largest cruise ships being built

The World's Largest Cruise Ship Is Coming in January—Here's What It's Like Inside

By Jessica Puckett

The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas —which will be the largest cruise ship in the world —will debut to passengers for the first time.

With capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, Icon of the Seas is billed as part all-inclusive resort, part theme park, and a massive destination unto itself . Clocking in at 250,380 gross tons and measuring nearly a quarter mile long (1,198 feet to be exact), the vast ship will sport a total of 20 decks, 18 of which will be accessible to guests.

The ship will be divided into eight different “neighborhoods,” each with their own distinct atmospheres, dining options, and activities. “ Icon of the Seas is truly what we call a white paper ship,” Anna Drescher, manager of architectural design, new building and innovation for Royal Caribbean group, said in a video statement . “The reason that we call it that is we start with a blank sheet of sketch paper, so it truly is starting fresh.”

In June 2023, the ship hit a major milestone when it completed its first sea trials outside the shipyard in Turku, Finland. Next up is the colossal new ship’s first voyage, slated to depart on January 27, 2024. It will sail roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas.

The ship's typical seven-day itineraries include three at-sea days, so passengers have time to fully enjoy the endless choices of amenities on board. “We want guests to walk up to the ship and just have this moment of: I can’t believe that’s where I’m going ,” said Jennifer Goswami, the line’s senior manager of product development.

Here's a look at the enormous scale of the new ship and what to expect on board.

When it begins sailing, the Icon of the Seas will offer a total of 2,805 staterooms that can hold 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or a maximum of 7,600 guests. Passengers can choose from a whopping 28 different room types, including Sunset Suites with wraparound balconies and Family Infinite Balcony staterooms with bunkbeds fit for a family of up to six.

The largest suite on board will be the three-story, 1,772-square-foot “Ultimate Family Townhouse,” which comes with its own movie theater, ping-pong table, karaoke, and a slide between floors. It can sleep up to eight people and costs approximately $75,000 per week.

Among the eight "neighborhoods," or sections of the ship with distinct ambiance, are Central Park, which offers greenery and sidewalk cafes, and The Hideaway, which aims for a European beach club aesthetic. There's also The Suite Neighborhood, Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, The Royal Promenade, and the Aquadome.

The ship's 2,350 crew members will also get their own neighborhood, complete with amenities like a gaming room and hair salon.

Another superlative for Icon will be sporting the largest waterpark at sea. The park, called Category 6, features six different record-breaking waterslides, including the tallest onboard waterslide. There will also be a free-fall slide, plus a raft-style slide for four passengers to ride together.

Seven pools and nine whirlpools will be located throughout the ship, including the first infinity pool on a cruise ship to be suspended in the air. The Royal Bay pool, located on the 15th deck, will break the record for largest pool at sea, holding an astounding 40,000 gallons of water.

Across the towering vessel, there'll be more than 20 food venues and 15 bars and nightlife experiences, including a sweeping three-level main dining room.

Among the options for grabbing a drink will be the line's first onboard swim-up bar, a walk-up Champagne bar, and a bar specializing in coffee cocktails like espresso martinis.

On the entertainment front, Royal Caribbean has hired 75 performers to titillate guests across three cavernous theaters. The Absolute Zero ice arena will feature shows with Olympic-level skaters, while the AquaTheater will combine the talents of divers, robots, and skateboarders.

In the Royal Theater, a 16-piece orchestra (the largest one at sea), will accompany shows like the Wizard of Oz.

In smaller venues throughout the ship, like the dueling piano bar, 50 live musicians and comedians will perform each night, making it possible for every type of passenger to find something that fits their style.

Watch CBS News

A look inside the Icon of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship, as it prepares for voyage

By Kris Van Cleave , Analisa Novak

January 18, 2024 / 12:14 PM EST / CBS News

Royal Caribbean is redefining the cruise industry with its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas. This $2 billion floating resort is largely booked until 2026.

Spanning nearly 1,200 feet, the cruise ship has 20 decks, which makes the Icon of the Seas the world's largest cruise ship.

It's a city at sea, accommodating up to 7,600 passengers in 2,805 staterooms and nearly 10,000 people, including the crew. The ship offers different experiences that include seven pools — one is the largest on any ship — the world's first onboard water park with six water slides, theaters, a casino and over 40 dining and drinking spots.

Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Chief Product Innovation Officer, says the cruise ship is more than just its amenities.

"It's really about iconic experiences," he said.

And despite its massive size, Schneider said the ship is designed to avoid feeling overcrowded.

"We have purposely designed the ship to give more space for people," he said. "We believe, even at 7,500 guests, it won't feel to you like your entire hometown has joined the ship," said Schneider.    

Luxury comes at a price on the Icon. A weeklong Caribbean cruise costs about $3,500 for two people in an average stateroom. For those seeking more luxury, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-story suite complete with touchscreen tables and a slide – can go for up to $100,000 per trip. The Royal Loft, aimed at high-rolling adults, offers two bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a spacious balcony starting at $40,000.

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, said that bigger ships benefit both passengers and cruise lines.

"It means more people can experience something. It means that there's a lot more amenities and activities onboard the cruise ship," McDaniel said. "The more people they can put on a cruise ship, of course, the better business they do, the more money they make."

Kevin Curran says the Icon took his breath away. Having followed the ship's construction for over a year, the Oregon resident said he's thrilled to be on its inaugural cruise from Miami.

"The more I watched the videos, the more I understood this was something special," he said.

Cruising is surging in popularity. Last year, passenger volume outpaced pre-pandemic numbers, and this year is expected to hit a new high of 36 million as spending on experiences has climbed 65% since 2019.

From the bridge, Captain Hendrik Loy is overseeing what amounts to a three-day test drive to the Bahamas.

"There is still fine-tuning that needs to take place," said Loy.

The Icon also champions environmental responsibility. It's powered by liquefied natural gas, treats its own waste, and produces its own water.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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Utopia of the Seas Will Be the Largest Cruise Ever Built in 2024

While the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, debuted last month, there will be an even larger ship debuting in two years.

Royal Caribbean has announced that their sixth Oasis class cruise ship that is debuting in 2024 will be called Utopia of the Seas.  The vessel will be even larger than Wonder of the Seas and will be the largest cruise ship ever built.

The first piece of steel was cut on Utopia of the Seas today to mark the start of construction on the massive vessel.  The ship will carry just under 10,000 passengers and crew members when completed and in service.

Utopia of the Seas will the first Oasis class ship to be lowered by LNG, the cleanest burning fossil fuel.

Le futur paquebot Royal Caribean international construit à #saintnazaire s’appelera Utopia of thé seas. La première tôle est découpée ce mardi aux #chantiersdelatlantique pic.twitter.com/W4qAlDJ39e — Frédéric Salle (@Frederisco) April 5, 2022

Take a tour of the current world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas:

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Carnival Cruise Ship Hosting the Cruise Line’s First Brazilian Carnival

Homeport announced for disney adventure, disney cruise line’s new mega ship, cruise gym dispute: passenger told to “move out of the way” as influencer films, princess cruises will give you 120% in obc if your cruise gets cheaper after booking, related articles, sneak peek at royal caribbean’s newest cruise ship, utopia of the seas, royal caribbean’s next new cruise ship debuts in less than 50 days, royal caribbean adds status matching across all 3 cruise lines, 3 royal caribbean cruise ships will visit grand turk this summer, recent popular posts.

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20 decks, a skywalk, a water park: Inside the world’s biggest cruise ship

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A new cruise vessel is passing its sea trials swimmingly, and when it’s eventually cleared for passenger voyages it will break records as the world’s largest cruise ship.

Put simply, Royal Caribbean International ‘s Icon of the Seas is a monster. At 365 metres long and weighing approximately 250,000 tonnes, it’s the biggest cruise ship ever built. (According to Royal Caribbean, it’s about six per cent bigger than the current record holder, their own Wonder of the Seas .)

The vessel made its foray into open waters this month, completing its first round of sea trials following its construction in Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard.

Icon of the Seas marks the first of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class cruise ships and the first new type of vessel created for the company since 2014.

The countdown to the maiden voyage has begun: if all goes well in the second round of sea trials later this year, the Icon of the Seas will welcome its first paying passengers next January in Miami, Fla.

Here’s a look at some of the most impressive (and, sometimes, over-the-top) features of the Icon of the Seas.

There’s no shortage of space on the Icon of the Seas. The 20-deck vessel includes eight “neighbourhoods” to explore and can accommodate 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew.

The so-called neighbourhoods are designed to cater to every type of vacationer, the company says, with areas for young families and adult-only areas.

Attractions on the ship are meant to mimic various land vacation experiences, with a six-slide waterpark, seven full-size pools, a dueling pianos bar, an indoor aquatic theatre and more.

In case you’re worried about not seeing a waterfall, you can put those fears to rest — the company says the Icon will include a 55-foot-tall waterfall, making it the tallest waterfall at sea.

The ship will also include a greenspace, called Central Park, which will have lots of live plants, live music and a walk-up champagne bar. An extensive pool area called Chill Island will feature the first swim-up bar at sea.

Category 6, the waterpark, will feature the tallest drop slide at sea, an open free-fall slide, family raft slides and two slides dedicated to mat-racing.

For the passengers who find it difficult to lounge around, there’s a part-skywalk part-ropes course designed to intentionally take you beyond the boat’s railings, as well as rock-climbing and surfing simulator expeditions available too.

“Every type of family and kind of adventurer can make memories together and on their own terms without compromise across record-breaking thrills, relaxing ways to chill, a neighborhood designed for young families, more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained, and more,” Royal Caribbean says in its latest press update .

The ship also features 28 different types of cabins, giving more options for families and group travellers – including twisty slides and bunk beds in some quarters.

Families willing to shell out the money (US$75,000 per week, to be precise) can stay in a three-level townhouse, which comes complete with a white picket fence and a mailbox and is being touted as “the most impressive suite anywhere at sea.”

The cruise line says it’s the longest time frame it’s ever dedicated to “designing the perfect home base.”

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Oliver Franklin-Wallis

The dizzying story of Symphony of the Seas, the largest and most ambitious cruise ship ever built

S ymphony of the Seas – which, on its maiden voyage from Barcelona in March 2018 became the largest passenger ship ever built – is about five times the size of the Titanic . At 362 metres long, you could balance it on its stern and its bow would tower over all but two of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers. Owned and operated by Miami-based cruise line Royal Caribbean, it can carry nearly 9,000 people and contains more than 40 restaurants and bars; 23 pools, jacuzzis and water slides; two West End-sized theatres; an ice rink; a surf simulator; two climbing walls; a zip line; a fairground carousel; a mini-golf course; a ten-storey fun slide; laser tag; a spa; a gym; a casino; plus dozens more shopping and entertainment opportunities. To put it another way, Symphony of the Seas might be the most ludicrously entertaining luxury hotel in history. It just also happens to float.

Picture a cruise ship. You’re likely imagining crisped-pink pensioners bent double over shuffleboard, cramped cabins, bad food and norovirus. And, once upon a time, you’d have been right. But in the last decade or so, cruise ships have gone from a means of transport to vast floating cities with skydiving simulators ( Quantum of the Seas ), go-karting ( Norwegian Joy ), bumper cars ( Quantum again) and ice bars ( Norwegian Breakaway ). Restaurants offer menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs. As a result, the cruise industry is experiencing a golden age, boosted by millennials and explosive growth in tourists from China. More than twenty-five million people set sail on a cruise liner in 2017.

“Most people’s idea of a cruise is ‘Oh God, I’m going to be packed in with five thousand people I don’t want to talk to and getting bored out of my tree,” says Tom Wright, founder of WKK Architects, who has worked on cruise ships and land hotels. “In fact, it’s like going to a hotel that just moves magically over night.” (As one cruiser I met on Symphony ’s fan page put it, “We get to see five destinations, and I only have to unpack once.”)

For many, a maiden cruise is rarely the last. From Southampton to Venice to Barbados, ports are full of white-hulled ships packed with repeat customers. Industry satisfaction ratings regularly exceed 94 per cent. And, as Richard Fain is fond of saying: nobody gets those kinds of numbers. Not even chocolate companies.

Fain is chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, a position he has held since 1988. (RCL comprises three lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises.) Now 69, Fain is square-jawed, broad and handsome. More than anyone, he is responsible for the transformation of cruise ships from modes of transport to mega-attractions. ( Symphony is one of his. So are the world’s second-, third- and fourth-largest cruise ships.) A gifted salesman, the first time you meet he’ll lean in, tilt his head just so, and ask you straight: “Have you cruised?”

It was Fain who realised that the cruise industry’s image problem was in fact an opportunity. Convince sceptical land-lovers that cruise ships aren’t outdated, boring and, as an industry joke put it, full of “the newlywed and the nearly dead”, and Royal Caribbean could lock up customers for life. The problem was just one of perception.

By Kelly Clancy

By Jaina Grey

By David Gilbert

By Kate Knibbs

To attract a new kind of customer, Fain needed a new kind of ship. To build it, he hired Harri Kulovaara, a Finnish naval architect who made a name for himself designing passenger ferries. Kulovaara has a round, boyish face and glasses with such thick upper frames it has the effect of a monobrow. Growing up in the coastal city of Turku, he would watch the ferries sail out of the harbour for Sweden each morning, and spend every moment he could on the water. After graduating in the late 80s, he designed two groundbreaking ferries for Finnish company Silja Line. They included a 150-metre, two-deck-high promenade down the centre, culminating in a huge window at the aft. The window brought natural light into the centre of the ship – before that, dark, depressing places – and created a natural, street-like hub for passengers.

Fain, who has a keen eye for design himself – his mentors included Jay Pritzker, the Hyatt Hotels co-founder and creator of the Pritzker Architecture Prize – took notice. “When Richard saw [the Kulovaara-designed] Silja Serenade , he said, ‘I’d like to have this kind of ship.’ The [Royal Caribbean] technical department told him it couldn’t be built,” explains Kulovaara. So, in 1995, Fain hired him to help run the company’s shipbuilding department alongside Njål Eide, a Norwegian architect who had become a legend in shipbuilding. (Eide had designed the first hotel-like atrium at sea, now a commonplace feature.) The company was planning to commission a carbon copy of its existing flagship, Sovereign of the Seas . “We’re not going to build that, Harri,” Fain told him. “We need something better.”

That “better” was 1999’s Voyager of the Seas . Costing upwards of $650 million (£469m), it was 75 per cent bigger than the previous-largest cruise ship, exceeding Panamax – the width of the Panama Canal, an industry-standard measurement. They introduced a central promenade, similar to that which Kulovaara had designed for Silja Line, ending in two banks of panoramic lifts. It was on Voyager that Royal Caribbean introduced the first ice rink at sea, and climbing walls on the rear funnel. (Fain initially thought climbing walls were a bad idea. Now they’re an industry standard.)

If you want to pinpoint the moment ship design went crazy, it’s with the launch of Voyager. Suddenly, cruising was in an amenities arms race. “There was a big shakeup,” says Trevor Young, vice president of new building at Royal rival MSC Cruises. “Companies started to treat the cruise liner as a floating resort, rather than as a ship.” Consider: since the launch of the RMS Queen Elizabeth in 1940, the record for largest passenger ship had changed hands twice. Since Kulovaara joined Royal Caribbean, the record has been broken 11 times. Kulovaara has designed ten of them.

“We don’t set out to build the largest ships,” Kulovaara told me, somewhat sheepishly. “The goal is to build the best ship. But we have so many ideas that we need a little bit more space.”

Cruise-ship architects face constraints that would confound their land-based counterparts. Ships need to be able to face North Atlantic storms, Baltic snow and blistering Caribbean heat in equal measure. The hull is beset on all sides by waves, which cause not only perpetual motion, but vibrations through the steel structure – as do the engines and propellers. A ship at sea is its own island: it must generate its own energy and water, and treat its own waste. There is no fire service nor ambulance, so every crew member is fire trained and the on-board medical centre must be able to handle almost any kind of emergency (including death: all ships have a small morgue, a necessity for a pastime so beloved by the elderly). Some maintain a brig, in case of onboard miscreants – though I’m told their use is rare.

Kulovaara’s New Build department is located in Royal Caribbean’s Innovation Lab, which is based in PortMiami – the largest passenger port – in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The team has around 200 people, including naval architects, interior designers, engineers and project managers. “When I started to get involved we didn’t use CAD,” says Fain. “We used SAD, or ‘scissors-aided design’, because what you did was spread out your drawing on the dining room table and then cut and paste it.” Today, the Innovation Lab includes extensive prototyping and testing facilities, and a large virtual-reality “cave” simulator to allow Kulovaara’s designers and architects to walk around interior spaces throughout the design process.

The essential consideration when designing a cruise ship is flow of human traffic. “They have a relatively high density of population. How can you spread the people and make sure they find their way?” asks Kulovaara. “Understanding how people behave, anticipating how they behave, is key.” With nearly 9,000 people on board including crew, distributing attractions evenly across the ship is crucial. Hence, Symphony ’s two main theatres are at opposite ends. The casino is central, but below the Royal Promenade. (A rule of thumb is that it takes the first two days of a cruise just to get your bearings.)

Perhaps even more important is the movement of the ship’s 2,200 crew, who must be able to access galleys and stores in the bowels of the ship easily. There are safety considerations, too: today’s megaships are split vertically into six or more fire zones, which can be isolated in case of an emergency. Muster stations (usually large public areas) must be evenly spread. Even corridor width is calculated for the necessary flow of passengers in the event of an emergency.

Once the major spaces are sketched out, there’s the onerous task of plumbing. “The big part of building a ship, 85 per cent, is what you don’t see. It’s the air conditioning, the electric systems, the water systems, power generation,” says Kulovaara. Cruise ships are built using concurrent design: while the keel and lower hull are being cut, the top of the ship is still being laid out. “We do the conceptual design and the architectural design,” says Kulovaara. “The naval architects think about hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, hull forms. Then we transfer that to the shipyard and they do the final engineering.”

As the ship is so vast, the detailed design work is commissioned out to multiple architectural firms. Restaurant architects design restaurants; caravan designers tend to be good at state rooms (the industry term for cabins). “We have probably 100 architects who have worked closely with us for a long time,” says Kulovaara. Early in the design process, Royal holds open competitions to design new spaces. “The reason is if you do it in-house, you become blind to change.”

When trying to introduce “anything extraordinary”, Kulovaara assigns a special projects team. With Voyager, New Build had sketched a blank space in midship for a new entertainment venue. The team proposed an indoor arena including a synthetic ice surface, “glice”. Kulovaara assigned the project to Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects. The firm has since worked on several of Royal Caribbean’s wildest schemes, including a viewing platform that extends high above Quantum of the Seas . “We’ve become pretty good at problem solving,” says Butler.

In January 2018, I went to visit Symphony under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France. It was a miserable day: grey mist hung in the air like gauze, but the ship was still visible several kilometres away. The shipyard, STX France, is one of the few equipped to build liners of Symphony ’s scale. The decks are built upside down, in around 80 huge sections – each can weigh upwards of 800 tonnes – and are then robotically welded together like vast LEGO blocks. On the dockside, deck sections of a new MSC Cruises ship lay idle. The legs of an offshore rig stood monolithic, the platform unattached. Symphony was running ahead of schedule.

Kulovaara, Fain and the Royal Caribbean management team were visiting another of their ships, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge , due to sail in November 2018. While they attended meetings, Timo Yrjovuori, the project manager for Symphony ’s build, gave me a tour of the ship. Another Finn, Yrjovuori has light stubble and blond hair hidden under his yellow hard hat. As we boarded Symphony ’s lower decks, the ship was teeming with activity. More than 1,000 workers were undertaking the final outfitting, and the sounds of sawing, welding and industrial vehicles cut through a riot of languages and radio stations.

Symphony is the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, which launched in 2009. Oasis of the Seas was another paradigm shift in ship design: 50 per cent larger again, at 225,000 gross tonnes, it was almost double the industry average. Each Oasis-class ship costs more than $1 billion, not including the vast new cruise terminals Royal Caribbean built in Miami to hold them. “The complexity of building ships goes up exponentially” with size, Kulovaara says. (Previously, the largest lifeboats on the market carried 150 people. In designing Oasis , Royal Caribbean also had to develop a new class of 370-person lifeboats. Symphony has 18 of them.)

The Oasis class’s crowning glory is its split superstructure: 18 decks tall, its central section is a progression of Voyager’s promenade design. The aft is divided up the middle by an 11-deck valley, giving it a horseshoe shape. Standing in the centre of the Boardwalk (Oasis ships are split into seven “neighbourhoods”) feels like standing in Manhattan, with mini-skyscrapers on each side. The chasm is bridged by a Sun deck at the top; from there the 11-storey Ultimate Abyss slides curl down to the Boardwalk.

“To split a cruise liner down the middle in this way was a really big departure,” says Tom Wright, who helped in the development of the exterior spaces for the Oasis class ships. “It’s probably the biggest departure ever by the cruise industry.”

Yrjovuori and I toured the ship. Below decks, Symphony of the Seas is like an Amazon warehouse, a cathedral to logistics. The ship’s bowels are split by a two-lane corridor, nicknamed I-95 after the US highway. In the main galleys are bathtub-sized food processors and dishwashers closer in appearance and size to car washes.

Food is stored in bungalow-sized cold rooms. Even here, flow is king: the layout of the room has been meticulously optimised by observing chefs and service staff to maximise output at peak time; because cold food guarantees unhappy passengers, all of Symphony ’s restaurants are designed with a set maximum distance from galley to table.

“The level of hygiene is extreme,” Yrjovuori announced, as we passed a hand-washing station. Though ship-wide outbreaks of sickness make the news at least once a year, the total number of passengers who fall ill is a fraction of one per cent. But close quarters enable outbreaks, so sanitation regulations at sea are stringent. Every part of the ship, from lift buttons to the casino’s chips, are sanitised daily; interior materials have to stand up to the high level of chlorination from the constant cleaning. Rubbish is frozen in vast storage containers to slow bacteria growth and is only removed in port.

In midships above the Royal Promenade lies perhaps Symphony ’s most remarkable feature: Central Park, an open-air garden enclosed by the upper cabins. Its development was another first, and was fraught with challenges. “I suggested it was going to be a grassy field,” says Wright. Fain loved the idea, but a grass park at sea seemed insane: the deck faces salt air, scorching Sun and foot traffic from thousands of passengers almost every day of the year.

“We do a lot of research,” explains Kelly Gonzalez, Royal’s vice president of newbuilding architectural design. Gonzalez, who leads the design of the ships’ public spaces, is Kulovaara’s closest collaborator; the two have worked together for 20 years. “We hired a grass and lawn expert from the University of Florida. We did a machine test, which was a rolling wheel with sneakers on it that would simulate footsteps.”

The results were not encouraging. “The immediate response is always ‘We’ll tweak it,’” says Fain. “We said no, this is not a tweak. This is a design flaw.”

Kulovaara called a charrette – a closed-doors design retreat that Royal has used for problem-solving since Voyager. “We went back to redesign it,” he says. Their solution was a landscaped garden with 12,000 plants and trees. It required extensive engineering, right down to the soil. “It’s a kind of volcanic exploded clay, so it’s not as dense as it would be on a land-based arboretum,” explains Butler, whose firm worked on the engineering. “On land you put in a sprinkler system and the soil gets saturated. We can’t afford that wet weight, so we do underground watering.” Botanists were consulted, as were ports’ various customs agencies for rules on foreign plant species.

Even unfinished, it’s remarkable: an airy urban park, floating on a skyscraper with an open-air café and performance space thrown in, all in the middle of the ocean.

After the park, we toured Symphony ’s accommodation. Its state rooms are pre-fabricated en masse and inserted into the ship like huge Jenga blocks. Yrjovuori’s army of outfitters were busy adding mattresses and other finishing touches.

More than half of Symphony is taken up by state rooms. “We always say the millimetres matter,” says Harold Law, a senior architectural associate who oversees their development. A centimetre saved by using a thinner veneer might, along the length of the ship, mean an extra cabin per deck. Storage is honed with IKEA-like precision (the secret is calculating average luggage size plus a little extra, for souvenirs).

State rooms must be acoustically insulated – to shield occupants from their neighbours, but also vibrations from the engines, nightclubs or an overhead skydiving machine. The bathroom units are subjected to an incline test: a blocked toilet must still drain at 10° of ship tilt without spilling into the room.

The biggest challenge comes when designing the interior rooms. “Traditionally on inside rooms there’s no natural light, so you can lose track of time very quickly,” says Law. (Days at sea distort time – Symphony ’s lifts contain screens reminding passengers what day of the week it is.) On 2014’s Quantum of the Seas , Royal Caribbean introduced Virtual Balconies, floor-to-ceiling screens which show a live camera feed of the outside view. There are four cameras, because during testing, they discovered that a feed facing the wrong direction causes seasickness. “You have the sensation of the motion of the ship; the visual has to match,” Law says.

“We’re constantly using design to alter the perspective of the room environment,” says Gonzalez. Uplighting and mirrors can help ceilings feel taller. The right pattern on a carpet can lengthen or shorten a space, or provide a subliminal help with wayfinding. One problem with such huge ships is the absurdly long corridors, so the architects insert fake arches or obstacles to make them appear shorter. On Quantum , Royal introduced lenticular wall art, which changes whether you’re walking fore or aft.

Celebrity Edge will introduce perhaps the biggest change in state-room design since balconies were introduced in the 80s. “I was watching the cruise ships going out from Miami one day,” explains Xavier Leclercq, Royal’s senior vice president of New Build and innovation. “I counted the passengers on their balconies – only two per cent of people [were] using them.”

Kulovaara’s team commissioned some research and came to a counterintuitive conclusion: offer passengers balconies and they say they want them, but few actually use them. So, on Celebrity Edge , Wright – the ship’s lead architect – and Royal’s New Build team eliminated balconies entirely. Instead they designed what they call the Infinite Veranda: floor-to-ceiling windows, the upper half of which lowers entirely to create an indoor balcony. As a result, Edge ’s entry-level state rooms are 23 per cent larger and bathrooms 20 per cent bigger than the previous standard. “The cruise industry is incredibly conservative,” says Wright. “To change the structure of how it’s always been done – it’s really quite a big deal.”

In November 2017, before my visit to France, I flew to New York to see the future of cruise ship design. Royal Caribbean had rented a space in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard to demonstrate what it calls Project Excalibur. Guests from the travel industry lounged on white leather sofas, ordering drinks via an app. Wi-Fi beacons tracked our locations, and the waiters’ custom-designed trays included a smartphone displaying our picture, so we never had to go to the bar.

The feature will debut on Symphony of the Seas and be rolled out across the entire Royal fleet. On the main stage, huge 4K screens on robotic arms delivered a dance performance (the show, something of a novelty gimmick, is featured on Quantum-class ships), before Fain made his presentation.

Kulovaara watched from the side of the room. New Build were early in the masterplanning phase for Royal’s next class of ship, codenamed Icon, which is planned to debut in 2022. Notably, Icon class, at 200,000 gross tonnes, will be smaller than Oasis. Instead, the focus is on efficiency, an urgent trend in an industry long criticised for cruise ships’ environmental impact, which included burning huge quantities of fuel and, for several decades, dumping of waste water. (Today, black water – the ship’s sewage – is treated on board, and only dumped into the sea when it reaches near drinking-water purity.)

“Energy efficiency is something we have a lot of pride in,” says Kulovaara. They expect Symphony to be, by weight, the most energy-efficient ship at sea (a claim currently held by Harmony ). “We were able to improve the ship’s energy efficiency by 20 per cent with about 100 different initiatives. The hull form was improved, the propellers were improved, the air conditioning controls were improved, the lighting system was improved.” New Royal ships feature hulls that emit tiny bubbles to reduce drag, meaning the ship in effect sails on air.

After Fain’s pitch for Excalibur, we were given a rundown of the attractions Icon might eventually bring. Some, like a shallow VR sushi-eating experience, felt more like gimmicks for the tech press in attendance. But other elements seemed inevitable: check in via facial-recognition, and a Star Trek -like bridge of the future which included augmented-reality displays showing live data streams. Perhaps the most significant demo was the least well attended: a hydrogen fuel cell, which will be used to generate electricity on Icon, supplementing existing diesel engines. Icon will also be the first of Royal’s fleet to run on liquefied natural gas; Carnival, AIDA and MSC also all have LNG ships under construction, as part of an industry-wide move to meet emissions targets.

Icon’s design is still a closely-held secret, and Kulovaara would only speak in veiled terms. “We’re looking at how the infrastructure has been done on a cruise ship for the last 40 years, and we believe that there is the potential of doing drastically different things,” he said. The last time we spoke, in January, the outline for Icon was coming together, but the design was still lacking… something, so they took a break to look for inspiration. “A ship’s lifespan is at least 25 years. So we have to plan that a ship is still relevant, purposeful and efficient, more than 20 years ahead.”

Right now, Kulovaara has 13 ships on order. In 2014, Royal Caribbean became the world’s largest cruise line by passenger capacity (Carnival is still larger by total passengers, primarily because it offers shorter cruises). Other cruise lines have followed Fain’s lead: in 2017, MSC Cruises announced plans to build four 200,000-tonne World class ships, with split hulls remarkably similar to Symphony . Arch-rival Carnival has ordered two 180,000-tonne ships, due in 2020.

Still, Symphony ’s record as the largest ever looks like it won’t be broken for a while. “The ships are now large enough and give us a platform that we can really do some amazing things,” says Fain. “So a gut answer is: I don’t personally see a need to build larger. But never say never.”

Back on Symphony of the Seas , Yrjovuori momentarily lost his bearings. We stopped and, taking our cue from the stairway’s decor, set off downwards. The sky was getting darker and it had started to rain. Construction was winding down for the night, and for the first time the ship’s corridors were quiet. “It’s maybe romantic, but I think ships have a kind of soul,” he said. “It’s not like a building. They have a kind of personality. ”

It was a few weeks before Symphony would set out on final sea trials. “It’s such an interesting moment in the ship’s life, when she first meets the sea,” Leclercq told me, back on shore. “It’s like a baby being born. Thousands of people, thousands of skill sets… it’s a big human adventure.” When Harmony was floated, the locals in Saint-Nazaire took to the water to meet her. “Thousands of boats were in the water. It was a beautiful day.”

Symphony of the Seas already has bookings until the end of 2019. At the time of my visit, the ship’s Facebook page was filling with passengers excitingly monitoring its progress and discussing itineraries. Kelli Carlsen, an American teacher based in Oslo, told me she booked after her and her husband spent their honeymoon on Harmony of the Seas . “It was once in a lifetime,” she said – until it wasn’t. They’re booked for June 2018. The week after they disembark, she and a friend are cruising again, on Serenade of the Seas. They’re joining the ship late, in Rome, but Carlsen says she doesn’t mind. “There’s so many stops. We just go for the ships, really.”

This article was originally published by WIRED UK

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Largest Cruise Ships

See here the world's largest cruise ships list (including vessels under construction ) owned by the best cruise line companies . This article is also integrated with our ship dimensions , passenger capacity , and old cruise ships surveys.

CruiseMapper's list of biggest cruise ships includes all vessels with gross tonnage/volume over 150,000 GT-tons .

Each one of these behemoth ships is an engineering marvel produced by our contemporary age of fun and super technologies. Kudos to their builders and double kudos to their proud owners who have invested so much in these newbuild projects!

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) and redirect to the liner's itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy cabin rates).

The world's largest river cruise ship is Victoria Sabrina . The 2020-launched riverboat is China-built, owned by Victoria Cruises China and deployed year-round on Yangtze River. The vessel has the impressive volume of 17000 GT-tons, LOA length 150 m (492 ft), width 22 m (72 ft), 7 decks (5 with cabins), 270 staterooms, max capacity 690 passengers plus 195 crew/staff.

Oasis-class - biggest cruise ship in the world ever built

World's currently largest cruise ship class is produced exclusively for RCI-Royal Caribbean andin 2 sub-series - Oasis-Class (Allure OTS, Oasis OTS) and Oasis-Plus (Harmony OTS, Symphony OTS, Wonder OTS). These are sisterships from the fleet of the second- largest cruise shipping company in the world - RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (as shipowner) that follows only Carnival Corporation (as shipowner).

As to vessels' dimensions, each boasts the unimaginable weight of 227,000-230,000 GT / gross tons, LOA length 362 m (1187 ft) and waterline width 47 m (154 ft). The extreme breadth is over 60 m (198 ft). As the GT is a volume measurement, the ship's actual mass (called displacement) is approx 100,000 tons (the hull alone weighs about 54,000 tons). Surpassing all passenger ship standards, building cost and all previous ship travel vacation concepts, the Oasis-class ships are currently the only passenger shipping vessels of such immense size.

Other interesting numbers are the above waterline height (72 m / 236 ft), depth (23 m / 74 ft below waterline), 16 passenger decks, draft/draught (9,3 m / 31 ft), cruising/service speed 23 knots (26 mph / 42 kph), capacity 5400 passengers at double occupancy (max 6296 / 6870) and officers+crew capacity 2165.

The world's biggest cruise ship propulsion system guarantees the perfect maneuverability by 3 rotatable Azipod thrusters (suspended under the ship's stern), each with a huge electric motor and a 6 m (20 ft) propeller. The ship offers great stability due to its enormous size. And in times of need - there are 18 lifeboats, each with a capacity of 370 people.

Oasis-Plus class is also currently the world's most technologically advanced and energy-efficient cruise vessel ever built. It is equipped with a new-generation exhaust gas cleaning system (multi-stream scrubbers) and with a hull lubrication system allowing the ship to float on air bubbles (created around the hull) thus reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

Regarding cruise accommodations , this class of vessels has some of the largest suites at sea - measuring 150 m2 (over 1600 ft2, balcony included). Another signature feature is the 7 "neighborhoods" (theme-park-like areas), 5 large swimming pools, a huge casino, a full-size volleyball/basketball court, large-capacity bars, and lounges. Oasis-Plus ships additionally have waterslides (created by Aquatic Design & Engineering) and a total of 23 "water fun" areas (swimming pools, large-size outdoor jacuzzies, waterslides, flowriders/surf simulators). The stern-located Ultimate Abyss water slide is 150 ft (45,70 m) above sea level. It features 31 sections, two 360-degree circles, 27-degree slide incline, 28 m (92 ft) serpentine-like drop, 13,14 seconds average sliding time (top to bottom), around 300 small LED lights and graffiti artworks throughout.

These phenomenal ships were manufactured by STX Europe (shipyard Turku Finland / Oasis-class) and in by STX France (shipyard Saint-Nazaire France / Oasis-Plus). The new Oasis ships are 2,15 m (7 ft) longer.

Biggest Carnival cruise ship - "Carnival Pinnacle" class

Watch this amazing YouTube video about the "Carnival Pinnacle cruise ship". The project was designed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri as their biggest ever passenger ship - GT tonnage 200,000 tons, capacity 6000 passengers, length 380 m (1246 ft), The "Pinnacle Project" was initiated by Carnival Corporation in 2004 to tip the scales in the "Carnival vs Royal Caribbean" competition.

Carnival Pinnacle was never built as the project was officially canceled (mainly due to the vessel's incredible cost at that time). However, many of the project's elements and innovative design features were later adapted for other large-sized cruise liners built for rival companies.

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What the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Really Like, from a Passenger Aboard Its First Voyage (Exclusive)

The massive and much-hyped ship embarks on its maiden voyage from Port Miami on Jan. 27, but PEOPLE got a first look during the preview sailing

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Royal Caribbean

Calling all cruisers! Royal Caribbean’s shiny new ship, Icon of the Seas , is finally ready to make its official debut.

PEOPLE got a first look at the world’s largest cruise ship on a preview sailing ahead of its official maiden voyage on Jan. 27, and spent days exploring the vessel to see if it’s really the perfect combination of “thrill and chill” like the cruise line says. After experiencing a trip on the floating mini city (really, it has eight neighborhoods including a Central Park!), we can confirm that Icon has everything cruise lovers could want in a vacation and then some. 

Here’s everything to know about the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, including what you can only learn by sailing on it. 

The ship will depart from Port Miami next week for its first seven-night sailing and head for a number of destinations throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Ports will include Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, Cozumel in Mexico, Basseterre in St. Kitts & Nevis, Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean's private island retreat Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Prices for both trips currently range from $3,600 all the way up to $100,000 per week depending on the route and type of accommodation. 

The Superlatives

Icon of the Seas is breaking records in more ways than one. It boasts the world’s largest water park at sea ( Category 6 ) and pool at sea ( Royal Bay ). It's also just slightly longer than and holds a higher passenger and crew capacity than Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas , which formerly had the title of largest cruise ship in the world.

After completing a round of sea trials in June 2023 and naming soccer star Lionel Messi its official Icon in December, the ship is finally ready to start bringing cruisers on a larger-than-life vacation through the Caribbean. 

It’s Basically a Floating City

Cruisers can spend hours exploring each of the eight neighborhoods aboard the ship that all strive to create a unique travel experience based on specific vacation styles. The open-air Central Park is a lush oasis that surrounds passengers with four live plant walls and offers a number of restaurants and bars to dine at — including a walk-up champagne bar and an eight-course dining experience at Empire Supper Club . Guests can even let loose and sway along to live music at Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues . 

The Royal Promenade boasts stunning ocean views through the cruise line’s first floor-to-ceiling window feature equipped with connected decks. The neighborhood also offers more than 15 dining options (the ship in total offers over 40 ways to dine and drink) that can be enjoyed by families and solo adult passengers alike. Additional restaurants, bars and cafes can be found at the AquaDome which has a 55-foot waterfall display as well as panoramic views of the ocean. 

For those looking to lounge by the pool and relax, The Hideaway offers a suspended infinity pool overlooking the sparkling sea, while Chill Island features the most expansive pool at sea at 5,813 sq. ft. The neighborhood also includes a swim-up bar, Swim & Tonic , where cruisers can enjoy refreshing frozen drinks while wading in the water. However, because the ship can hold up to 7,600 guests at max capacity, the bar gets packed pretty quickly so you'll need to claim your spot early.

For adventurers and families, Thrill Island and Surfside are the spots to be. Thrill Island is where Category 6, is located, along with additional daring excursions like the free-fall Pressure Drop slide, FlowRider surf simulator and rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak. Thrill-seeking cruisers can also challenge themselves at Crown’s Edge where they’ll be suspended 154 feet above sea level. 

Meanwhile at Surfside, Royal Caribbean’s first-ever neighborhood designed specifically for families, parents and kids can enjoy their own mini adventures through the beach-themed carousel, family festival and more fun-filled activities. Parents can even have a chance to unwind at the Water’s Edge pool while they watch their kids play in the nearby Splashaway Bay or Baby Bay.

Last but not least, at the Suite Neighborhood , guests can experience the multilevel sundeck at The Grove, enjoy the luxurious private pool and eat at the two-deck Coastal Kitchen. 

Accommodations for All Kinds

With 2,805 staterooms and more than 28 different types of rooms, Icon of the Seas offers a unique way of cruise living. Guests can soak in the views in Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Infinite Balcony Room that can fit up to four people. The room’s private terrace allows cruisers to escape for a while and breathe in the fresh, salty air. 

Surfside Family Suites accommodate families of four and are conveniently located in the heart of Surfside making it easy for kids to jump straight into the action. They offer a private balcony that overlooks the neighborhood so families can always have a glimpse of the fun. 

To take a family getaway above and beyond, cruisers can consider booking the 2,523 sq. ft. Ultimate Family Townhouse that accommodates up to eight people. The three-story space boasts an indoor slide, a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool, an outdoor patio with table tennis and direct access to Surfside. 

This accommodation is so packed with activities and extra space that it costs $100,000 for the whole seven-night sailing and it's already booked through the next year.

Another noteworthy suite is the two-level Icon Loft which is priced at approximately $64,000 for a week. It includes a private hot tub, a wraparound balcony, a piano and primary bedroom with a freestanding bathtub. Both the Icon Loft and Ultimate Family Townhouse offer complimentary specialty restaurants, special beverage packages and unlimited wifi.

Meanwhile, all Sea Class rooms require guests to purchase separate wifi packages.

The least expensive stateroom on Icon of the Seas is the Interior Plus which costs about $3,600 a week.

Entertainment

The option to enjoy live entertainment is always a plus on any vacation, especially if you’re looking to escape some of the chaos happening throughout the 20 decks on board. A good place to start would be the first rendition of The Wizard of Oz at sea in the Royal Theater. The production is similar to a Broadway-level show, from cast members floating over the audience to fake snow falling from the ceiling and more spectacular special effects in between. 

To see the first cast of robots perform the unimaginable, guests can head to the AquaTheater at the AquaDome to see performances that blend together theatrical and live-action movie experiences.

If a show isn’t the vibe for the night, cruisers should head over to Boleros bar and lounge to hear Travesia bring Latin rhythms to life. Afterwards, the Adult Comedy LIVE! show located in The Attic is a good place to laugh the night away.

A Mini Paradise Awaits at CocoCay and the New Hideaway Beach 

It wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean cruise without a Perfect Day at CocoCay stop. The company’s private Bahamas island retreat promises to keep the adventure going at Thrill Waterpark with 14 slides to ride.

The island is also offering a new addition for adults only called Hideaway Beach — its first-ever private escape where grownups can admire the stunning white sand and turquoise waters without any interruptions. 

While the new addition does imitate a relaxing beach club feel with free-flowing drinks and snacks to enjoy all day long, it also presents a similar issue to Swim & Tonic in that it gets packed really quickly. Be prepared to walk to the other side of the cove and spend a few minutes looking for a lounge chair before you can sit back and relax.

A Few More Things to Keep in Mind

Although this is the largest cruise ship in the world, cruisers should expect to feel the boat moving from time to time. Depending on the weather, it can rock to the point that guests may lose their balance, and it's definitely more intense towards the front of the ship. For those who get seasick easily, it's best to book a stateroom towards the middle of the ship where less movement is felt.

This truly is a massive ship. It has a gross tonnage of 250,800 which is about five times more than the Titanic at 46,328, according to CNN . It also takes approximately six minutes to walk from one end of the ship to the other — and that's without stopping to chat with the incredibly friendly crew members on board.

And for the ultimate cruise nerds, Icon's Captain Henrik Loy told preview guests that the ship can reach a speed of about 24 knots (28 mph) during an exclusive tour of the vessel's bridge. The ship was cruising at about 11 knots (13 mph) during this sailing, and the captain added that the max speed is very fast and not needed for this type of trip.

Icon of the Seas Is Just the Beginning  

Also during the preview sailing, Royal Caribbean shared an exclusive look ahead at the next epic adventure they have up their sleeve. Star of the Seas will become the newest ship to join the cruise line's Icon Class when it makes its debut in August 2025. While it won't be the next largest cruise ship in the world, it will still aim to create an epic vacation on board through its accommodations, dining, entertainment and more.

The company also confirmed that an unnamed Icon 3 ship is currently in the works, but the timing and name of the ship has not yet been announced.

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The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.

Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.

The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• Cruise Line Drink Packages
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Stunning Satellite Photos of World’s Largest Cruise Ship Being Built

Edit: An eagle-eyed reader pointed out that the images below are of Harmony of the Seas, not its sister ship, Symphony of the Seas, as originally mentioned. We’ve updated this article accordingly.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class cruise ships take top honors as the world’s largest cruise ships. The Oasis-class include Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. Symphony of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s newest ship and the fourth in the class — is currently under construction, set to sail in April 2018.

The size of these ships can’t be overstated. It total, the typical Oasis-class ship will measure nearly 1,200 feet and carry nearly 7,000 people!

We recently uncovered a cool way to get a look at one of the newest ships in the fleet — Harmony of the Seas.

Most people are familiar with Google Maps and their extensive satellite photos covering the entire planet. We took a look at the shipyard in France where Royal Caribbean had the Harmony of the Seas built to see if we might see anything.

The shipyard is in Saint-Nazaire, France and specializes in super-sized projects like these. But when we took a look using Google Maps, there was nothing to see. No sign of any ships at all.

Then we switched over to “ Lite Mode ” in the program. Lite Mode is a version of Google Maps that uses less resources. It’s designed for slower computers, but we know from experience that it sometimes has different satellite photos than the regular version of Google Maps. (Note: The same trick works in Google Earth.)

There, we saw something big. Real big. It’s Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas Harmony of the Seas, sitting at the shipyard, still under construction. And the detail you can see is amazing.

Here’s the entire ship, zoomed in:

But you can zoom in further, seeing all the details of the ship’s top deck. Here you can see the famous Flowrider pools, sport court, and the Abyss waterslide. Where there is a current staging area for construction is where the mini-golf course goes.

Moving further forward, you can see the exhaust funnels wrapping around the Windjammer buffet. You can also clearly make out waterslides and pools.

Finally, all the way forward you can see the ship’s helipad and the distinctive cantilevered whirlpools that jut out on each side.

Harmony of the Seas is now homeported in Port Everglades, Florida, offering trips to the Caribbean.

Satellite photos courtesy of Google Maps

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The biggest cruise ship in the world is being built

What will cruise directors think of next?

• Haley Otman
• June 9, 2017

Have you ever thought about taking a vacation with 7,000 of your closest friends? In just a few years, you’ll be able to. At that time, the world’s largest cruise ship will set sail, hosting a record number of guests.

MSC Cruises recently announced their order of two mega-ships. One will debut in 2022, and the other in 2024. “MSC Cruises’ World Class cruise ships will feature 2,760 cabins and a maximum occupancy of 6,850 guests, the highest passenger capacity in the global cruise fleet,” according to a press release . And the ship will be a whopping 330 meters long. Conde Nast Traveler calculates that this is almost as long as three football fields, and that it will hold about a hundred more guests than the leading cruise ships.

The ships will, of course, be outfitted with all of the latest cruise luxuries, which their customers expect. A different MSC ship, just unveiled this summer, includes amenities like an indoor promenade, water slides, a bowling alley and even a flight simulator, according to USA Today .

According to the cruise line, the look of the new World Class ships will be different than other cruise ships you’ve boarded. “The World Class’ futuristic ‘Y’ shape structure will enable panoramic sea views and increase the proportion of balcony cabins,” they wrote .

MSC Cruises are popular in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil, they say , though they also offer sailings in the Caribbean, Northern Europe and other areas. You may have heard of MSC before as the provider of a forthcoming, buzzed-about 119-day itinerary . This “ World Cruise ” will allow travelers to see 49 stops in 32 countries. It leaves in January 2019 and will return in May.

This ship is just the latest innovation to the cruising industry. A different cruise provider, Ponant, recently shared its plans for underwater lounges . Guests will be able to check out the creatures swimming near the ship while sipping a drink on a sofa that vibrates to mimic the movements of the sea.

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Disney Cruise Line unveils its biggest ship yet – with room for more than 7,000 passengers

The magic of Disney is growing with a huge new Disney cruise ship set to launch in 2025.

Disney Adventure will be the sixth launch by Disney Cruises and the largest by far with space for 6,700 guests and 2,500 crew.

With a gross tonnage of 208,000, Disney Adventure will be about 44 per cent larger than the line’s current biggest cruise ship, Disney Wish.

Setting sail from Singapore in 2025, the new super liner marks Disney cruise’s first foray into Asia , calling Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre it’s home port.

It will offer three- and four-night itineraries to destinations around Southeast Asia, with a variety of entertainment and Disney character meet and greets onboard.

To keep the thousands of passengers happy, the ship will be split into seven themed zones, each based on a different Disney, Marvel or Pixar movie.

For example, a large open-air pool will be part of the Wayfinder Bay zone, which will reflect the Pacific island look and feel of Moana.

Meanwhile, active children will be impressed by the Toy Story zone, which will host a play land with themed food venues and water areas inspired by the Pixar movies.

And in a nod to the sea that passengers will surrouned the vessel, the Disney Discovery Reef section of the ship will have shopping and dining outposts themed to aquatic characters and nautical stories, such as The Little Mermaid , Lilo & Stitch , Finding Nemo and Luca.

For budding superheroes, Marvel Super Hero Zone will feature interactive activities so you can test your skills or face off against mischievous villains like Loki or the mighty Thanos.

And to cater for Disney Princess fans, the Town Square will be themed to Disney’s royals like Cinderalla, Snow White and Rapunzel. This area will include shops, lounges, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues

In the Disney Imagination Garden, which Disney Cruises say will be the “heart” of the ship, prepare to see lush gardens and an enchanted forest inspired by 100 years of Disney, from Mowgli to Moana. This area will feature an open air space for live entertainment.

Disney also shared that the ship will have three kids clubs, catering to young children, tweens and teens, where youngsters will try different activities under the care of Disney’s trained kids counsellors.

While the kids are being looked after, parents can enjoy a treatment in the spa or use the ship’s gym and wellness area.

And to start the journey in style, to get people excited from the moment they see the ship, Disney revealed that the Disney Adventure’s exterior will reflect the fleet’s iconic Mickey Mouse-inspired colors, complete with the line’s signature red funnels.

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How a New Line of Expedition Ships Is Turning the Tides on Polar Seas

High-tech features are making treacherous ocean passages feel tame

Laura Kiniry

Travel Correspondent

The first time I found myself in the waters surrounding South America’s southern tip, in 2013, I spent hours each day in my cabin, fighting off constant nausea. We were navigating the sea around Cape Horn, a notoriously rough passage, and winds were sweeping our “polar approved” vessel from side to side, whipping up massive waves and sending my stomach into a frenzy.

I swore that I’d never even consider taking a ship through these waters again, let alone the Drake Passage , the approximately 600-mile stretch that lies between the bottom tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula with a reputation for being one of the most perilous on the planet. The passage has claimed the lives of some 20,000 sailors over the years. But when an opportunity came for me to sail to Antarctica a decade later, I couldn’t say no. Thankfully, I found that polar expedition vessels had come a long way in those ten years. Not only was I able to enjoy the scenery, thanks to a bevy of tech-savvy features that helped steady both the ship and my stomach, but I even returned to Antarctica for a second go—braving the Drake Passage crossing a total of four times after swearing it off for good.

While navigating polar waters remains extremely tough, a new line of expedition cruise ships—smaller vessels that are purposely built by various companies for navigating remote areas—has been turning the tides on these treacherous seas and making them much more manageable for both vessels and passengers alike. By combining comfort and efficiency with overall safety through an abundance of high-tech features, and maximizing everything from speed to stability, these purpose-built vessels are making the dreaded “Drake Shake” (the passage’s less-than-savory nickname) feel more like the “Drake Lake,” even on its wildest days.

Why repurposed research vessels weren’t the best fit

When traveler expeditions first started heading to Antarctica in the late 1960s , most of the ships being used were old Russian research vessels and converted car ferries that had been outfitted with guest cabins. They were rugged and far from luxury, but each of these ships had been “polar approved.” This meant they’d undergone substantial modifications—such as rebuilding the entire body of the ship from sheets of metal to thicker, highly durable steel—to allow them to operate in polar waters. Still, they were a far cry from the purpose-built ships of today.

Even Lindblad Expeditions’ Explorer ship, one of the company’s still-operational expedition ships, which launched in 2008, began service as a coastal Norwegian passenger and ice ferry. “She was already ice class,” a term meaning it was built to safely navigate through sea ice, says Tyler Skarda , Lindblad’s chief maritime officer. “Lindblad then equipped her with mud rooms to store excursion equipment, and outfitted her with an ice-strengthened hull.”

It wasn’t until the last decade that some of the major players in the cruise industry—companies like Lindblad, Viking Cruises, Aurora Expeditions and Ponant, which includes ships used by Smithsonian Journeys —began purposely constructing expedition ships. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, 2023 saw a record 81 expedition cruise ships operating , a number that more than quadrupled from a decade ago. Many of these ships have been intentionally built for the expedition cruise industry. With passenger capacities ranging anywhere from 60 to 375 or even more, these smaller vessels are designed specifically for crossing waters like the Drake, as well as the ice-laden polar regions of both Antarctica and the Arctic.

“Antarctica is where the money is,” says Jason Flesher, an expedition operations director with Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours who’s been involved with expedition cruising since 2010. “It’s still that unattainable, unreachable frontier for so many.”

The technology of purpose-built ships

In order to build ships strong and technically savvy enough to traverse through some of the most remote and challenging landscapes on Earth, several cruise companies borrowed designs from other parts of the shipping industry. For example, both Lindblad and Aurora Expeditions turned to Ulstein , a family-owned and internationally renowned shipbuilder, to create their innovative hull design. Ulstein first launched its patented X-Bow concept in 2005 as a way for shipping vessels to service the huge offshore oil and gas industry in the exceptionally rough North Sea.

From its inception, the X-Bow was a hit. Its sloped design offers a smoother ride both by splitting the energy of the waves as they hit a ship and by reducing the slamming impact that comes with water hitting the underside of the bow. “The X-Bow mitigates any pitching through creating buoyancy, so that ships like Lindblad’s Resolution and Endurance can basically glide through eight meter [26-feet-high] seas,” says Skarda. “It also allows these ships to keep up speed, unlike traditionally bowed ships, where you have to slow down in order to keep the back end of a ship from coming out of the water.”

Tomas Holik , vice president of operations at Aurora, says the revolutionary design also comes in handy during severe weather conditions. “While other ships may have to wait for conditions to improve,” he says, “the X-Bow allows our expedition ships to continue.”

Companies such as Lindblad, Scenic Eclipse and Viking have also outfitted their expedition vessels with Azipod , a gearless, steerable propulsion system that allows ships to maneuver 360 degrees with superb precision. First developed in the late 1980s for vessels maintaining Finland’s coastal fairways, these electric units permit a ship’s main propellers to act as thrusters, eliminating any need for separate thrusters, which can add drag, or extra resistance, to the hull.

“One of the amazing capabilities that Azipods give us,” says Skarda, “is that rather than having fixed shafts and propellers, which are typically the first things to get damaged in the ice, we’re instead able to get into a situation where the ship sees an ice ridge, and then they can almost turn around on a dime. It then uses the Azipod propulsion system to actually flush the ice to the side. If a ship with a conventional propulsion system hits the ice with one of their propellers or the shaft or the rudder, they’re going to have a problem.”

Another game changer is the computer-controlled Dynamic Positioning (DP) System , used to automatically maintain a ship’s position without mooring lines or anchors. Ships like Scenic Eclipse I and II and Viking Polaris and Octantis use it in shallow, fragile areas to minimize harm to seabeds. “With the DP system, all it takes is the push of a button, and the computer takes over everything,” says Flesher, of Scenic. “The thrusters, the propulsion, the stabilizers—so no matter what outside forces are against the ship, she holds point and she won’t move.”

While all high-end expedition cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers to smooth out the ride, the custom-built ones on Scenic Eclipse I and II are 50 percent larger than those on other vessels. They’re also zero-speed, meaning they minimize drag by maximizing lift, greatly reducing any rolling caused by rough seas. A computerized system allows them to move up and down automatically, counteracting any winds or swells that the ships encounter. Actually, the stability of the ships when they’re stationary is so good, it’s akin to treading water.

When it comes to sustainability, all new cruise ships debuting between 2023 and 2028 will be primarily powered by liquefied natural gas , according to CLIA. Launched in 2020, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot even became the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by this cleaner fossil fuel, which emits very little sulfur. Artificial intelligence is another tool that can make modern expedition ships more efficient by forecasting sea ice before it forms, allowing vessels to strategically plan routes around it.

All of these technologies mean a smoother ride for passengers, who get the adventure of navigating rough seas without putting their lives in peril like their precursors .

Weighing options

Although converted polar-class vessels are still the best option for budget travelers heading to Antarctica, Flesher says it’s going to include “a lot more bounce” to get there. “These are the ships where the dining room chairs are chained to the floor,” he says, “and the movement? Believe me, you feel it.”

While today’s purpose-built expedition ships may have oversized stabilizers to help steady them in winds and waves, and strengthened hulls to protect their cargo and machinery, they’re not entirely foolproof. Unforeseen natural occurrences (like the rogue wave that hit a ship on its return from Antarctica in 2022) are extremely rare, but they certainly can happen. “Something like a [rogue wave] will have an impact on a vessel, regardless of its size and technical prowess,” says Holik, of Aurora Expeditions.

Crossing the Drake Passage may still have its risks, but they’re minimal in comparison to the days of legendary polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton . In the case of today’s purpose-class expedition vessels, it’s also a lot more comfortable to boot.

As someone who’s prone to seasickness, I only felt the slightest bit queasy (thanks, in part, to some ginger tablets and Dramamine) while traversing the infamous sea. Definitely not enough to keep me from taking in the breathtaking scenery while following the sea paths of legends.

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Laura Kiniry | READ MORE

Laura Kiniry is a San Francisco-based freelance writer specializing in food, drink, and travel. She contributes to a variety of outlets including American Way , O-The Oprah Magazine , BBC.com , and numerous AAA pubs.

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Shipbuilding

Cruise shipbuilding industry worldwide - statistics & facts

While the majority of the commercial shipbuilding activity takes place in Asia, the passenger shipbuilding segment is headquartered in Europe. China, Japan, and South Korea, the world’s largest shipbuilding countries , have outperformed Europe in most of the commercial segments, but European shipyards still excel in niche markets such as the cruise, yacht, and military segments. These sectors require an extremely high degree of workforce specialization as well as sophisticated technologies. Within Europe, the main shipyards for cruise vessels are located in Italy, Germany, France, and Finland. Fincantieri is the largest cruise ship builder worldwide, providing vessels for some major cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises. Despite its status, Fincantieri is not spared the competitive pressure exerted by Asian shipyards. Its plan to merge with France’s largest shipyard, Chantiers de l’ Atlantique, is currently being reviewed by EU antitrust regulators. This move would leave the German group Meyer Werft as its only European competitor. Consolidation in the shipbuilding industry has been an ongoing trend over the past few years: the number of active shipyards worldwide has halved between 2014 and 2019, mainly as a result of cyclical demand. This is particularly true of the cruise building industry, which has seen its orders decline after peaking in 2017. Specialization is another prominent trend in the global shipbuilding industry. Within the cruise market, the river cruise segment is booming, particularly in Europe. The number of international passengers in European river cruises doubled between 2013 and 2018, and the German market has seen its revenue steadily increase since 2014. After COVID-19, European shipyards are trying to find ways to cope with the reduction in demand. As of 2019, there were 114 cruise ships in the global order book , but shipyards are unlikely to receive new orders. To compensate for the plunge in demand for cruise vessels, the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) has called for the implementation of an EU-wide public vessel program. Among its objectives, such a program could also see fleet renewal interventions for European commercial vessels. This would come at the right time, as the commercial sector is under pressure to conform to the IMO 2020 regulations with interventions such as scrubber retrofits . This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. Show more Published by Statista Research Department , Apr 16, 2024

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You won't be 'overcrowded by thousands of tourists': What to know about Montreal cruises

• Montreal is the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province.
• The city offers a relatively quaint cruise experience.
• The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023.

On a recent afternoon, I strolled beside patches of purple flowers on a wooden walkway at the Port of Montreal. The Promenade d'Iberville green roof, with western red cedar decking and more than 24,000 aromatic and flowering plants, was built on top of the city’s main cruise terminal.

The effect was less industrial infrastructure – like many ports – and more charming urban parks.

Montreal may be the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, but it offers a relatively quaint cruise experience. Bridges between Montreal and Quebec City block vessels with air draft – the distance from the waterline to the highest point on a ship – over 49 meters (or about 161 feet) from berthing at its facilities in Old Montreal.

The ships that visit are generally smaller (though the city can accommodate those with a maximum 50-meter (164 feet) air draft east of the Jacques Cartier Bridge).

“We are positioning Montreal as a niche port for luxury ships,” Yves Gilson, associate director of cruises at the Port of Montreal, told USA TODAY during a visit in May. Here’s what to know about sailing into and out of the city.

The cruise inventory tends to be upscale

Montreal typically welcomes ships carrying 2,000 passengers or less from several upscale cruise lines, which tend to operate ships with lower capacity. Those include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Viking, Ponant and more. Though not a luxury brand, one of the city’s main clients is Holland America Line, which will send its 1,432-guest Volendam ship there this season.

The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023. By contrast, its neighbor to the northeast, Quebec City, saw 154,000 passengers . Despite its smaller population, large ships from operators like Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line will visit Quebec City this season (along with smaller vessels).

Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, added that it’s not just ocean cruise ships that stop in Montreal. “There are river cruises that can get in and out of there as well,” he said.

Gilson noted that the city “could absorb” traffic from bigger ships if not for the bridges. “But on the other hand, the experience for the guest is marvelous because you know they will not be overcrowded by thousands of tourists,” he said.

You can hit the ground walking

The main cruise terminal is close to many of the city’s popular attractions. Old Montreal’s Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica and the Place d’Armes are less than a 10-minute walk away, and numerous restaurants, shops, and museums are also nearby. 

I grabbed a prosciutto sandwich at Italian grocery store Dispensa; ate on a bench outside; picked up a coffee at Cafecito and was able to be at the main terminal within 15 minutes or so on foot while taking in views of the water and architectural landmarks like Habitat 67.

There are also multiple close bicycle rental and Metro stations, and waiting taxis (the port works with software platform, Véco Taxi, which gives priority to electric vehicles).

Gilson said more lines are offering overnight stays in Montreal, giving guests more time to explore.

When is the best time for a Montreal cruise?

Montreal’s cruise season begins in May and ends in October, hitting its peak during the last two months of that period. Feldman said fall foliage is a particular draw for passengers. 

Montreal often features on Canada and New England itineraries alongside ports such as Boston, Massachusetts and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The port’s cruise calendar can be found by clicking here .

The sailings tend to last around 10 to 14 days. “The distances between the ports in this region can be significant and navigation through areas like the St. Lawrence River and around the Gulf of Maine take time,” he said. Passengers on those sailings are looking for a “more immersive experience.”

Would you spend $14,000 on a cruise?: Here's why these travelers splurged

“Longer itineraries allow for more time in each port and often include scenic cruising days,” he added.

Cruise ships have historically avoided the area when cold sets in, but that could soon change: Ponant’s icebreaking Le Commandant Charcot will offer sailings in St. Lawrence in the winter of 2025. While the ship will not visit Montreal due to its size – though it will stop in Quebec City – Gilson hopes it will mark a shift.

“And eventually, we believe that all the cruise lines will get into the St. Lawrence during the winter,” he said. “So, it's gonna be an all-year-round cruise destination.”

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Tourisme Montréal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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What is the largest cruise ship in the world?

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, ill-fated Titanic was the largest and grandest passenger vessel of its time. But since 2009, when Royal Caribbean debuted its first Oasis Class ship, those superlatives have applied to vessels more than five times Titanic's size.

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Today, the largest cruise ships are floating cities, offering a plethora of bars and restaurants, expansive spas and sun deck retreats. They feature scores of recreation opportunities, including zip lines, surf simulators , rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, escape rooms, laser tag, top-deck go-karts , virtual reality gaming and even roller coasters .

So, what is the largest cruise ship in the world, and how do other cruise ships compare? Here's a quick rundown of the world's biggest cruise ships by both gross registered tons and maximum passenger capacity. Unsurprisingly, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class dominate the top five in both categories, with only two other lines joining Royal Caribbean.

What is the world's largest cruise ship?

Currently, 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), the ship is a true behemoth. It includes neighborhoods that feature everything from waterslides, 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.

The rest of the world's largest cruise ships

Note: This article excludes ships from lines like Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Aida, which do not cater to the North American market.

World's biggest cruise ships by tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800 gross registered tons
• Wonder of the Seas : 236,857 gross registered tons
• Symphony of the Seas: 228,081 gross registered tons
• Harmony of the Seas: 226,963 gross registered tons
• Oasis of the Seas: 226,838 gross registered tons
• Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross registered tons
• MSC World Europa: 205,700 gross registered tons
• Carnival Celebration : 183,521 gross registered tons
• Carnival Jubilee : 183,521 gross registered tons
• MSC Grandiosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• MSC Virtuosa: 181,541 gross registered tons
• Carnival's Mardi Gras : 180,000 gross registered tons

World's 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. It takes the title from fleetmate Wonder of the Seas. Several other Royal Caribbean vessels — including Freedom Class and Oasis Class namesakes Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — were also the largest at one time.

What is the world's biggest cruise ship price?

Royal Caribbean paid about $2 billion to build Icon of the Seas. At press time, the least expensive cabins on Icon of the Seas started at $1,210 per person for a seven-night voyage ($173 per person, per night). If that's out of your price range, check out my recommendations for ships to try instead of 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, in terms of size. As far as passenger numbers, Titanic had capacity for 2,453 people, while Icon of the Seas can hold 7,600.

What is the largest cruise ship capacity?

Icon of the Seas can hold up to 7,600 guests at maximum capacity or 5,610 guests on a double occupancy basis (two people per cabin). The ship also employs more than 2,300 crew members. That means the ship can carry nearly 10,000 people when it's fully crewed and every passenger bed is occupied.

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