Icon of luxury: The rise of mega cruise ships
The largest cruise ships in the world accommodate thousands of passengers. They are equipped with cinemas, water parks, restaurants, bars, golf courses, and full-sized sports fields. Their infrastructure is so advanced that they are sometimes called "floating cities."
The companies organising cruise trips constantly amaze passengers with new ships. Cruise ships are becoming more extensive and more luxurious. Among the largest ships in the world are Royal Caribbean, MSC, P&O Cruises, and Costa Cruises. Here is a list of the 10 most significant "floating cities" in the world.
10. Costa Toscana
- tonnage: 185,000 tonnes
- length: 337 metres
- width: 42 metres
Costa Toscana had its maiden voyage in March 2022. The ship can accommodate up to 6,554 passengers and 1,678 crew members. Guests have access to 11 restaurants, 19 snack bars, and 13 pools.
The interior is inspired by the Italian region of Tuscany. The biggest attraction of the cruise ship is the glass-bottom bridge that is suspended over 18 decks.
9. Costa Smeralda
- tonnage: 185,000 tonnes
- length: 337 metres
- width: 42 metres
Costa Smeralda debuted in December 2019. It was the first Costa Cruises ship powered by eco-friendly LNG fuel.
The cruise ship has 2,612 cabins, with 1,550 as balcony cabins, allowing accommodation for up to 6,554 passengers and 1,678 crew members. The central point of the ship is the Colosseo, a place for passenger integration and live performances. Additionally, guests can find 11 restaurants, 13 pools, jacuzzis, a water park, a spa area, and a children’s club on board.
8. P&O Cruises Arvia
- tonnage: 185,000 tonnes
- length: 344 metres
- width: 42 metres
In December 2022, the P&O Cruises fleet expanded with the Arvia cruise ship. This LNG-powered vessel has the capacity to accommodate up to 6,264 guests in 2,610 cabins and 1,800 crew members. Passengers on Arvia's deck can enjoy a rope course, mini-golf, and a sports hall. They also have access to a dome with a retractable roof where live performances, air shows, film screenings, and DJ events occur.
7. MSC World Europa
- tonnage: 215,863 tonnes
- length: 333 metres
- width: 47 metres
In November 2022, MSC Cruises expanded its fleet with MSC World Europa, its largest ship ever. It can accommodate 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew members. It is equipped with 2,626 cabins, and its promenade is 90 metres long. Passengers can access a wide range of attractions, including a Zen zone with an adults-only pool, a family area with bumper cars, and an onboard water park. The central element of the ship is a spiral slide whose height spans 11 decks.
6. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
- tonnage: 225,282 tonnes
- length: 362 metres
- width: 66 metres
Allure of the Seas, the second Oasis-class ship, made its maiden voyage in 2010. This ship can accommodate up to 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew members. It features 2,742 cabins. Passengers have access to a water park, an ice rink, a basketball court, a 10-deck zip line, and two climbing walls. The ship also offers an extensive entertainment programme, including acrobatic performances and dance parties. Allure of the Seas has 19 restaurants and a 3D cinema.
5. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
- tonnage: 226,838 tonnes
- length: 362 metres
- width: 66 metres
Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas began its journey in 2009. This ship can accommodate up to 6,771 guests in 2,801 cabins and 2,109 crew members. In 2019, it underwent a major renovation during which new attractions, such as surfing simulators and waterslides, were added. Onboard, the latest technologies, including video walls, touch screens, and VOOM, are advertised as the fastest internet connection available at sea.
4. Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
- tonnage: 226,963 tonnes
- length: 362 metres
- width: 66 metres
The next Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, began its cruises in May 2016. This ship can accommodate 6,687 passengers in 2,747 cabins and 2,200 crew members. Guests on Harmony of the Seas can enjoy numerous amenities, including a water park, mini-golf, a climbing wall, a casino, and even a nursery.
3. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
- tonnage: 228,081 tonnes
- length: 362 metres
- width: 66 metres
Symphony of the Seas, the third-largest cruise ship in the world, was launched in 2018. It can accommodate up to 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members. The ship has 2,759 cabins, seven different neighbourhoods, four pools, 20 restaurants, and 14 bars and lounges. Additionally, passengers can enjoy gaming lounges and a 3D cinema and partake in musical, theatrical, acrobatic, and stunt shows.
2. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
- tonnage: 236,857 tonnes
- length: 362 metres
- width: 64 metres
Until recently, Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world, able to accommodate 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members. Royal Caribbean's ship embarked on its maiden voyage on 4 March 2022. There are numerous attractions onboard, including a climbing wall, mini-golf course, casino, cinema, spa, full-sized basketball court, and a Starbucks café. Passengers have access to 20 dining venues and 11 bars.
1. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
- tonnage: 250,800 tonnes
- length: 365 metres
- width: 65 metres
In 2024, a new liner, the Icon of the Seas, took the title of the largest cruise ship in the world from its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas. Onboard, nearly 8,000 people can be present at once, including about 5,600 passengers and over 2,300 crew members. Icon of the Seas is equipped with the largest water park at sea, offering six slides, seven pools, and nine hot tubs. Passengers are also provided innovative entertainment in the form of Thrill Island, an adventure park combining a ropes course with attractions for amateur acrobats.
The Icon of the Seas weighs over 250,000 tonnes and is 365 metres long. This means the currently largest cruise ship in the world is over five times larger than the Titanic.
