Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships For 2026

Get ready for jaw-dropping decks, next-level luxury, and sea-bound cities bigger than your hometown.

If you’ve ever stood next to a modern cruise ship and felt like a tiny ant in a holiday brochure, just wait until 2026. The cruise industry has been in full throttle since bouncing back post-pandemic – and now? They’re not just building ships, they’re building floating worlds. Think of them as luxury resorts, theme parks, gourmet food markets, wellness retreats and high-tech playgrounds, all wrapped into one enormous cruise.

Whether you’re a cruise connoisseur or just ready to dip a toe into open-water adventure, this list of the Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships for 2026 is your guide to the who’s who of the oceans. Grab a cocktail and settle in, it’s going to be a grand tour.

1. Icon of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

• Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 7,600+
• Crew: Approx. 2,350
• Debut: Early 2024

Still holding court in 2026 as the undisputed biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas is less “ship” and more “floating megacity”. It boasts eight distinct neighbourhoods, a record-breaking six waterslides in the largest waterpark at sea, seven pools (including the largest pool at sea), and even a suspended infinity pool that hangs off the side of the ship. Oh – and did we mention the indoor “Central Park” with over 20,000 real plants? It’s like a floating Eden Project with better cocktails.

If you’re the sort who thinks “Go big or go home”, this is the ship.

2. Legend of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

• Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 7,600
• Debut: 2026

Aptly named, Legend of the Seas is a joyful explosion of everything Royal Caribbean does best, but on an even grander scale. She’s a part of the Icon-class family, but makes her mark with upgraded entertainment, Everything you love about Icon Class thrills, taken up a notch. Legend of the Seas is the next chapter in a larger than life adventure you can only find on an Icon Class ship. It’s bonding at the largest waterpark at sea. Braving the Crown’s Edge, an all-out aerial test of courage. Conquering fleet favourites, from the FlowRider to the Splashaway Bay.

This is one for thrill-seekers and those who like their holidays with a bit of everything.

3. MSC World America – MSC Cruises

• Gross Tonnage: 215,800 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 6,700+
• Debut: 2025

With a first look of MSC World America, this ship is the bold new face of European elegance with an American twist. This next-generation ship features an LED dome promenade, bumper cars, immersive entertainment, the brand new cliffhanger, and a range of restaurants that span everything from sushi to steak. It’s also environmentally friendlier, running on LNG fuel and packed with smart tech for smoother sailing.

Perfect for travellers who want glamour with a splash of sustainability.

4. Wonder of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

• Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 6,988
• Debut: 2022

Even as the newer giants sail in, Wonder of the Seas continues to turn heads. With its enormous size and jaw-dropping amenities, this ship brings together all the hallmarks of the Oasis class – from aqua shows in a diving amphitheatre to surfing simulators and a tranquil Central Park complete with real foliage.

Still a wonder, even a few years on.

5. Arvia – P&O Cruises

• Gross Tonnage: 184,700 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 5,200+
• Debut: 2022

A proud British favourite, Arvia brings the comforts of home to the high seas – but with a sun-soaked Caribbean twist. She features the SkyDome (a retractable-roof venue for shows and movies), a multi-sensory escape room, and The 710 Club, a live music lounge curated by Gary Barlow himself.

And yes, there’s afternoon tea with clotted cream and jam (scone wars not included).

6. Norwegian Aqua – Norwegian Cruise Line

• Gross Tonnage: 208,000 GT
• Passenger Capacity: Approx. 3,570+
• Debut: 2025

As the first ship in Norwegian’s new Prima Plus class, Norwegian Aqua turns tech and design up to 11. Expect swanky suites with ocean-view baths, a hybrid rollercoaster-slash-waterslide called The Aqua Slidecoaster, and a whole vibe that’s more ‘modern art gallery’ than ‘traditional ship décor’.

If you’re after sleek luxury and a cruise that feels futuristic, this is your match.

7. Sun Princess – Princess Cruises

• Gross Tonnage: 175,500 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 4,300+
• Debut: 2024

Princess Cruises brings elegance and innovation together in Sun Princess. The star attraction is The Dome, a first of its kind glass enclosed entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. There’s also a stunning central Piazza, lush pool areas, and elevated dining options, including French bistros and seafood bars.

Ideal for romantics and foodies alike.

8. Celebrity Ascent – Celebrity Cruises

• Gross Tonnage: 140,600 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 3,260
• Debut: 2023

Celebrity’s Edge Series ships bring boutique hotel chic to the open sea, and Celebrity Ascent might just be the crown jewel. With The Retreat (an exclusive ship-within-a-ship area), Eden (a multi-level glass lounge with garden vibes), and the iconic Magic Carpet (a cantilevered lounge that glides up and down the ship), this is cruising – reimagined.

For those who prefer fine wine and refined design over giant slides and scream tunnels.

9. Carnival Jubilee – Carnival Cruise Line

• Gross Tonnage: 183,900 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 5,400+
• Debut: 2023

The boldest in the fleet, Jubilee lives up to its name with wall-to-wall energy. Think onboard rollercoasters (yes, real ones), themed bars that change moods every night, and food stalls inspired by global street markets. It’s party-central from port to port.

Carnival Jubilee is great for families, fun-lovers, and cruisers who believe sleep is optional.

10. Disney Treasure – Disney Cruise Line

• Gross Tonnage: 144,000 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 4,000
• Debut: 2024

Magic meets maritime. Disney Treasure brings beloved Disney characters and worlds to life at sea. With Coco-themed dining, Marvel stunt shows, and a mysterious “Haunted Mansion” bar, Treasure isn’t just for the kids – it’s for the young at heart.

The attention to detail is simply spellbinding.

Where Will 2026 Take You?

From robot bartenders and Broadway-calibre entertainment to onboard rollercoasters and full-on jungle gardens, cruising in 2026 is anything but ordinary. These top 10 giants are more than ships – they’re destinations in their own right.