Does Size Make a Difference?
When it comes to cruise ships, size is often a hot topic. For some travelers, a bigger ship automatically translates to a better experience. However, if you're planning to spend your hard-earned money on a cruise, it's crucial to ensure that the ship's offerings align with your vacation goals.
Whether you're seeking a lively weekend getaway with fellow young travelers or a family-oriented adventure with activities for all ages, understanding the differences between ships is essential. If you have your sights set on the largest vessels available, here's what you need to know about the world's record-breaking cruise ships.
What is the Largest Cruise Ship in the World?
The **Icon of the Seas** by Royal Caribbean holds the title of the world's largest cruise ship. Launched in January 2024, this nearly 1,200-foot-long ship can accommodate 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members, as reported by Royal Caribbean.
According to DNV, a prominent maritime classification society, the Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 248,663. Gross tonnage is a measurement of the total internal volume of a ship.
The ship's maiden voyage was highly anticipated, with tickets nearly selling out within hours, as noted by Business Insider. Some travelers even paid up to $75,000 for a week-long stay in a luxurious three-story suite, complete with private balconies, a whirlpool, a backyard, and slides.
The World's Largest Cruise Ships by Gross Tonnage
Here are the ten largest cruise ships in the world by gross tonnage, according to DNV and VesselFinder:
1. **Icon of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 248,663
2. **Utopia of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 236,473
3. **Wonder of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 235,600
4. **Symphony of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 228,081
5. **Harmony of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 226,963
6. **Oasis of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 226,838
7. **Allure of the Seas** (Royal Caribbean): 225,282
8. **MSC World Europa** (MSC Cruises): 215,863
9. **Costa Toscana** (Costa Cruises): 186,364
10. **P&O Arvia** (P&O Cruises): 185,581
What is the Largest Ship Ever Built?
While the Icon of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship afloat, it isn't the largest vessel ever constructed. That title belongs to the **Seawise Giant**, also known as the **Knock Nevis**, an oil tanker built in the 1970s with a staggering gross tonnage of 564,739, as mentioned by The New York Times.
The Seawise Giant faced a dramatic history—it was severely damaged and sank after being bombed in 1988 during the Iran-Iraq War. A year later, it was salvaged by a Norwegian company, repaired, and put back into service, continuing its operations until its retirement in December 2009.
How Big Was the Titanic?
The **Titanic** was about 883 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 46,329. While it was a massive ship for its time, it pales in comparison to modern giants like the Icon of the Seas, which stretches 1,200 feet in length and has a gross tonnage of 248,663.
The Titanic carried over 2,200 passengers on its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912, and more than 1,500 people lost their lives when it sank.
Curious to Learn More?
If you're intrigued by these comparisons and want to explore more questions, there are plenty of interesting facts out there about travel, ships, and more. Dive into topics like the biggest stadiums, glamping, or even the largest bird species. There's always something new to discover!
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