Planning to cruise on the largest cruise ship? Check out these top 10 options.
Does size truly matter?
We’re referring to the largest cruise ships on the planet. For many travelers, a larger ship implies a superior experience. If you’re prepared to invest your hard-earned money on a cruise, it’s crucial to determine if the trip aligns with what you want.
You could be in search of a lively weekend abroad with fellow young travelers or a family-oriented adventure that appeals to both adults and kids. But if you’re aiming for something huge, here’s what you should know about these record-setting vessels.
Which cruise ship holds the title of the largest?
The title of the largest cruise ship globally goes to Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. This ship, nearly 1,200 feet long, commenced its voyage in January 2024, providing accommodations for 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members, as stated by Royal Caribbean.
As reported by DNV, a premier maritime register, the Icon of the Seas boasts a gross tonnage of 248,663, which is a measure of the ship’s total volume.
The inaugural journey of the Icon of the Seas was so eagerly awaited that it almost sold out within mere hours, according to Business Insider. Some passengers paid up to $75,000 a week for an exclusive three-story townhouse with private balconies, a whirlpool, a backyard, and water slides.
Here are the ten largest cruise ships in the world, listed by gross tonnage according to DNV and VesselFinder:
- Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 248,663
- Utopia of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 236,473
- Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 235,600
- Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 228,081
- Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 226,963
- Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 226,838
- Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): 225,282
- MSC World Europa (MSC Cruises): 215,863
- Costa Toscana (Costa Cruises): 186,364
- P&O Arvia (P&O Cruises): 185,581
What is the largest ship ever constructed?
While the Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship to date, it’s not the largest ship in maritime history. The Seawise Giant, also recognized as the Knock Nevis, holds the record for the largest ship ever built, with a weight of 564,739 tons, according to The New York Times.
This oil tanker, constructed in the 1970s, caught fire and sank in 1988 after an attack by Iraqi planes on an offshore terminal. A Norwegian firm salvaged it a year later from shallow waters and made repairs. The Seawise Giant continued to transport oil until its last voyage, which concluded in December 2009.
What were the dimensions of the Titanic?
The Titanic measured around 883 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 46,329 tons — considerable, yet dwarfed by the current largest ship, Icon of the Seas, which measures 1,200 feet and weighs 248,663 tons.
The Titanic carried more than 2,200 passengers, with over 1,500 losing their lives in the tragic sinking in 1912.
