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This $8 Billion Turtle-Shaped Yacht Is Not a Joke

By Katherine McLaughlin

Among many things that weren’t on our Bingo cards for 2022, a giant turtle-shaped yacht—which is also being described as a floating city —is certainly at the top of the list. And yet, here we are. As CNN reported, an Italian design firm, Lazzarini Design Studio , has drafted plans for a massive boat shaped like an oversized tortoise with outstretched flippers. The vessel is so big that it’s not even being called a superyacht , but rather designers have described it as a terayacht. As such, it was given an appropriately big name, Pangeos , a nod to Pangea, the ancient supercontinent that once incorporated almost all of Earth’s landmasses. According to Lazzarini, the ship will be big enough to hold various hotels, apartments, condos, shopping centers, parks, and other amenities for up to 60,000 guests. The yacht will even have ship and aircraft ports so guests can visit when Pangeos isn’t docked near land. Which is helpful since, as of now, the company doesn’t foresee any strict itinerary, but rather expects the turtle to simply coast around the world. 

Many of the amenities and homes are designed around a central town square.

Extending 1,800 feet in length and measuring 2,000 feet at its widest point, the boat is poised to be the largest floating structure ever built. That is, of course, if it does get built, which is a whole other obstacle in and of itself. As the Pangeos website explains, “the terayacht needs a terashipyard,” which doesn’t currently exist. The project requires a yard that is about 200 miles wide and 180 miles long, which also means dredging about 0.4 square miles of the sea with a circular dam. Once the yacht is constructed, the dam can open, flooding the area and essentially launching the vessel. Lazzarini has currently suggested the coast of Saudi Arabia as the ideal location for construction. 

Since the goal is usually to minimize drag, boats don’t usually stray from the standard V shape—and are even less frequently formed like marine animals—but Pangeos ’s flippers are more than just a peculiarity. According to the company, the extremities will capture kinetic energy from the waves, which will allow the boat to cruise perpetually without emissions. The rooftop area would also be equipped with solar panels for additional power, should it be necessary; electric engines are also included in the design.

Within the terraced villa, guests can find houses, buildings, and rooftop terraces, with an upper zone that offers landing of various flying vehicles.

According to the firm, the total cost to build the massive vessel will be nothing short of $8 billion. Construction will also take, at minimum, eight years, and Lazzarini doesn’t expect that this could even begin until 2025. With a hefty price tag and decent wait time, the company has conjured a plan to alleviate both. Designed as an NFT crowdfunding project, the firm is selling “Unreal Estate,” allowing interested buyers to purchase virtual boarding tickets, hotel rooms, and even houses for a metaverse version of the yacht, which the company says will be ready for (virtual) boarding by 2023. 

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This $8 billion turtle-shaped yacht is also a floating city

By Katherine McLaughlin

Among many things that weren’t on our Bingo cards for 2022, a giant turtle-shaped yacht—which is also being described as a floating city —is certainly at the top of the list. And yet, here we are. As CNN reported, an Italian design firm, Lazzarini Design Studio, has drafted plans for a massive boat shaped like an oversized tortoise with outstretched flippers. The vessel is so big that it’s not even being called a superyacht, but rather designers have described it as a terayacht. As such, it was given an appropriately big name, Pangeos , a nod to Pangea, the ancient supercontinent that once incorporated almost all of Earth’s landmasses. According to Lazzarini, the ship will be big enough to hold various hotels, apartments, condos, shopping centres, parks, and other amenities for up to 60,000 guests. The yacht will even have ship and aircraft ports so guests can visit when Pangeos isn’t docked near land. Which is helpful since, as of now, the company doesn’t foresee any strict itinerary, but rather expects the turtle to simply coast around the world. 

Many of the amenities and homes are designed around a central town square.

Extending 1,800 feet in length and measuring 2,000 feet at its widest point, the boat is poised to be the largest floating structure ever built. That is, of course, if it does get built, which is a whole other obstacle in and of itself. As the Pangeos website explains, “the terayacht needs a terashipyard,” which doesn’t currently exist. The project requires a yard that is about 200 miles wide and 180 miles long, which also means dredging about 0.4 square miles of the sea with a circular dam. Once the yacht is constructed, the dam can open, flooding the area and essentially launching the vessel. Lazzarini has currently suggested the coast of Saudi Arabia as the ideal location for construction. 

Since the goal is usually to minimize drag, boats don’t usually stray from the standard V shape—and are even less frequently formed like marine animals—but Pangeos ’s flippers are more than just a peculiarity. According to the company, the extremities will capture kinetic energy from the waves, which will allow the boat to cruise perpetually without emissions. The rooftop area would also be equipped with solar panels for additional power, should it be necessary; electric engines are also included in the design.

By Aishwarya Khurana , Architectural Digest India

By Takshi Mehta , Architectural Digest India

By Khorshed Deboo

Within the terraced villa, guests can find houses, buildings, and rooftop terraces, with an upper zone that offers landing of various flying vehicles.

According to the firm, the total cost to build the massive vessel will be nothing short of $8 billion. Construction will also take, at minimum, eight years, and Lazzarini doesn’t expect that this could even begin until 2025. With a hefty price tag and decent wait time, the company has conjured a plan to alleviate both. Designed as an NFT crowdfunding project, the firm is selling “Unreal Estate,” allowing interested buyers to purchase virtual boarding tickets, hotel rooms, and even houses for a metaverse version of the yacht, which the company says will be ready for (virtual) boarding by 2023. 

Also read:  

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The world's tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa in Dubai to get a giant ring like Saturn  

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Giant $8bn yacht double the size of Rome’s Colosseum to become world’s biggest floating city

The boat is named after the supercontinent pangea and will cost $8bn to build, article bookmarked.

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The design studio Lazzarini has unveiled plans to build a new $8bn terayacht shaped like a giant turtle .

The size of the new luxury boat is difficult to comprehend: it will be twice the size of the Roman Colosseum, a precocious 550 meters long and 610 meters wide. It is expected to cost $8bn to construct, and its price tag will likely put it beyond the purchasing power of all but roughly a thousand people on Earth.

Someone, or some company, will be buying plenty with their money. The ship will include numerous villas and apartments, shopping complexes, parks, hotels, and ports for private planes and smaller ships, according to reporting from MSN . The terayacht will be named Pangeos, after the supercontinent Pangea that broke up roughly 195 million years ago.

Per MSN , construction on the ship would begin in 2033 if the project is approved. He cites reports that designers have identified a location at King Abdulla Port north of the Saudi Arabian capital of Jeddah as the ideal location to build, though there remain several hurdles to clear there.

Despite the fact that only the wealthiest sliver of humanity will likely be able to enjoy the ship, should it ultimately be built, proponents of the project have set up a crowdfunding initiative to help finance construction.

The crowdfunding site tells visitors that “Pangeos is not existing (yet) but we can make it real.” People can purchase a virtual ticket for entrance to the boat or a range of NFTs. There is also the option to download a 3D representation of the space that a person virtually purchases.

“An ambitious project needs ambitious guests! We believe a virtual space is the first step into a real development of the project, for this reason an Unreal Engine METAVERSE is now under construction,” the page reads.

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Watch: This Turtle-Shaped 1,800-Foot Terayacht Doubles as a Floating City for 60,000 People

Pangeos could sail a city of seafarers around the world with no emissions., rachel cormack.

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Leave it to Lazzarini Design Studio to conceive a turtle-shaped vessel big enough to house an entire city.

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The steel hull comprises 30,000 individual “cells” that would help keep Pangeos afloat. The tera-turtle can sail around the world nonstop sans emissions on account of a virtually endless supply of green energy. The vessel is covered in solar panels that generate clean power from the sun for the hotel load and propulsion system. Powered by nine electric motors of 16,800 hp each, Pangeos could cruise at a maximum speed of 5 knots. The “wings” could also draw more power from the waves and wind.

Onboard, Pangeos is a mix between a five-star resort, a cruise ship and a city. Lazzarini says she can accommodate as many as 60,000 guests via a combination of villas and apartments. Other highlights include a rooftop mall, sprawling gardens, several pools and a supersized beach club. Naturally, the yacht is fitted with helipads, hangars and marinas to store choppers, toys and tenders.

In terms of construction, Lazzarini specified “the terayacht needs a terashipyard.” Essentially, Pangeos is too big to be built at an existing yard and thus would need a custom facility. Saudi Arabia has been put forward as a potential location. The designers estimate the vessel could be delivered in eight years at a cost of $8 billion.

Click here to see all the photos of the Pangeos Terayacht Concept.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Pangeos: Gigantic floating city design could become the world's largest boat

In a time of economic crisis, what could be more outré than a superyacht? Why, a terayacht of course -- a name given to vessels even bigger than super, mega and gigayachts.

The latest luxury boat to hit the market is Pangeos -- named after Pangea, a supercontinent that existed from 200 million to 335 million years ago. And if those seem like big numbers, wait until you hear how many dollars it'll take to construct it: $8 billion, according to designers Lazzarini.

Little wonder it's so expensive when this, if funded, will become the largest floating structure ever built, CNN reported. Looking rather like a Bond villain's lair, it'll sprawl 550 meters (1,800 feet) long, and 610 meters (2,000 feet) wide.

A full-on "floating city" according to Lazzarini, the yacht will have space for hotels, shopping malls, parks and even ports for smaller ships and aircraft to get guests there in style. And style there will be, given that it's shaped like a tera-turtle.

It'd take a special place to build it, too -- one that doesn't currently exist. The designers have posited Saudi Arabia as a location. Around one square kilometer of sea would need to be dredged and a circular dam constructed before the build could commence. The designers have earmarked a space at King Abdullah Port, 81 miles north of Jeddah as the ideal location.

Divided into blocks like an actual city, Pangeos has a port and main square, off which other buildings spiral. An "upper shell" area, surrounded by garden spaces, would act as a landing spot for aircraft.

Below the living space would be 30,000 "cells" which would keep the structure afloat. The basement would be made of steel. It'd have a massive 30 meters, or 98 feet, of draft, and be able to cruise at a speed of five knots -- although the "wings" would draw energy from the drag and waves breaking against the ship. The roof would have solar panels to power the yacht.

Rather than operating out of a particular port or having a set itinerary, the tera-turtle would simply cruise around, making the journey the destination. Again, perfect for a Bond villain.

Lazzarini hopes that construction could start in 2033, with a build time of eight years. Want to see it on the water? There's a crowdfunding initiative which allows you to buy anything from a virtual entrance ticket ($16) to a VIP apartment ($169) via NFT. That's for a virtual apartment, of course -- but if you want to buy a real one, you can put that money towards a deposit for the real thing.

Now to find the rest of those $8 billion...

(The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

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Saudi Arabia's new project of turtle-shaped floating city could become the world’s largest boat

Saudi Arabia will soon be home to Pangeos, a giant floating city in the shape of a turtle, according to a report by Arabian Business .

Pangeos was named after the supercontinent Pangea, which existed from 200 to 335 million years ago. The terayacht-style project will provide space for up to 60,000 people.

Also read: Dubai to get first gigantic moon-shaped luxury resort in the world; view pics

The Arabian Business reported that when it is finished, it will be the largest floating structure ever built. It is now under development. Italian design firm Lazzarini designed the luxurious project.

The floating city would be 1,800 feet long, Lazzarini told Arabian Business. The wings of Pangeos would be its widest point, measuring 610 meters (2,000 feet).

The floating boat will also contain 19 villas and 64 apartments on each of its turtle wings. A rooftop garden, mall, and beach club will also be included in Pangeos' amenities.

A 'Terashipyard' infrastructure measuring 650 meters in width and 600 meters in length will also be part of the unique building's design, giving it easy access to the sea.

As per the report, Pangeos is designed to sail nonstop around the world.

It will be furnished with practically endless green energy sources. Waves from the ocean and the roof's solar panels are likely to power the engine.

The huge turtle-shaped yacht is expected to move at a maximum speed of 5 knots (5.7 mph/9.2 kph).

The designing firm, Lazzarini, has not yet revealed the interiors. They have expected to invest $8 billion in construction over 8 years.

Also read: Saudi Arabia's 170 kilometer-long megacity 'The Line' is now under construction

Cover Image Source: Twitter

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Saudi Arabia's New Turtle-shaped 'Floating City' is Considered to Be World's Largest Boat

Curated By : Buzz Staff

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Last Updated: November 19, 2022, 11:28 IST

Saudi Arabia

The makers of the terayatch have selected space at King Abdullah Port as the ideal location. (Credits: YouTube)

Shaped like a turtle, a terayatch is set to become the world's biggest floating structure. Lazzarini, the designer of this terayatch, Pangeos has estimated the cost of building it to be $8 billion (About ₹65,000 crore approx.).

Shaped like a turtle, a terayatch is set to become the world’s biggest floating structure. Lazzarini, the designer of this terayatch, Pangeos has estimated the cost of building it to be $8 billion (About ₹65,000 crore approx.). The gigantic boat is named after Pangea, a supercontinent that is said to have existed about 200 million to 335 million years ago

The makers plan on building it like a “floating city", reported CNN. It is set to be 1,800 feet long and 2,000 feet wide. The gigantic boat will be able to accommodate 60,000 people at one time.

Of course, to build a structure that big, the designers would need a special place too. The designers have proposed Saudi Arabia as a location for construction. It will require about one square kilometre of the sea to be dug out and a circular dam to be constructed before the building process can begin. The makers of the terayatch have selected space at King Abdullah Port as the ideal location. You can also take a look at the video posted by Lazzarini on their YouTube, showcasing what the terayatch will look like:

Social media users took to the comment section to express their curiosity about the terayatch. Many wondered how it would handle the waves. It certainly looked like an interesting design to them. A social media user wrote, “It would be interesting to see how this vessel behaves in the middle of a big sea storm, even because it won’t have the speed to run away from it."

“Projects like this are hard for me to even wrap my head around the amount of time labour materials and money something like this takes," read another comment.

A third user commented, “Doable concept and not necessarily much forward-facing resistance if the whole light materials structure is made to float on multihulls parallel to each other and cutting through the navigation direction. A kind of a bunch of catamarans all bound together."

The term terayacht is designated to vessels that are larger than super, mega and Giga yachts. While it might not sound like the real world, the term exists. And this terayacht will also double as a floating city.

Read all the Latest Buzz News here

• Superyachts

Saudi Arabia’s $8b turtle-shaped yacht would be a floating city that breaks records

• Saudi Arabia wants to build a massive turtle-shaped yacht that’s both a vessel, and a floating city
• At 1,800 feet (550 meters), this would set a world record for the largest floating structure ever made
• The Saudi Arabia cruise ship turtle will include shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, public parks, ports for smaller ships and, of course, residential buildings

Published on Nov 28, 2023 at 6:17PM (UTC+4)

• by Alessandro Renesis

Last updated on Dec 7, 2023 at 1:14PM (UTC+4)

Saudi Arabia wants to build a massive turtle-shaped yacht that’s both a vessel, and a floating city.

Not only will it be massive, it will also be massively expensive.

Saudi Arabia plans to spend around $8 billion on this project.

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia is building a $1.6 billion ultra-luxury yacht club to rival Monaco

The yacht is called Pangeos, after Pangea , the supercontinent that existed 200 million years ago – but this is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

At 1,800 feet (550 meters), this would set a world record for the largest floating structure ever made.

It is three times longer than the largest yacht in the world, the Azzam.

According to Lazzarini , the design studio that’s working on the project with Saudi Arabia , this is technically a yacht.

It can cover great distances by floating on water, and it can be moored to the pierside.

However, the idea is to turn this into a full-on, self-sustaining city.

The Saudi Arabia cruise ship turtle will include shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, public parks, ports for smaller ships and, of course, residential buildings.

The turtle-shaped yacht is able to stay afloat thanks to over 30,000 cells placed underneath the living space.

It has a cruising speed of five knots.

It’s not exactly what you’d call as fast as lightning, but it’s more than enough to keep it afloat and circumnavigate the globe.

A significant portion of the hull and the beam would be covered with solar panels to provide energy.

Even though this is just a prototype and a design study, Lazzarini and Saudi Arabia are taking it seriously.

They say that construction could start in 2033 and it would take about eight years to complete.

They’ve actually launched a crowdfunding campaign allowing anyone to buy a virtual ticket for $16 or an NFT that gives you access to your own virtual apartment in the turtle yacht.

For some reason we feel that wouldn’t be enough to get to $8 billion, though.

• Tags - superyachts

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Watch: Saudi Arabia’s Turtle-shaped ‘Floating City’ Is Set To Be The World’s Largest Boat

Designed in the shape of a turtle, a terayatch is all prepared to become the world’s largest floating structure.

Lazzarini, the terayatch designer, and Pangeos estimated the cost of building it to be approximately $8 billion (about ₹65,000 crores). The gigantic boat is named after Pangea, a supercontinent that is said to have existed about 200 million to 335 million years ago.

The makers are planning to build it like a “floating city”, mentioned CNN. It’s set to measure 1,800 feet in length and 2,000 feet in width. The huge boat is capable of accommodating about 60,000 people at once.

Video Credits: SWNS / YouTube

Of course, to build such a vast structure, the designers would also require a special place.

The designers proposed Saudi Arabia as the construction location. It will require nearly one square kilometre of the sea to be dug out and a circular dam to be built before the building starts.

The makers of the terawatt have selected space based at King Abdullah Port as the most suitable location. You can look at the video posted by Lazzarini on YouTube. It shows what this terayacht will look like.

Social media users reportedly took to the channel’s comment section and expressed curiosity regarding the terayatch. Many of them wondered how it would handle the waves. It appeared to be an interesting design for the users. A user mentioned that it would be interesting to see how the vessel operates in a strong sea storm, even as it’ll not have the speed to run away from it.

One other user mentioned that it was a doable concept and not much forward-facing resistance if the structure of the light material could be made to float on the multihulls parallel to one other and cut through the navigation direction.

The term “terayacht” is used to refer to vessels that are bigger than mega, super, and Giga yachts. It may not sound like an accurate word, but the term exists. And the terayacht is also going to double up as a floating city.

References: News18, New Atlas, Yahoo! News

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Floating city Saudi Arabia: World’s largest turtle-shaped Pangeos Terayacht

Saudi Arabia has been building a massive $8 billion turtle-shaped terayacht that would become the world’s biggest water and largest floating structure once it’s completed.

The supercontinent Pangea inspired the name of the ship, known as Pangeos, which has room for up to 60,000 passengers. The Lazzarini design firm is renowned for its forward-thinking ideas for high-end mobility. It presented the Air Yacht, a helium-powered floating superyacht design, previously in the year.

Pangeos’ interior details have not even been made public, but Lazzarini anticipates that construction will begin around 2033 and last for eight years, costing about $8 billion.

The “flying metropolis of the future” is separated into sections, which include restaurants, shopping complexes, roof-mounted- mounted gardens, resorts, and even airports, according to the architecture firm. It looks like a floating city in Saudi Arabia.

Nine HTS electrical turbines, each with a capacity of 16,800 horsepower, will be installed in the terayacht, allowing it to cruise at a speed of five knots while housing 19 luxury residences and 64 flats on each of the turtle wings. Lazzarini suggested KSA, as the place for the terayacht in its description of Pangeos.

There are many strange happenings in the world, both natural and man-made, like flying hotels. And right now, a huge floating city might actually come to pass! If it is built, the world’s giant turtle-shaped ship will be a new terayacht that has been unveiled.

The launch of a terayacht, a ship larger than super, mega, and Giga yacht could draw a lot of attention at a time when global travel is resuming after a pandemic-induced lull. The luxury vessel Pangeos’ design has recently been unveiled by designers Lazzarini, and if all goes according to plan, it will be the largest boat in the world as well as the most impressive boat in the entire globe.

What Is the Process?

Over 30,000 cells installed beneath the living area would keep the yacht afloat. Its cruise speed would be five knots.

It goes without saying that solar panels would be installed on a sizable portion of the hull and beam to supply power. Despite the fact that this is only a prototype, Lazzarini and Saudi Arabia are treating it seriously.

In fact, they’ve started a crowdsourcing effort where anyone can pay $16 for a virtual ticket or an NFT that grants entry to their own virtual condo in the boat. It is the largest floating structure ever built on the earth.

The Giant Ship’s Dimensions

Once completed, according to The Arabian Business, it would be the biggest floating superstructure ever constructed. It is currently being developed. The opulent undertaking was developed by the Italian design group Lazzarini.

The giant ship would just be 1,800 feet long. Its widest point would be the 610-meter wings of Pangeos (2,000 feet), according to Lazzarini.

On every one of the floating vessel’s wings, there will be 64 flats and 19 villas. In addition to these features, Pangeos will also have a supermarket and a beach resort.

It will be powered by virtually infinite renewable energy sources. The engine is probably powered by solar panels on the roof and ocean waves.

The maximum speed for the enormous turtle-shaped boat is predicted to be 5 knots (5.7 mph/9.2 kph). The distinctive structure will also feature an infrastructure called a “Terashipyard” that is 650 meters wide and 600 meters long and provides it with a simple connection to the sea. A turtle-shaped floating city could become an attraction around the world.

Suitable site

Naturally, the architects would also require a unique location in order to construct such a large tower. KSA has been suggested by the architects as the site for construction. Before construction can start, a square kilometer of the sea will need to be excavated, and a circular dam will need to be built. The King Abdullah Port has been chosen by the terayatch’s creators as the appropriate location.

The feedback was provided by different viewers after watching the video that Lazzarini put on their YouTube account. They rated terayatch in the following order:

The remark stated, “Projects like these are impossible for me to even wrap my head around the amount of time labor, materials, and money something like this requires.”

“Doable concept and not necessarily significant forward-facing resistance if the entire light materials construction is created to float atop multihulls parallel to each other and cutting through the navigation direction,” another user noted. a loose association of catamarans of some sort.

The supercontinent Pangea, which is thought to have existed around 355 million years ago, is the source of the word Pangeos. The massive vessel is anticipated to include space for malls, ports for smaller ships, and aircraft to transport passengers. To make your stay here as comfortable as possible, the super-comfortable edifice is also reported to be outfitted with hotels and parks. According to official media, the terayacht’s size and design will enable 60,000 people to dwell on the water.

Furthermore, the boat is currently simply a concept or an idea. It needs room to be built, and locations in Saudi Arabia near Jeddah have been suggested as the appropriate spot to do so. Not only that, but the construction of the floating city will also cost about USD 8 billion (about Rs 65,280 crores).

After reading the concept, it appears to be a huge floating being constructed for Saudi Arabia by an Italian designer. It might be the best on the entire planet. I give the Italian architect my highest praise for having the vision to plan such a significant project.

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The 21 largest cruise ships in the world.

Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts.

The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

With every year comes bigger and grander cruise ships.

Just when you think cruise ships can't get any larger, a major cruise line unveils yet another longer, taller and grander state-of-the-art vessel – with the capacity to carry the population of a small town. To put the size of today's megaships into perspective: They often stretch three times longer than a 120-yard football field, and some feature nearly two dozen decks or measure more than 215 feet wide.

So, if you're looking for a vacation aboard a large-scale vessel, consider booking a voyage on one of the biggest cruise ships in the world. With cutting-edge technology and entertainment, world-class dining, and endless attractions and activities for cruisers of all ages, you may not even want to leave the ship. Here are the biggest cruise ships, arranged by gross tonnage.

• 1. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
• 2. Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
• 3. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
• 4. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
• 5. Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
• 6. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
• 7. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
• 8. MSC World Europa
• 9. Costa Smeralda
• 10. Costa Toscana
• 11. P&O Cruises Arvia
• 12. AIDAcosma
• 13. P&O Cruises Iona
• 14. AIDAnova
• 15. Carnival Jubilee
• 16. Carnival Celebration
• 17. MSC Euribia
• 18. MSC Virtuosa
• 19. Carnival Mardi Gras
• 20. MSC Meraviglia
• 21. Norwegian Encore

Find your perfect cruise

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas

Length: 1,198 feet

Width: 213 feet

Gross tons: 250,800

Maximum number of passengers: 7,600

Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship afloat when it debuts in January 2024. The next-level megaship is Royal Caribbean 's first Icon-class vessel and the first of three ships powered by liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which is considered a more sustainable alternative to other fuel options. The ship will have 2,805 staterooms and carry up to 2,350 crew. There's no end to the fun with eight unique neighborhoods, including the new Surfside: a stay-all-day space designed specifically for families.

Other features on the ship include seven pools, nine whirlpools and six record-breaking waterslides. There are also more than 20 new dining venues, such as the swanky Empire Supper Club, which features an eight-course tasting menu; the AquaDome Market, the line's first food hall; and sushi restaurant Izumi in the Park. Cruisers will also find other international cuisine, including Japanese, Mexican and Italian fare, as well as The Lemon Post, the Surfside Eatery and Pier 7 in the Surfside neighborhood.

Read: The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Length: 1,188 feet

Width: 211 feet

Gross tons: 236,860

Maximum passengers: 6,788

Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered Oasis-class ship will sail its debut voyage in July 2024. The new ship will have 2,834 staterooms and up to 2,290 crew members, as well as eight neighborhoods to keep passengers entertained. Ten complimentary dining venues include the line's new food truck concept, The Spare Tire, which serves up handheld eats on the pool deck. The ship will also feature sloping beach-entry and resort-style pools, plus three Lime & Coconut bars on the outdoor deck.

In total, there are more than 40 dining options, bars and lounges on Utopia of the Seas. Many of Royal Caribbean's specialty dining and bar favorites are returning, such as Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Rising Tide Bar and Vue Bar. Guests will also find familiar entertainment offerings with rock climbing walls, the AquaTheater, Splashaway Bay, laser tag, mini-golf, the Sports Court, Studio B and much more. With two casinos, five pools and a visit to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll never run out of things to do.

Read: The Top New Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Gross tons: 235,600

Maximum passengers: 7,084

Royal Caribbean's current largest ship at sea, Wonder of the Seas , first set sail in March 2022. The Oasis-class vessel has 2,867 staterooms and carries as many as 2,204 crew members. While you may get lost on this ship, you'll never be bored. Features include eight unique neighborhoods – such as Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the new Suite Class neighborhood, an exclusive space for suite guests.

Take advantage of the AquaTheater, an outdoor live entertainment venue with a 30-foot diving platform and incredible ocean views. Wonder Playscape is an underwater-themed outdoor space for kids filled with slides, climbing walls, games and more. You can also enjoy a few of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class favorites, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the rock climbing wall or laser tag at the Battle for Planet Z. If you dare, head into the Ultimate Abyss: Billed as the tallest waterslide at sea, it towers 150 feet above sea level and features an exhilarating 13-second ride through 10 stories of dark, winding tunnels.

When hunger strikes, dine at your pick of more than 20 complimentary and specialty restaurants, including the new Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar. If you're craving a cold beer, a cocktail or a cup of Starbucks coffee, you'll have roughly a dozen bars and lounges at your disposal.

Read:  The Top Party Cruises

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

Width: 215.5 feet

Gross tons: 228,081

Maximum passengers: 6,680

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas , another Oasis-class ship, debuted in April 2018. This ship features 2,759 passenger staterooms and accommodates 2,200 crew members. There are seven distinct neighborhoods, four pools, roughly 20 restaurants (about half of which are specialty venues), and about a dozen bars and lounges. The ship even boasts two robotic bartenders that whip up drinks at the Bionic Bar.

Adults can enjoy Broadway-style shows in the onboard theaters and major international sports games at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Meanwhile, kids can cool down at the Splashaway Bay water park, soar on a zip line nine decks high through the Boardwalk neighborhood, try out rock climbing or attend a show at the AquaTheater.

Read:  Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Gross tons: 226,963

Maximum passengers: 6,687

Another Oasis-class ship, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas has been sailing since May 2016. The vessel features 2,747 staterooms and up to 2,200 crew members. Cruisers have plenty of places to dine thanks to eight complimentary venues – including the main dining room and Windjammer Marketplace, a globally inspired buffet – as well as nine specialty restaurants serving everything from burgers and shakes to Italian fare. The Boardwalk, one of the ship's seven neighborhoods, is a favorite spot for cruisers; it contains casual eateries, retail shops and carnival games.

Harmony of the Seas also has Splashaway Bay, the Ultimate Abyss waterslide and a trio of slides called The Perfect Storm. In the evening, don't miss a pre-dinner cocktail at the Rising Tide Bar, which offers a ride between the Central Park neighborhood and the Royal Promenade with dazzling skylight views. Sit back and sip your drink while the entire bar slowly floats between the decks.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Simon Brooke | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Length: 1,187 feet

Width: 215 feet

Gross tons: 226,838

Maximum passengers: 6,771

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world when it was launched in 2009. The line's debut Oasis-class ship is nearly five times bigger than the Titanic by gross tonnage; it has 2,801 staterooms and carries 2,109 crew members.

Oasis of the Seas was reimagined in 2019, with many added amenities that are on newer Oasis-class ships, such as FlowRider simulators, the Perfect Storm waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Across the ship's seven distinct neighborhoods, you'll also find state-of-the-art technology such as VOOM, billed as the fastest internet connection on the high seas – plus exciting live performances and theater productions, laser tag, escape rooms and more.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Gross tons: 225,282

Maximum passengers: 6,826

Embarking for the first time in 2010, Allure of the Seas was Royal Caribbean's second Oasis-class vessel. The ship underwent a refurbishment in 2015. Allure of the Seas has 2,748 staterooms and 2,054 crew. Onboard highlights include seven neighborhoods, four pools, and several whirlpools and hot tubs, plus more than 20 dining venues and too many bars and lounges to count.

There are also plenty of entertainment options for guests of all ages, including an ice skating rink, the Sports Court, a nine-deck-high zip line, two rock climbing walls and two FlowRider simulators (a Royal Caribbean favorite). Kids will especially enjoy the interactive H2O Zone Water Park. Adults on this ship will appreciate Broadway productions like "Mamma Mia!," aerial acrobatic performances in Oceanaria (an original AquaTheater production) and '70s disco dance parties. If you find yourself on board for business reasons, rest assured that the ship's conference facilities can host as many as 1,394 guests.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

MSC World Europa

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Length: 1,093 feet

Width: 154 feet

Gross tons: 215,863

Maximum passengers: 6,762

MSC World Europa was one of the most anticipated new cruise ships when it launched in December 2022 as the first vessel in the line's MSC World-class fleet. It's also the first LNG-propelled ship by MSC Cruises , reaching a maximum cruising speed of 22.7 knots.

The ship's futuristic interior and exterior design features a 341-foot-long promenade. Half the promenade is covered with the Meraviglia-class LED sky screens, while the other half is open-air and offers ocean views. MSC World Europa features 2,626 staterooms and can house 2,138 crew members. As a special touch, each passenger deck is named after an international city, including London, Paris, Lisbon and Rome.

The ship is divided into distinct areas, with a quiet zen district for adults and a family zone that has bumper cars and roller skating. At the fleet's largest onboard water park, younger cruisers will find a twisty, stainless steel tunnel slide towering 11 decks high at the center of the ship. Luna Park Arena, the ship's 300-seat multifunction entertainment venue, can accommodate almost any performance or event.

When you're exhausted from all of the action, grab a bite to eat at one of 13 restaurants or a drink at a selection of bars and cafes. Then, take time to relax and unwind with a signature treatment at the Balinese-inspired MSC Aurea Spa. For an all-inclusive VIP experience during your voyage, book stateroom accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club. This exclusive part of the ship boasts premium suites, a separate pool, a private restaurant and lounge, butler service, and other amenities.

Costa Smeralda

Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Length: 1,106 feet

Width: 138 feet

Gross tons: 185,000

Maximum passengers: 6,554

Costa Smeralda was the first of the two Excellence-class vessels in the Costa Cruises fleet. The vessel debuted in 2019 as the Italian cruise line's largest ship to date. It was also the line's first vessel to use LNG power at sea and in port. The ship has 2,612 staterooms and can carry as many as 1,678 crew members.

Cruisers will never go hungry or thirsty, thanks to the 11 restaurants and snack bars plus 19 bars and lounges on Smeralda . One of the most notable dining venues on board is Archipelago, which serves innovative cuisine created by three world-renowned chefs. If you're interested in culinary pursuits, join other passengers for a cooking class at sea in the Food LAB. When it comes to entertainment, centrally located Colosseo – modeled after the piazzas across Italy – is the place to go for socializing and live performances. What's more, the ship also has 13 pools and hot tubs, an aqua park, the Beauty Spa Solemio, and the Squok Club for kids ages 3 to 11.

Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana, Costa Cruises' newest flagship and the second Excellence-class vessel in the fleet, set sail on its debut voyage in March 2022. Similar in size and passenger capacity to Costa Smeralda, Toscana is also LNG-powered. This vessel has 2,663 staterooms, and there can be up to 1,678 crew members on board.

Similar to Smeralda, Colosseo is the centerpiece of Toscana; you'll find live entertainment and themed bars in this area. There are 11 restaurants and snack bars plus 19 bars and lounges on the ship. For a refreshing aperitif with a view, head to the Aperol Spritz Bar, which features special beach cocktails. Another dining highlight is Sushino at Costa, the line's new sushi bistro. After dinner, take in unparalleled views of the sea along the Volare Skywalk, the highest point of the ship, which towers more than 200 feet above sea level.

Explore Costa Cruises deals on GoToSea.

P&O Cruises Arvia

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Length: 1,130 feet

Maximum passengers: 5,200

Arvia joined the P&O fleet as sister ship to Iona in December 2022. It is also LNG-powered, has 2,614 cabins and carries up to 1,800 crew. The family-friendly ship offers guests many firsts, including Altitude, a new activity area with an escape room, a high-ropes experience, the Splash Valley aqua zone, the Sports Arena and much more.

Arvia has 30 bars and restaurants. New dining venues include the American-inspired 6th Street Diner and Green & Co. feat. Mizuhana, which focuses on sushi and plant-based dishes. For entertainment, plan to see the line's production of "The Official Take That Musical," an adaptation of London West End musical "The Band." Guests can also head to the dome beneath the SkyDome retractable roof for live performances, aerial displays, movies on the giant SeaScreen and DJ parties under the starry skies.

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Courtesy of AIDA Cruises

Gross tons: 184,600

Maximum passengers: 6,654

The sister ship to AIDAnova, AIDAcosma set sail in early 2022. The partly LNG-powered AIDA Cruises vessel has 2,732 staterooms and the capacity for up to around 1,500 crew members. With 17 restaurants and 23 bars and cafes, AIDAcosma offers passengers a seemingly endless number of venues to dine and imbibe. Other onboard attractions include a four-deck outdoor area, complete with an infinity pool and an expansive area for sunbathing; an indoor playground with a bouldering wall and ropes course; the Body & Soul Spa; and a 360-degree stage at the Theatrium.

P&O Cruises Iona

Length: 1,129 feet

Gross tons: 184,000

P&O Cruises' Iona, which launched in spring 2021, has the distinction of being the first LNG-powered British cruise ship. The family-friendly vessel has 2,614 cabins and carries 1,800 crew members. Iona's top features include the two-story SkyDome, a gin distillery, four pools, 10 entertainment venues, and 30 restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of food and beverage options.

With selections ranging from casual eateries to gelaterias to Indian- and British-inspired cuisine at Sindhu, you won't get bored with the restaurant choices. For an especially unique meal, dine and sip wine while watching aerial performances in the Grand Atrium at The Glass House. Or, enjoy dinner at The Limelight Club, an adults-only supper club venue featuring vocal performances and other live music. After dinner, check out the entertainment around the ship, including aerial productions in the Grand Atrium, guest and crew shows in Headliners, late night dancing in The Club House, and performances in partnership with the entertainment company Creativiva in the SkyDome.

Gross tons: 183,900

When German line AIDA Cruises' first Helios-class ship, AIDAnova, debuted in December 2018, it was the first LNG-powered cruise ship in the world. The ship is equipped with 2,626 staterooms, including the two-deck Penthouse Suite, and carries around 1,500 crew members. You won't miss this ship when it's docked in port: It features the line's signature exterior design, with bold red lips at the ship's bow and blue-and-yellow eyes on the port and starboard sides.

While on board, passengers can check out 17 restaurants, along with 23 bars and lounges; party the night away at the Beach Club; and take in live performances on the 360-degree stage in the Theatrium. When it's time to relax, head to the Body & Soul Spa, where you can book a massage, spend time in one of the hot tubs or saunas, take a dip in the private pool, and chill out on the private spa sun deck.

Carnival Jubilee

Width: 137 feet

Gross tons: 183,521

Maximum passengers: 6,631

Carnival Jubilee, as sister ship to Carnival Celebration and Carnival Mardi Gras, will offer many of the same features and amenities as its two predecessors when it launches in December 2023. The new vessel will have 2,687 staterooms, 1,735 crew and six zones of fun. Currents and The Shores are new to Jubilee . Currents is inspired by the underworld of the ocean with mermaids and sea monsters; it's designed with new bars, restaurants, music venues and high-tech spaces, including a wave-shaped LED ceiling and six LED windows that virtually take guests under the sea. The Shores is all about the outdoors, inspired by beaches and boardwalks. Cruisers can grab a slice of pizza at Coastal Slice, a hot dog at Beach Buns and a cocktail at Marina Bar.

On Jubilee, you'll also find Carnival Cruise Line favorites such as BOLT, the first and fastest roller coaster at sea, as well as Waterworks, the onboard water park with twin racing slides, three spiraling slides and more. The line's "next-level fun" ship will also include familiar eateries and lounges like Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and more.

Carnival Celebration

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration sailed its inaugural cruise in November 2022. Carnival's second-newest ship at sea is LNG-powered and the second in the line's Excel class, with 2,687 staterooms and as many as 1,735 crew. Guests will find new attractions to enjoy on the ship, such as the partnership with the Kennedy Space Center at Space Cruisers: This program is designed for children ages 2 to 11 at Camp Ocean.

Adults can check out the new bar at Latitudes, which features specialty cocktails and outdoor scenery through the virtual windows. Celebration has a variety of complimentary dining venues, including Shaq's Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and Mexican favorites at BlueIguana Cantina. There is also a selection of specialty restaurants like Emeril's Bistro 1397, Rudi's Seagrill, the Steakhouse and Bonsai Teppanyaki. For action and 360-degree views of the ocean from the top of the ship, take a spin around the track on the BOLT roller coaster.

Compare Carnival Cruises on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia

Length: 1,087 feet

Width: 141 feet

Gross tons: 181,541

Maximum passengers: 6,327

MSC Euribia, the newest MSC Cruises ship, debuted in June 2023. The line's second LNG-powered vessel – and the fifth Meraviglia-class ship – has 2,419 cabins and can carry as many as 1,711 crew members. The ship's hull features Alex Flämig's artwork "#SaveTheSea" to highlight the company's dedication to preserving the marine ecosystem.

On board Euribia , guests will find five pools and 11 dining venues, offering everything from sushi and teppanyaki to Latin American street food. There are also 21 bars and lounges, the MSC Aurea Spa, the Ocean Cay Aquapark, luxury retail shopping and more. Two additional highlights are the longest – and most impressive – LED Dome at Sea, which covers the ceiling of Galleria Euribia, and the reimagined Carousel Lounge. The beautiful, updated space features floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces and cozy seating to enjoy live entertainment, including performances by one of the largest big bands at sea.

MSC Virtuosa

Maximum passengers: 6,334

This vessel launched in 2021 as a sister ship to MSC Grandiosa , the line's other Meraviglia Plus-class ship. MSC Virtuosa has 2,421 staterooms and carries around 1,704 crew members. It offers cruisers 11 dining venues plus 21 bars and lounges. At the heart of the ship, Galleria Virtuosa houses the largest shopping area on a cruise ship, with more than 12,500 square feet of retail space. In this area, you'll also find entertainment venues, restaurants and cocktail bars. And don't forget to look up: An impressive LED dome, one of the longest at sea, spans the ceiling of the promenade.

Another highlight to check out during your voyage is the MSC Starship Club, which features Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender on a cruise ship. The multilingual expert mixologist even tells jokes and will show you a dance move or two. After all the indoor fun, head outside for a cool dip in one of MSC Virtuosa's five pools or take a ride on the slide at the Savannah Aquapark.

Book an MSC Cruise on GoToSea.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Gross tons: 180,000

Maximum passengers: 6,465

One of Carnival Cruise Line's newest ships, Mardi Gras , debuted in July 2021. Its name honors the line's first ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, which launched in 1972. The original Mardi Gras was around 27,000 gross tons and 650 feet long – in contrast, the new Carnival Mardi Gras weighs more than six times as much and is nearly twice as long. This ship also holds the title as North America's first LNG-powered ship. It has 2,641 staterooms and holds up to 1,745 crew members.

Six themed areas each offer unique dining and entertainment experiences. For New Orleans -inspired cuisine, head to the French Quarter; there, you'll find Emeril's Bistro 1396 and The Brass Magnolia, a bar reminiscent of The Big Easy's jazz culture and Garden District. Don't miss one of the ship's top onboard attractions: the BOLT roller coaster, where riders can hit speeds of nearly 40 mph at 187 feet above sea level.

Read: The Top Themed Cruises

MSC Meraviglia

Courtesy of Port Miami for MSC Cruises

Length: 1,036 feet

Gross tons: 171,598

Maximum passengers: 5,655

MSC Cruises' Meraviglia first set sail in 2017 with an impressive 2,244 staterooms and the capacity to carry 1,536 crew members. A dozen restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, including a Spanish tapas bar with dishes created by a Michelin-starred chef, Japanese teppanyaki, Italian fare, fresh seafood, steaks and more. There are also 20 bars, lounges and cafes serving everything from Champagne and cocktails to ice cream and crepes.

The central highlight of the ship is Galleria Meraviglia, a 315-foot promenade with eateries, boutiques and evening parties. Nightly entertainment includes live performances and shows in the Broadway Theatre and the Carousel Lounge. Kids will find plenty to do, as well: There's an Aquapark, an F1 simulator, a flight simulator, LEGO play areas, bowling and more. When it's time to wind down, book a signature treatment at the MSC Aurea Spa.

Norwegian Encore

Length: 1,094 feet

Width: 136 feet

Gross tons: 169,116

Maximum passengers: 3,998 (double occupancy)

Norwegian Encore was built in 2019 as one of Norwegian Cruise Line 's Breakaway Plus-class ships. The vessel has 2,040 staterooms and carries 1,735 crew members. There are several complimentary culinary venues on board, including three main dining rooms, The Local Bar & Grill, the Garden Café buffet, and grab-and-go options. Specialty dining restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from seafood to steak to Japanese teppanyaki.

When it's time for cocktail hour, 14 bars and lounges serve up everything from cold brews to fine wine and whiskey. For a pre-dinner option, head up to the Observation Lounge for panoramic ocean views. Norwegian Encore is also home to several entertainment venues featuring award-winning live shows and performances.

You'll find the most fun on the ship's top decks. First, head to the Encore Speedway race track, which takes thrill-seekers on a heart-pumping ride through high-speed curves extending 13 feet off the side of the ship. Also at the top of the vessel you'll find The Haven: Norwegian's exclusive "ship within a ship" concept boasts luxurious suites, villas and penthouses with balconies. These luxe accommodations include perks like 24-hour butler service, a concierge and a private sun deck.

Find a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Frequently Asked Questions

The largest cruise ship currently in service is Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, at more than 235,000 gross tons. Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world at 250,000-plus gross tons after its launch, set for January 2024.

Carnival Jubilee, scheduled to debut in December 2023, and Carnival Celebration are the line's largest ships at 183,521 gross tons.

The line's largest ship is Disney Wish at about 144,000 gross tons. The vessel is 1,119 feet in length and 128 feet wide; it has 1,254 staterooms and carries up to 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top World Cruises
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Top Gay Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Inside £6.8BILLION turtle-shaped floating city dubbed the ‘terayacht’ – that would be largest sea structure ever built

• Anthony Blair
• Published : 11:43, 14 Nov 2022
• Updated : 9:02, 15 Nov 2022

JAW-DROPPING plans for an enormous £6.8 billion superyacht the size of a small city have been launched.

Called the Pangeos, if built the terayacht would become the largest floating structure ever built .

The turtle-shaped vessel would be 550 metres long (1,800ft) and 610 metres (2,000ft) at its widest point.

At its peak, it could host 60,000 guests, making it effectively a floating city.

It would include hotels, shopping centres, parks, as well as ship and aircraft ports, according to Italian designers Lazzarini.

They hope the ambitious scheme will become a reality following an NFT-related crowdfunding project.

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Undertaking such a monumental task would reportedly take eight years to build.

The designers suggest a giant shipyard would have to be created especially for the project.

"A Terayacht needs a Terashipyard," the designers said. "The conception of a similar-sized vessel, involves the realisation of a specific shipyard/dam infrastructure that floods to levitate the terayacht when it will be launched.

"The imagined Terashipyard infrastructure is 650 metres wide and 600 metres long, providing direct access to the sea."

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With 30 metres of draft, the ship's enormous hull is made up of nine different bows and subdivided into several blocks.

It would be powered by nine high-temperature superconductor (HTS) engines, each fully electric motor capable of a mind-blowing 16,800hp and powered by various onboard energy sources.

The designers also claim it would be able to use "wings" to cruise without using up energy, making the super-structure environmentally friendly.

If realised, the turtle-shaped vessel will become the world's largest floating structure ever built Italian designers Lazzarini

"Pushed from a jet drive transmission, the tera-structure will be able to cruise at a speed of five knots," Lazzarini said.

"While sailing, the large wings will gain energy from the breaking of the waves and Pangeos will cruise perpetually without emissions around the planet Earth's seas.

"Further, the rooftop area is lined with solar panels, which provide part of the necessary clean energy to power the terayacht."

Lazzarini says it is launching a crowdfunding initiative to sell virtual spaces on the watercraft.

Guests will be able to stay in a range of accommodations, from apartments and houses to "super villas" and royal palaces.

"The virtual spaces of the watercraft can also be purchased under an NFT collection, and users will be able to collect certain content and access the virtual properties with their credentials," Lazzarini said.

Similar credentials will also be used as a property deposit in case of real construction.

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"The terayacht proposal takes its name from Pangea, the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras," Lazzarini adds.

"If realised, the turtle-shaped vessel will become the world's largest floating structure ever built."

The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world

M odern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas , launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.

Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world, features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.

All of the heaviest cruise ships in the world were built within the last 20 years, although the majority – six of the ten – were built within the last five years.

So, here are the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world, by gross tonnage. 

10. P&O Cruises MS Arvia : 185,581 gross tonnes

The MS Arvia is P&O Cruises’ fourth ship to be built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. Weighing in at 185,581 gross tonnes, the 345m (1,130-foot) Arvia is slightly larger than her sister ship, the MS Iona . The 20-deck ship is the largest ship commissioned for the British cruise market and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,264 passengers, with 1,800 crew onboard. 

The ship is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excellence-class vessel for P&O, following the Iona . Arvia is powered by a 61,760kW LNG drive system, with a propulsion power of 37 megawatts. The LNG-powered propulsion system allows the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

After being floated out in August 2022, the Arvia mainly operates itineraries around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

9. Costa Cruises – Costa Smeralda : 185,010 gross tonnes

The Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Costa Cruises fleet. With a gross tonnage of 185,010gt, the 20-deck Excellence-class ship measures 337m (1,106 feet) in length. The second LNG-powered cruise ship to enter operation in the world, she has a maximum capacity of 6,554 passengers with 1,646 crew and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Construction of the Costa Smeralda began at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, in September 2017. Meyer Turku collaborated with the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard to develop and integrate the LNG propulsion plant for the ship. She is fitted with four 16-cylinder, Caterpillar MaK 16VM46DF engines, with 15.4 megawatts (20,710 horsepower) output per engine, resulting in a maximum power of  37 megawatts (50,000 horsepower).

The ship, which was named after the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, entered service in December 2019 , departing Savona on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, where it has sailed since.

8. Costa Cruises – Costa Toscana : 186,364 gross tonnes

The Costa Toscana is the sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and is also powered by LNG . measuring 337m (1,106 feet) long and weighing in at 186,364 gross tonnes, the Toscana has a maximum capacity of 6,338 passengers and 1,678 staff across her 20 decks.

Like her sister ship, the Toscana was also built at the Meyer shipyard in Finland, with construction completed in 2021. She is also powered by four MaK-Caterpillar engines, with a total power of 57.2 megawatts (76,706 horsepower), and two ABB Azipod motors , resulting in a service speed of 17 knots.

Named in homage to the Tuscany region of Italy, Costa Toscana mainly sails around the Mediterranean Sea but Costa Cruises has also used the ship to sail itineraries further afield, such as around Brazil and the UAE.

7. MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa : 215,863 gross tonnes

The only entry in the top ten from MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa measures 333m (1,094 feet) in length. With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Europa ’s LNG-power propulsion system was subcontracted to Finland-based Wärtsilä. Five LNG-powered, 14-cylinder Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines power the vessel, with a propulsion power of 44 megawatts ( 59,005 horsepower). She also features nitrogen oxide reduction (NOR) units, two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems, seven thrusters, and two fixed-pitch propellers. 

The MSC World Europa was floated out at the end of 2021 and was initially used as an accommodation vessel for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the ship berthed at Doha Port in Qatar during the tournament. Following the competition, the ship subsequently travelled several routes around the UAE, before sailing to the Mediterranean, where it has sailed itineraries since.

6. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross tonnes

The first of many entries on this list operated by Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,282 gross tonnes. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet), she is only 50mm (2 inches) longer than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas . The Allure has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew across 18 decks.

Built at the Turku Shipyard in Finland, the Allure took two years to build , floating out in 2010. She features six Wärtsilä 46 diesel engines with a total power output of 97 megawatts (130,053 horsepower). It is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters. The ship can travel at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US, the Allure mainly serves itineraries around the Bahamas but she is scheduled to sail routes around the Mediterranean in 2025.

5. Royal Caribbean International – Oasis of the Seas : 226,838 gross tonnes

The oldest ship on this list, the Oasis of the Seas has been in service for over a decade. She was the biggest cruise ship at the time when floated out in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 226,838gt and a length of 360m (1,181 feet). The Oasis has a maximum capacity of 6,699 passengers and 2,181 staff across 18 decks.

The Oasis took two years to build at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the keel laid on 12 November 2007 and the ship arriving at her homeport of Port Everglades in Florida, US, on 13 November 2009.

The Oasis is powered by eight Wärtsilä V12 diesel engines, which generate 5.6 megawatts (7,500 horsepower) each, alongside four bow thrusters. The main propulsion system consists of three 20-megawatt (26,820 horsepower) electric Azipod motors, resulting in a combined propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and a standard cruising speed of 23 knots.

The Oasis mainly operates routes around the Caribbean, but occasionally repositions to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean.

4. Royal Caribbean International – Harmony of the Seas : 226,963 gross tonnes

The third Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas weighed in bigger than her existing sister ships at launch in 2016, with 226,963 gross tonnage, but she has since been surpassed by newer vessels. With a total length of 362m (1,188 feet), Harmony has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,300 staff across 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean placed an order with STX France for the construction of Harmony of the Seas in December 2012. The first steel for the ship was cut at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in September 2013, while the keel-laying ceremony was held in May 2014.

The Harmony is powered by three 18.9-megawatt Wärtsilä 16V46 16-cylinder main generator diesel engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46 12-cylinder engines producing 13.9 megawatts each. The propulsion power is provided by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters and manoeuvring is assisted by four 5.5-megawatt Wärtsilä CT 3500 tunnel thrusters. The propulsion system results in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and enables the ship to sail at a standard speed of 23 knots.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on her inaugural seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain, in June 2016, and currently operates itineraries around the Western Caribbean from her homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US.

3. Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas : 228,081 gross tonnes

At launch in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas surpassed the Harmony as the biggest cruise ship, weighing in at 228,081 gross tonnes. Measuring 361m (1,185 feet), the Symphony has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 staff across 18 decks and was the testing ground for Royal Caribbean's new muster drill . With a total length of 361m (1,185 feet), She is roughly 30 metres (98 feet) longer than the largest military ships , the US Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the USS Gerald R. Ford .

The keel-laying ceremony for the Symphony of the Seas was held in October 2015 at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, and the ship sailed out in June 2017. She is powered by six diesel sets, each composed of three Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines, as well as three 20-megawatt electric Azipod main engines – resulting in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) of propulsion power and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Symphony commenced her seven-day maiden voyage from Barcelona in April 2018, and since then has mainly operated itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

2. Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas : 235,600 gross tonnes

Royal Caribbean's flagship, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship built for the cruise company. Weighing in at 235,600 gross tonnes, the Wonder was the largest ship in the world when she was completed in January 2022. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet) in length, the 18-deck Wonder has a maximum capacity of 7,084 guests across its 2,867 staterooms, as well as housing 2,369 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Wonder is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and four Wärtsilä 12V46D engines; and uses three 20-megawatt electric Azipod engines for propulsion, combining for a propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Wonder sailed her maiden voyage in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has since served itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami and Cape Canaveral.

1. Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas : 248,663 gross tonnes

Weighing 248,663 gross tonnes and measuring 365 metres (1,1967 feet), the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Christened on 23 January 2024, the Icon has a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew across 20 decks. She is the lead ship of the new Icon-class, with a sister ship the Star of the Seas due to be delivered in 2025 and another ship planned for delivery in 2026.

Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, the Icon is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet that can be powered by LNG. It uses three Wärtsilä 14V46DF and three Wärtsilä 12V46DF for its main generator engines, which provide 67.5 megawatts of energy to run the ship. She is propelled by three 20-megawatt Azipod thrusters as well as five 4.8-megawatt Wärtsilä WTT-45 CP bow thrusters, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.

After sailing her maiden voyage on 27 January 2024, the Icon now sails year-round itineraries of seven-night trips around the Eastern and Western Caribbean from her homeport of Miami, Florida.

"The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world" was originally created and published by Ship Technology , a GlobalData owned brand.

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