Royal Caribbean has the biggest cruise ships in the world and it proves exactly why size matters.
The cruise line's fleet of 28 vessels comes in a range of sizes, with the largest ships being in the Icon Class and Oasis Class.
While you can have a great vacation on a big or small cruise ship, the world's largest cruise ships stand out for more than just their size.
These ships feature exciting amenities you wouldn't expect to find on a cruise ship, from waterparks and ice skating rinks to immersive dining experiences.
Unique events and venues on these ships continue to draw people in, even 15 years after the first Oasis Class vessel debuted.
Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so popular 15 years after their inception
Let's dive into what makes Royal Caribbean's 5 biggest mega-ships so special.
5. Harmony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GRT
Length: 1,188 feet long
Passengers: 5,479 (double occupancy)
When she was launched in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world.
As another iteration in the ground-breaking Oasis Class, Harmony both continued and expanded on the mega-ship concept.
Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)
The vessel is split into seven neighborhoods:
- Central Park
- Boardwalk
- Royal Promenade
- Pool and Sports Zone
- Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
- Entertainment Place
- Youth Zone
Each area focuses on a different attraction, allowing like-minded cruisers to join together in one location. These neighborhoods hint at exciting features you can only experience on a Royal Caribbean mega-ship.
Read more: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?
Harmony of the Seas features the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Splashaway Bay kid's waterpark, an ice skating rink, the AquaTheater, Perfect Storm waterslides, ziplines, Flowrider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, Rising Tide Bar, and rock climbing.
The ship also offers 20 dining venues, including popular choices such as Jamie's Italian, Izumi, Chop's Grille, and Johnny Rockets.
4. Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GRT
Length: 1,188 feet long
Passengers: 5,518 (double occupancy)
Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018. As the fourth Oasis Class ship, her success proved just how popular Royal Caribbean's mega-ships are.
Symphony of the Seas features the same seven neighborhoods as Harmony of the Seas, with a stellar Central Park that grows 20,700 live plants.
The vessel also added a laser tag experience—the Battle for Planet Z—and an escape room for even more onboard activities.
If a family is looking for the best Royal Caribbean ship and also looking for a luxurious accommodation, they can stay in the Ultimate Family Suite, a 1,346-square-foot cabin.
Popular features also include the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Perfect Storm waterslides, AquaTheater, FlowRider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, and rock climbing wall.
Popular dining venues include Hooked Seafood, Wonderland, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and more.
The mega-ship also features a Broadway-level production of Hairspray!
3. Wonder of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT
Length: 1,188 feet long
Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)
In 2022, Wonder of the Seas was released as the next Oasis Class ship.
Royal Caribbean went above and beyond by adding an eighth neighborhood to the popular Oasis Class format.
The Suite neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas provides a private, exclusive experience for suite guests, with its own plunge pool, bar, Coastal Kitchen venue, and Suite Lounge.
In addition to a luxury neighborhood focused on suite guests, Wonder also has the classic Oasis Class amenities, such as a stellar AquaTheater show, water slides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, laser tag, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, carousel, Splashaway Bay, and arcade.
Wonder of the Seas features the Effector II show, a sequel to the popular, most technologically advanced show in the cruise industry.
Read more: Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood
She was also the first vessel to feature the specialty Southern comfort food venue, the Mason Jar.
2. Utopia of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT
Length: 1,188 feet long
Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)
Just launched in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas continued Royal Caribbean's reputation for breaking records. She became the biggest Oasis Class ship released thus far, beating out Wonder of the Seas by 3 gross tons.
Utopia was also the first mega-ship to debut by offering short sailings, focusing on becoming "The World's Biggest Weekend."
The ship features 8 distinct neighborhoods, 21 dining venues, 5 pools, and 8 hot tubs.
She introduced several innovations to the Oasis Class, such as outdoor seating in Giovanni's, a brand-new bar called the Pesky Parrot, a multi-story Lime and Coconut Bar, The Spare Tire food truck/eatery, and an extended Ultimate Abyss dry slide.
One of the must-see highlights on Utopia of the Seas is the Royal Railway dining experience, an immersive, train-car-themed specialty restaurant.
1. Icon of the Seas
Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT
Length: 1,198 feet long
Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)
Icon of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world upon her debut in 2024.
She is the first ship in the Icon Class, introducing an entirely new way of cruising, with brand-new dining venues and bars.
The mega-ship features 8 neighborhoods in a completely unique layout:
- AquaDome
- Central Park
- Surfside
- Royal Promenade
- Chill Island
- Thrill Island
- The Hideaway
- Suite Neighborhood
She introduced many unique features, some of which will continue in subsequent Icon Class ships.
The Pearl, for example, is a unique art installation and sensory experience guests can walk through.
Icon also introduced the complimentary AquaDome Market, the cruise line's first food hall, which serves five unique types of cuisine: mac 'n' cheese, Asian food, soups and sandwiches, crepes, and Mediterranean bowls.
Destination elevators also first came out on Icon of the Seas, solving the issues of crowding and long wait times previously experienced on Oasis Class ships.
Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison
Not only did guests receive an upgraded adventure onboard, but crew members did, as well. The cruise line listened to employees about what they needed to develop a new, crew-only neighborhood.
