Top 10 Biggest Royal Caribbean Ships 2025
Largest Royal Caribbean Ships. Image: Royal Caribbean International
Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the Royal Caribbean Fleet 2025
Correct as at 1 February 2025
Royal Caribbean International (RCI) are responsible for sailing the biggest/largest cruise ships in the world. RCI ethos seems to be ‘go big or go home’ - and from where I’m sitting you won’t want to be homeward bound once you have experienced what these ships have to offer.
When we took our first cruise many years ago, it was on a ship of just over 76,000 GT (Mariner of the Seas) which seemed absolutely huge to us. Well, hello - Icon of the Seas weighs in at an unbelievable 248,663 GT which is over three times the size of our first ‘little’ ship.
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 Royal Caribbean’s Top Ten biggest cruise ships currently in the fleet.
Royal Caribbean Ship Classifications
Firstly, here are the biggest Royal Caribbean ship classes in order of size, from largest to smallest, based on gross tonnage:
Icon Class – 250,800+ GT (e.g. Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas)
Oasis Class – 226,838–236,857 GT (e.g. Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas)
Quantum Ultra Class – 169,000–169,300 GT (e.g. Odyssey of the Seas)
Quantum Class – 168,666 GT (e.g. Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas)
Freedom Class – 154,407–156,271 GT (e.g. Freedom of the Seas)
Voyager Class – 137,276–139,999 GT (e.g. Voyager of the Seas)
Radiance Class – 90,090 GT (e.g. Brilliance of the Seas)
Vision Class – 73,817–82,910 GT (e.g. Enchantment of the Seas)
You can see that Icon Class and Oasis Class top this list, but which ships rank in the top 10? Let’s find out!
1.Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas - the largest ship in the world 2024. Image: Royal Caribbean
Currently the World's Largest Cruise Ship (February 2025)
Icon of the Seas is the first ship of Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class of cruise ships. She is currently the largest cruise ship in service both for Royal Caribbean, and the world as a whole.
1.Icon of the Seas Facts & Figures
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: 2,805
Capacity: 5,610 passengers
Crew: 2,350 crew
Built: 2024
Shipbuilder: Meyer Turku, Finland
Entered Service: 27 January 2024
Maiden voyage: January 2024
Cost: EUR 1,9 billion (USD 2 billion)
Overview and Highlights:
As the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas offers unparalleled amenities, including seven pools, a waterpark with six waterslides, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods, such as the family-focused Surfside and the luxurious Suite Neighborhood. Entertainment options include the AquaDome, a glass-domed space housing a waterfall and performance venue, and Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea.
Find out more: Icon of the Seas - All You Need to Know
Icon of the seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
2. Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Sea Exterior. Image: Royal Caribbean Int.
To be fair, there is very little between the two ships taking eConsult and third places. They are very similar in size.
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 236,473 GT
Length: 362 m (1,188 ft)
Beam : 64 m (212 ft)
Height: 72 m (236 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18 (16 passenger decks)
No. Of Cabins: 2,834
Capacity: 5,668 passengers
Crew: 2,290 crew
Built: 2024
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
Entered Service: 19 July 2024
Maiden voyage: 19 July 2024
Cost: US$1.1 billion
Overview and Highlights
Utopia of the Seas offers a variety of amenities, including five pools, eight hot tubs, 22 dining venues, and 13 bars. Entertainment options feature live bands, a comedy club, casinos, and production shows. The ship also boasts a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, and the largest dry slide at sea.
Find out more: All Things Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
3. Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas Exterior. Image: Royal Caribbean Int.
Very similar to sister ship, new Utopia of the Seas, Wonder is just pipped at the post.
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
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)
Overview and Highlights:
Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class ship and offers features like the Suite Neighbourhood, an exclusive area for suite guests, and the Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed play area for children. The ship also boasts the Central Park neighbourhood, featuring over 20,000 real plants, and the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea.
4. Symphony Of the Seas
The Previous Crown-Holder, Symphony of the Seas has moved to third place in World’s Biggest Cruise Ships. Image: RCI
The next two ships, Symphony of the Sea and Harmony of the Seas are also very similar in dimensions, with just marginal gross tonnage between them.
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GT
Length: 362.1 m (1,184 ft)
Beam: 47.4 m (156.8 ft)
Height: 72.5 m (238 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,759
Capacity: 5,400 passengers
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
Overview and Highlights:
Symphony of the Seas features a variety of entertainment options, including a full-size basketball court, an ice-skating rink, a zip line, and two 43-foot rock-climbing walls. The ship also offers the Bionic Bar, where robotic bartenders serve drinks, and the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-level accommodation with a slide and private cinema.
Symphony of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
5. 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 (at waterline): 47.42 m (155.6 ft)
Height: 70 m (238 ft) ?
No. Of Decks: 18
No. Of Cabins: 2,759
Capacity: 5,479 passengers
Crew: 2300 crew
Built: 2016
Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazareth, France
Entered Service: 15 May 2016
Maiden voyage: 29 May 2016
Cost: US$1.35 billion
Overview and Highlights:
Harmony of the Seas offers amenities such as the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss slide, and the Bionic Bar. The ship also features the Central Park and Boardwalk neighbourhoods, providing diverse dining and entertainment options.
Harmony of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
6. Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Allure of Sea is currently fourth largest cruise ship in the world. Image: Royal Caribbean International
Allure of the sea is just 50 mm (2.0 in) longer than Oasis of the Sea
If you compare the two you will see that there is very little between Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, apart from a marginal difference in gross tonnage/length.
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 225,282 GT
Length: 362 m (1,187 ft)
Beam (at waterline): 47 m (154 ft)
Height: 72 m (236 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18 (16 passenger decks)
No. Of Cabins: 2,540
Capacity: 5,484 passengers
Crew: 2,200 Crew
Built: 2010
Shipbuilder: STX Europe, Turku Shipyard, Finland
Entered Service: 28 November 2010
Maiden voyage: 1 December 2010
Cost: US$1.2 billion
Overview and Highlights:
Allure of the Seas features seven distinct neighbourhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade, each offering unique experiences. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, entertainment venues, and recreational activities, such as zip-lining nine decks above the Boardwalk and surfing on the FlowRider® surf simulators. The ship also boasts the AquaTheater, an open-air amphitheatre at the ship’s stern, hosting high-diving performances and aquatic shows.
In April 2025, Allure of the Seas is set to debut a significant renovation, featuring new additions like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, the Ultimate Abyss—a 10-story dry slide—and over 35 dining and drinking venues.
Allure of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
7 Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Exterior. Image Credit: Royal Caribbean International
Class: Oasis Class
Gross Tonnage: 226,838 GT
Length: 360 m (1,180 ft)
Beam (at waterline): 47 m (154 ft)
Height: 72 m (236 ft)
No. Of Decks: 18 (16 passenger decks)
No. Of Cabins: 2,540
Capacity: 5,606 passengers
Crew: 2,165 crew
Built: 2009
Shipbuilder: STX Europe, Turku Shipyard, Finland
Entered Service: 30 November 2009
Maiden voyage: 5 December 2009
Cost: US$1.4 billion
Overview and Highlights:
Oasis of the Seas features a groundbreaking design consisting of seven distinct neighbourhoods, each packed with amazing, innovative at-sea experiences.
In 2019, the ship underwent a significant amplification, introducing new features such as the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide, and the Perfect Storm water slides. Dining options were expanded to include venues like Portside BBQ and the Bionic Bar, where robotic bartenders serve drinks. Entertainment was also enhanced with new shows and activities, ensuring that Oasis of the Seas remains at the forefront of cruise ship innovation.
Oasis of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
8 Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas and sister ship Odyssey of the Seas have very similar dimensions, with Anthem being fractionally longer.
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class cruise ship, offering a range of groundbreaking amenities designed to enhance the cruising experience.
Class: Quantum Class
Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GT
Length: 1,141 feet (347.1 metres)
Beam: 136 feet (41.4 metres)
Height: Approximately 209 feet (63.7 metres)
Number of Decks: 16 passenger decks
Number of Cabins: 2,090
Capacity: 4,180 passengers at double occupancy; up to 4,905 passengers maximum
Crew: 1,500
Built: 2015
Shipbuilder: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Entered Service: April 2015
Maiden Voyage: April 22, 2015
Cost: Approximately $940 million
Overview and Highlights:
Notable features include the North Star observation capsule, which ascends over 300 feet above sea level, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding seascape. The ship also boasts the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, allowing guests to experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe, controlled environment. The SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, offers activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school. Entertainment options are diverse, with venues like the Royal Theatre hosting Broadway-style productions, and Two70, a multi-level lounge offering panoramic ocean views by day and immersive shows by night. Dining experiences are equally varied, featuring a range of complimentary and specialty restaurants serving global cuisines.
Anthem of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
9 Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas is the second Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, celebrated for its advanced features and diverse amenities.
Class: Quantum Ultra Class
Gross Tonnage: 169,300 GT
Length: 1,139 feet (347.1 metres)
Beam: 135.7 feet (41.4 metres)
Height: Approximately 209 feet (63.7 metres)
Number of Decks: 16 passenger decks
Number of Cabins: 2,137
Capacity: 4,198 passengers at double occupancy; up to 5,498 passengers maximum
Crew: 1,500
Built: 2021
Shipbuilder: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Entered Service: March 2021
Maiden Voyage: July 31, 2021
Cost: Approximately $940 million
Overview and Highlights:
Like Anthem of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas offers a host of innovative amenities designed to enhance the cruising experience. The ship has North Star observation capsule, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, and the SeaPlex, indoor activity space with activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school. other aspects are very similar to Anthem of the Seas.
Odyssey of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
10 Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, celebrated for its innovative features and diverse amenities.
Again, there is very little to distinguish between Ovation of the Seas and sister ships Anthem, Odyssey, Quantum and Spectrum of the Seas as you will see from the infographic.
Class: Quantum Class
Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GT
Length: 1,141 feet (347.1 meters)
Beam: 136 feet (41.4 meters)
Height: Approximately 209 feet (63.7 meters)
Number of Decks: 16 passenger decks
Number of Cabins: 2,091
Capacity: 4,180 passengers at double occupancy; up to 4,905 passengers maximum
Crew: 1,500
Built: 2016
Shipbuilder: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Entered Service: April 2016
Maiden Voyage: April 17, 2016
Cost: Approximately $1 billion
Overview and Highlights:
Ovation of the Seas is packed with innovative features that make it one of the most exciting ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Guests can enjoy the North Star, a glass observation capsule that rises over 300 feet above sea level for stunning panoramic views. Thrill-seekers can experience the RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator that offers an adrenaline-pumping free-fall experience at sea. The SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, offers bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school.
Ovation of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
Coming Soon! Star of the Seas
Here is a sneak preview of what to expect from Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, debuting in Summer 2025. Star of th3 Seas will share the crown of not only largest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but also as the joint largest cruise ship in the world.
Star of the Seas Infographic courtesy of Royal Caribbean Int.
Royal Caribbean isn’t resting in its laurels, however. There is a further Icon class ship on the order books for delivery in 2026, as yet unnamed. This new ship is likely to topple her sisters to take the accolade of Biggest Ship in the World. Watch this space e,