Embark on a journey of grandeur and opulence as we set sail to explore the five biggest cruise ships at sea. These floating marvels redefine luxury and leisure, offering unparalleled world-class entertainment, exquisite dining, and boundless adventures.
From towering water slides to lush gardens and state-of-the-art theatres, these colossal vessels are destinations in themselves.
1. Wonder of the Seas is the World’s Biggest Cruise Ship at Sea as of 2023
Wonder of the Seas is the current largest Royal Caribbean ship at sea.
An Oasis-Class Ship with a gross tonnage of 236,857 GT, measuring 1,188 feet long and 215.5 feet wide. She boasts a cruising speed of 22 knots, 18 decks (16 guest decks and two passenger decks), 2,878 cabins, and a capacity of 5,734 passengers at double occupancy or 7,084 at full capacity.
This mpressive vessel was built in 2022 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazareth, France, and it had its maiden voyage on 4 March 2022. The ship, which comes at a cost of USD 1.35 billion, was christened by its godmother, Marie McCrea.”
2. Symphony of the Seas
- Class: Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class Ship
- Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GT
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Beam: 215.5
- Speed: 22 Knots Cruising Speed
- No of Decks: 18, 16 guests, 2 crew
- No of Cabins/Staterooms: 2,759
- Capacity: 5,518 passengers at double capacity, 6,680 at full
- Crew Members: 2,200 crew
- Built: 2018
- Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazareth, France
- Maiden voyage: 7 April 2018
- Cost: US$1.35 billion
- God Parents: Alexa, Carlos and Ocean Penavega
3. Harmony of the Seas
- Class: Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship
- Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GT
- Length: 1,188.1 ft
- Width: 215.5 ft
- Speed: 22 Knots Cruising Speed
- No of Decks: 18, 16 guests, 2 crew
- No of Cabins: 2,747
- Capacity: 5,479 passengers a double capacity, 6,687 at full
- Crew: 2200 crew
- Built: 2016
- Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique
- Maiden voyage: 29 May 2016
- Cost: US$1.35 billion
- Godmother: Brittany Affolter
4. Oasis of the Seas (Oasis of the Seas is Heavier Than Sister Ship Allure of the Seas)
- Class: Oasis of the Seas was the first of the groundbreaking Oasis Class
- Gross Tonnage: 226,838 GT
- Length: 1,187 ft
- Width 215 ft
- Speed: 22 Knots Cruising Speed
- No of Decks: 18 (16 passenger decks)
- No. of Cabins: 2,801
- Capacity: 5,602 passengers at double capacity, 6,771 a full capacity
- Crew: 2,109 crew
- Built: 2009
- Shipbuilder: STX Europe, Turku Shipyard, Finland
- Maiden voyage: 5 December 2009
- Cost: US$1.4 billion
- Godmothers: Daisy Fuentes, Dara Torres, Gloria Estefan, Jane Seymour, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Michelle Kwan, Shawn Johnson
5. Allure of the Seas
- Class: Oasis Class
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282 GT
- Length: 1,187 ft
- Width: 215 ft
- Speed: 22 Knots Cruising Speed
- No of Decks: 18 (16 passenger decks)
- No of Cabins: 2,748
- Capacity: 5,466 passengers at double capacity, 6,828 at full.
- Crew: 2,054 Crew
- Built: 2010
- Shipbuilder: STX Europe, Turku Shipyard, Finland
- Maiden voyage: 5 December 2010
- Cost: US$1.2 billion
- Godmother: Princess Fiona
In 2024 Icon of the Seas will be the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
Icon of the Seas is set to become the world’s largest cruise ship when it launches in 2024. It belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class and will have a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT. It will also hold the largest waterpark at sea, doing seven-night sailings in the Western Caribbean.
- Class: Icon Class
- Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
- Length: 1,198 ft
- No of Decks: 20 (18 passenger decks)
- No of Cabins: 2,805
- Capacity: 5,610 passengers at double capacity, 7,600 at full.
- Crew: 2,350 Crew
- Built: 2023
- Shipbuilder: Meyer Turku Shipyard, Finland
- Cost: $2 Billion
- Godmother: Erin Brown
What Our Kids Thought About Anthem of the Seas
We have recently returned from a fantastic weekend aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. This is a Quantum Class Ship and, as such, has a different vibe and innovations than Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class Ships, such as Allure and Oasis of the Seas. Check out our review, Cruising with Children on Anthem of the Seas.
See More of the Biggest Cruise Ships in the World
Join us as we step aboard these magnificent giants, each one a floating city that promises a vacation experience like no other. It’s time to discover the top five cruise ships that redefine the meaning of indulgence and exploration on the high seas.
