The times when exceptionally wealthy people could afford a vacation on cruise ships are long gone. Today, sea cruises offer tourists the opportunity to visit several countries in the shortest possible time for a very reasonable price, and the ticket price, as a rule, includes meals and all kinds of entertainment. To accommodate personnel, passengers, recreation areas, restaurants and other attributes of a sea cruise on board, the dimensions of the liner must be appropriate. It is not surprising that almost every year information about the next champion in size appears in the headlines. In our article, we will tell you about the fifteen largest cruise ships to date.

Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship to date. The giant 18-deck Oasis-class ship has 22 restaurants, 24 swimming pools, 2,759 cabins and a huge tropical park. In addition, the ship boasts the world's highest waterslide, which is operated in open waters. The total carrying capacity of the liner is 228081 registered tons, and the length is 362 meters.

Symphony of the Seas is divided into seven "cities" arranged in a certain style of districts - such an organization of space is a peculiar feature of the Oasis class, and passengers really like to explore the features of each "city". The maximum passenger capacity of the liner is 6680 people, and the staff and the ship itself are perfectly prepared for such a large number of passengers.

Symphony of the Seas' maiden voyage took place in April 2018, but its days as the world's largest cruise ship are numbered, with a fifth Oasis-class ship set to sail in 2021 that promises to be even bigger.

Harmony of the Seas

The forerunner of the modern record holder was Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, which also belongs to the Oasis class. The ship launched in 2016 and can accommodate 6,687 passengers. One of its distinguishing features is the Ultimate Abyss waterslide, where vacationers can slide down over 10 decks at a speed of 15 km/h. Harmony of the Seas has a carrying capacity of 226,963 register tons and a vessel length of 362 meters, similar to Symphony of the Seas.

Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas was introduced in 2010 and is also part of the Oasis family. The ship's 6,687 passengers can choose between 25 restaurants, 4 swimming pools and 10 hot tubs. The crown jewel of this cruise ship is a massive 1,380-seat theater that plays host to international award-winning Broadway musicals like Chicago.
Royal Caribbean is actively collaborating with DreamWorks Entertainment, so you can meet famous cartoon characters on board the Allure of the Seas and other ships of the same family. The total carrying capacity of the liner is 225282 register tons, and the length is 360 meters.

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the first ship of the Oasis line, it was on it that the system of organizing space in the form of “cities” was first used in 2009, today this concept is a kind of standard.
At the time of the first launch of the ship in 2009, its passenger capacity was considered a record - 6780 people. The liner also housed the deepest swimming pool ever built on a watercraft. In addition, vacationers at the Oasis of the Seas could watch exclusive screenings of the Broadway musical Hairspray.

MSC Meraviglia

This liner became the first representative of the Meraviglia class of MSC - Mediterranean Shipping Company. Meraviglia launched in 2017, and a second vessel of the same type will enter service in 2019. It can accommodate 5,714 passengers, and among the most unusual entertainment is Cirque du Soleil, which gives performances 12 times a week under an exclusive agreement with MSC.
Most of the MSC Meraviglia cruise routes pass through the Mediterranean, so vacationers are offered mainly local cuisine, for example, on board there is a restaurant of the Eataly chain, popular in Italy. The liner also has a covered promenade, available for vacationers around the clock - on its ceiling there is a huge LED screen with an area of ​​480 square meters. m, which broadcast a variety of images that create a unique atmosphere in the room.

Norwegian Bliss

The Breakaway-Plus class liner of the Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Bliss was put into operation at the end of April 2018. NCL ships are easily recognizable from afar by their striking hull design, and there are currently three Breakaway-Plus class ships with a fourth to be launched in 2019.
A distinctive feature of the NCL liners is that the restaurants are not located indoors, as in most ships, but on the open part of the deck, so that vacationers can enjoy a delicious dinner and a view of the sea surface at the same time. The Norwegian Bliss has a capacity of 4,004 passengers, a total carrying capacity of 168,028 register tons and a length of 329 meters. The vessel holds the record in the categories "largest go-cart on a watercraft" and "largest open-air laser tag field".

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Quantum family consists of three identical vessels. Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014 and can carry up to 4,180 passengers. Although this liner is much smaller than the Oasis-class vessels of the same company, the rest on it promises to be no less eventful. This ship was designed specifically for the Asian market and is mainly cruised from China, so its style, entertainment and cuisine are adapted to local ethnic characteristics.

In addition to the large casino, Quantum of the Seas also has its own race track, a circle for those who want to get acquainted with circus art, numerous promenades and open areas. Also, vacationers can choose between 18 restaurants, and for thrill-seekers, a very realistic North Star skydiving simulator and an attraction in the form of a glass capsule, which rises 90 meters above the upper deck of the liner, offer stunning views of both the ship itself and to the surrounding waters. Don't miss out on the Bionic Bar, where a robot bartender mixes a cocktail for you.

Anthem of the Seas

The second ship of the Quantum class Anthem of the Seas is the only vessel of this family that sails in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The first voyage of the liner took place in April 2015: it was an eight-day cruise from the British Southampton to the ports of France and Spain.
With a capacity of 4,180 holidaymakers and a gross tonnage of 168,666 gt, Anthem of the Seas was the largest ship ever to enter the port of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2016.

Ovation of the Seas

To date, Ovation of the Seas is the last Quantum-class vessel in service, but there are plans to expand the lineup in the future. The liner is used for cruises around Alaska during the Northern Hemisphere summer, and spends the rest of the year in Australia.
The characteristics of the passenger and cargo capacity of Ovation of the Seas do not differ from its counterparts.

The Quantum series is known for the meticulous design of cabins and common areas, and Ovation of the Seas was the first liner on which the windowless interior cabins were equipped with virtual balconies - they are transmitted in real time from the cameras surrounding the deck of the ship.

Norwegian Joy

Another NCL ship, the 334-meter Norwegian Joy, was built by order of China, the interior was designed in accordance with the preferences of most Chinese tourists, and the well-known artist Tang Ping was engaged in the design of the hull. The total carrying capacity of the vessel is 167,725 register tons.

Since 2017, Norwegian Joy has been sailing between China and Australia, and it can accommodate up to 3,883 vacationers on board. Unlike other ships on our list, this ship does not have the standard official language - English - but Mandarin Chinese or Mandarin Chinese.

Norwegian Escape

In 2015, the Norwegian Escape became the first NCL ship to be equipped with an exhaust gas treatment system, also known as a scrubber, which captures impurities like sulfur oxide from gases. Installing such a system allows ships to sail in regions with strict environmental restrictions, such as Alaska.

The Norwegian Escape can accommodate up to 4,266 guests, is 326 meters long and has a total capacity of 165,300 gross tons. Basically, the routes of its cruises pass in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, and the base port is located in Miami.

Liberty of the Seas

Another Royal Caribbean heavyweight on our list is the Liberty of the Seas, which was previously part of the Freedom class released in 2007. In 2012, the ship was reconstructed and reorganized according to the already proven Oasis class system. The total carrying capacity of the vessel remained at the level of the class standard - 154407 register tons, but the passenger capacity increased to 4960 people.

The 339-meter-long liner offers entertainment for every taste, including an attraction with artificial waves for surfing “Flow Rider”, a climbing wall, an ice track, a cinema with 1350 seats, etc. The designers paid special attention to the development of a three-story dining area, each floor of which is named in honor of the Renaissance artist.

Norwegian epic

The NCL Norwegian Epic liner can carry up to 4,200 passengers, its length is 325 meters, and the total carrying capacity is 134,500 register tons. Since 2010, the ship has been based in the port of Nassau in the Bahamas.

In 2016, the Norwegian Epic received an award for being one of the ships with the best onboard entertainment. At the local theater, vacationers can watch Broadway shows like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Tourists craving the coolness of the warm waters around the Bahamas can head down to the ice bar, which maintains a temperature of -8°C.

Freedom of the Seas

Like most of the ships we have listed, at the time of its introduction in 2007, Freedom of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in operation. For a long time this liner was based in Florida, but recently she changed her home port to Puerto Rico and now goes on seven-day cruises in the Southern Caribbean.

Freedom of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's Freedom class and can accommodate 4,370 people. Passengers can take part in the FreedomFest festival, during which they will learn about all the entertainment offered on the ship, including an ice rink, a climbing wall, a water park and pools suspended above the sea surface located on special structures outside the board.

Independence of the Seas

Prior to the introduction of the Oasis class, Royal Caribbean's Freedom family was the largest cruise ship in the world. Independence of the Seas - the last on our list - was put into operation in 2008, 1815 cabins on 15 decks can accommodate up to 4356 passengers. With a length of 339 meters, its carrying capacity is slightly higher than that of its counterparts in the class - 160,000 register tons.

In winter, Independence of the Seas cruises from Port Everglades in Florida, and in the summer the liner runs in the Southampton area. Among the entertainment available to vacationers are a theater with 1200 seats, shopping promenades with shops and bars, an ice track, all kinds of sports grounds, a climbing wall, swimming pools and much more.

They are called "cities of the sea" with numerous entertainments and all kinds of amenities for passengers. Until today, the Titanic was considered the legendary, large-scale passenger liner. But now the largest cruise ship in the world in 2016 is Harmony of the seas ("Harmony of the Seas"). With a height of 70 cubic meters, a length of 362 m. It even broke the record for the length of the RCI vessel, built in 2010 by Allure of the seas ("Charm of the Seas"). The new giant is larger than the previous one by only 2 cm.

The world's largest cruise ship: characteristics

The ship with a displacement of 225.282 thousand tons is equipped with 16 decks, 2704 cabins, which can accommodate 5.4 thousand passengers. Among its class is environmentally friendly. Produces 20 percent less hydrocarbon emissions into the air. This is achieved through the use of new technologies.

Construction lasted 2.5 years. More than 1.5 billion US dollars spent. The area exceeds the scale of two football fields. The total power of six diesel units is 132 thousand / horsepower, thanks to engine traction, it develops speed over 22 knots. This is the third giant from the representatives of the class "The largest cruise ship in the world" for 2016.

In order to fill the rest for passengers for a long time on the ship, there are many entertainments, and some travelers sometimes do not have time to try everything during their stay. Here you can find leisure activities for every taste. Thrill-seekers will love the dizzying descents from the water slides, which are located at a height of 10 decks. At the disposal of guests: swimming pools, casinos, incendiary parties, sports grounds, jazz clubs.

Harmony of the Seas is divided into six themed areas:

1. Central Park is located in the heart of the ship. A botanical garden has been created in the park. Guests have every chance to enjoy walks in the park for a long time.
2. Promenade (Boardwalk), Pedestrian area with cafes and bars. Breakfasts and lunches for guests are organized in this sector.
3. Sports area with swimming pool. No steamboat includes so many water features. In addition to many swimming pools, there are sports grounds for playing tennis, golf, etc.
4. Spa area Vitality at Sea, fitness center. This part of the infrastructure was created for the complete relaxation and recreation of travelers. There are special zones with saunas, baths, Spa for children.
5. Amusement park (Entertainment Place). Includes casino, clubs, skating rink, theater.
6. Children's play area (Youth Zone). Reminds me of Disneyland.

On the largest cruise ship, there are 4 main categories of cabins:

• Suites. They differ from other rooms not only in their favorable location, but in the large size of the living area.
• Rooms with balconies. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts
• Cabins with a window that allow you to enjoy the views of the port entry.
• Simple well appointed rooms.

During the summer period, the liner made seven-day trips around the Mediterranean Sea, and in the autumn it will cross the Atlantic Ocean.

How much is the pleasure of riding such a marvel of water engineering? Really inexpensive. Quite for a reasonable amount, which will be equal to a 1-day vacation in Thailand, but if you do not order luxury apartments, but settle in standard rooms. Now round-the-world trips on the sea are provided not only for the elite. Such entertainment is available to the middle class. So, all that remains is to earn money for such a voyage, stock up on a great mood and go ahead - buy a tour on the largest cruise ship in the world in 2016!

The largest cruise ship: video

Harmony of the Seas

Length: 362 meters

Capacity: over 6000 passengers

Routes: transatlantic cruise; On May 22, the liner will set off on its first cruise from Southampton (England); in June, a week-long cruise from Barmelona is scheduled, in July - from Rome.

Cruise cost: from $650 for four nights

Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship of the American company Royal Caribbean International. For passengers on the liner, 18 decks are available, including decks overlooking the ocean, and a variety of entertainment - three water slides, a Bionic Bar with robotic bartenders, and high-speed Internet, not to mention the standard spas and casinos for Royal Caribbean liners.

Quantum of the Seas

Length: 348 meters

Capacity: up to 4905 passengers

Routes: transatlantic cruise; All summer Quantum of the seas will cruise from Asian ports.

Cruise cost: from $800 for five nights

Oasis of the Seas

Length: 362 meters

Capacity: up to 6296 passengers

Routes: Caribbean and Bahamas cruises are on the schedule for the next year

Cruise cost: from $1564 for 9 nights

Allure of the Seas

Length: 362 meters

Capacity: up to 6296 passengers

Routes: Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico

Cruise cost: from $558 for seven nights

Length: 330 meters

Capacity: up to 5183 passengers

Routes: Caribbean islands alternate with Mediterranean and Canary cruises

Cruise cost: from $495 for four nights

According to a recent Italian study, Norwegian Epic is the most loved by travelers and the most luxurious cruise camp, trailing Allure of the Seas by 21%. The main feature of this ship is that in addition to traditional cabins, Norwegian Epic offers studios for single travelers, with a special design, access to their own lounge and a special price. There is a lot of entertainment on the liner, live music is constantly playing and the performance group Blue Man Group performs regularly.

Independence of the Seas

Length: 339 meters

Capacity: up to 4375 passengers

Routes: the main routes are from Fort Lauderdale in the Caribbean and from Southampton in Europe

Cruise cost: from $278 for three nights

Prior to the construction of Oasis of the Seas, the largest liners in the world were Freedom class liners: Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas (first flight - June 4, 2006) and Liberty of the Seas (first flight - May 19, 2007). All three liners, identical in tonnage, length and capacity, have a huge themed water park, ice rink, surf park and boxing ring. Independence of the Seas also has a heated pool. In May of this year, the liner was arrested in the Norwegian port of Ålesund for non-payment of fees. However, Royal Caribbean paid the necessary 600,000 crowns (approximately €72,150) within an hour, and the liner continued its journey.

Length: 345 meters

Capacity: up to 3090 passengers

Routes: Transatlantic, cruises to European ports, Caribbean islands and more

Cruise cost: from $345 for two nights

Norwegian Breakaway

Length: 324 meters

Capacity: up to 3988 passengers

Routes: Bahamas and Caribbean

Cruise cost: from $699 for seven nights

Length: 330 meters

Capacity: up to 4100 passengers

Routes: Caribbean, Europe, British Isles

Cruise cost: from $465 for five nights

Length: 333 meters

Capacity: up to 3959 passengers

Routes: The Mediterranean and a bit of the Transatlantic (November 8, the liner leaves Venice for Salvador, Brazil)

Cruise cost: from €560 for seven nights

The largest cruise ships in the world amaze not only with their overall dimensions, but also with the entertainment provided for passengers. Such ships are more like small cities that move on water. The largest passenger liners are equipped with gyms, cafes, many comfortable rooms and even shops. In addition, guests can enjoy chic cuisine from different chefs and see the beauty of the water world. Of course, traveling the world on such machines is a pleasure. We offer you to get acquainted with the ten largest and best cruise ships in the world.

TOP 10 largest cruise ships in the world

2500 passengers

The weight of the vessel reaches 130 thousand tons. Moreover, its length is 340 meters. The distinctive features of the ship include the similarity with Disneyland. It is practically a copy of this entertainment platform, only it works afloat. Needless to say, this ship attracts children from all over the world, which is understandable, due to the entertainment program. On the open spaces of the ship there is a cinema, a water park, many children's slides. About 600 cabins provide capacity to accommodate 2,500 passengers. The rooms are deluxe.

2640 passengers

Another large liner, which is designed for long journeys of passengers. In total, 2640 people can be accommodated. The weight of the ship is 151 thousand tons. Its length is 345 meters. If we compare the duration of the car, we can say that the length is equal to 80 buses lined up. Rest on this ship is an attractive opportunity to relax playing cricket, golf and even basketball. In addition to sports entertainment, there is a cinema and many swimming pools.

2670 passengers

Also included in the list of the largest cruise ships on the planet Princess Diamond. Its length is 294 meters. At the same time, the ship weighs over 116 thousand tons. In total, the vessel includes 700 cabins. On the territory of the vehicle can accommodate 2670 people, along with service personnel and crew members. Each cabin is equipped with a minibar, luxury balcony and TV. There are excellent conditions for a pleasant pastime, even as part of long journeys. A large liner undergoes maintenance every six months.

3114 passengers

Despite the weight of 138 thousand tons, the ship includes fewer seats than the Carnival Dream. Voyajer of the seas will accommodate 3114 people. Moreover, its length is 311 meters. The ship is a huge entertainment complex. In its open spaces you can find an ice rink, a small golf course and even a TV studio. There are 800 cabins, each equipped with a private shower, bar, TV. All guest rooms attract with elegant decoration and comfort.

3274 passengers

Another huge passenger ship, which is one of the largest ships on the planet. It weighs 137 thousand tons. The length of the ship is 338 meters. In total, the deck can accommodate 3274 people. According to experts, the volume of space of this object is equal to the Eiffel Tower. That is over 1.5 million square meters. The ship has a beautiful design. And this applies not only to the deck, but also to the cabins. Each room provides excellent conditions for relaxation.

3634 passengers

The weight of the liner is 160 thousand tons. Its length reaches 339 meters. These dimensions are enough to accommodate 3634 people. The appearance of this ship is like a floating park. And indeed it matches the design, because there are many water activities on board. Great place to travel with the whole family. At any time, guests of the passenger liner can swim in the pools, try out water slides, have fun with wave simulators and a jacuzzi. There are salons and masseurs. Each room has a TV and air conditioning. A park and a children's skating rink also attract tourists.

3646 passengers

The second place in the list is occupied by Carnival Dream, which weighs 130,000 tons. The ship provides accommodation for 3646 people. Its length is 306 meters. We are talking about the lunopark, which is able to move on the water. Often I celebrate weddings on the liner, and outstanding celebrities have a rest. The advantages of the vessel include the presence of several cinemas and excellent service. Each room has air conditioning, TV, bar. In addition, all cabins attract with excellent interior design and comfort.

3700 passengers

The largest cruise ships in the world also include the Celebrity Eclipse. Its weight is 122 thousand tons. The deck length is 315 meters. The ship includes 19 decks. There is a field for playing croquet and bocce. If four Boeing 747s were lined up in a row, their total length would be shorter than that of the Celebrity Eclipse. In total, there are enough cabins on the ship to accommodate 3,700 people. At the same time, each room on the ship provides excellent conditions for travel. There is a bar, showers, round the clock service.

» usually associated with travel in conditions of increased comfort in exotic parts of the world's oceans ...

In an effort to solve two opposing tasks at the same time - on the one hand, to take as many tourists as possible on board the liner, on the other hand, to provide them with the most comfortable conditions, as well as to make their stay on board during the voyage as interesting and culturally rich as possible, cruise companies are forced to constantly increase the size their liners.

In this article, we will talk about the six largest cruise ships with a weight (displacement) of more than 150 thousand tons.

Oasis of the Seas (Oasis of the Seas)

Length– 361 m
Width– 60 m
Height– 72 m
Speed– 22.6 knots
Crew– 2165 people
Displacement– 225 thousand tons
– 6400

The vessel was built in Finland, is the property of the cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, and is operated by Royal Caribbean International, a tour operator and shipping company. In operation since December 2009.

Oasis of the Seas can be considered a champion in the nomination " The largest cruise ships in the world"in terms of the volume and variety of entertainment provided to tourists. Here is the largest casino on the cruise fleet, a theater for 1380 spectators, a water amphitheater with an arena for 750 seats, clubs for fans of humor and jazz. For the first time in cruise practice, a real park is laid out on one of the decks Of the numerous sports facilities, an ice skating rink and a golf course should be noted.

Length– 361 m
Width– 60 m
Height– 72 m
Speed– 22.6 knots
Crew– 2100 people
Displacement– 225 thousand tons
Maximum Passenger Capacity – 6400

In fact, this is the twin of Oasis of the Seas, its body is only five centimeters longer than its predecessor. Owned by Allure of the Seas Inc and operated by the same tour operator since December 2010.

Length– 339 m
Width– 56 m
Height– 64 m
Speed– 21.6 knots
Crew– 1360 people
Displacement– 154 thousand tons
Maximum Passenger Capacity – 4370

The vessel was built earlier (2006) from the same series of superliners as the previous two. Owned by the same owners and operated by the same company.

When designing Freedom of the Seas, preference was given to water activities. There are water slides, dozens of different pools, a jacuzzi, a wave simulator, a children's water park for children and, apparently, for contrast - a skating rink.

Length– 339 m
Width– 56 m
Height– 72 m
Speed– 22 knots
Crew– 1360 people
Displacement– 154 thousand tons
Maximum Passenger Capacity – 4370

Used throughout the year in the Caribbean. It belongs to the same Freedom class, and has all the wonders and novelties of liners of this class - an ice rink, a mini-golf course, a climbing wall, and even a surf pool with artificial surf. A distinctive feature that made Liberty of the Seas popular is the famous promenade boulevard that stretches almost the entire length of the ship.

Independence of the Seas (Independence of the Seas)

Length– 339 m
Width– 56 m
Height– 72 m
Speed– 21.6 knots
Crew– 1365 people
Displacement– 160 thousand tons
Maximum Passenger Capacity – 3634

Also a Freedom class ship of the same owners, specialized for European cruises. When designing the liner, much attention was paid to the comfortable accommodation of tourists. Six different types of accommodation are offered on board, including the Presidential suite, with a total area of ​​​​more than 200 square meters. meters. The apartments can accommodate up to 14 passengers, they have four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large living room with a dining table and a huge veranda - a hall with a jacuzzi.

Queen Mary II (Queen Mary II)

Length– 345 m
Width– 41 m
Height– 72 m
Speed– 30 knots (56 km/h)
Crew– 1253 people
Displacement– 151 thousand tons
Maximum Passenger Capacity – 2620

At the time of construction and commissioning in January 2004 at the shipyards in Saint-Nazaire (France), the Queen Mary II was the world's largest passenger ship. Currently, this is the only ship serving the traditional transatlantic line Southampton - New York, the route of the legendary Titanic. It belongs to and is the flagship of the British shipping company Cunard Line. Many tourists on board the Queen Mary II are attracted by the opportunity, when the liner passes New York Harbor, to look from the upper deck directly into the eyes of the Statue of Liberty.