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Symphony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)
Symphony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)

The 30 Largest Cruise Ships in the World Ranked

Symphony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)
Symphony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)
Staff
Cruise Critic

Last updated
Feb 8, 2024

Read time
11 min read

Wondering what the largest cruise ship in the world is? You're not alone. These vacation-ready giants of the sea seem to push the boundaries of size year after year. With the biggest ships at sea, though, you're getting way more than just crowds of fellow passengers. Water parks, huge entertainment spaces, dizzying restaurant options, and a wider variety of cabins are all part of how the largest cruise ships are filling all that space.

To help you compare the sizes, we've rounded up and ranked the 30 largest cruise ships in the world by gross tonnage (which is a measure of volume, not weight). We've included other stats, such as passenger capacity (both double occupancy and max occupancy) plus length and beam (the width at the widest point of the vessel).

Keep in mind that this list of biggest cruise ships in the world changes annually, as cruise lines update their fleets. While Royal Caribbean continues to dominate the top (and the bottom) of the list, new entries may surprise you. For example, Princess Cruises has a new ship on the list (the largest ever for that fleet), barely missing the top twenty.

See how your favorite cruise lines and ships measure up this year with our list below.

1. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas coming into Miami (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas coming into Miami (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)

Besides taking on the mantle of largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas is yet another game changer for Royal Caribbean. Its launch in January 2024 heralds a new ship class loaded with new attractions and iconic spaces. It features 20 decks (18 guest-accessible decks), a record-setting six water slides and the largest swimming pool at sea.

The second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is set to sail in 2025.

Icon of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GTs

Icon of the Seas Length: 1,198 feet

Icon of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 213 feet

Icon of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,610/7,600

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2. Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Rendering of Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)
Rendering of Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)

Utopia of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GTs

Utopia of the Seas Length: 1,188 feet

Utopia of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 211 feet

Utopia of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,668/6,509

3. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas was previously the world's largest cruise ship, starting in January 2022. Its first voyage was in March 2022, becoming the fifth member of Royal's Oasis-class ships. The aptly named Wonder of the Seas has 18 decks (16 guest-accessible decks), 2,867 staterooms and 19 pools.

Wonder of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 235,600 tons

Wonder of the Seas Length: 1,188 feet

Wonder of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 215 feet

Wonder of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,734/7,084

4. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)
Symphony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean International)

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas slips to the fourth position this year, having been the biggest cruise ship in the world from 2018 to 2022. It has 16 guest decks (18 total decks) along with 2,759 staterooms.

Symphony of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 228,081 tons

Symphony of the Seas Length: 1,188 feet

Symphony of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 215.5 feet

Symphony of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,518/6,680

5. Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean)
Harmony of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, now the fifth-largest cruise ship in the world, was actually the largest cruise ship from 2016 to 2018. Onboard, passengers can find 16 guest decks, 2,747 staterooms and suites and 23 pools and whirlpools.

Harmony of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GTs

Harmony of the Seas Length: 1,188 feet

Harmony of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 215.5 feet

Harmony of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,479/6,687

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6. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is the flagship of the Oasis class. It made its maiden voyage in 2009, offering 18 total decks (16 guest decks) along with 2,801 staterooms, almost 2,000 of which have balconies.

Oasis of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 226,838 tons

Oasis of the Seas Length: 1,187 feet

Oasis of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 215 feet

Oasis of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,602/6,771

7. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas made its maiden voyage in December 2010. Allure of the Seas has 18 total decks, 16 of which are guest-accessible, and 2,742 staterooms (including 1,796 balcony suites).

Allure of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 225,282 tons

Allure of the Seas Length: 1,187 feet

Allure of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 215 feet

Allure of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,484/6,780

8. MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa
MSC World Europa

MSC entered the top ten in 2022 when World Europa made its maiden voyage in December of that year. It has 2,700 staterooms, 430,000 square feet of public space, 16 total decks and even an 11-foot dry slide called the Spiral, among the longest dry slide at sea. World Europa is the first of four total ships in MSC's World-class fleet, with the second ship World America set to launch in 2025.

World Europa Gross Tonnage: 215,863 tons

World Europa Length: 1,093 feet

World Europa Beam (Maximum): 151 feet

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

9. P&O Arvia

P&O Cruises Arvia in Barbados ahead of her naming ceremony (Photo: Christopher Ison)
P&O Cruises Arvia in Barbados ahead of her naming ceremony (Photo: Christopher Ison)

P&O Cruises held its spot on the top ten list of largest cruise ships in the world with an aptly named ship. Arvia is Latin for “from the seashore.” Arvia was launched in 2022 and features 19 decks (15 passenger-accessible decks).

P&O Arvia Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GTs

P&O Arvia Length: 1,132 feet

P&O Arvia Beam (Maximum): 137 feet

P&O Arvia Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,200/6,264

10. Costa Cruises Costa Smeralda

(Photo: Costa)
Costa Smeralda TA Listings Page Image

Costa Smeralda is the first ship in Costa Cruises' Excellence-class fleet. This premier ship has 20 decks along with 2,614 staterooms and suites onboard. Costa Smeralda was named after a popular tourist destination in Sardinia.

Costa Smeralda Gross Tonnage: 185,010 tons

Costa Smeralda Length: 1,106 feet

Costa Smeralda Beam (Maximum): 138 feet

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

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11. Costa Cruises Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana (Photo/Costa Cruises)
Costa Toscana (Photo/Costa Cruises)

Costa Toscana is Costa Smeralda's sister ship, meaning the two ships are identical in size. Toscano launched in March of 2022.

Costa Toscana Gross Tonnage: 185,010 tons

Costa Toscana Length: 1,106 feet

Costa Toscana Beam (Maximum): 138 feet

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

12. P&O Cruises Iona

iona
iona

P&O Cruises Iona was the first in the line's Excel-class. Iona includes 2,614 cabins and 15 decks accessible to guests.

Iona Gross Tonnage: 184,700 tons

Iona Length: 1,130 feet

Iona Beam (Maximum): 138 feet

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

13. MSC Euribia

MSC Euribia docks in Flam, Norway. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)
MSC Euribia docks in Flam, Norway. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)

Launched in 2023, MSC Euribia is among the list of LNG-powered ships that are revolutionizing the industry with cleaner operations as it cruises to mostly European ports of call.

MSC Euribia Gross Tonnage: 181,541 GTs

MSC Euribia Length: 1,087 feet

MSC Euribia Beam (Maximum): 141 feet

MSC Euribia Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,842/6,334

14. AIDA Cruises AIDAnova

AIDAnova is the World's First LNG-Powered Ship (Photo: KHB 1958/Shutterstock)
AIDAnova is the World's First LNG-Powered Ship (Photo: KHB 1958/Shutterstock)

AIDA Cruises AIDAnova is the first launched in the Excellence-class, which also has sister ship AIDAcosma. AIDAnova was built in 2018 and has 16 decks with 2,600 cabins. It was the first ship to be awarded the "Blauer Engel," which is a German environmental label given to green-friendly products and services.

AIDAnova Gross Tonnage: 183,858 tons

AIDAnova Length: 1,106 feet

AIDAnova Beam (Maximum): 138 feet

AIDAnova Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,252/6,654

15. Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Jubilee was handed over to Carnival on December 4, 2023 (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Jubilee was handed over to Carnival on December 4, 2023 (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)

When Carnival Jubilee arrived in Galveston late in 2023, it became the largest and newest ship Carnival has ever cruised from that port. The ship even features a Texas-style livery. Attractions include the Bolt rollercoaster and a whopping 22 dining options, many of which are included in the cruise fare.

Carnival Jubilee Gross Tonnage: 183,521 GTs

Carnival Jubilee Length: 1,130 feet

Carnival Jubilee Beam (Maximum): 137 feet

Carnival Jubilee Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,374/6,631

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16. Carnival Celebration

Exterior rendering of Carnival Celebration at sea
Carnival Celebration (Image: Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival's Celebration, which launched in November 2022, is a sister ship to the famed Mardi Gras and a "celebration" for the cruise line's 50th birthday year. The Celebration cruise ship, which is fueled by cleaner burning LNG, has 20 decks and 2,687 staterooms and suites.

Carnival Celebration Gross Tonnage: 180,800 tons

Carnival Celebration Length: 1,130 feet

Carnival Celebration Beam: 138 feet

Carnival Celebration Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,282/6,500

17. AIDA Cruises AIDAcosma

AIDAcosma alongside at Abu Dhabi, UAE (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
AIDAcosma alongside at Abu Dhabi, UAE (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

AIDA Cruises AIDAcosma, the second in the Excellence-class, was first released in December 2021. It has 20 decks and 2,626 passenger cabins, which includes suites.

AIDAcosma Gross Tonnage: 183,200 tons

AIDAcosma Length: 1,105 feet

AIDAcosma Beam (Maximum): 138 feet

AIDAcosma Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,228/6,600

18. MSC Grandiosa

Exterior shot of MSC Grandiosa docked in Genoa
MSC Grandiosa (Photo: Miklos Mate)

MSC Grandiosa is a part of the Meraviglia Plus-class, which currently has five sailing ships. Onboard, there are 18 decks (15 of which are passenger-accessible) and 2,405 staterooms onboard.

MSC Grandiosa Gross Tonnage: 181,541 tons

MSC Grandiosa Length: 1,087 feet

MSC Grandiosa Beam (Maximum): 141 feet

MSC Grandiosa Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,842/6,334

19. MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa (Photo: MSC Cruises)
MSC Virtuosa (Photo: MSC Cruises)

MSC Virtuosa, which is another member of the Meraviglia-Plus class, first set sail in May 2021. It is easily one of the largest in MSC's fleet (along with sister ship Grandiosa), having 2,421 cabins on 15 passenger-accessible decks (18 decks total).

MSC Virtuosa Gross Tonnage: 181,000 tons

MSC Virtuosa Length: 1,092 feet

MSC Virtuosa Beam: 141 feet

MSC Virtuosa Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,842/6,334

20. Carnival Mardi Gras

Exterior shot of Carnival Mardi Gras during the ship's arrival to Port Canaveral
Mardi Gras' arrival at Port Canaveral, June 2021 (Photo: Carnival)

Carnival Mardi Gras first debuted in 1972 and was a trailblazing ship. Its preliminary focus was on festive fun for all guests (hence the name), which was unlike any other cruise ship at the time. The unique onboard ambiance continues today on the most recent Mardis Gras, which was launched in 2021, and has 17 passenger decks, 2,641 staterooms and a rollercoaster.

Carnival Mardi Gras Gross Tonnage: 181,800 tons

Carnival Mardi Gras Length: 1,130 feet

Carnival Mardi Gras Beam (Maximum): 138 feet

Carnival Mardi Gras Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,282/6,631

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21. Sun Princess

Sun Princess at the Fincanieri shipyard (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)
Sun Princess at the Fincanieri shipyard (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)

Until Utopia of the Seas launches in 2024, Sun Princess will be among the twenty largest cruise ships afloat on the world’s oceans. The ship’s first cruise is set for February 2024, and will debut Princess Cruises' largest number of dining options, offering guests 29 choices.

Sun Princess Gross Tonnage: 175,500 GTs

Sun Princess Length: 1,133 feet

Sun Princess Beam (Maximum): 155 feet

Sun Princess Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,324/5,189

22. MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia is the first ship in MSC's Meraviglia-class and received the "8 Golden Pearls" award, which recognizes sustainable and environmental stewardship. This meritable ship has 18 decks, 15 of which are accessible to guests, and 2,244 total staterooms. Look for her at port at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Meraviglia Gross Tonnage: 171,598 tons

MSC Meraviglia Length: 1,036 feet

MSC Meraviglia Beam (Maximum): 141 feet

MSC Meraviglia Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,500/5,714

23. MSC Bellissima

Bellissima (Photo: MSC Cruises)
Bellissima (Photo: MSC Cruises)

MSC Bellissima is yet another member of MSC's Meraviglia-class to make our list. It first set sail in 2019 and has 18 decks (15 available to guests) and 2,217 cabins.

MSC Bellissima Gross Tonnage: 171,598 tons

MSC Bellissima Length: 1,036 feetMSC

Bellissima Beam (Maximum): 141 feet

MSC Bellissima Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,500/5,686

24. MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore (Image: MSC Cruises)
MSC Seashore (Image: MSC Cruises)

MSC Seashore first debuted in August 2020 and is one of only two ships in the Seaside EVO-class. Onboard, there are 2,270 staterooms and 15 public-accessible decks.

MSC Seashore Gross Tonnage: 170,412 tons

MSC Seashore Length: 1,112 feet

MSC Seashore Beam (Maximum): 135 feet

MSC Seashore Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,540/5,877

25. MSC Seascape

MSC Seascape (Photo: MSC Cruises)
MSC Seascape (Photo: MSC Cruises)

MSC Seascape debuted in December 2022 easily making our list of the biggest cruise ships in the world. This impressive ship has 20 decks with 2,270 staterooms in 12 different categories. The ship has its own unique experience called Robotron, the first robotic arm thrill ride on the sea. Seascape currently sails from Miami, and in 2025 will offer MSC cruises from Galveston for the first time.

MSC Seascape Gross Tonnage: 169,400 tons

MSC Seascape Length: 1,060 feet

MSC Seascape Beam (Maximum): 135 feet

MSC Seascape Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,560/5,877

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26. Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the  Seas in Sydney (Photo: Royal Caribbean)
Spectrum of the Seas in Sydney (Photo: Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas is the first ship in the Quantum Ultra-class, which is a subset of Royal's Quantum-class. Spectrum of the Seas has 16 total decks (14 guest decks) and 2,137 staterooms.

Spectrum of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 169,379 tons

Spectrum of the Seas Length: 1,139 feet

Spectrum of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 161.5 feet

Spectrum of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,246/5,622

27. Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Encore (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Encore is a part of the four-ship Breakaway Plus-class, a class known for mimicking small cities with numerous outdoor activities. NCL Encore has a total of 20 decks and 2,043 staterooms.

Norwegian Encore Gross Tonnage: 169,116 tons

Norwegian Encore Length: 1,094 feet

Norwegian Encore Beam (Maximum): 157.9 feet

Norwegian Encore Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 3,998/N/A

28. Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

(Photo: Royal Caribbean)
Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas is the flagship of the Quantum class cruising Asia and the South Pacific half the year, before spending summer in Alaska. It made its maiden voyage in 2014 and holds 16 total decks (14 guest decks) and 2,094 staterooms.

Quantum of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 168,666 tons

Quantum of the Seas Length: 1,141 feet

Quantum of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 162 feet

Quantum of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,180/4,905

29. Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas

1792x1200 anthem
1792x1200 anthem

Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas is the second ship in the five-ship Quantum-class. Anthem of the Seas debuted in 2015 and has 16 decks (14 guest decks) along with 2,090 staterooms.

Anthem of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 168,666 tons

Anthem of the Seas Length: 1,141 feet

Anthem of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 162 feet

Anthem of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,180/4,905

30. Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas at Athol Buoy in Sydney Harbour (Photo: Louise Goldsbury)
Ovation of the Seas at Athol Buoy (Photo: Louise Goldsbury)

Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas made its first voyage in 2016, which made it the third ship in the Quantum-class. This ship has 16 decks (14 guest decks) and 2,091 staterooms.

Ovation of the Seas Gross Tonnage: 168,666 tons

Ovation of the Seas Length: 1,138 feet

Ovation of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 160 feet

Ovation of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 4,180/4,905

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Publish date October 26, 2022
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