Go Big or Go Home: Largest Cruise Ships in the World

These massive ships are here to serve your every need.

Symphony of the seas, parked in Barcelona port

Some travelers prefer to fly the friendly skies. Some get a thrill from road trips. But for those who like their travel to be a vacation in and of itself, cruising is the only way to go.

Whether you're a tried-and-true cruiser or a first-timer looking to get your sea legs, we recommend boarding ships with all the bells and whistles. The largest ships in the world, based on gross tonnage, aren't just huge — they are breathtakingly monumental. And they offer more amenities and attractions than you could ever imagine, from race tracks and water complexes to Broadway-style theaters and massive nightclubs.

Whether you want to party the nights away, take a break from the daily grind and relax, or entertain your antsy kids, these cruise ships have you covered...and then some.

#20: Princess Cruises ‘Royal Princess’

There's no doubt passengers aboard the “Royal Princess” will feel like true royalty, whether they’re participating in “Princess Live!” — a show produced by the first cruising television studio — or bidding on fine-art pieces at Champagne Art Auctions.

For those who want to bask in the beauty and sophistication of the ship, there's an above-ocean glass walkway, SeaWalk. It extends 28 feet beyond the ship's edge, providing guests with stunning views.

Travelers who want to capture memories of their trip can book a photography session at the Platinum Photography Studio, which specializes in black and white portraits.

‘Royal Princess’ Fast Facts

*3,560 guests
*141,000 tons
*1,083 feet long
*Vegas-style casino + freshwater pools + Movies Under the Stars
*The ship departs from several locations across the world, including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Belize City, San Juan and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The ship sails to multiple worldwide locations such as Cabo San Lucas, the Caribbean, Alaska, the California coast, Norway and the British Isles.
*Book cruises with prices starting at $299 by visiting this booking link from Princess Cruises. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#19: P&O Cruises ‘Britannia’

While “Britannia” is not the biggest cruise ship in the world, it is the biggest ship ever built for the UK market. The design reflects luxury and a nautical theme, with leather, glass and marble throughout.

The three-tier atrium, touting a starburst sculpture made from aluminum, impresses. Artwork by British artists is also found throughout the ship — more than 6,000 pieces in all.

With an emphasis on food, Britannia is the first British ship to have a cooking school onboard. Called the Cookery Club, the school was created by television chef James Martin, who, along with other professional chefs, also teaches cooking classes to passengers.

‘Britannia’ Fast Facts

*3,647 passengers + 1,398 crew members
*143,000 tons
*7 entertainment venues + adults-only Limelight Club + Headliners theater with LED backdrop
*The ship departs from several locations across the world, including Antigua, Barbados, Cozumel, San Juan, St. Vincent and Tobago. It sails to multiple worldwide locations such as Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, the Middle East and Western Europe.
*Book 7- to 14-day cruises with prices starting at approximately $304 by visiting this booking link from P&O Cruises. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#18: Norwegian Cruise Line 'Norwegian Getaway'

Both families and solo travelers will enjoy all the activities and amenities on board the “Norwegian Getaway.”

The Sports Complex, featuring rock climbing, mini golf and basketball, is well-suited to the athletically inclined. For those with more creative interests, there's the “Burn The Floor” dance show and “Million Dollar Quartet” musical. Teens will enjoy Entourage, with fashion and theater workshops, pool parties and dance parties. Tiny tots can enjoy scavenger hunts, age-appropriate sports and pizza-making fun at Splash Academy.

Those who prefer to spend their trip relaxing will be delighted to know that the onboard spa offers a Thermal Suite, where guests can receive halotherapy in the Salt Room, soothe body aches in the steam room or nap on a heated lounge chair.

'Norwegian Getaway' Fast Facts

*3,963 guests
*145,655 tons
*1,068 feet long + 169 feet wide
*Spa with halotherapy treatment + Aqua Park 17 decks above sea + Bliss Ultra Lounge open through the early morning hours
*The ship departs from several locations across the world, including Copenhagen, Miami, New Orleans and New York City. The ship sails to the Transatlantic, Europe, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
*Book 7- to 9-day cruises starting at $499 by visiting this booking link from Norwegian Cruise Line. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#17: Norwegian Cruise Line ‘Norwegian Breakaway’

Dancing, gambling, splashing, eating — these are a few of the ways to spend your time on the “Norwegian Breakaway,” which launched in 2013 but was refreshed in 2018.

One highlight on board is The Waterfront, a quarter-mile promenade where passengers will find several bars and restaurants. For kids, there's the Aqua Park, featuring five multi-story waterslides, and an at-sea ropes course. Adults will be entertained by the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages,” a dueling piano bar and “The Wine Tasting Musical,” which combines wine and comedy.

‘Norwegian Breakaway’ Fast Facts

*3,963 guests
*145,655 tons
*1,068 feet long + 169 feet wide
*Kids Splash Academy + largest ropes course at sea + miniature golf course
*The ship departs from several locations across the world, including Berlin, Copenhagen, Miami, Florida, New Orleans and New York City. The ship sails to the Transatlantic, Europe and the Caribbean.
*Book 7- to 15-day cruises with prices starting at $649 by visiting this booking link from Norwegian Cruise Line. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#16: ‘Queen Mary 2’

This ship is all about elegance and luxury. According to Cruise Critic, it's important that guests dress up for dinner, best paired with a visit to the onboard wine cellar — one of the largest at sea and stocked with vintage varietals. After dinner, guests can speak directly with the sommeliers as they sip on their favorite wines.

Want to bring your dog? No problem. “Queen Mary 2” is the only liner to regularly carry animals; its pampering-focused kennels can be accessed by owners and are overseen by a Kennel Master.

‘Queen Mary 2’ Fast Facts

*2,691 guests + 1,292 crew members
*148,528 tons
*1,132 feet long + 131 feet wide
*5 pools + largest dance floor at sea + luxury 3D cinema + planetarium
*The ship departs from several locations across the world, including Southampton, Quebec, Bergen, Sydney, Halifax, Hamburg, St. Thomas and Barbados. The ship also sails to multiple global destinations such as the Transatlantic, Hamburg, Norway, New England, Dubai, Singapore and the Caribbean.
*Book cruises on this ship with prices starting at $209 by visiting this booking link from Cunard. Due to the amount of both departure and destination ports, the prices for cruises on this ship vary greatly. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#15: ‘MSC Seaside’

Those with a love of the outdoors will find the “MSC Seaside” to be a stellar ride. It's known as "the ship that follows the sun," and this is evident in both the onboard decor and activities offered.

One such feature that pays homage to Mother Nature is the four-deck atrium with a set of three LED screens showcasing plant life and sea creatures on a rotating basis. There are also rear-facing glass-enclosed elevators overlooking the ocean, as well as Miami-inspired cabins with wraparound balconies that offer incredible views.

When it comes to onboard entertainment and dining, “Seaside” doesn't disappoint. In front of the LED screens is a small balcony where musical and acrobatic performances take place. There are interactive game shows for kids, four specialty restaurants and Italian chocolatier Venchi, which serves a la carte gelato and chocolate by the pound.

The ship conveniently offers “MSC for Me” touch points, enabling passengers to view daily schedules and make dinner reservations with the touch of a button.

‘MSC Seaside’ Fast Facts

*4,134- 4,961 guests
*154,000 tons
*1,060 feet long + 135 feet wide
*5 water slides + 2 bowling lanes + luxurious oceanfront suites
*The ship departs from Florida and other locations on the east coast and sails to the Caribbean.
*Book a 7- or 14-night cruise on this ship with prices starting at $509 by visiting this booking link from Cruise Critic. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#14: Royal Caribbean ‘Independence of the Seas’

Known to many as “Indy,” this ship experienced a major facelift in May 2018, adding new features and activities to its onboard offerings. Among these were a virtual-reality trampoline called Sky Pad, a laser-tag arena and 107 new cabins.

“Independence of the Seas” is 10 years old, but you'd never know it when you step inside. With fun and games for both children and adults, the ship has more than enough modern ways to entertain guests. Water activities include surfing, body-boarding and swimming. There is also an ice skating rink, a fitness center and late night comedy for adults.

‘Independence of the Seas’ Fast Facts

*4,560 guests + 1,440 international crew members
*154,407 tons
*1,112 feet long + 185 feet wide
*1,929 cabins + 15 passenger decks
*7 jacuzzis + jogging path + Fuel Teen Club
*The ship departs from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and sails to the Caribbean, Europe and the Transatlantic.
*Book a 4- to 7-night cruise on this ship with prices starting at $301 by visiting this booking link from Royal Caribbean. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#13: Royal Caribbean ‘Freedom of the Seas’

Following a 2015 update, “Freedom of the Seas” now boats refreshed cabins, a new nightclub and a greater variety of restaurants. The changes built upon existing enticing features, including a Latin-themed bar, a library and first-rate onboard shopping. There are also both complimentary and specialty dining options, several bars and lounges, and outdoor activities and sports.

Children and teens have a few special places for themselves, including the Adventure Ocean and Teen Disco. Passengers can get pampered at Vitality Spa & Fitness Center, or take a leap of faith and get married at the Skylight Wedding Chapel.

No matter what guests choose to do on “Freedom of the Seas,” they most certainly won't be bored.

‘Freedom of the Seas’ Fast Facts

*3,782 guests + 1,360 crew members
*154,407 tons
*1,112 feet long + 185 feet wide
*Library & card room + Skylight Wedding Chapel + casino + teen disco
*The ship departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and sails to the southern Caribbean.
*Book a 3- to 7-night cruise on this ship with prices starting at $434 by visiting this booking link from Royal Caribbean. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#12: ‘Norwegian Epic’

When passengers board the “Norwegian Epic,” it is instantly obvious how the ship got its name. There are 19 decks onboard, all featuring activities and amenities sure to keep guests entertained during their entire trip.

A water park, nightclub, theater and casino are just a few of the venues for guests to enjoy. There are also more than 20 dining options available 24/7. The only drawback to the layout of the ship is that in order to get to the bars, restaurants and entertainment, passengers must walk through the casino. But that's a small price that most are completely willing to pay.

A few of the innovative adventures for guests to try include a boxing-inspired “boxercise” ring, the interactive SplashGolf water-based game and the largest bowl slide at sea.

For those who prefer music and art over sports, the Broadway show “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” is performed on the ship. The ship is popular among families, especially during school holidays. Thankfully there are plenty of child-appropriate activities onboard for little ones as young as 6 months old, all the way through the teen years.

‘Norwegian Epic’ Fast Facts

*4,100 guests
*155,873 tons
*1,081 feet long + 171 feet wide
* Bliss Ultra Lounge with bowling alley + Entourage Teen Center + Headliners Comedy Club
*The ship departs from Barcelona, Spain, Rome, Italy, Naples, Italy, Orlando, Florida Cozumel, Mexico and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It sails to the Bahamas, the eastern and western Caribbean, and the western Mediterranean.
*Book a 7-night cruise on this ship with prices starting at $599 by visiting this booking link from Norwegian Cruise Line. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#11: Royal Caribbean 'Liberty of the Seas'

No surprise here: The final ship on the list also belongs to Royal Caribbean, a company that specializes in sheer size.

Like it sister liners, "Liberty" is all about fun; features include the cleverly named "H-2 Whoa," boasting no fewer than five water slides and the only tidal wave at sea; an ice-skating rink that stages showstopping ice-dancing shows; and restaurants that range from the family-friendly (a breakfast featuring DreamWorks characters) to the adults-friendly (a chef's table that serves an exquisite five-course meal).

In the mood for some footloose moves? Dance classes focus on salsa, hip-hop, swing or ballroom.

'Liberty of the Seas' Fast Facts

*4,960 guests + 1,360 international crew members
*1,112 feet long + 185 feet wide
*1,899 cabins
*15 guest decks + 14 passenger elevators
*Sports court + wedding chapel + video arcade + casino
*The ship departs from Texas and sails to the Caribbean.
*Book 7-night cruises with prices starting at $460 by visiting this booking link from Royal Caribbean. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#10: 'Norwegian Escape'

In today's highly technological world, it should come as no surprise that the name “Norwegian Escape” was chosen through a Facebook contest, winning out from a selection of 10 potential names.

The “Escape” offers many of the same features as the “Joy,” but travels to more tropical locations like the Bahamas. The focus on this ship is broad, with entertainment and activities for singles, adults and children.

The Atrium is a mid-ship hub area with a large LED screen, dance area and live entertainment. The Supper Club is a theatrical dining venue with aerial acrobatics. Kids' venues include the Aqua Park, Splash Academy and Guppies Nursery. Teens have the Entourage Teen Centre with table football, video arcades and jukeboxes.

In addition to the standard onboard restaurants and bars, there are a few distinctive places to enjoy treats, like Carlo's Bake Shop, where guests can take cupcake classes. Mixx Bar offers pre-dinner cocktails and has a cigar lounge and a mojito bar. There's also The Distinct Brew House, offering 24 draft beers on tap and 50 different bottled beers, and the Atrium Cafe & Bar, which serves specialty tea and coffee. Dolce Gelato is where you can get a scoop of Italian ice cream.

'Norwegian Escape' Fast Facts

*4,266 guests + 1,733 crew members
*164,000 tons
*1,069 feet long + 136 feet wide
*1,689 cabins
*Comedy club and lounge + adults-only beach club + ultra lounge and nightclub + two Jimmy Buffett bars
*The ship departs from Miami and New York City and sails to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and the Caribbean.
*Book between 7 nights and 14 nights on this cruise ship with prices starting at $649 by visiting this booking link from Norwegian Cruise Lines. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#9: Royal Caribbean 'Ovation of the Seas'

“Ovation of the Seas” is the third in Royal Caribbean's Quantum class, and as such, it shares many of the same features as its sister ships, “Quantum of the Seas” and “Anthem of the Seas.” What sets it apart, however, is its Asian-inspired decor, which echoes its original deployment in China. With Chinese passengers in mind, a 32-foot tall panda and cub were designed as symbols of good luck. The majority of the staff speaks Mandarin, and there are dual-language signs throughout the ship. Dining options include Asian cuisine from Kung Fun Panda Noodle Shop and the Windjammer Marketplace buffet restaurant.

But while this Chinese ship is well-suited to Asian travelers, it will cease sailing to Asia in 2019, moving instead to Alaska.

From December to April, “Ovation of the Seas” spends Australian summers in Sydney. During this time, everything is in English and the onboard food, drinks and activities are modified to suit the Australian lifestyle. Because of the popularity of the location, most of the bars, restaurants and water-based activities on the ship are busier than during the trips to Asia.

'Ovation of the Seas' Fast Facts

*4,905 guests + 1,500 international crew members
*168, 666 tons
*1,138 feet long + 136 feet wide
*2,091 cabins + 16 guest decks + 16 passenger elevators
*Adventure Ocean youth area + dance classes + mystery dinner theater
*The ship departs from Honolulu, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. It sails to Asia and Australia, with Alaska being added in 2019.
*Book between 4 nights and 7 nights on this cruise ship with prices starting at $389 by visiting this booking link from Royal Caribbean. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#8: ‘Norwegian Bliss’

Norwegian's newest ship, which set sail for the first time in April 2018, is a snazzy addition to the fleet.

Adrenaline junkies can get their pulse racing by careening around the largest race track at sea. Theater aficionados will love “Happy Hour Prohibition,” a show about bootlegging and madams set in a New Orleans speakeasy. And music nerds will want to rock out to a Beatles cover band performing in a venue modeled after The Cavern Club, a Liverpool institution.

'Norwegian Bliss' Fast Facts

*4,004 guests + 1,731 crew members

*167,800 tons

*1,082 feet long

*”Jersey Boys” musical + Texas BBQ restaurant + comedy and nightclub*The ship departs from several destinations around the world, including Miami, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York City and Seattle, and sails to Alaska, the Bahamas and Florida, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal.

*Book 5- to 7-day cruises by using this booking link from Norwegian. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#7: Royal Caribbean 'Anthem of the Seas'

Welcome to the future: “Anthem of the Seas” features, among many snazzy tech features, robot bartenders. Guests can also check into restaurants and book activities using iPads and RFID bracelets, and the internet on board is lightning fast. Plus, 375 of the rooms feature virtual balconies — floor-to-ceiling HD screens with real-time views of the ocean.

If low-fi, good-old-fashioned fun is more your speed, the top deck of the ship has plenty to see, including a children's aqua park (the H2O Zone), an adults-only solarium pool with a glass canopy and a 40-foot long surf simulator. Those traveling for business will appreciate the onboard library, workshop area and music hall.

Adventurers aboard also have a laundry list of fun and games to choose from. There's a casino, pool tables, bumper cars, roller skating, video games and a circus school. For the artistically inclined, a rendition of the musical "We Will Rock You" is performed. And the ship's artwork is both impressive and futuristic. One interactive piece measures guests' heartbeats when they touch the podium; the heartbeats are then shown on a chandelier that beats in time.

'Anthem of the Seas' Fast Facts

*4,905 guests + 1,500 international crew members
*168,666 tons
*1,141 feet long + 136 feet wide
*2,090 cabins + 16 guest decks + 16 passenger elevators
*Trapeze school + cabaret theater + piano bar + outdoor movie screen
*The ship departs from Cape Liberty, N.J., and sails to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada.
*Book between 4 nights and 8 nights on this cruise ship with prices starting at $599 by visiting this booking link from Royal Caribbean. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#6: Royal Caribbean ‘Quantum of the Seas’

One of the most impressive cruise ships has to be “Quantum of the Seas,” touting several revolutionary features and activities that you won't find on any other ship.

Take, for instance, the SeaPlex, featuring the world's first ever bumper car rink at sea, a roller skating rink, a basketball court and table tennis. Then there's the RipCord by iFly, a skydiving simulator. And for art aficionados, there's a 3,000-piece art installation worth $5 million.

Two70° is the ship's transformational venue; by day, guests enjoy an open living area with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° panoramic views. By night, the space converts to a performing arts room.

As if that weren't enough, the ship also features North Star, a capsule that transports guests 300 feet above sea level.

‘Quantum of the Seas’ Fast Facts

*4,905 guests + 1,500 international crew members
*168,666 tons
*1,141 feet long + 136 feet wide
*2,090 cabins + 16 guest decks + 16 passenger elevators
*18 restaurants + outdoor movie screen + Casino Royale + circus school for aspiring trapeze artists
*The ship departs from Shanghai, China and Singapore and sails to various parts of Asia.
*Book a 4 or 5-night cruise with prices starting at $357 by visiting this booking link from Royal Caribbean. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#5: MSC ‘Meraviglia’

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Discover-MSC/Cruise-Ships/MSC-Meraviglia.aspx — This striking Galleria is one of many classy touches on 'Meraviglia.'

It's hard to know where to begin when describing the features of this ship. From the indoor shopping promenade with a 5,200-square-foot LED dome to the children's LEGO clubs and activities, people from all walks of life will find something they enjoy on the MSC “Meraviglia.”

The promenade, officially titled Galleria Meraviglia, has boutiques and restaurants to explore during the day and music and parties in the evening. MSC Cruises has also partnered with Cirque du Soleil to provide nightly entertainment six nights a week.

Family-friendly fun includes a Formula 1 virtual racing center, a full-size bowling alley and an outdoor water park. There are three twisting slides and a Himalayan Bridge for both kids and adults to use.

‘Meraviglia’ Fast Facts

MSC ‘Meraviglia’ — ‘Meraviglia’ caters to European travelers.

*4,500 guests + 1,536 crew members
*171,598 tons
*1,033 feet long
*Atmosphere pool with giant television screen + longest LED dome at sea + comedy club + karaoke bar
*The ship sails to northern Europe in the spring, summer and fall. Destinations include Hamburg, Germany; Dublin, Ireland; and Reykjavik, Iceland.
*Book a 10-14 night cruise with prices starting at $1,119 by visiting this booking link. Guests who book a balcony stateroom or higher get a free Cirque du Soleil dinner and a show package. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#4: Royal Caribbean ‘Oasis of the Seas’

Also at 226,838 tons is the “Oasis of the Seas” cruise ship. This ship, like most others, has activities and areas for both active and more idle passengers. For those interested in art, there are 7,000 works of specially commissioned pieces. An on-site bakery pleases the senses with fresh breads and pastries using a machine that can produce 4,000 rolls an hour. And with more than 20 onboard dining options, the ship boasts 20 chefs and 222 cooks.

As for entertainment, guests can enjoy Broadway-inspired performances of the musical "Grease," ice skating shows and Aqua Theater aerial performances. The Aqua Theater pool is one of the largest pools at sea, at 17.9 feet deep.

Athletically inclined passengers, meanwhile, can hit the full-size basketball court, the two rock climbing walls and the FlowRider surf simulators. For kids, there is Splashaway Bay water park; for adults, there is a kids-free Solarium.

‘Oasis of the Seas’ Fast Facts

*5,400 passengers + 2,200 crew members
*225,282 tons
*1,187 feet long + 215 feet wide
*2,742 cabins + 24 guest elevators + 16 guest decks
*4 pools + 6 whirlpools + Flowrider surf simulator + world's first carousel at sea
*Over 110,000 pounds of ice cubes are made on the ship daily.
*The ship departs from either Miami or Orlando, Fla., or Rome, Italy, and sails to both the eastern and western Caribbean.
*Book a 3-night, 7-Night or 14-night cruise through Priceline, with prices starting at $587 by visiting this booking link. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#3: Royal Caribbean 'Allure of the Seas'

“Allure of the Seas” was the world's largest cruise ship for six years. Now it takes the bronze medal at “just” 225,282 tons. But despite its second-runner-up status, this ship doesn't fall short when it comes to features, amenities, entertainment and offerings.

Like most cruise liners, different neighborhoods cater to different types of people. The Royal Promenade is the ship's shopping area with tented skylights. The Boardwalk neighborhood was inspired by Coney Island and features family-friendly shops and restaurants. There are also neighborhoods for sports enthusiasts, wellness seekers and young adventurers.

Beyond the main attractions of the vessel are several smaller perks and fun activities. Kids will like the build-your-own stuffed animals shop. Families can catch a DreamWorks movie in 3D. And for the literal movers and shakers, there's a Lady Gaga dance class.

‘Allure of the Seas’ Fast Facts

*6,780 guests + 2,100 international crew members
*225,282 tons
*1,187 feet long + 215 feet wide
*2,742 cabins + 24 guest elevators + 16 guest decks
*12 bars and lounges + 4 pools + mini golf course + zip line
*The ship departs from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and sails to the Caribbean.
*Book a 7-Night Eastern or Western Caribbean Cruise through Royal Caribbean starting at $549 by visiting this booking link. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#2: Royal Caribbean ‘Harmony of the Seas’

Just to put things in perspective, if you stood “Harmony of the Seas” up, it would be taller than the Eiffel Tower and twice the length of the Washington Monument. It weighs more than 10,625 adult elephants.

Just like its sister “Symphony of the Seas,” this massive ship is broken up into seven different sections, each with its own thematic vibe and an array of activities and attractions to enjoy. The ship's three water slides are collectively known as The Perfect Storm. There's also a 10-story slide called The Ultimate Abyss, which plummets riders down a noisy, winding tunnel with flashing lights. Daring guests can go ice skating, climb two rock walls, ride the faux waves on a surf simulator or glide along a nine-deck-high zip line.

For the less adventurous, there are lounging areas, a calming spa and the tranquil Central Park neighborhood, cared for by three horticulturists who look after 10,587 plants and 52 trees.

‘Harmony of the Seas’ Fast Facts

*6,687 guests + 2,193 international crew members
*226,963 tons
*1,188 feet long + 215.5 feet wide
*24 guest elevators + 16 guest decks
*Tallest water slide at sea + Broadway theater + Jamie Oliver restaurant
*On a typical seven-night cruise, 'Harmony' will go through 350 tons of ice cubes, 5,000 dozen fresh whole eggs, 100 gallons of chocolate ice cream, 2,100 pounds of lobster tail and 2,500 pounds of fresh salmon.
*The ship departs from either Orlando or Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and sails to the Caribbean.
*Book a 7-Night Eastern or Western Caribbean Cruise through Royal Caribbean for $718-$1,637 by visiting this booking link. Prices and availability are subject to change, so make your reservation early.

#1: Royal Caribbean 'Symphony of the Seas'

The 228,081-ton "Symphony of the Seas." At full capacity, the ship can host close to 9,000 people, including crew members. There are 2,758 cabins on board, along with enough fun and entertainment to last several weeks, divided between seven different "neighborhoods" featuring both indoor and outdoor attractions.

Enjoy the water? The ship includes three pool areas, encompassing a total of 24 (yes, 24) pools, plus a water-slide complex. Feeling adventurous? Get your thrill by scaling one of two rock-climbing walls. Also on board: a basketball court, an adults-only solarium, an ice skating rink, and an indoor promenade with upscale shops and restaurants.

But the ship's highlight is what Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley is calling "the ultimate family suite in the world." The suite (there's only one on board) is a 1,346-square-foot complex that features a slide that connects a second-floor children's room to the main area below, a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, an 85-inch HD television and a 212-square-foot balcony with a full-size whirlpool. Oh, and the suite also comes with a private butler. But note that this luxury doesn't come cheap; the suite rents out for tens of thousands of dollars a week.

'Symphony of the Seas' Fast Facts

*6,680 guests + 2,200 international crew members
*228,081 tons
*1,188 feet long + 215.5 feet wide
*2,759 cabins + 16 guest decks + 24 guest elevators
*22 restaurants + 24 pools + escape room + laser tag + aquatheater + Broadway at Sea
*Cruise offers late summer trips to Mediterranean destinations Palma de Mallorca and Spain; Italian journeys to Florence, Pisa, Rome and Naples; and, beginning in the fall, Caribbean cruises.