What is the largest cruise ship in the world? If you have this question then in this review you will learn about the 16 largest cruise ships in the world that are absolutely leading in 2021 in terms of gross tonnage, weight, volumetric and of course in length – from bow to stern.
The largest one is called Symphony of the Seas with a gross tonnage of 228,081 GT. This is more than four times that of the infamous Titanic. The largest ship in the world is 362 meters long, allowing you to turn the ship into a real city. With restaurants, shops, bars, huge swimming pools, movie theaters and even golf courses.
The endless stretch of the blue ocean, the clear blue sky overhead, the wind, the sunshine – nothing can beat the happiness of traveling on a luxury yacht. Cruise ships have gotten bigger and more epic over the years, taking over the better part of the cruise industry since the Titanic.
2019 is the year for these giant ships to introduce new and improved technology. Welcome the coming year on board, sail under the stars and set off fireworks while sipping champagne. This is the most memorable way to travel to faraway lands, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of the seas and ports. Here is a list of the 10 biggest cruise ships from around the world that you can refer to.
16. Cruis’ Norwegian Escape – 165,157 GT
Plan your perfect escape from the dull monotony of everyday life and sail aboard the Norwegian cruiser Escape this year. This is the second ship of the Breakaway Plus class owned and operated by the Norwegian cruiser company. Built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the ship made its maiden voyage in 2015 from Hamburg to Southampton.
At about 165,157 GT, the cruiser is much lighter and smaller than its sister Joy and therefore not very suitable for long trips. Her first transatlantic voyage through Miami spanned an entire year, offering visitors a seven-night stay in the Caribbean islands.
Escape has a home ground in Miami, and from there it plans to venture to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The framework, although much smaller, is designed in a similar way to its sisters Bliss and Joy. There are more than 2,000 state rooms that can accommodate more than 4,000 guests with ease. In addition, there are clubs, bars, restaurants, swimming pools, theatres, decks and balconies throughout the yacht, providing a variety of recreational activities for its inhabitants.
15. Norwegian Joy – 167,725 GT
Norwegian Joy is part of the Breakaway Plus class owned by Norwegian Cruise Liner, a well-known company in the industry. Norwegian Joy and her sister Norwegian Escape are both on the same cruise line and were commissioned in 2015. Joy weighs around 167,725 GT and is 333.46 ft long, capable of holding almost 3,880 passengers at a time. .
The yacht was designed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, specifically for the needs of the Chinese market. One of the main reasons for this is that Joy has a godfather, a Chinese singer Wang Leehom, rather than a godmother to a patron. Joy will soon be moved to new home ports in Tianjin and Shanghai.
There is another yacht called Norwegian Bliss that will be introduced in 2019 and follow in the footsteps of sisters Joy and Escape. There have been reports that the yacht will be repositioned to Dubai. However, the other ports of this maiden voyage have yet to be revealed to the public. Joy is quite spacious and powerful, has 5 main engines to propel it at sea. The framework has more than a thousand departments, theaters, spas, pools, bars, nightclubs, gyms, decks and places to eat where you can spend your time.
14. Ovation of the Seas – 168,666 GT
The Ovation of the Seas is the third and final ship in the Quantum class series and outstrips the Free Seas Line by nearly 14,000 GT. It is the second largest of the passenger ships, weighing 168,666 GT and manufactured by Royal Caribbean, behind only the Oasis. Ovation begins its journey from Tianjin during the summer months and arrives in Sydney in the southern summer. The entire frame of the cruise is quite similar to other ships from the Quantum class, except that the Ovation is a bit smaller (several meters) when compared to the other two.
The Ovation is also part of the Sunshine Project and has over a thousand state rooms, some with decks and balconies while others are equipped with large windows and wheelchairs for elderly or disabled guests. There’s no shortage of entertainment while you’re here, check out the theaters, spas, bars, casinos, nightclubs, swimming pools, sports centers, art galleries, observatories and other facilities. restaurants to name a few.
Ovation began on its 52-day Global Odyssey cruise from Southampton in 2016, its final destination was Tianjin, China. In early 2019, the yacht is planning to reposition in Sydney and then embark on a seven-day cruise to Alaska.
13. Anthem of The Seas – 168,666 GT
Anthem of the Seas is the second largest of the Quantum class cruisers to have surpassed the Freedom cruiser by nearly 14,000 GT. Owned by Royal Caribbean International, Anthem began construction on April 10 and was christened on April 20, 2015. It was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and is under discussion. delivered in the fall of 2014 within the framework of Sunshine Project.
Anthem first departed from her home port of Southampton, England in 2015 in preparation for her summer trip to Europe. It was on this trip that she was officially christened Emma Wilby, a British travel agent. The first trip was an eight-night trip to Spain and France. From there, the ship sailed to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands. During November, the cruiser made 7-12 night cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA.
Anthem of the Seas has a total tonnage of 168,666 GT, very similar in structure to the Quantum ship. There are 16 state rooms, 8 of which have large balconies. Meeting rooms serving all needs of customers; some of them are even equipped with wheelchairs to assist people with disabilities. In addition, there are sports fields, observation towers, whirlpools, bars, theatres, casinos, dining spaces and plenty of lounges to relax around.
12. Quantum Of The Seas – 168,666 GT
Royal Caribbean Cruise has put into operation quite a few cruise ships that sail across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean belt. We’ve discussed the Oasis series and have covered the Freedom class excursions (albeit briefly). Quantum of the Seas is a flagship of Quantum class cruises that have crossed the boundaries of Freedom. It is the second largest passenger ship, weighing 140.00 GT more than its previous cruise ships. Quantum, weighing 168,666 GT, is part of Project Sunshine and was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Quantum of the Seas spent its early years traveling around Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA, before returning to its home country of China in May 2015. However, after 2015, du Boats have ventured to more distant routes and made 3 to 8 voyages. year-round journey, from Shanghai to Japan and Korea. She arrived in Hong Kong on June 10, 2015.
Quantum of the Seas was named on November 14, 2014 by American actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth. The yacht has 16 passenger decks, eight of which have balconies overlooking the ocean. In addition, there are 2090 state rooms, two-story loft suites, studios, restaurants, casinos, bars, music halls, and even Kung-Fu-themed noodle bars on the pool deck.
11. MSC Meraviglia – 171,598 GT
The MSC Meraviglia is the flagship of the Project Vista ships owned and operated by MSC Cruises, first launched in June 2017. It was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. With a weight of nearly 171,598 GT, Meraviglia is considered the 4th largest cruise ship, second only to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class cruise ship.
The ship was initially limited to sailing around the Mediterranean, including Malta, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Civitavecchia and Palermo during its inaugural season. The MSC Meraviglia can accommodate around 4,500 guests at a time, although news of an expansion of the ship’s design has been in the tabloids.
Meraviglia is large enough to provide the complete resort experience for guests in the yacht itself. Covered promenade with LED lights, then there is a Water Park, 3-4 water slides, Himalayan zip line, two theaters (one is located at the back of the train) more than 10 restaurants and a luxury spa important.
10. MSC Grandiosa – 181.541 GT
Owned by MSC Cruises and built in France, the MSC Grandiosa is one of three Meraviglia Plus-class cruise ships with a capacity of over 6000 passengers. It completed sea trials and entered service in the fall of 2019.
Played by the legendary actress of yesteryear Sophia Loren, MSC Grandiosa flew across the Mediterranean, visiting Genoa, Barcelona, Marseilles and Rome.
In 2020, she was supposed to move to Brazil for a South American tour, but those plans have been shelved for the time being. In late summer 2020, the MSC Grandiosa was the first major cruise ship to return to sea after a five-month hiatus. However, shore trips are sanctioned by MSC and subject to their strict supervision.
9. MSC Virtuosa – 181,541 GT
Like her sister ship, the Grandiosa, the MSC Virtuosa is a brand new cruise ship that’s straining at blocks of departure in her home port of Kiel. Built at a cost of 800 million euros, the 331 meter long ship can accommodate more than 6000 passengers.
MSC always chooses to explore new vistas, and on board the Virtuosa it takes the form of a humanoid bartender (remember Arthur in the sci-fi movie Passengers). In addition, the ship promises a new experience with a 92-meter LED illuminated dome and a 101-meter-long promenade. The ship will start operating in mid-April with three cruises ranging from 3 to 10 nights long.
8. Mardi Gras – 181,808 GT
What’s more fun than Mardi Gras? Well, Mardi Gras! Bad pun, but a ship with that name will cause waves when it docks in her hometown of Canaveral, Florida. Delayed several times, the ship was finally handed over to Carnival at the end of 2020. Weighing 181,800 tons, the 1130-foot giant had a special berth built for it at Port Canaveral.
The 188,000-square-foot special terminal cost $163 million to build, from which she will tour the Caribbean when the pandemic subsides. Her maximum capacity is expected to be 6500 guests with more than 2000 rooms.
On the top deck, the cruise ship will have its first sea coaster called the “Bolt”. The 800 ft ride will feature cars traveling at 40 mph, a thrill quite unique on the high seas.
7. AIDAnova – 183,858 GT
In 2018, AIDAnova became the first cruise ship powered by LNG. The technology was developed by the German shipyard Meyer Werft after a decade of research. It is set to join the two Excellence-class sister ships in 2021 and 2023.
With a capacity of 5200 passengers and 16 decks, the ship is an impressive sight. AIDAnova tours the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. There is a giant eye on each side of the ship and huge red lips on the bow, making it look like an oversized mermaid.
There’s plenty of entertainment on board, including three giant waterslides and a Theatrium with 360° ocean views. The ship offers guests 20 types of rooms from 2-storey penthouses to more cozy services and very affordable prices. The Body & Soul Spa is spread over two decks spanning over 80 different treatments from around the world.
6. Iona – 184.089 GT
Also owned by Carnival but operating as part of the popular P&O yacht brand, MS Iona is named after an island off the coast of Scotland. The largest ship operated by P&O, the Iona, can carry 5,000 passengers and is powered by LNG.
There are seventeen restaurants on board, eight of which are dedicated to a luxurious dining experience. Guests can also relax in one of the dozens of different bars spread throughout the ship.
The most unique feature of Iona is the large SkyDome, a giant swimming pool covered by immense glass that offers unobstructed views of the sky from all directions. The pool is covered by a retractable stage and can be used for parties in the evening. The ship will commence operations in the summer of 2020 with a voyage to Norway from Southampton. That has not happened due to the pandemic and operations will be resumed in 2021.
5. Costa Smeralda – 185,010 GT
The largest ship owned by Carnival and the fifth largest cruise ship in the world, the Costa Smeralda, runs on LNG and is environmentally friendly. If you’re looking for sustainable vacations in style aboard a green boat, prepare for this beauty. The concourse at the center of the ship, the Colosseo, has a three-story skylight.
The boat has the final inscription in contemporary decor with a classic interior designed by Dordoni Architetti of Milan. Spread across the ship are 11 restaurants serving traditional and continental Italian dishes. If you want to give it a try, stop by Teppanyaki, a grill restaurant inspired by the Japanese hibachi cooking style.
This super-luxury ship was supposed to cruise the Mediterranean from 2020, but shortly after launching, the pandemic was forced to halt. She will continue her tour in the summer of 2021 with a trip to the Persian Gulf and Dubai.
4. Oasis Of The Seas – 225,282 GT
The Oasis of the Seas is perhaps the oldest of the Oasis-class cruise ships now overshadowed by her two sisters (first the Allure and then the Harmony). As part of Royal Caribbean Cruises, it was built around 2007 and finally set sail two years later in November 2009. Originally, the yacht was designed to hold 6,000 passengers; capacity has gone down since then.
The Oasis-class cruises were preceded by the Freedom-class (also owned by Royal Caribbean), becoming the largest cruise ship in the world at the time. Oasis, like her sister Allure, is part of the Genesis Project and was christened on the basis of a contest held in 2008.
The total tonnage of the cruise is 225,282GT (same as the Allure), the hull is 31ft wide and large enough to maintain the balance of the heavy ship without increasing the draft. Moving on to the amenities on offer, the yacht features spacious luxury suites, double loft suites, and large balconies that offer 360-degree ocean views. In addition, there is a casino, mini golf, many nightclubs, karaoke bars, 5 swimming pools, volleyball courts, an amusement park, a nursery for children and several comfortable relaxation areas.
3. Allure Of The Seas – 225,282 GT
Allure of the Seas is the eldest sister of the Harmony cruise line owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International. MS Allure is once again the Oasis class yacht that was considered the largest passenger ship until 2016, which is before Harmony was introduced. The cruise ship was designed as part of Project Genesis at the Perno Shipyard, Turku, Finland.
Was christened in May 2008 after a contest was held to name her and her sister Oasis (which we’ll talk about next). She finally set sail on 10 November 2009 and sails year-round in the Caribbean, becoming the first ship to sail all season.
Allure of the Seas is about the same length as her sister Oasis, measuring about 360m (technically, Allure is 2m larger due to temperature variations at the shipyard). The total tonnage of the frame is nearly 225,282 GT, which includes a two-story discotheque, a theater, an ice rink, 25 dining rooms, a Starbucks, and approximately 7 separate “neighborhoods” or activity areas.
2. Harmony Of The Seas – 226,963 GT
Royal Caribbean Cruise happens to be one of the most popular cruise lines that have introduced countless luxury ships catering to the elite. Harmony of the Seas was built by the STX France Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and is considered one of the finest Oasis-class cruise ships in the world. With a weight of about 226,963 GT, it is undoubtedly the largest passenger ship today. It first went out to sea on May 15, 2016. Her first destination was Southampton, England, and it was only on October 23 that the last cruise crossed the Atlantic.
Initial trips did not have much impact for passengers as most passengers complained of lack of hot water, poor service at the restaurant and other problems. However, the quality of service improved dramatically after the yacht’s overall construction was completed. Harmony of the Seas has a total of 2747 guest rooms that can accommodate more than 5000 guests at a time.
The suites are well-appointed and feature floor-to-ceiling screens that give you picturesque views of the surrounding sea. Plus, there’s the Vanity Spa, Splashaway Bay Waterslide for kids, Casino Royale, underwater theater, theater royal, 4 pools, 10 hot tubs and more.
1.Symphony Of The Seas’ – 228.081 GT
It is the largest cruise ship in the world (as of mid-2018) and can carry 6680 guests. Not only the largest, but with 18 decks, the Symphony of the Seas offers unparalleled amenities. Part of the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships, the ship is 1184 feet long and larger than any ship carrying oil. Amenities include a water park with a full-sized water slide called the Ultimate Abyss and a 43-foot rock climbing wall. Besides, the auditorium on board can accommodate 1400 guests and is full of performances.
Specialty restaurants on board include Jamie’s Italian and Izuma, which serve delicious sushi dishes. Besides, the main dining room has the best recipes available throughout the day. If you want to cool off with a beer after all the action, stop by Schooner Bar or English Pub, the most elegant of the dozens on board.
Her home port is Miami, and she travels the Caribbean. Powered by the latest azipod main engine, the ship consumes 25% less fuel than other ships of the same size.
