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The World’s Largest Cruise Ships

Icon of the Seas (Photo: royalcaribbean.com)

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By Andrea Murray

January 31, 2024
5:32 pm
Los Angeles, CA

On its inaugural journey, the largest cruise ship in the world sailed from Miami, Florida. According to Royal Caribbean, the Icon of the Seas, caused the single greatest booking day and the highest volume booking week in the company’s 53-year history when it was unveiled in October 2022. Across 20 decks, the Icon of the Seas is organized into eight neighborhoods. The ship boasts over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges in addition to six waterslides, seven swimming pools, an ice skating rink, a theater, and more. At full capacity, the ship can accommodate 7,600 passengers and 2,350 staff members. Environmental Concerns The methane emissions from the ship are a cause for concern. Environmentalists fear that the ship, fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), may release airborne methane, which is

Across 20 decks, the Icon of the Seas is organized into eight neighborhoods. The ship boasts over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges in addition to six waterslides, seven swimming pools, an ice skating rink, a theater, and more. At full capacity, the ship can accommodate 7,600 passengers and 2,350 staff members.

Environmental Concerns

The methane emissions from the ship are a cause for concern. Environmentalists fear that the ship, fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), may release airborne methane, which is dangerous. Although LNG has a higher burning efficiency than conventional maritime fuels like fuel oil, some of the gas may leak and release methane into the atmosphere.

Compared to carbon dioxide, methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas. According to Bryan Comer, who oversees the Marine Programme at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), ‘it’s a step in the wrong direction,’ as reported by the Reuters news agency.

History of the previous largest cruise ships

Let’s take a cruise down memory lane and explore the previous predecessors that held the title of the biggest cruise ship.

Since January 2022, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas held the title of the largest cruise ship in the world until recently, making it the second largest cruise ship. The vessel boasts 18 decks (16 guest-accessible decks), 2,867 cabins, and 19 pools.

Before that, Symphony of the Seas, a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, held the title of the third-largest in the world. This vessel was the largest cruise ship globally from 2018 to 2022, featuring 2,759 cabins and a total of 18 decks, with 16 being accessible to guests.

Harmony of the Seas (Photo: royalcaribbean.com)

With Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean once again claims the title of the largest cruise ship in the world. From 2016 to 2018, Harmony of the Seas held the position as the world’s largest cruise ship; it currently ranks as the fourth largest overall. The ship features 16 guest decks, 2,747 cabins, and suites, as well as 23 pools and whirlpools for travelers to enjoy.

The flagship of the Oasis class, consisting of five ships altogether, is Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. When the ship embarked on its maiden journey in 2009, it boasted 2,801 staterooms—nearly 2,000 of which had balconies—along with a total of 18 decks, including 16 guest decks.

In December 2010, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas set sail for the first time. The ship features 2,742 staterooms, including 1,796 balcony suites, and a total of 18 decks, with 16 accessible to guests.