The 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World (Ranked by Size)
Updated August 2026
The Largest Cruise Ships on Earth
These ships are so big they have neighbourhoods, parks and waterparks
What Is the Biggest Cruise Ship in the World in 2026?
The title of the world’s biggest cruise ship is currently held by Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships, measured by gross tonnage (GT). Cruise ships are ranked as “biggest” based on their overall internal volume rather than length or passenger numbers.
The arrival of new Icon Class ships, including Legend of the Seas, has continued the trend towards larger ships featuring more neighbourhoods, entertainment venues, restaurants, pools and activities than ever before.
This guide ranks the biggest cruise ships in the world by gross tonnage, showing how today’s mega-ships compare in size, capacity and features.
How Are the Biggest Cruise Ships Ranked?
When comparing the world’s largest cruise ships, the most commonly used measurement is gross tonnage (GT).
Gross tonnage measures the total enclosed internal volume of a ship and is a better indication of overall size than:
Length – how long the ship is from bow to stern
Passenger capacity – how many guests it can carry
Height – the number of decks above the waterline
A ship with a higher gross tonnage generally has more space for cabins, dining venues, entertainment, pools and onboard attractions.
Ranking table of the 10 biggest cruise ships in the world in 2026
| Rank | Ship | Cruise Line | Gross Tonnage | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 248,663 GT | 2024 |
| 2 | Star of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 248,663 GT | 2025 |
| 3 | Legend of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 248,663 GT | 2026 |
| 4 | Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 236,473 GT | 2024 |
| 5 | Wonder of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 235,600 GT | 2022 |
| 6 | Symphony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 228,081 GT | 2018 |
| 7 | Harmony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 226,963 GT | 2016 |
| 8 | Oasis of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 226,838 GT | 2009 |
| 9 | Allure of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 225,282 GT | 2010 |
| 10 | MSC World America | MSC Cruises | 216,638 GT | 2025 |
The Biggest Cruise Ships in the World: 2026 Ranking
Are you wondering which is currently the biggest/largest cruise ship in the world? Often when people think of cruise ships, particularly if they have never cruised, they have a romantic idea of the elegant Ocean Liners of the past. However, most liners were much smaller even than today’s mid-sized cruise ships at less than 50,000 gt.
One of the few true liners in service today is Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and at 149,215 GT she is the exception to the rule.
When we took our first cruise it was on P&O Cruises Aurora, which at just over 76,000 GT seemed absolutely huge to us. Things have moved on significantly and each class of ship seems to get much larger than the previous one.
With that in mind, at the risk of this post not aging well as newer and bigger ships are built, let’s take a look at the largest cruise ships currently in service.
The world’s largest cruise ships are dominated by Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels, particularly the Icon Class and Oasis Class fleets.
Some of the Biggest Cruise ships in the World
How Big Are Today’s Largest Cruise Ships Compared With Titanic?
The world’s biggest cruise ships are several times larger than the Titanic.
While Titanic had a gross tonnage of around 46,000 GT, today’s mega-ships exceed 200,000 GT. Modern cruise ships are designed not only for transport but as floating resorts, with water parks, theatres, multiple restaurants, shopping areas and entertainment districts.
Will Cruise Ships Continue Getting Bigger?
Cruise lines continue to invest in larger ships, but the future of cruising is not only about size.
The newest vessels focus on:
more outdoor space
energy efficiency
innovative entertainment
family-friendly attractions
destination-style onboard experiences
While mega-ships attract attention, many cruise passengers still choose ships based on itinerary, atmosphere and onboard experience rather than size alone.
1. Star of the Seas
Icon of the Seas meets Star the Seas on Perfect Day at Coco Cay Image: Royal Caribbean
Currently (virtually) jointly the World's Largest Cruise Ships
Icon of the Seas was the first ship of Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class of cruise ships. Royal Caribbean have now taken delivery of her near identical twin sister, Star of the Seas which will debut in August 2025. Star of the Seas just pips Icon to the post (marginally to take the title of “Largest Cruise Ship at Sea”.
Star of the Seas Fact Sheet. Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Class: Icon Class
Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GT
Length: 364.83 m (1,196.9 ft)
Beam: 66 m (219 ft)
Height: Approx 196 ft above waterline
No. Of Decks: 20
No. Of Cabins: 2,805
Capacity: 5,610 passengers
Crew: 2,350 crew
Built: 2025
Shipbuilder: MEYER TURKU, TURKU, FINLAND
Entered Service: August 2025 (delivered 10 July 2025)
Maiden voyage: 30 August 2025
Cost: EUR 1.74 billion (USD 2 billion)
2. Icon of the Seas
Class: Icon Class
Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GT
Length: 364.75 m (1,196.7 ft)
Beam: 48.47 m (159.0 ft)
Height: Approx 196 ft above waterline
No. Of Decks: 20
No. Of Cabins: 2,805x
Capacity: 5,610 passengers
Crew: 2,350 crew
Built: 2024
Shipbuilder: MEYER TURKU, TURKU, FINLAND
Entered Service: 27 January 2024
Maiden voyage: January 2024
Cost: EUR 1,9 billion (USD 2 billion)
Why they stand out:
Icon of the Seas and sister Star of the Seas are jointly the largest cruise ships ever built and introduce Royal Caribbean’s new “Icon Class”, designed to combine family attractions with resort-style relaxation.
Key features:
The largest waterpark at sea
Seven swimming pools, including an infinity pool
Central Park with over 30,000 plants
Best for:
Families, multi-generational cruises, first-time cruisers who want everything in one ship.
3. NEW! Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Newest Icon Class Ship
Aerial View of Legend of the Seas. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
Legend of the Seas is the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Icon Class and joins one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Entering service in 2026, the ship combines the scale of a mega-cruise ship with the features of a resort at sea, including multiple neighbourhoods, entertainment venues, pools, dining options and family attractions. With a gross tonnage of around 248,663 GT and capacity for more than 5,600 guests, Legend of the Seas continues Royal Caribbean’s move towards bigger, more immersive cruise experiences.
Class: Icon Class
Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GT
Length: 365 m (1,198 ft)
Beam: 65.7 m (215.5 ft)
Height: 72.5 m (238 ft)
No. Of Decks: 20
No. Of Cabins: 2,805
Capacity: 5,610 passengers (double occupancy)
Crew: 2,350 crew
Built: 2026
Shipbuilder: MEYER TURKU, TURKU, FINLAND
Entered Service: July 2026
Maiden Voyage: 29 July 2026
Cost: Not publicly disclosed.
Legend of the Seas Fast Favts. Image: Royal Caribbean
Why she stands out:
Legend of the Seas is the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, combining the scale of a mega-ship with family attractions, resort-style relaxation and a wide range of entertainment and dining. She also brings the Icon Class concept to new destinations, including European and Caribbean itineraries.
Key features:
The largest waterpark at sea
Seven pools, including the swim-up AquaDome pool
Surfside neighbourhood designed for families with young children
AquaDome with a 55-metre-high glass dome and water-based shows
Central Park with more than 30,000 real plants
Best for:
Families, couples and multi-generational groups looking for a huge resort-style ship with extensive activities, entertainment, dining and relaxation options.
4. Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas Exterior. Image: Royal Caribbean
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 236,473GT
Length: 361.12 m (1,184.8 ft)
Beam: 64 m (210 ft)
Height: 73 m (240 feet)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,834
Capacity: 5,668 passengers
Utopia of the Seas Infographic. Image: Royal Caribbean
Crew: 2,200 crew
Built: 2018
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazareth, France
Entered Service: July 2024
Maiden voyage: July 19, 2024
Cost: >£1billion ($1.3billion)
Why it stands out:
Utopia of the Seas focuses on short, high-energy cruises with a party-forward atmosphere.
Key features:
Weekend-style itineraries
Multiple poolside bars and DJs
Expanded nightlife venues
Huge selection of casual dining
Best for:
Short breaks, celebrations, and first-time cruisers.
5. Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas Exterior. Image: Royal Caribbean
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 235,600[GT
Length: 362.04 m (1,187.8 ft)
Beam: 64 m (210 ft)
Height: 72.5 m (238 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,867
Capacity: 6,988 passengers
Wonder of the Seas Infographic. Image: Royal Caribbean
Crew: 2,300 crew
Built: 2022
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazareth, France
Entered Service: January 27, 2022
Maiden voyage: March 4, 2024
Cost: EUR 1,2 billion (USD 1,35 billion)
Why it stands out:
Wonder of the Seas was the world’s biggest cruise ship before Icon launched and still offers one of the most impressive onboard layouts afloat.
Key features:
Eight themed neighbourhoods
Central Park with live plants
Zipline and FlowRider surf simulators
Over 20 dining venues
Best for:
Cruisers who want scale without Icon-level crowds.
6. Symphony Of the Seas
The Previous Crown-Holder, Symphony of the Seas has moved to second place in World’s Biggest Cruise Ships. Image: RCI
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GT
Length: 362.1 m (1,184 ft)
Beam: 65.7 m (215.5 ft)
Height: 72.5 m (238 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,759
Capacity: 5,400 passengers
Symphony of the Seas Infographic. Image: Royal Caribbean
Crew: 2,200 crew
Built: 2018
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazareth, France
Entered Service: 31 March 2018
Maiden voyage: 7 April 2018
Cost: US$1.35 billion
Why it stands out:
Spectrum of the Seas is built for the Asian market and blends size with luxury-style experiences.
Key features:
Sky Pad virtual reality bungee experience
Exclusive Suite Enclave
Modern, tech-forward design
Best for:
Travellers wanting innovation and premium touches.
7. Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Sea ranked third largest cruise ship in the World (as at June 2024). Image: Royal Caribbean International
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GT
Length: 362.12 m (1,188.1 ft)
Beam: 65.7 m (215.5 ft)
Height: 70 meters (238 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,747
Capacity: 5,494 passengers
Harmony of the Seas Infographic. Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Crew: 2,100 crew
Built: 2016
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazareth, France
Entered Service: May 15, 2016
Maiden voyage: May 29, 2016
Cost: $1.35 billion (£695 million)
Why it stands out:
Harmony of the Seas remains one of the most popular mega-ships thanks to its balance of entertainment, dining and outdoor space.
Key features:
Ultimate Abyss slide
AquaTheater shows
Central Park dining
Excellent family facilities
Best for:
Families who want a tried-and-tested mega-ship experience.
8. Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's amplified Oasis of the Seas features a thrilling combination of experiences. Highlights include the cruise line’s one-of-a-kind Portside BBQ restaurant and favorites, from the 10-story Ultimate Abyss to popular live music venue Music Hall and a reimagined, Caribbean pool deck. Photo credit: Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas was the ship that launched Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Oasis Class in 2009. At the time, she was the world’s largest cruise ship and introduced the innovative neighbourhood concept, dividing the ship into distinct areas including Central Park and the Boardwalk. She remains one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, with an enormous choice of activities, entertainment, dining and outdoor spaces.
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 226,838 GT
Length: 361 m (1,187 ft)
Beam: 65 m (213 ft)
Height: 72 m (236 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,801
Capacity: 5,602 passengers (double occupancy)
Crew: 2,109 crew
Built: 2009
Shipbuilder: STX Europe, Turku, Finland
Entered Service: December 2009
Maiden Voyage: 5 December 2009
Cost: Approximately US$1.4 billion
Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Why she stands out:
Oasis of the Seas changed the design of large cruise ships by introducing distinct neighbourhoods and open-air spaces within the ship. Her scale and innovative layout set the template for the Oasis Class ships that followed.
Key features:
Seven distinct neighbourhoods
Central Park with thousands of real plants
Boardwalk with a full-size carousel
AquaTheater for high-diving and aquatic performances
Two FlowRider surf simulators
Zip Line across the Boardwalk
Royal Promenade
Multiple pools and whirlpools
Best for:
Families looking for a huge choice of activities
Multi-generational groups
First-time cruisers wanting to experience a mega-ship
Cruisers who enjoy entertainment, dining and outdoor attractions
9. Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and entered service in 2010. She shares the distinctive neighbourhood design of Oasis of the Seas, with Central Park, the Boardwalk and AquaTheater among her signature spaces. Following her amplification, Allure combines the scale of a mega-ship with updated dining, entertainment and family attractions.
Image: Royal Caribbean
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 225,282 GT
Length: 362 m (1,187 ft)
Beam: 65.7 m (215 ft)
Height: 72 m (236 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,706
Capacity: 5,400 passengers (double occupancy)
Crew: 2,384 crew
Built: 2010
Shipbuilder: STX Europe, Turku, Finland
Entered Service: December 2010
Maiden Voyage: 5 December 2010
Cost: Approximately US$1.4 billion
Why she stands out:
Allure of the Seas helped establish the Oasis Class as a new generation of mega-cruise ships. Her seven-neighbourhood layout creates distinct areas for entertainment, relaxation, dining and family activities, while her open-air Central Park and Boardwalk give the ship a unique feel.
Key features:
Seven distinct neighbourhoods
Central Park with real plants and outdoor spaces
Boardwalk with the AquaTheater
Ultimate Abyss dry slide
Two FlowRider surf simulators
Zip Line across the Boardwalk
Royal Promenade
Adventure Ocean children’s programme
Splashaway Bay water park
Mamma Mia! Broadway entertainment
Best for:
Families wanting a wide choice of activities
Couples looking for entertainment and dining variety
Multi-generational groups
Cruisers who enjoy large ships with plenty happening onboard
10. MSC World America
MSC World America at Sea. Image Credit: By JPD115 - Own work
MSC World America is the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and the second ship in the innovative World Class. Designed with the North American market in mind, she combines European style with American influences and introduces a distinctive series of districts rather than traditional cruise ship layouts. The ship is packed with dining, entertainment, family attractions and outdoor spaces.
Class: World Class
Gross Tonnage: 216,638 GT
Length: 333 m (1,093 ft)
Beam: 47 m (154 ft)
Height: 77 m (253 ft)
No. Of Decks: 22
No. Of Cabins: 2,614
Capacity: 6,764 passengers (maximum)
Crew: 2,138 crew
Built: 2025
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
Entered Service: April 2025
Maiden Voyage: 12 April 2025
Cost: Not publicly disclosed
Why she stands out:
MSC World America brought MSC Cruises’ World Class concept to the US market, combining a huge range of facilities with six distinct districts and a strong emphasis on outdoor space. She is currently the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet by gross tonnage and offers a different style of mega-ship experience from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Class vessels.
Key features:
Six distinct districts
The Cliffhanger over-water swing ride
World Promenade with dining, shopping and entertainment
The Harbour family area and water park
Six swimming pools
Adults-only Zen Area
The Spiral, an 11-deck dry slide
MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship area
Luna Park Arena entertainment venue
Extensive family and children’s facilities
Best for:
Families wanting a large choice of activities and facilities
Couples looking for dining and entertainment variety
Cruisers who prefer a modern ship with distinct districts
MSC fans wanting to experience the largest ship in the fleet.
How Do These Ships Compare to Other Cruise Lines?
While Royal Caribbean dominates the list of the world’s biggest cruise ships, other lines take a different approach:
Marella Cruises: Smaller ships, all-inclusive pricing
P&O Cruises: Mid-size ships focused on British tastes
Virgin Voyages: Adults-only ships with lower passenger density
👉 Bigger isn’t always better - it depends on what you value most.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Biggest Cruise Ships
What is the biggest cruise ship in the world?
The biggest cruise ships in the world are currently Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class vessels (Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas and Legend of the Seas), which rank among the largest passenger ships ever built.
Is the Icon of the Seas bigger than Titanic?
Yes. Icon of the Seas is considerably larger than Titanic in both gross tonnage and passenger capacity.
How are cruise ships measured by size?
Cruise ships are usually ranked by gross tonnage, which measures the total enclosed internal volume of the vessel.
What cruise line has the biggest ships?
Royal Caribbean currently operates the world’s largest cruise ships, including the Icon Class and Oasis Class fleets.
The Lowdown
The world’s biggest cruise ships are getting bigger, but size isn’t everything. The latest Icon Class ships from Royal Caribbean dominate the top of the rankings by gross tonnage, while Oasis Class ships and MSC World America remain among the giants of the cruise world.
If you’re choosing a cruise based on ship size, think beyond gross tonnage. A larger ship can mean more restaurants, entertainment, pools and activities, but it can also mean more passengers and longer distances to walk between venues. The best ship for you depends on what you want from your cruise.
For the biggest and newest experience: Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships are the clear standouts.
For a huge choice of activities and neighbourhoods: The Oasis Class remains a strong choice.
For a European-style mega-ship experience: MSC World America offers a distinctive alternative.
And remember, this ranking is based on gross tonnage, which measures the overall internal volume of a ship rather than its weight. Rankings can therefore differ if ships are compared by length, passenger capacity or another measurement.
However, Royal Caribbean aren’t resting on their laurels, they have also announced yet another new ship, Hero of the Seas - the fourth in the Icon class - which is arriving in 2027. Although she won’t be bigger than Star and Icon of the seas, she will be up there.
Also, news on the ocean is that MSC Cruises is reportedly developing a new "Constellation Class" of ships designed to be larger than Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Sadly, we will have to wait till 2030 for that if it comes to fruition.
People also ask:
What does gross tonnage mean?
Gross tonnage measures the internal volume of a ship, not its weight.
Are bigger cruise ships more crowded?
Not necessarily - large ships have more space and venues to spread passengers out.
Are the biggest cruise ships good for first-time cruisers?
Yes — they offer the widest choice of dining, entertainment and activities.
Why Trust Cruise Lowdown
Cruise Lowdown is an independent UK cruise and travel magazine covering cruise ships, cruise lines, destinations and practical cruising advice.
We research ship specifications, compare cruise lines and update our guides when new ships enter service or published information changes. Where possible, we check facts against cruise-line and shipbuilder information rather than relying solely on third-party cruise websites.
Our aim is simple: to give you the useful information we’d want before booking a cruise ourselves - without the sales pitch.
For this guide, we have:
Compared the ships by gross tonnage
Checked ship specifications against published cruise-line and shipbuilder information
Updated the ranking for 2026, including the newest ships
Looked at what makes each ship different, rather than simply listing statistics
Included practical information to help you decide which mega-ship might suit you
Cruise Lowdown is independent, giving you straightforward cruise information without cruise-line marketing getting in the way.
Written by cruise journalist Kathy Taylor,CLIA Cruise Master, specialising in cruise ship comparisons and onboard experience guides.