Photo: Royal Caribbean
In 2024, the Icon of Seas was introduced as the world’s largest cruise ship, with a capacity of 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and 7,600 passengers in full capacity, served by a crew of 2,350. She has a gross registered tonnage of 248,663 and a length of 365 meters. It is not only the biggest vessel in the world in terms of tonnage, but also the biggest vessel available in terms of passenger capacity.
Royal Caribbean has a track record of building the largest cruise ships in the world. In terms of gross tons, in 2009, it was the Allure of the Seas. In 2015, it was Allure’s sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas. In 2020, it was the Symphony of the Seas, built in 2018. The Symphony of the Seas is part of the Oasis-class mega-vessels of Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It has a gross registered tonnage of 228,081, is 238 feet tall, and spans 1,188 feet. She hosts 5,518 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms, including 28 additional balcony rooms overlooking the ocean or signature Boardwalk neighbourhood. She has 16 passenger decks and 2,200 crew members. In 2022, the cruise line built the then-largest-ever ship, the Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas, with its maiden voyage.