The 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World
Cruise ships aren’t just boats anymore — they’re floating cities. With restaurants, theaters, waterparks, and even zip lines on board, the world’s largest cruise ships are designed to wow. Let’s take a look at the 10 biggest cruise ships in the world right now.
1. Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
The brand-new Icon of the Seas is officially the world’s largest cruise ship. At over 250,000 gross tons and room for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, it’s a floating resort. It features the biggest waterpark at sea, a surf simulator, and neighborhoods for every type of traveler.
2. Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Before the Icon launched, Wonder of the Seas held the title. It boasts eight neighborhoods, a Central Park filled with live plants, and the tallest slide at sea — the Ultimate Abyss. With space for almost 7,000 guests, it feels like an entire city on the water.
3. Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Launched in 2018, Symphony of the Seas combines high-tech entertainment with classic cruise luxury. It features an ice-skating rink, robotic bartenders, and Broadway-style shows. At over 1,180 feet long, it’s longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall.
4. Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
This ship helped define the “mega-ship” era. Harmony has waterslides, a Boardwalk with a carousel, and massive entertainment venues. Families love it for its mix of kid-friendly attractions and world-class dining.
5. Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
The first in Royal Caribbean’s famous Oasis class, Oasis of the Seas broke records when it debuted in 2009. It introduced the idea of split neighborhoods onboard, including a Central Park open-air space. It can still host over 6,000 passengers in style.
6. Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Allure of the Seas is packed with entertainment, from AquaTheater diving shows to ice skating performances. It’s slightly smaller than Oasis but still one of the largest ships afloat, with endless dining and activity options for families and couples alike.
7. MSC World Europa (MSC Cruises)
This futuristic ship is MSC’s biggest and most sustainable yet, powered by liquefied natural gas. Highlights include a 350-foot spiral slide, six pools, and a design focused on energy efficiency. It carries over 6,700 passengers, rivaling Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships.
8. Costa Toscana (Costa Cruises)
Costa Toscana is powered by LNG and blends Italian style with cutting-edge technology. The ship offers Mediterranean flair, 11 restaurants, and themed entertainment inspired by Italian culture. With over 6,500 passengers, it’s one of Europe’s biggest.
9. P&O Iona (P&O Cruises)
Iona is P&O Cruises’ largest ship and the first in Britain to run on LNG. It features a glass-domed SkyDome for shows and entertainment, as well as over 30 dining venues. It carries 5,200 guests, making it one of the biggest in the world.
10. AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises)
Germany’s AIDAnova was the first LNG-powered cruise ship and remains one of the largest. It features over 20 decks, a theater, a waterpark, and a focus on eco-friendly cruising. It can host over 6,600 passengers while offering a full resort experience.
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