25 Largest Cruise Ships in the World: Grand Scale Adventure

Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas is set to become the largest cruise ship in the world, with an anticipated internal volume of 250,800 GT, a length of 1,198 ft, and accommodations for 5,610 guests at double occupancy and 7,600 at maximum occupancy.

The completed cruise ship will boast 20 total decks, seven pools, nine whirlpools, eight neighborhoods, 2,350 international crew members, and 2,805 guest staterooms.

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president, and CEO, of Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.” 

Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class vessel from Royal Caribbean. On her debut in 2022, Wonder of the Seas become the largest cruise ship in the world, overtaking her sister ship, Symphony of the Seas. The ship has one additional neighborhood than previous Oasis-class ships, with eight distinct zones around the ship.

The new zone, Suite Neighborhood, is an exclusive area on the ship for guests booked in Suite cabins. Additionally, the ship features a revamped Aquatheatre, ten-foot Ultimate Abyss slide, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar specialty restaurant, The Perfect Storm, aqua park Splashaway Bay, and the Wonder Playscape.

Symphony of the Seas is the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and the fourth Oasis-class vessel. It is currently the world’s largest cruise ship at 228,081 gross tons and measures 1,188 feet in length.
The ship was built at STX France shipyard and departed on its official maiden voyage on April 7, 2018, on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain.

The ship was built at STX France shipyard and departed on its official maiden voyage on April 7, 2018, on a 7-night Mediterranean trip from Barcelona, Spain.

Harmony of the Seas is the third Oasis-class ship, slightly overtaking her two previous sister ships. The vessel is the first ship to feature the 10-story Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea.

Measuring 50 millimeters longer than Oasis, Allure of the Seas is the second record-breaking Oasis-class ship from Royal Caribbean. The ship features many familiar Oasis-class amenities, including ice rinks, a two-deck dance hall, a theatre with 1,380 seats, an ice skating rink, a concierge club, a spa, and fitness facilities.

The ship also has 25 dining options, including the first Starbucks on a cruise ship.

The first vessel in the Oasis-class of cruise ships, Oasis of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world when it entered service in 2009.

With 16 passenger decks and 2,742 guest cabins, the ship can accommodate 6,296 passengers. The ship introduced many new amenities that were firsts for the cruise industry, including an outdoor Aqua Theater and an open-air corridor cared out along the vessel’s center, which includes the fan-favorite central park.

In addition, Oasis of the Seas features seven distinct themed zones, two surf simulators, a 10-story high zip line, rock climbing walls, five swimming pools, and much more.

It won’t be the world’s biggest cruise ship, but it will be close. At around 205,000 gross tons, MSC World Europa will be nearly as big as Royal Caribbean’s record-size Oasis-class vessels, including the previously mentioned Wonder of the Seas.

There is one measurement that MSC World Europa outshines the Oasis-class ships, and that’s its height. At 21 decks high, the ship is not only three decks taller than the Oasis-class ships, but it will be the tallest cruise ship in the world.

The ship can hold 6,762 passengers in its 2,366 staterooms at maximum capacity.

In addition, MSC World Europa will have six pools, fourteen hot tubs, an 11-story slide, and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate with virtual reality technology.

The MS Arvia is an Excellence-class cruise ship operating for P&O Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc.

The ship was constructed by Meyer Werft, a German shipbuilder, and was delivered to P&O Cruises on 9 December 2022. P&O Arvia, with a gross tonnage of approximately 184,700, is the largest ship ever commissioned for the British cruise market.

The Arvia’s normal passenger capacity is 5,200, but this can be expanded to 6,264 if every bed is filled. The ship’s maiden voyage was originally scheduled for 9 December 2022 but was delayed to 23 December 2022. Arvia’s maiden voyage was a 14-night Canary Islands cruise from Southampton. On 2 March 2023, it was announced that Nicole Scherzinger would be Arvia’s godmother.

Another LNG-powered cruise ship on our list comes from British-based P&O Cruises. Iona was initially scheduled to begin service in May 2020; however, the Coronavirus pandemic delayed its delivery was to October 2020.

Once delivered, the ship spent many months on hold as the cruise industry suspended sailing operations. Iona’s maiden voyage sailed on August 7, 2021, which anchored at the ship’s namesake island for a spectacular kaleidoscopic firework display.

Carnival Celebration holds the title of being the largest vessel of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Celebration marks the second addition to Carnival’s Excel class fleet, a specialized subclass under Carnival Corporation & plc’s Excellence class.

With an impressive gross tonnage of 183,900 GT, Carnival Celebration provides plenty of entertainment and dining venue for over 5,347 passengers.

Carnival Jubilee is set to be the third vessel in Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel class, joining the ranks of her sister ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

With an imposing size of 183,900 gross tons, the ship can host 5,374 guests under double occupancy and up to 6,631 passengers when fully occupied. Despite a delay in her original launch date, Carnival Jubilee is now gearing up to greet guests on her maiden voyage scheduled for December 23, 2023.

Mardi Gras is the first XL-class cruise ship operated by the world’s largest cruise ship operator, Carnival Cruise Lines. The 180,000 Gross Ton LNG-powered ship is a tribute to Carnival’s first-ever cruise ship, the TSS Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras brought new features to the cruise industry, including BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. In addition, the cruise ship is divided into six distinct themed zones for guests to explore.

AIDAcosma is an Excellence-class vessel designed to provide luxurious and environmentally friendly cruise experiences. The cruise ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which reduces emissions by up to 20%.

AIDAcosma was designed with numerous amenities and unique features to enhance the cruising experience for its passengers. These features often include a variety of dining options, spacious cabins, recreational facilities, entertainment venues, and even wellness areas.

AIDAnova is operated by the German-based and Carnival-owned Aida Cruises. It is the first new-generation class of ships ordered by any Carnival-owned cruise line and officially entered into service in December 2018.

The ship was built at the famous Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and is powered by LNG technology.

Costa Smeralda is the cruise line’s largest vessel and its first ship powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). LNG technology allows for a significant reduction in the ship’s greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel engines, which is a good thing considering the amount of fuel required to operate such a large vessel.

The ship was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and was delivered on December 5, 2019.

As previously mentioned, Costa Smeralda is the largest cruise ship commissioned by Italian cruise line Costa Cruises with 185,100GT and a maximum capacity of 6554 passengers and 1646 crew members.

Costa Toscana is the third ship of the Carnival-owned Italian cruise line Costa Cruises fleet. Just like its sister ship, Costa Smeralda, the ship is powered by LNG. In a press release upon the ship’s delivery, Costa Cruises stated that the ship represents a tribute to the Tuscany region in Italy.

MSC Euribia is the 22nd vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet. It stands out as one of the most energy-efficient cruise ship designs to date and is the second ship in MSC Cruises’ lineup to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship was officially delivered on May 3, 2023 during a ceremony held at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

What sets MSC Euribia apart is its incorporation of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies. These advancements include advanced onboard water and waste treatment facilities, which contribute to the ship’s environmentally friendly operations. Additionally, the vessel boasts cutting-edge heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, ensuring optimal energy efficiency throughout its operation. Furthermore, MSC Euribia is equipped with an underwater radiated noise management system, enhancing the ship’s environmental performance by reducing its impact on marine life.

With its emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, MSC Euribia represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to responsible and eco-conscious cruising. By leveraging LNG as a fuel source and implementing innovative technologies, the company aims to minimize its environmental footprint and provide passengers with an environmentally friendly cruise experience.

MSC Grandiosa launched in November 2019 and is the first Meraviglia Pluss-class cruise ship for MSC Cruises. The vessel features the world’s first Humanoid Robotic Bartender at Sea!

MSC Virtuosa is the second Meraviglia Pluss-class cruise ship built by MSC Cruises. She was delivered on February 1, 2021, but due to a pause in cruise ship operations due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the ship’s maiden voyage didn’t occur until November 2021.

MSC Cruises launched MSC Bellissima in 2019. The technologically advanced cruise ship offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience for guests with a wide range of amenities and entertainment options.

MSC Bellissima features multiple dining venues, including specialty restaurants, and offers a variety of culinary experiences. Passengers can enjoy entertainment options such as a breathtaking LED sky screen, exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances, bars, lounges, and theaters. The ship also has a spa, wellness center, pools, water park, and sports area for relaxation and activities. The staterooms are stylish and comfortable, catering to various needs. MSC Bellissima incorporates eco-friendly technologies and practices to minimize its ecological impact.

MSC Meraviglia joined the MSC Cruises fleet in June 2017. One of this first-in-class vessel’s biggest highlights is the large LED roof display along the promenade. 

The ship is recognized for bringing some of the latest advances in customer-centric technology and digital innovations to the high seas. This ship is a fantastic choice for families and food lovers alike.

MSC Seascape is part of the Seaside EVO class, an evolution of the Seaside class, which includes the MSC Seashore. This class of ships is known for its environmentally friendly technologies and design enhancements that enhance guest comfort and provide even more significant connections with the sea.

The Seaside EVO class vessels feature cutting-edge technologies for energy efficiency, environmental performance, and guest-centric enhancements. Passengers are provided with multiple dining options, numerous entertainment offerings, panoramic public areas for impressive sea views, and comfortable cabins and suites.

MSC Seashore was constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, and it’s a part of MSC Cruises’ Seaside EVO class. The Seaside Evo class is a further evolution of the Seaside class of ships, providing cruisers with an upgraded vacation experience.

Launched in 2021, MSC Seashore spans 339 meters in length and has a maximum capacity of 5,877 passengers and 1,648 crew members.

Designed with a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, MSC Seashore boasts state-of-the-art technologies that minimize its environmental footprint. It features a selective catalytic reduction system to decrease nitrogen oxide, exhaust gas cleaning systems to cut sulfur oxide emissions, and an advanced wastewater treatment system.

The ship is designed to provide guests with more open-air space with more deck space per passenger than any other ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. Seashore offers a variety of amenities for passengers, including multiple dining options, extensive entertainment offerings, an outdoor water park, spacious cabins and suites, and panoramic public areas to provide stunning sea views.

Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Launched in 2021, the ship is among the most technologically advanced and innovative vessels in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It has a passenger capacity of around 3,844 at double occupancy and a full capacity of over 4,805, with a length of 1,138 feet and a gross tonnage of 169,000.

In addition to its impressive size and capacity, the Odyssey of the Seas is replete with innovative features and amenities designed to provide an unparalleled cruise experience. The ship features the iconic North Star observation capsule that gives guests a panoramic view of the sea from over 300 feet above the water. It also includes SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, featuring bumper cars, a trapeze school, and a roller skating rink.

For dining and entertainment, the ship offers numerous restaurants and bars with a wide range of culinary options. It includes the Two70 venue, which blends technology with entertainment, showcasing stunning panoramic sea views that transform into high-tech entertainment spaces in the evenings. The ship also has a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, swimming pools, and a casino, among other amenities.

The Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway Plus-class cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. It is the final ship of this class, with a gross tonnage of 169,116 GT, a length of 1,094 feet, and a guest capacity of 3,998 at double occupancy. The ship was constructed by Meyer Werft in Germany and made its maiden voyage in November 2019.

Norwegian Encore is celebrated for its innovative features and an extensive array of amenities designed to provide an extraordinary vacation experience. The ship boasts a two-level go-kart track spanning the top deck. It also features an open-air laser tag arena with augmented reality elements inspired by the lost city of Atlantis.

For entertainment, Norwegian Encore offers the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, “Kinky Boots,” and the sensational high-energy “Choir of Man” show. Dining options are aplenty, ranging from fine dining experiences to casual eateries featuring a variety of international cuisines. The ship also houses the Galaxy Pavilion, a virtual reality complex with interactive games, and a large water park.