Cruise ships have grown into massive floating cities that can carry thousands of passengers across the world’s oceans. These incredible vessels have become much larger over the past 30 years, with some now longer than three football fields. Icon of the Seas currently holds the title as the world’s largest cruise ship, measuring 248,663 gross tons and carrying up to 7,600 passengers.
The biggest cruise ships offer amazing features that rival luxury resorts on land. Passengers can enjoy ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, multiple pools, theaters, and dozens of restaurants. These ships are so large they need special ports and advanced technology to navigate safely through the water.
Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises lead the race to build the biggest ships, with new vessels launching each year that push the limits of size and luxury. The competition between cruise lines means passengers get more exciting amenities and experiences with each new ship that enters service.
Key Takeaways
- Icon of the Seas is currently the world’s largest cruise ship at 248,663 gross tons with capacity for 7,600 passengers
- Modern cruise ships feature resort-like amenities including ice rinks, climbing walls, multiple dining venues, and entertainment facilities
- Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises dominate the largest ship category with advanced vessels that continue growing in size and luxury
Overview of the Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships
The largest cruise ships measure their size by gross tonnage, with Icon of the Seas leading at 248,663 tons and capacity for 7,600 passengers. These floating cities range from Royal Caribbean’s massive vessels to MSC’s impressive World-class ships.
Ranking Criteria and Methodology
Gross tonnage serves as the primary measurement for determining the biggest cruise ships in the world. This metric measures the total internal volume of a ship rather than its weight.
The largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, reaches 248,663 gross tons. Most ships in the top 10 exceed 180,000 gross tons.
Length and passenger capacity provide additional size comparisons. The biggest cruise ships stretch over 1,100 feet long. Some accommodate more than 7,000 passengers at maximum capacity.
Double occupancy numbers give a more realistic view of typical passenger loads. These figures assume two people per cabin rather than maximum cramming.
Royal Caribbean dominates the rankings with seven of the top 10 positions. MSC Cruises and other lines fill the remaining spots with their largest vessels.
Comparison of Gross Tonnage and Passenger Capacity
The Icon-class ships top the list with 248,663 gross tons each. Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas both carry 5,610 passengers in double occupancy.
Oasis-class vessels from Royal Caribbean fill positions 3-8. These ships range from 226,637 to 236,473 gross tons. Passenger capacity varies from 5,484 to 5,734 in double occupancy.
MSC’s World-class ships appear at positions 9-10. MSC World America and MSC World Europa measure around 216,000 gross tons. They accommodate approximately 5,231 passengers each.
The Excellence-class ships from Costa and P&O round out the top rankings. These vessels measure between 184,000 and 186,000 gross tons. They carry over 5,200 passengers in typical configurations.
Profiles of the World’s Biggest Cruise Ships
These massive ships represent the pinnacle of cruise engineering, with Icon of the Seas leading at 248,663 gross tons, followed by Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class vessels and innovative ships from MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises. Each vessel offers unique features while pushing the boundaries of size and passenger capacity.
Icon of the Seas: The Largest Cruise Ship
Icon of the Seas stands as the world’s largest cruise ship at 248,663 gross tons. Royal Caribbean launched this engineering marvel in 2024.
The ship measures 364.75 meters long and 66 meters wide. It can carry up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity.
Icon of the Seas features 2,805 staterooms across multiple decks. The vessel accommodates 5,610 passengers in double occupancy.
Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship, launched in 2025 with nearly identical specifications. Both ships share the same gross tonnage and passenger capacity.
The Icon class introduced revolutionary design elements to cruise shipping. These ships represent Royal Caribbean’s latest achievement in maritime engineering.
Oasis Class: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Utopia of the Seas
The Oasis class includes six massive ships from Royal Caribbean. These vessels dominated the size rankings before Icon of the Seas arrived.
Utopia of the Seas is the newest at 236,473 gross tons and launched in 2024. Wonder of the Seas follows at 235,600 gross tons from 2022.
Symphony of the Seas weighs 228,081 gross tons and entered service in 2018. Harmony of the Seas measures 226,963 gross tons from 2016.
The original ships, Oasis of the Seas (2009) and Allure of the Seas (2010), both measure approximately 226,800 gross tons. These pioneered the class design.
All Oasis-class ships feature similar layouts with neighborhoods and central parks. They accommodate between 5,400 to 5,700 passengers in double occupancy.
The class spans over 360 meters in length and 60-65 meters in width. Each ship contains around 2,700-2,800 staterooms.
MSC World Europa: Innovations and Design
MSC World Europa represents MSC Cruises’ World class at 215,863 gross tons. The ship launched in 2022 with cutting-edge technology.
The vessel measures 333.3 meters long and 47 meters wide. It features 2,626 staterooms for 5,231 passengers in double occupancy.
MSC World Europa can accommodate up to 6,762 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship pioneered several environmental technologies.
MSC World America joined the fleet in 2025 with similar specifications. This second World-class ship measures 216,638 gross tons.
Both ships feature innovative design elements unique to MSC Cruises. The World class focuses on family-friendly amenities and entertainment.
Costa Smeralda, Costa Toscana, and Arvia
Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana represent Costa Cruises’ Excellence class vessels. Costa Smeralda launched in 2019 at 185,010 gross tons.
Costa Toscana followed in 2021 at 186,364 gross tons. Both ships measure 337 meters long and 42 meters wide.
Each Costa ship features 2,612 staterooms accommodating 5,224 passengers in double occupancy. Maximum capacity reaches 6,554 passengers.
Arvia belongs to P&O Cruises at 185,581 gross tons from 2022. The ship measures 344.5 meters long and carries 5,200 passengers in double occupancy.
Arvia can accommodate up to 6,685 passengers at full capacity. It features 2,614 staterooms across multiple decks.
These Excellence-class ships prioritize environmental efficiency while maintaining luxury amenities.
Unique Amenities and Onboard Experiences
The world’s largest cruise ships feature specialized entertainment venues like aquatheaters and skydomers, along with distinct neighborhood zones that create themed experiences. These ships offer signature dining venues, world-class shows, and unique attractions that set them apart from traditional cruising.
Signature Attractions: Aquatheater, Skydome, and Royal Promenade
The AquaTheater serves as an outdoor amphitheater where passengers watch high-diving shows and water performances. This venue combines acrobatics with synchronized swimming in a pool that converts to a performance stage.
Skydome areas feature retractable glass ceilings that create indoor-outdoor spaces. These multi-level venues host live music, circus acts, and themed parties throughout the day and evening.
The Royal Promenade functions as an indoor boardwalk with shops, cafes, and parade performances. This covered street runs through the center of ships and includes:
- Street performers and parades
- Boutique shopping areas
- Casual dining spots
- Photo opportunities
Some ships add unique features like the Altitude Skywalk – a suspended walkway that extends over the ocean. These signature spaces create focal points for passenger activities and social gatherings.
Neighborhood Concepts and Activity Zones
Large cruise ships organize their spaces into themed neighborhoods that cater to different interests and age groups. Each zone offers specific activities and dining options.
Central Park neighborhoods feature real plants and trees in an outdoor courtyard setting. These areas include upscale restaurants, bars, and quiet seating areas for relaxation.
Boardwalk zones recreate seaside pier experiences with:
- Carousel rides
- Game arcades
- Casual eateries
- Street performances
Sports zones concentrate active amenities like rock climbing walls, mini golf courses, and basketball courts. Pool decks separate into adult-only areas, family zones, and activity pools with water slides.
Entertainment districts group theaters, lounges, and nightclubs together. These areas stay active from morning shows through late-night dancing and live music performances.
Dining, Entertainment, and Leisure Highlights
Modern mega-ships offer 20+ dining venues ranging from quick grab-and-go options to multi-course specialty restaurants. Signature restaurants include steakhouses, sushi bars, and celebrity chef concepts.
Entertainment options span Broadway-style productions, comedy shows, and live music venues. Many ships feature ice skating rinks, surf simulators, and bumper cars for active entertainment.
Leisure amenities include full-service spas with thermal suites, fitness centers with ocean views, and adult-only retreat areas. Ships like Celebration add unique features such as:
- Roller coasters at sea
- Escape room experiences
- Virtual reality arcades
- Multiple pool complexes
Kids’ clubs offer age-specific programming while teen lounges provide dedicated social spaces. These cruise ships essentially function as floating resorts with amenities that rival land-based destinations.
Shipbuilders, Cruise Lines, and Technological Advances
Three major players dominate the construction of the world’s largest cruise ships. Royal Caribbean leads with their Oasis-class vessels, MSC Cruises innovates with World-class ships, and European shipyards Meyer Turku and STX France build these floating cities.
Royal Caribbean International and Oasis Class
Royal Caribbean International holds the top spots for the world’s largest cruise ships. The company operates seven of the ten biggest vessels in 2025.
Oasis-class ships represent their most successful design. These ships include Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. Each vessel measures around 362 meters long with gross tonnage exceeding 225,000.
The Icon-class pushes boundaries even further. Icon of the Seas leads as the world’s largest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tons. This ship carries up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.
Royal Caribbean focuses on innovative features:
- Ultimate Abyss slides reaching 259 feet
- Central Park neighborhoods with live plants
- AquaTheater venues for water shows
- Multiple surf simulators per ship
Their ships use liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cleaner operations. This technology reduces emissions while maintaining the power needed for massive vessels.
MSC Cruises and World Class
MSC Cruises created the World-class to compete with Royal Caribbean’s giants. MSC World Europa launched in 2022 as their flagship vessel.
World-class specifications:
- 333 meters long
- 205,700 gross tonnage
- 22 decks total
- Up to 6,762 passengers
The ship features a unique Y-shaped design at the stern. This creates more outdoor deck space than traditional layouts. The 104-meter World Promenade runs through the ship’s center.
Key innovations include:
- Venom Drop slide at 250 feet long
- Kinetic Dome for immersive entertainment
- LNG power systems
- 13 different dining venues
MSC focuses on European elegance mixed with American-style features. Their ships offer Mediterranean itineraries year-round from Barcelona and Genoa.
Notable Shipyards: Meyer Turku and STX France
Two European shipyards build most of the world’s largest cruise ships. Meyer Turku in Finland and STX France (now Chantiers de l’Atlantique) lead construction.
Meyer Turku built:
- Icon of the Seas for Royal Caribbean
- Oasis of the Seas (originally STX Finland)
- Costa Toscana for Costa Cruises
- Arvia for P&O Cruises
STX France/Chantiers de l’Atlantique constructed:
- Wonder of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- MSC World Europa
These shipyards use advanced technology:
- Digital twin systems for design
- LNG fuel systems integration
- Modular construction methods
- Environmental compliance systems
Construction timeline typically spans 30-36 months per ship. Each vessel requires thousands of workers and costs over $1 billion to complete.
Both yards compete for contracts with major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
The largest cruise ships today dwarf historic vessels and can carry over 7,000 passengers. Royal Caribbean dominates the list with Icon of the Seas leading as the world’s biggest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tons.
What are the current largest cruise ships in operation as of 2025?
Icon of the Seas holds the title as the world’s largest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tons. Wonder of the Seas ranks second at 235,600 gross tons.
Symphony of the Seas comes in third place with 228,081 gross tons. Harmony of the Seas follows as the fourth largest at 226,963 gross tons.
Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas round out the top six largest ships. All six of these massive vessels belong to Royal Caribbean.
MSC World Europa claims the seventh spot as the largest non-Royal Caribbean ship. It measures 215,863 gross tons and can hold over 6,700 passengers.
How do the largest cruise ships today compare in size to the Titanic?
Modern cruise ships dwarf the historic Titanic in every measurement. The Titanic measured 46,328 gross tons and carried about 2,400 passengers and crew.
Icon of the Seas is more than five times larger than the Titanic at 250,800 gross tons. It can carry nearly 10,000 people including passengers and crew when at full capacity.
The length difference is equally striking. The Titanic stretched 882 feet while Icon of the Seas measures 1,198 feet long.
Even smaller modern cruise ships from the 1990s at 75,000 gross tons were still larger than the Titanic. Today’s mega ships represent a completely different scale of ocean travel.
Which cruise ship has the highest passenger capacity?
Icon of the Seas can carry the most passengers with 7,600 people at maximum capacity. At double occupancy, it holds 5,610 passengers.
Wonder of the Seas follows closely with 7,084 passengers at full capacity. Its double occupancy number is 5,734 passengers.
Allure of the Seas can hold 6,826 passengers when completely full. Oasis of the Seas carries up to 6,771 passengers at maximum capacity.
These numbers include all passengers but not crew members. When crew is added, some ships have nearly 10,000 people onboard.
What are the names of the biggest cruise ships launched in recent years?
Icon of the Seas launched in 2023 as the newest and largest cruise ship ever built. Wonder of the Seas entered service in 2022 as the fifth Oasis-class ship.
MSC World Europa also debuted in 2022 as MSC’s largest vessel. P&O Arvia launched the same year and ranks as the tenth largest cruise ship worldwide.
Costa Toscana entered service in 2021 as one of Costa Cruises’ biggest ships. It ties with Costa Smeralda from 2019 in gross tonnage.
Symphony of the Seas from 2018 held the largest ship title before newer vessels surpassed it. These recent launches show the continuing trend toward bigger ships.
How does Icon of the Seas rank among the largest cruise ships?
Icon of the Seas stands as the undisputed largest cruise ship in the world. It surpassed all previous ships when it began sailing in early 2024.
The ship measures 250,800 gross tons and stretches 1,198 feet in length. This makes it significantly larger than the previous record holder Wonder of the Seas.
Icon of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class of ships. This new class pushed cruise ship size to unprecedented levels.
The ship carries 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at maximum capacity. Combined with crew, nearly 10,000 people can be aboard at once.
What are the standout features of the top five biggest cruise ships?
Icon of the Seas features eight different neighborhoods and seven pools across its massive structure. It includes a full waterpark and represents a new standard in cruise ship design.
Wonder of the Seas offers Central Park, an outdoor promenade with real plants and trees. The AquaTheater hosts diving shows and water performances.
Symphony of the Seas includes Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story dry slide. It has seven neighborhoods and nearly 3,000 staterooms spread across 18 decks.
Harmony of the Seas features an adults-only Solarium and 17 different dining venues. The ship includes zip lines and rock climbing walls.
Oasis of the Seas offers 20 dining options and three waterslides after its recent refurbishment. It includes escape rooms and a splash pad for children.
