What is the largest cruise ship in the world?

Does size truly make a difference? The cruise industry certainly believes so. For over a century, cruise lines have vied for the title of the largest cruise ship on the globe.

When it launched in 1912, the ill-fated Titanic was the largest and most opulent passenger ship of its era. However, since 2009, with the debut of Royal Caribbean's first Oasis Class ship, that title now belongs to vessels over five times the size of the Titanic.

Today’s largest cruise ships resemble floating cities, packed with a vast array of bars and dining options, luxurious spas, and sun-soaked retreats. They boast numerous recreational activities, including zip lines, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, escape rooms, laser tag, top-deck go-kart tracks, virtual reality gaming, and even roller coasters.

So, what is the largest cruise ship in the world, and how do other vessels stack up? Here’s a brief overview of the biggest cruise ships based on both gross registered tons and maximum passenger capacity. It's no surprise that Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class dominate the top five in both measures, with only two other lines alongside Royal Caribbean.

Note: This article does not include ships from lines such as Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Aida, as they do not serve the North American market.

What is the largest cruise ship in the world?

Currently, the title goes to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Weighing in at 250,800 gross registered tons and accommodating up to 7,600 passengers (along with 2,350 crew members), this ship is truly colossal. It features various neighborhoods with attractions like waterslides, an indoor AquaTheater, a carousel, and an adults-only sun deck, as well as opulent suites, retail shops, thousands of live plants, and over two dozen bars and restaurants.

Largest cruise ships in the world by tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800 gross registered tons
• Utopia of the Seas: 236,473 gross registered tons
• Wonder of the Seas: 235,600 gross registered tons
• Symphony of the Seas: 228,081 gross registered tons
• Harmony of the Seas: 226,963 gross registered tons
• Oasis of the Seas: 226,838 gross registered tons
• Allure of the Seas: 225,282 gross registered tons
• MSC World Europa: 205,700 gross registered tons
• Carnival Celebration: 183,521 gross registered tons
• Carnival Jubilee: 183,521 gross registered tons
• MSC Grandiosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• MSC Virtuosa: 181,541 gross registered tons

Largest cruise ships in the world by passenger capacity

• Icon of the Seas: 7,600 passengers
• Utopia of the Seas: 6,988 passengers (estimated)
• Wonder of the Seas: 6,988 passengers
• Allure of the Seas: 6,780 passengers
• Oasis of the Seas: 6,771 passengers
• MSC World Europa: 6,762 passengers
• Harmony of the Seas: 6,687 passengers
• Symphony of the Seas: 6,680 passengers
• Carnival's Mardi Gras: 6,631 passengers
• Carnival Celebration: 6,631 passengers
• Carnival Jubilee: 6,631 passengers
• MSC Grandiosa: 6,334 passengers
• MSC Virtuosa: 6,334 passengers

What is the largest cruise ship in the world as of 2024?

Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world, based on both tonnage and passenger capacity, is Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. It has taken the crown from its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas. Other Royal Caribbean ships, such as the Freedom Class and Oasis Class vessels, including Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, have also held the title in the past.

What is the cost of the world's biggest cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean invested approximately $2 billion to construct Icon of the Seas. As of now, the starting price for the most affordable cabins on Icon of the Seas is $1,252 per person, which includes taxes and fees, for a seven-night journey ($179 per person, per night). If that's beyond your budget, consider my suggestions for alternative ships to experience instead of Icon of the Seas.

Which cruise ship is five times larger than the Titanic?

All ships within Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class exceed Titanic's size by at least five times. In terms of passenger capacity, Titanic could accommodate 2,453 people, while Icon of the Seas has the ability to hold 7,600 passengers, more than three times the number Titanic could serve.

What is the maximum capacity of the largest cruise ship?

Icon of the Seas can accommodate up to 7,600 guests at full capacity or 5,610 guests when considering double occupancy (two people per cabin). The ship also has a crew of over 2,300 members. This means that when fully staffed and all passenger beds are filled, the ship can host nearly 10,000 individuals.

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