The Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World
The Largest Cruise Ships Sailing Right Now
The size and guest capacity of a cruise ship is often one of the first things that people research, whether they are a cruise enthusiast or new to the cruising world. And with cruise ships getting bigger, constantly adding new attractions and competing to offer the best amenities on the market, it’s clear that they will continue to expand as the years go by.
So what is the biggest cruise ship in the world? In this top 10 list, you’ll discover what the largest cruise ship in the world is, along with other large cruise ships that also offer a myriad of amenities that are bound to have you in awe! From huge guest capacities to extraordinary water parks at sea, spacious accommodation and more, these incredible cruise ships have so much to offer guests.
Keep reading to find out more about the largest cruise ships in the world – and the heaviest cruise ship, too!
Sun Princess
First up is Sun Princess. One of the newest ships in Princess Cruises’ fleet, it’s setting sail in 2024 and offers sailings to a myriad of destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Greek islands.
With an extraordinary design, Sun Princess has a plethora of innovative onboard amenities from the expansive Park19 Family Activity Zone to unforgettable entertainment in the multifunctional Dome and Princess Arena, 29 dining/bar options, the breathtaking Wake View Terrace and more.
Find out more about Sun Princess’ fantastic onboard attractions in our blog - Top 10 Things to do Aboard Sun Princess.
Sun Princess Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 177,882
- Capacity: 4,300 guests
- Length: 1,133 ft
- Passenger decks: 16
Carnival Celebration
Second on the list is Carnival Celebration. Built to celebrate Carnival’s 50 years of sailing, it boasts the fun and playful Carnival Cruises’ spirit that guests love. Offering sailings to destinations including the likes of the Caribbean, the Bahamas and North America, this family-friendly cruise ship has a formidable capacity of 6,500 passengers.
Carnival Celebration is split into six zones, each with their own unique themes including Celebration Central, with Center Stage that offers an array of live entertainment, bars, the Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurants and the Punchliner Comedy Club, the Gateway zone that’s home to several fun themed nights, including Mexico Lindo and Abroad in Europe, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 restaurant, a selection of bars and Summer Landing, with Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, the Heroes Tribute Lounge and more!
Carnival Celebration Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 180, 000
- Capacity: 6,500 guests
- Length: 1,130 ft
- Passenger decks: 18
MSC Virtuosa
Setting sail in 2021, MSC Virtuosa is a popular MSC Cruises’ ship that has an impressive passenger capacity of 6,334, 10 dining venues, the futuristic MSC Starship Club (featuring Rob, the first ever robotic bartender at sea!), 5 pools, and Carousel Production at Sea; an extraordinary entertainment concept that combines awe-inspiring acrobatics with live music and dance.
Families will also love the MSC F1 simulator, high ropes course, bowling alley and 4D cinema. With sailings to a range of destinations, including Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and beyond, it’s a great option for those travelling with kids, their partner or solo due to the variety of itineraries and things to do onboard.
As for the MSC Virtuosa size, it's quite a bit larger than the Sun Princess ship size, despite being similar in length and not too much larger when it comes to gross tonnage.
MSC Virtuosa Key Stats:
- Gross Tonnage: 181,541
- Capacity: 6,334 guests
- Length: 1,085 ft
- Passenger decks: 19
MSC Euribia
Second up on the list is MSC Euribia; a ship that sits within MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia Class, is powered by LNG and has a unique hull design (created by artists Alex Flamig) that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Onboard, you’ll find 5 swimming pools (that can accommodate over 1000 guests), an impressive waterpark, the longest LED Dome at Sea - the Galleria Euribia, 10 dining venues, 21 bars and lots of entertainment options from Broadway-style shows to big band performances in the Carousel Lounge. When you look at the stats for MSC Euribia, size in particular, it's certainly far from a bad thing to see so many entertainment venues onboard.
MSC Euribia Stats:
- Gross Tonnage: 184,011
- Capacity: 6,327 guests
- Length: 1,085 ft
- Passenger decks: 19
P&O Arvia
One of the most popular cruise ships within P&O Cruises fleet, P&O Arvia has been providing multi-generational families, couples and other travel parties unforgettable cruise getaways since setting sail in 2022.
Sailing to a wealth of destinations, from the Caribbean to Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, whilst P&O Arvia is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world and has plenty to do onboard, it still maintains the warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s beloved by all that sail with P&O Cruises.
Not only does P&O Arvia boast impressive spaces, like the SkyDome with decadent dining options, entertainment and more, but the thrilling Altitude Skywalk, a variety of accommodation options, the Mission Control Escape Room and a range of wellness venues including the Oasis Spa & Health Club amongst others.
P&O Arvia Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 184,700
- Capacity: 5,200 guests
- Length: 1,128 ft
- Passenger decks: 16
MSC World Europa
Another MSC Cruises ship to make the top 10 is MSC World Europa. The first ship to sit within MSC Cruises’ new World Class, it set sail in 2022 and boasts a futuristic design. And, when it comes to MSC World Europa, size is something worth talking about. This cruise ship is a little shorter than some, but can cater to over 6,700 guests on any one sailing – which is seriously impressive.
Onboard, you can find a variety of restaurants (including 6 speciality restaurants), 7 swimming pools, the Venom Drop @ The Spiral (the longest dry slide at sea that spans an incredible 11 decks!), a waterpark that features VR technology and more.
MSC World Europa Key Stats:
- Gross tonnage: 215,663
- Capacity: 6,762 guests
- Length: 1,092 ft
- Passenger decks: 21
Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean have always been known for their awe-inspiring cruise ships, that are full to the brim with spectacular facilities, from family-friendly delights to adults-only offerings. Some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the cruise line is constantly evolving and constructing remarkable cruise ships each year.
And when Harmony of the Seas set sail on its maiden voyage in 2016, it was clear that not only did it have a large variety of facilities throughout the 16 guest decks, but new extraordinary highlights that are guaranteed to impress!
The largest cruise ship in the world when it set sail in 2016, Harmony of the Seas' size is inspiring. The ship itself is divided into seven neighbourhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the wellness zone, Entertainment Place and the Youth Zone. Standout features include the Ultimate Abyss 10-storey dry slide, Perfect Storm waterslides, Splashaway Bay waterpark and its vast selection of complimentary and speciality dining options.
Read all about Harmony of the Seas on our blog - The World's Largest Cruise Ship: Harmony of the Seas (2016).
Harmony of the Seas Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 226,963
- Capacity: 6,687 guests
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passenger decks: 16
Wonder of the Seas
The cruise industry was in a buzz when Wonder of the Seas was announced. Setting sail in 2022, it held the title of the world’s biggest cruise ship, with an impressive 7,084 guest capacity, 21 dining options, 11 bars and lounges and 8 different neighbourhoods.
Top highlights onboard Wonder of the Seas include the awe-inspiring performances in the AquaTheater, live music shows in the Music Hall, the FlowRider surf simulator, Ultimate Abyss dry slide and the exhilarating zip line. Sailing to destinations including the Caribbean islands (such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private islands resort), North America, Mexico and beyond, you’re guaranteed a wonderful cruise holiday on Wonder of the Seas.
And, if you want to find out a little more about Wonder of the Seas' size...
Wonder of the Seas Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 235, 600
- Capacity: 7,084 guests
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passenger decks: 16
Utopia of the Seas
Launching in 2024, Utopia of the Seas is an exciting addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, with over 40 ways to dine and drink, 17 slides, 2 rock climbing walls, 5 pools, an escape room and so many more extraordinary features to look forward to.
Whilst Utopia won’t be the biggest cruise ship in the world, it’s not far behind Icon of the Seas, with a myriad of accommodation options and amenities to take advantage of. Visiting destinations including the Bahamas, the Caribbean islands and more, you’ll have a blast onboard Utopia of the Seas.
Utopia of the Seas Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 236,860
- Capacity: 5,668 guests
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passenger decks: 16
Icon of the Seas
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but in 2024, the biggest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas! A behemoth of the ocean, Icon of the Seas has caused quite a stir throughout the cruising world with a breathtaking design and a range of facilities that will appeal to cruisers of all ages; well deserving of it's new 'world's biggest cruise ship' title.
Highlights onboard Icon of the Seas include Category 6 (the largest waterpark at sea), the Absolute Zero ice arena, the remarkable AquaDome multi-functional space, Crown’s edge ropes course/skywalk, West End-calibre shows in the Royal Theater (such as the beloved Wizard of Oz) and more!
If you're more interested in the Icon of the Seas size numbers-wise, this ship's passenger capacity is an incredible 7,600, with 2,350 international crew members.
Icon of the Seas Key Stats:
- Gross tons: 248, 663
- Capacity: 7,600 guests
- Length: 1,196 ft
- Passenger decks: 18
You might think all of these huge cruise ships will be too busy to really enjoy, but this is just one common cruise myth we're here to debunk. Click through to find out a little more about a few common misconceptions about cruising.
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Want to experience one of the largest cruise ships in the world yourself? Book your cruise getaway with Iglu Cruise today and look forward to a holiday you never forget. With so many different cruise deals to choose from, you’ll find the best cruise escape for your budget and taste with ease.
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