Today’s cruise ships are larger than ever before, boasting amenities like zip lines, ice skating rings and high dive shows. If you’re considering taking a cruise and want to learn more about what’s on offer, here is an overview of some of the world’s largest cruise ships and their features.
24/7 Tempo reviewed cruise company websites and industry publications to identify the largest cruise ships based on non-crew passenger numbers. For three ships that did not provide such data, we relied on passenger capacity figures from Ship Technology, a shipping industry publication.
1. Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is currently the world’s largest cruise ship, measuring 1,188 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 225,282. With a capacity of 6,780 passengers, it can transport guests on cruises to destinations such as the Bahamas, eastern and western Caribbean islands.
Families will love the variety of entertainment and dining options onboard the 18-deck vessel. Plus, visitors can experience unique attractions like the Bionic Bar which uses robots to craft cocktails, and the Ultimate Abyss water slide which takes passengers down 10 stories.
Other onboard experiences include Broadway hits, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, District Brew House – the first craft beer hall at sea – Central Park and a restaurant-lined boardwalk. Plus, Oasis Class passengers are sure to love its multilevel Perfect Storm(r) slides and twin FlowRider(r) surf simulators!
2. Oasis of the Seas
The Oasis of the Seas, boasting a capacity of 6,680 passengers, is one of the world’s largest cruise ships and also one of its most luxurious.
The Oasis of the Seas offers family-friendly activities, thrilling entertainment, cutting-edge technology, luxurious staterooms and delectable dining options. It makes an ideal choice for those seeking a truly memorable cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is the first ship in its Oasis-class, joined by sister ships Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. All three vessels were constructed to the same specifications, though there are some minor distinctions between them.
Oasis of the Seas strives to satisfy everyone with its extensive range of activities and attractions, while also offering them some time away from it all. This is all part of its “Seven Neighborhoods” concept which recreates the feeling of many smaller cities onboard so everyone can find something they enjoy.
3. Allure of the Seas
Giant cruise ships today can transport tens of thousands of passengers from one port to another, but that’s not all they offer. They resemble floating cities more than mere transportation, equipped with all the amenities a traveler could desire – from ice skating rinks to outdoor parks.
The world’s largest ship, Allure of the Seas, is an Oasis Class vessel equipped with premium amenities and an expansive selection of features and attractions. It’s renowned for its captivating onboard entertainment, thrilling activities and adventurous itineraries that will leave you wanting more.
This 164,600 gross ton mega-ship offers thrilling waterparks and some of the fastest slides at sea, plus a craft beer hall, Broadway hits, and more. With an 18-deck layout that appeals to everyone – from kids to adults – there’s something special for everyone on board.
4. Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas offers plenty of exciting activities, like taking a ride down the Ultimate Abyss – an extreme twin tube slide that plunges nine decks and spins and twists as it goes. Additionally, there are FlowRider surf simulators and other water-based attractions for guests to enjoy.
Royal Caribbean’s ship offers plenty of space to lounge around and unwind, including “Chill Island,” an adults-only area with ocean views and its own pool. Plus, this area will have some of the cruise line’s first swim-up bars.
As its name implies, this ship was designed to celebrate freedom of the seas – an idea first proposed by Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius in 16th century Europe and which has become a cornerstone element in maritime law ever since. According to this vision, oceans should be seen as common property owned by all nations and used without restriction.