Cruises are very trendy and are considered one of the most popular forms of vacation, especially among Americans and Germans. Explore many ports, there is good food and mostly high-quality entertainment on board between the destinations, and the ships excel in terms of their size and the quality of their offerings.
In the ranking of the markets with the highest turnover for cruises, Germany is in second place in an international comparison behind the USA. In 2023, 31,7 million passengers took a cruise, according to CLIA. A good half of the passengers came from the USA. Germany and Great Britain follow in second and third place. The pioneers among cruise lines are Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC. The three brands operate the largest and most spectacular ships in the world. We take a look at the top 10 cruise ships and see what they have to offer.
10. Carnival Jubilee
Opinions differ when it comes to tenth place: Most sources list the Carnival Jubilee as the tenth largest ship in the world, although its capacity of 5.282 passengers is behind Carnival's Mardi Gras with a capacity of 6.631 passengers. With a length of 345 meters and a width of 42 meters, the Jubilee is one meter longer than the Mardi Gras. It is also brand new: it was only christened in February 2024. It goes without saying that it is equipped with the most modern facilities.
Carnival Jubilee at the equipment quay - Photo © MEYER Werft
9. Carnival Celebration
Two years before the Jubilee was christened, the sister ship Carnival Celebration set sail with passengers for the first time. It holds 5.374 passengers and offers travelers a complete amusement park on board. The US shipping company's cruise ship is touring the Caribbean. His hometown is Miami. The Carnival Celebration offers a variety of entertainment in seven “zones”. Sports and leisure activities are located in the “Sports Square”. With the “Carnival WaterWorks” it has the shipping company's largest roller coaster.
8. AIDAnova and AIDAcosma
Two ships from the German brand Aida – a sub-brand of the Carnival Group – share 8th place in the rankings. The AIDAcosma began service in 2022 AIDAnova has been running since 2018. Although they do not differ in size, the Cosma is more modernly equipped. It offers two skywalks on which ship guests float above the sea using a glass catwalk. Various restaurants, bars, clubs and pools as well as a wellness area measuring over 3.500 square meters are further trademarks of the newest AIDA ship.
AIDAcosma in Doha
7. MS Iona
The British shipping company P&O Cruises, also part of the Carnival Group, launched the MS Iona, currently the seventh-largest cruise ship in the world, on its maiden voyage in summer 2021. Named after a Scottish island, the Iona was built by MEYER Werft in Germany. It is powered by liquefied natural gas. Its unique feature is its SkyDome – a glass dome roof spanning three decks. By day, it offers swimming fun and by night, it serves as an event venue.
6. MSC Europe
The MSC World Europa is also powered by sustainable liquid gas and impresses with its ultra-modern design. The entertainment program also relies on technology; the ship offers virtual reality fun, as well as a water park and various pools.
5. Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean holds the top five spots for the largest ships. The Oasis of the Seas is one of the company's older cruise ships. It began service in 5. The ship accommodates 2009 passengers. It also offers a wide range of entertainment for young and old; naturally, all Royal Caribbean ships are equipped with casinos. Table games and popular slot machines are offered. On the high seas, the casinos provide entertaining day and night, offering the opportunity to boost your vacation fund.
4.Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas celebrated its maiden voyage in 2016 and remained the largest cruise ship in the world for two years, accommodating 6,780 passengers. Like the other fleet ships, she travels the Caribbean Sea. It has water slides, various pools and a zip line. Robots mix drinks in the Bionic Bar.
3. Symphony of the Seas
The first three ranks do not differ significantly. The Symphony of the Seas became the new star of the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2018 and remained so until 2022. It holds 6.780 passengers. There is a water park, zip line and a full basketball court.
Symphony of the Seas in the Caribbean
2. Wonder of the Seas
With a capacity of almost 7.000 passengers, the Wonder of the Seas is a giant among cruise ships. When it enters service in 2022, she will be the second youngest cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Its main feature: Central Park.
1. Icon of the Sea
It doesn't get more spectacular than this – at least not until Royal Caribbean launches its next cruise ship: The Icon of the Seas, which will enter service in January 2024, is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. It accommodates 7.600 passengers. The entertainment offering is gigantic. To name just a few: The ship features a surf simulator, ice arena, aquatheater, six water slides, and seven pools.
Royal Caribbean Cruises - Icon of the Seas - Photo © Meyer Turku Werft