10 largest cruise ships in the world

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A sea cruise is perhaps the most enjoyable type of vacation. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, from any business and urgent issues of incredible importance … You just enjoy your vacation, admiring the endless sea stretching from horizon to horizon.

But real comfort can only be experienced on a really large cruise ship. So that it has a pool, a kitchen with professional chefs, and an entertainment program. It is no longer just a ship, it is a true floating resort, filled with an atmosphere of carefree luxury.

And for those looking for a carefree and luxurious vacation, we've ranked the 10 largest cruise ships in the world.

Ranking of the largest cruise ships in the world

Nomination	a place	A cruise ship	Length
10 largest cruise ships in the world	10	Norwegian Bliss	329 METERS
	9	Norwegian Joy	334 METERS
	8	Freedom of the Seas	338 METERS
	7	Disney dream	339 METERS
	6	Queen mary 2	345 METERS
	5	Quantum of the Seas	348 METERS
	4	Oasis of the Seas	360 METERS
	3	Allure of the seas	360 METERS
	2	Harmony of the seas	362 METERS
	1	Symphony of the Seas	362 METERS

10th place: Norwegian Bliss (329 meters)

Rating: 4.1

In April 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line (NLC) launched one of their most luxurious liners, the Norwegian Bliss. With a length of 329 meters, it was able to accommodate 4,004 passengers – and this is not counting the huge service team.

But the main feature of Norwegian Bliss is entertainment that is quite unusual for cruise liners. Thus, passengers will be able to play with friends on a huge open-air laser tag site, and then compete in driving skills on go-kart tracks. This, of course, is not quite what you would expect from luxury ships. But, on the other hand, when will it be possible to play laser tag in the middle of the ocean under the open sea sky?

Norwegian Bliss does not look like most regular cruise ships. Its livery is painted in bright colors, and it itself looks very futuristic. This is an example of high technology in shipbuilding, and not just a liner.

9th place: Norwegian Joy (334 meters)

Rating: 4.2

Another brainchild of NLC. A huge cruise ship travels between China and Australia, and tourists who choose to cross the Indian Ocean are offered entertainment for all tastes.

The ship was specially designed taking into account the preferences of tourists from China. Therefore, entertainment is appropriate here. There is a virtual reality pavilion, a two-level go-kart, an attraction simulating the climate and nature of Alaska, as well as many luxury restaurants and recreation areas.

Like other NCL cruise ships, the Norwegian Joy has an unusual livery. The famous artist Tan Ping took part in the development of its design. The livery is painted in vibrant reds, golds, greens and blues that are similar to those commonly used in Chinese artwork.

The cruise ship Norwegian Joy entered service in 2017. The 334-meter ship can accommodate up to 3,883 passengers, not counting the crew.

8th place: Freedom of the Seas (338 meters)

Rating: 4.3

Freedom of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world until 2008. Then his development company, Royal Caribbean, introduced several more impressive ships. But that doesn't mean Freedom of the Seas is no longer interesting.

This cruise liner operates in the most interesting regions for tourists and lovers of sea recreation – the Caribbean and the Bahamas. On board, which can accommodate up to 4370 passengers, there is everything for a comfortable vacation. So, here you can ride an ice rink, box in the ring, try to climb a climbing wall and ride the waves in a specially equipped surfing pool. For those who prefer a more traditional holiday, Freedom of the Seas is able to offer a 120-meter shopping area with boutiques and simply various shops, several bars, restaurants and even a playground with slot machines.

Caribbean and Bahamas cruises on this 338m ship take 3-7 days. But sometimes it can be found in no less interesting, but more unusual places. Freedom of the Seas also embarks on two-week sailings in the Mediterranean, as well as 8-day fjord cruises in Norway.

7th place: Disney Dream (339 meters)

Rating: 4.4

Disney Dream is the first of the cruise ships to be owned by the multimedia corporation The Walt Disney Company. It was launched in 2011 and now operates on some of the most popular tourist routes – to the Caribbean and Bahamas. The 339-meter ship can accommodate up to 4 thousand passengers.

Disney Dream is known for being the first ship in the world to have a water park with a water slide. The ride was named AquaDuck. The water slide rises to the height of a five-story building, and the descent from it is 233 meters long. In addition, there are many sports simulators, minigolf and a universal sports ground that can be transformed into basketball, volleyball or tennis.

Disney Dream is not the most expensive cruise ship for tourists. The most budgetary tour on it will cost only 1.5 thousand dollars. And if you want luxury entertainment and seven days on the high seas, you will have to pay 59.5 thousand dollars. Tours begin in Florida, where this ship is located.

6th place: Queen Mary 2 (345 meters)

Rating: 4.5

The 345-meter Queen Mary 2 is, if not the largest cruise ship in the world, then certainly the most famous. It was launched back in 2004, and for several years it was proudly in the Guinness Book of Records. Moreover, Queen Mary 2 is known for its chicness.

Indeed, there are no karting and laser tags here. This ship literally embodies chic and respectability. There is the world's largest marine ballroom, the first planetarium on water, a dozen restaurants and bars, a full-fledged casino, a theater with its own and guest troupes, a cinema and five swimming pools. In addition, Queen Mary 2 is one of the few ships with a dress code – you can only be in swimwear next to the pool; to enter other establishments, you should wear something decent.

The 345 meter cruise ship is used for a wide variety of cruises. The shortest takes two days – from Southampton to Hamburg. And those who have personal time and a significant amount of funds are offered a round-the-world cruise that lasts almost 4 months.

5th place: Quantum of the Seas (348 meters)

Rating: 4.6

Quantum of the Seas is another development of the Royal Caribbean company (which – spoiler – will take all the remaining places in our rating. This cruise liner operates on flights from the United States of America to Australia and some Asian countries. However, if you want something exotic, you can book place on an 11 day trip around Alaska.

Quantum of the Seas has a unique attraction for ship transport, which is called the North Star. This is a remote observation deck made in the form of a huge glass ball. It rises above the sea to a height of 91 meters – it's like admiring the horizon from the roof of a 30-storey building.

However, if admiring the sea horizon from edge to edge during the entire journey does not seem exciting, then this ship can offer many more entertainments. For example, an attraction with a wind tunnel, in which you can feel free fall – or flight. And there is also a full-fledged casino, a theater where Broadway troupes perform, a climbing wall, a rollerblading area, as well as restaurants and bars – where can you go without them on a ship.

Each of the 4905 passengers will be able to admire the sea right from their cabin – even if they don't have a window. In the inner rooms, large screens are installed, on which the real image of the sea from cameras on board is broadcast.

The 348-meter Quantum of the Seas was launched in 2014.

4th place: Oasis of the Seas (360 meters)

Rating: 4.7

Oasis of the Seas is a 360-meter cruise ship launched in 2008. The development company mentioned when designing it that “We build incredible.” After arriving at the home port, the ship immediately had seven godmothers, including American athletes, models and actresses.

This number of godmothers was not chosen by chance. The 'Oasis of the Seas' is divided into seven thematic zones, which offer entertainment for all tastes. Like many other Freedom and Voyager class ships, there is an ice rink and a casino. Moreover, Casino Royal (that's exactly what it is called) is the largest of the floodplains.

There is also a park of tropical plants, including more than 50 real living trees, a huge theater with daily performances, a nightclub, and just a disco. The pools have a jacuzzi. Probably not to mention boutiques, restaurants and bars. But the main feature is the 750-seat water amphitheater with fountains!

The Oasis of the Seas itself is capable of carrying up to 6880 passengers. So even when fully loaded, it can offer entertainment for everyone.

3rd place: Allure of the Seas (360 meters)

Rating: 4.8

Allure of the Seas is the 'twin brother' of the previous vessel in the ranking. They belong to the same Oasis class, were developed by the same Royal Caribbean company, and were even launched at almost the same time. The construction of the 'Charm of the Seas' was completed in 2009, and in 2010 the ship went on its first cruise.

The main feature of the 'Charm of the Seas' is a huge number of sports grounds. Therefore, passengers who love outdoor activities will definitely not get bored during a long cruise. There are climbing walls, volleyball and basketball courts, golf and bowling. In addition, there is a fitness center and spa. Of course, there was also an ice rink, and shows and figure skating are demonstrated on it. The boat also has wave pools for surfers.

There is also a theater, which hosts cultural and entertainment events, including circus performances. And you can take a break from these colorful and varied activities in a tropical garden with thousands of living exotic plants.

2nd place: Harmony of the Seas (362 meters)

Rating: 4.9

The 362-meter cruise ship Harmony of the Seas is one of three Oasis-class ships and the newest of them. The ship was launched in June 2015, and 10 months later it set off on its first commercial voyage from the Florida home port.

Harmony of the Seas can accommodate 6,000 passengers. Almost all of them will be able to enjoy views of the oceanic horizon – even those who have settled in the inner cabins. For them, large screens work on the entire wall, where the video stream from the cameras on board is broadcast. There are also special high-class cabins on the liner – 'Crown Suites' and 'Heavenly Suites', located on the upper floors of the ship.

The range of entertainment on the 'Harmony of the Seas' is about the same as on other ships of the Oasis class. Only here there is a huge water park, which has several water slides, as well as a number of unique attractions – for example, the Ultimate Abyss slide, which offers a super-fast descent from a height of ten decks in just 14 seconds. In addition, the ultra-modern Bionic Bar with robot bartenders operates at the 'Harmony of the Seas'.

1st place: Symphony of the Seas (362 meters)

Rating: 5.0

The Symphony of the Seas by the ever-memorable Royal Caribbean is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. The 362-meter ship is the embodiment of luxury, modern technology and entertainment for even the most demanding taste.

It is hardly worth mentioning that the ship is full of restaurants and bars, there is a theater and a cinema. In the end, this is even somewhat banal – all previous liners in the rating have all this too. Symphony of the Seas boasts tropical parks with live plants and animals, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the amazing beauty of nature; two-level cabins for those who are accustomed not to deny themselves anything; ice skating rink for romantic skating and just fun; sports grounds for physical activity; carousel for children and bowling for teenagers. In general, you won't get bored here.

The Symphony of the Seas can accommodate 6,680 passengers. She works on a wide variety of cruises, but the most popular among tourists are trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean (3 and 7 days, respectively), as well as two-week trips from Florida to Barcelona.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.