What are the world’s biggest cruise ships in 2025?

Cruise ships have evolved into floating cities, each vying to outdo the last in size. If you need an idea of the scale, seven ships on this list are longer than the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.

Is bigger necessarily better? Not everybody is a fan of large ships. But for others, these giants of the seas are the way to go. And what’s not to love? More space means more facilities: from a large selection of bars and restaurants to spas, cinemas, waterparks, ice-skating rinks and more.

But which ships are the world’s largest? It depends on what you look at. The top 10 changes slightly depending on whether you consider gross tonnage, length or guest capacity. For this list, we’ve focused on gross tonnage and added key facts about each ship.

The world’s 10 biggest cruise ships in 2025

1) Icon of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 248,663
• Length: 364m
• Guest capacity: 5,610
• Crew: 2,350
• Launched: January 2024

You’ll notice that Royal Caribbean dominates our list. And taking pride of place at the top is Icon of the Seas. The ship offers 13 included restaurants, an additional 14 speciality venues and 18 bars. And with record size come a record number of facilities, including a spa, a mini-golf, the AquaTheatre, an escape room, a climbing wall and much more.

2) Utopia of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 236,473
• Length: 362m
• Guest capacity: 5,668
• Crew: 2,290
• Launched: July 2024

While Royal Caribbean’s latest ship doesn’t top our list, it delivers big on facilities. Where should we start? What about the 21 dining venues? Or maybe the 23 bars? Or the five pools, eight hot tubs and three waterslides? Do you like casinos? This ship has two. Utopia of the Seas, also built around eight neighbourhoods, has a huge range of facilities including a surf simulator, AquaTheater, mini golf, outdoor movie screen, rock-climbing wall and a lot more. 

3) Wonder of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 235,600
• Length: 362m
• Guest capacity: 5,734
• Crew: 2,204
• Launched: March 2022

One of the newest additions to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Wonder of the Seas delivers on spectacle. It divides its vast space into distinct neighbourhoods, including an adults-only retreat and a lively family zone. The ship’s AquaTheater hosts daring high-dive performances, while thrill-seekers can test their nerve on waterslides or the zip line. Dining is varied, from casual poolside snacks to upscale fine dining.

4) Symphony of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 228,081
• Length: 362m
• Guest capacity: 5,518
• Crew: 2,200Launched: April 2018

Entertainment is a major highlight onboard Symphony of the Seas, with an outdoor amphitheatre, ice-skating shows and a Broadway-style production of Hairspray. The Ultimate Abyss slide adds an adrenaline rush, while the Royal Promenade buzzes with live music and pop-up performances. There are 20 dining options, eight of which are included in the base fare, and 13 bars.

5) Harmony of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 226,963
• Length: 362m
• Guest capacity: 5,479
• Crew: 2,200
• Launched: May 2016

When it launched in 2016, Harmony of the Seas became the world’s largest ship, a title it kept until the launch of Symphony of the Seas two years later. The ship’s Central Park – a leafy open-air space with real trees and winding paths – offers a quieter escape from the action-packed decks. The Boardwalk is another standout feature, with a carousel and aqua shows. 

6) Oasis of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 226,838
• Length: 361m
• Guest capacity: 5,602
• Crew: 2,109
• Launched: December 2009

Oasis of the Seas set the standard for modern mega-ships when it launched in 2009. The ship launched the concept of ‘neighbourhoods’, which many lines have adopted since. Entertainment is a strong point, with a surf simulator, rock-climbing walls, and aerial performances at the AquaTheater. Oasis of the Seas retained the title of Biggest Ship at Sea for over six years when Harmony of the Seas debuted.

7) Allure of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 225,282
• Length: 361m
• Guest capacity: 5,496
• Crew: 2,054
• Launched: December 2010

Allure of the Seas is one of only twoOasis-class ships (the second one being Utopia of the Seas) to have never been, at least for a time, the world’s biggest ship; it follows the familiar formula of its sister ships in the class but has a few unique touches, including its own Broadway show and a range of family-friendly activities. Dining is solid, with a mix of casual and high-end options. The ship is well-designed, with plenty of space to escape the crowds.

8) MSC World Europa

• Gross tonnage: 215,863
• Length: 333m
• Guest capacity: 6,726
• Crew: 2,138
• Launched: December 2022

The first non-Royal Caribbean entry on our list comes in at number eight. MSC World Europa has a futuristic look and an emphasis on sustainability and is powered by liquefied natural gas. The ship’s centrepiece is the Venom Drop – a spiralling dry slide. Dining and nightlife lean towards a European style, with stylish lounges and a microbrewery.

9) Costa Toscana

• Gross tonnage: 186,364
• Length: 337m
• Guest capacity: 6,600
• Crew: 1,682
• Launched: March 2022

Costa Toscana is Costa Cruises’ take on the new generation of mega-ships. Inspired by Italian cities, its design is bold and colourful. Although the onboard dining leans heavily towards Mediterranean cuisine, with plenty of pasta, seafood and regional specialities, there are many other options if you want international flavours. Entertainment includes acrobatic performances and a large beach club-style pool area.

10) Arvia

• Gross tonnage: 184,700
• Length: 345m
• Guest capacity: 5,200
• Crew: 1,800
• Launched: December 2022

The largest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, Arvia has 30 restaurants and bars, eight entertainment venues and four pools. The ship’s SkyDome – a large pool area with a retractable glass roof – provides a weather-proof space for daytime lounging and evening entertainment. Arvia is a decidedly family-friendly ship with kids’ clubs, splash zones, interactive games and more. 

Upcoming changes to the top 10

Two new ships launching this year will shake things up in our rankings. They are:

Star of the Seas

• Gross tonnage: 248,663
• Length: 364m
• Guest capacity: 5,610
• Crew: 2,350
• Launch date: August 2025

Based on the information available, Star of the Seas will become the joint biggest ship in the world (sharing the title with Icon of the Seas) when it launches later this year.

MSC World America

• Gross tonnage: 205,700
• Length: 333m
• Guest capacity: 6,764
• Crew: 2,138
• Launch date: April

MSC World America will slot behind sister-ship MSC World Europe in the rankings. MSC World America and Star of the Seas will push Costa Toscana and Arvia out of the top 10, leaving Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises with full control.