The 25 Largest Cruise Ships in the World That You Can Sail in 2023

Here are the Largest Cruise Ships in the World available to sail in 2023, ranked from biggest to smallest. These are absolute units. If you're a fan of big ships, you'll want to copy and paste the following directly onto your bucket list.

Let's first get an idea of just how big these things are. As a society, we don't typically deal with such large measurements. It's tough to conceptualize these huge numbers. The chart below compares the size of the Symphony of the Seas (spoiler... that's the largest cruise ship in the world) to popular monuments around the world.

Many of us have stood at the base of the Empire State Building and gazed up in astonishment. Pulling up to a cruise ship provides the same "wow factor."

Check out the size comparison chart below!

Here's a fun exercise. Picture 176 Lebron Jameses lined up from head to toe. What would that represent? If you said, "$84 billion dollars in value" then you're not wrong. 176 Lebron Jameses also equals the size of the largest cruise ship in the world!

Cruise Ship Size Increase Over Time

The trend is clear. The largest cruise ships in the world today measure roughly 8x the size of vessels 40 years ago! Cruise lines proudly boast their biggest and newest ships. Each is guaranteed headlines when breaking the previous record for "biggest ship."

Look at the chart below. We've analyzed nearly 300 ships over the past 50 years. The graph represents average ship size (in gross tonnage) for the included periods.

It's interesting to look at the average ship length versus tonnage. While new vessels today are nearly 5x the gross tonnage as decades ago, ship length has increased roughly 2x. What does that mean? Ships are getting significantly "beefier." These massive gains are found in both height and width. Some of the largest ships in the world have 20 total decks and span 167 feet from side to side (later measured in the "beam" metric).

Cruise Ship Capacity Growth Over Time

Cruise lines are well aware that more passengers equals more profit. Using "economies of scale," these companies have been able to grow revenues disproportionately to the associated increase in costs. In nerd speak, the marginal returns can increase at a rate greater than marginal costs.

Consider this. Royal Caribbean decides to add their magnificent Central Park feature. That's a fixed cost and occupies a fixed space. Whether the vessel has 100 guests or 1,000, the marginal expense is essentially $0 for each additional passenger taking advantage of that space. Adding more passengers adds a clear impact to the bottom line. RC is going to optimize for the greatest number of people feasible in the available space.

Would you guess that it's more or less expensive to book the largest cruise ships in the world? Their size allows all types of variety when it comes to dining, entertainment, and more. So it should be more expensive, right? But then again their size allows for economies of scale. They should be able to charge less as a result. Then is the largest cruise ships less expensive? Below is a cruise pricing widget for the biggest cruise ship in the world. Play with dates and destinations to get a sense of pricing for the Symphony of the Seas.

Below we highlight the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world. You'll find a bunch of helpful metrics included with each. Take some time to explore metrics like beam, capacity, passenger decks, draft, year built, cost, and much more.

#1 - Wonder of the Seas Ship Size

The Wonder of the Seas has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 236,857 gross tons. The ship measures 1,188 feet (362 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Wonder of the Seas holds 7,912 passengers. That includes 5,518 cruise vacationers and 2,394 staff members. The Wonder of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,745.

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Wonder of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Wonder of the Seas Deck Plans.

#2 - Symphony of the Seas Ship Size

The Symphony of the Seas has a construction date of 2018 and a total size of 228,081 gross tons. The ship measures 1,188 feet (362 meters) in length and falls in line as number 2 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Symphony of the Seas holds 7,718 passengers. That includes 5,518 cruise vacationers and 2,200 staff members. The Symphony of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,745.

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Symphony of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Symphony of the Seas Deck Plans.

#3 - Harmony of the Seas Ship Size

The Harmony of the Seas has a construction date of 2016 and a total size of 227,700 gross tons. The ship measures 1,187 feet (362 meters) in length and falls in line as number 3 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Harmony of the Seas holds 7,779 passengers. That includes 5,479 cruise vacationers and 2,300 staff members. The Harmony of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,745.

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Harmony of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Harmony of the Seas Deck Plans.

#4 - Allure of the Seas Ship Size

The Allure of the Seas has a construction date of 2010 and a total size of 225,282 gross tons. The ship measures 1,181 feet (360 meters) in length and falls in line as number 4 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Allure of the Seas holds 7,878 passengers. That includes 5,494 cruise vacationers and 2,384 staff members. The Allure of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,742.

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Allure of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Allure of the Seas Deck Plans.

#5 - Oasis of the Seas Ship Size

The Oasis of the Seas has a construction date of 2009 and a total size of 225,282 gross tons. The ship measures 1,181 feet (360 meters) in length and falls in line as number 5 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. At full capacity, the Oasis of the Seas holds 7,888 passengers. That includes 5,494 cruise vacationers and 2,394 staff members. The Oasis of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,137.

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Oasis of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Oasis of the Seas Deck Plans.

#6 - MSC World Europa Ship Size

The MSC World Europa has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 205,700 gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet (330 meters) in length and falls in line as number 6 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s World Class. At full capacity, the MSC World Europa holds 8,550 passengers. That includes 6,850 cruise vacationers and 1,700 staff members. The MSC World Europa total number of staterooms is 2,700.

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC World Europa Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC World Europa Deck Plans.

#7 - Costa Smeralda Ship Size

The Costa Smeralda has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 185,010 gross tons. The ship measures 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and falls in line as number 7 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Costa’s Excelence Class. At full capacity, the Costa Smeralda holds 6,870 passengers. That includes 5,224 cruise vacationers and 1,646 staff members. The Costa Smeralda total number of staterooms is 2,612.

To see how this compares to all Costa ships, click here: Costa Smeralda Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Costa Smeralda Deck Plans.

#8 - MV Iona Ship Size

The MV Iona has a construction date of 2020 and a total size of 184,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet (344 meters) in length and falls in line as number 8 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in P&O UK’s Class. At full capacity, the MV Iona holds 6,968 passengers. That includes 5,206 cruise vacationers and 1,762 staff members. The MV Iona total number of staterooms is 2,610.

To see how this compares to all P&O UK ships, click here: MV Iona Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MV Iona Deck Plans.

#9 - Carnival Celebration Ship Size

The Carnival Celebration has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 183,900 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet (344 meters) in length and falls in line as number 9 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Carnival’s XL Class. At full capacity, the Carnival Celebration holds 8,375 passengers. That includes 6,630 cruise vacationers and 1,745 staff members. The Carnival Celebration total number of staterooms is 2,641.

To see how this compares to all Carnival ships, click here: Carnival Celebration Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Carnival Celebration Deck Plans.

#10 - Carnival Mardi Gras Ship Size

The Carnival Mardi Gras has a construction date of 2020 and a total size of 183,900 gross tons. The ship measures 1,130 feet (344 meters) in length and falls in line as number 10 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Carnival’s XL Class. At full capacity, the Carnival Mardi Gras holds 8,375 passengers. That includes 6,630 cruise vacationers and 1,745 staff members. The Carnival Mardi Gras total number of staterooms is 2,641.

To see how this compares to all Carnival ships, click here: Carnival Mardi Gras Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Carnival Mardi Gras Deck Plans.

#11 - AIDAnova Ship Size

The AIDAnova has a construction date of 2018 and a total size of 183,900 gross tons. The ship measures 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and falls in line as number 11 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in AIDA’s Class. At full capacity, the AIDAnova holds 8,300 passengers. That includes 6,654 cruise vacationers and 1,646 staff members. The AIDAnova total number of staterooms is 2,626.

To see how this compares to all AIDA ships, click here: AIDAnova Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. AIDAnova Deck Plans.

#12 - Costa Toscana Ship Size

The Costa Toscana has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 183,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and falls in line as number 12 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Costa’s Excelence Class. At full capacity, the Costa Toscana holds 7,000 passengers. That includes 5,322 cruise vacationers and 1,678 staff members. The Costa Toscana total number of staterooms is 2,661.

To see how this compares to all Costa ships, click here: Costa Toscana Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Costa Toscana Deck Plans.

#13 - MSC Grandiosa Ship Size

The MSC Grandiosa has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 181,541 gross tons. The ship measures 1,087 feet (331 meters) in length and falls in line as number 13 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Plus Class. At full capacity, the MSC Grandiosa holds 8,038 passengers. That includes 6,334 cruise vacationers and 1,704 staff members. The MSC Grandiosa total number of staterooms is 2,421.

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Grandiosa Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Grandiosa Deck Plans.

#14 - MSC Virtuosa Ship Size

The MSC Virtuosa has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 181,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,087 feet (331 meters) in length and falls in line as number 14 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Class. At full capacity, the MSC Virtuosa holds 8,038 passengers. That includes 6,334 cruise vacationers and 1,704 staff members. The MSC Virtuosa total number of staterooms is 2,421.

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Virtuosa Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Virtuosa Deck Plans.

#15 - MSC Meraviglia Ship Size

The MSC Meraviglia has a construction date of 2017 and a total size of 171,598 gross tons. The ship measures 1,036 feet (316 meters) in length and falls in line as number 15 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Class. At full capacity, the MSC Meraviglia holds 7,250 passengers. That includes 5,714 cruise vacationers and 1,536 staff members. The MSC Meraviglia total number of staterooms is 2,244.

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Meraviglia Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Meraviglia Deck Plans.

#16 - MSC Bellissima Ship Size

The MSC Bellissima has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 171,598 gross tons. The ship measures 1,036 feet (316 meters) in length and falls in line as number 16 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Meraviglia Class. At full capacity, the MSC Bellissima holds 7,222 passengers. That includes 5,686 cruise vacationers and 1,536 staff members. The MSC Bellissima total number of staterooms is 2,217.

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Bellissima Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Bellissima Deck Plans.

#17 - MSC Seascape Ship Size

The MSC Seascape has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 169,500 gross tons. The ship measures 1,112 feet (339 meters) in length and falls in line as number 17 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in MSC’s Seaside Class. At full capacity, the MSC Seascape holds 7,525 passengers. That includes 5,877 cruise vacationers and 1,648 staff members. The MSC Seascape total number of staterooms is 2,270.

To see how this compares to all MSC ships, click here: MSC Seascape Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. MSC Seascape Deck Plans.

#18 - Odyssey of the Seas Ship Size

The Odyssey of the Seas has a construction date of 2021 and a total size of 169,379 gross tons. The ship measures 1,139 feet (347 meters) in length and falls in line as number 18 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-Ultra Class. At full capacity, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,835 passengers. That includes 4,284 cruise vacationers and 1,551 staff members. The Odyssey of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,098.

To see how this compares to all Royal Caribbean ships, click here: Odyssey of the Seas Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Odyssey of the Seas Deck Plans.

#19 - Norwegian Encore Ship Size

The Norwegian Encore has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 169,116 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 19 among the 30 largest cruise ships in the world. It’s included in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Encore holds 5,733 passengers. That includes 3,998 cruise vacationers and 1,735 staff members. The Norwegian Encore total number of staterooms is 2,040.

To see how this compares to all Norwegian ships, click here: Norwegian Encore Ship Stats

Also make sure to check out this ship deck by deck. Here you’ll find all ship floorplans and activities, including Bars, Restaurants and Things to Do. Norwegian Encore Deck Plans.