What Is the Biggest Cruise Ship in the World? The Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships

Well, get ready to explore the world of mega-ships redefining the cruise experience. Let's count down the top 10 largest cruise ships in the world, ranging from impressive to absolutely jaw-dropping.

10. P&O Arvia

• Gross tonnage: 185,581 GT
• Length: 344.5 m (1,130 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,200 (double occupancy), 6,685 (maximum)
• Christened: 2022
• Home port: Southampton, UK

P&O's Arvia is a marvel of modern cruising. This Excel-class cruise ship boasts the SkyDome, a retractable glass roof covering a pool area that transforms into an entertainment venue at night. Arvia also features the first high-ropes experience at sea, Mission Control, an immersive escape room experience, and a swim-up bar for tropical cocktails even in cooler climates.

9. Costa Toscana

• Gross tonnage: 186,364 GT
• Length: 337 m (1,106 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,224 (double occupancy), 6,554 (maximum)
• Christened: 2021
• Home port: Various Mediterranean ports

Costa Toscana brings the best of Italy to the seas. The ship features 21 restaurants and bars, including the Archipelago restaurant, which showcases menus by three Michelin-starred chefs. Passengers can also enjoy the Colosseo, a three-level space in the heart of the ship with grand shows, and the Skywalker, a glass-floored walkway with breathtaking views 65 meters above the sea.

8. MSC World Europa

• Gross tonnage: 215,863 GT
• Length: 333.3 m (1,094 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,231 (double occupancy), 6,762 (maximum)
• Christened: 2022
• Home port: Various

MSC World Europa is a ship of innovation. It features the longest dry slide at sea, The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, spanning 11 decks. The ship is divided into distinct districts, including an adult-only Zen district and a family district with ten kids' facilities. It also boasts the World Promenade, an impressive 104-meter-long outdoor area with ocean views, and the Y-shaped aft opens onto the Europa Promenade with its architectural masterpiece, The Dome.

7. Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 225,282 GT
• Length: 360 m (1,180 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,484 (double occupancy), 6,780 (maximum)
• Christened: 2010
• Home port: Galveston, Texas

Allure of the Seas continues to impress with its seven distinct neighbourhoods. It features the first Starbucks at sea, a zip line nine decks high, two FlowRider surf simulators, and an outdoor AquaTheater for high-diving shows. The Central Park neighbourhood boasts over 12,000 plants and trees, creating a serene outdoor space in the middle of the ship.

6. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 226,838 GT
• Length: 360 m (1,180 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,484 (double occupancy), 6,771 (maximum)
• Christened: 2009
• Home port: Miami, Florida

The ship that started the mega-ship trend, Oasis of the Seas, still impresses with its innovative features. It offers the Rising Tide bar that moves between decks, an ice-skating rink, two 43-foot rock-climbing walls, and the AquaTheater for high-diving performances. The ship's seven neighbourhoods include the Royal Promenade, an indoor space longer than a football field with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

5. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 226,963 GT
• Length: 362.12 m (1,188.1 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,494 (double occupancy), 6,687 (maximum)
• Christened: 2016
• Home port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Harmony of the Seas features the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a 10-story drop. The ship also boasts the Perfect Storm, a trio of multilevel waterslides, and a Bionic Bar with robot bartenders. Its Central Park features over 10,000 plants and trees, while the Boardwalk neighbourhood includes a full-size carousel.

4. Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 228,081 GT
• Length: 361.011 m (1,184.42 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,518 (double occupancy), 6,680 (maximum)
• Christened: 2018
• Home port: Miami, Florida

Symphony of the Seas takes family entertainment to new heights with Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an escape room experience, and the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-level suite with an in-room slide and a private cinema. The ship also features the FlowRider surf simulators, a zip line, and the Bionic Bar. Its seven neighbourhoods include Central Park with over 20,000 tropical plants. 

3. Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 235,600 GT
• Length: 362.04 m (1,187.8 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,734 (double occupancy), 6,988 (maximum)
• Christened: 2022
• Home port: Port Canaveral, Florida

Wonder of the Seas introduces a new neighbourhood to the Oasis Class design: the Suite Neighborhood. It also features The Mason Jar, a Southern-style restaurant and bar, and Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed play area for kids. The ship boasts a newly designed pool deck with The Lime & Coconut bar.

2. Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 236,473 GT
• Length: 361.12 m (1,184.8 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy)
• Christened: 2024 (July)
• Home port: Port Canaveral, Florida 

As the newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas promises to elevate the cruise experience further. It caters to first-time cruisers with a unique “world’s biggest weekend” offer, focusing on shorter cruise itineraries. The ship is the first Oasis Class vessel powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), showcasing Royal Caribbean's commitment to environmental sustainability.

1. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 248,663 GT
• Length: 364.75 m (1,196.7 ft)
• Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy), 7,600 (maximum)
• Christened: 2024 (January)
• Home port: Miami, Florida 

Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, introduces several groundbreaking features. It boasts 8 neighbourhoods, including the new Thrill Island with Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. The AquaDome, a transforming space that's a tranquil oasis by day and a high-tech theatre by night, sits atop the ship. Icon also features the Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and Surfside, a neighbourhood designed for young families with splash areas, places to eat, drink, and lounge.

The Bottom Line

From the impressive P&O Arvia to the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, these floating marvels showcase the evolution of cruise ship design and amenities. Each vessel offers a unique experience, pushing the boundaries of what's possible at sea. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, these ships promise an unforgettable voyage filled with entertainment, relaxation, and adventure.

Remember, when booking a cruise on one of these giants, prepare for a city-like experience at sea. Pack comfortable shoes, plan your activities, and get ready to explore these magnificent floating resorts.

Happy cruising!