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Cruise ships might not be for everyone, but they have a unique appeal for those who love to explore without the hassle of packing and unpacking.
The biggest cruise ship in the world today is nothing short of a floating city. The Icon of the Seas weighs in at 248,663 tonnes and stretches 365 metres from bow to stern.
At three times the weight of the QE2, the Icon is a destination in itself, and this year, she will be joined by several more uber cruise ships taking passengers to nearly every port in the world. Three of them are more than 200,000 tonnes in weight – that’s the same as around 500 fully loaded Boeing 747 jumbo jets!
If this sounds like your vibe, check out the five biggest cruise ships coming to a dock near you in 2025:
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Joining Icon of the Seas this year will be the second of the Icon class ships from Royal Caribbean. Star of the Seas is expected to be just like her sistership, although on paper, she weighs in slightly higher at 250,800 tonnes.
Construction began in February 2023, and just last October, the ship was floated out for the first time.
Onboard are eight different neighbourhoods, 40 dining and drinking outlets, multiple swimming pools, and dozens of waterslides. Cabins are stunning, with options to upgrade to panoramic sea or sunset views, and even a three-story Family Townhouse complete with an in-suite slide.
Disney Cruise Line’s Adventure
Adventure will be the eighth cruise ship owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line, and its biggest yet. Coming in more than 50,000 tonnes heavier than its Wish class vessels at 208,000 tonnes, the ship is 342 metres in length and will accommodate around 6,000 guests.
Onboard is the first-ever Disney Cruise Line rollercoaster at sea, seven themed lands, and a Marvel ‘style studio’ where you can get a heroic makeover (and yes, adults are allowed too). Stage shows are plentiful, and choices of staterooms and suites – some that even have private hot tubs.
MSC Cruises World America
At 205,700 tonnes and 333 metres in length, World America isn’t much smaller than the Icon class giants of Royal Caribbean. It’s the second World-class ship built for MSC Cruises following World Europa, which entered service in December 2022. But while Europa sails from ports in the Mediterranean, America is destined for, well, America.
Within the 22 decks, there’s a choice of 19 different restaurants plus 20 bars and lounges. There’s a waterpark, shows, copious shopping opportunities and the Family Aventura theme park, featuring the industry’s first over-water swings.
The ship is complete and ready to sail. It’s due to have its official naming in Miami on 9 April, for which its Godmother, Drew Barrymore, is set to be in attendance.
Princess Cruises Star Princess
The Star Princess is the second Sphere-class cruise ship for Princess Cruises, following Sun Princess, which took its first trip in February 2024. The pair are the largest ships ever built in Italy, with a length of 345 metres, accommodation for 4,300 and a weight of 175,000 tonnes.
Many features of the Star will be similar to its sistership, although it does have some new additions. The new ship will have pickleball and basketball courts, as well as a jogging track, and expanded areas in the most popular outlets, including O’Malley’s Irish Pub.
The vessel is still under construction and is expected to be delivered in September 2025. Its planned maiden voyage will be on 4 October.
TUI Cruises Mein Schiff Relax
This 160,000-tonne megaship is one you don’t need to wait for. TUI’s Mein Schiff Relax was officially delivered on 7 February and entered service on 2 March. It’s been operating a series of Mediterranean cruises out of Palma de Mallorca since then.
Onboard, the ship has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation. Its spa offers massages and other treatments, while a jogging track and soft-floored yoga deck let guests stretch their legs. There’s a kids club, pool and sauna, and more than 30 bars and restaurants to choose from.
Now, you might ask yourself, “Can these cruise ships get any bigger?”
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, which builds cruise vessels for the likes of Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises, told the Telegraph there is no specific ceiling for the maximum size of the ships.
“There’s no engineering reason cruise ships can’t continue to increase in size, as changes in maneuverability can be compensated for with more powerful propulsion.”
However, issues may arise when it comes to docking and maintaining anything bigger – some of the largest ships in service today already struggle to find ports to accommodate their size.
Bigger is not always better, but that won’t stop cruise lines from trying to build even larger floating cities.