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BOLDER AND BIGGER

The world's largest cruise ships.

On the world’s largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures.

On the world’s largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures. There isn’t a holiday in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships – Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis®, Wonder® and Utopia of the Seas℠. Whether you’re looking forward to a thrill-filled getaway with a squad that spans several generations, or a sun-soaked couples’ retreat elevated by world class dining and electrifying nightlife, each Oasis Class cruise ship offers experiences to wow every kind of traveler. Discover why the largest cruise ships sailing to Caribbean and Europe vacation destinations are consistently awarded Best Ship year after year by Travel Weekly readers. 

FIVE SHIPS, ENDLESS ADVENTURES

Larger than life thrills.

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DISCOVER THE BOLDEST ADVENTURES YET

With more than 16 decks and 20 restaurants, 7 distinct neighborhoods bustling with unique onboard experiences, and endless thrills to discover around every corner, the world’s largest cruise ships serve up expeditions filled with excitement drenched slides and rides, shows that transcend the stage, and gourmet globetrotting from Italy to Wonderland.

GAME CHANGER

When it debuted, Oasis of the Seas® won Best Cruise Ship — and now the Amplified game changer will set a new standard for making memories.

SHOW STOPPER

Awarded Best for Entertainment, Best Individual Cruise Ship, and Best Large Cruise Ship, Allure of the Seas® is a certified scene-stealer.

FAMILY FAVORITE

Named Best for Families in the Cruise Critic’s Choice Awards, Harmony of the Seas® delivers thrills to explorers of all ages.

BIGGEST & BOLDEST

The largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas doesn’t just win awards — it wins over everyone who sets foot onboard.

NEWEST, BIGGEST AND BOLDEST FAMILY ADVENTURES

Go big on bold when you sail aboard the three largest cruise ships in the world. Deck-defying attractions aren’t the only things to look forward to when you sail onboard the newest cruise ships addition to the Oasis Class.

utopia OF THE SEAS℠

Introducing Utopia of the Seas℠ — the ship that’s totally transforming weekends for good. We’re talking bigger flavors. Bolder play. And better chill days than you’ve ever imagined. No craving goes unsatisfied with over 40 ways to dine and drink. New charttopping showstoppers blow your mind on stage, ice, water and air. This is not a routine recharge. This is the World’s Biggest Weekend — arriving in summer 2024 to Port Canaveral.

EXPLORE UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

WONDER OF THE SEAS®

Wonder of the Seas® brings even bigger adventures to the award-winning Oasis Class. Like eight unique neighborhoods, including the Suite Neighborhood. A totally redesigned pool deck with more ways to soak up the sun —or shade —than ever before. The most immersive AquaTheater ever, with a game-changing surround-stage that makes you feel part of the action.

EXPLORE WONDER OF THE SEAS

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS®

One of the world’s biggest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas®, the travel adventures are larger than life. From epic onboard thrills to revolutionary dining and entertainment, this ship will change how you vacation no matter what kind of experience you’re after.

EXPLORE SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

DISCOVER THE WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIPS

There isn’t a vacation in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships — Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis, Wonder®   and Utopia of the Seas ℠ . With ships this packed with adventure, next-level thrills never ends.

OASIS OF THE SEAS

Reimagined from bow to stern, the Amplified Oasis of the Seas® is loaded with fresh and exciting things to do to level up your romantic retreat — including bars, entertainment and dance floors that keep the fun going long into the night.

EXPLORE OASIS OF THE SEAS

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

The most awarded ship in the world is stealing the spotlight again for entertainment, dining, family activities and more, it’s filled with endless ways to make every moment incredible.

EXPLORE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

HARMONY OF THE SEAS

Rally the crew for the boldest family vacation ever. Harmony of the Seas® offers thrills for all ages, like the tallest slide at sea, surf sessions on the FlowRider®* and plenty of unique spaces just for kids of all ages.

EXPLORE HARMONY OF THE SEAS

Central Park

Ultimate abyss/flowrider*, splashaway bay, sugar beach, playmaker's.

DISCOVER. PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Forget everything you thought you knew about beach days, because this private island destination is raising the standard to a whole new level. Experience elevated island vibes while lounging in The Bahamas’ only private overwater cabanas. Earn bragging rights on the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean. And take your vacation to new heights — literally — in a helium balloon ride above the island. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay — only on Royal Caribbean®.

EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

SEVEN NEIGHBORHOODS ENDLESS WAYS TO EXPLORE

Get ready for an unforgettable getaway filled with first-of-their-kind feats, including seven distinct and vibrant neighborhoods that each offer up bucket list adventures, palate-pleasing dining and inspiring entertainment to rival any cosmopolitan city on land — and they’re only found on Oasis Class ships by Royal Caribbean®. 

READ OUR GUIDE TO OASIS CLASS NEIGHBORHOOD'S

Forget everything you thought you knew about beach days, because this private island destination is raising the standard to a whole new level. Experience elevated island vibes while lounging in The Bahamas’ only private overwater cabanas. Earn bragging rights on the tallest waterslide in North America. And take your vacation to new heights — literally — in a helium balloon ride above the island. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay — only on Royal Caribbean®.

EXPLORE MORE  

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• Ships and Lines

Largest Cruise Ships

See here the world's largest cruise ships list (including vessels under construction ) owned by the best cruise line companies . This article is also integrated with our ship dimensions , passenger capacity , and old cruise ships surveys.

CruiseMapper's list of biggest cruise ships includes all vessels with gross tonnage/volume over 150,000 GT-tons .

Each one of these behemoth ships is an engineering marvel produced by our contemporary age of fun and super technologies. Kudos to their builders and double kudos to their proud owners who have invested so much in these newbuild projects!

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) and redirect to the liner's itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy cabin rates).

The world's largest river cruise ship is Victoria Sabrina . The 2020-launched riverboat is China-built, owned by Victoria Cruises China and deployed year-round on Yangtze River. The vessel has the impressive volume of 17000 GT-tons, LOA length 150 m (492 ft), width 22 m (72 ft), 7 decks (5 with cabins), 270 staterooms, max capacity 690 passengers plus 195 crew/staff.

Oasis-class - biggest cruise ship in the world ever built

World's currently largest cruise ship class is produced exclusively for RCI-Royal Caribbean andin 2 sub-series - Oasis-Class (Allure OTS, Oasis OTS) and Oasis-Plus (Harmony OTS, Symphony OTS, Wonder OTS). These are sisterships from the fleet of the second- largest cruise shipping company in the world - RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (as shipowner) that follows only Carnival Corporation (as shipowner).

As to vessels' dimensions, each boasts the unimaginable weight of 227,000-230,000 GT / gross tons, LOA length 362 m (1187 ft) and waterline width 47 m (154 ft). The extreme breadth is over 60 m (198 ft). As the GT is a volume measurement, the ship's actual mass (called displacement) is approx 100,000 tons (the hull alone weighs about 54,000 tons). Surpassing all passenger ship standards, building cost and all previous ship travel vacation concepts, the Oasis-class ships are currently the only passenger shipping vessels of such immense size.

Other interesting numbers are the above waterline height (72 m / 236 ft), depth (23 m / 74 ft below waterline), 16 passenger decks, draft/draught (9,3 m / 31 ft), cruising/service speed 23 knots (26 mph / 42 kph), capacity 5400 passengers at double occupancy (max 6296 / 6870) and officers+crew capacity 2165.

The world's biggest cruise ship propulsion system guarantees the perfect maneuverability by 3 rotatable Azipod thrusters (suspended under the ship's stern), each with a huge electric motor and a 6 m (20 ft) propeller. The ship offers great stability due to its enormous size. And in times of need - there are 18 lifeboats, each with a capacity of 370 people.

Oasis-Plus class is also currently the world's most technologically advanced and energy-efficient cruise vessel ever built. It is equipped with a new-generation exhaust gas cleaning system (multi-stream scrubbers) and with a hull lubrication system allowing the ship to float on air bubbles (created around the hull) thus reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

Regarding cruise accommodations , this class of vessels has some of the largest suites at sea - measuring 150 m2 (over 1600 ft2, balcony included). Another signature feature is the 7 "neighborhoods" (theme-park-like areas), 5 large swimming pools, a huge casino, a full-size volleyball/basketball court, large-capacity bars, and lounges. Oasis-Plus ships additionally have waterslides (created by Aquatic Design & Engineering) and a total of 23 "water fun" areas (swimming pools, large-size outdoor jacuzzies, waterslides, flowriders/surf simulators). The stern-located Ultimate Abyss water slide is 150 ft (45,70 m) above sea level. It features 31 sections, two 360-degree circles, 27-degree slide incline, 28 m (92 ft) serpentine-like drop, 13,14 seconds average sliding time (top to bottom), around 300 small LED lights and graffiti artworks throughout.

These phenomenal ships were manufactured by STX Europe (shipyard Turku Finland / Oasis-class) and in by STX France (shipyard Saint-Nazaire France / Oasis-Plus). The new Oasis ships are 2,15 m (7 ft) longer.

Biggest Carnival cruise ship - "Carnival Pinnacle" class

Watch this amazing YouTube video about the "Carnival Pinnacle cruise ship". The project was designed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri as their biggest ever passenger ship - GT tonnage 200,000 tons, capacity 6000 passengers, length 380 m (1246 ft), The "Pinnacle Project" was initiated by Carnival Corporation in 2004 to tip the scales in the "Carnival vs Royal Caribbean" competition.

Carnival Pinnacle was never built as the project was officially canceled (mainly due to the vessel's incredible cost at that time). However, many of the project's elements and innovative design features were later adapted for other large-sized cruise liners built for rival companies.

The 20 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World in 2023

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: March 1, 2022  - Last updated: January 6, 2023

Cruise ships have been getting bigger—and adding lots of attractions that were unheard of just a few years ago. To help you pick which megaship is right for you, I’ve rounded up the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world in 2023.

Along with a ranking of the top 20 cruise ships by size , I’ve included important stats and unique features for each ship. If you’re considering sailing on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, you’ll want to read this guide before you choose!

How do we determine the size of cruise ships for comparison?

Cruise ships can be measured by a variety of factors. You might assume that a ship’s size is determined by its length, weight, or even its passenger capacity.

But the size of a cruise ship is generally determined by gross tonnage —and (confusingly) that’s not a measurement of weight!

Gross tonnage, or GT, is a measure of the ship’s internal volume . To calculate GT, first a ship’s volume is calculated by measuring from keel to funnel to the outside of the hull framing. That number (in cubic meters) is then run through several mathematical formulas to determine GT. (I won’t go into all of that here, but if you’re interested the US Coast Guard has a simplified guide to measuring gross tonnage ).

The world’s 20 largest cruise ships in 2023

Currently, the top 20 biggest cruise ships have four sets of ties in the rankings, all between sister ships that share the same cruise line and class. So although we’ll start our list at #16, there are twenty ships in total!

Cruise fans will notice there are several new ships on the list this year. Have any of these newer ships bumped your favorites down in the rankings? Read on to find out!

16. (tie) MSC Seascape

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 170,412
• Length: 1112 ft / 339 m
• Max. beam: 135 ft / 41 m
• Staterooms: 2270
• Max. passengers: 5877
• Passenger decks: 15

Just making this year’s list of the world’s 20 largest cruise ships, MSC Seascape is tied for #16. The second Seaside EVO class ship launched by MSC Cruises in just over a year, Seascape features a glam New York City vibe.

The ship’s four-story Atrium is at the heart of the action on board, and boasts a sparkling staircase set with 10,000 Swarovski crystals—the perfect spot for a photo op on formal nights !

But MSC Seascape isn’t all glitz and glamour—the family-friendly ship offers 13 pools and water features and more than 140,000 square feet (13006 m²) of public outside space. Kids will love Pirates Cove Aquapark , a play space with slides, a rope bridge, and plenty of water sprayers and dumping buckets to beat the heat.

Seascape is also the first ship to feature the new thrill ride Robotron , a robotic virtual rollercoaster ride perched on the top deck.

Foodie guests on MSC Seascape will enjoy the ship’s eleven restaurants, including a massive Market Place Buffet and several specialty dining venues grouped together at Chef’s Court .

Related: MSC Cruises Launches MSC Seascape in New York City

16. (tie) MSC Seashore

• Year built: 2020 (launched 2021)
• Max. beam: 134.5 ft / 41 m

Almost identical to her sister ship Seascape , MSC Seashore is tied for #16 on the list of the largest cruise ships. The first in the EVO subclass of MSC’s Seaside class ships, Seashore and her sister are larger than other ships in their class and offer expanded outdoor spaces.

As an EVO ship, MSC Seashore offers improved technology to increase efficiency and reduce her carbon footprint. The energy-efficient equipment includes an advanced wastewater purification system and Safe Air , a new sanitation system that eliminates viruses and bacteria.

Seashore was purpose-built for the American market, but still offers the European flair that MSC is famous for. Guests can enjoy a taste of Italy at the ship’s Venchi 1878 gelato bars , offering twenty flavors of the decadent frozen treat in flavors like tiramisù and stracciatella.

MSC Seashore also features a gorgeous aft infinity pool—one of the largest at sea—with luxurious submerged sunbeds. The spot is a tranquil adults-only oasis by day, but it comes alive in the evening as the setting for the always-popular Silent Disco .

15. (tie) MSC Bellissima

• Year built: 2019
• Gross tonnage: 171,598
• Length: 1,036.2 ft / 315.83 m
• Max. beam: 141 ft / 43 m
• Staterooms: 2,217
• Max. passengers: 5,686
• Passenger decks: 14

Tied for the fifteenth spot in the list of the world’s largest cruise ships, MSC’s Bellissima is as tall as thirteen double-decker buses!

Perfect for a family cruise, Bellissima offers a wealth of kids’ activities for children aged one through seventeen. Parents can track kids’ whereabouts on board via an RFID bracelet synced with MSC’s app. For adults who want to enjoy a leisurely meal, there’s the Happy Dinner program where the little ones are escorted to the kids club as soon as they finish eating!

MSC Bellissima is home to a thrilling Grand Canyon-themed waterpark with three waterslides—two racing tubes as well as a champagne bowl-style slide. The younger set will love the Aquaplay spray area, and guests of all ages can climb the Himalayan bridge, a rope course that crosses the ship high above the water.

Guests aboard Bellissima also have access to an electronic cruise assistant, similar to Siri or Alexa. A first in the cruise industry, Zoe —who speaks seven languages and adapts to each passenger’s preference—provides information and help booking shows, spa treatments, and shore excursions, as well as notifications of events and promotions.

15. (tie) MSC Meraviglia

• Year built: 2017
• Staterooms: 2,244
• Max. passengers: 5,655

When MSC’s Meraviglia entered service in 2017, she was the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world—but has since fallen to #15, tied with her newer sister ship Bellissima .

The namesake of the Meraviglia class of cruise ships, she was the first to offer an expanded dining experience with fourteen restaurants, including a whopping four complimentary main dining rooms. Celebrity chef Carlo Cracco was enlisted to improve the quality of the ship’s cuisine.

On Meraviglia entertainment options abound—the Broadway Theatre hosts six unique shows each cruise, along with the Carousel Lounge where you can experience Cirque du Soleil at sea. The crew also puts on an impressive amount of activities and events, so there’s always something to do on a sea day .

The ship’s Amusement Park has a full-size bowling alley, 4-D cinema, F1 simulators, an arcade, as well as a sportplex that becomes a disco spot for young cruisers in the evening.

14. (tie) MSC Virtuosa

• Year built: 2020
• Gross tonnage: 181,541
• Length: 1,087.4 ft / 331.43 m
• Max. beam: 160 ft / 50 m
• Staterooms: 2,421
• Max. passengers: 6,334

MSC’s ship Virtuosa , built in 2020, is one of the newer offerings by the Swiss-Italian cruise line and is tied for number fourteen on our list of the world’s biggest cruise ships.

Virtuosa offers five pools in total, plus a water park with three waterslides, so water babies of all ages can spread out and enjoy the fun. The pools can accommodate over a thousand guests at a time!

If relaxing with a cocktail is more your style, stop by and see Rob the bartender at Starship Club . He’s the first humanoid bartender at sea, and speaks six languages!

Cruisers can also wander the Galleria Virtuosa —the pretty indoor promenade with restaurants and shops features an arched ceiling with the longest LED dome at sea , presenting an ever-changing light display.

14. (tie) MSC Grandiosa

• Staterooms: 2,632
• Max. passengers: 6,761

Tied for number 14, Grandiosa was the first vessel in MSC’s Meraviglia-Plus class , later joined by her sister ship MSC Virtuosa .

With 200 more staterooms than previous MSC ships, Grandiosa has expanded the number of accessible cabins on board, and added groups of up to three connecting staterooms as well as new family balcony cabins. Some spacious family staterooms can sleep up to twelve!

Grandiosa also has some innovative environmental features, including systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%, and sulfur emissions by 97%. She has a fuel-efficient hull and can run on shore power when docked.

Fun fact: Grandiosa ‘s godmother is Italian screen legend and longtime MSC ambassador Sophia Loren. She actually holds that honor for most of MSC’s fleet!

13. Mardi Gras

• Cruise line: Carnival
• Gross tonnage: 181,808
• Length: 1,130 ft / 344 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,641
• Max. passengers: 6,630

The 13th biggest cruise ship in the world is Carnival Cruise Line’s widely-anticipated Mardi Gras (currently the cruise line’s second-largest ship) which took her maiden voyage in July 2021.

Mardi Gras debuted several new concepts for Carnival, including three new dining venues. Big Chicken by Shaq serves up fried chicken and more, while quick-service Street Eats offers three food stations, each specializing in a different type of cuisine.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 , created in partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse (Carnival’s new Chief Culinary Officer ), serves up New Orleans-style Creole dishes.

The Grand Central Atrium reinvented the central area of the ship, with a larger space featuring bars, cafés, and shops with aerial performances overhead.

She also boasts the first rollercoaster at sea —BOLT is an open-air coaster with spectacular sea views. Riders can control their speed using pedals inside each two-person motorcycle-themed car.

12. AIDAcosma

• Cruise line: AIDA
• Year built: 2021
• Gross tonnage: 183,200
• Length: 1,106 ft / 337 m
• Staterooms: 2,626
• Max. passengers: 6,600
• Passenger decks: 16

Setting sail on her maiden voyage in February 2022, Carnival Corporation’s German brand AIDA ‘s newest ship AIDAcosma makes #12 on the list.

AIDAcosma ‘s unique features include the Ocean Deck , a four-story relaxation oasis with an infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

The ship also has a reinvented Fun Park , complete with a ropes course, rock-climbing wall, and a large indoor playground.

Her seventeen restaurants and 23 bars and cafés ensure that guests have plenty of variety on their cruise vacation! Notable is the new Mamma Mia specialty restaurant, serving fresh Italian cuisine including homemade pasta dishes.

11. Carnival Celebration

• Gross tonnage: 183,521
• Length: 1130 ft / 340 m
• Max. beam: 137 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2687
• Max. passengers: 6631

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship Carnival Celebration launched in 2022 as the second member of the Excel class , joining her sister Mardi Gras . The new ship almost made the top 10 of the largest cruise ships, landing at number 11.

Celebration pays homage to her homeport of Miami with the 820 Biscayne zone, named after the cruise line’s first headquarters. The zone will feature the Deco Deli and 820 Bar , serving up Cuban sandwiches and tropical drinks.

Pizza fanatics will want to try the brand new Miami Slice , a free pizzeria that replaces the Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano venues found on all other Carnival ships. The walk-up pizza joint features vibrant décor reminiscent of late-night eateries on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive. 

Younger guests can check out Space Cruisers , a new program offered in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center. Kids age 2 to 11 will have the opportunity to try NASA-inspired activities tailored to their age group.

Celebration is the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to be completely powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Related: Cassidy Gifford Becomes Godmother of Carnival Celebration in Miami

10. AIDAnova

• Year built: 2018
• Gross tonnage: 183,858
• Max. passengers: 6,654

In tenth place is AIDAnova , sister ship to AIDAcosma . The first of AIDA’s ships to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), AIDAnova has nearly zero emissions.

Wellness-minded cruisers will love AIDAnova ‘s 3545 square meters dedicated to fitness and relaxation. The new Body & Soul Spa features five ocean-view saunas, a sun terrace with three jacuzzis, and a tepidarium. Over 30 free exercise classes are offered each week in the Sport area, or train solo in the open-air gym.

Or take a leisurely stroll on the Lanai deck, where guests can walk almost all the way around the ship, stopping at restaurants and bars including the Lanai Bar at the stern.

• Cruise line: P&O
• Gross tonnage: 184,089
• Length: 1,130 ft / 344.5 m
• Staterooms: 2,614

Number nine is P&O UK’s Iona , the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market. One of the newer ships on the list, Iona was delivered in 2020 but made her first voyage in August 2021.

Family-friendly Iona features the enclosed SkyDome pool area, kids’ splash zone, and a shallow pool for little cruisers. Hosted by specially-trained Reef Rangers, the Reef kids’ club is a fun environment for children aged 2-17, open from early morning until late.

But Iona ‘s not all about the kids! She’s actually home to the world’s first gin distillery at sea , producing the Marabelle label. Inspired by the Scottish island of Iona, the gin contains 18 botanicals. Guests can attend two unique gin masterclasses on board, including one that allows you to craft your own gin with expert guidance.

8. (tie) Costa Toscana

• Cruise line: Costa
• Gross tonnage: 185,010
• Staterooms: 2,612
• Max. passengers: 6,554

Italian line Costa Cruises’ newest ship, Costa Toscana , comes in at the eighth-largest cruise ship in the world. The Tuscan-inspired vessel features furnishings, fabrics, and accessories all made in Italy. Even the driftwood used to craft dining tables at Archipelago restaurant was harvested from the Italian shoreline by Guardians of the Coast .

Food is a major focus of the ship, with many of her 21 restaurants offering authentic local cuisine by chefs including Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León. Even the littlest cruisers have a special place to eat— Squok Restaurant is dedicated to families with kids.

If all the amazing food on board inspires you, be sure to check out Toscana ‘s Food LAB , where guests can learn to prepare their own culinary creations alongside the ship’s chefs.

8. (tie) Costa Smeralda

Tied for eighth place is Costa Smeralda , a favorite of sustainability-minded cruisers. Smeralda was the first in Costa’s fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (sister ship Toscana now also shares this feature), a fuel source that reduces the ship’s environmental impact.

Other eco-friendly features include LED lighting throughout the ship, an onboard desalinization plant that sustainably harvests onboard water directly from the sea, and systems that recover the engines’ heat to reduce energy use.

Costa Smeralda earned the coveted Green Plus notation from RINA, only awarded to the most environmentally friendly cruise ships.

• Cruise line: P&O Cruises
• Gross tonnage: 185,581
• Length: 1130 ft / 344.5 m
• Staterooms: 2614
• Max. passengers: 6685

P&O UK ‘s newest ship Arvia is also the cruise line’s largest, and debuts at #7 on the 2023 list of biggest cruise ships. An Excel-class ship like Iona , Arvia is similar but boasts some key differences.

Like her sister, this ship also features a Sky Dome over the pool area—but Arvia ‘s is retractable to allow for alfresco swimming, dining, and entertainment when the weather is right.

Arvia is home to the fleet’s first swim-up bar , complete with plenty of in-water seating, allowing guests to order and enjoy a cocktail right in the pool.

The new ship debuted several new restaurant concepts, including Green & Co featuring Mizuhana , featuring fish and plant-based cuisine. Also new are Roast at The Quays for traditional British lunches and the 6th Street Diner , an American-style diner serving breakfast,brunch, and dinner.

Arvia also has the first rum distillery at sea ! The Tidal Rum has partnered with P&O to produce the unique rum blend on the ship at Anderson’s Bar .

6. MSC World Europa

• Gross tonnage: 215,863
• Length: 1094 ft / 333.3 m
• Max. beam: 154 ft / 47 m
• Staterooms: 2626
• Max. passengers: 6762

With the debut of MSC World Europa in December of 2022, MSC Cruises now has a whopping seven ships on the list of the top 20 biggest cruise ships in the world—the most of any cruise line!

The Geneva-based company has been working diligently to expand the fleet and MSC’s newest cruise ship is a whopper of a vessel.

The ship is an astounding 21 decks high (there’s a deck 22, but cruise superstition skips deck 13), four decks taller than the largest cruise ship in 2023. Sixteen of those decks are passenger-accessible.

Much like the megaships offered by Royal Caribbean, MSC World Europa is divided into several districts that contain similar offerings—a must-have on any gargantuan cruise ship. Guests can visit the adults-only Zen district for a bit of calm, or the Family district with ten kids’ facilities offering fun for little cruisers and their grownups.

Ranking among the top ships with the most water features at sea, World Europa offers six pools and 14 hot tubs , along with an aquapark featuring multiple waterslides.

MSC World Europa is also the line’s first LNG-powered cruise ship —and the biggest liquefied natural gas powered cruise ship in the world! This cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuel significantly reduces carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen oxide emissions.

5. Allure of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2010
• Gross tonnage: 225,282
• Length: 1,180 ft / 360 m
• Max. beam: 198 ft / 60.5 m
• Staterooms: 2,742
• Max. passengers: 6,780

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ranks as the fifth largest cruise ship in 2022. She’s the second (and smallest) of the Oasis-class ships.

Allure of the Seas features seven themed “neighborhoods”—the Royal Promenade, Central Park, Entertainment Place, Boardwalk, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea, and the Youth Zone.

With a ten-deck-high zip line and the interactive H2O Zone waterpark, Allure of the Seas is a favorite ship for adventurous cruisers of all ages.

4. Oasis of the Seas

• Year built: 2009
• Gross tonnage: 226,838

Number four is Oasis of the Seas , the first of the namesake Oasis class, and the oldest ship to make the top 15 list. Built in 2009, she was then the largest cruise ship in the world, and the first to have a maximum capacity of over 6000 passengers!

Oasis of the Seas may be an older ship, but she doesn’t look like one! In 2019 she had a $165 million transformation that brought the ship up to date.

Entertainment abounds on this ship, from the splashy Aqua80 show in the AquaTheater to Music Hall , a live music venue with plenty of floor space for dancing. Or try one of the four onboard water slides including the ten-story-high Ultimate Abyss .

3. Harmony of the Seas

• Year built: 2016
• Gross tonnage: 226,963
• Length: 1,188.1 ft / 362.12 m
• Max. beam: 215.5 ft / 65.7 m
• Staterooms: 2,747
• Max. passengers: 6,687

Coming in at number three is Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas , built in 2016 at a cost of 1.3 billion dollars.

With her three pool decks containing an impressive collection of pools and hot tubs, you’ll never feel crowded taking a dip. You can even learn how to SCUBA dive , right on the ship! Aboard Harmony of the Seas , guests have the opportunity to take the PADI® Open Water Diver Course, culminating with open water dives at various ports of call.

After you’ve worked up an appetite in the pool, try one of Harmony of the Seas ‘ twenty restaurants, serving over 200 different dishes on a daily basis.

2. Symphony of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 228,081
• Length: 1,184.42 ft / 361.011 m
• Staterooms: 2,759
• Max. passengers: 6,680

The largest cruise ship in the world until 2022, Symphony of the Seas comes in second—but is still a behemoth at 1184 feet and 228,081 gross tons!

Built in 2018, Symphony of the Seas boasts some fun tech! Check out the Big Wonder , a seven-ton canopy lit with color-changing LEDs that cast a glow over the ship’s Solarium at night.

Enjoy a cocktail at Bionic Bar , where one of two robot bartenders can shake you up the perfect martini. But don’t worry, the ship’s 13 other bars and lounges are staffed by friendly humans.

Or play a lively game of glow-in-the-dark laser tag to battle for control of Planet Z —when the ship’s ice rink is temporarily transformed into an alien world, of course.

1. Wonder of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 236,857
• Length: 1,187.8 ft / 362.04 m
• Max. beam: 210 ft / 64 m
• Staterooms: 2,859
• Max. passengers: 6,988

Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International is the cruise line’s newest—and the world’s biggest cruise ship, at almost 1188 feet long and 236,857 gross tons!

Delivered in February 2022, Wonder of the Seas made her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on March 4, 2022.

Like the other Oasis-class ships, she’s organized into neighborhoods, but with the addition of an eighth unique section. This new neighborhood is dedicated to suite guests, with a plunge pool and bar as well as the suites-only Coastal Kitchen and Suites Lounge .

Wonder of the Seas offers some exciting new features—in addition to boasting the largest poolside movie screen of any RCCL ship there’s also The Vue , a cantilevered bar offering panoramic ocean views.

For the kids, there’s the new Wonder Playscape —an underwater-themed play area with climbing walls and an interactive puzzle mural.

Comparing the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world

Largest cruise ships faq.

How is the size of a cruise ship measured?

Ships are measured by gross tonnage, which is a measure of internal volume.

What does maximum beam mean on a ship?

Maximum beam is the measurement at the widest part of a ship’s hull.

Which cruise ship is the biggest?

Royal Caribbean’s  Wonder of the Seas  is the world’s largest cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 236,857.

Which cruise ship is the longest?

Royal Caribbean’s  Wonder of the Seas  is the world’s longest cruise ship at 1,187.8 ft (362.04 m).

Which cruise ship can hold the most passengers?

Royal Caribbean’s  Wonder of the Seas  can hold the most passengers, with a maximum occupancy of 6,988.

Which cruise ship has the most staterooms?

Royal Caribbean’s  Wonder of the Seas  has the most passenger staterooms, at 2,859.

Have you sailed on one of the largest cruise ships in the world? Or do you prefer cruising on a smaller ship? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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The World’s 10 Biggest Cruise Ships

• February 7, 2021

Cruise ships, over the last few decades, haven’t just grown in number, but also in size. Today’s biggest ships are nearly three times bigger than the 1988-built Sovereign of the Seas, considered the world’s first mega cruise ship.

1. Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 227,625 tons Capacity: 5,400 passengers Built: 2018 Length: 362.1 meters Beam: 47.4 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Caribbean

2. Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 227,625 tons Capacity: 5,400 passengers Built: 2016 Length: 362.1 meters Beam: 47.4 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Caribbean and Mediterranean

3. Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 220,000 tons Capacity: 5,400 passengers Built: 2010 Length: 362 meters Beam: 47 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Caribbean

4. Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 220,000 tons Capacity: 5,400 passengers Built: 2008 Length: 361.6 meters Beam: 47 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Caribbean, Bahamas, and East Coast

5. Mardi Gras (Carnival Cruise Line)

Tonnage: 183,900 Capacity: 5,200 passengers Built: 2021 Length: 337 meters Beam: 42 meters

6. Iona (P&O Cruises)

Tonnage: 183,900 tons Capacity: 5,200 passengers Built: 2020 Length: 337 meters Beam: 42 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Northern Europe and the Canaries

7. AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises)

Tonnage: 183,900 tons Capacity: 5,000 passengers Built: 2018 Length: 337 meters Beam: 42 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Mediterranean and the Canaries

8. Costa Smeralda (Costa Cruises)

Tonnage: 182,700 tons Capacity: 5,224 passengers Built: 2019 Length: 337 meters Beam: 42 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Mediterranean

9. MSC Grandiosa (MSC Cruises)

Tonnage: 177,100 tons Capacity: 4,888 passengers Built: 2019 Length: 331 meters Beam: 43 meters Sailing regions in 2021: Mediterranean

10. Spectrum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 168,666 tons Capacity: 4,100 passengers Built: 2019 Length: 347 meters Beam: 41.4 meters Sailing regions in 2021: China and Southeast Asia

Coming Soon…

The ranking is slated for major changes in the next few years, with large cruise ships entering service for several brands.

1. Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 227,625 tons Capacity: 5,448 passengers Built: 2022 Length: 362.1 meters Beam: 47.4 meters

2. Global Dream (Genting Cruise Lines/Dream Cruises)

Tonnage: 208,000 tons Capacity: 5,000 passengers Built: 2022 Length: 342 meters Beam: 46.4 meters

3. MSC World Europa (MSC Cruises)

Tonnage: 205,700 tons Capacity: 5,400 passengers Built: 2022 Length: 330 meters Beam: 47 meters

4. Icon Class I (Royal Caribbean International)

Tonnage: 200,000 Capacity: 5,000 passengers Built: 2022 Length: TBD Beam: TBD

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The 15 coolest features on the new world's largest cruise ship complete with a water park, waterfall, and 7 pools

• In late October, Royal Caribbean unveiled what will be the world's largest cruise ship: the Icon of the Seas.
• The cruise line saw its largest booking day ever when it opened reservations for the Icon of the Seas.
• These are the 15 best features on the 10,000-person Icon of the seas.

The bigger the better, according to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's new 10,000-guest cruise ship.

In late October, the popular cruise brand gave eager travelers a closer look at its upcoming mega cruise ship — the Icon of the Seas — sailing in January 2024.

We may be a little over a year from the cruise ship's debut, but it seems like cruise fans already can't get enough of this upcoming behemoth ship.

Royal Caribbean saw its largest booking day in the company's history when it opened reservations for the new cruise liner.

Source: Insider

And its first sailing, a seven-night roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean, was practically sold out in just a few hours.

It's easy to see why cruise fans have flocked to the Icon of the Seas so quickly.

There are very few cruise ships with a full onboard water park, waterfall, and a miniature Central Park. But these — and more — are all available to entertain passengers.

The list of fun amenities on the Icon of the Seas is overwhelmingly long for a cruise ship.

So to make exploring the floating resort a little less complicated, here are the 15 best features on the record-breaking Icon of the Seas.

1. Mega cruise ships just keep getting bigger.

The 1,198-foot-long Icon of the Seas will be the world's largest cruise ship, stripping the title from Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

This 20-deck floating town can sail up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew, bringing its total maximum capacity to just shy of 10,000.

2. There are eight "neighborhoods" throughout the cruise ship, including five that are new to the brand.

These diverse neighborhoods range from a boardwalk-like deck with a carousel, children's water park, and arcade …

… to a neighborhood reserved for passengers staying in suites ...

… and an outdoor park designed for adventurous guests.

3. Plenty of ships now have water slides and surf simulators. But not every cruise liner has a full outdoor water park like the Icon of the Seas.

Outdoor neighborhood Thrill Island is home to "Category 6" …

… a water park with six water slides, including the tallest one at sea and one with a family raft.

4. If water slides aren't exhilarating enough, the Icon of the Seas' "Crown's Edge" will surely satisfy a thrill seeker's itch.

This outdoor rope and obstacle could leave people strapped to the ship and dangling 154 feet over the water.

6. For the slightly lest adventurous, there are seven pools throughout the Icon of the Seas, including the largest pool at sea …

… a swim-up bar …

… and a suspended infinity pool.

8. Pool deck Jacuzzis can get crowded. Luckily, the Icon of the Seas has nine hot tubs.

8. Instead of musicals, the AquaDome neighborhood's AquaTheater will have a dazzling water show with divers and dancers.

9. This same neighborhood will also be home to the cruise ship's waterfall.

10. If you're a fan of Disney on Ice, you might enjoy the ice skating show.

11. And if your idea of a leisurely afternoon is a stroll through the park, there's a neighborhood for you: Central Park.

Here, the open-aired neighborhood will have real plants, live music, and plenty of dining options.

12. Speaking of dining, there are over 40 restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues to keep the up to 7,600 guests entertained.

With this many options, you likely won't be able to stop by most restaurants and venues by the time your vacation is over.

13. There are 2,805 staterooms across 28 room categories.

14. The most unique of these staterooms is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-floor getaway with a slide, theater, and terrace.

15. If you're traveling with children but looking for something less glitzy, staterooms like the Family Infinity Balcony will still have rooms designed just for younger guests.

Here, you’ll find fun furnishings like a bunk and a chalkboard.

If it wasn't evident from the water slides, fun shows, and children friendly staterooms, the Icon of the Seas ship was designed to appeal to families.

But its grandeur and multi-generational family fun won't come cheap.

The Icon of the Seas' 2024 seven-night roundtrip sailings from Miami to either Mexico or the Bahamas starts at a little over $980 per person.

Source: Royal Caribbean

This may be more expensive than some of the $60 a day cruises that have attracted budget travelers …

… but these cheaper ships probably won't have Icon of the Seas' seven pools, six water slides, and an indoor waterfall.

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Photo tour: The world's 25 biggest cruise ships

Best Cruise Ships for You

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Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger, 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

Resilient Lady

An adults-only, LGBTQ-friendly cruise ship, Resilient Lady has a capacity of 2,770 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Since setting sail in May 2023, Virgin Voyages' third ship has received praise among travelers for its exceptional dining scene and exciting entertainment options. With onboard experiences ranging from acrobatic performances to comedy shows to themed parties, Resilient Lady is best for travelers who are seeking an upbeat and social atmosphere.  

When you've worked up an appetite from your activity-filled day, grab a bite at one of the ship's 20-plus eateries, which serve everything from Mexican to Asian to Italian fare. Although all food is included, reservations are still required at many restaurants. There is also no shortage of bars to choose from, whether you want to sample The Loose Cannon's signature cocktails or sip some bubbly in the Champagne lounge.

Standard Insider rooms range from 105 to 177 square feet. All accommodations come equipped with comforts like flat-screen TVs, rain showers, mood lighting and convertible Seabeds. For more room, opt for one of the ship's RockStar Quarters. These upgraded suites feature extras like a terrace with a hammock, European king-size mattresses and spacious marble bathrooms.

Resilient Lady sails to a variety of destinations in Europe and the South Pacific, including top destinations such as Athens, Greece ; Sydney ; and Dubrovnik, Croatia .

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Wake boasts the most ambiance of all eateries on Virgin Voyages vessels by far, so make sure to lock in reservations when you can. This upscale restaurant offers prime entrees with plenty of upgrade options for those who want to splurge. This establishment also features huge windows that provide incredible views of the ocean from the back of the ship. –  Holly Johnson, Contributor

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Home » The Pros And Cons Of Cruising On A Large Ship

The Pros And Cons Of Cruising On A Large Ship

Last updated on April 30th, 2024 at 02:08 pm

Large cruise ships, often referred to as mega-ships or floating cities, come with both advantages and disadvantages.

In general terms, we speaking of cruise ships that hold in excess of 4000 passengers with features that you won’t see on smaller cruise ships .

Here are some of the pros and cons associated with large cruise ships:

Table of Contents

The Pros Of Sailing On A Large Cruise Ship

Variety of amenities.

Large cruise ships are like self-contained resorts, offering a wide range of amenities such as multiple restaurants, bars, pools, theaters, fitness centers, casinos, and more. Passengers have access to numerous entertainment options without leaving the ship.

Because of the number of passengers, cruise lines tend to offer more enhanced amenities to keep complaints at bay.

For example; Royal Caribbean’s mammoth new ship, Icon of the Seas, is making sure that all of its guests can have the same listening experience in the Royal Theater onboard.

Listen EVERYWHERE is state-of-the-art assistive listening system that will give guests with hearing aids or cochlear implants will benefit from this enhanced listening experience. 

Listen EVERWHERE allows all guests to stream live audio directly to their devices, like a smartphone or tablet using the ship’s Wi-Fi network. 

It can also help passengers with translations, providing speech in their chosen language from anywhere onboard. 

Luxurious Accommodations

These ships often have spacious and well-appointed cabins with modern amenities, providing passengers with comfortable living spaces during their journey.

Entertainment and Activities

With their large size, these ships can offer an array of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, live music performances, water parks , rock climbing walls, and even virtual reality experiences.

Diverse Dining Options

Mega-ships typically have multiple restaurants serving various cuisines, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Cruising Economies of Scale

Due to their large passenger capacity, these ships can offer economies of scale, potentially resulting in lower per-person costs for accommodations, meals, and entertainment.

Destinations and Itineraries

Large cruise ships can travel longer distances and visit a wider variety of ports, allowing passengers to explore multiple destinations within a single trip.

The Cons Of Sailing On A Large Cruise Ship

Crowds and lines.

The most prominent drawback of large cruise ships is the potential for crowded common areas, long lines at dining venues, and congested pool decks. This can lead to a less relaxing experience for some passengers.

Environmental Impact

Large cruise ships have been criticized for their significant environmental impact, including air and water pollution, and their potential to damage fragile marine ecosystems in port areas.

Limited Port Access

While these ships can visit a variety of destinations, their size may limit their ability to dock at smaller ports , requiring passengers to be transported to shore via tenders (small boats), which can be time-consuming.

Homogeneous Experience

The sheer size of these ships can sometimes result in a homogeneous onboard experience, where the ship’s design and amenities might overshadow the uniqueness of the destinations being visited.

Safety Concerns

While modern cruise ships adhere to stringent safety regulations, the sheer number of passengers and crew members can make emergency situations more complex to manage.

Cultural and Local Impact

In certain ports, the influx of large cruise ships and their passengers can lead to concerns about the preservation of local culture, overcrowding, and strains on local infrastructure.

Health Considerations

Large cruise ships can be conducive to the spread of illnesses due to the close proximity of passengers and crew members. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this concern, leading to cruise industry shutdowns and increased health protocols.

The Anatomy Of A Large Cruise Ship

Large cruise ships, often referred to as mega-ships or floating resorts, are massive vessels designed to accommodate thousands of passengers and offer a wide range of amenities and entertainment options.

These ships have become a hallmark of the modern cruise industry, offering a unique way to explore various destinations while enjoying luxurious accommodations and onboard experiences. Here are some key features and aspects of large cruise ships:

Amenities and Entertainment On Large Cruise Ships

One of the defining characteristics of large cruise ships is the vast array of amenities and entertainment options they offer. These ships function as floating resorts, providing passengers with a wide range of activities and experiences, including:

– Multiple restaurants offering diverse cuisines

– Bars, lounges, and nightclubs

– Broadway-style theaters hosting live performances

– Pools, water parks, and water slides

– Fitness centers, spas, and wellness facilities

– Casinos and gaming areas

– Sports courts and activities like rock climbing and mini-golf

– Movie theaters and outdoor movie screens

– Shopping areas with boutiques and duty-free shops

– Art galleries and exhibitions

Accommodations On A Large Cruise Ship

Large cruise ships feature various types of accommodations, including interior and ocean-view cabins, balcony staterooms, suites, and even luxurious penthouses.

These cabins often come with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Wi-Fi access. Suites may offer additional perks like private balconies, butler service, and exclusive access to certain areas of the ship.

Dining Options On A Large Cruise Ship

Mega-ships typically offer a variety of dining venues, ranging from main dining rooms to specialty restaurants. Passengers can experience a diverse range of cuisines, from casual buffet options to fine dining experiences. Specialty restaurants may focus on specific cuisines like Italian, Asian, steakhouse, or seafood.

Onboard Activities On A Large Cruise Ship

In addition to entertainment and amenities, large cruise ships provide a wide range of onboard activities to cater to passengers of all ages and interests. These activities can include cooking classes, dance lessons, trivia contests, art auctions, wine tastings, spa treatments, and more.

Itineraries and Destinations On A Large Cruise Ship

Due to their size and range, large cruise ships can embark on a variety of itineraries, visiting multiple destinations during a single voyage. Passengers have the opportunity to explore different ports, cultures, and attractions, making it a convenient way to travel and experience diverse locations.

Crew and Service On A Large Cruise Ship

To cater to the needs of thousands of passengers, large cruise ships are staffed by a significant number of crew members, including housekeeping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality staff. These crew members work to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout their journey.

The 12 Largest Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Due to set sail in 2024:

Gross Tonnage: 250,800 tons

Length: 1,198 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,610/7,600

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 235,600 tons

Length: 1,188 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,734/7,084

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 228,081 tons

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,518/6,680

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 226,963 tons

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,479/6,687

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 226,838 tons

Length: 1,187 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,602/6,771

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 225,282 tons

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,484/6,780

MSC World Europa

Gross Tonnage: 215,863 tons

Length: 1,093 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,400/6,762

Costa Esmeralda

Gross Tonnage: 185,010 tons

Length: 1,106 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,224/6,554

Costa Toscana

Passengers (Double/Max): 5,224/6,554

P&O Cruises Iona

Gross Tonnage: 184,700 tons

Length: 1,130 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,200/6,600

P&O Cruises Arvia

MSC Euribia

Gross Tonnage: 184,001 tons

Length: 1,087 feet

Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,816/6,335

Is Bigger Always Better – You Decide

In essence, the choice between a large cruise ship and a smaller vessel depends on individual preferences and priorities. Some passengers prioritize the abundance of amenities and activities, while others seek a more intimate and authentic experience that smaller ships or boutique cruise lines can offer.

There are plenty of options out there to choose from, but if you can, it would be great to cruise on both a large and smaller ship to really experience the difference.

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

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BREAKING NEWS

3-year-old boy with autism found dead at resort, Orange County deputies say

The two largest cruise ships in the world set sail from florida. here’s how they compare, utopia of the seas sailings start july 19.

Haley Coomes , Digital Content Producer

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – With ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Florida is a top cruise destination. On Thursday, a new ship was homeported at Port Canaveral, and it’s another Royal Caribbean behemoth.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas will offer 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday cruises. The vessel can hold 5,668 passengers and has 18 total decks, The cruise ship is the first of its kind to debut three-night weekend and four-night getaways to CocoCay. The ship includes a 10-story dry slide, waterslides, rock-climbing walls, over 40 dining options and two casinos.

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While impressive in size, it’s second to Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which is the world’s largest cruise ship.

The Icon of the Seas had its maiden voyage out of Miami in January 2024. As Jalopnik put it, it’s the size of five Titanics . A striking feature is its upper deck, where there’s a different pool option for every day of the week. There’s also Category 6 — the ship’s 17,000-square-foot water park, currently the largest at sea.

Below is a breakdown of how the two vessels compare in size.

The Icon of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, while Utopia is in the Oasis. Port Canaveral is also home to the third-largest ship, Wonder of the Seas .

Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily :

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Haley coomes.

Haley is a digital content producer for ClickOrlando.com and first started as a News 6 producer in October 2014. She's a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in journalism. She specializes in theme parks and lifestyle writing.

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Subscriber only, travel | royal caribbean’s utopia of the seas arrives to port canaveral.

A view of the Central Park neighborhood —below the slides and pool deck— on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas passes Jetty Park while making its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral at dawn, Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons — with a passenger capacity of 5,668 — the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Views of the pools and slides on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Fans of the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas wave as the cruise ship makes its inaugural docking at Terminal 1 at Port Canaveral on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of The Boardwalk neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of Pesky Parrot in the Promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the Solarium —an adults-only area— on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after it made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A fan of the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas waves as the cruise ship makes its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Glass lighted manta rays in the Promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the colorful lighting in the Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas docked at Terminal 1 after arriving at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the Solarium and Bistro restaurant, left, on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after it made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas passes Jetty Park while making its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., at dawn, Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Crew members on deck the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas as it makes its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., at dawn, Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the carousel in The Boardwalk neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat escorts the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas as it makes its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., at dawn, Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

An antique car in the Promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the Central Park neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Fans of the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas wave as the cruise ship makes its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Fishermen watch the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas make its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the entrance to Boleros in the Promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Fans of the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas watch as the cruise ship makes its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the rock climbing wall on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel))

Fans of the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas applaud as the cruise ship makes its inaugural docking at Terminal 1 at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of the Aqua Theater venue on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas after the ship made its inaugural arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Under overcast skies, the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas docked at Terminal 1 at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas docked at Terminal 1 at Port Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, July 11, 2024. At 236,860-gross-tons –with a passenger capacity of 5,668– the ship is the second largest in the world and the largest to call Port Canaveral home. Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail on its first passenger cruise on July 19. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

It’s the latest Oasis-class ship larger than its five sister vessels including 2022’s Wonder of the Seas, which also calls Port Canaveral home. It’s only second in size to the new Icon of the Seas, part of a larger class of ship that sails out of Miami.

The ship had been on a transatlantic voyage since late June after it left the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France where it had been under construction since 2022.

The 236,860-gross-ton Utopia is 1,188 feet long with 18 decks and a 5,668-passenger capacity based on double occupancy. Original ship in the class Oasis of the Seas was the largest in the world when it debuted in 2009 followed by 2010’s Allure of the Seas, 2016’s Harmony of the Seas, 2018’s Symphony of the Seas and 2022’s Wonder of the Seas.

The vessel made its way into port passing by Jetty Park at 7:15 a.m. and arriving to Cruise Terminal 1 by 8 a.m.

The ship has some shakedown cruises ahead of its debut with paying customers starting July 19 when it will begin three- and four-night Bahamas cruises, taking over the short-cruise duties from the recently departed Allure of the Seas.

It continues Royal’s strategy that began last fall of parking two of the world’s largest ships at Port Canaveral. Wonder of the Seas will continue year-round seven-night sailings.

Utopia’s role is part of what Royal Caribbean has dubbed the “ultimate short getaway” with each sailing making stops at the cruise line’s private Bahamas island Little Stirrup Cay, which it has renamed Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Similar to its sister ships, Utopia of the Seas features eight distinct neighborhoods including the popular open-air Central Park carved into the middle of the ship and the Boardwalk area that mimics the Jersey Shore at the aft of the vessel.

Unique to Utopia of the Seas is a themed railroad-dining experience called Royal Railway-Utopia Station and a new bar concept called the Pesky Parrot.

Its popular, twisting 10-deck dry slide The Ultimate Abyss is the longest in the fleet, and the ship will be just the second home to the popular Southern restaurant, The Mason Jar, that debuted on Wonder of the Seas.

Utopia is also the first Oasis-class ship to use liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that’s part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

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The Top 10 Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2021

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite large-ship ocean cruise lines.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories; large-ship ocean cruise lines have ships that can carry 600 to 2,199 passengers.

The 2021 edition of T+L's large-ship list held several surprises, including many changes at the top of the rankings. Some long-time favorites slipped in this year's voting. Viking Cruises, which was the top line last year, came in at No. 2 for 2021. Then there was Crystal Cruises, which fell to No. 4 in this year's voting after placing second in 2020.

Other cruise lines surged ahead as travelers looked back at their vacation memories. No. 3 Regent Seven Seas moved up the list one spot, with a strong score above 92 points (out of 100). No. 6 Oceania Cruises also got a better score this year, rising two places, as numerous voters mentioned the high quality of the line's onboard cuisine. "In our experience with eight different cruise lines," said one well-traveled voter, "Oceania consistently has the best food."

The top large-ship line for 2021 was Seabourn, which readers said seamlessly delivered a decadent on-board experience on all five of its ships around the world. Three of those vessels are slated to resume sailing in 2021, with destinations including the Caribbean and Greece; two other Seabourn ships will return to the seas in early 2022. The company has more news: the first of a planned fleet of expedition ships is scheduled to arrive, as of press time, in late fall of 2022, with adventures to South America and Antarctica lined up.

Find more reasons why Seabourn stood out to T+L readers — and which other companies made this year's cut — below.

1. Seabourn

"They're the best," said one traveler, who recalled a trip on the Seabourn Encore . "We never take a cruise on any other line. The accommodations are beautiful and comfortable, the service superb, and the food delicious and varied." Other voters had similarly high praise for what Seabourn offered. "Excellent service, attractive ship with plenty of open space, and cabins are nicely appointed," said one voter about the Seabourn Encore . "Undoubtedly the best cruise line ever," said another, who traveled aboard the Seabourn Ovation. "Great food, service, and large suites on small, intimate ships."

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.74 More information: seabourn.com

2. Viking Cruises

Score: 93.67 More information: vikingcruises.com

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.08 More information: rssc.com

4. Crystal Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 91.10 More information: crystalcruises.com

5. Silversea

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.27 More information: silversea.com

6. Oceania Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 88.74 More information: oceaniacruises.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.87 More information: cunard.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.41 More information: azamara.com

9. Holland America Line

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 83.48 More information: hollandamerica.com

10. Costa Cruises

Score: 83.18 More information: costacruises.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

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A Wedding Puts India’s Gilded Age on Lavish Display

Many Indians cheer the rise of moguls like Mukesh Ambani, whose son’s wedding has become a global spectacle. To them, India’s poverty is predictable, but such opulence is not.

By Anupreeta Das

Reporting from New Delhi

The younger son of Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man, is set to wed his fiancée in Mumbai on Friday, the finale of a monthslong extravaganza that signaled the arrival of the unapologetic Indian billionaire on the global stage — and introduced the world to the country’s Gilded Age.

For much of the year, the festivities surrounding the nuptials of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the daughter of a fellow business tycoon, have grabbed eyeballs for their lavish displays of wealth. Millions have been spent on diamonds and emeralds the size of credit cards, on haute couture saris, on wedding invitations made of silver and gold.

Billionaire businessmen, Bollywood stars, models and politicians were among the more than 1,200 guests at a pre-wedding bash in March. Bill Gates stopped by. Rihanna performed. In May, the bride and groom-to-be threw a four-day party on a luxury cruise ship in the Mediterranean; Ms. Merchant told Vogue India they couldn’t find a land venue big enough to host all their guests.

Jay Gatsby would have been awed.

The spectacle has served as an invitation to peek inside India’s uppermost echelons, where a few individuals and families have amassed astounding fortunes in recent years. Buoyed by booming growth and a cheerleading government, the number and wealth of Indian billionaires has soared. They are overlords of the Indian economy, running the phone networks that connect millions of people, the hospitals that treat them, the supermarkets where they shop and the high-rises in which many live.

A lot of money, in the hands of the few.

In 2000, India had nine billionaires, according to Oxfam. Now, India has 200 billionaires, who collectively hold around $1 trillion in wealth, according to Forbes — nearly a quarter of the country’s 2023 gross domestic product.

Their dizzying rise is stark in a land where many live below or just around the poverty line, mirroring the extreme inequality of America’s Gilded Age, when robber barons flaunted their jewels amid extreme destitution.

Kavil Ramachandran, a professor of entrepreneurship at the Indian School of Business, said there were more billionaires with fatter wallets because India has sustained a high growth rate for more than two decades. That’s created a deep domestic market for goods and services, and pushed Indian companies to pursue new businesses, pairing opportunity with ambition.

“It’s a consequence of rapid growth and entrepreneurialism,” Mr. Ramachandran said.

In 2002, Radhakishan Damani spotted the opportunity for an Indian supermarket and launched his first store in Powai, a suburb of Mumbai. More than two decades later, his company Avenue Supermarts runs one of the country’s most popular supermarket chains, DMart. Mr. Damani, who has a net worth of $17 billion, is sometimes called India’s “retail king.”

A recent study about wealth and inequality in India subtitled “The Rise of the Billionaire Raj” found that the total wealth of billionaires has steadily increased from under 5 percent of national income in the 1990s to more than a fifth in 2022.

“All of this suggests that at least the very rich seem to be doing very well in recent years,” the authors wrote.

India’s opening set off breakneck growth.

India has come a long way from its socialist origins. Until 1990, the country operated under strict government supervision and protectionist policies. Companies could only run after procuring multiple permits and licenses from the government, leading to the name “License Raj” — a play on the term British Raj, which referred to colonial rule.

Once India opened up its economy after a series of reforms, some domestic companies embraced the logic of free markets while remaining family-run and tightly controlled, diversifying into new businesses.

In the 2000s, India’s software and services boom — for a time, the country was nicknamed the world’s “back office” — created a slew of new billionaires. Azim Premji successfully transformed Wipro from a hydrogenated cooking fat company into an IT giant, becoming one of India’s first tech billionaires. Fellow tech billionaire Nandan Nilekani co-founded Infosys and helped create Aadhar, a unique identification system for Indian citizens that is somewhat similar to a Social Security card.

Gautam Adani, whose conglomerate the Adani Group is India’s biggest ports operator, has ridden the country’s shipping, infrastructure and energy boom to build a net worth of more than $80 billion.

Mr. Adani’s rise has matched that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with whom he shares close ties and whose ambitions for India have unleashed a construction frenzy. Everywhere, there are new bridges, highways, tunnels and high-speed rail tracks — and Mr. Adani’s company is at the center of many of them.

The Ambanis are the first family of Indian capitalism.

Mr. Ambani, whose $115 billion fortune also makes him Asia’s richest man, has long sat atop India’s explosive growth in wealth. Reliance Industries, the giant conglomerate founded by his father that is the source of much of his family’s fortune, has sometimes served as a proxy for India’s economic rise .

Its businesses include one of the world’s largest oil refineries, India’s biggest mobile phone network, television and entertainment ventures and a popular chain of grocery stores.

Many Indians see in Mr. Ambani’s staggering rise in stature and wealth a version of the India they want: a country that doesn’t make a play for attention but demands it. Some even feel pride that his son’s wedding has attracted such global attention. To them, India’s poverty is a predictable fact, such opulence is not.

“Based on the level of the Ambanis’ wealth, the wedding is perfect,” said Mani Mohan Parmar, a 64-year-old resident from Mumbai.

“Even the common man here in India spends more than his capacity on a wedding,” Ms. Parmar said. “So it’s nothing too much if we talk about Ambani. He has so much money due to God’s grace, so why shouldn’t he spend it by his choice?”

The Ambani family’s wealth and influence are so unquestioned that even the use of public resources to aid his private festivities can be a source of pride. In March, the pre-wedding function they hosted in Jamnagar, a town in the western state of Gujarat where Reliance’s oil refinery is based, threatened to overwhelm the town’s small domestic airport.

With hundreds of private jets carrying guests hovering in the air, India’s top civil aviation body and its air force stepped in to help Dhananjay Singh, the airport’s director, manage the air traffic.

“Although it was a demanding period with little sleep, the effort was well worth it,” Mr. Singh wrote on his LinkedIn profile.

Some question the showy displays of wealth.

Rashmi Venkatesan, who teaches human rights law and popular culture at the National Law School of India University, found the “consciously explicit public nature” of the Ambani wedding peculiar.

To Ms. Venkatesan, the celebration was about more than the wealthy getting wealthier; she was bothered by what she called the “valorization” of this kind of wealth.

It’s not just the mind-boggling rise of billionaire wealth that is new, but also the way that wealth has created a new kind of royalty in a country well acquainted with maharajahs.

Like yesteryear’s royal families, today’s billionaires are increasingly keeping their wealth within their class — either through dynastic succession or by marriage. Each of Mr. Ambani’s three children are heading up three different lines of the Reliance business.

In 2018, Mr. Ambani’s daughter Isha married Anand Piramal, the son of the billionaire Ajay Piramal, who runs one of India’s pharmaceutical giants. On Friday, his son Anant is marrying Radhika, the 29-year-old daughter of Viren and Shaila Merchant, the multimillionaire founders of a health care company on whose board she sits.

Sadiba Hasan contributed reporting from Mumbai.

Anupreeta Das is the finance editor of The New York Times, overseeing broad coverage of Wall Street, including banking, investing, markets and consumer finance. She was previously the deputy business editor of The Wall Street Journal. More about Anupreeta Das

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