Royal Caribbean has the most important cruise ships on the earth and it proves precisely why measurement issues.
The cruise line’s fleet of 28 vessels is available in a variety of sizes, with the most important ships being within the Icon Class and Oasis Class.
When you can have a fantastic trip on a giant or small cruise ship, the world’s largest cruise ships stand out for extra than simply their measurement.
These ships function thrilling facilities you would not look forward to finding on a cruise ship, from waterparks and ice skating rinks to immersive eating experiences.
Distinctive occasions and venues on these ships proceed to attract individuals in, even 15 years after the primary Oasis Class vessel debuted.
Learn extra: Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so widespread 15 years after their inception
Let’s dive into what makes Royal Caribbean’s 5 greatest mega-ships so particular.
5. Concord of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GRT
Size: 1,188 toes lengthy
Passengers: 5,479 (double occupancy)
When she was launched in 2016, Concord of the Seas was the most important cruise ship on the earth.
As one other iteration within the ground-breaking Oasis Class, Concord each continued and expanded on the mega-ship idea.
Learn extra: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by measurement (2024)
The vessel is break up into seven neighborhoods:
- Central Park
- Boardwalk
- Royal Promenade
- Pool and Sports activities Zone
- Vitality at Sea Spa and Health Heart
- Leisure Place
- Youth Zone
Every space focuses on a distinct attraction, permitting like-minded cruisers to affix collectively in a single location. These neighborhoods trace at thrilling options you possibly can solely expertise on a Royal Caribbean mega-ship.
Learn extra: What’s the distinction between a big and small cruise ship?
Concord of the Seas options the 10-story Final Abyss dry slide, Splashaway Bay child’s waterpark, an ice skating rink, the AquaTheater, Excellent Storm waterslides, ziplines, Flowrider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, Rising Tide Bar, and mountain climbing.
The ship additionally provides 20 eating venues, together with widespread decisions resembling Jamie’s Italian, Izumi, Chop’s Grille, and Johnny Rockets.
4. Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GRT
Size: 1,188 toes lengthy
Passengers: 5,518 (double occupancy)
Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018. Because the fourth Oasis Class ship, her success proved simply how widespread Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships are.
Symphony of the Seas options the identical seven neighborhoods as Concord of the Seas, with a stellar Central Park that grows 20,700 reside crops.
The vessel additionally added a laser tag expertise—the Battle for Planet Z—and an escape room for much more onboard actions.
If a household is on the lookout for one of the best Royal Caribbean ship and likewise on the lookout for an opulent lodging, they’ll keep within the Final Household Suite, a 1,346-square-foot cabin.
Standard options additionally embrace the Final Abyss dry slide, Excellent Storm waterslides, AquaTheater, FlowRider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, and mountain climbing wall.
Standard eating venues embrace Hooked Seafood, Wonderland, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and extra.
The mega-ship additionally encompasses a Broadway-level manufacturing of Hairspray!
3. Marvel of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT
Size: 1,188 toes lengthy
Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)
In 2022, Marvel of the Seas was launched as the following Oasis Class ship.
Royal Caribbean went above and past by including an eighth neighborhood to the favored Oasis Class format.
The Suite neighborhood on Marvel of the Seas supplies a non-public, unique expertise for suite visitors, with its personal plunge pool, bar, Coastal Kitchen venue, and Suite Lounge.
Along with a luxurious neighborhood targeted on suite visitors, Marvel additionally has the traditional Oasis Class facilities, resembling a stellar AquaTheater present, water slides, the Final Abyss dry slide, laser tag, mountain climbing partitions, FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, carousel, Splashaway Bay, and arcade.
Marvel of the Seas options the Effector II present, a sequel to the favored, most technologically superior present within the cruise trade.
Learn extra: Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to anticipate in Royal Caribbean’s household neighborhood
She was additionally the primary vessel to function the specialty Southern consolation meals venue, the Mason Jar.
2. Utopia of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT
Size: 1,188 toes lengthy
Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)
Simply launched in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas continued Royal Caribbean’s repute for breaking information. She turned the most important Oasis Class ship launched to this point, beating out Marvel of the Seas by 3 gross tons.
Utopia was additionally the primary mega-ship to debut by providing brief sailings, specializing in turning into “The World’s Largest Weekend.”
The ship options 8 distinct neighborhoods, 21 eating venues, 5 swimming pools, and eight scorching tubs.
She launched a number of improvements to the Oasis Class, resembling outside seating in Giovanni’s, a brand-new bar known as the Pesky Parrot, a multi-story Lime and Coconut Bar, The Spare Tire meals truck/eatery, and an prolonged Final Abyss dry slide.
One of many must-see highlights on Utopia of the Seas is the Royal Railway eating expertise, an immersive, train-car-themed specialty restaurant.
1. Icon of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT
Size: 1,198 toes lengthy
Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)
Icon of the Seas turned the largest cruise ship on the earth upon her debut in 2024.
She is the primary ship within the Icon Class, introducing a wholly new means of cruising, with brand-new eating venues and bars.
The mega-ship options 8 neighborhoods in a unique structure:
She launched many distinctive options, a few of which is able to proceed in subsequent Icon Class ships.
The Pearl, for instance, is a novel artwork set up and sensory expertise visitors can stroll by.
Icon additionally launched the complimentary AquaDome Market, the cruise line’s first meals corridor, which serves 5 distinctive kinds of delicacies: mac ‘n’ cheese, Asian meals, soups and sandwiches, crepes, and Mediterranean bowls.
Vacation spot elevators additionally first got here out on Icon of the Seas, fixing the problems of crowding and lengthy wait instances beforehand skilled on Oasis Class ships.
Learn extra: Icon of the Seas measurement comparability
Not solely did visitors obtain an upgraded journey onboard, however crew members did, as nicely. The cruise line listened to staff about what they wanted to develop a brand new, crew-only neighborhood.