Photo: Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has a track record of building the largest cruise ships in the world. 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 the Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It has 228,081 gross registered tons, 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 neighborhood. 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. In 2024, the Icon of Seas was introduced as the world’s largest cruise ship with a capacity to handle 5,610 passengers at double occupancy.