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The largest cruise ship is nearly as long as four football fields, making it a true giant on the water. Image credit: filo / Getty ImagesModern cruise ships are remarkable feats of design, rising several stories above the sea and able to carry thousands of passengers across the globe's vast oceans. If you're considering a voyage on one of these massive ships, you'll have no shortage of options—all of them enormous in their own way.
You might be asking yourself: What exactly is the world's largest ship, and is it possible to embark on a cruise aboard it?
The Largest Ship on Earth: The Seawise Giant (260,941 GT)
While the enormous size of the largest cruise ships is awe-inspiring, some of the world's longest and largest vessels are not designed to carry passengers. Instead, they serve as giants in transporting commodities such as oil and dry goods.
Technically, the title of the largest ship ever belongs to the Seawise Giant, an oil tanker constructed in 1979 and scrapped in 2010. With a gross tonnage of 260,941, a length of 1,504 feet (458 meters), and a beam of 225 feet (69 meters), it remains unmatched in both commercial and recreational realms.
The Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships Around the Globe
Here is a list of the undisputed giants in the cruise ship industry. As you’ll see, not every cruise line makes the cut, as only a select few have dared to build the largest vessels. Competitors like the Norwegian Cruise Line rarely make it into the top 30.
When assessing the size of cruise ships, several key factors should be taken into account.
- Gross tonnage (GT): This is the primary method used to determine a ship's overall internal volume. While it doesn’t measure weight, a large GT figure indicates a ship is incredibly heavy.
- Length: Often referred to as "length overall," this is a simple measurement of the vessel's hull from end to end, taken along a line parallel to the water. Unsurprisingly, the biggest ships by gross tonnage are also the longest.
- Beam: Sailors use this term for the width of the ship, measured at its widest point.
- Maximum passenger capacity: A clear and direct figure, this tells you the maximum number of passengers the ship can accommodate during a cruise.
1. The Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT)
Released in 2024 by Royal Caribbean International, the Icon of the Seas, at 250,800 GT, with a passenger capacity of 7,600, quickly claimed the title of the world's largest cruise ship—and the largest passenger ship ever. It spans a length of 1,197 feet (365 meters) and a beam of 217 feet (66 meters).
This floating luxury resort embarks on voyages from Miami, Florida, to various Caribbean destinations. Notably, it features the largest swimming pool and the most water slides (six) of any ocean-going vessel.
2. The Utopia of the Seas (236,473 GT)
Operated by Royal Caribbean, the Utopia of the Seas embarked on her maiden journey in 2024. With a maximum capacity of 6,509 passengers, a gross tonnage (GT) of 236,473, a length of 1,185 feet (361 meters), and a beam of 210 feet (64 meters), this ship is a giant among giants.
The final addition to Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, the Utopia of the Seas is also the first of its kind to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). It currently calls Port Canaveral, Florida its home port.
3. The Wonder of the Seas (235,600 GT)
Another magnificent ship from Royal Caribbean International, the Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world when it made its debut in 2022. It accommodates up to 6,988 passengers, boasts a gross tonnage of 235,600, stretches 1,188 feet (362 meters) long, and has a beam of 210 feet (64 meters).
With amenities like a boardwalk, solarium, zip line, and much more, the Wonder of the Seas offers a full vacation experience on the water. It operates from Port Canaveral, Florida.
4. The Symphony of the Seas (228,081 GT)
Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 228,081, measures 1,184 feet (361 meters) in length, has a beam of 216 feet (66 meters), and can carry up to 6,680 passengers. When it set sail in 2018, it was the largest cruise ship in the world, making its debut in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Symphony of the Seas is now stationed at the Port of Miami. Passengers can enjoy amenities such as a rock climbing wall, laser tag, as well as various dining and entertainment options.
5. Harmony of the Seas (226,963 GT)
Launched in 2016, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas held the title of the world's largest ship for two years before being overtaken by the Symphony of the Seas in 2018. The ship boasts a gross tonnage of 226,963, measures 1,188 feet (362 meters) in length, has a beam of 216 feet (66 meters), and can accommodate 6,687 passengers.
The Harmony of the Seas is primarily based in Galveston, Texas. Much like its sister ships in the Oasis Class, this massive vessel is divided into "neighborhoods," offering passengers a glimpse into its grand scale.
6. Oasis of the Seas (226,838 GT)
Designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean International, the Oasis of the Seas was once the largest ship in the world, serving as the flagship of the Oasis Class. With a gross tonnage of 226,838, a length of 1,180 feet (360 meters), a beam of 198 feet (61 meters), and a maximum capacity for 6,771 passengers, she redefined cruise ship engineering.
Her maiden voyage took place in December 2009, at which point she held the title of the largest passenger ship globally. Today, the Oasis of the Seas departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on voyages to multiple Caribbean destinations.
7. Allure of the Seas (225,282 GT)
A close relative of the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas is slightly smaller in size. Debuting in 2010, it boasts a gross tonnage of 225,282, a length of 1,180 feet (360 meters), a beam of 198 feet (61 meters), and a maximum passenger capacity of 6,780.
Currently, the Allure of the Seas is based in Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 3 to 4-night cruises to the Bahamas. The ship features an impressive array of amenities, including an ice skating rink and an onboard park with around 12,000 plants.
8. MSC World Europa (215,863 GT)
As you may have noticed, up until now, all of the largest cruise ships have been part of the Royal Caribbean fleet. However, it's time to introduce a new contender!
Operated by MSC Cruises, the World Europa embarked on its maiden voyage in 2022, securing a spot among the top 10 largest cruise ships in the world. With a gross tonnage of 215,863, a length of 1,094 feet (333 meters), a beam of 154 feet (47 meters), and a maximum capacity of 6,762, the World Europa competes closely with the Oasis Class ships in terms of size.
The World Europa operates from Qatar and was notably used as a floating hotel during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha. Unlike the majority of cruise ships that rely on diesel fuel, this ship is powered by liquefied natural gas.
9. Costa Toscana (186,364 GT)
Adding some diversity to our list, the Costa Toscana is operated by Costa Cruises and stands as the largest ship in their fleet. Debuting in 2021, it has a gross tonnage of 186,364, a length of 1,106 feet (337 meters), a beam of 138 feet (42 meters), and can accommodate up to 6,554 passengers.
The Costa Toscana offers a distinctly European experience, cruising through the Mediterranean and making stops at various ports across the region. Passengers will encounter a range of languages spoken and enjoy an upscale, continental atmosphere throughout their voyage.
10. Arvia (185,581 GT)
The Arvia set sail on her maiden journey in 2022, departing from Southampton, UK, and heading to the Canary Islands. As the sole P&O Cruises ship in the top 10, she features a gross tonnage of 185,581, a length of 1,130 feet (345 meters), a beam of 138 feet (42 meters), and a maximum passenger capacity of 6,685.
During the summer, the Arvia cruises through the Mediterranean, while in the winter, she sails in the Caribbean. One of her unique amenities is a retractable sky dome, allowing passengers to enjoy pleasant weather when it's available.
Cruise Ships: A Brief History
The modern cruise ship is a relatively new development. In the past, trans-oceanic voyages were challenging and perilous, and the idea of traveling for leisure on the open seas would have seemed almost mad.
Although people did embark on sailing expeditions for adventure, it was a far cry from the opulence offered by today's cruise ships, which are designed to be as luxurious as possible.
The development of the modern cruise ship became possible in the early 19th century due to advancements in technology and favorable economic conditions. In contrast to ocean liners, such as the ill-fated Titanic—which primarily served as transportation—a cruise ship typically covers a shorter distance, visiting multiple ports where passengers can disembark and explore the local attractions.
The Largest Cruise Ships: Floating Hotels
Modern cruise ship technology enables the inclusion of all the amenities typically found in a luxury hotel, and more. Contemporary cruise ships feature a wide array of entertainment options, ranging from bars and concerts to water slides and shopping areas that resemble shopping malls.
The vast size and intricate design of these ships necessitate a great deal of organization and resources to run efficiently. A cruise ship's operations are split into two primary sections: the sailing crew, led by the captain, and the hospitality staff, which is managed in a manner similar to a hotel.
