Cruise ships are impressive engineering feats, with heaps of epic onboard features nowadays including entire neighbourhoods, cantilevered bars, theatres, water parks and even go-kart tracks.

It's no wonder that they're often referred to as floating cities - after all, they can hold thousands of passengers as well as crew members.

Now, Royal Caribbean's newest ship Wonder of the Seas has taken the crown as the world's biggest cruise ship based on gross tonnage - but who are her contenders?

We take a look at the world's biggest cruise ships below...

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1. Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas is the world's biggest cruise ship (
Image:
Royal Caribbean)

One of our top picks of new cruise ships for 2022 to get excited about, Wonder of the Seas boasts some ridiculously cool features including EIGHT neighbourhoods, on-board wave machine, a huge park, the tallest slide at sea, rock climbing walls and even a cantilevered bar.

The ship measures 362m and 64m in width.

2. Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

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Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

Gross tonnage: 228,081

Symphony of the Seas boasts 18 decks and can carry over 6,000 passengers, as well as a 2,200 person crew.

It makes for quite the action-packed adventure offering everything from the tallest waterslide at sea to ziplining, as well as swimming pools, ice skating, rock climbing, Broadway shows and even laser tag.

The ship measures 361m in length and 65.7m in width.

3. Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas (
Image:
© 2016 Michel Verdure www.verdurephoto.com)

Gross tonnage: 226,963

Harmony of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship until 2018 when sister Symphony of the Seas took her title.

Sailing to the likes of the Caribbean, Bahamas and North America, Harmony has 18 decks packed with everything from on board water slides to a Bionic Bar which features robot mixologists, not to mention seven unique neighbourhoods for families to go exploring.

Like Symphony, she measures 361m in length and 65.7m in width.

4. Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Allure of the Seas

Gross tonnage: 225,282

Allure of the Seas boasts 18 decks offering up lush suites and entertainment ranging from a host of swimming pools to all the sports facilities you could want, not to mention it even has its own marketplace.

She measures 362m in length and 66m in width.

5. Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

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Image:
Royal Caribbean)

Gross tonnage: 225,282

While Oasis has the same gross tonnage as Allure, she has a slightly shorter length of 361m, although her width is also 66m.

Like her sister ships she has 18 decks filled with entertainment, swanky cabins and even features such as an onboard zip line for the braver passengers!

6. Costa Smeralda, Costa Cruises

Costa Smeralda (
Image:
Costa Cruises)

Gross tonnage: 185,010

Costa Smeralda boasts over 1,000 cabins, 13 swimming pools, 11 restaurants and over 19 bars and lounges, so passengers won't be stuck on activities to enjoy while onboard.

There are also heaps of luxury venues including a lush spa, a large theatre for dazzling shows, and a water park sure to be a hit with families.

7. Iona, P&O Cruises

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Image:
P&O Cruises)

Gross tonnage: 184,700

P&O Cruises' new ship Iona boasts onboard amenities such as a gin distillery and infinity pool, so already it's a firm favourite with holidaymakers. (You can take a sneak peek inside here ).

The £700million ship made her debut in 2021 and boasts ew two-deck venue SkyDome, FOUR swimming pools, over 30 bars and restaurants, the world's first gin distillery at sea, a luxurious spa and heaps more lavish perks for guests.

9. AIDAcosma, AIDA Cruises

Best cruise deals for 2022/2023

There are plenty of tempting cruise holiday deals out there - we've flagged some of the best ones below.

  • Princess Cruises has fares from £379pp including long-haul destinations - book here.
  • TUI's Marella Cruises has Mediterranean sailings from £693pp - book here.
  • Royal Caribbean has seven-night cruises from £749pp - book here.
  • Saga has deals including savings of up to £750pp - book here.
  • Celebrity Cruises is offering up to £2,400 off staterooms and free flights to Europe - book here.

You can also find heaps of updates and offers in our cruise holidays page.

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Gross tonnage: 183,900

AIDA Cosma measures 337m in length and 42m in width. The ship offers some luxurious features such as an infinity pool, 17 bars, a lavish spa, indoor playgrounds, and over 2,700 cabins.

8. AIDA nova, AIDA Cruises

Gross tonnage: 183,858

The first of the company's Excellence-Class ships, AIDAnova measures 337m in length and 42m in width. The huge ship boasts an impressive 20 decks, as well as six pools and over 18 bars and restaurants.