largest cruise oasis

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship: Oasis of the Seas

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The Oasis of the Seas is one of a class of  Royal Caribbean International  cruise ships which are the world's largest passenger ships. Oasis is huge, absolutely beautiful, and the innovative neighborhood concept provides a marvelous atmosphere for cruisers. Oasis of the Seas was the first ship to tout the neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, including Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone.

Some travelers might have some trepidation about this large ship, but once cruisers walk around the ship, and get their first looks at the areas like the Boardwalk, Central Park, and the Pool and Sports Zone, they will understand how the neighborhood concept makes things feel smaller and more friendly. However, with so much onboard variety, travelers will need a week's cruise (or more) to thoroughly experience all the Oasis of the Seas offers.

Ship Facts and Stats

Baldwin040 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

The 225,000-GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) Oasis of the Seas is one of the world's largest cruise ships, carrying 5,400 guests in double occupancy, and 6,296 when full.

The ship has a 2,165 crew from over 70 countries onboard. Oasis of the Seas has a 30-foot draft, towers 213 feet above the water, and is 1,184 feet long and 208 feet wide. Such a huge ship is bound to have equally impressive amenities and activities including the first living park at sea, the first-ever elevating bar at sea, and a rock-climbing wall towering 40 feet above the deck. 

Central Park

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

The Oasis of the Seas Central Park is an open-air park, the first living park at sea, found mid-ship on deck 8. With no sea view and surrounded on all sides by the ship, you could easily be in any city park. This living park has 12,175 plants, 62 vine plants, 56 trees and some bamboo over 24 feet high. The greenery and shade make it a pleasant place to sit outside and have a drink or dine alfresco. Central Park is mostly geared towards adults. It has six restaurants and bars, including the ship's most upscale restaurant, 150 Central Park, and Royal Caribbean passenger favorite Chops Grille. Other restaurants at the Oasis Central Park include the casual Italian trattoria, Giovanni's Table and the indoor/outdoor gourmet market, Park Cafe.

The Oasis of the Seas Boardwalk feels like a traditional seaside pier and is a fun family neighborhood. Found on deck 6, the Boardwalk is flanked on one end by Dazzles Bar and on the other by the AquaTheater , rock climbing walls, and the sea. Cabins line both sides of the Boardwalk, and those near the stern can see both the sea and the fun on the Boardwalk and in the AquaTheater.

The zip line is 82 feet long and is nine decks above the Boardwalk.

Other than the AquaTheater, the most striking feature of the Boardwalk is the large, handmade carousel. The music and menagerie of animals circling the carousel certainly give the Boardwalk an authentic feel. The eateries reflect the casual seaside atmosphere: Johnny Rockets, the Seafood Shack, donut shop, Boardwalk Bar, and ice cream parlor.

Royal Promenade

Werner Bayer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

The Oasis of the Seas Royal Promenade is an expanded and enhanced version of the Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean's Voyager and Freedom-class ships. It's the first area passengers see when boarding the ship since it serves as the entry point for embarkation. Located on deck 5 underneath Central Park, the Royal Promenade is three decks high and features large skylights that allow light into the area. Much like a mall, the Royal Promenade is lined with eight retail shops and nine restaurants and bars . The most innovative bar is appropriately called The Rising Tide Bar. The first-ever moving bar at sea, it carries 32 people and works as an "elevator bar," moving slowly up and down as it links Central Park and the Royal Promenade.

Pool and Sports Zone

The Pool and Sports Zone stretches the length of the Oasis of the Seas on decks 15 and 16. It's a terrific outdoor playground. The jogging track measures 2.4 laps to the mile.

Four distinctly different pools and several whirlpools provide plenty of space for water fun. The Beach Pool has a sloped entry allowing guests to wade into the pool. The Main Pool is surrounded by sun lounges and is flanked by two whirlpools. The H2O Zone is a signature Royal Caribbean family water park, and the Sports Pool is restricted to lap swimmers in the morning and team water sports in the afternoon. 

The signature Rock Climbing Wall lets you climb 40 feet above the deck. The Pool and Sports Zone has10 restaurants and bars. 

A favorite of adult guests is the adults-only, two-deck Solarium, a gorgeous, peaceful area in the forward part of the ship.

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International 

The Vitality Spa and Fitness Center is found forward on deck 6. The spa features a Thermal Suite with heated tile lounges and steam rooms and 29 treatment rooms. It also includes calming relaxation rooms. Teens and kids even have a spa area of their own. The Fitness Center has 158 fitness machines, including cardio and resistance equipment. Guests can work out alone or join in on one of several classes such as spinning, kickboxing, Pilates, or yoga. The Vitality Cafe offers healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and smoothies.

Entertainment Place

Entertainment Place is the hub for Oasis of the Seas nightlife. Occupying all of deck 4, it is easily accessed from the Royal Promenade. Entertainment Place includes the Casino Royale, the Opal Theater, Studio B, Comedy Place, Jazz on 4, and the Blaze Nightclub. The Opal Theater features Broadway plays, specialty acts, and entertainment headliners. You can see a show like CATS , an ice skating extravaganza or high flying acrobatic feats. Cruisers can book free tickets for all the shows in advance of their cruise.

The Youth Zone covers over 28,000 square feet on the Oasis of the Seas. The Adventure Ocean area for kids ages 6 months to 12 years old is found on deck 14, and the Youth Zone Teen area is on deck 15. Adventure Ocean features four different age group areas: Royal Babies and Tots (6 months to 3 years), Aquanauts (3 to 5 years), Explorers (6 to 8 years), and Voyagers (9 to 11 years). Each distinct area has counselors and age-appropriate activities. In addition to the Adventure Ocean age-group areas, space includes a Workshop for family activities, Imagination Studio, the Adventure Ocean Theater, Play Area, and a Science Lab. Teens will love the themed dance parties and special activities like pool parties and casino nights. 

Cabins and Suites

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International 

Oasis of the Seas features a whopping 2,706 cabins and suites. Almost 2,000 have balconies that overlook the ocean to catch the breeze, Central Park, or the Boardwalk. Oasis has 37 different categories of cabins and suites, so there is certainly an accommodation to suit everyone's tastes and pocketbooks.

The 28 loft suites high on deck 17 are a first for the cruise industry, with two levels and floor-to-ceiling windows. Like all the Oasis staterooms, these suites are contemporary and chic. Popular are the AquaTheater Suites, with huge balconies that overlook the Boardwalk, AquaTheater, and the sea. Families can bunk together in the numerous types of family cabins and suites, which sleep up to six.

Dining Options

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Oasis of the Seas passengers will not be disappointed by the 24 distinct dining options scattered around the ship, many of which are included in the cruise fare while others have a surcharge. Many cuisines are covered, so passengers can eat All-American favorites one day and then enjoy Italian, Asian, or seafood the next. In addition to the various cuisines, the ambiance ranges from casual to chic and elegant.

Guests can grab a quick bite at the Windjammers buffet, enjoy a traditional restaurant at the Opus Dining Room, or have a special meal at 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, or the Chef's Table. Much like the shows, cruisers can book a table in any of the specialty restaurants prior to their cruise.

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Royal Caribbean Is Building the World's Biggest Cruise Ship — Again

Royal Caribbean just keeps getting bigger.

Just one year after beating its own record for the world’s largest cruise ship , the cruise line has cut metal on another, even bigger ship that should set another world record on its maiden voyage in 2021.

The cruise line is in the process of creating its fifth Oasis ship , the largest class of boat Royal Caribbean has on offer. The first Oasis ship, Oasis of the Seas, debuted in 2008 and, at the time, had the honorific of largest cruise ship in the world. It weighs 225,000 gross tons, stretches 1,184 feet long and is capable of carrying 6,296 passengers.

Last year, the Symphony of the Seas took the title of largest ship, weighing 228,081 gross tons, stretching 1,188 feet long and capable of transporting 6,680 guests and 2,200 crew members.

The 2021 ship is being constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Very little is known about the ship, except that it will be bigger than anything Royal Caribbean has done before. In a statement, all the cruise line said is that the new ship “will combine the iconic seven-neighborhood concept that her sister ships feature with a bold and unexpected lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology.”

The ship has yet to be named — but it will likely have the words “of the sea” included, if past trends are any indication. But Royal Caribbean won’t stop there. A sixth ship in the Oasis class is scheduled to make its debut in 2023.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Gets Amplified: Oasis of the Seas Construction Update

Download video, related videos.

Oasis of the Seas Construction Aerials B-roll

November 2019 – The   transformation of  Oasis of the Seas  takes shape as Royal Caribbean’s $165 million amplification progresses in Cadiz, Spain. Set to debut on Nov. 24,  Oasis  will deliver new experiences, including the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, Splashaway Bay kids aqua park, a reimagined, Caribbean pool deck; the brand’s first barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ, and more.

November 2023 – After more than seven years of dreaming, Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas has become a reality. The recently completed construction of the first-of-its-kind vacation took place over the course of 900 days in Turku, Finland, starting with the first cut of steel in June 2021. Thousands involved have since accomplished a series of milestones and never-before-seen feats, like the installation of the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship and engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and more. Watch the highlights of the two-plus years of  Icon’s  construction to see how it all came together.

June 2023 – The highly anticipated vacation, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , is one step closer to its debut in January 2024. The all-new ship successfully sailed the open ocean for the first time after completing its first, crucial sea trials in Turku, Finland, where it is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard. During the key milestone, more than 450 specialists ran four days of preliminary tests on the first Icon Class ship’s technical areas, like the main engines, bow and propellers, and even noise and vibration levels – all in preparation for the second sea trials that will push Icon to its limits later this year.  

Sneak Peek:   Icon of the Seas  Construction Tour

New York is about to be home to one of the world's largest cruise ships

There's a milestone moment coming this weekend in the cruise world -- one that has been mostly overlooked amidst the flurry of cruising restarts in recent weeks: New York City finally will become home to one of the world's largest cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean 's famously giant Oasis of the Seas -- the groundbreaking vessel that ushered in the current era of 5,000-plus-passenger megaships -- on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, will begin sailings out of the New York City area's Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

Measuring 226,838 tons, Oasis of the Seas will be by far the largest cruise vessel ever to sail out of the region.

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Unveiled in 2009, Oasis of the Seas is an icon in the world of megaships. At the time of its debut, it was nearly 50% bigger than the next biggest cruise ship, and it was chock full of then-unprecedented features (three separate deck-top pool zones; a boardwalk-like amusement area that mimicked the Jersey Shore; and a tree-lined "Central Park" to name a few -- all part of seven distinct "neighborhoods").

Even today, Oasis of the Seas remains one of the world's three biggest and most-amenity-filled passenger vessels. It's only surpassed in size by two sister ships that have rolled out since 2016, and only by a tad. It can hold up to 6,699 passengers with every berth filled.

Related: An even bigger Royal Caribbean ship is on the way

The first Oasis of the Seas sailing scheduled for Sunday out of the New York City area will be a non-revenue "test cruise" designed to show the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the ship is ready to resume operations.

Oasis of the Seas hasn't sailed with paying passengers since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, the CDC published a list of rules and requirements that cruise lines must follow if they want to restart cruises in U.S. waters. Among them, the CDC requires simulated test cruises with unpaid volunteers for any cruise vessel that plans to operate in U.S. waters without 95% of passengers vaccinated for COVID-19.

Unlike some cruise brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean hasn't committed to operating ships with more than 95% of passengers vaccinated for COVID-19, citing the large number of families with children who are ineligible for vaccines among its customer base.

The initial sailing of Oasis of the Seas will be a six-night trip to Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Assuming all goes well with the voyage, Oasis of the Seas will begin regular sailings with paying passengers out of the Cape Liberty Cruise Port on Sept. 5.

Located just a few miles southwest of Manhattan in Bayonne, New Jersey, the Cape Liberty Cruise Port is one of three main cruise ports in the New York City area.

The restart of operations for Oasis of the Seas comes in the wake of a massive $165 million overhaul of the vessel.

The overhaul brought Oasis of the Seas several major attractions that have debuted on other Royal Caribbean ships in recent years and proved highly popular with Royal Caribbean fans. Perhaps biggest among them is Perfect Storm, a trio of multistory waterslides that first debuted on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas in 2016 and can also be found on the line's three-year-old Symphony of the Seas .

At 228,081 tons, Symphony of the Seas is the current size leader in the cruise world.

Related: Everything to know about Royal Caribbean cabins, suites

Oasis of the Seas also received a version of Harmony of the Seas' Ultimate Abyss, the longest dry slide at sea. It drops from the Sports Zone on Deck 16 to the Boardwalk area on Deck 6.

The overhaul of Oasis of the Seas also made it slightly bigger than it was before.

In all, the ship has 16 passenger decks. It is 1,187 feet long and 215 feet wide.

The huge success of Oasis and its sisters over the past decade helped to touch off a race to build bigger vessels among competitors. Over the past few years, rivals MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have both rolled out far bigger ships, and Carnival Cruise Line recently hit the supersize button with a giant new vessel, Mardi Gras .

Once it begins regular sailings with paying passengers, Oasis of the Seas is scheduled to operate seven-night departures out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau in the Bahamas, and Port Canaveral, Florida. Fares for the voyages start at $578 per person, based on double occupancy.

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BOLDER AND BIGGER

The world's largest cruise ships.

On the world’s largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures.

On the world’s largest cruise ships, bigger means bolder adventures. There isn’t a holiday in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships – Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis®, Wonder® and Utopia of the Seas℠. Whether you’re looking forward to a thrill-filled getaway with a squad that spans several generations, or a sun-soaked couples’ retreat elevated by world-class dining and electrifying nightlife, each Oasis Class cruise ship offers experiences to wow every kind of traveller. Discover why the largest cruise ships sailing to Caribbean and Europe holiday destinations are consistently awarded Best Ship year after year by Travel Weekly readers. 

FIVE SHIPS, ENDLESS ADVENTURES

Larger-than-life thrills.

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DISCOVER THE BOLDEST ADVENTURES YET

With more than 16 decks and 20 restaurants, 7 distinct neighbourhoods bustling with unique onboard experiences, and endless thrills to discover around every corner, the world’s largest cruise ships serve up expeditions filled with excitement drenched slides and rides, shows that transcend the stage and gourmet globetrotting from Italy to Wonderland.

GAME CHANGER

When it debuted, Oasis of the Seas® won Best Cruise Ship – and now the Amplified game changer will set a new standard for making memories.

SHOW-STOPPER

Awarded Best for Entertainment, Best Individual Cruise Ship and Best Large Cruise Ship, Allure of the Seas® is a certified scene-stealer.

FAMILY FAVOURITE

Named Best for Families in the Cruise Critic’s Choice Awards, Harmony of the Seas® delivers thrills to explorers of all ages.

BIGGEST & BOLDEST

The largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas doesn’t just win awards – it wins over everyone who sets foot onboard.

NEWEST, BIGGEST AND BOLDEST FAMILY ADVENTURES

Go big on bold when you sail aboard the three largest cruise ships in the world. Deck-defying attractions aren’t the only things to look forward to when you sail onboard the newest cruise ship addition to the Oasis Class.

UTOPIA OF THE SEAS℠

Introducing Utopia of the Seas℠ – the ship that’s totally transforming weekends for good. We’re talking bigger flavours. Bolder play. And better chill days than you’ve ever imagined. No craving goes unsatisfied with over 40 ways to dine and drink. New chart-topping showstoppers blow your mind on stage, ice, water and air. This is not a routine recharge. This is the World’s Biggest Weekend – arriving in summer 2024 to Port Canaveral.

EXPLORE UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

WONDER OF THE SEAS®

Wonder of the Seas® brings even bigger adventures to the award-winning Oasis Class. Like eight unique neighbourhoods, including the Suite Neighbourhood. A totally redesigned pool deck with more ways to soak up the sun – or shade – than ever before. The most immersive AquaTheater ever, with a game-changing surround-stage that makes you feel like part of the action.

EXPLORE WONDER OF THE SEAS

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS®

One of the world’s biggest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas®, the travel adventures are larger than life. From epic onboard thrills to revolutionary dining and entertainment, this ship will change how you holiday, whatever the experience you’re after.

EXPLORE SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

DISCOVER THE WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIPS

There isn’t a holiday in the world that packs more adventure into one week than Oasis Class ships — Harmony®, Allure®, Symphony®, Oasis, Wonder®   and Utopia of the Seas ℠ . With ships this packed with adventure, next-level thrills never ends.

OASIS OF THE SEAS

Reimagined from bow to stern, the Amplified Oasis of the Seas® is loaded with fresh and exciting things to do to level up your romantic retreat – including bars, entertainment and dance floors that keep the fun going long into the night.

EXPLORE OASIS OF THE SEAS

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

The most awarded ship in the world is stealing the spotlight again for entertainment, dining, family activities and more: it’s filled with endless ways to make every moment incredible.

EXPLORE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

HARMONY OF THE SEAS

Rally the crew for the boldest family holiday ever. Harmony of the Seas® offers thrills for all ages, like the tallest slide at sea, surf sessions on the FlowRider®* and plenty of unique spaces just for kids of all ages.

EXPLORE HARMONY OF THE SEAS

Central Park

Ultimate abyss/flowrider*, splashaway bay, sugar beach, playmaker's.

DISCOVER. PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Forget everything you thought you knew about beach days, because this private island destination is raising the standard to a whole new level. Experience elevated island vibes while lounging in The Bahamas’ only private overwater cabanas. Earn bragging rights on the tallest waterslide in North America. And take your holiday to new heights – literally – in a helium balloon ride above the island. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay – only on Royal Caribbean®.

EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

SEVEN NEIGHBOURHOODS ENDLESS WAYS TO EXPLORE

Get ready for an unforgettable getaway filled with first-of-their-kind feats, including seven distinct and vibrant neighbourhoods that each offer up bucket list adventures, palate-pleasing dining and inspiring entertainment to rival any cosmopolitan city on land – and they’re only found on Oasis Class ships by Royal Caribbean®. 

READ OUR GUIDE TO OASIS CLASS NEIGHBOURHOOD'S

EXPLORE MORE  

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The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.

Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.

The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• Cruise Line Drink Packages
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.

• I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships.
• For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view.
• I thought I'd feel cramped in the room, but it had everything I needed and left no space unused.

In April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas . At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world , but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas .

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas .

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.

My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms , which have no window. It's a category below staterooms with a balcony , and two steps below a suite.

My cabin was on the same deck as Central Park, an outdoor space with 20,000 plants.

I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship, so I enjoyed being close by.

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I was surprised at how big it felt.

Right away, I thought the cabin made great use of a small space.

To operate most of the electricity in the room, I had to insert my room key into a slot on the wall.

I appreciated the energy-saving system.

On one side of the room, I had a mirror and a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports.

I thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events.

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

The desk drawers were mostly empty aside from a hair dryer, which I didn't end up using.

Across from the desk, I had a couch positioned in between two closets.

Inside each closet, I found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe. I thought it was plenty of space for a weeklong journey

Next to the couch and desk area, a small bathroom used clever storage hacks, like placing the trash can and toilet paper under the counter.

In the bathroom, there were two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

At the top of the shower, a pullout clothing line was useful for drying my bathing suits.

Each night, my stateroom attendant replenished towels and brought flyers and schedules for the next day.

Sometimes, the towels were folded creatively to look like animals.

I noticed that my king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together.

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration, according to its website , so they may be separated for additional guests. I often woke up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed with storage hooks below.

Skinny nightstands on either side of the bed held lamps, charging ports, and a room phone on one side.

Because I booked an ocean-view room, I was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above my bed.

The window was equipped with an electronic shade that could be opened during the day for grand views and closed when I was ready to sleep.

While I thought the room might have been a tight space for a couple with a lot of luggage or a family, it was just right for me.

And watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea from the comfort of my room was the best part.

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World’s largest lifeboats for Oasis of the Seas

World's largest cruise ship now carrying 18 of the world's largest lifeboats

The largest cruise ship in the world, Oasis of the Seas , now has the added distinction of carrying the world’s largest lifeboats.

Each CRV55 catamaran lifeboat can carry up to 370 people on two levels and weighs 44 tonnes fully loaded.

The boat, which is 16.7m long with a beam of 5.6m, is powered by twin 70hp diesels giving a speed of six knots.

Schat-Harding, the lifeboat’s designer and builder, says that the CRV55 marks a step change in the safe evacuation of large ships and is the first of a whole new generation of very large and very safe lifeboats.

Eighteen of the new boats as well as smaller lifeboats are carried aboard Oasis of the Seas , which can accommodate up to 6360 passengers and 2100 crew.

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Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection Aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess

New category offers unprecedented level of exclusivity and premium extras aboard newest ships from princess.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 24, 2023) – Elevating the art of relaxation and serenity, Princess Cruises is introducing the exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, as these newest ships prepare to debut with this select, all-inclusive oasis in October 2024.

As the name suggests, guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage. These indulgences include exclusive private dining and relaxation areas, a luxurious stateroom experience, as well as the Princess Premier bundle to round out the all-inclusive allure of the Sanctuary experience. Princess Premier offerings include: 

• Premier Beverage Package (covering drinks up to $20, champagne by the glass, specialty coffees, smoothies and bottled water, as well as 25 percent off bottles of wine)
• Unlimited MedallionNet 2.0 with Fleetwide Starlink and 5G for up to 4 devices
• Daily crew appreciation (e.g., gratuities)
• Two nights of specialty dining
• Unlimited prix fixe meals at any casual dining location
• Free OceanNow Delivery Service Activation
• Complimentary Room Service
• "Green Lane" Express Boarding (Free Medallion device delivery included)
• Reserved seating in the Princess Theater
• Unlimited boutique fitness classes per voyage (e.g., Pure Barre, YogaSix, StretchLab)
• Unlimited premium crafted desserts
• Unlimited premium fresh juices
• Unlimited Digital Photo package / Princess Prizes

Aboard Sun Princess, the luxurious, spa-inspired, top-deck Sanctuary Club, is now reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Collection guests who access the private entry via their Princess Medallion. In the adults-only (16 and up) area, guests enjoy plush lounge furniture, private cabanas, pool and jacuzzi, attentive service, soothing music, refreshing beverages, and light fare. The Club also features exclusive programming, including sunrise yoga classes and sail-away receptions. 

Other Sanctuary Collection amenities include priority specialty restaurant reservations, and premium stateroom amenities. 

The new Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess includes three levels of stateroom types – Signature Collection Suites (80), Mini Suites (123), and Premium Deluxe Balconies (12).

“Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “With spacious and well-appointed accommodations, along with an array of premium extras and its exclusivity, our new Sanctuary Collection delivers the ultimate in access and indulgence to deliver an unparalleled experience.”

Sanctuary Collection staterooms go on sale today and are available starting with the Oct. 14, 2024 voyage on Sun Princess, and the Oct. 4, 2025 voyage on Star Princess. Guests who have booked as of April 23, 2024 and have already reserved Sanctuary Collection staterooms on either ship will receive the additional amenities outlined at no additional cost, excluding the Premier bundle.

The 177,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess offers an array of exciting new culinary and entertainment offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. With the most balconies and sun decks on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom. 

Additional information about Princess Cruises and the new Sanctuary Collection  is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

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Travel | Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid…

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Subscriber only, travel | port canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand.

Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

“The industry itself is very, very strong right now,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.”

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next year’s Norwegian Aqua.

“So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” Murray said. “They are back and booming right now. So we’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royal’s new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the port’s growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

“It’s going to be multiuser. It’s not going to be a single-use facility. That’s going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward,” Murray said. “The only way you’re going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.”

That’s how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

“If they’ve got seven days a week at one terminal and they’re only using three, maybe four days, that’s not high utilization,” Murray said. “Yet, it’s a facility that we’ve got blocked out that we’re not getting any benefit from it for the investment we’ve made.”

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Florida’s big three ports.

“I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate,” Murray said. “Because there’s only Miami, [and] we all know how full Miami is; Everglades, [which has] limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, it’s not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.”

“So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one — get high utilization out of the terminal.”

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The 6 best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

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Call it the Battle of the Waterslides.

In the last few years, the big boys of the cruise industry — Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line — have been locked in a game of one-upmanship when it comes to waterslides and watery fun zones on vessels.

In addition to such over-the-top, new attractions as go-kart tracks and roller coasters , the brands behind the biggest megaresorts at sea have been packing the top decks of their vessels with even more over-the-top watery allures.

For more cruise guides, news and reviews, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Royal Caribbean, for instance, added an 800-foot-long “water coaster” to the back of its 3,386-passenger Navigator of the Seas just a few years ago. It’s one of more than two dozen giant waterslides the line has added to more than half a dozen ships in the last seven years.

Royal Caribbean also plans a record six waterslides on its next new ship, Icon of the Seas, which is scheduled to debut in January 2024.

But as recently as early 2016, Royal Caribbean didn’t have a single waterslide on any of its vessels.

MSC Cruises also has gone big with giant water parks in the past seven years, with as many as four waterslides on more than half a dozen of its newest vessels. Norwegian has loaded up its most recent ships with giant water parks, too — some have as many as five waterslides!

Not to be outdone, Carnival, an early adopter of waterslides on ships, has added sprawling water park areas with multiple waterslides to almost every vessel in its fleet.

A brief history of water attractions at sea

In the beginning, there was the pool. As watery cruise ship attractions go, it has long been the staple — something found on nearly every cruise vessel going back to the 1970s.

But as early as 1978, at least one line was spicing up its Lido decks with a little waterslide fun — little being the operative word. That’s the year Carnival added a single slide into the pool on its 728-passenger Festivale — a slide so small it’s now hilarious to think it was touted as an attraction.

Often cited as the first waterslide ever on a cruise vessel, the Festivale slide was of a sort that was found at backyard pools at the time. The cruise industry was still in its infancy, of course, and ships were orders of magnitude smaller than they are today. Festivale measured just 32,697 tons, about one-seventh the size of today’s biggest cruise vessels.

Carnival, the so-called Fun Ship line, would go on to become the early leader in waterslides at sea. The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy, which debuted in 1990, was the first cruise ship with a significant waterslide. It measured 115 feet in length.

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Just six years later, in 1996, Carnival would make news with the unveiling of a 214-foot-long corkscrew waterslide on what then was called Destiny. (The ship currently sails as the Carnival Sunshine after being rebuilt in 2013.) At the time, Destiny was the biggest cruise ship in the world.

In more recent years, Carnival has gone into waterslide-building overdrive. The line has added full-blown water park areas with waterslides, watery play zones and other features to all but four of its 25 ships. All but one of Carnival’s ships (Carnival Luminosa) now have at least one waterslide.

One of the Carnival water parks, on the line’s 5-year-old Carnival Horizon, even has Disney-style theming revolving around Dr. Seuss characters.

Norwegian, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean only began going big with waterslides on ships in the past decade or so. Many of the newest vessels from the brands have massive water park areas. Some of the brands are retrofitting big waterslides onto older ships, too.

Additionally, family-focused Disney Cruise Line now has major water attractions on all its vessels.

Where you’ll find the biggest waterslides at sea

If your idea of the perfect cruise ship is one loaded to the gills with waterslides and watery fun zones (plus all sorts of other over-the-top attractions), you’ll want to stick to the biggest floating megaresorts operated by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises and Carnival.

At Royal Caribbean, that means the giant Oasis-class vessels , which include Wonder of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise ship. At Norwegian, you’ll find the biggest waterslides and water parks on the line’s relatively recently built Breakaway Plus-, Breakaway- and Epic-class ships. At MSC Cruises, the new Seaside-, Meraviglia-, Meraviglia Plus- and World-class vessels have the line’s big water parks.

Big lines that have steered clear of the water-park-at-sea trend include Princess Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises. Geared more toward couples than families and typically drawing an older demographic, all three of these lines have stuck to a more subdued feel for the outdoor areas of their ships. The top decks of vessels operated by Princess, Holland America and Celebrity still mostly revolve around traditional swimming areas with pools, hot tubs and lounge chairs.

Ready for a splashy, top-deck thrill? These are the most spectacular watery attractions at sea.

The Perfect Storm

Where you’ll find it: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

This isn’t just one giant waterslide; it’s a whole complex of waterslides, each one among the most exciting you’ll find anywhere on the world’s oceans.

The Perfect Storm is found on four of Royal Caribbean’s massive Oasis-class vessels — Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — as well as the smaller Liberty of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. The complex includes two four-deck-high racer slides called Cyclone and Typhoon, where you can do side-by-side speed tests with your travel partner.

On the four Oasis-class ships, there’s also a third, Champagne bowl-style slide called Supercell. It’ll swirl you around a big basin before plummeting you “down the drain” into a plunge pool. On Liberty of the Seas, a third slide called The Tidal Wave sends you screaming down a steep hill on an inner tube to a nearly vertical incline. Zooming upward, topping out and dropping back, you’ll get a blissful moment of complete weightlessness.

Note that Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas also has a waterslide area called Perfect Storm — but it’s completely different. More on that in a moment.

The Blaster

Where you’ll find it: Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.

The Blaster is the Big Daddy of waterslides at sea. At 800 feet, it’s the longest ever built on a cruise ship. Added to Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas in 2019, it’s a seemingly endless stretch of yellow and orange tubing that winds around the back deck of the vessel like a snake.

A true sight to behold, The Blaster is so long because it’s what’s known as a water coaster. It features water jets that propel you up, down and forward — extending the ride — as you careen around the ship’s basketball court and surfing simulator in an inner tube. At times, you go flying over the side of the ship, over open water (not that you have much time to take in the view).

Royal Caribbean has named the area on Navigator of the Seas where The Blaster is located the Perfect Storm — the same name used for waterslide areas on six other ships — but the area is completely different than what you’ll find on the other vessels. In addition to The Blaster, the Perfect Storm area on Navigator of the Seas includes a headfirst mat racer slide called Riptide — the first of its kind at sea.

Where you’ll find it: Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

Leave it to family-focused Disney Cruise Line to come up with the coolest watery family attraction at sea. AquaDuck is a water coaster, like The Blaster on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, and is found on Disney’s two Dream-class ships. But don’t expect anything too white-knuckle. The ride is relatively gentle by water park standards, mainly because it’s designed for kids of all ages (and their parents, who can ride along on inner tubes for two).

While AquaDuck is slightly shorter than The Blaster at 765 feet in length, it has a bigger presence, thanks to its prime location encircling the main pool area. If you’re lounging up top, it’s hard to miss the massive, clear acrylic tubing of the ride, which is held up by 46 giant white stilts.

In addition to AquaDuck, the two Disney ships with the attraction (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream ) have a relatively small, kid-friendly waterslide next to the centrally located Mickey’s Pool. Dubbed Mickey’s Slide, it’s held up by a giant Mickey hand, which is delightful. Both ships also have a watery play zone for toddlers called Nemo’s Reef. Plus, Disney Fantasy has a watery fun zone with water jets, geysers and bubblers called AquaLab.

Note that Disney’s newest ship — Disney Wish — has a water coaster attraction similar to the AquaDuck called the AquaMouse. The big difference: Riders will see animated shorts while riding up the ramp at the start of the ride.

Carnival WaterWorks

Where you’ll find it: Nearly all Carnival ships.

When it comes to waterslides on ships, cruise giant Carnival is still the undisputed king. The Fun Ship line began adding them to vessels way back in 1978, and there’s now at least one waterslide on every ship in the Carnival fleet — something no other line can say.

Indeed, on all Carnival ships, there’s now not just a single waterslide but a whole water park area. Called WaterWorks, these areas vary in size and features from vessel to vessel, but they typically have one or two big waterslides, a watery play zone with interactive water features and a large continuously filling dump bucket that periodically soaks everybody within range.

You’ll typically find the biggest Carnival water park complexes on the newest Carnival ships, such as Mardi Gras , Celebration and Carnival Venezia . All three have three waterslides — one more than most Carnival ships.

Aqua Park (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Where you’ll find it: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore.

Norwegian Cruise Line began going big with waterslides in 2010 when it debuted Norwegian Epic. And boy, did it go big! Norwegian Epic offers three monster waterslides, including the thrilling Epic Plunge — a 200-foot-long tube ride that ends in a swirling bowl. Epic Plunge is part of Norwegian Epic’s Aqua Park, the first water park on a Norwegian ship. Norwegian has since added Aqua Parks to six more new vessels, including its biggest ship, the 4-year-old Norwegian Encore .

Norwegian’s Aqua Parks vary in size and attractions from ship to ship, but some of them, such as the one on Norwegian Breakaway, have as many as five separate multistory waterslides. Yes, you read that right: Five waterslides on a single cruise ship!

On Norwegian Breakaway, the lineup includes twin free-fall slides that drop passengers nearly straight down several stories; two side-by-side twisting racer slides; and a family-friendly slide with a more modest drop. For sheer variety, the complex is hard to beat.

Aqua Park (MSC Cruises)

Where you’ll find it: MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Euribia, MSC World Europa.

Fast-growing MSC Cruises has joined the waterslide wars in the last few years — and in a massive way. Each of the 10 ships the line has unveiled since 2017 offers a full-blown water park on its top deck that’s packed with waterslides and other watery fun.

On North America-based MSC Seaside, the Aqua Park has four waterslides and a children’s play area with interactive water features. The waterslides include two massive, 525-foot-long dueling slides that extend over the sides of the ship. The top of the Aqua Park on MSC Seaside is also home to the liftoff point for a zip line that soars 344 feet across the top of the vessel.

Other MSC Cruises water parks at sea include the winter-themed Polar Aqua Park on MSC Meraviglia, which offers a suspended-in-the-sky ropes course in addition to four waterslides. There’s also the Aquaplay area for the little ones.

A handful of ships even have virtual reality waterslides that involve riders wearing virtual reality headsets as part of the experience.

In all, 14 of MSC Cruises’ 22 vessels now have at least one waterslide on their top decks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.