When it comes to ocean cruises, size does matter. The bigger the ship, the more there is to do on board! Where you cruise to is important of course, but when it comes to the biggest hotels at sea, it’s the activities and facilities we really book a stateroom for. So which ships are the biggest?

1. Symphony of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 228,081 gross tonnes

Capacity: 6,680 pax, 2,200 crew

Size: 362m, 18 decks

The largest ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas is one mega vessel. With 18 decks, 24 guest elevators, a 10-story slide and not one, not two, but three waterslides. Taking its maiden voyage in April of 2018, the ship is also home to RCI’s seven neighbourhoods set up on board, an array of dining options and of course myriad activities including ziplining, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a surfing simulator, an escape room and mini golf, just to name a few!

2. Harmony of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 228,000 gross tonnes

Capacity: 6,360 pax, 2394 crew

Size: 362m, 18 decks

Taking her maiden voyage in 2016, Harmony of the Seas, like Symphony, boasts 18 decks and 24 guest elevators. The Seven Neighbourhoods set up, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, and Youth Zone ensure there is something to entertain all types of cruisers.

3. Allure of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 227,000 tonnes

Capacity: 6,318 pax, 2,300 crew

Size: 361m, 18 decks

Built by Royal Caribbean International in 2010, Allure of the Seas is less than two inches longer than sister ship Oasis of the Seas. Allure of the Seas cruise will also introduce you to the captivating Central Park, a unique green-space at sea with a mix of more than 12,000 coastal and sub-tropical plant species from around the world. Allure of the Seas doesn’t stop there, with more highlights to wow you such as two rock-climbing walls, two FlowRider surf simulators, the 25-metre zip line above the Boardwalk, stage shows straight off Broadway, jaw-dropping entertainment in the AquaTheater and so much more.

4. Oasis of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 171,598 tonnes

Capacity: 5,714 pax, 1,540 crew

Size: 315m

The MSC Meraviglia is a beautiful vessel designed for cruising in all seasons. Be entertained by the world’s favourite circus, Cirque du Soleil, feast in any of the 12 distinct dining venues, and explore the longest LED dome at sea. Guests can make the most of 10sqm of public space per guest, lazing poolside, relaxing at the spa, or kicking back in  the exclusive Yacht Club.

7. Norwegian Bliss

Gross tonnage: 168,028 tonnes

Capacity: 4,004 pax, 1,716 crew

NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss entered service in April 2018. Designed to make the most of spectacular environments, like Alaska and the Caribbean, it has a revolutionary Observation Lounge, excellent entertainment, dining and amenities.

8. Quantum of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 168,666 tonnes

Capacity: 4,905 pax, 1,500 crew

Another RCI ship, Quantum of the Seas was built in 2014. Quantum has all of the latest technology onbard and more flexibility than many ships in the same league. There are no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights and complete flexibility to create your own culinary experience at sea.

9. Anthem of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 168,666 tonnes

Capacity: 4,905 pax, 1,500 crew

The ultimate thrill-seekers cruise, Anthem of the Seas has a huge number of cutting edge experiences for adrenaline junkies. Simulate a skydive at Ripcord by iFLY, bump up the jam with dodgem cars, take in the view from the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship at North Star, and so much more!

10. Ovation of the Seas

12. Norwegian Escape

Gross tonnage: 164,600 tonnes

Capacity: 4,266 pax, 1733 crew

Norwegian Escape, which took her maiden voyage in 2015, was the first NCL ship delivered with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning (EGC) system, which cleans out sulfur oxide and other noxious particles, making the ship run greener.

13. Norwegian Epic

Gross tonnage:155,873 tonnes

Built by Norwegian Cruise Line in 2010, Epic specialises in Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises and strongly promotes its cruise line entertainment. The world-class performers, along with new wave accommodation, including studios designed for solo travellers, and exclusive private havens, are key offerings on Norwegian Epic.

14. Freedom of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 154,407 tonnes

Capacity: 4,515 pax, 1,360 crew

Built in 2006, you can catch a first-run film in the 3D theatre, or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen onboard Freedom of the Seas. On offer on board if the BRITTO gallery, where you can take in an extensive array of artworks or indulge in the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard. The wining and dining options are extensive too, in conjunction with adventure, which includes the Flowrider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, catilevered whirlpools, mini golf, H20 Zone water park and much more.

15. Liberty of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 154,407 tonnes

Capacity: 4,960 pax, 1,360 crew

Inaugurated in 2007, Liberty of the Seas has a huge range of options in the areas of fitness, recreation and entertainment. In conjunction with the size of the ship and the number of options onboard, it is easy to forget that you are actually on a massive floating object, slipping through the Caribbean Sea.

16. Independence of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 154,407 tonnes

Capacity: 4,560 pax, 1,440 crew

In addition to the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, the Independence of the Seas offers over 100 spa treatments to ensure your cruise has the right amount of pampering.

17. Queen Mary 2

Gross tonnage: 151,400 tonnes

Capacity: 2,691 pax, 1,292 crew

Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of Cunard Line and epitomises the golden age of travel. After undergoing a significant transformation in 2016, the Queen Mary 2 is more elegant and sophisticated than ever before, promising a cruise that feels like you’re staying in a five-star hotel at sea. One of the ship’s most notable features is the collection of kennels for cats and dogs – Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise liner permitting owners to cruise with their beloved pets. This classic ship also honours the very British tradition of afternoon tea, during which white-gloved waiters serve delicious scones with cream, finger sandwiches and tea in the Queens Room.