Do you ever wonder what the World’s Biggest Cruise Ships are? Cruise lines are building larger, more luxurious and technologically advanced vessels every year. These floating cities are engineering wonders that can carry thousands of passengers and offer every form of entertainment, dining and relaxation.
People who have never cruised often think of elegant ocean liners from the past when they first hear about cruise ships. With their elegant silhouettes and formal dining areas, ships like the RMS Queen Mary and the SS United States evoke a feeling of nostalgia and romance. These classic liners, however, were small by today’s standards and typically under 50,000 gross tonnes, far less than today’s midsized cruise ships.
The size of a ship is no longer just a numerical value in the cruise industry. Some of the largest cruise ships can carry up to 10,000 passengers. These giants of the sea are designed not only for scale but for experience–featuring water parks, zip lines, robotic bartenders, roller coasters, and even entire neighbourhoods onboard. Take a look at the colossal ships that are changing what it means to cruise.
List of The World’s Biggest Cruise Ships.
1. Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship on the planet. This massive vessel, which weighs an incredible 248,663 tonnes, is 365 meters long (1,197 feet), and has a crew of 2,350. It was named on January 23, 2020. The ship has a capacity of 7,600 passengers with a staff of 2,350. It spans twenty decks. This offers a wide range of entertainment, dining and relaxation options.
Icon of the Seas was the first of Royal Caribbean’s Icon class. It represents a significant advance in cruise ship design, sustainability and technology. Icon was built by Meyer Turku in Finland and is the Royal Caribbean’s first ship to use liquefied gas (LNG). This marks a significant move towards cleaner energy for the cruise industry. The ship is powered by six Wartsila Dual-Fuel Engines (3 14V46DF, 3 12V46DF), generating 67.5 Megawatts. The vessel is propelled by three Azipod thrusters as well as five Wartsila Wartsila 4.8-megawatt bow thrusters.
Icon of the Seas has 2,805 luxurious cabins in 28 categories. It also features innovative family-friendly layouts that can accommodate groups of 3, 4, or more. It is Royal Caribbean’s eco-conscious ship, powered with liquefied gas (LNG), and equipped with Shore Power capabilities. This offers a more sustainable cruise experience. Guests will enjoy a wide range of dining and entertainment options, including Izumi and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Other popular restaurants include Park Cafe, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Boleros.
2. Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean launched Symphony of the Seas in 2003 as the largest cruise ship until March 2022, when Wonder of the Seas surpassed it. Symphony’s real goal wasn’t to be the largest cruise ship in the world. It was to be the ultimate family cruise ship. And by all accounts, it succeeded. Families are spoilt for choice with a huge array of options. This includes dining, shows, activities and cabins. Even those who choose the basic accommodations and amenities will still enjoy a high level of quality, comfort and service during their cruise.
Symphony of the Seas is a massive ship, but it avoids the negative aspects of mega-ships. It features the same neighbourhood concept as its Oasis sisters. This includes Central Park and Entertainment Place. The thoughtful design, clear signs, and smooth passenger flow ensure that guests never feel lost or overwhelmed. The environmental impact was also carefully considered. Through the Save the Waves program, Symphony operates as a zero-to-landfill vessel, is 25 per cent more energy-efficient than Allure of the Seas and has banned plastic straws. Royal Caribbean is committed to innovation, sustainability and providing a high-quality experience at sea.
3. Harmony of the Seas
In 2016, Harmony of the Seas was launched. It became the third ship of Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Oasis class and, for a while, the largest cruise vessel in the world. She was slightly larger than her sister ships, with a Gross Tonnage of 226,963GT, and a length of 362 meters (1188 feet). She can accommodate 6,780 passengers and 2300 crew members on 18 decks.
The ship was built by the Saint-Nazaire shipyard following Royal Caribbean’s December 2012 order. order. The first steel was cut in September 2013, and the keel was laid in May 2014. This marked the beginning of the complex assembly. Harmony is powered by three Wartsila 16.9-megawatt engines and three Wartsila 12-cylinder engines. The propulsion system also includes four Wartsila Tunnel Thrusters. She cruises at a comfortable speed of 23 knots.
Harmony of the Seas made her debut with a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona in June 2016, introducing her guests to the impressive offerings she offers. The ship offers a variety of activities for families, couples and thrill seekers. From Ultimate Abyss water slides to multideck waterslides, Broadway performances, and diverse restaurants. She operates mainly from her Galveston, Texas, homeport and offers a Western Caribbean itinerary.
4. MSC World Europa
MSC Cruises launched the MSC World Europa in December 2020. This ship is the largest and most ambitious that MSC Cruises has ever built. It can accommodate nearly 7,500 passengers. It’s more than a floating hotel; it is a modern wonder packed with entertainment, innovation, and sustainable technologies. Onboard guests can enjoy 33 restaurants and bars and immersive experiences such as a Formula 1 Simulator. Venom Drop is the world’s highest dry slide at sea and spirals down eleven decks. The ship is a floating town with a variety of attractions for families, couples and adventurers.
MSC World Europa is more than just a ship of scale. It marks the beginning of a new age in sustainable cruising. This is the first MSC vessel powered by LNG. It is a cleaner alternative than traditional marine fuels that reduces CO2 emissions, but methane remains a concern. MSC still looks ahead. The ship is a test platform for next-generation technology. This includes an Electrochemical Fuel Cell System, which is 25-30% efficient than combustion engines. It could be used to power the ship’s heating and electrical needs, with lower emissions. MSC World Europa is futuristically designed, from bow to stern. It also has a Y-shaped aft which opens to an outside promenade. This offers sweeping ocean views as well as more balcony cabins. The ship was designed for the future.
5. Costa Toscana
The Costa Toscana will be launched in 2021 and is one of the most environmentally friendly vessels in the Costa Cruises Fleet. She is a sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and shares many features with her, such as LNG propulsion, which reduces air pollution and CO2 emissions compared to conventional marine fuel. The ship was built at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland and measures 1106 feet. It weighs 186.364 gross tons. The ship can accommodate up to 6,338 guests and 1,568 crew members on her twenty decks. She offers a modern and vibrant cruise experience that is inspired by Italy’s culture, art and cuisine.
Costa Toscana is powered by four MaK Caterpillar engines and achieves a comfortable cruise speed of 17 knots with her two ABB Azipod power units. The ship’s interiors were designed by Adam D. Tihany and are a tribute to Tuscany. They reflect the iconic landscapes, style, and architecture of the region. It has more than a dozen restaurants, multiple pools, an expansive spa and wellness area, and even a museum-like area that celebrates Italian design. Costa Toscana’s main itineraries are in the Mediterranean. However, she has also visited more distant destinations such as Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. This makes her an impressive flagship for Costa.
6. Arvia Cruise Ship
Arvia, the newest addition to the P&O Cruises family, offers a new take on modern cruises that appeals to couples, families and multi-generational travellers alike. Arvia, also known as the “Sunshine Ship”, was built for warm-weather cruises. It spends winters in the Caribbean and summers on the Mediterranean. Arvia, the sister ship of Iona, launched in 2021, shares a similar design with its 5,200 passenger capacity. However, it also introduces several innovative features that make it more than just a replica.
Arvia brings exciting new features to P&O Cruises. These include its first high-ropes course and mini-golf, as well as swim-up bars, all part of an enhanced adventure deck. The wake-pool can be crowded. However, the retractable Sky Dome provides more outdoor space as well as a second swimming pool. The Grand Atrium was redesigned to have a lighter, more open feel. Three-story glass walls offer panoramic views of the sea. Onboard, you can enjoy the first rum distillery at sea as well as new dining options like 6th Street Diner or Green & Co.. There is also an escape room with a submarine theme. The Arvia is a bold and innovative step for the fleet.
AIDAcosma, launched in 2022, is one of AIDA’s newest, most technologically advanced ships. It is also a sister ship to AIDAnova. The Helios class includes both vessels, which represent a major step forward for environmentally-conscious cruising. AIDAcosma is a cutting-edge German vessel, built by the renowned Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with additional components made at Neptun Werft and Rostock. AIDAcosma was christened on the first day of its maiden voyage by two-time Olympic track cyclist Kristina Vogt. She also serves as godmother.
AIDAcosma was designed for a broad audience, but it is particularly well-suited to families and multiple-generational travellers. There are many family-friendly amenities on board, such as water play areas and kids’ clubs. The ship has 20 decks, a passenger capacity of over 6,600 and offers a variety of amenities for all ages. From wellness spas to infinity pools and themed restaurants to immersive entertainment. AIDAcosma uses LNG to reduce emissions, as part of AIDA’s commitment to sustainable cruise. AIDAcosma’s onboard systems have been designed to reduce waste and energy consumption. This reflects the line’s commitment to environmental stewardship. AIDAcosma is a ship that combines eco-conscious technology with fun for families.
8. Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda, the first LNG-powered ship of the Costa Cruises Fleet and the only one in service globally, is a milestone in sustainable cruising. This Excellence-class vessel, which measures 337 meters (1.106 feet) and weighs 185,010 tonnes gross, can accommodate up to 6,554 guests and 1,646 staff on 20 decks. Construction began in 2017 at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland with Meyer Werft Papenburg. The ship was launched in December 2019 after the official launch.
Costa Smeralda is powered by four Caterpillar 16VM46DF engines. This reduces emissions and promotes cleaner travel on the sea. She cruises at 21.5 knots and is a familiar sight in the Mediterranean. Departing from Savona, she explores Europe’s cultural coasts. Costa Smeralda is a pioneer in responsible cruising with its eco-friendly design and luxurious amenities.
9. Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, is one of the world’s most iconic cruise ships. Launched in 2010 after two years of construction at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland, she measures 362 meters (1,187 feet) and weighs 225,282 gross tonnes, just 50 millimetres longer than her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas. Though the size difference was unintentional, it earned Allure the title of the world’s largest cruise ship at the time. With 18 decks, she can host up to 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew, offering a spacious and innovative cruise experience for all types of travellers.
The yacht is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth propellers and powered by six Wartsila 42 diesel engines, which generate a total of 130,053 horsepower. This allows her to cruise at a speed of 22 knots. Inside the ship, Allure is divided into “neighbourhoods” such as Central Park, Boardwalk and Entertainment Place. There are also a variety of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, a zipline, surf simulators and dozens of restaurants and bars. Allure of the Seas currently has its homeport in Galveston, Texas and sails to sun-drenched locations in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico. She will return to Europe in 2025 for Mediterranean cruises, allowing travellers to experience cultural hotspots and enjoy the luxury of one of the most celebrated cruise ships.
10. Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas was not just another cruise ship when she debuted in 2009.. She was a revolutionary. She was the largest cruise ship at the time with a Gross Tonnage of 226.838 GT. Her length was 360 meters (1,181 ft). The ship was built over two years in Finland at the Meyer Turku Shipyard. Her keel lay in November 2007, and she arrived in her first homeport, Port Everglades in Florida, by November 2009. She set new standards for size, engineering and onboard experience.
Oasis of the Seas’ impressive power is provided by eight Wartsila diesel engines. Each engine produces 5.6 Megawatts (7.500 horsepower). Four bow thrusters are used for maneuverability. The main propulsion of the ship is three electric Azipod Motors. These motors produce a combined propulsion output of 82 megawatts. This allows for a cruise speed of 23 knots. The Oasis Class was built on the foundation of this engineering powerhouse.
Oasis Of The Seas sails primarily Caribbean cruises out of her U.S. ports, but she also ventures to Europe on Mediterranean Cruises. This gives guests the chance to visit iconic destinations aboard one of the greatest ships ever constructed. Oasis Of The Seas is a floating resort with its “neighbourhood concept”, open-air areas, Broadway-style shows, and a variety of dining options.
