The World’s Largest Cruise Ship
The Icon class, the giants that follow it, and how to find a sale fare on any of them.
Quote a Mega-Ship CruiseThe World’s Largest Cruise Ship, and the Giants Behind It
The world’s largest cruise ship today is not one ship but a matching set: Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, led by Icon of the Seas in 2024 and joined by Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. Each is roughly 250,000 gross tons, close to 1,200 feet long, and designed to carry more than 5,600 guests in standard double-occupancy cabins. This site explains how the ranking works, where every mega-ship class sits in it, how the record-holders compare with the Titanic, and — because the domain promises it — how to find a sale fare when you want to sail one.
Biggest cruise ships in order
The mega-ship classes ranked by size, from the Icon class down to the 180,000-ton tier.
See the ranking →
Compared to the Titanic
Length, tonnage and people on board, side by side — and why the comparison is approximate.
Compare them →
Sailing a giant for less
How sales, ship age and booking timing affect what you pay on the biggest ships.
Find the savings →How “Largest” Is Measured
Cruise ship rankings almost always use gross tonnage. Despite the name, it is not weight: it is a calculation of the ship’s enclosed volume, set by an international convention so that ships can be compared. A higher figure means more interior space for cabins, restaurants, theaters and pools. Length and passenger numbers tell part of the story too, but two ships of similar length can differ greatly in volume, because modern designs build wider and taller.
You will see slightly different tonnage figures for the same ship in different places. Early announcements are estimates, and final measurements can change after delivery, so this site rounds the numbers rather than pretending to precision.
The Mega-Ship League at a Glance
| Ship class (line) | Approximate size | Ships in service |
|---|---|---|
| Icon class (Royal Caribbean) | About 250,000 gross tons | Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas |
| Oasis class (Royal Caribbean) | About 225,000 to 237,000 gross tons | Six ships, from Oasis of the Seas (2009) to Utopia of the Seas (2024) |
| World class (MSC Cruises) | About 216,000 gross tons | MSC World Europa, MSC World America; MSC World Asia due December 2026 |
| Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line) | About 208,000 gross tons | One ship, sailing from Singapore |
| Excel class (Carnival Cruise Line) | Roughly 180,000+ gross tons | Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee |
The full list, with each ship’s year and what sets it apart, is on biggest cruise ships in order. For the biggest ship in each individual line’s fleet, and the ports they sail from, our sister site World’s Biggest Cruise Sale goes line by line.
Is the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Right for You?
- Choose a giant if you want the widest choice of restaurants, shows, water attractions and activities, especially with children or a big group.
- Think twice if you dislike lines, crowds or long walks; a ship this size takes planning to enjoy well.
- Look at the itinerary as well as the ship. Mega-ships often call at private islands and large purpose-built piers; Caribbean Cruise Ports covers the Caribbean ports they use.
- Pick the cabin location carefully. On a ship this long, where you sleep matters; Cruise Ship Deck Plans explains how to read the deck plan.
If this would be your first cruise, First Time Cruise walks you through the process step by step. When you are ready to price it, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will quote the biggest ships alongside smaller alternatives, so you can decide with real numbers in front of you. To hear when mega-ship sailings go on sale, join the Mister Cruise special-offers newsletter.
World’s Largest Cruise Sale is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
World’s Largest Cruise Ship: Quick Answers
What is the world’s largest cruise ship?
The title belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Icon class. Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas share essentially the same design, at roughly 250,000 gross tons, and together they are the largest cruise ships ever built.
How is a cruise ship’s size measured?
Usually by gross tonnage, a measure of the enclosed volume inside the hull and superstructure, not its weight. Length and passenger capacity are also quoted, but tonnage is what rankings use.
Are the biggest ships ever on sale?
Yes. They appear in their lines’ regular sales like any other ship, although the newest and most popular sailings tend to fill early. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can watch the dates you want.
Get Quotes on the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
Tell us which giant interests you, or let us suggest one for your dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will send free quotes and current sale offers.
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