Watch: World’s Biggest Cruise Ships In 2023
The international cruise industry has expanded rapidly in the last few years and showed no signs of slowing down till the coronavirus pandemic hit the world.
The world witnessed a complete halt in the cruise business. However, cruise shipping companies are doing everything possible to sustain themselves in these challenging times.
The industry is expected to return soon with some of the largest and most technologically advanced cruise ships.
To meet the various preferences of travellers, the new technologically advanced cruise ships come in bigger sizes, with better amenities, and, indeed, are as luxurious as they can be.
Here, we list the world’s largest TOP 5 cruise ships, ranked per their gross tonnage and passenger capacity in 2023.
1. Wonder of the Seas
The Wonder of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean International, holds the world’s largest cruise ship title at 236,857 Gross tonnes. It belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class and can host 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members.
The ship is powered by four 7,500 Horsepower bow thrusters, allowing it to cruise at up to 22 knots. It boasts new amenities such as a suite neighbourhood, fully redesigned pool decks, and an all-new Aquatheatre.
2. Symphony Of the Seas
The Symphony of the Seas is the second-largest cruise ship in the world. She held the top spot until she was beaten by her sister ship, Wonder of the Seas. The giant cruise ship has 228,081 gross registered tons, measures 238 feet tall and spans 361.011 meters long.
3. Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-Class vessel, Harmony of the Seas, follows closely behind her sister ship. STX France built it at its Saint-Nazaire shipyard. It is the third vessel in the Oasis-Class series. With a gross tonnage of 226,963 GT, Harmony of the Seas has a maximum beam of 66m. Featuring 2,747 staterooms with virtual balconies, this biggest vessel can accommodate 5,479 guests at double occupancy.
4. Allure of the Seas
Another 362m-long Oasis-class cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, stands fourth after her sister vessel on the list. Built at the STX Europe shipyards in Turku, Finland, Allure of the Seas is the second Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the Oasis-class series.
At one point, she was the largest passenger ship in service. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 225,282 GT, a height of 72m and a maximum beam of 60.5m.
Delivered in October 2010, Allure of the Seas can house 5,400 passengers at double occupancy. Features of the luxurious cruise ship include a two-deck dance hall, a theatre with 1,380 seats, an ice skating rink, a concierge club and spa, and fitness facilities, among others.
5. Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas, the first vessel in the Oasis-class cruise ships of Royal Caribbean, was the largest cruise ship when it entered service in 2009. It is the fifth-largest cruise ship in the world. Ordered in February 2006, the vessel was launched from STX Europe’s Turku Shipyard in 2008, marking the entry of new-class ships into the fleet of Royal Caribbean International.
Oasis of the Seas measures 361.6m in overall length, 72m in height above the waterline and 22.55m in depth, while it has a gross tonnage of 225,282.
These were the top 5 biggest cruise ships in the world in 2023!
Soon, the world’s largest cruise ship will be ICON OF THE SEAS. It has completed its trial run and is ready to embark on its maiden voyage, probably around 2024.
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About Author
Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.
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