The 20 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World in 2023

Cruise ships have been getting bigger—and adding lots of attractions that were unheard of just a few years ago. To help you pick which megaship is right for you, I’ve rounded up the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world in 2023.

Along with a ranking of the top 20 cruise ships by size, I’ve included important stats and unique features for each ship. If you’re considering sailing on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, you’ll want to read this guide before you choose!

How do we determine the size of cruise ships for comparison?

Cruise ships can be measured by a variety of factors. You might assume that a ship’s size is determined by its length, weight, or even its passenger capacity.

But the size of a cruise ship is generally determined by gross tonnage—and (confusingly) that’s not a measurement of weight!

Gross tonnage, or GT, is a measure of the ship’s internal volume. To calculate GT, first a ship’s volume is calculated by measuring from keel to funnel to the outside of the hull framing. That number (in cubic meters) is then run through several mathematical formulas to determine GT. (I won’t go into all of that here, but if you’re interested the US Coast Guard has a simplified guide to measuring gross tonnage).

The world’s 20 largest cruise ships in 2023

Currently, the top 20 biggest cruise ships have four sets of ties in the rankings, all between sister ships that share the same cruise line and class. So although we’ll start our list at #16, there are twenty ships in total!

Cruise fans will notice there are several new ships on the list this year. Have any of these newer ships bumped your favorites down in the rankings? Read on to find out!

16. (tie) MSC Seascape

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 170,412
• Length: 1112 ft / 339 m
• Max. beam: 135 ft / 41 m
• Staterooms: 2270
• Max. passengers: 5877
• Passenger decks: 15

Just making this year’s list of the world’s 20 largest cruise ships, MSC Seascape is tied for #16. The second Seaside EVO class ship launched by MSC Cruises in just over a year, Seascape features a glam New York City vibe.

The ship’s four-story Atrium is at the heart of the action on board, and boasts a sparkling staircase set with 10,000 Swarovski crystals—the perfect spot for a photo op on formal nights!

But MSC Seascape isn’t all glitz and glamour—the family-friendly ship offers 13 pools and water features and more than 140,000 square feet (13006 m²) of public outside space. Kids will love Pirates Cove Aquapark, a play space with slides, a rope bridge, and plenty of water sprayers and dumping buckets to beat the heat.

Seascape is also the first ship to feature the new thrill ride Robotron, a robotic virtual rollercoaster ride perched on the top deck.

Foodie guests on MSC Seascape will enjoy the ship’s eleven restaurants, including a massive Market Place Buffet and several specialty dining venues grouped together at Chef’s Court.

Related: MSC Cruises Launches MSC Seascape in New York City

16. (tie) MSC Seashore

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2020 (launched 2021)
• Gross tonnage: 170,412
• Length: 1112 ft / 339 m
• Max. beam: 134.5 ft / 41 m
• Staterooms: 2270
• Max. passengers: 5877
• Passenger decks: 15

Almost identical to her sister ship Seascape, MSC Seashore is tied for #16 on the list of the largest cruise ships. The first in the EVO subclass of MSC’s Seaside class ships, Seashore and her sister are larger than other ships in their class and offer expanded outdoor spaces.

As an EVO ship, MSC Seashore offers improved technology to increase efficiency and reduce her carbon footprint. The energy-efficient equipment includes an advanced wastewater purification system and Safe Air, a new sanitation system that eliminates viruses and bacteria.

Seashore was purpose-built for the American market, but still offers the European flair that MSC is famous for. Guests can enjoy a taste of Italy at the ship’s Venchi 1878 gelato bars, offering twenty flavors of the decadent frozen treat in flavors like tiramisù and stracciatella.

MSC Seashore also features a gorgeous aft infinity pool—one of the largest at sea—with luxurious submerged sunbeds. The spot is a tranquil adults-only oasis by day, but it comes alive in the evening as the setting for the always-popular Silent Disco.

15. (tie) MSC Bellissima

15. (tie) MSC Meraviglia

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2017
• Gross tonnage: 171,598
• Length: 1,036.2 ft / 315.83 m
• Max. beam: 141 ft / 43 m
• Staterooms: 2,244
• Max. passengers: 5,655
• Passenger decks: 14

When MSC’s Meraviglia entered service in 2017, she was the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world—but has since fallen to #15, tied with her newer sister ship Bellissima.

The namesake of the Meraviglia class of cruise ships, she was the first to offer an expanded dining experience with fourteen restaurants, including a whopping four complimentary main dining rooms. Celebrity chef Carlo Cracco was enlisted to improve the quality of the ship’s cuisine.

On Meraviglia entertainment options abound—the Broadway Theatre hosts six unique shows each cruise, along with the Carousel Lounge where you can experience Cirque du Soleil at sea. The crew also puts on an impressive amount of activities and events, so there’s always something to do on a sea day.

The ship’s Amusement Park has a full-size bowling alley, 4-D cinema, F1 simulators, an arcade, as well as a sportplex that becomes a disco spot for young cruisers in the evening.

14. (tie) MSC Virtuosa

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2020
• Gross tonnage: 181,541
• Length: 1,087.4 ft / 331.43 m
• Max. beam: 160 ft / 50 m
• Staterooms: 2,421
• Max. passengers: 6,334
• Passenger decks: 14

MSC’s ship Virtuosa, built in 2020, is one of the newer offerings by the Swiss-Italian cruise line and is tied for number fourteen on our list of the world’s biggest cruise ships.

Virtuosa offers five pools in total, plus a water park with three waterslides, so water babies of all ages can spread out and enjoy the fun. The pools can accommodate over a thousand guests at a time!

If relaxing with a cocktail is more your style, stop by and see Rob the bartender at Starship Club. He’s the first humanoid bartender at sea, and speaks six languages!

Cruisers can also wander the Galleria Virtuosa—the pretty indoor promenade with restaurants and shops features an arched ceiling with the longest LED dome at sea, presenting an ever-changing light display.

14. (tie) MSC Grandiosa

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2019
• Gross tonnage: 181,541
• Length: 1,087.4 ft / 331.43 m
• Max. beam: 141 ft / 43 m
• Staterooms: 2,632
• Max. passengers: 6,761
• Passenger decks: 14

Tied for number 14, Grandiosa was the first vessel in MSC’s Meraviglia-Plus class, later joined by her sister ship MSC Virtuosa.

With 200 more staterooms than previous MSC ships, Grandiosa has expanded the number of accessible cabins on board, and added groups of up to three connecting staterooms as well as new family balcony cabins. Some spacious family staterooms can sleep up to twelve!

Grandiosa also has some innovative environmental features, including systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%, and sulfur emissions by 97%. She has a fuel-efficient hull and can run on shore power when docked.

Fun fact: Grandiosa‘s godmother is Italian screen legend and longtime MSC ambassador Sophia Loren. She actually holds that honor for most of MSC’s fleet!

13. Mardi Gras

• Cruise line: Carnival
• Year built: 2020
• Gross tonnage: 181,808
• Length: 1,130 ft / 344 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,641
• Max. passengers: 6,630
• Passenger decks: 15

The 13th biggest cruise ship in the world is Carnival Cruise Line’s widely-anticipated Mardi Gras (currently the cruise line’s second-largest ship) which took her maiden voyage in July 2021.

Mardi Gras debuted several new concepts for Carnival, including three new dining venues. Big Chicken by Shaq serves up fried chicken and more, while quick-service Street Eats offers three food stations, each specializing in a different type of cuisine.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396, created in partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse (Carnival’s new Chief Culinary Officer), serves up New Orleans-style Creole dishes.

The Grand Central Atrium reinvented the central area of the ship, with a larger space featuring bars, cafés, and shops with aerial performances overhead.

She also boasts the first rollercoaster at sea—BOLT is an open-air coaster with spectacular sea views. Riders can control their speed using pedals inside each two-person motorcycle-themed car.

12. AIDAcosma

• Cruise line: AIDA
• Year built: 2021
• Gross tonnage: 183,200
• Length: 1,106 ft / 337 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,626
• Max. passengers: 6,600
• Passenger decks: 16

Setting sail on her maiden voyage in February 2022, Carnival Corporation’s German brand AIDA‘s newest ship AIDAcosma makes #12 on the list.

AIDAcosma‘s unique features include the Ocean Deck, a four-story relaxation oasis with an infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

The ship also has a reinvented Fun Park, complete with a ropes course, rock-climbing wall, and a large indoor playground.

Her seventeen restaurants and 23 bars and cafés ensure that guests have plenty of variety on their cruise vacation! Notable is the new Mamma Mia specialty restaurant, serving fresh Italian cuisine including homemade pasta dishes.

11. Carnival Celebration

• Cruise line: Carnival
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 183,521
• Length: 1130 ft / 340 m
• Max. beam: 137 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2687
• Max. passengers: 6631
• Passenger decks: 15

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship Carnival Celebration launched in 2022 as the second member of the Excel class, joining her sister Mardi Gras. The new ship almost made the top 10 of the largest cruise ships, landing at number 11.

Celebration pays homage to her homeport of Miami with the 820 Biscayne zone, named after the cruise line’s first headquarters. The zone will feature the Deco Deli and 820 Bar, serving up Cuban sandwiches and tropical drinks.

Pizza fanatics will want to try the brand new Miami Slice, a free pizzeria that replaces the Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano venues found on all other Carnival ships. The walk-up pizza joint features vibrant décor reminiscent of late-night eateries on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive. 

Younger guests can check out Space Cruisers, a new program offered in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center. Kids age 2 to 11 will have the opportunity to try NASA-inspired activities tailored to their age group.

Celebration is the second ship in Carnival’s fleet to be completely powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Related: Cassidy Gifford Becomes Godmother of Carnival Celebration in Miami

10. AIDAnova

• Cruise line: AIDA
• Year built: 2018
• Gross tonnage: 183,858
• Length: 1,106 ft / 337 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,626
• Max. passengers: 6,654
• Passenger decks: 16

In tenth place is AIDAnova, sister ship to AIDAcosma. The first of AIDA’s ships to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), AIDAnova has nearly zero emissions.

Wellness-minded cruisers will love AIDAnova‘s 3545 square meters dedicated to fitness and relaxation. The new Body & Soul Spa features five ocean-view saunas, a sun terrace with three jacuzzis, and a tepidarium. Over 30 free exercise classes are offered each week in the Sport area, or train solo in the open-air gym.

Or take a leisurely stroll on the Lanai deck, where guests can walk almost all the way around the ship, stopping at restaurants and bars including the Lanai Bar at the stern.

9. Iona

• Cruise line: P&O
• Year built: 2020
• Gross tonnage: 184,089
• Length: 1,130 ft / 344.5 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,614
• Max. passengers: 6,600
• Passenger decks: 15

Number nine is P&O UK’s Iona, the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market. One of the newer ships on the list, Iona was delivered in 2020 but made her first voyage in August 2021.

Family-friendly Iona features the enclosed SkyDome pool area, kids’ splash zone, and a shallow pool for little cruisers. Hosted by specially-trained Reef Rangers, the Reef kids’ club is a fun environment for children aged 2-17, open from early morning until late.

But Iona‘s not all about the kids! She’s actually home to the world’s first gin distillery at sea, producing the Marabelle label. Inspired by the Scottish island of Iona, the gin contains 18 botanicals. Guests can attend two unique gin masterclasses on board, including one that allows you to craft your own gin with expert guidance.

8. (tie) Costa Toscana

• Cruise line: Costa
• Year built: 2021
• Gross tonnage: 185,010
• Length: 1,106 ft / 337 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,612
• Max. passengers: 6,554
• Passenger decks: 16

Italian line Costa Cruises’ newest ship, Costa Toscana, comes in at the eighth-largest cruise ship in the world. The Tuscan-inspired vessel features furnishings, fabrics, and accessories all made in Italy. Even the driftwood used to craft dining tables at Archipelago restaurant was harvested from the Italian shoreline by Guardians of the Coast.

Food is a major focus of the ship, with many of her 21 restaurants offering authentic local cuisine by chefs including Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León. Even the littlest cruisers have a special place to eat—Squok Restaurant is dedicated to families with kids.

If all the amazing food on board inspires you, be sure to check out Toscana‘s Food LAB, where guests can learn to prepare their own culinary creations alongside the ship’s chefs.

8. (tie) Costa Smeralda

• Cruise line: Costa
• Year built: 2019
• Gross tonnage: 185,010
• Length: 1,106 ft / 337 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2,612
• Max. passengers: 6,554
• Passenger decks: 16

Tied for eighth place is Costa Smeralda, a favorite of sustainability-minded cruisers. Smeralda was the first in Costa’s fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (sister ship Toscana now also shares this feature), a fuel source that reduces the ship’s environmental impact.

Other eco-friendly features include LED lighting throughout the ship, an onboard desalinization plant that sustainably harvests onboard water directly from the sea, and systems that recover the engines’ heat to reduce energy use.

Costa Smeralda earned the coveted Green Plus notation from RINA, only awarded to the most environmentally friendly cruise ships.

7. Arvia

• Cruise line: P&O Cruises
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 185,581
• Length: 1130 ft / 344.5 m
• Max. beam: 138 ft / 42 m
• Staterooms: 2614
• Max. passengers: 6685
• Passenger decks: 16

P&O UK‘s newest ship Arvia is also the cruise line’s largest, and debuts at #7 on the 2023 list of biggest cruise ships. An Excel-class ship like Iona, Arvia is similar but boasts some key differences.

Like her sister, this ship also features a Sky Dome over the pool area—but Arvia‘s is retractable to allow for alfresco swimming, dining, and entertainment when the weather is right.

Arvia is home to the fleet’s first swim-up bar, complete with plenty of in-water seating, allowing guests to order and enjoy a cocktail right in the pool.

The new ship debuted several new restaurant concepts, including Green & Co featuring Mizuhana, featuring fish and plant-based cuisine. Also new are Roast at The Quays for traditional British lunches and the 6th Street Diner, an American-style diner serving breakfast,brunch, and dinner.

Arvia also has the first rum distillery at sea! The Tidal Rum has partnered with P&O to produce the unique rum blend on the ship at Anderson’s Bar.

6. MSC World Europa

• Cruise line: MSC
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 215,863
• Length: 1094 ft / 333.3 m
• Max. beam: 154 ft / 47 m
• Staterooms: 2626
• Max. passengers: 6762
• Passenger decks: 16

With the debut of MSC World Europa in December of 2022, MSC Cruises now has a whopping seven ships on the list of the top 20 biggest cruise ships in the world—the most of any cruise line!

The Geneva-based company has been working diligently to expand the fleet and MSC’s newest cruise ship is a whopper of a vessel.

The ship is an astounding 21 decks high (there’s a deck 22, but cruise superstition skips deck 13), four decks taller than the largest cruise ship in 2023. Sixteen of those decks are passenger-accessible.

Much like the megaships offered by Royal Caribbean, MSC World Europa is divided into several districts that contain similar offerings—a must-have on any gargantuan cruise ship. Guests can visit the adults-only Zen district for a bit of calm, or the Family district with ten kids’ facilities offering fun for little cruisers and their grownups.

Ranking among the top ships with the most water features at sea, World Europa offers six pools and 14 hot tubs, along with an aquapark featuring multiple waterslides.

MSC World Europa is also the line’s first LNG-powered cruise ship—and the biggest liquefied natural gas powered cruise ship in the world! This cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuel significantly reduces carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen oxide emissions.

5. Allure of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2010
• Gross tonnage: 225,282
• Length: 1,180 ft / 360 m
• Max. beam: 198 ft / 60.5 m
• Staterooms: 2,742
• Max. passengers: 6,780
• Passenger decks: 16

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ranks as the fifth largest cruise ship in 2022. She’s the second (and smallest) of the Oasis-class ships.

Allure of the Seas features seven themed “neighborhoods”—the Royal Promenade, Central Park, Entertainment Place, Boardwalk, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea, and the Youth Zone.

With a ten-deck-high zip line and the interactive H2O Zone waterpark, Allure of the Seas is a favorite ship for adventurous cruisers of all ages.

4. Oasis of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2009
• Gross tonnage: 226,838
• Length: 1,180 ft / 360 m
• Max. beam: 198 ft / 60.5 m
• Staterooms: 2,742
• Max. passengers: 6,780
• Passenger decks: 16

Number four is Oasis of the Seas, the first of the namesake Oasis class, and the oldest ship to make the top 15 list. Built in 2009, she was then the largest cruise ship in the world, and the first to have a maximum capacity of over 6000 passengers!

Oasis of the Seas may be an older ship, but she doesn’t look like one! In 2019 she had a $165 million transformation that brought the ship up to date.

Entertainment abounds on this ship, from the splashy Aqua80 show in the AquaTheater to Music Hall, a live music venue with plenty of floor space for dancing. Or try one of the four onboard water slides including the ten-story-high Ultimate Abyss.

3. Harmony of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2016
• Gross tonnage: 226,963
• Length: 1,188.1 ft / 362.12 m
• Max. beam: 215.5 ft / 65.7 m
• Staterooms: 2,747
• Max. passengers: 6,687
• Passenger decks: 16

Coming in at number three is Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, built in 2016 at a cost of 1.3 billion dollars.

With her three pool decks containing an impressive collection of pools and hot tubs, you’ll never feel crowded taking a dip. You can even learn how to SCUBA dive, right on the ship! Aboard Harmony of the Seas, guests have the opportunity to take the PADI® Open Water Diver Course, culminating with open water dives at various ports of call.

After you’ve worked up an appetite in the pool, try one of Harmony of the Seas‘ twenty restaurants, serving over 200 different dishes on a daily basis.

2. Symphony of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2018
• Gross tonnage: 228,081
• Length: 1,184.42 ft / 361.011 m
• Max. beam: 215.5 ft / 65.7 m
• Staterooms: 2,759
• Max. passengers: 6,680
• Passenger decks: 16

The largest cruise ship in the world until 2022, Symphony of the Seas comes in second—but is still a behemoth at 1184 feet and 228,081 gross tons!

Built in 2018, Symphony of the Seas boasts some fun tech! Check out the Big Wonder, a seven-ton canopy lit with color-changing LEDs that cast a glow over the ship’s Solarium at night.

Enjoy a cocktail at Bionic Bar, where one of two robot bartenders can shake you up the perfect martini. But don’t worry, the ship’s 13 other bars and lounges are staffed by friendly humans.

Or play a lively game of glow-in-the-dark laser tag to battle for control of Planet Z—when the ship’s ice rink is temporarily transformed into an alien world, of course.

1. Wonder of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Year built: 2022
• Gross tonnage: 236,857
• Length: 1,187.8 ft / 362.04 m
• Max. beam: 210 ft / 64 m
• Staterooms: 2,859
• Max. passengers: 6,988
• Passenger decks: 16

Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International is the cruise line’s newest—and the world’s biggest cruise ship, at almost 1188 feet long and 236,857 gross tons!

Delivered in February 2022, Wonder of the Seas made her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on March 4, 2022.

Like the other Oasis-class ships, she’s organized into neighborhoods, but with the addition of an eighth unique section. This new neighborhood is dedicated to suite guests, with a plunge pool and bar as well as the suites-only Coastal Kitchen and Suites Lounge.

Wonder of the Seas offers some exciting new features—in addition to boasting the largest poolside movie screen of any RCCL ship there’s also The Vue, a cantilevered bar offering panoramic ocean views.

For the kids, there’s the new Wonder Playscape—an underwater-themed play area with climbing walls and an interactive puzzle mural.

Comparing the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world

Rank	Ship	Cruise Line	Tonnage	Max Passengers
1	Wonder of the Seas	Royal Caribbean	236,857	6,988
2	Symphony of the Seas	Royal Caribbean	228,081	6,680
3	Harmony of the Seas	Royal Caribbean	226,963	6,687
4	Oasis of the Seas	Royal Caribbean	226,838	6,780
5	Allure of the Seas	Royal Caribbean	225,282	6,780
6	MSC World Europa	MSC	215,863	6,762
7	Arvia	P&O	185,581	6,685
8*	Costa Smerelda	Costa	185,010	6,554
8*	Costa Toscana	Costa	185,010	6,554
9	Iona	P&O	184,089	6,600
10	AIDAnova	AIDA	183,858	6,654
11	Carnival Celebration	Carnival	183,521	6,631
12	AIDAcosma	AIDA	183,200	6,600
13	Mardi Gras	Carnival	181,808	6,630
14†	MSC Grandiosa	MSC	181,541	6,761
14†	MSC Virtuosa	MSC	181,541	6,334
15‡	MSC Meraviglia	MSC	171,598	5,655
15‡	MSC Bellissima	MSC	171,598	5,686
16§	MSC Seashore	MSC	170,412	5,632
16§	MSC Seascape	MSC	170,412	5,877

Largest cruise ships FAQ

Have you sailed on one of the largest cruise ships in the world? Or do you prefer cruising on a smaller ship? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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