biggest cruise ships in the world 2021

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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

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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
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• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance

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Full List: The 10 Current Largest Cruise Ships on the Planet

If you think cruise ships have gotten bigger, it’s not just your imagination. Whereas a ship built in the 1990s might hold 2,500 passengers and come in at around 75,000 gross tons (a measure of ship size), that’s nowhere near the ships built today.

Today, any new ship from a major line will be at least 140,000 gross tons, with many much larger than that. Passenger counts have also swelled, with many new ships carrying 5,000 cruisers when completely full.

But the largest cruise ships on the planet are in another league altogether. They can measure up to 250,000 gross tons (roughly triple the size of a ship built 30 years ago!) and when at full capacity with crew, have nearly 10,000 people onboard.

Why Are Cruise Ships So Big?

Truth be told, while the size of massive modern ships is staggering, not everyone likes the large ship experience. Some people can find them too crowded and too hard to navigate. But not everyone feels that way, and cruise lines have invested literally billions into building ships that are as large as possible. So what is the appeal of a mega ship?

Amenities/Activities: For passengers, the big advantage of size comes with everything that can be fit onto the ship. Instead of the old days where there was a pool, some loungers, and a buffet, modern mega ships are literal resorts at sea.

There are multiple pools, more than a dozen restaurants, casinos, ziplines, literal parks, ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, spas, and more bars than you can count on your fingers and toes.

All of that combines into an experience that can exceed expectations and keep passengers coming back for more.

Efficiencies of Scale: For cruise lines, one big positive about a larger ship are greater efficiencies. Instead of having the cost of building two smaller ships — and the costs of having two sets of crew to run them both — one larger ship offers the chance for just as many passengers at a lower cost.

Marketing: Finally, one overlooked aspect of why cruise ships are bigger than ever has to do with marketing and publicity. There’s a certain awe and interest that comes with the world’s largest ships. Seeing them in port is essentially a giant billboard for a cruise line. And the largest ships also get significant press due to their size. All of that can translate into more interest, ticket sales, and prices for the newest — and biggest — ships.

With that in mind, here is the current list of the world’s largest cruise ships as of now…

Icon of the Seas

When it comes to the largest ships, Royal Caribbean is the undisputed leader with the six biggest cruise ships in the world. But the king of the fleet — and the largest cruise ship in the world — is Icon of the Seas .

Icon of the Seas doesn’t sail with passengers until 2024, but it’s already made waves. It’s not just the massive size (250,800 gross tons and 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity), but what’s onboard. A full-fledged waterpark, seven different pools, and eight different neighborhoods offer a spot for everyone. This ship looks to change cruising forever.

• Gross Tonnage: 250,800
• Length: 1,198 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,610 double occupancy; 7,600 max capacity
• Year Built: 2023

Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is the latest edition of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships (until Utopia of the Seas arrives in 2024), which were the largest class in the world until the new Icon class took the torch. Still, it’s not as if Wonder of the Seas is a slouch.

At 235,600 gross tons, there’s room for 7,084 passengers and an amazing amount to see and do onboard. This includes Central Park, the mid-ship outdoor promenade that winds through lush gardens, and the AquaTheater, where performers put on aquatic shows, including towering high dives at sea.

• Gross Tonnage: 235,600
• Length: 1,188 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,734 double occupancy; 7,084 max capacity
• Year Built: 2022

Symphony of the Seas

Each iteration of Oasis-class ships has arrived just slightly larger than the previous when it comes to gross tonnage. That means they each had their time as the largest in the world before another arrived on the scene. In this case, Symphony of the Seas (228,000 gross tons and the ability to hold 6,680 passengers) took the crown in 2018.

Today, it’s the third-largest cruise ship on the planet, but it’s no slouch. It holds seven different neighborhoods, nearly 3,000 staterooms, three waterslides, and Ultimate Abyss — a 10-story dry slide.

• Gross Tonnage: 228,081
• Passenger Capacity: 5,518 double occupancy; 6,680 max capacity
• Year Built: 2018

Harmony of the Seas

Built in 2016, Harmony of the Seas features 18 decks, more than 225,000 gross tons (about 10% smaller than Icon of the Seas) and can carry nearly 6,700 passengers when completely full. That’s good enough to make it the fourth-largest cruise ship in the world.

It features many of the same components of other ships in the class, like the adults-only Solarium, Central Park, and the AquaTheater. That’s not to mention 17 different spots to grab a bite to eat.

• Gross Tonnage: 226,963
• Passenger Capacity: 5,479 double occupancy; 6,687 max capacity
• Year Built: 2016

Oasis of the Seas

The ship that started the trend of truly mega ships is also the namesake of the Oasis class — Oasis of the Seas. If you notice, most of the largest ships on our list were built recently. This ship first began sailing in 2009 and set off the “arms race” of larger ships that continues today.

Following a refurbishment, it now features three waterslides, a dozen lounges, 2,801 cabins (including one with a panoramic view right above the ship’s bridge), a splash pad for kids, and even an escape room themed like the 1960s NASA mission control. And did we mention 20 different places to find something to eat?

• Gross Tonnage: 226,838
• Length: 1,187 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,602 double occupancy; 6,771 max capacity
• Year Built: 2009

Allure of the Seas

Following a refurbishment of Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas — which was the second ship in the class and built in 2010 — is actually now the smallest of the group based on tonnage. Still, that’s good enough for sixth largest in the world at “just” 225,000 gross tons.

On the ship, you’ll find 18 decks, 2,748 staterooms and more than 6,800 passengers when completely full. That’s definitely a lot of people, but remember that you also have a lot more space to spread out, giving plenty of elbow room.

• Gross Tonnage: 225,282
• Passenger Capacity: 5,496 double occupancy; 6,826 max capacity
• Year Built: 2010

MSC World Europa

While Royal Caribbean has a lock on the largest ships, the title of largest cruise ship from outside that cruise line goes to MSC World Europa.

Coming in at almost 216,000 gross tons, it’s roughly 14% smaller than Icon of the Seas. But don’t think it’s some slouch. From bumper cars to seven pools to an 11-story slide, there’s no shortage of things for kids to do. Adults will love the 13 different dining options and an indoor promenade or Panorama Lounge for shopping, having a drink, or just relaxing.

This ship will be joined in 2025 by sister-ship MSC World America, set to sail stateside.

• Gross Tonnage: 215,863
• Length: 1,094 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,231 double occupancy; 6,762 max capacity

Costa Smeralda/Costa Toscana (Tie)

These two ships come in at a tie for the eighth-largest cruise ship in the world. Built in 2019 and 2021, respectively, they both belong to Costa Cruises. And if the shape of the ship looks familiar, that’s because Costa is a sister line to Carnival. A similar design is used for Carnival’s largest ships, Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. However, those ships come in just under the 185,000 gross tons seen with Smeralda and Toscana.

Both ships offer 13 pools and hot tubs, nearly a dozen restaurants and just under 20 bars and lounges. And if you like balcony views? There are 1,550 balcony rooms on each, providing plenty of options for the roughly 6,500 passengers that can sail at full capacity.

• Gross Tonnage: 185,010
• Length: 1,106 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,224 double occupancy; 6,554 max capacity
• Year Built: 2019/2021

P&O Arvia

Taking the crown as the 10th-largest cruise ship in the world is Arvia from P&O Cruises. Measuring just under 185,000 gross tons, it offer a similar design to ships like Costa Smeralda and Carnival Celebration, but don’t think these ships are all the same.

For instance, Arvia features a unique Skydome area that is a pool area with retractable roof by day and an entertainment venue by night. It also features its own rum distillery onboard, meaning you can take home rum literally made on the ship. Kids will love the Altitude zone that features a ropes course, mini-golf, and more. There’s also Mission Control, a submarine-themed escape room.

All told, a reported 6,685 passengers can enjoy the ship at one time.

• Gross Tonnage: 184,700
• Length: 1,130 feet
• Passenger Capacity: 5,200 double occupancy; 6,685 max capacity

More on Large Ships:

• The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Compared to Famous Places
• The World’s Largest Cruise Ships Sailing For Each Line (With Photos)
• Photos: See the New Icon of the Seas Sail for the First Time

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Largest Cruise Ships

See here the world's largest cruise ships list (including vessels under construction ) owned by the best cruise line companies . This article is also integrated with our ship dimensions , passenger capacity , and old cruise ships surveys.

CruiseMapper's list of biggest cruise ships includes all vessels with gross tonnage/volume over 150,000 GT-tons .

Each one of these behemoth ships is an engineering marvel produced by our contemporary age of fun and super technologies. Kudos to their builders and double kudos to their proud owners who have invested so much in these newbuild projects!

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) and redirect to the liner's itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy cabin rates).

The world's largest river cruise ship is Victoria Sabrina . The 2020-launched riverboat is China-built, owned by Victoria Cruises China and deployed year-round on Yangtze River. The vessel has the impressive volume of 17000 GT-tons, LOA length 150 m (492 ft), width 22 m (72 ft), 7 decks (5 with cabins), 270 staterooms, max capacity 690 passengers plus 195 crew/staff.

Oasis-class - biggest cruise ship in the world ever built

World's currently largest cruise ship class is produced exclusively for RCI-Royal Caribbean andin 2 sub-series - Oasis-Class (Allure OTS, Oasis OTS) and Oasis-Plus (Harmony OTS, Symphony OTS, Wonder OTS). These are sisterships from the fleet of the second- largest cruise shipping company in the world - RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (as shipowner) that follows only Carnival Corporation (as shipowner).

As to vessels' dimensions, each boasts the unimaginable weight of 227,000-230,000 GT / gross tons, LOA length 362 m (1187 ft) and waterline width 47 m (154 ft). The extreme breadth is over 60 m (198 ft). As the GT is a volume measurement, the ship's actual mass (called displacement) is approx 100,000 tons (the hull alone weighs about 54,000 tons). Surpassing all passenger ship standards, building cost and all previous ship travel vacation concepts, the Oasis-class ships are currently the only passenger shipping vessels of such immense size.

Other interesting numbers are the above waterline height (72 m / 236 ft), depth (23 m / 74 ft below waterline), 16 passenger decks, draft/draught (9,3 m / 31 ft), cruising/service speed 23 knots (26 mph / 42 kph), capacity 5400 passengers at double occupancy (max 6296 / 6870) and officers+crew capacity 2165.

The world's biggest cruise ship propulsion system guarantees the perfect maneuverability by 3 rotatable Azipod thrusters (suspended under the ship's stern), each with a huge electric motor and a 6 m (20 ft) propeller. The ship offers great stability due to its enormous size. And in times of need - there are 18 lifeboats, each with a capacity of 370 people.

Oasis-Plus class is also currently the world's most technologically advanced and energy-efficient cruise vessel ever built. It is equipped with a new-generation exhaust gas cleaning system (multi-stream scrubbers) and with a hull lubrication system allowing the ship to float on air bubbles (created around the hull) thus reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

Regarding cruise accommodations , this class of vessels has some of the largest suites at sea - measuring 150 m2 (over 1600 ft2, balcony included). Another signature feature is the 7 "neighborhoods" (theme-park-like areas), 5 large swimming pools, a huge casino, a full-size volleyball/basketball court, large-capacity bars, and lounges. Oasis-Plus ships additionally have waterslides (created by Aquatic Design & Engineering) and a total of 23 "water fun" areas (swimming pools, large-size outdoor jacuzzies, waterslides, flowriders/surf simulators). The stern-located Ultimate Abyss water slide is 150 ft (45,70 m) above sea level. It features 31 sections, two 360-degree circles, 27-degree slide incline, 28 m (92 ft) serpentine-like drop, 13,14 seconds average sliding time (top to bottom), around 300 small LED lights and graffiti artworks throughout.

These phenomenal ships were manufactured by STX Europe (shipyard Turku Finland / Oasis-class) and in by STX France (shipyard Saint-Nazaire France / Oasis-Plus). The new Oasis ships are 2,15 m (7 ft) longer.

Biggest Carnival cruise ship - "Carnival Pinnacle" class

Watch this amazing YouTube video about the "Carnival Pinnacle cruise ship". The project was designed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri as their biggest ever passenger ship - GT tonnage 200,000 tons, capacity 6000 passengers, length 380 m (1246 ft), The "Pinnacle Project" was initiated by Carnival Corporation in 2004 to tip the scales in the "Carnival vs Royal Caribbean" competition.

Carnival Pinnacle was never built as the project was officially canceled (mainly due to the vessel's incredible cost at that time). However, many of the project's elements and innovative design features were later adapted for other large-sized cruise liners built for rival companies.

The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world

M odern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas , launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.

Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world, features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.

All of the heaviest cruise ships in the world were built within the last 20 years, although the majority – six of the ten – were built within the last five years.

So, here are the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world, by gross tonnage. 

10. P&O Cruises MS Arvia : 185,581 gross tonnes

The MS Arvia is P&O Cruises’ fourth ship to be built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. Weighing in at 185,581 gross tonnes, the 345m (1,130-foot) Arvia is slightly larger than her sister ship, the MS Iona . The 20-deck ship is the largest ship commissioned for the British cruise market and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,264 passengers, with 1,800 crew onboard. 

The ship is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excellence-class vessel for P&O, following the Iona . Arvia is powered by a 61,760kW LNG drive system, with a propulsion power of 37 megawatts. The LNG-powered propulsion system allows the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

After being floated out in August 2022, the Arvia mainly operates itineraries around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

9. Costa Cruises – Costa Smeralda : 185,010 gross tonnes

The Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Costa Cruises fleet. With a gross tonnage of 185,010gt, the 20-deck Excellence-class ship measures 337m (1,106 feet) in length. The second LNG-powered cruise ship to enter operation in the world, she has a maximum capacity of 6,554 passengers with 1,646 crew and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Construction of the Costa Smeralda began at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, in September 2017. Meyer Turku collaborated with the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard to develop and integrate the LNG propulsion plant for the ship. She is fitted with four 16-cylinder, Caterpillar MaK 16VM46DF engines, with 15.4 megawatts (20,710 horsepower) output per engine, resulting in a maximum power of  37 megawatts (50,000 horsepower).

The ship, which was named after the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, entered service in December 2019 , departing Savona on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, where it has sailed since.

8. Costa Cruises – Costa Toscana : 186,364 gross tonnes

The Costa Toscana is the sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and is also powered by LNG . measuring 337m (1,106 feet) long and weighing in at 186,364 gross tonnes, the Toscana has a maximum capacity of 6,338 passengers and 1,678 staff across her 20 decks.

Like her sister ship, the Toscana was also built at the Meyer shipyard in Finland, with construction completed in 2021. She is also powered by four MaK-Caterpillar engines, with a total power of 57.2 megawatts (76,706 horsepower), and two ABB Azipod motors , resulting in a service speed of 17 knots.

Named in homage to the Tuscany region of Italy, Costa Toscana mainly sails around the Mediterranean Sea but Costa Cruises has also used the ship to sail itineraries further afield, such as around Brazil and the UAE.

7. MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa : 215,863 gross tonnes

The only entry in the top ten from MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa measures 333m (1,094 feet) in length. With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Europa ’s LNG-power propulsion system was subcontracted to Finland-based Wärtsilä. Five LNG-powered, 14-cylinder Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines power the vessel, with a propulsion power of 44 megawatts ( 59,005 horsepower). She also features nitrogen oxide reduction (NOR) units, two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems, seven thrusters, and two fixed-pitch propellers. 

The MSC World Europa was floated out at the end of 2021 and was initially used as an accommodation vessel for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the ship berthed at Doha Port in Qatar during the tournament. Following the competition, the ship subsequently travelled several routes around the UAE, before sailing to the Mediterranean, where it has sailed itineraries since.

6. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross tonnes

The first of many entries on this list operated by Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,282 gross tonnes. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet), she is only 50mm (2 inches) longer than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas . The Allure has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew across 18 decks.

Built at the Turku Shipyard in Finland, the Allure took two years to build , floating out in 2010. She features six Wärtsilä 46 diesel engines with a total power output of 97 megawatts (130,053 horsepower). It is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters. The ship can travel at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US, the Allure mainly serves itineraries around the Bahamas but she is scheduled to sail routes around the Mediterranean in 2025.

5. Royal Caribbean International – Oasis of the Seas : 226,838 gross tonnes

The oldest ship on this list, the Oasis of the Seas has been in service for over a decade. She was the biggest cruise ship at the time when floated out in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 226,838gt and a length of 360m (1,181 feet). The Oasis has a maximum capacity of 6,699 passengers and 2,181 staff across 18 decks.

The Oasis took two years to build at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the keel laid on 12 November 2007 and the ship arriving at her homeport of Port Everglades in Florida, US, on 13 November 2009.

The Oasis is powered by eight Wärtsilä V12 diesel engines, which generate 5.6 megawatts (7,500 horsepower) each, alongside four bow thrusters. The main propulsion system consists of three 20-megawatt (26,820 horsepower) electric Azipod motors, resulting in a combined propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and a standard cruising speed of 23 knots.

The Oasis mainly operates routes around the Caribbean, but occasionally repositions to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean.

4. Royal Caribbean International – Harmony of the Seas : 226,963 gross tonnes

The third Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas weighed in bigger than her existing sister ships at launch in 2016, with 226,963 gross tonnage, but she has since been surpassed by newer vessels. With a total length of 362m (1,188 feet), Harmony has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,300 staff across 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean placed an order with STX France for the construction of Harmony of the Seas in December 2012. The first steel for the ship was cut at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in September 2013, while the keel-laying ceremony was held in May 2014.

The Harmony is powered by three 18.9-megawatt Wärtsilä 16V46 16-cylinder main generator diesel engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46 12-cylinder engines producing 13.9 megawatts each. The propulsion power is provided by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters and manoeuvring is assisted by four 5.5-megawatt Wärtsilä CT 3500 tunnel thrusters. The propulsion system results in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and enables the ship to sail at a standard speed of 23 knots.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on her inaugural seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain, in June 2016, and currently operates itineraries around the Western Caribbean from her homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US.

3. Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas : 228,081 gross tonnes

At launch in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas surpassed the Harmony as the biggest cruise ship, weighing in at 228,081 gross tonnes. Measuring 361m (1,185 feet), the Symphony has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 staff across 18 decks and was the testing ground for Royal Caribbean's new muster drill . With a total length of 361m (1,185 feet), She is roughly 30 metres (98 feet) longer than the largest military ships , the US Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the USS Gerald R. Ford .

The keel-laying ceremony for the Symphony of the Seas was held in October 2015 at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, and the ship sailed out in June 2017. She is powered by six diesel sets, each composed of three Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines, as well as three 20-megawatt electric Azipod main engines – resulting in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) of propulsion power and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Symphony commenced her seven-day maiden voyage from Barcelona in April 2018, and since then has mainly operated itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

2. Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas : 235,600 gross tonnes

Royal Caribbean's flagship, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship built for the cruise company. Weighing in at 235,600 gross tonnes, the Wonder was the largest ship in the world when she was completed in January 2022. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet) in length, the 18-deck Wonder has a maximum capacity of 7,084 guests across its 2,867 staterooms, as well as housing 2,369 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Wonder is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and four Wärtsilä 12V46D engines; and uses three 20-megawatt electric Azipod engines for propulsion, combining for a propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Wonder sailed her maiden voyage in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has since served itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami and Cape Canaveral.

1. Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas : 248,663 gross tonnes

Weighing 248,663 gross tonnes and measuring 365 metres (1,1967 feet), the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Christened on 23 January 2024, the Icon has a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew across 20 decks. She is the lead ship of the new Icon-class, with a sister ship the Star of the Seas due to be delivered in 2025 and another ship planned for delivery in 2026.

Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, the Icon is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet that can be powered by LNG. It uses three Wärtsilä 14V46DF and three Wärtsilä 12V46DF for its main generator engines, which provide 67.5 megawatts of energy to run the ship. She is propelled by three 20-megawatt Azipod thrusters as well as five 4.8-megawatt Wärtsilä WTT-45 CP bow thrusters, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.

After sailing her maiden voyage on 27 January 2024, the Icon now sails year-round itineraries of seven-night trips around the Eastern and Western Caribbean from her homeport of Miami, Florida.

"The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world" was originally created and published by Ship Technology , a GlobalData owned brand.

The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

The 4 new giants of the cruise ship world – and how you can book them

This was supposed to be a big year for big-ship cruise fans.

Back in January, before COVID-19 halted cruising around the world , two of the biggest big-ship cruise lines -- Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises -- were just starting up sailings with their biggest ships ever. Another major brand, Carnival Cruise Line, was just months away from rolling out its own record-sized vessel.

Royal Caribbean , too, had just brought out a new giant of the seas just 21 months earlier.

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In short, until the new coronavirus hit, the year was shaping up to be a particularly exciting one for big-ship lovers who always want to be on the latest-and-greatest vessels.

The excitement, alas, got squashed with the arrival of COVID. But the Year of the Big-Ship Bonanza hasn't been canceled. It's just been postponed.

Already, one of the vessels -- MSC Grandiosa -- is sailing again in the Mediterranean , albeit on cruises that only are open to residents of Europe's Schengen countries.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Two more of the ships -- Norwegian Encore and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas -- could be back in operation as early as November . The new Carnival ship, Mardi Gras, is now set for a maiden voyage in February .

All four of the vessels, moreover, currently are open for bookings well into 2022. Indeed, Mardi Gras is available for booking through April 2023 . In other words, you may not be able to sail them now, but it's not too early to start making your plans to sail them down the road.

The newest giants of the seas

The four ships mentioned above aren't the only giant new cruise vessels to debut in the last year or two. Europe-based Costa Cruises and Aida Cruises also have unveiled massive new ships since 2018 that rank among the 10 biggest cruise ships ever built -- Costa Smeralda and AIDAnova. We aren't including them here as they primarily are aimed at a European crowd. AIDAnova, in particular, is designed just for the German-speaking market.

As a group, the four new vessels that we are highlighting are a diverse lot. In design, they vary widely, with significant variation in top attractions, cabin styles and atmosphere. One of the ships, Norwegian Encore, is known for one of the most unusual deck-top attractions at sea: a two-deck-high go-kart track. Another vessel, Symphony of the Seas, has its very own zip line.

But what they all have in common is that they are among the biggest floating resorts on the planet.

Every one of the vessels can hold more than 5,000 people with every berth filled. One of them can carry nearly 6,700 people. All of them offer dozens of restaurants and bars, Broadway-style entertainment, casinos and lots of deck-top attractions.

If that makes them sound like they're floating versions of the giant resort hotels you see in places like Las Vegas or Orlando , that's because that's exactly what they are.

To put it another way, these are ships that aren't for people who like intimacy in a vacation. If you're that kind of traveler, you probably should stop reading right here. But if you're a fan of big, bustling resorts with every sort of amusement known to humans, and you're open to the idea of cruising, these vessels just might be a new contender for your vacation dollar (or your points and miles ).

MSC Grandiosa

Maiden voyage: Nov. 10, 2019

Fast-growing MSC Cruises has been rolling out ever bigger ships in recent years, culminating last November with the unveiling of the appropriately named MSC Grandiosa. The "grand" new flagship of the line is the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever at 181,543 tons -- and the seventh-largest cruise vessel ever from any line.

With a length of 1,086 feet, MSC Grandiosa is a stretched version of MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima – the previous size leaders at the line. Like the two earlier ships, its most notable feature is a massive interior promenade lined with bars, eateries and shops covered with a dazzling "digital sky" made with LED screens. But the version of the promenade on MSC Grandiosa is even more, well ... grand.

MSC Grandiosa also has all the deck-top pizzazz that we've come to expect from MSC Cruises, including a sprawling waterpark with multiple waterslides called the Wild Forest Aquapark, and a stunningly large main pool area. The ship also harbors race car simulators, a flight simulator and exclusive shows created in partnership with Canada 's famed Cirque du Soleil.

A sister ship called MSC Virtuosa is due in 2021, with a third vessel in the series coming in 2023.

The details: MSC Grandiosa mostly sails seven-night voyages in the Western Mediterranean out of Genoa, Italy , and other ports. Fares start at $349 per person, not including taxes and fees. Information: 877-665-4655 or msccruisesusa.com .

Maiden voyage: Feb. 6, 2021

This giant new Carnival ship isn't in operation yet, but it will be soon , and it'll be like nothing Carnival fans have ever seen. Scheduled to debut in February, the 180,000-ton vessel will be nearly 35% bigger than the biggest Carnival ship currently afloat, the just-unveiled Carnival Panorama , and one of the 10 biggest cruise ships ever from any line.

This a big deal for Carnival. The line until now has resisted the trend among major brands to build ever-bigger vessels. Carnival Panorama doesn't even crack the top 40 list of biggest ships.

Carnival is entering the Big Ship Wars with a splash, adorning Mardi Gras with the first roller coaster at sea (no, this is not a joke). The ship also will have Carnival's largest waterpark ever, a far broader array of suites than earlier Carnival ships and new dining venues such as the first Emeril Lagasse restaurant at sea.

Mardi Gras will hold up to 6,630 passengers per sailing with every berth filled.

The details: Mardi Gras will sail six- to eight-day voyages to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Port Canaveral , Florida. Fares start at $539 per person, not including taxes and fees. Information: 800-764-7419 or carnival.com .

Symphony of the Seas

Maiden voyage: April 7, 2018

Call it the grande dame of the megaship world. While more than two years have passed since Royal Caribbean unveiled this 228,081-ton giant of the seas , it's still the undisputed size leader in the cruise world -- and it will be for at least until 2022.

Eighteen decks high and nearly 1,200 feet long, Symphony of the Seas can hold up to 6,680 passengers at maximum occupancy -- an astounding number. But it's not just its capacity that sets it apart. The fourth vessel in the line's groundbreaking Oasis Class series of ships also offers a never-before-seen array of onboard attractions.

Like most of its sister vessels, Symphony of the Seas has three pool areas, a giant waterslide complex, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course and even an ice skating rink. But it also is home to such new attractions as the largest family suite at sea .

A fifth, even bigger Oasis Class vessel -- Wonder of the Seas -- is expected to debut in 2022. The vessel currently is under construction at a shipyard in France .

The details: Symphony of the Seas mostly sails seven-night voyages to the Caribbean out of PortMiami in Florida. Fares start at $741 per person, not including taxes and fees. Information: 866-562-7625 or royalcaribbean.com .

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Norwegian Encore

Maiden voyage: Nov. 2, 2019

At 169,116 tons, Norwegian Encore isn't quite as super-sized as the three ships above. But it's right up there among the biggest of the big of the new crop of giant floating mega-resorts, and it's the biggest ship ever for Norwegian -- a brand that has embraced the bigger-is-better worldview with gusto in recent years.

Norwegian Encore is big enough to have room for an entire go-kart track and laser tag area on its top deck -- yeah, these are now things on cruise ships. And there's plenty of room to spare for pools, waterslides and a kiddie splash zone.

Norwegian Encore also is home to nearly 30 eateries, lounges and bars; Broadway shows; a sprawling spa; a casino that fills half a deck; and more than 2,000 rooms.

Related: First look inside Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore is a slightly bigger version of three other Breakaway-Plus class ships that Norwegian has unveiled since 2015 (thanks to a small addition at its back to make room for the laser tag area). It can hold more than 5,000 passengers with all berths filled.

The details : Norwegian Encore spends its summers sailing to Alaska out of Seattle. For the rest of the year, it mostly sails to the Caribbean out of Miami. It also has some cruises out of New York on the schedule. Fares start at $639 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean. Information: 866-234-7350 or ncl.com .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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Where Are The World’s Largest Cruise Ships?

• January 7, 2021

As the pandemic situation continues to develop, the biggest cruise vessels are still out of service around the globe. Some of the ships remain close to their homeports, while others have moved around the world for various reasons.

Here are the latest locations of the world’s largest cruise ships, tracking the biggest ship per class for the major brands:

Symphony of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean  Capacity: 5,400 guests Location: The Bahamas

The biggest cruise ship (pictured above) in the world is currently in the Bahamas. Similar to other Royal Caribbean ships, it docks at CocoCay now and then.

Costa Smeralda Cruise Line: Costa   Capacity: 5,224 guests Location: Civitavecchia, Italy

After a few months back in service in Italy, the Costa Smeralda is currently laid-up in Civitavecchia. 

Mardi Gras  Cruise Line: Carnival  Capacity: 5,200 guests Location: Mediterranean

Delivered in December , the Mardi Gras is currently docked in the Mediterranean. After leaving the shipyard where it was built, Carnival’s newest vessel called in Barcelona in preparation for a transatlantic crossing to the United States.

Iona Cruise Line: P&O   Capacity: 5,200 guests Location: Haugesund, Norway

The Iona is currently laid-up in Norway. Docked in Haugesund, the vessel was delivered to P&O Cruises in October and has been in Northern Europe ever since.

AIDAnova Cruise Line: AIDA Capacity: 5,000 guests Location: St. Cruz de Tenerife, Canaries

AIDA’s newest ship, the AIDAnova has remained laid-up in the Canaries since March. Currently, the vessel is anchored off the coast of St. Cruz de Tenerife.

MSC Grandiosa Cruise Line: MSC Capacity: 4,888 guests Location: Genoa, Italy

The MSC Grandiosa is currently docked in Genoa, Italy. The vessel is getting ready to resume sailing after a brief service pause during the holidays.  

Costa Firenze  Cruise Line: Costa Capacity: 4,232 guests Location: Palermo, Italy

Recently delivered , the Costa Firenze is currently in Sicily. Docked in Palermo, the vessel was custom-built for China service but is slated for a Mediterranean debut in February.  

Norwegian Encore Cruise Line: Norwegian Capacity: 4,200 guests Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship, the Norwegian Encore is docked in Southampton, United Kingdom. The vessel was previously laid up in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Line: Norwegian Capacity: 4,200 guests Location: Marseille, France

In August, after a few months in and around Florida, the Norwegian Epic crossed the Atlantic to be drydocked in Europe. The vessel is still in Marseille, France, where the work was carried out.  

Spectrum of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Capacity: 4,000 guests Location: Singapore

Based in Asia, the Spectrum of the Seas is currently anchored off Singapore along the Radiance and the Voyager of the Seas. 

MSC Seaview Cruise Line: MSC Capacity: 4,140 guests Location: Crossing the Atlantic

After nine months anchored off the Port of Santos, in Brazil, the MSC Seaview is currently sailing to Europe. The vessel is expected to arrive in the Spanish port of Algeciras on January 14. 

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16 largest cruise ships in the world in 2022.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 16 largest cruise ships in the world in 2022. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 Largest Cruise Ships in the World in 2022 .

Cruise ships remained at the center of the Covid-19 pandemic news when it started to spread globally. Ships with cases of coronavirus were refused entry at ports by several countries. The first cruise ship to have a major outbreak was the Diamond Princess, where over 700 people out of 3,700 people ended up being infected, with 9 dying. Cruise ships were among the first to suspend their operations after most governments advised people to not travel on them, which has greatly affected the industry, but with things mostly returning to normal in 2022, smooth sailing for the industry may be ahead.

The cruise ship industry is dominated by a few top companies which own many of the biggest cruise ships in the world. Some of the biggest cruise ship companies include Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH ) and Disney Cruise Line, operated by one of the biggest media companies in the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS ).

mandritoiu/Shutterstock.com

In this article we list some of the largest cruise ships in the world. We took three metrics into account during our selection: total size in gross tonnes, total length in meters and maximum capacity in terms of number of passengers.

16. MSC Meraviglia

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 171,598

Total length of the ship (in meters): 316

Maximum capacity of the ship: 5,655 people

MSC Meraviglia's port of registry is in Malta, and is owned by MSC Cruises. Delivered in 2017, the ship's ranking used to be much higher but has been displaced over the years with newer, bigger cruise ships.

15. MSC Virtuosa

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 181,541

Total length of the ship (in meters): 331

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,334 people

Owned by MSC Cruises, MSC Virtuosa was launched in 2019. The ship's construction was delayed due to the pandemic and instead of 2020, it entered service in 2021.

14. Carnival Celebration

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 180,000

Total length of the ship (in meters): 344

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,500 people

Owned by one of the biggest cruise ship companies in the world, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE: CCL ), it is the second of the company's Excel class of cruise ships.

13. Mardi Gras

Often referred incorrectly as the Carnival Mardi Gras, due to being owned by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL), Mardi Gras faced several delays in its construction and launch due to the Covid-19 pandemic, beginning its weekly sailings in July 2021.

12. MSC Grandiosa

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,761 people

Indirectly owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, one of the biggest shipping companies in the world, MSC Grandiosa is directly owned by MSC Cruises and was built in France. Launched in 2019, it is easily one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The cruise ship currently has a crew of more than 1,700 people.

11. AIDAcosma

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 183,200

Total length of the ship (in meters): 337

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,600 people

AIDAcosma is the second biggest cruise ship owned by AIDA Cruises, which was launched in 2021. The giant floating building has 20 decks and a crew more than 1,500. It is part of the Helios Class production series and among the facilities offered are a running track for morning joggers and a bouldering wall, in addition to the usual facilities such as swimming pools, theaters and several bars and restaurants.

10. AIDAnova

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 183,858

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,654 people

Built in 2018 in Germany, AIDAnova is owned by AIDA Cruises, which is a listed Germany cruise line and which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL). While AIDA Cruises operates 14 ships, the AIDAnova is the biggest cruise ship in its lineup.

9. Costa Toscana

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 185,010

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,554 people

Costa Toscana was built in 2021 after a delay as it was originally supposed to launch in 2020. It is run by Costa Cruises.

8. Costa Smerelda

The Costa Smerelda is one of the largest cruise ships in the world in 2022 and is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL). It is also one of the biggest cruise ships to be powered purely by liquefied natural gas. The first cruise of the ship took place in 2019.

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 184,089

Total length of the ship (in meters): 345

Owned by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) and operated by P&O Cruises, a British cruise line, MS Iona was built in Germany and was delivered in 2020, with its construction cost overing £730 million. It is the biggest cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises and has one of the biggest entertainment venues of any cruise ship. Its maiden voyage took place in 2021.

6. MSC World Europa

Total size of the ship (in gross tonnes): 215,863

Total length of the ship (in meters): 333

Maximum capacity of the ship: 6,762 people

Owned by the privately held MSC Cruises, an Italian company, MSC World Europa is the biggest cruise ship in Europe. It is one of the most recent cruise ships in our list and is set to begin operations from the 20th of December in 2022, after initially serving as a hotel ship during the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha, Qatar. MSC World Europa is set to be joined by multiple sister ships through the 2020s.

Please click to continue reading and see the  5 Largest Cruise Ships in the World in 2022 .

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Disclosure: None. 16 largest cruise ships in the world in 2022 is originally published at Insider Monkey.

Watch CBS News

A look inside the Icon of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship, as it prepares for voyage

By Kris Van Cleave , Analisa Novak

January 18, 2024 / 12:14 PM EST / CBS News

Royal Caribbean is redefining the cruise industry with its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas. This $2 billion floating resort is largely booked until 2026.

Spanning nearly 1,200 feet, the cruise ship has 20 decks, which makes the Icon of the Seas the world's largest cruise ship.

It's a city at sea, accommodating up to 7,600 passengers in 2,805 staterooms and nearly 10,000 people, including the crew. The ship offers different experiences that include seven pools — one is the largest on any ship — the world's first onboard water park with six water slides, theaters, a casino and over 40 dining and drinking spots.

Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Chief Product Innovation Officer, says the cruise ship is more than just its amenities.

"It's really about iconic experiences," he said.

And despite its massive size, Schneider said the ship is designed to avoid feeling overcrowded.

"We have purposely designed the ship to give more space for people," he said. "We believe, even at 7,500 guests, it won't feel to you like your entire hometown has joined the ship," said Schneider.    

Luxury comes at a price on the Icon. A weeklong Caribbean cruise costs about $3,500 for two people in an average stateroom. For those seeking more luxury, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-story suite complete with touchscreen tables and a slide – can go for up to $100,000 per trip. The Royal Loft, aimed at high-rolling adults, offers two bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a spacious balcony starting at $40,000.

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, said that bigger ships benefit both passengers and cruise lines.

"It means more people can experience something. It means that there's a lot more amenities and activities onboard the cruise ship," McDaniel said. "The more people they can put on a cruise ship, of course, the better business they do, the more money they make."

Kevin Curran says the Icon took his breath away. Having followed the ship's construction for over a year, the Oregon resident said he's thrilled to be on its inaugural cruise from Miami.

"The more I watched the videos, the more I understood this was something special," he said.

Cruising is surging in popularity. Last year, passenger volume outpaced pre-pandemic numbers, and this year is expected to hit a new high of 36 million as spending on experiences has climbed 65% since 2019.

From the bridge, Captain Hendrik Loy is overseeing what amounts to a three-day test drive to the Bahamas.

"There is still fine-tuning that needs to take place," said Loy.

The Icon also champions environmental responsibility. It's powered by liquefied natural gas, treats its own waste, and produces its own water.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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• Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World 2021

10. Quantum of the Seas 9. MSC Meraviglia 8. MSC Virtuosa 7. MSC Grandiosa 6. Mardi Gras 5. AIDAnova 4. Oasis of the Seas 3. Allure of the Seas 2. Harmony of the Seas 1. Symphony of the Seas

Future Largest Cruise Ships Outlook for Cruise Shipping Industry in 2021-2022

Last year the Internet was full of cheerful videos listing the top 10 cruise ships able to fairytale any holiday or promising new cruise liner launch. What did they have in common? All of them were made in 2019 when nobody could have imagined that the whole pleasure cruise industry would remain under the no-sail order for a year and jobs at sea on cruise ships would become redundant all over the world. 

The largest cruise provider, Carnival Corporation, pointed in their 2020 report: “We have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our cruising operations”. Indeed, cruise companies have struggled through the exorbitant costs of passengers repatriation, supporting quarantined crew and guests; and still face lawsuits from customers and employees. 

David Bernstein, chief financial officer of Carnival Corporation reported at the end of its fiscal Q (February 28, 2021) that the company had built a healthy liquidity to sustain it up to the 2022 season ($11.5 billion in cash and short-term investments). Meanwhile, he projected a monthly cash burn of approximately $550 million for the first half of 2021. Therefore, cash generation must become the primary goal once the cruise industry is allowed to operate at a full capacity.

It has been a year since the historical lockdown started in the USA and Europe, so let’s have a closer look at the cruise ship industry today while checking the top largest 10 cruise ships in 2021.

As we have predicted, MV Norwegian Bliss (GT 168 028), MV Ovation of the Seas (GT 168 666) and MV Anthem of the Seas (GT 168. 666) have left the TOP 10 bill squeezed by newbuilds. Therefore, the 10th place is now occupied by Royal Caribbean’s MV Quantum of the  Seas.

10. Quantum of the Seas

The flagship Quantum class vessel which on her arrival in 2014 set a new standard for the cruise shipping industry. There is a variety of comfortable indoor pools; huge fitness center, rollerdrome, ice bar and the highest rock-climbing wall at sea. They’ve also incorporated bracelets instead of habitual cruise cards and developed new quality policies for people seeking a job on cruise ships .        

Due to the continuing operations restriction in the USA, Quantum of the Seas is today re-deployed to Singapore at least until June 2021. 3 or 4-days cruises are available for Singapore residents only despite the dragonish safety and health measures employed on board (Covid 19 testings, reduced sailing capacity and social distancing).

9. MSC Meraviglia 

The flagship of MSC Cruises has moved from the 6th place of our 2020 report. Today MSC Meraviglia is only the 9th largest cruise ship in the world, but she has set a standard for newer ships, i.e. stylish interiors reminding of the Italian Renaissance coupled with facilities of a top cruise liner.

MSC Meraviglia was relocated from its Mediterranian itinerary to the USA in 2019 as a part of the company’s US market expansion program. Indeed, the reputable Readers’ Choice Award 2019 by Conde Nast Traveller magazine features MSC Cruises as the number 2 best cruise company in the world (after RCI). Meanwhile, U.S. News placed the company in the 7th place only at their ‘best cruise ship deals’ rating.

Nowadays MSC Meraviglia is homeported in Miami and will start 7-days Caribbean cruises in early June 2021. The itinerary includes Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and MSC Ocean Cay (company’s private island).

8. MSC Virtuosa

The delivery of MSC Virtuosa was delayed due to the Coronavirus turmoil. First voyages were originally planned for November 2020. Instead, she arrived on February 1st,  2021 and is slated to start voyages from May.

The new flagship will be cruising British Islands during 3 and 4-nights sails departing from Southampton. Embarkation from Liverpool and Greenock (Scotland) will be available starting from June when 7-night tours are added to the itinerary.   

For the present, only UK citizens will be admitted on board; although, MSC welcomes non-vaccinated travellers contrary to Royal Caribbean.

As usual, MSC has added some new attractions to the newbuild such as MSC Starship Club with the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea called Rob, record-breaking retail space with the longest LED Dome at Sea and The Atmosphere Pool which measures 1.700 m2 and provides about 10 m2 of public space per guest.

7 . MSC Grandiosa

One more MSC’s newbuild which inauguration season was marred by the Covid-19 pandemic. The beautiful Meraviglia-plus class vessel was delivered in late October 2019.

After a colorful christening by Sophie Loren (one of the vessel’s sponsors), MSC Grandiosa left for Mediterrania. The original plan was to transfer her to Brazil in August 2020 where the ship would become the largest vessel registered in South America.

However, MSC was forced to re-deploy all its vessels, so Grandiosa remained in the Mediterranian sea and became the first cruise ship to resume voyages amid pandemic in August 2020.

In addition to the expected facilities, MSC Grandiosa has become the most environmentally sound ship in MSC’s fleet. She is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system which converts NOx fumes into N2 and H2O reducing harmful nitrogen emission by 80%.  There is also a closed-loop exhaust gas cleaning system, so sulfur emissions are cut by 97 percent. 

6. Mardi Gras

The new Carnival Cruises’ flagship, Mardi Gras, was delivered in December 2020, but her debut still hangs in limbo. Her maiden voyage was about to start on April 24, 2021 from Port Canaveral (Florida) where they have built a special terminal able to host this beauty. But on the 6th of April Carnival announced that it takes a pause for sailing till the end of June, meaning that Mardi Gras is delayed again.

Mardi Gras is named after the first vessel owned by the company TSS Mardi Gras which used to be in operation from 1972 to 1993. Nowadays, she will become the first such big vessel powered by LNG in America. 

Mardi Gras features a distinctive design as well. Her hull is blue with white and red accents. This is done for the marketing purposes as Carnival is set to position itself as “America’s Cruise Line.”

However, the most intriguing feature of this new Carnival’s flagship is the ‘Ultimate Playground Zone’ with the first shipboard roller-coaster ‘Bolt’ able to ride at 40 mph (64 km/h).

5. AIDAnova

AIDAnova remains the largest AIDA Cruises’ vessel as AIDACosma’s delivery is delayed. We’ve described AIDA Nova in our  Shipping 2030:New Technologies in Maritime Industry article as the first fully LNG-fueled cruise ship.

Her delivery was inhibited by constructional difficulties as she pioneered the way for LNG propulsion into the cruise shipping industry. However, the experiment has proven to be successful, so we see the whole list of future deliveries equipped with a green propulsion.

  4. Oasis of the Seas

The very first from the Oasis-class vessels which is now a trend-setter is the world of cruising. The Oasis of the Seas was originally delivered in 2009; then seriously refurbished in 2018. 

Here they first have introduced the ‘neighbourhood’ concept meaning that the vessel is divided into theme zones (neighbourhoods); more space is provided for guests literally, so crowds don’t annoy despite the formidable number of people on board. Special features of this class such as huge slides, bionic bar, surf simulator and the Central Park also are in place. 

Interesting fact about the size of the Oasis class. The vessel was built in Turku, so had to pass under the Great Belt Fixed Link bridge on her way out from the Baltic Sea. The normal clearance of the bridge is 65 m (213 ft) while the height of the Oasis is 72 m (236 ft).

As a result, they had to dismantle telescopic funnels and approach the bridge at a speed of 22.5 knots to use the squat effect (vessel in shallow waters is drawn deeper at a high speed). The Oasis has passed the bridge with less than 60 cm (27 in) of clearance.

3. Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas belongs to the same Oasis-class vessels owned by Royal Caribbean and is just 50 millimetres (2 in) longer than the Oasis . Otherwise, the two vessels are almost identical; the more so because the Allure has undergone a massive refurbishment in 2019 and is now equipped with the latest amenities of its class.

Another interesting fact about Oasis class. Displacement of these vessels reaches 100 000 tons which equals that of an american nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

2. Harmony of the Seas

The second largest cruise ship today, Harmony of the Seas, by Royal Caribbean is one more Oasis-class vessel. Therefore, there are usual Central Park, Abyss Slide, 23 pools and other amenities that made these vessels best in the industry.

Meanwhile, the Harmony was the first vessel where the air bubbles technology was introduced (the system generates a constant flow of air bubbles around the hull to reduce resistance). 

More interesting facts about the size of these vessels are provided by RCI. As there are more than 6 500 guests on every cruise they usually eat more than 5 000 dozen eggs, 100 gallons of chocolate ice cream, 2 100 pounds of lobster tail and 2 500 pounds of fresh salmon during a 7-days tour. Good thing they have got about 1 300 catering personnel on cruise ship to manage it all. 

1. Symphony of the Seas

The largest and most luxurious cruise ship today still is Symphony of the Seas. We made a detailed account of her in our Largest Ships in the World 2020 article; and although it is only slightly bigger than her sister ships, she is huge compared to other vessels.

The ultimate interesting fact about Oasis mega-ships: the Symphony is twice as tall as Titanic, twice as wide and 100 m longer making her 5 times bigger than Titanic.

Future Largest Cruise Ships 

Have not seen enough big cruise ships? Do have a look at future champions from Royal Caribbean and MSC.

Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean builds its final Oasis-class vessel which might become the next largest cruise ship in the world. The launch of Wonder of the Seas was originally planned for the  spring 2021 with the vessel home port becoming Shanghai. However, due to the Covid-19 economic turmoil, the debut is postponed till 2022.

MSC Cruises World Class

The competitor for the ‘next largest cruise ship’ title is  MSC Cruises’ new vessel which is due to arrive in 2022 as well. It will have a GT of 200,000 providing  even more space for passengers.

The vessel remains yet unnamed and its construction was also inhibited by the pandemic. 

Outlook for Cruise Shipping Industry in 2021-2022

Cruise ship industry is gradually returning into operation, but remains affected by the pandemic, so the present situation is best described as volatile. 

For instance, Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer cruises avoiding US waters and sail at 30% – 50% occupancy. MSC and other European cruise lines have resumed operation earlier (during summer 2020), but have to adhere to severe safety and health regulations as well.

Moreover, European lines don’t require cruisemakers to be Covid-19 vaccinated (negative test made within 72 hours is considered enough); while, Royal Caribbean states Covid-19 vaccination as an obligatory condition to board.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis adds fuel to the controversy by filing a lawsuit against CDC and Biden’s Administration. His position is that no sail order was excessive; it has paralized American cruise ship industry for a year and should be lifted immediately. In addition, he speaks against mandatory vaccination of travellers pointing that it restricts the rights of people with adverse health conditions.

The general mood is to resume full capacity operations during summer 2021. Most companies have developed roadmaps for a concise ship by ship restart. Royal Caribbean, for example, is set to relaunch its middle-sized vessels and resume cruises from Nassau from June 13, 2021.

We have seen so many delays during the past year, so it seems pointless to speculate further. The good thing about the cruise ship industry’s lockdown is that 4 giant cruise ships were able to arrive at St. Vincent on April 10, 2021 to assist with a massive evacuation caused by volcano eruption. 

Author:  Filip Drozda

Filip is a maritime professional. He has been working in the shipping industry for 25 years. Mr. Drozda is an expert in crewing for dry cargo and offshore vessels; has a strong technical background, speaks Polish, English and Russian languages.

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Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in 2021

Table of Contents

Cruise Ships are the best if you love the ocean and looking for a world tour. With the increasing demand for cruise tours and to provide customers the best quality services and entertainment onboard cruise operators demand big ships from the shipbuilders . Cruise owners work hard to provide the best cruise experience to their customers.

With the pandemic situation, there is a slight drop in the demand for cruise vessels which will recover very soon. While new cruise ships are in the order book, We have gathered you the world’s largest cruise ships by their capacity at the beginning of 2021.

Mardi Gras for carnival cruise with 180,000 tonnage, Odyssey of the Seas for Royal Caribbean with 167,00 tonnage, AIDAcosma for AIDA with 180,00 tonnage, and Rotterdam for Holland America with 99,500 tonnage are few ships that will be launched within 2021.

Symphony of the Seas

The symphony of the seas belongs to the American Royal Caribbean cruise line. Royal Caribbean is one of the leading cruise liners in the world. symphony of the seas is the 25th cruise ship that joined the Royal Caribbean fleet and the 4 th ship to join the Oasis class.

symphony of the seas became the world’s largest cruise ship by tonnage surpassing her sister ship Harmony of the Seas in March 2018.  Her maiden voyage was on 7 th April 2018, on a 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona, Spain.

She has a passenger carrying capacity of 5,518, 2,100 of crew capacity, LOA of 362 m, and 228,081 of gross registered tonnage. The highest side of the ship has 10 stories.

Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas was constructed by STX France at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. She entered into the Royal Caribbean fleet in March 2016 and 2nd the largest cruise ship at the moment. She is the 3 rd vessel to join the fleet under Oasis class.

She has a passenger carrying capacity of 5,480, 2,100 of crew capacity, and 227,500 of gross registered tonnage. The highest side of the ship has 10 stories.

Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas is very similar to her sister ship Oasis of the seas, yet 50 millimeters longer in LOA. Her construction started in 2008 and joined the fleet in October 2009 while she made her maiden voyage on 20th November 2009.  Built at the STX Europe shipyards in Turku, Finland. She is another 362m length ship with a 9.32m depth. The Allure of the Seas has a passenger capacity of 5,400 and a crew capacity of 2,384, Vessel’s gross registered tonnage is 225,282, with a maximum beam of 60.5 m. She has the first Starbucks coffee shop at sea and 25 dining options. Different onboard arrangements with Zipline, AquaTheater, and many more.

Oasis of the Seas

1st Royal Caribbean vessel of Oasis class. She was launched from STX Europe’s Turku Shipyard in 2008 and added into service in December 2009. Oasis of the Seas measures 361.6m in LOA, 22.55 m in depth, and a gross tonnage of 225,282. She was a groundbreaking vessel in cruise shipping with 16 decks for cabins. She can accommodate 5,400 passengers, 2,394 crew.

Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda, the 5 th largest cruise ship operates by Costa Cruises- Italy, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc. She was delivered by Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on 5 th December 2019. This is the world’s 2 nd cruise to ever run on LNG. Costa Toscana, the sister ship of Costa Smeralda will join the Costa Cruises fleet within 2021. Costa Smeralda’s GRT is 185,00, LOA 337 m, with 1,500 cabins for crew and 2,600 cabins for passengers.

P&O Iona

P&O Iona is the 1 st LNG powered vessel to join the P&O Cruises fleet and the 1 st British LNG powered cruise ship. Due to the global pandemic delivery was delayed and finally made it during December 2020. She was built in Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and the biggest cruise ship in the P&O line.

She has 5,200 cabins for passengers and 1,800 cabins for crews in 15 decks. Gross registered tonnage: 184,700 with 344 m LOA.

AIDA Nova is the 1st cruise vessel powered by LNG. And it is the 1st Helios sub class cruise ship under excellence class cruise ships. AIDA Nova belongs to the AIDA cruise built by Meyer werft. AIDA Nova’s gross tonnage is 183,900 GT,  with 20 decks, 337 m LOA, 42m weight with a maximum draft of 8.8 m.

AIDA Nova belongs to the Germany based cruise arm of Carnival Corporation & plc . It will run the LNG powered ships with the corporation of Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) supplying LNG at the Spanish metropolis. There are more LNG powered cruise ships are on the order book of AIDA

MSC Grandiosa

MSC Grandiosa belongs to MSC cruises. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France and 1 st ship of Meraviglia Plus class. MSC Grandiosa is the 8 th largest cruise in the world added to the world’s ship fleet with the maiden voyage on 10 th November 2019. Her gross registered tonnage account for 181,541 with a LOA of 331 m. Capable of accommodating 1,704 crew and 6,334 passengers (double occupancy)

Mardi Gras is a Panama registered cruise ship operating under Carnival Cruise Line owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. She belongs to the Excellence-class cruise ship and was built by Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland by Meyer Werft GmbH shipbuilders . Her maiden passage is scheduled on 24 th  April 2021 from Carnival’s new Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral, Florida. She is the 1 st LNG powered cruise ship based in North America.

Her gross registered tonnage is 181,808 with 340 m LOA, depth of 11.8 m, and 42 m beam. She accommodates a maximum of 6,500 passengers (double occupancy) and 2,000 crew in 19 decks.  

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia is the 1st vessel under MSC’s vista project and belongs to MSC cruise and operates under the Malta flag. She was built by STX France, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. MSC Meraviglia was added to the operation on 3 rd June 2017.

Her gross tonnage account as 171,598 GT, with 315.83 m LOA, 8.75 depth, and 43 m beam. Her 15 passenger decks facilitate 4,500 passenger cabins and have 1,536 crew cabins.

Under the VISTA project, MSC Bellissima added to the MSC cruise fleet in 2019 with the maiden voyage on 4 th March of the same year, with the identical features of MSC Meraviglia

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New study finds that the largest cruise ships are now eight times bigger than the Titanic: 'Today's cruisezillas make the Titanic look like a small fishing boat'

Though cruise ship travel took a heavy hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are cruising now than ever before .

As a result, cruise ships are getting increasingly larger.

As The Guardian reported , the world's largest cruise ships are twice as big as they were in 2000. Industry experts expect these "cruisezillas" to get even larger in the future — up to eight times larger than the Titanic by 2050.

What's happening?

Cruise travel is on the rise because of increasing wealth and clever marketing that moves beyond the baby boomer demographic and targets millennials with money to spend.

It is projected that 35 million people will take cruise ship vacations this year — a 6% increase from before the pandemic. There are also 20 times more cruise ships sailing the seas than in 1970.

"Today's cruisezillas make the Titanic look like a small fishing boat," said Inesa Ulichina, a sustainable shipping analyst for Transport and Environment.

Watch now: Solar-powered boats from the Honnold Foundation are making a difference in the Amazon

Why are larger cruise ships important.

The news about increasingly large cruise ships and heightened demand for this type of unsustainable travel is concerning because the industry significantly damages our oceans.

Cruise ships have an enormous carbon footprint and release lots of carbon dioxide and methane emissions during operation. Large cruise ships can generate over a ton of waste daily and have a bigger pollution footprint than 12,000 cars.

These vessels commonly dispose of untreated sewage in the ocean, putting marine habitats at risk while exposing passengers to toxic chemicals from dirty energy sources.

"Hardly any form of tourism is more energy-intensive than cruises — specifically in combination with a flight to the point of departure," Linnaeus University professor Stefan Gössling said .

What can I do to offset cruise ship travel?

As an individual, you can commit to traveling responsibly and sustainably, avoiding cruise ships at all costs.

Rather than booking a cruise, choose low-impact travel options , such as taking the scenic route via train or reserving an electric vehicle instead of a gas-guzzling rental car.

You can save money and reduce pollution by discovering cool vacation spots close to home . When you feel like exploring further away, choose eco-friendly travel destinations that prioritize sustainability.

It is also helpful to inform friends, family members, and neighbors about the negative impacts of cruise travel and discourage others from ignoring unsustainable cruise ship practices and contributing to the desecration of our natural resources. With better education about the devastating effects of cruise ships, fewer people may take cruise vacations.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips , and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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Royal Caribbean officially owns the world's largest cruise ship

Icon of the seas sets sail from portmiami on jan. 27, 2024, by monica galarza • published november 29, 2023 • updated on november 29, 2023 at 8:27 am.

It's official: Royal Caribbean is the owner of the largest cruise ship in the world.

The company accepted the delivery of the Icon of the Seas on Monday during a momentous ceremony in Turku, Finland.

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With 20-decks, the Icon of the Seas comes in at 250,800 tons and will be more than 6% bigger, about 10 feet longer, than the Wonder of the Seas, a news release by Royal Caribbean said.

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The ship, which took 900 days to build, is set to set sail from PortMiami on Jan. 27, 2024.

Not only will the ship have eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore , but the 7,600 passengers allowed onboard will also have seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and about 40 bar and dining options to choose from.

“We are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

The Icon of the Seas has all the bases covered no matter what type of vacation you are looking to have.

For the adventure-seekers, Thrill Island will feature Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea.

This neighborhood will also have a ropes course and thrill ride, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

If you are looking to relax, Chill Island has four of the seven pools and an adults-only area.

The company added that the Icon of the Seas is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas, a transitional fuel.

The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. 

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Norwegian unveiled plans for a new cruise ship — complete with a roller coaster waterslide and night club to take on Royal Caribbean

• Norwegian Cruise Line says its 3,550-guest Norwegian Luna will debut in 2026.
• The company's 21st vessel would have family-friendly amenities such as a roller coaster-like waterslide.
• Luna could be a good option for families who prefer a new build but don't enjoy mega cruise ships .

If you're tired of only hearing about ultra-large cruise ships or ultra-expensive small ones, Norwegian Cruise Line has the answer.

On Wednesday, the popular cruise company unveiled details of Norwegian Luna, its next Prima Plus Class ship.

The upcoming vessel, Norwegian's 21st, would have family-friendly amenities like infinity pools, a high-tech sports court, and a cross between a roller coaster and waterslide.

The cruise liner is scheduled to kick off its maiden season in April 2026 with weeklong Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami.

At 1,056 feet long and 156,300 gross tons, Luna would be larger than the company's preceding Prima Class vessels but smaller than any ships its competitor, Royal Caribbean, has debuted over the last 15 years.

If you don't love giant cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's dazzling mega-ships could make for an overwhelming vacation.

The largest, Icon of the Seas, is 1,1960 feet long and 250,800 gross tons. It may be packed with family-friendly activities like a waterpark and an ice skating rink, but you'll have to share these amenities with another 7,599 guests.

Two of Royal Caribbean's less sizable cruise ships are also scheduled for Miami cruises in 2026. But by then, the newer of the two, Independence of the Seas, will already be 18 years old.

So, if you want to cruise out of Miami but prefer a new, large-but-not-too-large vessel, the 3,550-guest Norwegian Luna could be a great option for you and your family.

The ship is expected to be identical to Norwegian's upcoming Norwegian Aqua , scheduled to debut in March 2025. The pair of floating resorts won't have as many attractions as Icon of the Seas, but they would still hold their ground in the family-friendly cruise industry.

Like Aqua, Luna would have signature Norwegian amenities such as a 10-station food hall, a 10-story-tall dry slide, and Ocean Boulevard, an open-air walkway with restaurants, pools, and lounges.

Young children would have a water playground while adults have an al fresco lounge with infinity hot tubs.

Along with a new Thai restaurant, wine bar, and plant-based eatery, Aqua and Luna would also debut two firsts for the cruise line: the Aqua Slidecoaster and the Glow Court. Norwegian calls the former a cross between a roller coaster and a waterslide, and the latter a high-tech sports court that turns into a nightclub at sundown.

The ships may not have as expensive or playful cabins as Royal Caribbean's $100,000-a-week Ultimate Family Townhouse . But they would debut Norwegian's new two-story, three-bedroom Haven suites complete with a living and dining room, butler service, and access to an exclusive outdoor lounge.

Norwegian Luna's maiden season fares range from $1,400 per person for an interior cabin to $18,500 per person for the Owner's Suite. Not too steep compared to Icon of the Seas' cheapest 2026 itinerary, which comes in at about $1,710 per person for seven nights.

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Woman who sold everything for £265k world cruise thrown off ship after WhatsApp comments

Jenny Phenix, 68, learned she would no longer depart on the journey of her dreams after she made several complaints about ongoing delays and other issues in a group chat

• 09:55, 18 Sep 2024
• Updated 08:33, 19 Sep 2024

A woman who sold everything for a $350,000 (£265,585) dream trip around the world was banned from the cruise after her private WhatsApp comments came to light.

Jenny Phenix, 68, a divorced mum-of-two from Florida, sold off her possessions, liquidated her businesses and had been living out of a suitcase ahead of the three-year Villa Vie Odyssey's maiden voyage. But following ongoing delays, Ms Phenix shared her frustrations with fellow passengers in the WhatsApp group that the vessel would not be docking in Miami where she was expecting to collect remaining items for the cruise.

She also shared concerns that refurbishment work might continue after the cruise ship leaves Belfast , and that she would need to make use of a temporary cabin as one she had under her name was still being used by crew members. Her messages were reportedly shared with the owners of cruise ship operators Villa Vie Residences and said her contract for the upcoming trip had been cancelled over "behaviour impacting community morale."

"We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity," chief operating officer Kathy Villalba told her, T he Telegraph reported. "This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers. Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the well-being and satisfaction of our community."

Phenix said she was shocked by the message and denied taking part in any personal attacks. She also said she never shared any messages on social media. "The frustration among the residents grew after every delay," she added. "I tended to be one of the most outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group."

Phenix was looking forward to the three-year cruise after the Life at Sea residential ship scheme filed for bankruptcy and owed her $30,000 (£22,740). She forked out an initial deposit for the voyage and planned to later decide to spend between $120,000 (£90,000) to $350,000 (£265,368) for a cabin or join or upgrade to the Endless Horizon program that allowed passengers to travel onboard for the rest of their lives starting at $300,000 (£227,505).

The divorcee then flew to Southampton in May in preparation for the worldwide cruise. "We had been notified of one short delay, but nothing seemed critical and, of course, travel plans and hotel reservations had been made months in advance," she said.

But the cruise line announced it would depart from Belfast on May 30, and more problems were found during a dry dock at the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built. As the vessel was idle for years during the pandemic the liner needed to re-apply for its certificates.

CEO Mike Petterson said the issue started when the company asking for approving certificates asked for documents on previous documents which were not provided at the time. Speaking to CNN , he added other work had not been completed and that certificate providers would not let the Villa Vie sail without repairs and changes being made.

Phenix said she she had been left emotionally devastated by what had happened and found it hard to discuss. But Petterson claimed she had broken multiple terms and conditions as well as having signed a non-disclosure agreement. Other cruise residents are now set to set sail after the Odyssey passed sea trials. Residents will be compensated with credit worth $200 (£151) each say, according to Petterson.

A Willa Vie Residences CEO Petterson told The Mirror : "There are so many inaccurate reports about Jenny Phenix when in fact she herself cancelled all while being on a trip in the Canary Islands fully paid for by VVR.

"She didn't just complain in the chats but created a very hostile and toxic environment amongst residents. After receiving dozens of complaints and multiple cancellations directly related to the mayhem she created, we decided to suspend her contract entirely. This was subsequently voted on by the residents who overwhelmingly decided to uphold her suspension."

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