Does size really matter? The cruise industry thinks so. For more than a century, cruise lines have competed to claim the title of world’s largest cruise ship.When it set sail in 1912, the ill-fated Titanic was the largest and grandest passenger vessel of its time. But, as of 2009, when Royal Caribbean debuted its first Oasis-class ship, the superlative applies to vessels more than five times Titanic’s size.So, what is the largest cruise ship in the world? At the time of publication, it’s Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. At 250,800 gross registered tons and carrying up to 7,600 passengers (plus 2,350 crew members), it’s a true behemoth. It boasts eight neighborhoods that feature everything from water slides, an indoor AquaTheater, a carousel and an adults-only sun deck to lavish suites, retail shops, thousands of live plants and more than two dozen bars and restaurants.For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.Icon of the Seas. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUYBut where do other cruise ships fall? Here’s a quick rundown of the world’s biggest cruise ships by gross registered tons and maximum passenger capacity. Unsurprisingly, Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class and Oasis Class dominate the top five in both categories. Perhaps more surprisingly, only two other lines join it on the winner’s podium.Note: This article excludes ships from lines like Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Aida, which do not cater to the North American market.Daily NewsletterReward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBiggest cruise ships by tonnage
- Icon of the Seas: 250,800 GRT
- Wonder of the Seas: 236,857 GRT
- Symphony of the Seas: 228,081 GRT
- Harmony of the Seas: 226,963 GRT
- Oasis of the Seas: 226,838 GRT
- Allure of the Seas: 225,282 GRT
- MSC World Europa: 205,700 GRT
- Carnival Celebration: 183,521 GRT
- Carnival Jubilee: 183,521 GRT
- MSC Grandiosa: 181,541 GRT
- MSC Virtuosa: 181,541 GRT
- Carnival’s Mardi Gras: 180,000 GRT
Biggest cruise ships by passenger capacity
- Icon of the Seas: 7,600 passengers
- Wonder of the Seas: 6,988 passengers
- Allure of the Seas: 6,780 passengers
- Oasis of the Seas: 6,771 passengers
- MSC World Europa: 6,762 passengers
- Harmony of the Seas: 6,687 passengers
- Symphony of the Seas: 6,680 passengers
- Carnival’s Mardi Gras: 6,631 passengers
- Carnival Celebration: 6,631 passengers
- Carnival Jubilee: 6,631 passengers
- MSC Grandiosa: 6,334 passengers
- MSC Virtuosa: 6,334 passengers
- MSC Bellissima: 5,686 passengers
What is the biggest cruise ship in the world today (2024)?Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world by both tonnage and passenger capacity is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.What cruise ship is 5 times bigger than Titanic?All of the ships in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and Icon Class are at least five times larger than Titanic was.What is the largest cruise ship capacity?Icon of the Seas can hold up to 7,600 guests at capacity or 5,610 guests on a double occupancy basis (two people per cabin). The ship also employs more than 2,300 crew members.Got more cruise questions? TPG has answers:
Source: thepointsguy.com