiny, I accidentally elbowed the walls at almost every turn.

Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship doesn't mean you'll have the world's largest cabin after all.

Wonder and Icon are both operating seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean.

In 2024, Wonder of the Seas is scheduled for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , starting at $700 per person.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating nearly identical itineraries but from Miami instead. The cheapest 2024 option is $1,786 per person.

That's a difference of more than $125 per person per day.

"Bookings and pricing for Icon of the Seas can only be described as 'iconic,'" Naftali Holtz, the CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in February.

Icon of the Seas’ name speaks for itself.

If your family is looking for a jam-packed kid-friendly cruise with enough amenities to stay entertained for a week, both ships are a great option.

But if you're a seasoned mega-ship-cruiser looking to experience something new, Icon of the Seas is your best bet.

They may be similar, but no other behemoth cruise liner has a waterpark for children and a pool club for adults just dozens of feet from each other.

• Main content

The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

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Thinking about a cruise on a Carnival Cruise Line ship? You have a lot of options.

By the summer of 2024, Carnival will have 27 vessels in service — all currently available to book. That’s more ships than any other major cruise line except Royal Caribbean , which will have 28 vessels in service by the summer of 2024.

In general, Carnival ships are large but, aside from two exceptions, they’re not giants by today’s standards. Over the past two years, Carnival has begun operating its first two truly giant ships in years — the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton Carnival Celebration .

Other than these two ships, Carnival’s biggest vessel is the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia , which measures just 135,225 tons. That’s about 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean .

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Six of the 27 vessels Carnival will operate by the summer of 2024 measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost mid-size by today’s cruise ship standards.

This is a notable change for the brand from just a couple of decades ago. There was a time when Carnival operated some of the biggest cruise ships in the world. However, for many years, it has held back from following rivals such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises in building ever-bigger ships. Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration are now the only Carnival ships on the list of the world’s 50 biggest cruise vessels.

The arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration has marked a major turning point for the line. The two vessels rank 15th and 13th, respectively, on the list of the world’s largest cruise ships — the first Carnival ships to crack the Top 20 in quite a few years. They are 35% bigger than the line’s next-biggest ship. One more ship in the series — Carnival Jubilee — will arrive in late 2023.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line  

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options within the Carnival fleet is that the line’s ships can easily be bunched into just eight groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Each of these groups — known as “classes” in cruise industry lingo — is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time with the same basic design.

An introduction to Carnival Cruise Line ships

As mentioned above, Carnival’s ships can be broken down into eight distinct groups or classes. A key detail about Carnival ships is that there are a lot of similarities from class to class within the Carnival fleet.

Unlike Royal Caribbean and some other cruise lines, Carnival doesn’t always drastically change the design of its ships from class to class.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Instead, Carnival usually takes an incremental approach to design changes for its new classes of ships. You’ll find a lot in common between the Vista class and Dream class, for instance. These two classes aren’t all that different in feel from the earlier Splendor and Conquest classes of ships, though they are a bit bigger.

That said, Carnival is in the midst of a major change in its philosophy on ship design. Its new Excel-class vessels — which first debuted in 2021 with the arrival of Mardi Gras — are far bigger than its earlier ships. These ships also have a lot of new features and amenities (including the first-ever roller coaster on a cruise ship — and, no, we’re not making that up).

Related: The 4 new giants of the cruise world — and how to book them

For many years, Carnival steered clear of the big ship trends in the industry. Executives thought the ever-bigger vessels being deployed by such lines as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises were too big to make for an enjoyable cruise experience.

Now, Carnival is switching gears — no doubt because the giant ships unveiled by some other lines have been enormously popular with cruisers.

At Carnival, as at other lines, the biggest ships in the fleet have the most amenities, eateries, lounges, bars and deck-top attractions than the smaller ships. This can be a huge plus for travelers who like to have a lot of options when vacationing.

However, Carnival’s biggest ships also sail with more passengers, which can be a turnoff if you’re the kind of traveler who likes a more intimate experience.

In general, Carnival’s biggest and most amenity-packed ships are its newest ships. If you’re looking for a cruise experience with the most possible onboard activities and venues, you’ll want to steer toward the vessels in Carnival’s new Excel class and its relatively young Vista and Dream classes.

If cruising in a more intimate environment is your preference, you’ll want to look at some of Carnival’s older classes of ships including the Spirit and Fantasy classes.

The Carnival fleet is scheduled to grow over the next year with two more new vessels. As noted above, the line has ordered a third Excel-class ship (Carnival Jubilee) that will be ready to sail in December 2023.

In addition, the line will begin operating a ship currently in the fleet of its sister line Costa Cruises — Costa Firenze — in May 2024. It’ll be renamed Carnival Firenze and sail from Los Angeles.

Excel class

Ships in class: Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022) and Carnival Jubilee (coming December 2023).

Size: 181,808 to 183,521 tons.

If you’re in the “bigger is better” camp when it comes to cruise ships, this is the Carnival class for you.

At a bit over 180,000 tons, Carnival’s three new Excel-class vessels — one of which, Carnival Jubilee, is still under construction — are 35% bigger than the line’s next-biggest ships and offer more eateries, lounges, bars and deck-top attractions than any other ships in the Carnival fleet by far.

Designed to take Carnival’s “fun ship” shtick to a new level, the ships are so big that, as noted above, they have room for roller coasters on their top decks — a cruise industry first. They also have a far broader array of suites than earlier Carnival vessels.

Among the new dining venues on the ships are the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant at sea, as well as the first Big Chicken eatery at sea. (Big Chicken is a chain created by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, who also serves as a Carnival spokesperson.)

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival cruise

In addition to featuring a roller coaster, Mardi Gras was the first ship from a North America-based line designed to operate on liquefied natural gas. The fuel is touted as being cleaner than traditional ship fuel.

One caveat to keep in mind if you’re thinking of booking an Excel-class ship: They sail with a very large number of people. If being around crowds bothers you, these may not be the ships for you. The vessels are designed to hold a whopping 5,282 passengers at double occupancy. With every pullout sofa and pull-down bunk filled, they can hold up to 6,630 passengers.

Vista/Venezia class

Ships in class: Carnival Panorama (2019), Carnival Horizon (2018), Carnival Vista (2016), Carnival Venezia (2023) and Carnival Firenze (coming in 2024).

Size: 133,596 to 135,225 tons.

With the arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the Vista-class and Venezia-class ships (so similar that we have combined them into one entry) are no longer the biggest and most amenity-packed ships in the Carnival fleet. Still, they offer a lot of options when it comes to eateries, bars, lounges and deck-top attractions — more than you’ll find on most other Carnival vessels.

All four vessels in the Vista and Venezia classes have water parks with waterslides on their top decks, as well as miniature golf courses, ropes courses and multiple pool areas. They’re also known for their pedal-powered, suspended-in-the-air SkyRide attractions.

Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon, which officially are Vista-class ships, also have Imax theaters — the first in the cruise industry. Carnival Panorama, also a Vista-class ship, instead has the first trampoline park ever put on a cruise ship , in a partnership with Sky Zone.

There’s also a smorgasbord of restaurants, bars and lounges on all of the vessels. Among the many offerings on these ships are Carnival’s first breweries at sea (on all the vessels except Carnival Venezia, which is officially known as a Venezia-class ship and has a few notable differences).

On Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse offers beer brewed on-site along with barbecue dishes designed by the Food Network’s Guy Fieri. On Carnival Vista, there’s a stand-alone brewery and a separate barbecue venue.

Other eateries on the ships include casual, Guy Fieri-designed Guy’s Burger Joint, Chipotle-like burrito spot BlueIguana Cantina (on Carnival Venezia, this is called Tomodoro and also serves a few Italian items), sushi outlets and steakhouses. Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama also feature Italian eatery Cucina Del Capitano, as well as JiJi Asian Kitchen, while Carnival Venezia has an Italian restaurant called Il Viaggio.

Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Venezia also have teppanyaki restaurants, and all four ships have dedicated chef’s tables located within their galleys.

Related: Everything to know about Carnival cabins and suites  

Both the Vista-class and Venezia-class ships were built on the same basic design platform and are roughly the same size with similar layouts. But Carnival Venezia originally was built for Carnival’s Italy-based sister brand, Costa Cruises. As a result, it has a much stronger Italy theme and a few design differences. Still, enough is the same that for all practical purposes, it is a Vista-class ship in all but name. Hence our combining the two classes into one listing.

Related: Our thoughts after sailing on Carnival Venezia

The Vista-class ships were, notably, the first ships in the Carnival fleet to boast exclusive, keycard-restricted cabin areas — a trend that has been growing at many mass-market lines. There are two such areas on the three Vista-class ships: Havana Cabanas and Family Harbor, the latter of which is specifically geared toward families. Carnival Venezia has a keycard-restricted area called Terrazza Carnevale.

The water park area on Carnival Horizon is particularly alluring if you’re a Dr. Seuss fan. Unique among the water parks in the Carnival fleet, it has a Dr. Seuss theme. The water park area on Carnival Venezia also is notable as it has one more water slide than the water parks on the Vista-class ships.

All of these ships hold about 4,000 passengers each, based on double occupancy.

Note that one more Costa Cruises ship that is similar to Carnival Venezia (Costa Firenze) will be joining the Carnival fleet in 2024. It’ll be renamed Carnival Firenze.

Dream class

Ships in class: Carnival Breeze (2012), Carnival Magic (2011) and Carnival Dream (2009).

Size: 130,000 tons.

Carnival’s Dream-class ships are roughly the same size as its Vista-class ships, and the two classes have a lot in common. Still, there are a few key differences.

For starters, the Dream-class ships don’t have Imax theaters or trampoline parks. Both were innovations that debuted with the Vista-class ships. They also lack exclusive, keycard-restricted cabin areas and some of the eateries found on Vista-class ships.

Still, for the most part, if you’ve been on a Vista-class ship, you’ll immediately feel at home on a Dream-class ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival’s VIFP Club loyalty program

Dream-class ships share some of the same amenities as Vista-class ships. For instance, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic both feature ropes courses on their top decks while Carnival Breeze has a 4D “thrill theater.” These innovations first debuted on Dream-class ships.

Dream-class ships also offer water parks with waterslides on their top decks, miniature golf courses, sports courts for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools.

Interior venues on Dream-class ships include Punchliner comedy clubs, piano bars, casinos and showrooms for big production shows. The dining options are similar to what you’ll find on Vista-class ships; Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, steakhouses and the Italian eatery Cucina Del Capitano are included on all three vessels.

Two of the three ships — Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream — also have sushi eateries, while Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic have Carnival’s Caribbean-inspired watering hole, RedFrog Pub.

The ships in this class hold 3,646 to 3,690 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Splendor class

Ships in class: Carnival Splendor (2008).

Size: 113,300 tons.

Carnival Splendor is an outlier in the Carnival fleet — a ship that makes up a class all its own. That said, it has a lot in common with the ships of Carnival’s Conquest-class ships (see below).

Originally designed and ordered for Italy-based Costa Cruises — a sister brand to Carnival — the ship is actually a sister vessel to Costa’s four Concordia-class ships. It will be familiar to anyone who knows Carnival ships because the design of Costa’s Concordia class was based upon the design of Carnival’s Conquest class, and the two classes are very similar.

The main difference between Carnival Splendor and its Conquest-class cousins is that the former has an enlarged and redesigned top deck area. The structure around the main pool of the ship is noticeably different, with a retractable, sliding glass roof that you won’t find on the Conquest-class ships, as well as a water play area for kids. The ship also has a bigger spa area.

Other than that, though, Carnival Splendor is basically a variation of the Conquest-class ships. Size-wise, it’s just a few thousand tons bigger. It holds 3,012 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Conquest class

Ships in class: Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Valor (2004), Carnival Glory (2003) and Carnival Conquest (2002).

Size: 110,000 tons.

At 111,000 tons, the Conquest-class ships (and Carnival Splendor, noted above) are about 20% smaller than the newer Vista-class and Dream-class ships. As a result, they have somewhat fewer amenities.

Still, you’ll find a lot of the classic Carnival “fun ship” attractions on these vessels including water play areas with waterslides, miniature golf courses and adults-only Serenity deck-top retreat areas.

You’ll also find a solid array of eateries on each of the ships including a Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina burrito outlets and steakhouses.

In addition to being smaller than Vista-class and Dream-class ships, Conquest-class ships also sail with fewer passengers. All of the Conquest-class vessels hold just shy of 3,000 passengers at double occupancy — about 1,000 fewer passengers than the Vista-class ships.

That’s a noticeable difference if you’re the kind of vacationer who doesn’t like to be around giant crowds. For some Carnival fans, the smaller size of the Conquest class and Splendor class makes these ships appealing. Others prefer the added amenities that come with the bigger ships.

Spirit class

Ships in class: Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001) and Carnival Luminosa (2009).

Size: 88,500 tons.

Carnival Spirit-class ships are the adventurers of the Carnival fleet.

The vessels are built for “all-weather” cruising, with pools that can be covered by retractable domes when it’s cold and stormy. These are the ships that sail in places such as Alaska, where even in the summer it can be too chilly for sunning on an open pool deck.

These are also the ships that Carnival uses for winter sailings to the Caribbean from Baltimore, which can involve a day or two of cold and stormy sailing in the Atlantic.

In some recent years, Carnival has also deployed one of its Spirit-class ships across the Pacific to Australia — the most far-flung destination that it offers on its schedule.

In addition to having a weather-proof main pool area, the Spirit-class ships are great for far-flung destinations because of their relatively small size, which allows them to access smaller ports. At just 88,500 tons, they’re among the smallest ships in the Carnival fleet — less than half the size of Carnival’s new Excel-class vessels.

The Spirit-class ships are notably lower and sleeker than most other vessels in the Carnival fleet. Passing under relatively small bridges is not a problem for them. Unlike a lot of recently built cruise vessels, they also are thin enough in the middle that they can squeeze through the old locks of the Panama Canal.

The Spirit-class vessels also boast the largest percentage of balcony cabins and oceanview cabins in the Carnival fleet, which makes them perfect for a destination such as Alaska where being able to watch the scenery from your cabin is a big plus.

They’re also relatively intimate ships, holding just 2,124 passengers at double occupancy. By modern-day cruise ship standards, that makes them “mid-size” vessels.

Still, you can expect to find many of the same fun-focused features on Spirit-class ships that you’ll find on the line’s bigger vessels, including water parks with waterslides and miniature golf courses.

Spirit-class ships also have one of the most unique features in all of the cruising industry — special date-night restaurants that are incorporated into their funnels and feature translucent glass-dome ceilings.

Note that one of the Spirit-class ships, Carnival Luminosa, was originally built for Costa Cruises, a sister line to Carnival (it originally sailed under the name Costa Luminosa). The vessel was built to the same basic specifications as the four Spirit-class vessels built for Carnival in this class, although it is a tad bigger and can hold a few more passengers. It dates to 2009.

Sunshine class

Ships in class: Carnival Radiance (2000/2021), Carnival Sunrise (1999/2019) and Carnival Sunshine (1996/2013).

Size: 102,000 tons.

The Sunshine class (once known as the Destiny class) may be the most unusual class of ships in the Carnival fleet. On paper, the ships in this class are among the oldest vessels that Carnival operates. However, you also can make an argument that they are among the newest vessels in the line.

This is because each of the ships in this series has been almost completely gutted and rebuilt from the waterline up.

The makeovers of the ships, which began in 2013, were so thorough that Carnival has given each of the vessels a new name. Carnival Sunshine is what old-time Carnival fans will remember as Carnival Destiny. Carnival Sunrise is the former Carnival Triumph. Carnival Radiance is the ship that began life as Carnival Victory.

Carnival spent $200 million alone in 2019 overhauling Carnival Sunrise. In addition to sprucing up just about every space on the ship, the money was used to add classic Carnival attractions that the ship lacked. This included a full-blown water park, which replaced a single waterslide on one of its top decks.

Carnival Sunrise also received a SportSquare area on its top deck like the ones found on newer Carnival vessels. It has a ropes course, basketball court, miniature golf course, outdoor pool and ping-pong tables. Carnival didn’t end the deck-top changes there. It also found space for another signature Carnival offering that had been lacking: an adults-only Serenity outdoor lounge area with padded loungers, daybeds, a hot tub and a full bar.

In addition, Carnival Sunrise now has half a dozen new food and beverage venues including a version of Carnival’s signature steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555; Carnival’s signature Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano; and a Bonsai Express sushi outlet.

Related: Our take on Carnival’s revamped Carnival Sunrise  

The overhaul of Carnival Sunshine, which took place in 2013, brought similar changes, as well as a complete renovation of the ship’s pool area that incorporated a multideck waterfall.

Carnival Radiance, for its part, just emerged from its long-scheduled overhaul, which was delayed in late 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note that even after the makeovers, the ships still don’t have all the bells and whistles of Carnival’s truly new ships, such as Carnival Panorama. As noted above, Carnival’s newest ships are bigger than its older ships, allowing for more attractions, restaurants and lounges.

At around 102,000 tons, the Sunshine-class ships are more than 20% smaller than Carnival Panorama and more than 40% smaller than Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

The ships hold from 2,984 to 3,002 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Interestingly, these weren’t always considered smaller vessels. In fact, when the line first unveiled Carnival Sunshine in 1996 (back when it was called Carnival Destiny), it was the biggest cruise ship in the world. It also was the first cruise ship to surpass 100,000 tons.

Now, it doesn’t even crack the list of the 50 biggest cruise vessels.

Fantasy class

Ships in class: Carnival Paradise (1998) and Carnival Elation (1998).

Size: 70,000 tons.

Built in the 1990s, the Fantasy-class ships are Carnival’s oldest and smallest ships, and the line is in the process of phasing them out. Going into 2020, the line had eight of these vessels. It removed four of them from its fleet soon after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and this year it removed two more — Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy.

The two Fantasy-class ships that are left are mostly used in secondary ports — such as Jacksonville, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama — that might not be able to support bigger vessels.

Related: Why I’m sad to see Carnival retiree its smallest ship

While still much-beloved by Carnival fans, in part for their intimate size, these ships notably lack a large number of balcony cabins — the cabin type that everyone wants these days. Most of the cabins on these ships are ocean-view cabins that only offer a window or a porthole, or windowless inside cabins.

That said, the two remaining Fantasy-class ships have undergone renovations over the years to add more balcony cabins. Depending on the ship, there were between 98 and 150 new balconies added, including new suites.

The ships have relatively fewer amenities and venues than the newer and bigger Carnival ships. You won’t find giant water parks on these vessels as you would on newer Carnival ships. You will find multiple slides and a spray park for the kids, though. The dining options are also limited.

Still, for a lot of Carnival fans, these are fun ships.

Two vessels each hold around 2,100 passengers, based on double occupancy.

Bottom line

Carnival has quite a few different classes of ships, but the differences between many of them aren’t as big as the differences between classes at other lines.

You’ll find a lot of consistency from ship to ship in the Carnival fleet in the type of venues that you find on board. In recent years, Carnival has spent $2 billion overhauling many of its ships to create that consistency in onboard venues and amenities.

Vacationers looking for a big resort experience with a lot of options should choose one of Carnival’s newest ships, which are bigger and have more amenities. If you’re looking for more intimacy on a cruise ship, some of the older classes of ships, such as those in the Spirit class, might be just right.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Father of 20-year-old man who 'jumped off' cruise ship in front of family believes he's still alive

Levion parker has now been missing for more than a week, but his dad remains hopeful.

Emily Brown

The father of a 20-year-old man thought to have jumped overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has shared his belief that he's still alive.

Levion Parker, from North Port, Florida, has been missing since he disappeared from the Liberty of the Seas ship traveling between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island on April 4.

The former high school footballer is thought to have been drunk when he went overboard, according to one passenger who'd witnessed the incident.

Speaking to The New York Post, Bryan Sims said : “He was pretty drunk. As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.

“When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.”

It was around 4am when Parker went missing, and another passenger, Deborah Morrison, told the Post the crew was alerted 'immediately'.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Southeast division confirmed the launch of the search and rescue mission on April 4, saying: "#Breaking @USCG crews are searching for a 20-year-old man who went overboard from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship 57 miles from Great Inagua this morning. USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews are conducting the search."

Unfortunately, the search for Parker has so far proved unsuccessful, and on Tuesday (April 9), the US Coast Guard said it had called off its search for Parker.

A spokesperson for the US Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Team confirmed to UNILAD that the search had been 'suspended'.

One week on from Parker's disappearance, his father, Francel Parker, told the Daily Sun that he's still holding out hope for his son.

“As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him," he said. "I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God. I believe he is alive."

Francel also denied claims that he was arguing with Parker before he went overboard.

He recalled throwing six life rings off the ship in a bid to save his son, who he described as a skilled diver who works on a commercial fishing boat.

Royal Caribbean said it 'immediately' launched search boats to look for the passenger, though it wasn't until approximately 20 minutes after Parker went missing that the ship was able to come to a stop.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told LADbible Group: "Our hearts go out to the family, and we continue to offer them our support and assistance during this difficult time.

"Our policies strictly prohibit guests under the age of 21 from being served alcohol onboard."

Topics:  Royal Caribbean , US News

Emily Brown is UNILAD Editorial Lead at LADbible Group. She first began delivering news when she was just 11 years old - with a paper route - before graduating with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University. Emily joined UNILAD in 2018 to cover breaking news, trending stories and longer form features. She went on to become Community Desk Lead, commissioning and writing human interest stories from across the globe, before moving to the role of Editorial Lead. Emily now works alongside the UNILAD Editor to ensure the page delivers accurate, interesting and high quality content.

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Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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Heavy traffic congestion alert as cruise ships arrive in Cape Town

City of cape town officials warn commuters to expect delays.

The City of Cape Town has warned there will be heavy traffic congestion over the next three days due to incoming cruise ships, including one of the world’s largest ocean liners.

“While traffic congestion is a headache at the best of times, it is important to keep in mind that events such as these are a sign of economic prosperity that ultimately enhance quality of life for all our residents,” the city said.

“We are going to try to manage the traffic congestion, but if you are heading into town ... please choose your route wisely to avoid being stuck in traffic,” cautioned safety and security MMC JP Smith.

“A lot of passengers will be boarding. It is also bringing a lot of tourists. But what we need the most, it also brings a lot of jobs,” he added.

The Queen Victoria is due to dock on Thursday morning and depart on Friday evening. Its sister ship the Queen Mary 2 is due on Friday morning and departs on Saturday evening. The scheduled times are dependent on the weather.

Traffic officials plan to use CCTV cameras “to pinpoint the location and extent of vehicle queues throughout the day and activate appropriate signal timing plans to best manage the queues,” said the city’s head of urban mobility Rob Quintas.

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“Operators will be in constant contact with Cape Town traffic services and operations personnel at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Where appropriate, variable message signs of the Cape Town freeway management system will be used to alert motorists to areas of congestion on roadways.”

South African ports have seen a welcome increase in visiting ships due partly to security problems in the Red Sea that have forced some shipping companies to divert vessels around the Cape, rather than risk the shorter route through the Suez Canal.

The increase in marine traffic coincides with growth in the cruise sector, with 67 cruise ships counted in Cape Town so far this summer season — up from the average of 35-40 ships counted between 2016 and 2019.

“This is a sector of tourism that is deeply valuable for us, with research by Wesgro (travel and investment promotion agency) revealing that cruise tourism injected R1.2bn into the Western Cape economy between November 2022 and May 2023,” said the city’s head of economic growth James Vos.

“In addition, for every 30 arriving cruise passengers, the Western Cape cruise industry created one full-time job. This is worth bearing in mind when considering the thousands of passengers on board the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. The city will continue working closely with its partners to make Cape Town stand out on the global cruise travel map.”

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