The Biggest Cruise Ships on the Open Seas

Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis of the Seas has made its way to the top of our list as the largest cruise ship currently in operation. Measuring 320 meters long, the Oasis of the Seas is the second-largest cruise ship ever built. With a gross tonnage of 169,000 tons, it is also one of the most powerful ships with a propulsion system capable of generating over 75,000 horsepower. The Oasis of the Seas was built by Royal Caribbean International and originally sailed as the Oceanic before being retrofitted as the Oasis of the Seas in late 2009. Since then, it has been the largest cruise ship in the world. The Oasis of the Seas can hold up to 6,300 passengers, divided among its 12 decks. The ship features many of the amenities that its sister ships offer, including a rock-climbing wall, casino, ice skating rink, and Central Park, a large outdoor area with trees, ponds, and fountains. Other unique amenities include the FlowRider surf simulator, a surfboard that can be ridden like a wave, and the H2O Zone, a water park with various slides and pools. The Oasis of the Seas also has one of the most advanced skating rinks, which includes state-of-the-art LED lights and a retractable roof.

Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas is second only to the Oasis of the Seas as the largest cruise ship ever built. It first sailed in October of 2010 as the world’s largest cruise ship, a title it held until the Oasis of the Seas surpassed it in size. The Allure of the Seas measures 315 meters in length and can hold up to 5,400 passengers. This cruise ship can be found sailing several different routes each year, including cruises to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and around South America. Designed with a modern, sleek aesthetic, the Allure of the Seas features several trademark attractions, including Central Park, a large outdoor entertainment venue with fountains and ponds, and the North Star, a giant Ferris wheel that can hold up to 40 passengers at a time and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Allure of the Seas also has a stocked aquarium with hundreds of different animals, a casino, a rock climbing wall, and a selection of dining options, including an outdoor food court.

Harmony of the Seas

With its debut in October of 2016, the Harmony of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world. This cruise ship holds the world record for being the largest passenger vessel ever built, weighing in at 168,844 gross tons. It is slightly longer than the Allure of the Seas, measuring a total of 329.82 meters. Harmony of the Seas can hold 5,798 passengers, making it one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built. Harmony of the Seas features several signature attractions, including the SeaWalk, a cantilevered observation platform that extends out over the water, Explorer’s Reef, an aquarium loaded with marine life, and the Central Park, a large outdoor space featuring fountains and ponds. The Harmony of the Seas also has a casino, rock climbing wall, and a variety of dining options.

Anthem of the Seas

The Anthem of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class of cruise ships, became the world’s largest cruise ship when it was launched in 2015. It measures a total of 328.79 meters in length and holds 5,513 passengers. It can be found sailing a variety of routes each year, including cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South America. The Anthem of the Seas features several unique attractions, including the Serenity Adult Only area, a large outdoor space with private cabanas, hammocks, and a pool, and a SeaWalk, an observation platform that extends out over the water. The ship also has a casino, rock climbing wall, and several dining options.

Symphony of the Seas

Launched in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas is the newest cruise ship on this list. This massive vessel is the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class. It measures a total of 328.79 meters in length and can hold 5,139 passengers. The Symphony of the Seas sails a variety of routes each year, including cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South America. The Symphony of the Seas features several signature attractions, including the Serenity Adult-Only area, SeaWalk, and an aquarium stocked with marine life. The ship also has a casino, rock climbing wall, and several dining options.