The world of cruising has reached new levels with the introduction of the biggest cruise ships ever. These massive ships are much larger than before and offer a wide range of amenities, activities, and dining options. Each new ship seems to be trying to outdo the others to become the top choice for an unforgettable vacation.
Let’s explore these amazing modern ships that change the way we think about cruising on the Largest Cruise Ships in the World.
10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World 2024
Following are the 10 largest cruise ships in the world:
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Icon
- Maiden Voyage: 27 January 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
- Length: 1,196 feet
- Width: 213 feet
- Guest Capacity: 7,600 passengers
- Ship Cost: $2 billion
Icon of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, currently the biggest cruise ship sailing in the world. It belongs to the Icon Class and has its first voyage on January 27, 2024. The ship is 1,196 feet long, has a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT, and a beam of 213 feet.
Icon of the Seas has 20 decks in total, with 18 decks for guests. The ship can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members. There are 2,805 staterooms on board. The ship was built in Turku, Finland, by Meyer Turku and is flagged in the Bahamas.
The ship offers various activities for kids and teens, such as Adventure Ocean, Arcade, Baby Bay, Playscape, and Splashaway Bay. It also features eight neighborhoods, other amenities include Absolute Zero, Aquatheater, Laser Tag, Medical Center, Mini Golf, The Overlook, Pods, and The Pearl.
There are bars and lounges on board, including the Lobby Bar, Boleros, and Bubbles. The ship offers various dining options including specialty restaurants like Celebration Table, Chef’s Table, Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille, as well as complimentary dining options like Aquadome Market, Basecamp, Coastal Kitchen and Main Dining Room.
Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Oasis
- Maiden Voyage: July 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GT
- Length: 1,188 feet
- Width: 211 feet
- Guest Capacity: 6,988
- Ship Cost: $1.35 billion
Royal Caribbean introduced a new ship named Utopia of the Seas in July 2024. It is the sixth ship in the Oasis Class, which is the second largest cruise ship globally. The ship is 1,188 ft long, 211 ft wide, and have 18 total decks with 16 for guests.
Utopia of the Seas can accommodate 6,988 guests with a crew of 2,290 members. There are 2,834 staterooms on board. The ship is being built in Chantiers De L’Atlantique, ST. Nazaire, France and will be flagged in the Bahamas.
The dining options on Utopia of the Seas include complimentary choices like Boardwalk Dog house and The Spare Tire (new dining option), as well as specialty dining venues such as 150 Central Park, Chef’s Table, Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, Izumi, and The Mason Jar.
The ship will also feature various bars and lounges like Bell & Barley, Boleros, Cantina Fresca, and Pesky Parrot. For kids and teens, there will be Adventure Ocean, an arcade, and Utopia Playscape.
Other amenities on board include eight neighborhoods, the Aquatheater, a carousel, the Solarium, a sports court, The Perfect Storm, the Vitality Spa & Fitness, and a zip line.
Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Oasis
- Maiden Voyage: March 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GT
- Length: 1,188 feet
- Width: 211 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 7,084
- Ship Cost: $1.35 billion
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the World until Icon of the Seas, now Wonder of the Seas is the third largest cruise ship in the world. It started sailing in March 2022 and was built in France.
Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas is 1,188 ft long, 211 feet wide, and has 18 decks and 236,857 GT. It can accommodate 7,084 guests and 2,204 crew members in its 2,867 staterooms. The ship was built in Chantiers De L’Atlantique, ST. Nazaire, France is registered in the Bahamas.
The ship offers various dining options, including complimentary choices like Boardwalk Dog House Cafe Main Dining Room and El Loco Fresh, as well as specialty dining venues like 150 Central Park and Chops Grille.
There are also bars and lounges such as Bionic Bar and Boleros, and amenities like Adventure Ocean for kids and teens, Splashaway Bay, water park, and a zip line. Other features include eight neighborhoods, an aquatheater, a casino, and whirlpools.
Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Oasis
- Maiden Voyage: April 2018
- Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GT
- Length: 1,188 feet
- Width: 215.5 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,680
- Ship Cost: $1.35 billion
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class Ship that started sailing in April 2018. It used to be the biggest ship from 2018 to 2022 but now it is the fourth largest cruise ship. It is 1,188 ft long, 215.5 ft wide, and has 18 decks with 228,081 GT.
The ship can accommodate 6,680 guests and 2,200 crew members and has 2,759 staterooms. It was built in Chantiers De L’Atlantique, ST. Nazaire, France and is registered in the Bahamas.
The ship has seven neighborhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and Youth Zone. There are four pools, around 20 restaurants (half of them are specialty venues), and about a dozen bars and lounges.
Guests can watch international sports games at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, or families with kids have fun at the Splashaway Bay water park or can try activities like zip-lining, and rock climbing.
Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Oasis
- Maiden Voyage: May 2016
- Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GT
- Length: 1,188 feet
- Width: 215.5 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,687
- Ship Cost: $1.35 billion
Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship, started sailing in May 2016. It is the fifth-largest cruise ship globally and is 1,188 ft long, 215.5 feet wide with 226,963 GT.
The ship can accommodate 6,687 guests and 2,200 crew members in its 2,747 staterooms. It was built in ST. Nazaire, France and is flagged in the Bahamas.
There are different dining places on the ship, like the main dining room and Windjammer Marketplace, a buffet with food from around the world. Harmony of the Seas also has fun attractions like Splashaway Bay, the Ultimate Abyss waterslide, and The Perfect Storm slides. It is famous for its Central Park, which has more than 12,000 plants.
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Oasis
- Maiden Voyage: December 2009
- Gross Tonnage: 226,838 GT
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 215 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,771
- Ship Cost: $1.35 billion
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world in 2009. It is the first ship in the Oasis Class and is 1,187 ft long, 215 feet wide, and has 18 decks, with 226,838 GT.
Oasis of the Seas is almost five times larger than the Titanic and has 6,771 guests’ capacity and 2,109 crew members capacity. It was built in STX Europe, Turku, Finland and is flagged in the Bahamas.
On the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, you can enjoy free dining at the Boardwalk Dog House Cafe, Main Dining Room, Park Cafe, and specialty dining options like 150 Central Park, Chef’s Table, Coastal Kitchen, and Giovanni’s Table.
There are also various bars and lounges such as Bionic Bar, Blaze, Boleros, and Jazz on 4. For kids and teens, there are activities at Adventure Ocean, Social 298, The Patio, Splashaway Bay, and the arcade.
In 2019, Oasis of the Seas was updated with new features like FlowRider simulators, waterslides, and a sports bar. The ship has seven different Neighborhood with live shows, laser tag, and escape rooms.
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Class: Oasis
- Maiden Voyage: December 2010
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282 GT
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 215 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,826
- Ship Cost: Around $1.43 billion
Allure of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship, started sailing in 2010. It was the second Oasis Class vessel. The ship was renovated in 2015 and is 1,187 ft long and 215 ft wide with 225,282 GT.
Allure of the Seas can accommodate up to 6,826 guests and 2,054 crew members in its 2,748 staterooms. The ship was built in Turku, Finland, by STX Europe and is flagged in the Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas offers a variety of dining options, including complimentary choices like the Boardwalk Dog House and Boardwalk Donuts Cafe. Specialty dining options include 150 Central Park and Chef’s Table at Candy Beach.
Guests can also enjoy bars and lounges like Blaze, Boleros, and Champagne Bar. Entertainment options include Comedy Live and Dazzles.
For kids and teens, there are activities like Adventure Ocean, H2O Zone Water Park and the Arcade. Other amenities on the ship include seven neighborhoods, the Amber Theater, a card room, Casino Royale, a conference center, and Flowriders.
Guests can enjoy various activities like ice skating, a zip line, rock climbing, FlowRider simulators and Adults can watch Broadway shows, aerial acrobatics, and disco dance parties.
MSC World Europa
- Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
- Maiden Voyage: December 2022
- Class: World Class
- Ship Length: 1,093 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 215,863 GT
- Width: 154 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,762
- Ship Cost: EUR 1,125 billion (USD 1,255 billion)
The MSC World Europa is a new cruise ship that started sailing in December 2022. It is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ MSC World Class fleet and uses LNG as fuel, reaching a top speed of 22.7 knots.
The ship has a modern design with a 341 ft promenade. Half of the promenade has LED screens, while the other half has ocean views. MSC World Europa can accommodate 6,762 guests and 2,138 crew members.
The ship has 16 decks. Each passenger deck is named after a different city like London or Rome. The ship has 2,626 rooms. It has 11-foot dry slide called the Spiral, one of the longest at sea. The ship was built in Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France and is flagged in Malta.
The ship has 13 restaurants and new dining options will include a microbrewery, a restaurant with a hydroponic garden, and a Mediterranean seafood restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks at various bars and cafes.
The ship has different areas, including a quiet zone for adults and a family area with bumper cars and roller skating. There is also a large water park with a tall slide and an entertainment venue called Luna Park Arena.
MSC Cruises has expanded its partnership with LEGO to include a new playroom for kids. Children’s areas will have 20 gaming consoles, seven VR stations, and over 50 video games. Family activities will include sports, game shows, and drone racing.
P&O Cruises Arvia
- Cruise Line: P&O Cruises
- Class: Excellence
- Maiden Voyage: December 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GT
- Length: 1,130 feet
- Width: 137 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,264
- Ship Cost: EUR 790 million (USD $950 million)
P&O Cruises has a ship called Arvia launched in 2022. Arvia means from the seashore in Latin. It is also powered by LNG. It is bigger than the MS Iona, weighing 185,581 gross tonnes and measuring 1,130 feet long.
The ship has 20 decks and can carry up to 6,264 passengers and 1,800 crew members. It is the largest ship made for the British cruise market. The ship was built in Meyer Werft shipyard in Warnemunde, Germany and is flagged in United Kingdom.
The family-friendly ship offers many firsts for guests, including Altitude, a new activity area with an escape room, a high-ropes experience, the Splash Valley aqua zone, the Sports Arena, and more.
Arvia has many bars and restaurants, including new dining venues like the American-inspired 6th Street Diner and Green & Co. feat. Mizuhana, which focuses on sushi and plant-based dishes.
Costa Smeralda
- Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
- Class: Excellence
- Maiden Voyage: December 2019
- Gross Tonnage: 185,010 GT
- Length: 1,106 feet
- Width: 138 feet
- Total Guest Capacity: 6,554
- Ship Cost: $950 Million
The Costa Smeralda is the first ship in the Costa Cruises fleet to run on LNG. It started in 2019 and is the biggest cruise ship in the world that Italian cruise line has. It is 1,106 feet long and 138 feet wide. The ship has 2,614 rooms and can carry up to 6,554 passengers and 1,646 crew members.
The ship entered service in December 2019 and has been sailing in the Mediterranean since then. The ship was built in Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland and is flagged in Italy.
There are 11 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges on Smeralda. One popular restaurant is Archipelago, which serves unique food by three famous chefs. For entertainment, Colosseo is the place to go for shows and socializing. The ship also has 13 pools, an aqua park, a spa, and a kid’s club for ages 3 to 11.
FAQs – Largest Cruise Ships in the World 2024
What is Currently the Largest Cruise Ship in the World?
As of July 2024, the largest cruise ship in the world is the Icon of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International. This massive vessel made its maiden voyage in early 2024, surpassing the previous record holder, Wonder of the Seas, in size and passenger capacity.
What is the Largest Cruise Ship in the World Compared to Titanic?
The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas dwarfs the Titanic in size. Icon of the Seas is about 1,198 feet long and can carry up to 7,600 passengers, while the Titanic was only 882 feet long and could carry about 2,435 passengers. The modern ship is also much wider and taller, with more advanced technology and safety features.
What are the 4 Largest Cruise Ships in the World?
As of July 2024, the four biggest cruise ships in the world are Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. They belong to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Icon class, with sizes from about 228,000 to 250,800 tons and can carry 5,400 to 7,600 passengers.
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