The world's largest cruise ship

Over the past few decades, cruise ships have become unbelievably large. They have become so massive that they need to be seen to be believed. Now, they resemble floating towns and cities offering almost anything you can think of, from water parks and nightclubs to shopping centres and impressive arrays of restaurants. Cruise ships really come in all shapes and sizes, but some are colossal in comparison to others.

Here are the nine biggest cruise ships in the world. The largest weighs a staggering 250,000 tonnes and carries more than 7,000 passengers. The ship has been coined a "floating city" in multiple news reports and social media posts, and when you see what's on board, you realise why. While the largest cruise ship in the world is truly a marvel, the other eight are also incredible. Here are the nine biggest cruise ships in the world.

MSC World America, with its impressive 22 decks, is the only entry on the list that doesn't come from Royal Caribbean. It takes ninth place with its capacity for 6,700 passengers and a gross tonnage of 216,638. Plus, it is more than 1,000 feet long.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, which was launched in 2010, has a massive gross tonnage of 226,637 and is 1,1080 feet in length. On board, you will find a central park and a boardwalk that make you feel like you're in an urban area while you float through the middle of the sea.

There is also a sports zone with a zip line and a rock climbing wall, as well as an adults-only retreat with pools and relaxation facilities.

Slightly larger with a gross tonnage of 226,838 and the same 1,180-feet length, we have the Oasis of the Seas, also by Royal Caribbean. This staggering ship carries as many as 6,771 passengers.

On this massive boat, you'll enjoy live music performances from Olympic-level divers, live music, a futuristic bionic bar operated by a robot, and plenty more.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas comes in at number 7 on the list, as it spans 1,188.1 feet and has a gross tonnage of 226,963. Much like Royal Caribbean's other cruise ships, you will find a huge array of things to do and eat on board.

Highlights include more than 20 restaurants, a late bar, a casino, a zipline, waterslides and a relaxing solarium to unwind in.

Symphony of the Seas is the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world, with a total gross tonnage of 228,081. Launched in 2018, it carries up to 6,680 passengers, all of whom can enjoy an incredible array of attractions onboard.

Highlights of the Symphony of the Seas include a water park with slides and a surfing jet, Broadway shows, a central promenade with restaurants, bars and shops, and a spa with treatments to help you unwind.

Wonder of the Seas takes the number four spot on the list, thanks to its gross tonnage of 235,600, its length of 1,187.8 feet, and its capacity for just under 7,000 passengers.

On this colossal cruise ship, you will find deck-top bars to soak in the sunshine with a drink in hand, an incredible AquaTheatre and stellar shopping options that make you feel like you're in the heart of a major city.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is a staggering 1,184.8 feet in length, with a total gross tonnage of 236,473 and a capacity for over 7,000 passengers. Having first set sail in 2025, it has blown passengers away with its array of things onboard.

Namely, there is the incredible waterpark (with 18 thrilling slides), spectacular live shows, numerous nightclubs and 10 swimming pools.

The Star of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean's massive Icon Class ships. With a capacity for 7,600 guests and a total gross tonnage of 236,473, it ties for first place and, so it can be considered the largest cruise ship in the world along with its sister vessel.

Star of the Seas is a true engineering marvel, and planners have created a floating city with everything you could possibly need for a holiday. Stand-out features include incredible aerial shows, a massive waterpark, a sky adventure park, a sports court, a spa and a slew of restaurants and bars to visit at night.

With a staggering 20 decks and room for more than 7,6000, Icon of the Seas is also considered the largest cruise ship in the world. This masterpiece is like a floating city of skyscrapers, with so much to do and see that it almost makes you forget you are at sea.

Stand-out features on this incredible cruise ship include the eye-grabbing waterpark, pool parties, nightclubs, international restaurants, a spa, and much, much more.