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Utopia of the Seas Aft Aerial

BOLDER AND BIGGER

The world's largest cruise ships.

On the world’s largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures.

On the world’s largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures. There isn’t a holiday in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships – Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis®, Wonder® and Utopia of the Seas℠. Whether you’re looking forward to a thrill-filled getaway with a squad that spans several generations, or a sun-soaked couples’ retreat elevated by world class dining and electrifying nightlife, each Oasis Class cruise ship offers experiences to wow every kind of traveler. Discover why the largest cruise ships sailing to Caribbean and Europe vacation destinations are consistently awarded Best Ship year after year by Travel Weekly readers. 

mega cruise lines

FIVE SHIPS, ENDLESS ADVENTURES

Larger than life thrills.

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Oasis of the Seas Overhead Aerial Sailings

DISCOVER THE BOLDEST ADVENTURES YET

With more than 16 decks and 20 restaurants, 7 distinct neighborhoods bustling with unique onboard experiences, and endless thrills to discover around every corner, the world’s largest cruise ships serve up expeditions filled with excitement drenched slides and rides, shows that transcend the stage, and gourmet globetrotting from Italy to Wonderland.

Ultimate Abyss, Oasis of the Seas, NY | HP

GAME CHANGER

When it debuted, Oasis of the Seas® won Best Cruise Ship — and now the Amplified game changer will set a new standard for making memories.

Mamma Mia Broadway Show Three Women Singing

SHOW STOPPER

Awarded Best for Entertainment, Best Individual Cruise Ship, and Best Large Cruise Ship, Allure of the Seas® is a certified scene-stealer.

Harmony of the Seas Sabor

FAMILY FAVORITE

Named Best for Families in the Cruise Critic’s Choice Awards, Harmony of the Seas® delivers thrills to explorers of all ages.

Girl Overlooking the Balcony on Symphony of the Seas

BIGGEST & BOLDEST

The largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas doesn’t just win awards — it wins over everyone who sets foot onboard.

Ultimate Abyss SE2 | HP

NEWEST, BIGGEST AND BOLDEST FAMILY ADVENTURES

Go big on bold when you sail aboard the three largest cruise ships in the world. Deck-defying attractions aren’t the only things to look forward to when you sail onboard the newest cruise ships addition to the Oasis Class.

utopia of the seas aft sea day sailing aft crop

utopia OF THE SEAS℠

Introducing Utopia of the Seas℠ — the ship that’s totally transforming weekends for good. We’re talking bigger flavors. Bolder play. And better chill days than you’ve ever imagined. No craving goes unsatisfied with over 40 ways to dine and drink. New charttopping showstoppers blow your mind on stage, ice, water and air. This is not a routine recharge. This is the World’s Biggest Weekend — arriving in summer 2024 to Port Canaveral.

EXPLORE UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

Wonder of the Seas Aerial Aft at Sunset

WONDER OF THE SEAS®

Wonder of the Seas® brings even bigger adventures to the award-winning Oasis Class. Like eight unique neighborhoods, including the Suite Neighborhood. A totally redesigned pool deck with more ways to soak up the sun —or shade —than ever before. The most immersive AquaTheater ever, with a game-changing surround-stage that makes you feel part of the action.

EXPLORE WONDER OF THE SEAS

Aerial View of Symphony of the Seas

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS®

One of the world’s biggest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas®, the travel adventures are larger than life. From epic onboard thrills to revolutionary dining and entertainment, this ship will change how you vacation no matter what kind of experience you’re after.

EXPLORE SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

DISCOVER THE WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIPS

There isn’t a vacation in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships — Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis, Wonder®   and Utopia of the Seas ℠ . With ships this packed with adventure, next-level thrills never ends.

Oasis of the Seas Pool Deck Labadee Haiti

OASIS OF THE SEAS

Reimagined from bow to stern, the Amplified Oasis of the Seas® is loaded with fresh and exciting things to do to level up your romantic retreat — including bars, entertainment and dance floors that keep the fun going long into the night.

EXPLORE OASIS OF THE SEAS

HP Allure Heading Port Naples Italy

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

The most awarded ship in the world is stealing the spotlight again for entertainment, dining, family activities and more, it’s filled with endless ways to make every moment incredible.

EXPLORE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

Harmony of the Seas Flowrider at Sunset

HARMONY OF THE SEAS

Rally the crew for the boldest family vacation ever. Harmony of the Seas® offers thrills for all ages, like the tallest slide at sea, surf sessions on the FlowRider®* and plenty of unique spaces just for kids of all ages.

EXPLORE HARMONY OF THE SEAS

2023 Best Cruise Ship Wonder of the Seas Travel Weekly Reader's Choice Award

Central Park

Ultimate abyss/flowrider*, splashaway bay, sugar beach, playmaker's.

Perfect Day Coco Cay Slides Aerial Hero

DISCOVER. PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Forget everything you thought you knew about beach days, because this private island destination is raising the standard to a whole new level. Experience elevated island vibes while lounging in The Bahamas’ only private overwater cabanas. Earn bragging rights on the tallest waterslide in North America. And take your vacation to new heights — literally — in a helium balloon ride above the island. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay — only on Royal Caribbean®.

EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

SEVEN NEIGHBORHOODS ENDLESS WAYS TO EXPLORE

Get ready for an unforgettable getaway filled with first-of-their-kind feats, including seven distinct and vibrant neighborhoods that each offer up bucket list adventures, palate-pleasing dining and inspiring entertainment to rival any cosmopolitan city on land — and they’re only found on Oasis Class ships by Royal Caribbean®. 

READ OUR GUIDE TO OASIS CLASS NEIGHBORHOOD'S

symphony overview boardwalk neighborhood family

EXPLORE MORE  

Harmony of the Seas, Aerial View, Bahamas and Caribbean Cruise Destinations

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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

Aerial of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

With every year comes bigger and grander cruise ships.

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

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

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

Find your perfect cruise

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Thrill Island water park on 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

The Ultimate Abyss slide on Royal Caribbean's 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

Side of Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas at sea.

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

Aerial of 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

Aerial of 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

Central Park neighborhood on 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

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas leaving Fort Lauderdale.

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

Zen Pool on 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

Pool inside the 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

Deck at sunset on the 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

Grand Atrium on the 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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Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

AIDAcosma at sea.

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

SkyDome on the 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.

AIDAnova at sea.

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

Carnival Celebration in Caribbean waters.

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

MSC Euribia at sea.

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

Le Grand Théâtre on the 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

Carnival Mardi Gras at sea.

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

MSC Meraviglia at Port Miami.

Courtesy of Port Miami for MSC Cruises

Length: 1,036 feet

Gross tons: 171,598

Maximum passengers: 5,655

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

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

Norwegian Encore

Length: 1,094 feet

Width: 136 feet

Gross tons: 169,116

Maximum passengers: 3,998 (double occupancy)

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

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

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

Find a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 9,300-person Wonder of the Seas — take a look inside the world's largest cruise ship with a boardwalk, 3 water slides, and a park

  • I sailed on Royal Caribbean International's Wonder of the Seas in early December.
  • It's currently the world's largest cruise ship and includes amenities for travelers of all ages.
  • Take a look around the ship complete with eight "neighborhoods," three water slides, and an ice skating rink.

Royal Caribbean International invited me to travel on its newest mega cruise ship, the Wonder of the Seas, in early December during a non-revenue sailing for media and travel agents.

mega cruise lines

The 1,188-foot-long behemoth is currently the world's largest cruise ship.

mega cruise lines

Source: Royal Caribbean

And with this giant size comes a long list of amenities, spaces, and services to keep travelers entertained for days at sea.

mega cruise lines

Let's take a closer look at what the 9,288-person vessel has to offer.

mega cruise lines

Be warned: It's a lot.

mega cruise lines

The Wonder of the Seas has 2,867 staterooms to accommodate its up to 7,084 guests.

mega cruise lines

To keep these thousands of guests happy and fed, the cruise ship has over 20 dining venues.

mega cruise lines

Over half of the restaurants are specialty venues that come at an extra cost to guests, including the new-to-brand Mason Jar serving up classic Southern comfort with a side of live music …

mega cruise lines

… Izumi for sushi and teppanyaki …

mega cruise lines

… and the recognizable Starbucks and Johnny Rockets for travelers who want a more familiar meal.

mega cruise lines

And we can't forget about the classic cruise buffet. This one serves up American food, international classics, seafood, and of course, dessert.

mega cruise lines

And it wouldn't be a cruise ship without plenty of bars and lounges.

mega cruise lines

Here, the Wonder of the Seas has a bar staffed by robotic arms instead of bartenders …

mega cruise lines

… an open-air outdoor sports bar on the Boardwalk (more on this in a moment) …

mega cruise lines

… and the Rising Tide bar located on a platform that rises and lowers between two decks.

mega cruise lines

But it's not all about booze aboard the Wonder of the Seas.

mega cruise lines

After all, Royal Caribbean does angle itself as a family-friendly cruise line.

mega cruise lines

And this is definitely reflected in the mega cruise ship's "neighborhoods."

mega cruise lines

The Wonder of the Seas is divided into eight sections affectionately called "neighborhoods." This includes areas like the Boardwalk, Central Park, and Youth Zone.

mega cruise lines

The latter was designed for infants, children, and teenagers, keeping young travelers entertained with events and activities at sea.

mega cruise lines

But if families want to spend the afternoon together, there's also the open-aired decks.

mega cruise lines

Here, you'll find the Wonder of the Seas' colorful collection of decorated swimming pools, lounge chairs …

mega cruise lines

… hot tubs, a children-friendly water playground, and three water slides.

mega cruise lines

But if your family is looking for drier activities, there's the Wonder Playscape, an outdoor park with slides and games.

mega cruise lines

This upper deck is also home to the ship's zip line, surf simulator …

mega cruise lines

… an ocean-themed mini-golf course, and a dry slide helmed by a giant anglerfish.

mega cruise lines

If you need some time away from the children, head to the Solarium.

mega cruise lines

Here, you'll find a dome-covered adults only lounge filled with natural light, swimming pools …

mega cruise lines

… jacuzzis, eye-catching sculptural work, and of course, a bar.

mega cruise lines

It's one of the most relaxing spots on the ship, especially compared to the vibrant and energetic Boardwalk.

mega cruise lines

As its name suggests, the wood-planked Boardwalk neighborhood is nearly identical to its on-land counterpart.

mega cruise lines

Like any beachside boardwalk, there's a hot dog stand, a candy and ice cream store …

mega cruise lines

… a carousel, and a Johnny Rockets serving up burgers and fries at an additional cost.

mega cruise lines

Towards the end of the Boardwalk, two large rock climbing walls frame the Aqua Theater.

mega cruise lines

This outdoor water venue is where you can catch the nighttime showing of "inTENse" …

mega cruise lines

… a fast-paced water show filled with divers, dancers, and synchronized swimming.

mega cruise lines

It's just one of several show venues aboard the floating city. But it's the only one with a tightrope walker.

mega cruise lines

The Royal Theater hosts acts like the superhero and drone-filled "The Effectors II: Crash and Burn," while Studio B hosts the ship's ice skating rink and show.

mega cruise lines

Studio B is also located on the same deck as the casino and the Attic, the Wonder of the Seas' comedy venue.

mega cruise lines

There's also a karaoke bar, if you count that as a show venue.

mega cruise lines

It may not be filled with professional singers, but at least it'll be entertaining.

mega cruise lines

This karaoke bar is centered in the Royal Promenade neighborhood.

mega cruise lines

The space — anchored by a giant metal cowboy hat — resembles a small indoor shopping mall complete with stores, grab-and-go dining, and bars.

mega cruise lines

But unlike a typical mall, there's an out-of-place Ford Mustang parked in front of the aforementioned moving Rising Tide bar.

mega cruise lines

If you enjoy walking around the indoor Royal Promenade, you might find yourself gravitating towards the open-aired Central Park neighborhood, too.

mega cruise lines

Here, the space looks nothing like a cruise ship.

mega cruise lines

Instead, the plant-lined walkway has several specialty dining restaurants, a casual cafe, an outdoor bar, and higher end shopping.

mega cruise lines

You might even catch some live music here.

mega cruise lines

And if you missed the Rising Bar at the Royal Promenade, you'll definitely find it at Central Park. The bar floats between these two neighborhoods depending on the time of day.

mega cruise lines

Moving along, the Suite neighborhood is exclusive for guests who've booked the more expensive and spacious accommodations.

mega cruise lines

But if you didn't book a suite and are still interested in luxury, head to the ship's final neighborhood, the Vitality Spa and Fitness.

mega cruise lines

Here, you can treat yourself to massages, beauty and nail salons, and saunas.

mega cruise lines

There's also a fitness center with machines and weights. But if you're looking for a more cardio intensive workout, head to the open-aired track.

mega cruise lines

It's evident Royal Caribbean designed the Wonder of the Seas to appease travelers of all ages, whether it be the playground for children, pool zone for families, or Solarium for adults.

mega cruise lines

And along with these physical spaces, there's a seemingly endless list of daily events and activities for guests to attend.

mega cruise lines

It's no wonder travelers have flocked to the world's biggest cruise ship since its debut in March.

mega cruise lines

The cruise line has seen three booking records throughout 2022.

mega cruise lines

According to Vicki Freed — Royal Caribbean's senior vice president of sales, trade support, and service — new vessels like the Wonder of the Seas "contributed significantly" to this historic rise in bookings, she told Insider in an email statement.

mega cruise lines

After all, who wouldn’t want to cruise on a vessel with multiple water slides, an ice skating rink, and a bar with robots instead of bartenders?

mega cruise lines

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  • Best-rated mega-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

In June 2023, mega-ship cruise lines were rated by travelers worldwide. Norwegian Cruise Line was the top-rated mega-ship cruise operator among Condé Nast Traveler readers, reporting a score of 86.72.

Best-rated mega-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide as of June 2023

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October 2023

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April 1 to June 30, 2023

Condé Nast Traveler readers

¹ Scores are based on a five-point scale (excellent, very good, good, fair, poor) on criteria relevant to the subject being ranked. Scores have been rounded.  The source defines mega-ship cruises as cruises with a capacity of more than 4,000 passengers.

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  • Direct economic impact of the cruise industry in the U.S. 2021, by spending type
  • Cruise line operator industry's market size in the U.S. 2012-2022
  • Businesses in the cruise line operator industry in the U.S. 2012-2022
  • Number of cruise passengers from North America 2016-2022
  • Number of cruise passengers from the U.S. 2016-2022
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  • Share of U.S. travelers planning a cruise trip October 2021-June 2023
  • Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc 2008-2023
  • Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
  • Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
  • Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
  • COVID-19 impact on revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide 2020-2022
  • Best-rated large-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
  • Best-rated midsize-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
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Other statistics that may interest you Cruise industry in the United States

  • Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027
  • Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2022, by source market
  • Premium Statistic Main global cruise destinations 2019-2022, by number of passengers
  • Premium Statistic Revenue of the cruises industry in the U.S. 2019-2028
  • Premium Statistic Revenue growth of cruises in the U.S. 2019-2028
  • Premium Statistic Direct economic impact of the cruise industry in the U.S. 2021, by spending type
  • Premium Statistic Cruise line operator industry's market size in the U.S. 2012-2022
  • Premium Statistic Businesses in the cruise line operator industry in the U.S. 2012-2022

Cruise passengers

  • Premium Statistic Number of cruise passengers from North America 2016-2022
  • Premium Statistic Number of cruise passengers from the U.S. 2016-2022
  • Premium Statistic Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the U.S. 2017-2022
  • Premium Statistic Busiest cruise ports worldwide 2019-2022, by passenger movements
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. travelers planning a cruise trip October 2021-June 2023

Cruise companies

  • Premium Statistic Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023
  • Premium Statistic Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc 2008-2023
  • Premium Statistic Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 1988-2023
  • Premium Statistic Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
  • Premium Statistic Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
  • Premium Statistic Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
  • Premium Statistic COVID-19 impact on revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide 2020-2022

Consumer opinions

  • Basic Statistic Best-rated mega-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
  • Basic Statistic Best-rated large-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
  • Basic Statistic Best-rated midsize-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
  • Basic Statistic Best-rated small-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
  • Basic Statistic Best-rated river cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

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  • Premium Statistic U.S. travelers who consider using Royal Caribbean for a cruise 2017, by age
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. cruise travelers who have used Royal Caribbean 2017, by age
  • Premium Statistic Cruise operators U.S. travelers would considered when planning a trip 2017
  • Premium Statistic Cruise lines known by U.S. travelers 2017
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. travelers who are aware of Royal Caribbean International 2017, by age
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. travelers who are aware of Carnival Cruise Line 2017, by age
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. travelers who are aware of Disney Cruise Line 2017, by gender
  • Premium Statistic Share of U.S. cruise travelers who have used select cruise lines as of April 2017
  • Premium Statistic Favorite cruise operators in the United States 2019
  • Premium Statistic Leading cruise line companies worldwide in 2016, by revenue
  • Premium Statistic Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises ships 2011-2023, by brand
  • Basic Statistic Travel disruptions experienced by cruise travelers during a trip in the U.S. 2015
  • Premium Statistic Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
  • Basic Statistic Reasons for switching loyalty programs among leisure travelers in the U.S. 2014
  • Premium Statistic Travelers who prefer elite status rewards in the U.S. in 2014, by age
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  • Share of U.S. travelers who are aware of Disney Cruise Line 2017, by gender
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  • Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises ships 2011-2023, by brand
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These are the top 4 cruise lines in the world, according to travelers

thumbnail

It looks like more smooth sailing for the cruise industry .

An October survey from Condé Nast Traveler revealed that 47% of people said they would be interested in setting sail on a ship — only 27% of readers went on a cruise last year.

A recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association shows that traveling by cruise is becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors.

Condé Nast Traveler released its top cruise lines ranking based on a two-month-long survey where readers voted on their favorite cruises by weighing them in several categories, including:

  • Accommodation
  • Sustainability

The cruises were scored on a 100-point scale. Mega ships have more than 4,000 passengers, while large ships were defined as those with 2,500 to 4,000 passengers.

The best cruise lines in 2023

Best Mega Ships

  • Norwegian Cruise Line: 86.72
  • Royal Caribbean International: 86.69
  • Carnival Cruise Line: 85.35
  • MSC Cruises: 83.42

Norwegian Cruise Line ranked as the top cruise line this year.

It is the third-largest cruise line in the world by passengers, according to Cruise Market Watch . As of 2021, it controls about 8.6% of the worldwide cruise market.

As of August 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line operates 19 cruise ships and owns two private islands in the Caribbean: Harvest Caye in Belize and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean International ranked as the second-best cruise line in the world.

As of 2022, the cruise line operates 26 ships and two privately owned resorts: Labadee on the northern coast of Haiti and Coco Cay, a private island in the Bahamas.

In 2019, Royal Caribbean International announced it has plans to open a private island in the South Pacific .

Best Large Ships

  • Virgin Voyages: 94.07
  • Disney Cruise Line: 92.21
  • Cunard: 89.55
  • Princess Cruises: 89.42
  • Celebrity Cruises: 88.57
  • Costa Cruises: 87.95
  • Holland America Line: 87.79
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: 86.41
  • Royal Caribbean International: 84.31
  • MSC Cruises: 83.77

Virgin Voyages ranked as the top cruise in the large ships category. It was founded just eight years ago.

The cruise line currently has three ships and operates as an adults-only experience . It sails to popular Caribbean, European and South Pacific spots. According to U.S. News and World Report , Virgin Voyages ranked as the No. 1 best cruise line for money.

Disney Cruise Line ranked as the second top cruise line with a score of 92.21.

The cruise line currently operates five ships and as of 2021, Disney had a market share of 2.2% by passengers and 2.7% by revenue, according to Cruise Market Watch .

Disney Cruise Line also owns Castaway Cay, a private island in the Bahamas. According to U.S. News and World Report , Disney Cruise Line accounts for having approximately one crew member for every three passengers, no matter the vessel size.

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What Is a Mega Cruise Ship?

By Robert Palmer

A mega cruise ship is a luxurious and expansive vessel that is used for cruise vacations. These massive ships are typically owned by a major cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Lines. They offer a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers to enjoy while on board.

The size of mega cruise ships can vary greatly, with some vessels capable of carrying up to 5,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members. Some feature multiple decks and can span hundreds of feet long. As such, they provide plenty of space for the many features that make them so popular with travelers.

Mega cruise ships come equipped with multiple pools and hot tubs, restaurants and bars, entertainment venues such as movie theaters, spas, gyms, shopping centers and even gambling casinos. Many also offer a variety of activities such as rock climbing walls, water slides and mini-golf courses. Additionally, some feature specialty restaurants like sushi bars or luxury suites with private balconies.

Most mega cruise ships also come equipped with modern safety features such as lifeboats, sprinkler systems and fire suppression systems in case of an emergency situation. They also feature advanced navigation systems to ensure the ship reaches its destination safely and efficiently.

For those looking for an unforgettable vacation experience, a mega cruise ship is the perfect choice. With its vast array of amenities and activities available on board as well as its impressive size and modern safety features, it’s no wonder why these vessels are so popular among travelers from around the world.

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What it's like to sail on the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon Of The Seas

Thursday, 14 Mar 2024

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‘america is rising’: biden uses state of the union address to push competition with china but not conflict, patagonia cave paintings are earliest found in south america, the cruise ship is currently the world’s largest. — royal caribbean international.

At the busy Port of Miami, Florida in the United States, one cruise ship towers above the rest – Royal Caribbean’s latest mega vessel, Icon Of The Seas.

Defying conventions in the realm of cruise ships, the Icon measures 365m long, and is currently the world’s largest cruise ship (about 3m longer than the previous title holder, Harmony Of The Seas).

The ship is five times the size of the Titanic, and its construction cost was close to US$2bil (RM9.47bil). It was designed to accommodate up to 9,950 individuals, or 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

After years of hype, the Icon finally made its maiden voyage from Miami on Jan 27; we had the chance to get a preview of the ship shortly before that.

Upon arriving at the Port of Miami, what immediately caught my attention was the complex yet colourful waterslides situated at the top of the 20-deck-tall Icon. Other cruise ships in the port paled in comparison next to this colossal ship.

I was greeted by a porter who took my luggage and showed me the direction of the terminal. In about 10 minutes, I boarded the cruise ship after the officials checked my passport and digital boarding pass.

As I entered the Icon, a giant kinetic art installation known as The Pearl welcomed me at the Royal Promenade, located on Deck 3.

The Pearl – measuring at 13.7m tall, with a diameter of 16m – functions as a structure designed to allow more natural light to enter the ship. Understandably, there was always a crowd of people in the area, all waiting to take snapshots of the design.

The sphere-like installation is located in between two fully connected docks that housed a range of restaurants, bars and lounges.

The Pearl has nearly 3,000 computer-driven kinetic tiles which are meant to simulate natural phenomenons such as rolling waves, shooting stars and even gentle breezes.

Where to go

The Icon is split into eight sections that are known as “neighbourhoods”. They are: Aquadome, Central Park, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, Surfside, Suite Neighbourhood, The Hideaway and Thrill Island.

All the neighbourhoods can be accessed using the Icon’s “destination elevators”, one of the many unique features of the ship. Instead of choosing your deck or destination inside an elevator, passengers are required to make a selection on a small screen outside. Where you wish to go determines which elevator will be “sent” to you.

My room was located about 20 minutes from the elevator bay on my deck but I didn’t mind the long walk at all. Besides, I had a beautiful ocean view room that came with a balcony and a sunbathing chair. The closet was very spacious, and there were some shelves near the TV. There was a writing desk too for passengers who needed to perhaps do some work ... but when you’re sailing on a cruise ship like this one, it can be very hard to do or even think about work!

There are a total of 28 categories of staterooms available on board the Icon, ranging from suites, balcony, ocean view and interior.

The most expensive stateroom is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-floor suite that sleeps six people and comes with an indoor slide and trampoline, a cinema space, a karaoke room, a private patio, two balconies and other amenities.

Despite being priced upwards of US$80,000 (RM378,800) a week, the suite is already sold out for the entire sailing roster of 2024.

After freshening up, I decided to tour the eight neighbourhoods. Home to all the action and adventure on board is Thrill Island, which is where you can find the world’s largest water park at sea. There are six large water slides here, and I tried a few of them, one of which was the Pressure Drop. This is said to be the first free-fall slide at sea and being on it was like getting shot of adrenaline.

Another feature on Thrill Island is Crown’s Edge, that’s kind of like a skywalk but with an obstacle course and zipline mixed in. Basically, a participant gets strapped in and attached to a railing, before having to step onto the skywalk, located about 16m above the surface of the sea. As you move along the walkway, some thrilling surprises will take place ...

Those who suffer from a fear of heights can probably give this a miss and instead check out Thrill Island’s other offerings, which includes a miniature golf course, a jogging track, a sports court that’s meant for playing basketball, volleyball and other “large ball” activities, and fitness centre. There’s also a FlowRider surf simulator here.

Passengers with young children can head to the Surfside neighbourhood, a dedicated family space where adults can chill out and relax, while still keeping an eye on their kids.

The Hideaway is an adults-only section on the Icon Of The Seas with an infinity pool at the sea.

Poolside snacks such as hot dogs and churros are available for order here.

At the three-deck neighbourhood Chill Island, you can find four of the seven pools that the Icon has (the Royal Bay is said to be the largest pool at sea). There are also nine whirlpools located across the area, as well as the Cove Pool (an infinity pool), and the Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea.

Actually, there were several other bars scattered across Chill Island; I would recommend getting a drinks package so that you can enjoy an unlimited supply of freshly-made cocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Meanwhile, The Hideaway at Deck 15 is an adults-only section that features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Here, you get a lively beach club-like atmosphere with DJs spinning their music, and a bar for thirsty folks. There are also plenty of lounge chairs and benches strategically placed in the area.

If you are craving for an espresso martini, head over to Rye & Bean, located inside the Aquadome. The espresso martini is topped with house-made non-dairy cold foam and two coffee beans – this was definitely one of the best versions of the cocktail I have ever had.

The Aquadome is a 363-tonne dome with 673 glass and 712 aluminium panels, featuring a 17m-high waterfall that runs during the day.

One of the highlights of the Aquadome is the theatre where there are acrobatic water shows for passengers to enjoy in the evening.

Dining and entertainment

The Icon boasts plenty of dining options ranging from Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian and fusion cuisines. There are over 40 restaurants, bars, cafes and lounges on the ship.

Among the highlights for me was the buffet at the Windjammer, which served grilled lobsters, fillet mignon steaks, scallops, mussels, grilled salmon and halibut, and more. The food was delicious and fresh, and passengers are certainly spoilt for choice here.

I also had some freshly made burritos and tacos at El Loco Fresh – do try their margaritas. I checked out some Mediterranean and Asian meals at the Aquadome market, too.

If you do not wish to join the buffet, you can head over to the Main Dining Room which serves a variety of cuisines that you can order ala carte.

For those wanting a more premium dining experience, it is available at an additional cost at restaurants such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Playmakers Sports Bar and Hooked Seafood.

At Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, diners can expect a hearty and nostalgic Italian meal served by an experienced waiter who will give you some recommendations based on your taste buds.

Those who wish to have some grilled meats or seafood can satisfy their taste buds at Izumi In The Park, which is located at the Central Park, a large open space housing various restaurants and bars.

Once you’ve had your fill, check out some of the special shows that are available on the Icon, ranging from live music, musicals, and even adult stand-up comedy shows. You would need to pre-book your seats for most of the shows, and you can do this via the Royal Caribbean app.

At The Duelling Pianos bar, you can find two red grand pianos placed facing each other. Each day, two pianists will either be playing them together, or “duelling” one another with fantastic renditions of mostly modern compositions.

The Jazz Bar and Music hall in the meantime is where you go if you’re into classic rock tunes. There’s a very good cover band here that plays every night, belting out tunes such as Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC’s Highway To Hell and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer.

If you’re into musicals, be sure to catch the Icon’s featured show, The Wizard Of Oz. This particular version isn’t just a rehash of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams’ Broadway musical, but rather an adaptation that’s unique to the ship. It’s definitely a must-watch here, especially for families.

The Hideaway Beach in Perfect Day At CocoCay is an adults-only section on the exclusive island in the Bahamas, owned by Royal Caribbean. — TARRANCE TAN/The Star

The Bahamas

Part of the Icon’s sailing itinerary includes a stop at Perfect Day At CocoCay, an exclusive private island in the Bahamas owned by Royal Caribbean.

I was fortunate to have my balcony view facing CocoCay when the ship docked at 7am, just in time to catch some sunlight beaming into the island.

Greeting passengers on the island was a stunt-plane doing some aerobatics such as barrel rolls, loops and even stall turns, much to everyone’s amusement.

One of the highlights at CocoCay is the Hideaway Beach that was launched in January. It is an adults-only section (18 years old and above) that requires an additional fee to get into.

After grabbing my towels at the ship, I proceeded to the Hide-away Beach via a tram ride.

The DJs there were playing some cool tunes even though it was only 10am, and freshly-made cocktails were already being served to guests too.

It is indeed always five o’clock somewhere in the world.

There were also seven spots dotted around the beach for folks to get more drinks and food like burgers, mozzarella sticks and deep-fried shrimp. Food and beverages are complimentary, and are available throughout the day.

Though the weather was sunny, it was breezy and windy, making it the perfect time to be at the beach. The water was so crystal clear that I could see my toes as I waded into the sea.

If you’re looking to have a bit of privacy on the Hideaway, you can rent a luxury cabana.

Meanwhile, besides the Hideaway, you can also check out the Thrill Waterpark. It is a must-visit for those with kids, and adults who are young-at-heart.

It has the tallest waterslide in North America called the Daredevil’s Peak (41m), and is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Going up the steps to reach the peak of the slide wasn’t easy for me, and I nearly gave up. What made it worse was that I actually have a fear of heights!

However, I managed to push through and once I slid my way down, I got such an exciting adrenaline rush.

The scariest slide – for me, at least – is the Screeching Serpent, a 15-m high, fully vertical “speed” slide. When I went on this ride, I momentarily felt like I was free falling. I was screaming my lungs out and had to take a break from going on any more slides after that!

Later, I headed to South Beach, where a floating bar was located. It was an eye-opening experience having to swim to get your cocktail ...

There are no overnight options available on CocoCay and the Icon leaves the island in the evening.

Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel is more than just a cruise ship – it’s a self-contained world brimming with possibilities. From its diverse neighbourhoods and gourmet dining, to its thrilling waterpark and vibrant entertainment, the Icon offers an unforgettable escape for families, adventure-seekers, and everyone in between.

If you’re looking to temporarily trade your city life for an action-packed vacation filled with endless activities and unforgettable memories, look no further than the Icon. This magnificent vessel is sure to leave you and your loved ones wanting more.

Royal Caribbean

Launch of Icon of the Seas

Icon Of The Seas docked next to the Vision Of The Seas at the CocoCay, a private island owned by Royal Caribbean. — TARRANCE TAN/The Star

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a three-floor suite that has an indoor slide, among others.

The hideaway beach in perfect day at cococay is an adults-only section on the exclusive island in the bahamas, owned by royal caribbean. — photos: tarrance tan/the star, tourists posing by the pearl, a giant kinetic art installation at the royal promenade., the hideaway is an adults-only section on the icon of the seas with an infinity pool at the sea., there are lots of green spaces on the ship, like this one at the central park section. — royal caribbean international.

An aerial view of Icon Of The Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. — Royal Caribbean International

The Swim & Tonic pool on the Icon. — Royal Caribbean International

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Tags / Keywords: Cruise , Royal Caribbean , Icon Of The Seas , Florida , Holiday , Hideaway Beach , Island , tourism , cruise tourism , mega ship , bahamas , cococay

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How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book in 2024

C ruises are a type of vacation many people enjoy, especially us. They allow for an all-inclusive trip where you can partake in your favorite activities on the ship and off, with selected excursions. But what is the best cruise for you?

It's easy to indulge in gourmet cuisine that seems ever-flowing and never-ending and to enjoy ship amenities. We consider these things when planning a cruise and weighing the options. Here, we share other factors for you to consider to find the best cruises for you, like health and safety, ship-within-a-ship experiences, and even ports of call to factor into your decision.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase,  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Cruises to Book: Top Considerations

Different types of cruises vary in cost, from river cruises to mega-ship cruising to yacht cruising and beyond.

Ocean and river cruises , for example, have similarities yet differ in amenities and dining options. They tend to target different ages and types of travelers. Additionally, the ship size helps determine what ports they can stop at.

Maybe you cruised once and didn't like it, yet something has piqued your curiosity again. We truly believe there is a cruise for everyone! If you tried a huge ship and didn't love it, seek out small ship cruises. Or vice versa.

The ship size is one of the top considerations to start exploring the best cruise to book. That will also determine where you look for a cruise.

Start Your Best Cruises Search by Size

We recommend trying different varieties of size cruise ships. Try a small or medium-sized ship if you took a cruise on a large ship in the past.

You can consider a cruise line with 500 passengers, for example (like Hurtigruten ), or go even smaller, like 200-passenger river cruise ships (like Emerald Cruises ). You can even go smaller and try yacht cruises !

We have included resources for you if you're unsure of what size cruise to book. Or, you can reach out to our preferred travel agents to have a conversation about it.

Mega-Cruise Ships

Larger ships, which are the most readily available and approachable for families and couples overall, have thousands of passengers. Sometimes, they have upwards of 1,000 to 4,000 guests depending on the cruise line and ship. And cruise lines seem to be outdoing themselves, making them bigger and larger every year.

Because of their size, mega ships often have sizeable fitness centers/gyms, big spas offering many treatments from massages to teeth-whitening, and multiple pools and hot tubs.

Here are our top three places to look for current prices and offerings if you're going to look up cruise vacations on big ships:

  • Cruise Direct
  • Cruise Critic

Small Ship Cruises

On the contrary, river and yacht cruises usually have one pool, max, and one or two spa treatment rooms. Some ships don't have a pool at all. Some cruise ships have gyms, while others don't. A good example is Emerald Cruises vs. Viking – Emerald Cruises river cruise ships have a gym and a pool, and Viking Longships do not have either.

A small cruise may be perfect for a couple traveling abroad, wanting to experience something special and more intimate. In this case, river cruises, barge cruises , and expedition cruises are the perfect cruises to consider. These cruises travel to unique destinations.

Take an eco-focused cruise to Alaska , a journey to Antarctica , or a river cruise to the wine region of Portugal on the Douro River.

But depending on your needs, desires, and preferences, often the favorable guest-to-crew ratio and intimacy of a small cruise is just what you need for your best cruise vacation.

When we sailed on Star Clipper , there was one small massage room on the top deck. But it was perfect, and the massage was incredibly affordable. It was just what we needed.

Ports to Consider for the Best Cruises

Maybe you want to go to big ports, like in Barcelona, Spain, Marseille, France , or Nassau in the Bahamas. These are big cruise ports that larger ships go to. Or, say you want to go to small, lesser-known European destinations that only river cruise ships can dock at.

The ports you have in mind may inform your decision of the best cruises for you. Additionally, if you don't have a passport or want to stay very close to home in the United States, consider a closed – loop cruise itinerary.

United States Embarkation Ports

One of the benefits of going on a cruise from the United States is that you can potentially drive to the port or quickly fly there from within the country. (Don’t forget to check if you need a passport if your cruise heads to other ports outside of the USA.)

US cruise ports are plentiful! There are dozens of ports over the coastal United States, from California and Florida to Maryland, New York, and South Carolina.

Five of the most popular ones that are all near major airports and highways are the cruise ports of:

  • Seattle, Washington
  • San Diego, California
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Miami, Florida
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida

All major cruise lines have a cruise leaving from one of the ports above.

If you're gravitating towards the idea of a United States River Cruises, it will surely leave from a United States port. Some are even inland, like along the Mississippi River or Tennessee River.

International Cruise Ports

If you want to sail in other countries or even continents, when considering the best cruises, consider cruises that sail through Europe, Asia, or South America.

Great cruise itineraries sail the coast of places like Chile, Japan, and the UK. You usually have to start somewhere outside of the United States for this, though some cruises that start in the USA sail to Mexico and Central America.

A Central America cruise may stop in Panama (and even go through the Panama Canal), Costa Rica, or Belize. A popular Mexico port of call on the east coast is Cozumel, and Porto Vallarta is popular on the west coast .

As an example, we sailed on Celebrity Apex from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and we stopped at Belize City, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. Another example was when we were able to go to three continents in eight days during a Celestyal Cruises vacation.

Destination Ports of Call

Suppose you are interested in a cruise that goes to a particular region of the United States, North America, or the world. In that case, you will want to search by destination or embarkation port.

Examples are:

  • For a cruise to Baja California (which sails into Mexico), leave Los Angeles.
  • Do you want to cruise to Alaska ? Search for cruises that leave from Seattle, Washington.
  • If you want to sail to the Caribbean, you’ll likely depart from the Port of Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. This is because they are all Florida ports.
  • Are you cruising to the Great Lakes ? You’ll want to leave from the Midwest or Northeast, including Chicago and Boston.
  • If you want to sail to the Mediterranean, in Europe, search for a cruise that leaves from Barcelona, Spain.

Best Cruise Lines to Consider

The best cruise lines are likely all names you’ve heard, even if you’ve never been on a cruise. However, if you’re starting to look into the world of cruising, some may be new to you!

Mega-Ship Cruise Lines to Look into for Your Next Cruise Vacation

  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Viking Ocean Cruises (they have a popular river cruise line too)
  • Holland America Line
  • Virgin Voyages

Small Cruise Lines to Consider for Your Next Cruise

  • Emerald Cruises
  • Alaskan Dream Cruises
  • Maple Leaf Adventures
  • American Queen Voyages
  • American Cruise Lines
  • AmaWaterways
  • European Waterways
  • Hurtigruten
  • Linblad (including National Geographic cruises)
  • SeaDream Yacht Club
  • Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

Cruise Pricing

The search criteria on any cruise's or third-party cruise-booking website contains the categories we shared above. However, there are more factors for you when you determine the best cruise to book. Price is a result that pops up in search results, affecting which cruise you book for your next vacation.

Cruise prices will vary based on the following factors:

  • Length of the cruise.
  • Cruise destinations (or ports the cruise visits).
  • The season you’re sailing.
  • How many guests are in your cabin or stateroom. (Most cruise lines allow two adults and two children, maximum.) 
  • Category of stateroom you book: inside, outside view, balcony or suite, for instance.

For small cruise ships, the price may also vary depending on the supply and demand. This is true for larger cruise ships too (especially for seasonal demand) but with smaller cruise ships, the smaller the ship and the more in demand the cruise line or itinerary, the more money the cruise.

Read more about what's included with river cruises , in particular.

Best CruiseS Prioritize Health and Safety

If you are concerned about the number of people on a cruise ship, we would argue that cruising is one of the safest ways to travel . This was true pre-pandemic and remains true now.

We have always appreciated the measures cruise lines take to ensure it is the safest way to travel.

This includes sanitization of the ship, cleaning all areas of the vessel, and the lengths they go to report these methods to the public. No other travel industry sector does so much, so publicly for its guests.

Additional Factors to Consider When Deciding What Cruise Is for You

Other factors may influence your decision about what cruise you book, which you may not have previously considered. 

Deciding what amenities or bonuses you desire before booking your cruise is important. The following few sections will provide helpful tips when considering a cruise vacation.

Travel Agent Kickbacks and Perks

If you book a cruise with a travel agent, there is the potential to get an onboard stateroom credit to use on the ship. Many people use the credit for things like cocktails, dining reservations, or spa treatments.

Ready to Book Your Cruise or INquire?

Use our preferred travel advisors, bolds travel, because….

  • They take away the hassle of travel planning : time spent on the phone with the cruise line could be time you spend doing other things.
  • You don't pay them a dime : their service is free (this is because they get paid by the cruise line or destination).
  • Their experience: They have decades of experience and attention to detail.

Loyalty Programs

If you’re the type of person who likes to be rewarded for loyalty, consider cruise lines that reward repeat cruisers. 

For example, Disney Cruise Line has its “ Castaway Club ,” and Princess has its Captain’s Circle. Some enrollment is automatic after your first cruise, and others you have to sign up for.

Ship-within-a-Ship Cruises

The ship-within-a-ship cruise category is for cruisers who want a large ship’s amenities, activities, and entertainment but the exclusive treatment of smaller cruises.

These are clubs, of sorts, within a cruise you book before you reserve a suite, for instance, with access to a concierge level. In addition, you’ll gain privileged access to private pools, restaurants, and services like a butler 24/7.

Ship-within-a-ship cruises will cost you a little more than another category room, of course. But that’s because of the added services you’re receiving with it. 

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has The Haven, and Princess has its MedallionClass . One of our favorites is The Retreat with Celebrity Cruises , where guests get perks like eating at Luminae and have access to suite perks, including in-room workout gear if you sign up for an AquaSuite .

Private Islands

Some cruise lines have private islands that are cool to visit. Only the cruise line’s ships will visit them.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean itineraries go to their island, CocoCay. Disney Cruise Line’s Caribbean sailings go to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. 

These islands have been developed with cruiser vacationers in mind. So they’re complete with memorable excursion adventures, waterslides, rides (like zip lines), bars, restaurants, and more.

Family Friendliness

Some cruise lines are more friendly towards multi-generational groups. 

Disney Cruise Line has repeatedly been voted the best cruise line for families, which is not a surprise to anyone! Other cruise lines aren’t necessarily known for their “youthful” activities. Rather than wave pools and rock climbing, they focus on fine dining and casinos.

More children and families will be on cruises when kids’ school breaks occur, regardless of the cruise line. This is expected during spring break, summer break, and winter break.

There are things to keep in mind to determine if a cruise is a right fit for your family, especially if you have young kids:

  • Onboard a ctivities , like laser tag, go-karts, ice skating, and more.
  • If there is childcare onboard , including what ages it covers. Onboard childcare means that you can check your kids into a “babysitter” service. They can be supervised and play with other children their age while you enjoy the cruise as adults only for a few hours. Some cruise lines require additional payment for this service.
  • Bathtubs : It may seem like a silly thing to consider, but if you have a young toddler who doesn’t bathe in a shower and you need a tub for bath time at night, you will want to check to see what the bathroom situation is in the cabins before you book. Some cruises have cabins with standing showers only, and others have tubs too.
  • Kids sail free : Sometimes, to entice you to book a particular cruise, a company will have promotions for “kids sail free,” as long as two paying adults are in the cabin.

Culinary Cruises

One of the cool things about cruise lines in the past few years is their focus on culinary experiences.

Various cruise lines, from big to small, focus on Epicurean experiences. If you're a gourmand and seek vacations entailing special food experiences, look for notable sailings featuring celebrity chefs or special menus .

For example, Emerald Cruises and Scenic have featured cruises with Bravo celebrity chefs onboard.

The Future Of Cruising is Bright, No Matter the Best Cruise for You

No matter the year, cruising is on a constant upward trend, with more people wanting to go on cruises each year. That is why the future of cruising is bright, with new ships being introduced every year.

Going on one of the best cruises will only feed your desire to keep on cruising!

Planning a cruise? Read this next:

  • 23 Ways to Be a More Eco-Conscious Cruiser Before, During + After a Cruise
  • 11 Memorable Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas
  • Over 25 Nonfiction Cruise Books and Assorted Cruise-Appropriate Reading by Crew, Cruisers, Scientists, Explorers and Historians

The post How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book in 2024 appeared first on Sometimes Sailing .

How to determine the best cruises to take this year, including perks and amenities to consider, where they sail and cost.

cruise news

  • Cruise News

Speculation Rises Over Carnival’s Plan for More Mega Cruise Ships

Frank M

  • January 16, 2024

mega cruise lines

Contents Show

Speculation is growing that Carnival Corporation & plc will soon announce a major multi-ship order worth billions with Fincantieri.

The shipbuilder’s CEO Pierroberto Folgiero teased last year that an order for several ships could be revealed in early 2024. Shipping Italy reports it could be a record-breaking order, citing unnamed industry sources.

A 4-ship, $7 billion order

Carnivals newest ship is part of its groundbreaking Excel class and will offer stunning features already wowing guests aboard her sisters Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration 1

It says it would include the largest ships ever built in Italy. There is potential for four ships of up to 208,000 tons worth at least $1.6 billion each.

The rumored ships would be due for delivery in late 2028 or early 2029, with one or more intended for the flagship brand Carnival Cruise Line . Shipping Italy says at least one of the later ships would likely go to the Costa Cruises fleet. Overall, the deal is reputedly worth about $7 billion.

Guest capacity of 7,000

sun princess fincantieri shipyard italy

At 175,500 tons, Sun Princess is currently the largest Italian-built ship. The new ship class would be significantly larger, with a capacity for about 7,000 guests.

The recently launched Carnival Jubilee is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and largest ship in the fleet, with a maximum capacity of 6,500 guests. The LNG-powered Jubilee is the third Excel class ship following Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. 

Rumors of a major ship order have been gaining traction after recent visits to Italy by top Carnival Corp executives, although neither Carnival nor Fincantieri has officially commented on the new ship orders yet.

Carnival Corporation & plc has two cruise ships debuting in the first half of 2024. Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess will enter service in early 2024.

A new ship, Queen Anne, will debut for Cunard Line in a couple of months. Additionally, Princess has plans to launch another vessel in 2025.

Both vessels are being constructed at Fincantieri yards.

Tour Carnival’s Latest Megaship Carnival Jubilee [VIDEO]

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How Does a Mega Cruise Ship Source, Store, and Prepare All That Food?

By Sean O'Neill

Image may contain Furniture Chair Room Ballroom Indoors Restaurant and Interior Design

Imagine you supervise the culinary logistics of a mega-cruise ship. Say it's Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, which feeds up to 5,400 passengers multiple times a day at 26 venues, ranging from a Starbucks to upscale eatery Chef's Table. Picture yourself overseeing portside food inspectors, shipboard bread bakers, and 1,200 other workers dedicated to passengers' gastronomic wishes.

It's a mind-bending job, right? The mere thought of it might make an ordinary mortal want to go on a carbo-loading, comfort-food binge to cope. Yet as many cruise lines supersize their ships, they must also scale up their provisioning operations to the same deftness as would be required to supply a battleship during wartime.

So we checked in with the major cruise lines for the 411 on what happens behind the scenes on a romantic Caribbean jaunt. Here's what we dug up:

"Every voyage, it’s show time, like Broadway," says Cyrus Marfatia, vice president of culinary and dining for Carnival Cruise Lines and the man who directs the company's ongoing production, so to speak. On the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, for instance, it takes 150 workers in kitchens to parlay 240 pallets' worth of food into thousands of meals worthy of fine restaurants.

Cunard spokesperson Jackie Chase makes a similar point by using the famous liner Queen Mary 2 as an example. She describes the management of the vessel's typical "turnaround day" in port as comparable to "checking out the entire Plaza Hotel in New York after breakfast, having the entire kitchen re-stocked during the morning (with up to 20 trucks offloading goods at the hotel), changing every bed linen and towel, checking in the entire hotel during the afternoon, and holding a state banquet in the evening." In real life, no hotel does anything close to what cruise lines like Cunard do week in and week out.

Image may contain Food Lunch Meal Pork and Culinary

Rack of lamb, Queens Grill on the Queen Mary 2

Predicting passenger tastes is the first challenge. Companies analyze guests' dining patterns to suss out trends and plan menus. Trends can vary by season, route, and type of passenger. Case in point: When Europeans outnumber Americans on a Cunard ship, lighter wines such as Riesling and pinot noir are ordered more often than bolder varietals, such as Shiraz and Chardonnay, which tend to be favored by many of us Yanks.

The next hurdle is to transfer supplies from pier to ship. Exhibit A: Disney's 2,700-passenger Magic loads up 3,125 gallons of soda, 10,000 pounds of chicken, and 71,500 eggs for an average weeklong sailing. (Holy Bieber, that's a lot of grub!)

The saga starts before dawn, when workers meet quayside to inspect pallets of food for quality, such as checking produce for freshness. Time is of the essence, says Frank Weber, vice president for food and beverage operations for Royal Caribbean. "We start loading around 7 a.m. in the morning, so we have until 3:30 p.m. to send something back to our produce supplier, like a pallet of tomatoes, and to get a replacement a little later in the afternoon."

Longshoremen then load supplies into the hull. In the case of Royal Caribbean, the food is typically transferred from wooden pallets to metal trays, which can be more easily cleaned, to prevent ship contamination by anything that might have been on the wood. For similar reasons, other packaging, such as cardboard, is incinerated.

Once on the ship, supplies are shuttled to dozens of storehouses set to various temperatures. On Cunard's QM2, a storeroom for ice cream is set at minus-0.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while a separate room holds meat at a more appropriate temperature.

Storage, preparation, and cooking are done in separate rooms to prevent cross-contamination. For instance, commissary kitchens customarily handle food preparation, such as slicing tomatoes, cubing melons, and marinating slices of beef. That way, no prep work happens in the kitchen.

Technology assures smooth sailing by alerting crewmembers to how many passengers are grabbing a bite. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has head-counting cameras in the ceilings of its main dining areas that tally when and where passengers gravitate, providing data that can be used to anticipate peak serving times.

Ships keep menus simple (for instance, offering a single main version each of meat, poultry, and seafood) to enable their cooks to prepare food to order and serve it at the proper temperatures. (Of course, some ships have a few specialist venues onboard that provide more varied menus, but they serve a small, subset of passengers and are the exception to the general rule.)

Simplified menus allow chefs to synchronize meal creation with the needs of diners. "We don't pre-cook the steaks and keep them in a warmer as you would in a typical hotel banquet operation," says Weber of Royal Caribbean, describing a method that's common to better cruise lines. "And we don't plate food until the waiter is on the path to deliver it."

Stockpiling enough reserve supplies for a surprise spike in demand is also standard practice. Storerooms typically house a day or two's extra provisions, ensuring that plenty of spare ingredients will be on hand. During hurricane season, ships store even heftier hoards of culinary supplies. Banking extra supplies is also the norm for ships on routes that spend less time than usual in port.

Occasionally, there are rare circumstances when kitchens do, in fact, run out of individual random ingredients, such as wasabi. When that happens, as soon as a ship berths at a port, crewmembers race down the gangway and hit the local markets to source what's missing.

Photographs courtesy of Royal Caribbean and Cunard Lines

More on cruising:

The 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Cruise Guide

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The Top 100 Cruise Ships in the World

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Disney Cruise Line Finalizes Purchase of Mega-Ship, the Global Dream

  • by John Frost
  • November 16, 2022 December 14, 2022

mega cruise lines

Update : According to news outlet capital.de, Disney Cruise Lines paid roughly $42 million for the Global Dream mega cruise ship. That’s a massive discount of 97% below what the ship was originally projected to cost.

The ship is only 75% complete though, Disney is projected to spend more than $900 million finishing the ship. Captain Mickey and team will have to add in DCL’s famous level of detail and rework some of the top-deck features that weren’t targeting Disney’s typical audience of passengers.

Disney is also expected to convert some of the staterooms into other spaces as the announced guest capacity for the ship was 6,000 but the Global Dream was originally planned to host 9,000 guests.

What sort of features would you like to see on the Global Dream when it sails again, with a new name, in 2025?

Original story below

In order to expand the Disney Cruise Line vacation experience to new international locations, Disney has been negotiating to acquire a mega cruise ship that was only about 75% complete when the original company went bankrupt. The cruise ship then known as the Global Dream will be finished in Wismar, Germany, by Disney and the prestigious Meyer Werft shipbuilding business.

“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

As the company that was building the ship went into insolvency, Disney was able to get a good deal from the creditors. So even with the cost of expected upgrades and new finishes, it will be a quick and affordable way to bring the Disney fleet to 6 ships.

Disney is working with Meyer Werft to complete the construction at that MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany. Meyer Werft is the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish and is scheduled to build two sister ships to the Disney Wish.

The ship will be given a new name and have some of its features redesigned by the world-famous Walt Disney Imagineers. As you can see in the concept art above, the exterior will be adorned in the iconic, Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels.

Some of the original concept art for the Global Dream reveal that the top deck was originally planned to be very much like an amusement park at sea, which would be a big departure from the Disney Cruise Line experience, so we expect a lot of changes to happen there.

mega cruise lines

Plus Disney Cruise Lines are known for their interior theming and attention to detail when it comes to the guest experience from the cabin and its furnishings to things like carpeting and those character based touches.

Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members. The Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Wish currently hold around 4,000 passengers. At a huge 208,000 gross tonnage that would make this ship the 7th largest cruise ship world-wide if it were sailing today.

The new ship, which Disney plans to base outside of the United States, will be updated to include Disney quality experiences along with the usual dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that guests expect from Disney Cruise Line.

The ship was originally intended for the waters of China and The Walt Disney Company has expressed interest in finding a home port for one of its ships closer to its patrons in nations like Japan and China. So that would be our guess as to a final destination.

The ship will be among the first in the cruise industry to be fueled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. While it’s not emission free, perhaps Disney will buy carbon offsets to make it a net-zero carbon ship. That would be great for the battle against climate change.

Disney has said the new ship is scheduled to set sail in 2025.

Previously : Disney rumored to be rescuing Global Dream after company building it went bankrupt .

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On the world’s largest cruise ship, thrills and space to chill

Onlookers wave as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, now the world's largest cruise ship, departs port in Miami.

With room for nearly 8,000 people on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, there are wild water rides, 40 dining and entertainment choices and, surprisingly, spaces for some actual peace and quiet

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One man got down on his knees and kissed the rug emblazoned with the ship’s logo. Another lifted his wife and swung her around, ecstatic to be among the roughly 5,000 passengers to embark on the inaugural sailing of the world’s largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas.

For months, the 250,800-ton ship, which can carry nearly 8,000 people, has been making headlines — including some that have criticized its size and potential to damage the environment. But the passengers who plunked down $1,800 to $100,000 and boarded the ship at Port Miami in Florida on Jan. 27, said nothing could have prepared them for the vessel’s sheer scale.

“It’s stunning,” said Christina Carvalho, a 43-year-old accountant from Oakland, as she stood on the ship’s Royal Promenade, gaping up at “The Pearl,” a gigantic kinetic art installation. “It feels even bigger than I expected.”

Guests pose for photos by a floral display in "Icon" letter shapes on the promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean has packed the ship with amenities to craft “the ultimate family vacation,” the company’s design team has tried to defy negative stereotypes like crowded decks and long lines. Instead of steel walls, the interior is open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows to bring passengers closer to the water and make the central thoroughfare feel less like a shopping mall.

“Over the years our customers told us that despite being on the ocean, they did not feel connected to it, so with Icon we wanted to bring water everywhere,” said Jennifer Goswami, the director of product development at Royal Caribbean International.

I was on board the Icon of the Seas for five days of its seven-night inaugural sailing to the eastern Caribbean. Here are some of my takeaways:

Passengers board the ship at the port.

Embarkation

Embarkation starts through Royal Caribbean’s app. After some glitches, it took me 10 minutes to scan identification documents, fill out a health form and pick a time slot for boarding.

On the day of the sailing, I headed to Port Miami expecting chaos, but as I got out of the taxi, I was greeted by a porter who took my bag and ushered me to the terminal. I scanned my app, showed my passport and went through security in less than 10 minutes. I lingered, waiting to see if others had as smooth an experience as I did, but there was just a steady flow of passengers ascending the gangway.

A female passenger gazes out at the view from the deck of The Icon of the Seas.

The ship has the feel of a city, with eight distinct “neighborhoods.” My favorite, Central Park, was filled with more than 33,000 plants; it was the perfect place to stroll or read on a bench. The Royal Promenade, with karaoke and a piano bar, could get crowded and noisy at peak times.

The seven swimming pools are designed for different vibes and demographics: The Hideaway is an adults-only infinity pool, with DJ sets and cocktails; another adult pool has an adjacent children’s splash pool. Empty lounge chairs were plentiful for sunbathers across the ship.

The view from an upper deck of the Icon of the Seas cruise ship’s Central Park neighborhood.

On our first sea day, I was so surprised by the relative absence of crowds that I walked the ship trying to find them. But with so many venues, including 40 restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces, passengers were constantly moving around.

Seeking a quiet space one afternoon, I found the Aquadome , a tranquil lounging area with wraparound windows. Fellow passengers napped there.

Strolling through Central Park, one of the writer’s favorite neighborhoods on the ship.

Entertainment and activities

From a sunrise surf simulator lesson to late-night dancing in the nightclub, the ship seems to offer something for everyone, most of it free. The water park with six slides was a big draw. One ride, the Crown’s Edge, is not complimentary: Starting at $49, it tosses you (in a harness) above the sea, leaving you dangling.

Guests at a swim-up bar aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas.

There is a fitness center, jogging track, a basketball and soccer court, a putt-putt course, pickleball, rock climbing and dancing. A wellness center and spa offers treatments for an additional cost. All can be reserved on the app; for popular attractions like the Crown’s Edge it’s helpful to book ahead because places fill up fast.

A water slide on Thrill Island, the ship’s water park, is one of the main attractions.

For nightly entertainment, “Aqua Action” was a standout, with aquatic entertainers performing under a 55-foot waterfall, as was the comedy club.

A guest takes a spin on the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator.

Not surprisingly, some passengers felt overprogrammed. “There’s almost too much to do,” said Nancy Carter, 54, a nurse from Brighton, England. “It’s hard to plan your day and even when you are busy doing something, you feel like you are missing out on something else.”

At the Surfside neighborhood, there are pools and restaurants for both adults and children so that families can spend time together. For parents wanting alone time, the Adventure Ocean child-care facility has play areas and programs for ages 6 months to 12 years that is included in the fare.

Surfside is the ship’s neighborhood for families, with restaurants, swimming pools and other diversions.

There’s a social center for teenagers, too, with games and music. “It’s a great place to meet new people and make friends,” said Madison Foxx, 14, from Morrisville, N.C. Her mother, Ashley, a 38-year-old federal prosecutor, said the ship kept her two children entertained and allowed her both alone time and quality family time.

“I can relax and the kids are happy and busy all day,” she said. “Then we have many special moments together.”

One of the biggest surprises was the array of dining choices.

The main dining room of the Icon of the Seas.

The Windjammer Cafe and the main dining room were the busiest all-inclusive options. My daily go-to was the Aquadome food hall, with crepes made-to-order and a Greek food stand. Another favorite of mine was Pier 7, a restaurant in Surfside that served raw-tuna Buddha bowls, mango-lime shrimp tostadas and other dishes.

Meals at specialty restaurants, such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Hooked Seafood, come at an additional cost, or are included in some food and beverages packages that range from $9.99 to $115 per day. Reservations are recommended.

The Empire Supper Club offers an eight-course meal paired with cocktails. At $200, the tasting menu included wagyu rib-eye, rabbit and sea bass topped with parsnip and red beets.

Cabin balconies on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas.

Cabin prices — which recently increased, because of high demand — range from $2,699 per person for an interior cabin to more than $100,000 for a three-story town house with an indoor slide and backyard. Some family accommodations have connecting rooms and large terraces.

Though only 204 square feet, my ocean balcony room did not feel cramped thanks to minimalist design and the views.

Environment

Royal Caribbean says it set a new standard for sustainability with this ship, installing advanced water-treatment and waste systems, among other features. But some environmental groups say that building a vessel this size is not compatible with the cruise industry’s long-term sustainability goals.

On board, I saw staff sorting through the trash to take out misplaced items to recycle, and single-use plastic appeared to be minimal; passengers were given reusable cups at drinking stations.

Passengers ascend a stairway within “The Pearl,” a five-deck-tall functional sculpture.

That the waterslides remained on, even after they were closed to passengers, caught me by surprise. It seemed like an unnecessary waste of energy. (Royal Caribbean did not respond to a request for comment.)

Passengers I spoke to did not seem too concerned about the ship’s potential to harm the environment, with some arguing that land and air travel are not climate-friendly either.

Our seven-night itinerary started with two days at sea. The first stop was on Day 4 at Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. Excursions ranged from a hike up Mount Liamuiga to a food-and-rum tour, with prices from $39 to $249. I chose a sailing and snorkeling excursion ($155) and enjoyed the secluded bay, but the beach was crowded and touristy.

An anticipated excursion for Foxx, the federal prosecutor, and others was Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. When I asked about her visit — I called later, having to disembark before the excursion — Foxx said her children loved the slides and snorkeling.

And would she sail on the Icon of the Seas again?

“Yes, but I might wait a bit,” she replied. “I want everyone to get a chance to try it out.”

Yeğinsu writes for The New York Times.

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This epic new luxury cruise costs up to $550,000 per cabin — and might be worth it

Gene Sloan

Uber-luxury line Crystal is out with a new world cruise itinerary that might be its most epic ever. It comes with an epic price tag, too.

The recently relaunched brand on Tuesday began taking reservations for a 135-night voyage from Los Angeles to Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), that will bring the wealthy set to a stunning 72 destinations in 27 countries across five continents.

Kicking off Jan. 11, 2026, and taking place on Crystal's 740-passenger Crystal Serenity, the sailing starts at a sky-high $168,000 per cabin for two people.

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

Top suites on the ship will cost up to $550,000 for two passengers.

For that lofty price, well-heeled travelers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip that includes visits to many of the world's most famous destinations, from Bora Bora in French Polynesia to the pyramids of Egypt — all while living in the lap of luxury.

Crystal Serenity, which TPG has called the queen of luxury cruising , underwent a massive overhaul in 2023 that gave it more space per passenger than any other luxury ship afloat. The overhaul included a significant enlargement of many of its accommodations and a reduction in the number of passengers that will sail on any given voyage.

mega cruise lines

Additionally, Crystal's crew-to-passenger ratio — a top measure of luxury on any ship — was increased to roughly 1:1, an astounding level.

The net result makes Crystal Serenity one of the most luxurious cruise vessels afloat.

Related: Luxury line Crystal is back

A longer world cruise

Crystal typically offers one world cruise a year, and it's always lengthy and destination-packed. But the newly announced 2026 world sailing is longer than those the line has offered in recent years, coming in at 135 days long.

In comparison, the single world cruise Crystal offers this year is 125 nights long, while a world cruise planned for 2025 will be 123 nights long.

The new sailing for 2026 is also pricier than Crystal world cruises in the past. Starting rates are $35,000 more per couple than the starting rates for Crystal's 2025 world cruise. That sailing starts at $133,000 per cabin for two.

Crystal Serenity's most luxurious accommodation, the Penthouse Suite, costs $71,600 more on the 2026 world cruise than it costs on the 2025 world cruise.

An epic itinerary to five continents

The 135-night world cruise for 2026 will begin with a westward crossing of the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii and French Polynesia on the way to New Zealand and Australia.

From there, the vessel will head to various countries across Asia, including Indonesia and India, before sailing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean.

mega cruise lines

In the Mediterranean, the ship will visit multiple ports in Greece, Italy and France before the trip ends in Civitavecchia May 26, 2026.

Unlike some previous Crystal world cruises, the trip doesn't offer a full circumnavigation of the world. That allows the ship to spend more time in the regions it does visit, with a particularly large number of stops in the South Pacific, Australia and Asia.

The new world cruise will be just the third at Crystal in the past eight years, as the line stopped sailing world cruises during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

In addition to on-ship accommodations, meals and drinks, passengers who book the world voyage will be entitled to such extra perks as:

  • A $1,500 per person shipboard credit
  • An allowance of up to $5,000 per person for business-class flights to and from the ship or a $4,000 credit toward the cruise cost for those booking their own flights
  • Private transfers to and from the ship
  • Unlimited dining at the ship's upscale Osteria d'Ovidio and Umi Uma restaurants (reservations required)
  • Invitations to themed onboard events
  • Luggage valet service

More information is available as of Tuesday on Crystal's website .

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  • World's Best

The Top 10 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2019

mega cruise lines

For many travelers, a mega-ship cruise is a no-brainer — especially for large family trips during which you want to spend time together, but not too much time. The largest ships at sea have something for everyone on board, from babysitting and kids’ clubs to adult-oriented activities like casinos and dinner theaters.

So, what exactly is a mega-ship, and how do readers decide which ones are best? Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories; mega-ship ocean cruise lines have ships that can carry 2,200 passengers or more.

Related : The World's Best Awards 2019

While 2,200 passengers may seem like a lot, some of these ships can carry upwards of 6,500 guests — all of whom want to be entertained, fed, and treated like they’re the most important people on board. If over-the-top attractions are what you want, mega-ship is the way to go.

Many of the best mega-cruise ships are pushing boundaries with their entertainment options — for example, Norwegian Cruise Line, coming in at No. 7, recently unveiled the renovation of Norwegian Joy complete with laser tag and go-kart racetrack. Royal Caribbean International, No. 6 this year, offers surfing simulators on many of its ships. Carnival Cruise Line, No. 8, is working on a new ship, Mardi Gras , set to launch next year with the first-ever roller coaster at sea.

Another place these mega-ship lines are innovating? The kitchen. Chef collaborations abound: Daniel Boulud with Celebrity, Curtis Stone with Princess. MSC Cruises, No. 1 this year, teamed up with Ramón Freixa of the namesake Michelin two-starred restaurant in Madrid — but is also leaning into its Italian roots, with one reader noting, “This is an Italian cruise line that has real pizza chefs tossing real pizza dough cooked in real pizza ovens. The pizza is outstanding.”

One line, coming in second place after topping the list for years, is particularly known for its cuisine — and for its sophisticated approach. Cunard defies mega-ship stereotypes on its largest vessel, the Queen Mary 2, which does transatlantic crossings in addition to sailings in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean. (Wrote one reader, “I've always wanted to journey across the Atlantic on a White Star ocean liner, à la F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The very name Cunard breathes glamour and romance.”) Readers praised the “old-world ocean service” on board, with refined cuisine and daily tea time. Plus, wrote one respondent, “they also know how to make a proper cocktail.”

The best mega-ship ocean cruise line this year isn’t exactly synonymous with “glamour and romance” — and that’s exactly the way they like it. Read on for the full list.

10. MSC Cruises

Score: 75.07

More information: msccruisesusa.com

9. Costa Cruises

Score: 75.86

More information: costacruise.com

8. Carnival Cruise Line

Score: 75.88

More information: carnival.com

7. Norwegian Cruise Line

Score: 77.78

More information: ncl.com

6. Royal Caribbean International

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 78.96

More information: royalcaribbean.com

5. Celebrity Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 83.03

More information: celebritycruises.com

4. Princess Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 83.88

More information: princess.com

3. Holland America Line

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.34

More information: hollandamerica.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.71

More information: cunard.com

1. Disney Cruise Line

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 87.34

More information: disneycruise.com

This line comes from No. 2 last year to claim the top spot, buoyed by its four colorful mega-ships: Magic and Wonder, with capacity for 2,713 guests each, and the newer Dream and Fantasy, which can accommodate 4,000. Of course, Disney cruises are a hit for young children (“the kids barely slept from so much excitement”) and multigenerational groups (“a tremendous experience for all ages on the trip, from eight years old to 70!”). But, as one reader remarked, “Disney is not just for kids, but for all ages” — a sentiment echoed by many respondents, who noted the top-notch entertainment, adults-only pools and social spaces, and refined dining options. “The adult-only venues, like the Skyline bar, are top quality, and we barely even noticed that we were on a ‘family cruise line.’ People sometimes fail to consider how many adult-only areas there are on the ship — adults traveling without children should take advantage of them.”

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2019 .

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Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Craig Morgan Lead New 2000s Country Cruise ‘Boots on the Water’

By Joseph Hudak

Joseph Hudak

There’s cruises for outlaw country, classic country, and Americana country. Now, 2000s country finally gets its due. In 2025, the Boots on the Water cruise will assemble some of the biggest names from the Aughts for a five-day voyage to the Bahamas.

Big & Rich — the duo of Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich — will headline with special guest Gretchen Wilson in a mini-reunion of the Muzik Mafia that ran roughshod over the mid-2000s. Other Aught-shots aboard include Craig Morgan (“That’s What I Love About Sunday,” 2004), Lonestar (“I’m Already There,” 2001), Jo Dee Messina (“My Give a Damn’s Busted,” 2005), and Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery (“Something to Be Proud Of,” 2005).

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Presented by Sixthman, the festival-at-sea company, and Live Nation’s Vibee, the five-day trip sets sail Feb. 8, 2025, from Miami for Nassau in the Bahamas, and returns to port Feb. 13. Pre-sale signups are now open, with a public on-sale set for April 5th at the cruise’s website .

Country cruises are booming. Next year, the ninth Outlaw Country Cruise will enlist Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle for the first voyage since the cruise’s de facto emcee, Mojo Nixon , died earlier this year. And on April 1st, Midland will sail on their first branded voyage, the Last Resort Cruise , with Flatland Cavalry, Orville Peck, Kaitlin Butts, and the recently rebranded Silverada (formerly Mike and the Moonpies) on the lineup.

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Norwegian safety body criticizes cruise ship that nearly ran aground in 2019 storm

A cruise ship carrying more than 1,370 people should never have left a northern Norway harbor five years ago despite storm warnings, forcing a major evacuation by helicopter

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- A cruise ship at the center of a dramatic evacuation off north Norway five years ago should never have left port because it was not up to safety standards, officials said Tuesday, adding that it could have developed into one of the worst disasters at sea in modern times.

In a report, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority upbraided the Viking Sky, saying it was ”a ship's length from running aground.”

The ship left the northern city of Tromsoe carrying almost 1,400 people, despite storm warnings. It was headed for Stavanger in southern Norway when it had engine problems amid a storm on March 23, 2019, and issued a mayday call.

The ship anchored in heavy seas to avoid being dashed on the rocks in an area known for shipwrecks. Passengers saw a large wave crashing through glass doors and knocking people across the floor of an area where they had been instructed to gather.

Nearly 480 passengers were winched off the ship by helicopter despite high winds in a daring rescue operation. The captain then decided to halt the evacuation, and about 900 people were still on board when the ship limped into the Norwegian port of Molde on its own engines.

Dozens of people were injured during the ship’s harrowing ordeal, including 36 who were admitted to hospitals.

Norwegian authorities immediately launched a probe into the accident, which concluded Tuesday that the ship was unprepared to sail in rough seas.

“The accident was caused by insufficient lubricating oil in all of the operating diesel generators’ lubricating oil sump tanks, in combination with pitching and rolling in rough seas,” investigators wrote. “The investigation has identified operational, technical, and organisational safety issues that in different ways contributed to the blackout.”

"As Viking Sky did not comply with the applicable safety standards, it should not have departed Tromsoe under the prevailing circumstances,” the report said.

There was no immediate reaction from operator Viking Ocean Cruises.

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  2. Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines: World's Best 2020

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COMMENTS

  1. Oasis Class

    On the world's largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures. There isn't a holiday in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships - Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis®, Wonder® and Utopia of the Seas℠. Whether you're looking forward to a thrill-filled getaway with a squad that spans several ...

  2. The 5 Best Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines

    The same voter also noted that "Princess has made a real effort in their health protocols." Scroll on to see the full list of the best cruise lines for mega-ships and learn more about why readers ...

  3. List of largest cruise ships

    Icon of the Seas is the first ship of Royal Caribbean's Icon class of cruise ships. She is the largest cruise ship in service after late January 2024. Wonder of the Seas is the latest ship of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class of cruise ships and is the second largest cruise ship in service after January 2024.. Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing.

  4. Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021

    Disney Cruise Line held its top spot as the favorite mega-ship ocean cruise line. Readers had effusive praise for the "amazing" trips that the company delivers, time and again, on a fleet of four ...

  5. The 21 Largest Cruise Ships in the World

    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 ...

  6. The 30 Largest Cruise Ships in the World

    Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, now the fifth-largest cruise ship in the world, was actually the largest cruise ship from 2016 to 2018.Onboard, passengers can find 16 guest decks, 2,747 ...

  7. The 5 Best Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2022

    The Top 10 Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2020. The 5 Best Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2022. 10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts.

  8. Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World 2024

    Just Outside the Top 10. 11. P&O Iona (P&O Cruises) FAQ on Largest Cruise Ships. 1. Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) On November 27, 2023, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas was officially ...

  9. Review of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Sea Mega Cruise Ship: Photos

    Jan 8, 2023, 3:18 AM PST. Brittany Chang/Insider. Royal Caribbean invited me to sail on its new Wonder of the Seas for two nights in early December. The world's largest cruise ship had unique ...

  10. Photos: 15 Coolest Features on Royal Caribbean's New Largest Cruise Ship

    Mega cruise ships just keep getting bigger. Royal Caribbean International Advertisement. The 1,198-foot-long Icon of the Seas will be the world's largest cruise ship, stripping the title from ...

  11. Royal Caribbean's 9,300-Person Wonder of the Seas Tour: Photos

    The new mega cruise ship has over 20 dining venues and eight neighborhoods with amenities for travelers of all ages. Menu icon A vertical stack of three evenly spaced horizontal lines.

  12. Best rated mega-ship cruise lines worldwide 2023

    In June 2023, mega-ship cruise lines were rated by travelers worldwide. Norwegian Cruise Line was the top-rated mega-ship cruise operator among Condé Nast Traveler readers, reporting a score of ...

  13. Mega Cruise Ships: As More Ports Ban Them, What Is the Future of the

    The news is likely to upend some travel plans. Ships from major cruise lines call at ports in French Polynesia on repositioning voyages in the Pacific. Royal Princess and sister ship Majestic ...

  14. Mega cruise ships trend as world's largest one launches inaugural ...

    Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, was spotted passing through Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday, as it heads toward Miami for its inaugural voyage Jan. 27.

  15. Carnival, Royal Caribbean: Top 4 cruise lines in the world

    Best Mega Ships. Norwegian Cruise Line: 86.72; Royal Caribbean International: 86.69; Carnival Cruise Line: 85.35; MSC Cruises: 83.42; Norwegian Cruise Line ranked as the top cruise line this year.

  16. Our Readers' Favorite Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2023

    The mega-ship ocean cruise line category is only for ships with 1,500 cabins or more. Some cruise lines may appear in multiple categories depending on the makeup of their fleet.

  17. What Is a Mega Cruise Ship?

    A mega cruise ship is a luxurious and expansive vessel that is used for cruise vacations. These massive ships are typically owned by a major cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Lines. They offer a wide range of amenities and activities for passengers to enjoy while on board.

  18. What it's like to sail on the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon Of

    At the busy Port of Miami, Florida in the United States, one cruise ship towers above the rest - Royal Caribbean's latest mega vessel, Icon Of The Seas. Defying conventions in the realm of ...

  19. How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book in 2024

    Mega-Cruise Ships. Larger ships, which are the most readily available and approachable for families and couples overall, have thousands of passengers. Sometimes, they have upwards of 1,000 to ...

  20. Speculation Rises Over Carnival's Plan for More Mega Cruise Ships

    A 4-ship, $7 billion order (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line) It says it would include the largest ships ever built in Italy. There is potential for four ships of up to 208,000 tons worth at ...

  21. How Does a Mega Cruise Ship Source, Store, and Prepare All That Food?

    The Condé Nast Traveler Explainer explains how mega cruise ships parlay hundreds of pallets of food into thousands of high-quality meals a night. Imagine you supervise the culinary logistics of a ...

  22. Disney Cruise Line Finalizes Purchase of Mega-Ship, the Global Dream

    November 16, 2022December 14, 2022. Disney's new mega-cruise ship. Update: According to news outlet capital.de, Disney Cruise Lines paid roughly $42 million for the Global Dream mega cruise ship. That's a massive discount of 97% below what the ship was originally projected to cost. The ship is only 75% complete though, Disney is projected ...

  23. Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines: World's Best 2021

    The Top 10 Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines. Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2023. Top 5 Midsize-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2020.

  24. On the world's largest cruise ship, thrills and space to chill

    Onlookers wave as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, now the world's largest cruise ship, departed port in Miami on Jan. 27. For years before it set sail, the Icon was making headlines, both ...

  25. This epic new luxury cruise costs up to $550,000 per cabin

    Uber-luxury line Crystal is out with a new world cruise itinerary that might be its most epic ever. It comes with an epic price tag, too. The recently relaunched brand on Tuesday began taking reservations for a 135-night voyage from Los Angeles to Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), that will bring the wealthy set to a stunning 72 destinations in 27 countries across five continents.

  26. Disney Cruise Line Reveals Name and Theme of Next Ship, The Disney

    The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story when developing this new ship, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose. Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike - including those from beloved Walt Disney ...

  27. Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Lines: World's Best 2019

    WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.71. 1. Disney Cruise Line. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 87.34. This line comes from No. 2 last year to claim the top spot, buoyed by its four colorful mega ...

  28. 'Boots on the Water' Cruise to Sail With Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson

    Presented by Sixthman, the festival-at-sea company, and Live Nation's Vibee, the five-day trip sets sail Feb. 8, 2025, from Miami for Nassau in the Bahamas, and returns to port Feb. 13.

  29. Norwegian safety body criticizes cruise ship that nearly ran aground in

    FILE - The cruise ship Viking Sky arrives at port off Molde, Norway, Sunday March 24, 2019, after it issued a mayday call following engine problems in heavy seas off Norway's western coast.