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

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

2. Utopia of the Seas

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

3. Wonder of the Seas

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 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. 

5. Harmony of the Seas

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.

6. Allure of the Seas

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.

7 Oasis of the Seas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,