The 15 Largest Cruise Ships in the World (7 Belong to One Line)

Discover unparalleled luxury aboard the planet's most colossal floating resorts.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Oct. 1, 2024

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Today, bigger is much better in the world of vacation cruises. Cruise companies around the world are super-sizing their ships and packing in extra amenities.

If you are ready to step up your travel game and take a trip on a huge boat, here are the 15 biggest cruise ships afloat today.

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Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas has made quite a splash since it set sail for the first time in January.

The ship says it is the largest cruise ship in the world, at an incredible 1,198 feet in length and weighing 250,800 gross tons.

Royal Caribbean says the massive ship has 20 total decks, seven pools and nine whirlpools, and a waterpark with “record-breaking” slides.

It’s also powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is reportedly more sustainable.

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Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Currently a work in progress with plans for a maiden voyage in the summer of 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Sea is another of the company’s huge cruise ships.

Weighing 236,860 gross tons and measuring 1,188 feet in length, the ship has 18 decks and more than 2,800 staterooms. Like the Icon, it is also an LNG-powered ship.

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

The massive Wonder of the Seas is also a Royal Caribbean ship.

The ship took its maiden voyage in March 2022 and weighs a whopping 235,600 gross tons. It's 1,188 feet long, and has 18 decks and more than 2,800 staterooms.

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Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

In the spring of 2018, Royal Caribbean launched another giant: Symphony of the Seas, which weighs in at 228,081 gross tons. Like Wonder and Utopia, Symphony is 1,188 feet long.

The ship also has 18 decks and more than 2,700 staterooms.

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas took its maiden voyage back in 2016, weighing 226,963 gross tons.

It also measures 1,188 feet long and features 18 decks and more than 2,700 staterooms.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas weighs in at just slightly less than the Harmony — 226,838 gross tons.

The 1,187-foot-long ship is a bit older and took its maiden voyage back in 2009.

Like many of Royal Caribbean’s other giants, the Oasis has 18 decks and boasts around 2,800 staterooms.

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Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

The last Royal Caribbean ship on the list is the Allure of the Sea. The ship took its first trip back in 2010. It weighs 225,282 gross tons and has 18 total decks spread across its 1,187-foot length.

The ship has more than 2,700 staterooms.

MSC World Europa

European company MSC owns the massive World Europa, which weighs 205,700 gross tons and is 1,093 feet long.

It features 21 decks, seven pools, and more than 2,600 cabins.

Costa Smeralda

Costa Cruises, an Italian subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, is home to the Costa Smeralda. It weighs 185,000 gross tons and is 1,106 feet long.

The ship boasts more than 2,600 staterooms, 13 pools and hot tubs, and dozens of restaurants, bars, and lounges.

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Costa Toscana

Tying the Smeralda, the Costa Toscana is also 185,000 gross tons and 1,106 feet long and features roughly 2,600 staterooms.

Like its sister ship, the Toscan is LNG-powered.

P&O Cruises Arvia

P&O Cruises, a British subsidiary of Carnival, offers the massive Arvia. The ship weighs 184,700 gross tons, is 1,131 feet long, and has 15 guest decks.

With dozens of places to eat and drink, four pools, a swim-up bar, and multiple hot tubs, there’s plenty to do.

P&O Cruises Iona

P&O;’s Iona weighs 184,000 gross tons and measures 1,128 feet in length.

With 15 guest decks and more than 2,600 cabins, it offers amenities and perks similar to those of the Arvia.

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AIDAnova

German cruise line AIDA’s mighty AIDAnova ship was the first in the world to be powered by LNG. The ship weighs 183,900 gross tons and is 1,105 feet long.

With 20 decks, pools, waterslides, a huge array of restaurants and entertainment, and more than 5,200 passenger cabins, AIDAnova is truly a marvel at sea.

Carnival Jubilee

Carnival’s new ship, Jubilee, weighs 183,521 gross tons and measures 1,130 feet in length.

The ship set sail for the first time in December 2023 and offers many of the same perks as its sister ships, Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It is broken up into six “zones of fun.”

AIDAcosma

Nova’s sister ship, the slightly smaller AIDAcosma, took the final spot on the list. It first set sail in 2021, weighing 183,200 gross tons and measuring 1,105 feet long.

The ship boasts 20 decks, over 2,600 cabins, and amenities like an indoor track and a sea-view sauna.

Bottom line

Whether you choose a mega-ship or a smaller vessel, prioritize experiences that align with your budget and interests.

Cruises can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you book with one of the top travel credit cards that lets you earn rewards and other perks.

Remember, a little planning and flexibility can go a long way in making your dream cruise a reality.

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