The number of cruise ships has skyrocketed during the past decade. Mega-ships can carry over 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members, demonstrating the trend toward ever-larger vessels. The deck quoits of yesteryear were nothing compared to the fantastic amenities that cruise lines are currently including, such as theme parks, race tracks, waterslides, and even a rollercoaster. We’ve taken a look at some of the biggest cruise ships in the world — including a couple of strange ones — and their maximum passenger capacity.

 A Royal Caribbean Ship, the Icon of the Seas

When it sets sail in January 2024, Icon of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s largest ship ever, with room for up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. There are seven pools, nine whirlpools, and a waterpark with six waterslides on the 20-deck yacht, making it ideal for families.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s gigantic Wonder of the Seas created waves when it set sail in March 2022 to take over the title of the “biggest cruise ship in the world” with a gross tonnage of 236,857. The brand-new Playscape for kids has an undersea theme and is spread across eight of the ship’s 18 decks. The AquaTheatre features actors who jump off of thirty-foot diving platforms for the audience’s amusement.

The Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas

The Harmony of the Seas is a luxurious cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class. The Oasis has many attractions, such as the shopping and dining on the Royal Promenade, a carnival carousel on the Boardwalk, and the Ultimate Abyss slide, which drops from ten stories high. Children may enjoy the outdoors at Splashaway Bay, where they can use the water slides, surf simulators, and rock climbing walls.

RCCL’s Symphony of the Seas: a Saxophone Fant

The Symphony of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, includes 22 eateries, 42 bars and lounges, a zip line, an ice rink, and was the largest passenger ship in the world when it was introduced in 2018. The two-story, 1,346 square foot family suite with a slide leading from the kids’ bedroom to the living room, a climbing wall, and a 3D theater is a standout among staterooms.