When it comes to ocean cruises, size does matter. The bigger the ship, the more there is to do on board! Where you cruise to is important of course, but when it comes to the biggest hotels at sea, it’s the activities and facilities we really book a stateroom for. So which ships are the biggest?
1. Symphony of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 228,081 gross tonnes
Capacity: 6,680 pax, 2,200 crew
Size: 362m, 18 decks
The largest ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas is one mega vessel. With 18 decks, 24 guest elevators, a 10-story slide and not one, not two, but three waterslides. Taking its maiden voyage in April of 2018, the ship is also home to RCI’s seven neighbourhoods set up on board, an array of dining options and of course myriad activities including ziplining, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a surfing simulator, an escape room and mini golf, just to name a few!
2. Harmony of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 228,000 gross tonnes
Capacity: 6,360 pax, 2394 crew
Size: 362m, 18 decks
Taking her maiden voyage in 2016, Harmony of the Seas, like Symphony, boasts 18 decks and 24 guest elevators. The Seven Neighbourhoods set up, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, and Youth Zone ensure there is something to entertain all types of cruisers.
3. Allure of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 227,000 tonnes
Capacity: 6,318 pax, 2,300 crew
Size: 361m, 18 decks
Built by Royal Caribbean International in 2010, Allure of the Seas is less than two inches longer than sister ship Oasis of the Seas. Allure of the Seas cruise will also introduce you to the captivating Central Park, a unique green-space at sea with a mix of more than 12,000 coastal and sub-tropical plant species from around the world. Allure of the Seas doesn’t stop there, with more highlights to wow you such as two rock-climbing walls, two FlowRider surf simulators, the 25-metre zip line above the Boardwalk, stage shows straight off Broadway, jaw-dropping entertainment in the AquaTheater and so much more.
4. Oasis of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 227,000 tonnes
Capacity: 6,300 pax, 2,394 crew
Size: 361m, 18 decks
Oasis of the Seas, which took her maiden voyage in 2009, is like a floating mini-city, complete with its very own green space. And, like any city, Oasis of the Seas even comes with neighbourhoods – one of its most unique features. On an Oasis of the Seas cruise, you’ll find seven different themed areas, including the revolutionary Central Park – a unique outdoor space containing more than 12,000 live plants. Like sister ship Allure of the Seas, Oasis comes with two FlowRider surf simulators, rocking climbing walls, a zipline, the first beach pool at sea, and the awesome Rising Tide bar - an engineering marvel that enables you to enjoy a cocktail and you slowly ascend and descent the height of three decks!
5. Costa Smeralda
Gross tonnage: 183,900 tonnes
Capacity: 6,334 pax, 2,444 crew
Size: 331m
Debuting in November 2019, the Costa Smeralda will be the epitome of Italian quality, style, warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Capturing the essence of Italy’s love of art and culture, the ship will boast four pools, 11 restaurants, 20 bridges and an array of entertainment and activities.
6. MSC Meraviglia
Gross tonnage: 171,598 tonnes
Capacity: 5,714 pax, 1,540 crew
Size: 315m
The MSC Meraviglia is a beautiful vessel designed for cruising in all seasons. Be entertained by the world’s favourite circus, Cirque du Soleil, feast in any of the 12 distinct dining venues, and explore the longest LED dome at sea. Guests can make the most of 10sqm of public space per guest, lazing poolside, relaxing at the spa, or kicking back in the exclusive Yacht Club.
7. Norwegian Bliss
Gross tonnage: 168,028 tonnes
Capacity: 4,004 pax, 1,716 crew
NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss entered service in April 2018. Designed to make the most of spectacular environments, like Alaska and the Caribbean, it has a revolutionary Observation Lounge, excellent entertainment, dining and amenities.
8. Quantum of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 168,666 tonnes
Capacity: 4,905 pax, 1,500 crew
Another RCI ship, Quantum of the Seas was built in 2014. Quantum has all of the latest technology onbard and more flexibility than many ships in the same league. There are no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights and complete flexibility to create your own culinary experience at sea.
9. Anthem of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 168,666 tonnes
Capacity: 4,905 pax, 1,500 crew
The ultimate thrill-seekers cruise, Anthem of the Seas has a huge number of cutting edge experiences for adrenaline junkies. Simulate a skydive at Ripcord by iFLY, bump up the jam with dodgem cars, take in the view from the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship at North Star, and so much more!
10. Ovation of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 168,666 tonnes
Capacity: 4,905 pax, 1,500 crew
Adventure, innovation, sheer edge-of-your-seat adrenaline… Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas is so much more than a cruise ship – it is an experience of mega fun at sea. This is the third ship to join Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, and an Ovation of the Seas cruise promises highlights such as breathtaking 360-degree views from the 90-metre high North Star observation capsule; Ripcord by iFLY, the first-ever skydiving simulator at sea; captivating martini-mixing robots in the Bionic Bar; and 18 incredible restaurants including Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. This is in addition to Royal Caribbean’s Vitality Spa & Fitness Centre, well appointed staterooms and exceptional service. Below you’ll find our guide to what you can expect on Ovation of the Seas cruises.
11. Norwegian Joy
Gross tonnage: 167,725 tonnes
Capacity: 3,883 pax, 1,821 crew
Custom built for the Chinese market, Norwegian Joy was designed with an artwork by artist Tan Ping painted across its hull. Cruising between Australia and China, the official language on board is Mandarin.
12. Norwegian Escape
Gross tonnage: 164,600 tonnes
Capacity: 4,266 pax, 1733 crew
Norwegian Escape, which took her maiden voyage in 2015, was the first NCL ship delivered with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning (EGC) system, which cleans out sulfur oxide and other noxious particles, making the ship run greener.
13. Norwegian Epic
Gross tonnage:155,873 tonnes
Built by Norwegian Cruise Line in 2010, Epic specialises in Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises and strongly promotes its cruise line entertainment. The world-class performers, along with new wave accommodation, including studios designed for solo travellers, and exclusive private havens, are key offerings on Norwegian Epic.
14. Freedom of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 154,407 tonnes
Capacity: 4,515 pax, 1,360 crew
Built in 2006, you can catch a first-run film in the 3D theatre, or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen onboard Freedom of the Seas. On offer on board if the BRITTO gallery, where you can take in an extensive array of artworks or indulge in the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard. The wining and dining options are extensive too, in conjunction with adventure, which includes the Flowrider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, catilevered whirlpools, mini golf, H20 Zone water park and much more.
15. Liberty of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 154,407 tonnes
Capacity: 4,960 pax, 1,360 crew
Inaugurated in 2007, Liberty of the Seas has a huge range of options in the areas of fitness, recreation and entertainment. In conjunction with the size of the ship and the number of options onboard, it is easy to forget that you are actually on a massive floating object, slipping through the Caribbean Sea.
16. Independence of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 154,407 tonnes
Capacity: 4,560 pax, 1,440 crew
In addition to the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, the Independence of the Seas offers over 100 spa treatments to ensure your cruise has the right amount of pampering.
17. Queen Mary 2
Gross tonnage: 151,400 tonnes
Capacity: 2,691 pax, 1,292 crew
Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of Cunard Line and epitomises the golden age of travel. After undergoing a significant transformation in 2016, the Queen Mary 2 is more elegant and sophisticated than ever before, promising a cruise that feels like you’re staying in a five-star hotel at sea. One of the ship’s most notable features is the collection of kennels for cats and dogs – Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise liner permitting owners to cruise with their beloved pets. This classic ship also honours the very British tradition of afternoon tea, during which white-gloved waiters serve delicious scones with cream, finger sandwiches and tea in the Queens Room.
18. Norwegian Breakaway
Gross tonnage: 146,600 tonnes
Capacity: 3,963 pax, 1,657 crew
Find out more about Norwegian Breakaway here.
19. Norwegian Getaway
Gross tonnage: 145,655 tonnes
Capacity: 3,910 pax
Find out more about Norwegian Gateway here.
20. Royal Princess
Gross tonnage: 142,714 tonnes
Capacity: 3,560 pax
Find out more about Royal Princess here.
21. Regal Princess
Gross tonnage: 142,229 tonnes
Capacity: 3,560 pax
Find out more about Regal Princess here.
22. Navigator of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 139,570 tonnes
Capacity: 3,276 pax,
Find out more about Navigator of the Seas here.
23. MSC Divina
Gross tonnage: 139,400 tonnes
Capacity: 3,502 pax, 1,539 crew
Find out more about MSC Divina here.
24. MSC Preziosa
Gross tonnage: 139,400
Capacity: 3,959 pax, 1,388 crew
Find out more about MSC Preziosa here.
25. Mariner of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 138,279
Capacity: 3,114 pax, 1,185 crew
Find out more about Mariner of the Seas here.
26. Voyager of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 138,194 tonnes
Capacity: 3,840 pax, 1,180 crew
Find out more about Voyager of the Seas here.
27. Explorer of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 138,000 tonnes
Capacity: 3,114 pax, 1,180 crew
Find out more about Explorer of the Seas here.
28. MSC Fantasia
Gross tonnage: 137,936 tonnes
Capacity: 3,900 pax, 1,313 crew
Find out more about MSC Fantasia here.
29. MSC Splendida
Gross tonnage: 127,936 tonnes
Capacity: 3,274 pax, 1,332 crew
Find out more about MSC Splendida here.
30. Adventure of the Seas
Gross tonnage: 137,276 tonnes
Capacity: 3,114 pax, 1,180 crew
Find out more about Adventure of the Seas here.
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