The world's largest cruise ships redefine luxury at sea
The largest cruise ships in the world accommodate thousands of passengers. They are equipped with cinemas, water parks, restaurants, bars, golf courses, and full-sized sports fields. Due to their advanced infrastructure, these ships are often called "floating cities."
6:28 PM EDT, October 27, 2024
The companies organizing cruise trips constantly amaze passengers with new ships, which are becoming bigger and more luxurious. Among the most significant ships are those from Royal Caribbean, MSC, P&O Cruises, and Costa Cruises. Here is a list of the 10 most significant "floating cities" in the world.
10. Costa Toscana
- Tonnage: 185,000 tons
- Length: 1,106 feet
- Width: 138 feet
Costa Toscana's maiden voyage was in March 2022. The ship can accommodate up to 6,554 passengers and 1,678 crew members. Guests can access 11 restaurants, 19 snack bars, and 13 pools.
The Italian region of Tuscany inspires the interior. The biggest attraction of this cruise ship is the glass-bottom bridge that is suspended over 18 decks.
9. Costa Smeralda
- Tonnage: 185,000 tons
- Length: 1,106 feet
- Width: 138 feet
Costa Smeralda debuted in December 2019. It was the first Costa Cruises ship powered by eco-friendly LNG fuel.
The cruise ship has 2,612 cabins, including 1,550 balcony cabins, allowing accommodation for up to 6,554 passengers and 1,678 crew members. The central point of the ship is the Colosseo, a hub for passenger interaction and live performances. Additionally, guests can enjoy 11 restaurants, 13 pools, jacuzzis, a water park, a spa area, and a children's club on board.
8. P&O Cruises Arvia
- Tonnage: 185,000 tons
- Length: 1,129 feet
- Width: 138 feet
In December 2022, the P&O Cruises fleet expanded with the Arvia cruise ship. The LNG-powered vessel can accommodate up to 6,264 guests in 2,610 cabins alongside 1,800 crew members. Arvia’s deck offers a rope course, mini-golf, and a sports hall. There is also a dome with a retractable roof for live performances, air shows, film screenings, and DJ events.
7. MSC World Europa
- Tonnage: 215,863 tons
- Length: 1,093 feet
- Width: 154 feet
In November 2022, MSC Cruises expanded its fleet with the MSC World Europa, their largest ship ever. It can accommodate 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew members. The ship features 2,626 cabins, and its promenade is 295 feet long. Amenities include a Zen zone with an adults-only pool, a family area with bumper cars, and an onboard water park. The centerpiece of the ship is a spiral slide spanning 11 decks.
6. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
- Tonnage: 225,282 tons
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 216 feet
Allure of the Seas, the second Oasis-class ship, made its maiden voyage in 2010. It can accommodate up to 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew members, and features 2,742 cabins. Attractions include a water park, an ice rink, a basketball court, a 10-deck zip line, and two climbing walls. The ship offers an extensive entertainment program, including acrobatic performances and dance parties. Allure of the Seas has 19 restaurants and a 3D cinema.
5. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
- Tonnage: 226,838 tons
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 216 feet
Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas began its journey in 2009. It can accommodate up to 6,771 guests in 2,801 cabins and 2,109 crew members. In 2019, it underwent a major renovation, adding new features like surfing simulators and waterslides. Onboard, you'll find the latest technology, including video walls, touch screens, and VOOM, billed as the fastest internet connection available at sea.
4. Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
- Tonnage: 226,963 tons
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 216 feet
The next Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, started cruising in May 2016. This ship can accommodate 6,687 passengers in 2,747 cabins and 2,200 crew members. Guests can enjoy a water park, mini-golf, climbing wall, casino, and even a nursery.
3. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
- Tonnage: 228,081 tons
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 216 feet
Symphony of the Seas, the third largest cruise ship in the world, was launched in 2018. It can accommodate up to 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members. The ship offers 2,759 cabins, seven different neighborhoods, four pools, 20 restaurants, and 14 bars and lounges. Passengers can also enjoy gaming lounges, a 3D cinema, and partake in musical, theatrical, acrobatic, and stunt shows.
2. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
- Tonnage: 236,857 tons
- Length: 1,187 feet
- Width: 210 feet
Wonder of the Seas was, until recently, the largest cruise ship in the world, able to accommodate 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members. Royal Caribbean's ship embarked on its maiden voyage on March 4, 2022. Onboard attractions include a climbing wall, mini-golf course, casino, cinema, spa, full-sized basketball court, and a Starbucks café. Passengers have access to 20 dining venues and 11 bars.
1. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
- Tonnage: 250,800 tons
- Length: 1,198 feet
- Width: 213 feet
In 2024, the new liner Icon of the Seas claimed the title of the largest cruise ship in the world, surpassing its sister ship Wonder of the Seas. Onboard, nearly 8,000 people can be present at once, including about 5,600 passengers and over 2,300 crew members. Icon of the Seas features the largest water park at sea, offering six slides, seven pools, and nine hot tubs. Passengers can also enjoy the innovative entertainment of Thrill Island, an adventure park combining a ropes course with attractions for amateur acrobats.
Icon of the Seas weighs over 250,000 tons, and its length is 1,198 feet. This makes the currently largest cruise ship in the world over five times larger than the Titanic.
