22 of The Biggest Cruise Ships Sailing Our Seas

Cruising has transformed dramatically since the days of steamships and transatlantic crossings. What began in the 19th century as an exclusive pastime for the wealthy has grown into a massive global industry, attracting travelers of every kind to floating resorts packed with extraordinary amenities.

Today’s cruise ships are feats of engineering on an astonishing scale. The largest stretch more than 1,100 feet in length, towering like skyscrapers at sea. Onboard, guests can enjoy everything from surf simulators and zip lines to Broadway-caliber productions. These ocean giants can accommodate more than 6,000 passengers, making them as much entertainment hubs as they are vessels of travel.

In this feature, 247 Tempo ranks the biggest cruise ships in the world by passenger capacity, highlighting the companies that operate them and the routes they sail. Come aboard as we set out to explore these record-breaking marvels of the seas.

• Launched in 2008 with capacity for 3,274, MSC Fantasia served as Europe's largest cruise ship at the time.
• It sails the Mediterranean from ports in France, Spain, and Italy.
• Part of MSC Cruises’ push into the premium cruise market.

• Deployed in 2017, World Dream carries 3,348 passengers and helped make Hong Kong an Asian cruise hub.
• It is now owned by AROYA Cruises and dubbed the AROYA, the very first ship of their fleet; it departs from the Marshall Islands.
• It set sail in July 2024 and has 20 unique venues across 18 sprawling decks.

• The 2017 Majestic Princess holds 3,560 guests and sails routes in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
• Operated by Princess Cruises, famous for 'The Love Boat.'
• Offers luxury features for regional travel.

• Carnival Dream launched in 2009 with capacity for 3,646 guests.
• It’s the first Dream-class ship in the Carnival fleet.
• Offers Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas.

• Britannia, deployed in 2015, holds 3,647 guests and is the largest cruise ship built for the UK market.
• Operated by P&O Cruises, founded in 1837.
• Sails transatlantic routes between Southampton and Barbados.

• Carnival Breeze, launched in 2012, accommodates 3,690 passengers.
• Offers Caribbean cruises from major Florida ports.
• Third in Carnival's Dream-class series.

• Carnival Vista debuted in 2016 as Carnival’s largest ship by guest capacity.
• It carries 3,934 passengers and operates from Galveston.
• Features water slides and a suspended cycling ride.

• Norwegian Bliss, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, launched in 2018 with space for 4,004 guests.
• Offers Alaskan and Panama Canal cruises.
• Includes observation lounges and a race track.

• The MSC Meraviglia was deployed in 2017 and carries 4,500 passengers.
• Cruises the Caribbean and offers fall tours in Canada and New England.
• Features an indoor promenade and Cirque du Soleil shows.

• Freedom of the Seas launched in 2006 and holds 4,515 passengers.
• Once the world’s largest by tonnage, now sails the Caribbean.
• Part of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom class.

• Independence of the Seas entered service in 2008 with a capacity of 4,560.
• Offers cruises from Florida to the Bahamas and Mediterranean.
• Includes a FlowRider surf simulator and ice rink.

• Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum-class ship, debuted in 2016.
• Holds 4,905 guests and sails from Asia, Australia, and Alaska.
• Features a skydiving simulator and North Star observation pod.

• Costa Diadema (by Costa Cruises), launched in 2014, accommodates 4,947 guests.
• Sails in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
• Marketed as family-friendly with kid-centric activities.

• Costa Venezia, launched in 2019, is themed after Venice and built for China’s cruise market.
• Holds 5,100 passengers and includes Venetian-style interiors.
• Offers Asian itineraries including Japan and Singapore.

• MSC Seaview, in service since 2018, carries 5,179 guests.
• Focuses on Mediterranean cruises from ports like Barcelona and Genoa.
• Features outdoor promenades and zip lines.

• Operated by AIDA Cruises, an offshoot of Carnival, AIDAnova is the first LNG-powered cruise ship, launched in 2018.
• Accommodates 5,200 passengers.
• Operates in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean, emphasizing eco-friendly design.

• Spectrum of the Seas (a Royal Caribbean ship) launched in 2019 as a Quantum Ultra-class ship.
• Carries 5,622 guests and is based in Shanghai.
• Tailored to Chinese travelers with themed dining and entertainment.

• MSC Bellissima, launched in 2019, accommodates 5,686 passengers.
• Cruises the Mediterranean with stops in Italy, Spain, and Malta.
• Offers an LED domed promenade and AI-powered assistant.

• Harmony of the Seas, deployed in 2016, holds 6,780 passengers.
• Offers Caribbean itineraries and was the largest cruise ship at its launch.
• Features seven neighborhood zones and over 20 dining options, as per Royal Caribbean's preferred designs.

• Oasis of the Seas entered service in 2009 with 6,780 guest capacity.
• Sails the Caribbean and Mediterranean routes.
• Known for its Central Park and AquaTheater, designs Royal Caribbean has expanded upon since its debut.

• Allure of the Seas launched in 2010 and also carries 6,780 guests.
• Offers Western Hemisphere cruises, a broad offering from Royal Caribbean.
• Features include ice shows, a carousel, and Broadway productions.

• Symphony of the Seas, introduced in 2018, carries 6,680 passengers.
• The world’s largest by tonnage, it sails Caribbean routes from Miami.
• Includes robotic bartenders and a 10-story slide; Royal Caribbean gained significant acclaim for this ship.