where are cruise ships built

Where are cruise ships built?

It's easy to appreciate the enormity of a skyscraper as it's being built in plain sight, each floor constructed atop the one below — but what about a cruise ship? The newest megaships are just as massive lengthwise as skyscrapers are tall, and they're equally complex. But you never see cruise ships being built on-site at a cruise port.

Where, exactly, are cruise ships built? We're glad you asked.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The cruise ships that millions of travelers sail on annually were all built in a cruise shipyard — where engineers, steelworkers, architects, electricians, designers and other tradespeople spend up to 18 months on a vessel's construction.

The process at the major cruise ship shipyards, all located in Europe, starts with the steel cutting, which can take place months before actual construction begins. That event is followed by the keel laying, the placing of the center structure, or spine, of the ship. It hits a milestone at the floatout when the hull is completed, the dry dock is flooded and the ship first touches water. The process culminates with sea trials, when a ship's stability, speed and maneuverability are tested.

Once the ship is deemed seaworthy, the cruise line takes possession of the ship ahead of its inaugural cruise — though the finishing touches are usually still being put on the ship.

The construction of a vessel at a cruise ship shipyard is actually the endgame in a process that typically begins six or seven years prior to its launch with the cruise line's ship development team. Before the keel has been laid on any vessel at the leading cruise ship shipyards, teams have already worked for years on engineering details and developed models of cabins, pool decks, theaters, restaurants and bars. It's up to the shipyard to turn the designers' and engineers' vision into reality.

The actual building process happens at one of the major shipyards in France, Italy, Germany or Finland. Here are the names to know.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France

Located in Saint-Nazaire on France's Atlantic coast, Chantiers de l'Atlantique operates on a site where ships have been built since 1835. Modern cruise ship construction was re-established in the 1980s.

Vessels built there include Celebrity Cruises ' Edge Class ships, MSC Cruises ' Meraviglia and World Class ships, and four Royal Caribbean vessels (Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas ).

The shipyard has been known as Chantiers de l'Atlantique since 1955 but was called Aker Yards and then STX France before reclaiming the Chantiers name in 2018. It is now majority-owned by the French government.

Fincantieri in Italy

Fincantieri is the world's largest builder of cruise ships, with ship-building roots stretching back to the early 20th century. It operates multiple shipyards in Italy and has constructed more than 100 cruise ships since 1990.

Currently, one-third of the world's cruise ships — operated by 18 cruise lines — were built in Fincantieri's shipyards, which are located in Marghera (near Venice), Genoa, Ancona and Monfalcone (near Trieste). Both large-ship brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages, and luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn and Viking contract with this shipyard to build their new vessels.

Meyer Werft in Germany and Meyer Turku in Finland

Meyer Werft, which has been in the ship-building business since 1795, is known for constructing some of the world's largest megaships at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Together with Meyer Turku, its sister shipyard located in Turku, Finland, the company has built more than 55 cruise ships over the past four decades.

Newer ships include Carnival Cruise Line 's Excel Class ships (Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee ), Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas (with 2025's Star of the Seas currently under construction) and Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class and first two Oasis Class ships. The shipyard also built the newest luxury ships for Silversea Cruises , 2023's Silver Nova and 2024's Silver Ray .

Where are Carnival cruise ships built?

From 1996 to 2019, a total of 15 Carnival ships — from Carnival Destiny (renamed Carnival Sunshine ) to Carnival Panorama — were built by Fincantieri in its Italian shipyards.

Carnival's newer Excel Class of ships, which include Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, were built by Meyer Werft and Meyer Turku in Germany and Finland.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

Where are Disney cruise ships built?

Disney Cruise Line 's two newest Wish Class ships, Disney Wish (debuted in 2022) and Disney Treasure (debuting in December 2024), were built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

The cruise line's third and fourth cruise ships, 2011's Disney Dream and 2012's Disney Fantasy, were also constructed by Meyer Werft, while its first two vessels, 1998's Disney Magic and 1999's Disney Wonder, were built by Fincantieri in Italy.

Disney also has two more ships on order: Disney Adventure , a vessel it purchased while it was already under construction at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, which is now called Meyer Wismar, set for a 2025 debut out of Singapore; and Disney Destiny, the third Wish Class ship, currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany and set to launch in December 2025.

Disney recently announced a cruise partnership with Oriental Land Co. Ltd., which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort , to build and operate a cruise ship that will sail from Japan year-round . The vessel will be built at Meyer Werft in Germany as a sister ship to Disney Wish and is expected to debut in 2029.

Where are Norwegian cruise ships built?

Norwegian Cruise Line 's two newest ships, 2023's Norwegian Viva and 2022's Norwegian Prima , were built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Norwegian Aqua, scheduled to debut in spring 2025, is also being built there.

The company's Breakaway Class ships (Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape) and Breakaway Plus Class ships (Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore ) were all built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and launched between 2013 and 2019.

The one-off Norwegian Epic, which debuted in 2010, was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France.

Norwegian's early 2000s Jewel Class ships (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem) were all built by Meyer Werft in Germany, as were its Dawn Class ships (2002's Norwegian Dawn and 2001's Norwegian Star) and 1998's Norwegian Spirit.

The cruise line's Sun Class ships (2001's Norwegian Sun and 1999's Norwegian Sky) were constructed by the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Hawaii-based Pride of America, launched in 2005, was initially set to be built in the U.S. but ended up being completed by Lloyd Werft.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise ships, explained

Where are Viking cruise ships built?

Since the 2015 launch of Viking 's first ocean ship, Viking Star, all of Viking's ocean and expedition ships — 16 in total — have been built or are being built by Fincantieri or its subsidiary, Vard. While Viking Star was constructed in Fincantieri's Marghera facility, all subsequent ocean vessels were built or are being built in the Ancona shipyard, including the line's newest ocean ship, Viking Vela, set to debut in December 2024.

Viking's two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , were built by Fincantieri's Vard subsidiary at shipyards in Romania and Norway, respectively.

Viking's European river ships, namely its 60-plus signature Viking Longships, were built in Germany by Meyer Werft's sister company Neptun Werft.

Where are Princess cruise ships built?

The majority of ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, including 2024's Sun Princess and all six ships in its Royal Class — from 2013's Royal Princess to 2022's Discovery Princess — were built by Fincantieri in Italy, as were the late-1990s and early 2000s vessels Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess.

Star Princess, set to debut in 2025, is also under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste.

Coral Princess and Island Princess were constructed in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France in 2003, while Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess were built in 2004 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at a Japanese shipyard.

Where are Royal Caribbean cruise ships built?

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, 2024's Icon of the Seas, was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland; 2025's Star of the Seas is also currently under construction there.

The cruise line's five Quantum Class vessels — Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas — were all built by Meyer Werft in Germany and launched between 2014 and 2020.

Royal Caribbean's first two Oasis Class ships, 2009's Oasis of the Seas and 2010's Allure of the Seas , were both built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, while the other four — Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas — were constructed in France at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique facility and had their inaugural sailings between 2016 and 2024.

The cruise line's three Freedom Class vessels (Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas ) were built by Meyer Werft and delivered between 2006 and 2009. The five Voyager Class ships (Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas), four Radiance Class ships (Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas) and two Vision Class ships ( Grandeur of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas) were built by Meyer Werft or Meyer Turku and delivered in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Where are Celebrity cruise ships built?

Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France built Celebrity's four newest Edge Series ships: 2018's Celebrity Edge , 2020's Celebrity Apex , 2022's Celebrity Beyond and 2023's Celebrity Ascent . Celebrity Xcel, also being built by the shipyard, will debut in late 2025.

Celebrity's five Solstice Class ships — Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette — were launched between 2008 and 2012 after being built by Meyer Werft in Germany.

Celebrity's four oldest ships — Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Millennium — were launched from 2000 to 2003 after being constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

Where are Holland America cruise ships built?

Holland America 's three newest Pinnacle Class ships — 2021's Rotterdam , 2018's Nieuw Statendam and 2016's Koningsdam — were all built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy, as were the cruise line's two Signature Class vessels, 2008's Eurodam and 2010's Nieuw Amsterdam.

The four Vista Class ships — Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam — were also constructed by Fincantieri and were launched between 2002 and 2006. Fincantieri also built Holland America's two oldest ships, 2000's Volendam and 1999's Zaandam.

Where are Virgin Voyages cruise ships built?

Virgin Voyages ' first three ships — 2020's Scarlet Lady , 2022's Valiant Lady and 2023's Resilient Lady — were all built by Fincantieri at its Genoa, Italy, shipyard. A fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is currently under construction there and scheduled for a September 2025 debut.

Where was the largest cruise ship built?

The world's largest cruise ship , currently Royal Caribbean's 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas, was built by Meyer Turku in Finland and set sail in January 2024. Its sister ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed there, and when it launches in August 2025, it will take over the title of world's largest cruise ship.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Where are cruise ships built?

I t's easy to appreciate the enormity of a skyscraper as it's being built in plain sight, each floor constructed atop the one below — but what about a cruise ship? The newest megaships are just as massive lengthwise as skyscrapers are tall, and they're equally complex. But you never see cruise ships being built on-site at a cruise port.

Where, exactly, are cruise ships built? We're glad you asked.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The cruise ships that millions of travelers sail on annually were all built in a cruise shipyard — where engineers, steelworkers, architects, electricians, designers and other tradespeople spend up to 18 months on a vessel's construction.

The process at the major cruise ship shipyards, all located in Europe, starts with the steel cutting, which can take place months before actual construction begins. That event is followed by the keel laying, the placing of the center structure, or spine, of the ship. It hits a milestone at the floatout when the hull is completed, the dry dock is flooded and the ship first touches water. The process culminates with sea trials, when a ship's stability, speed and maneuverability are tested.

Once the ship is deemed seaworthy, the cruise line takes possession of the ship ahead of its inaugural cruise — though the finishing touches are usually still being put on the ship.

The construction of a vessel at a cruise ship shipyard is actually the endgame in a process that typically begins six or seven years prior to its launch with the cruise line's ship development team. Before the keel has been laid on any vessel at the leading cruise ship shipyards, teams have already worked for years on engineering details and developed models of cabins, pool decks, theaters, restaurants and bars. It's up to the shipyard to turn the designers' and engineers' vision into reality.

The actual building process happens at one of the major shipyards in France, Italy, Germany or Finland. Here are the names to know.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France

Located in Saint-Nazaire on France's Atlantic coast, Chantiers de l'Atlantique operates on a site where ships have been built since 1835. Modern cruise ship construction was re-established in the 1980s.

Vessels built there include Celebrity Cruises ' Edge Class ships, MSC Cruises ' Meraviglia and World Class ships, and four Royal Caribbean vessels (Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas ).

The shipyard has been known as Chantiers de l'Atlantique since 1955 but was called Aker Yards and then STX France before reclaiming the Chantiers name in 2018. It is now majority-owned by the French government.

Fincantieri in Italy

Fincantieri is the world's largest builder of cruise ships, with ship-building roots stretching back to the early 20th century. It operates multiple shipyards in Italy and has constructed more than 100 cruise ships since 1990.

Currently, one-third of the world's cruise ships — operated by 18 cruise lines — were built in Fincantieri's shipyards, which are located in Marghera (near Venice), Genoa, Ancona and Monfalcone (near Trieste). Both large-ship brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages, and luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn and Viking contract with this shipyard to build their new vessels.

Meyer Werft in Germany and Meyer Turku in Finland

Meyer Werft, which has been in the ship-building business since 1795, is known for constructing some of the world's largest megaships at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Together with Meyer Turku, its sister shipyard located in Turku, Finland, the company has built more than 55 cruise ships over the past four decades.

Newer ships include Carnival Cruise Line 's Excel Class ships (Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee ), Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas (with 2025's Star of the Seas currently under construction) and Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class and first two Oasis Class ships. The shipyard also built the newest luxury ships for Silversea Cruises , 2023's Silver Nova and 2024's Silver Ray .

Where are Carnival cruise ships built?

From 1996 to 2019, a total of 15 Carnival ships — from Carnival Destiny (renamed Carnival Sunshine ) to Carnival Panorama — were built by Fincantieri in its Italian shipyards.

Carnival's newer Excel Class of ships, which include Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, were built by Meyer Werft and Meyer Turku in Germany and Finland.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

Where are Disney cruise ships built?

Disney Cruise Line 's two newest Wish Class ships, Disney Wish (debuted in 2022) and Disney Treasure (debuting in December 2024), were built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

The cruise line's third and fourth cruise ships, 2011's Disney Dream and 2012's Disney Fantasy, were also constructed by Meyer Werft, while its first two vessels, 1998's Disney Magic and 1999's Disney Wonder, were built by Fincantieri in Italy.

Disney also has two more ships on order: Disney Adventure , a vessel it purchased while it was already under construction at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, which is now called Meyer Wismar, set for a 2025 debut out of Singapore; and Disney Destiny, the third Wish Class ship, currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany and set to launch in December 2025.

Disney recently announced a cruise partnership with Oriental Land Co. Ltd., which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort , to build and operate a cruise ship that will sail from Japan year-round . The vessel will be built at Meyer Werft in Germany as a sister ship to Disney Wish and is expected to debut in 2029.

Where are Norwegian cruise ships built?

Norwegian Cruise Line 's two newest ships, 2023's Norwegian Viva and 2022's Norwegian Prima , were built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Norwegian Aqua, scheduled to debut in spring 2025, is also being built there.

The company's Breakaway Class ships (Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape) and Breakaway Plus Class ships (Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore ) were all built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and launched between 2013 and 2019.

The one-off Norwegian Epic, which debuted in 2010, was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France.

Norwegian's early 2000s Jewel Class ships (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem) were all built by Meyer Werft in Germany, as were its Dawn Class ships (2002's Norwegian Dawn and 2001's Norwegian Star) and 1998's Norwegian Spirit.

The cruise line's Sun Class ships (2001's Norwegian Sun and 1999's Norwegian Sky) were constructed by the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Hawaii-based Pride of America, launched in 2005, was initially set to be built in the U.S. but ended up being completed by Lloyd Werft.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise ships, explained

Where are Viking cruise ships built?

Since the 2015 launch of Viking 's first ocean ship, Viking Star, all of Viking's ocean and expedition ships — 16 in total — have been built or are being built by Fincantieri or its subsidiary, Vard. While Viking Star was constructed in Fincantieri's Marghera facility, all subsequent ocean vessels were built or are being built in the Ancona shipyard, including the line's newest ocean ship, Viking Vela, set to debut in December 2024.

Viking's two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , were built by Fincantieri's Vard subsidiary at shipyards in Romania and Norway, respectively.

Viking's European river ships, namely its 60-plus signature Viking Longships, were built in Germany by Meyer Werft's sister company Neptun Werft.

Where are Princess cruise ships built?

The majority of ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, including 2024's Sun Princess and all six ships in its Royal Class — from 2013's Royal Princess to 2022's Discovery Princess — were built by Fincantieri in Italy, as were the late-1990s and early 2000s vessels Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess.

Star Princess, set to debut in 2025, is also under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste.

Coral Princess and Island Princess were constructed in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France in 2003, while Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess were built in 2004 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at a Japanese shipyard.

Where are Royal Caribbean cruise ships built?

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, 2024's Icon of the Seas, was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland; 2025's Star of the Seas is also currently under construction there.

The cruise line's five Quantum Class vessels — Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas — were all built by Meyer Werft in Germany and launched between 2014 and 2020.

Royal Caribbean's first two Oasis Class ships, 2009's Oasis of the Seas and 2010's Allure of the Seas , were both built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, while the other four — Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas — were constructed in France at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique facility and had their inaugural sailings between 2016 and 2024.

The cruise line's three Freedom Class vessels (Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas ) were built by Meyer Werft and delivered between 2006 and 2009. The five Voyager Class ships (Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas), four Radiance Class ships (Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas) and two Vision Class ships ( Grandeur of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas) were built by Meyer Werft or Meyer Turku and delivered in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Where are Celebrity cruise ships built?

Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France built Celebrity's four newest Edge Series ships: 2018's Celebrity Edge , 2020's Celebrity Apex , 2022's Celebrity Beyond and 2023's Celebrity Ascent . Celebrity Xcel, also being built by the shipyard, will debut in late 2025.

Celebrity's five Solstice Class ships — Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette — were launched between 2008 and 2012 after being built by Meyer Werft in Germany.

Celebrity's four oldest ships — Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Millennium — were launched from 2000 to 2003 after being constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

Where are Holland America cruise ships built?

Holland America 's three newest Pinnacle Class ships — 2021's Rotterdam , 2018's Nieuw Statendam and 2016's Koningsdam — were all built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy, as were the cruise line's two Signature Class vessels, 2008's Eurodam and 2010's Nieuw Amsterdam.

The four Vista Class ships — Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam — were also constructed by Fincantieri and were launched between 2002 and 2006. Fincantieri also built Holland America's two oldest ships, 2000's Volendam and 1999's Zaandam.

Where are Virgin Voyages cruise ships built?

Virgin Voyages ' first three ships — 2020's Scarlet Lady , 2022's Valiant Lady and 2023's Resilient Lady — were all built by Fincantieri at its Genoa, Italy, shipyard. A fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is currently under construction there and scheduled for a September 2025 debut.

Where was the largest cruise ship built?

The world's largest cruise ship , currently Royal Caribbean's 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas, was built by Meyer Turku in Finland and set sail in January 2024. Its sister ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed there, and when it launches in August 2025, it will take over the title of world's largest cruise ship.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Cruise Ship Construction Locations: Where Are Cruise Ships Built?

What Is a Shipyard, particularly one that constructs cruise ships?

A shipyard is a facility where ships are constructed and repaired. Shipyards are typically located in areas with large bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Cruise ships, specifically, are large vessels typically built in dry docks with the help of large cranes.

Constructing a cruise ship begins with the raw materials being brought to the shipyard. After that, the raw materials are cut, welded, and assembled into the ship’s frame. The frame is then covered with panels, and the interior is built out. After this, the engines and other systems are installed. Finally, the ship is painted and tested before it can be released to the sea.

Shipyards can also repair existing ships by performing maintenance on engines, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, and hulls. Shipyards are essential for the global maritime industry as they provide necessary repairs and construction for ships.

Largest Ship Builders in the World

Fincantieri.

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest ship builders and are based in Italy. It is renowned for its expertise in designing and building vessels, from yachts to naval ships. 

Founded in 1959 and based in Trieste, Italy, Fincantieri has grown to become one of the top shipbuilders in the world, with operations in the United States, Romania, Brazil, Norway, and other countries. With over 10,000 employees, the company has a reputation for quality and innovation.

Regarding cruise ships, Fincantieri has a long history of constructing vessels for some of the world’s most popular cruise lines. The company has built over 100 cruise ships since it first started production in the early 1990s. Some of their more recent projects include the launch of the MSC Seascape, as well as the construction of the Norwegian Prima. 

The company has designed and built several custom-made vessels for some of the world’s top cruise line brands, such as Royal Caribbean International, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Fincantieri builds approximately one-third of modern cruise ships.

Meyer-Werft

Meyer-Werft is one of the world’s leading shipbuilding companies and has been at the forefront of the cruise ship construction industry for decades. Based in Papenburg, Germany, Meyer-Werft has a long history of delivering innovative and quality ships to customers.

Meyer Werft is a major German shipyard founded in 1795 to build small wooden vessels. Nowadays, it has about 3300 employees and boasts the largest ship construction shed in the world.

It takes about 36 months to build a cruise ship. Many cruise ships, such as the Disney Treasure and Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas have been constructed by Meyer Werft over the years, demonstrating their commitment to producing quality vessels.

STX-Europe is one of the leading designers and suppliers of cruise ships, creating some of the world’s most remarkable vessels for the marine industry. The company has over 130 years of experience delivering top-quality shipbuilding projects to customers worldwide. STX-Europe has constructed a variety of luxury cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony and Oasis class ships, as well as vessels for AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Every ship they build is designed with customer comfort and safety while keeping up with modern technological advances.

The state-of-the-art facilities used by STX-Europe ensure that their designs are completed quickly and effectively; these premises allow them to construct vessels that exceed international standards.

Modular production line construction methods in cruise ship construction

Cruise ships are massive, complex vessels that take significant time and resources to construct. With so many pieces to assemble and intricate designs to create, modular production line construction methods are invaluable in building a cruise ship.

Modular production line construction involves constructing various components in a pre-defined order, in an assembly line style, which increases efficiency and speed in production. This construction method is used for many ships, including cruise ships.

The first step in constructing a cruise ship is to build the hull. This is the outermost layer of the ship that provides the necessary protection and structure to the vessel. The hull construction requires significant planning and precision, as this will be the base of the entire ship.

Once the hull is constructed, the next step in the modular production line construction process is manufacturing the ship’s cabins. These cabins are the individual rooms where passengers will stay during their cruise. Cruise ship cabins require significant interior design and construction, as they must be comfortable and attractive for passengers.

The final step in modular production line construction for a cruise ship is to construct the ship’s interior. This includes the galley, the hallways, and other common areas of the vessel. This process requires much attention to detail and careful planning to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for guests.

Are any cruise ships built in the U.S.?

Cruise ships are not built in the United States. This is due to a combination of labor costs, material costs, and regulations that make it difficult for cruise ship companies to build ships in the United States. 

The first issue is labor costs. Building a cruise ship requires a lot of manpower and skilled labor. The cost of labor in the United States is much higher than in other parts of the world, which makes it challenging to build ships profitably in the U.S.

The second issue is material costs. The U.S. is not the most cost-effective place to buy the materials needed to build cruise ships. This is because the U.S. has higher taxes and regulations, which drive up the cost of materials. 

The third issue is due to regulations such as The Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Commonly referred to as the “Jones Act,” only vessels that are registered in the United States may transport goods between two U.S. ports. Additionally, the act requires U.S. vessels to be constructed in the United States and operated by American citizens. This law was created to help ensure American shipping fleets remain competitive in the global market and that American shipbuilding, shipping, and boatbuilding jobs remain in the United States.

The Jones Act also significantly impacts the cruise ship industry, as many major cruise lines operate ships built in foreign countries. The law prevents the construction of new cruise ships in the United States, meaning that the industry must rely on foreign shipyards to make new vessels. It is a complex law and has a significant impact on the cruise ship industry. While it is designed to protect American shipping fleets and jobs, it also prevents cruise ships from being built in the United States and raises the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Cruise ships are built in specialized shipyards around the world. Several countries have shipbuilding industries that specialize in constructing large ships, including those in the cruise industry. While some shipyards are located in the United States, none are used for cruise ship construction. Instead, most of these ships are built in countries like Italy, Germany, Finland, and France. Each country’s shipyards feature advanced construction techniques and technologies that enable them to construct high-quality vessels. Ultimately, the global shipbuilding industry is responsible for creating the beautiful and luxurious vessels that sail millions of people every year.

This Is Where Cruise Ships Are Built

by Contractor | Nov 12, 2020 | resources , Travel Tips | 0 comments

Over 21 million travelers take a cruise on an annual basis. With so many people taking cruises , it may make you curious about where these massive ships are being built, how they are being built, what it costs to build them, and finally, how they get to the water.

The three countries that produce the largest quantity of cruise ships are Italy, Germany, and South Korea. A cruise ship is built in a shipyard. Most shipyards are located on a tidal river or the ocean. There are other shipyards around the world, but these are the most prominent. 

Cruise shipbuilding has evolved immensely since 1900 when the first of its kind was built. Modern technology and luxuries have made seeing the world via cruise ship an extremely popular way to travel. More than 25 million people will travel via cruise ship each year. In this article, we’re going to explore more about the amazing cruise shipbuilding process.

Where Cruise Ships Are Built

Cruise ships are built in a shipyard, not to be confused with a dockyard. The main difference between the two is that a shipyard is where ships are actually built .

A dockyard is more of a storage facility or place for repairing ships and other water vessels. There are only four shipbuilding companies in the world that are large enough to produce a cruise ship.

The Top Ship Builders

The top four shipbuilders are:

• Fincantieri  (Italy)
• Meyer-Werft (Germany)
• STX-Europe (South Korea, Brazil, Finland, France, Norway, and Romania)
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)

Fincantieri

Established around 1790, Fincantieri has been building ships for almost 230 years.

The first cruise ship ever built was in the year 1900.  It was called “Prinzessin Victoria Luise” and was approximately 400 feet long and 50 feet wide. The first voyage was in 1905. The vessel held around 1,500 passengers. The Prinzessin Victoria Luise did not have a very long life because it ran aground in 1906 and could not be repaired.

Meyer-Werft

Established around 1795, Meyer-Werft has been a leading competitor in the ship building business. This German-based company’s first cruise ship was built in 1986 and was named the “Homeric,” which they re-named a few years later, the “Westerdam.”

It has a length of approximately 800 feet and 95 feet long and can carry a little more than 1,700 passengers.

In 2006 Aker Yards and Alstrom shipbuilding companies decided to come together, and thus, STX-Europe was formed to wind up creating high-quality, world-class, luxury cruise ships.

Since its inception, STX has grown to be one of the world’s top builders. Their classy, modern design, luxury, and comfort give the guest a fabulous place to relax and see the world.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was established around the late 1800s and has been producing many different kinds of large ships since.

Due to financial losses in 2006, they discontinued making passenger cruise ships. They are still in operation today, but their primary focus is on cargo ships and naval ships for different countries.

NOT Made In The USA

You may have read through this list and realized that the United States of America is not on the list of where cruise ships are built. The main reason for this is because, in 1920, there was an act of legislation passed referred to as “The Merchant Marine Act,” also known as “The Jones Act.”

Senator Wesley Jones was the creator of this act, and it was primarily put into place to protect the merchant mariners and their jobs. Another reason the United States does not build cruise ships is because it is very costly to build them and requires highly skilled, experienced builders from other countries to help construct them, raising the cost of production.

How Cruise Ships Are Built

On average, it takes about a year and a half to build a cruise ship.

By now, you are probably wondering how they can build such a large ship in dry dock and how on earth do they get into the water?

The second part of that question is easy.

As stated earlier, shipyards are built on tidal rivers or directly next to the ocean to allow for easy entry and access to the water.

Putting the Ship Puzzle Together

Most cruise ships are built in sections or pieces.

The cabins are usually built off location in a factory and brought to the shipyard when they’re ready. When the cabins arrive at the shipyard, a crane and giant magnet are used to install and fit them into the ship

The ship goes together like a set of children’s connecting blocks. The hull of the ship is the first part to be built. It takes extremely large cranes and equipment to put it together.

It is first constructed on dry land and then given multiple water tests. The builders can test it on dry land or in the water, depending on their needs.

How Long Does It Take?

The length of time it takes to build a cruise ship can vary greatly depending on the ship’s size. On average, it takes about a year and a half to build a cruise ship. Some smaller cruise ships may not take that long, but the larger luxury ships can take over two years.

Materials Used in the Building Process

We have discussed how a cruise ship is made and how long it takes to build, but what materials are used to build them? The short answer is a combination of lightweight metals and super strong steel are used, which reduces the ship’s overall weight and helps with balance.

Reducing the ship’s weight also reduces the amount of fuel used, and in return, reduces the emissions, which lessens the ship’s effect on the environment.

The cabins’ interiors are made with high-quality fabric, finishes, and designs to emulate the feeling of being in a 5-star hotel.

Who Builds For Which Cruise Lines?

You may be wondering which shipbuilding company builds for each cruise line.

Some cruise lines use multiple builders; however, the cruise lines listed below are examples of the exclusive builders for certain lines:

• Fincantieri (Disney Cruise Lines and Holland America)
• STX-Europe (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess Lines)
• Meyer-Werft (Norwegian Cruise Lines and Viking Ocean Cruises)

Interesting Cruise Ship Facts

• In France, “Harmony of the Seas” was built by over five-hundred-thousand builders and had an extensive team of world-class designers to decorate and style the entire ship to make you feel like you are in a 5-star hotel.
• In Norway, a luxury cruise ship named “The World” was built with around 160 apartments and is owned cooperatively by its passengers who live on it full time.
• An Australian billionaire named Clive Palmer has privately funded the making of a replica of the original Titanic. It is named the Titanic II and is expected to launch in 2022. The Titanic II will not be built by any of the above-mentioned shipyards; instead, it will be built in China at, Jingling shipyard.
• South Korea, Japan, and China are the largest shipbuilding countries; however, European shipbuilders are still on top of the market for cruise ships, yachts, and military vessels.

Cruising to the Dock

Although cruise ships are not built in The United States of America, there are many shipyards along our beautiful coasts that do allow tours of their facilities.

If you ever get the chance to tour a shipyard, it’s well worth your time. It is a very cool experience that you will never forget. Standing next to the massive cranes and ships that are being built, you will feel like the tiniest being on earth. Crowley Shipping and Logistics in Jacksonville, Florida, will not disappoint if you take time for a visit. It gives you insight into how things are made and transported globally.

( https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3929 )

( https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-largest-cruise-ships-ever-built.html )

( https://cruisedeals.expert/how-much-does-a-cruise-ship-cost-to-build/# )

( https://www.thedailymeal.com/travel/20-crazy-facts-about-cruise-ships )

( https://www.crowley.com/ )

( https://www.quora.com/Why-are-cruise-ships-not-built-in-the-United-States )

( https://www.jonesactlaw.com/faqs/what-is-the-merchant-marine-act-of-1920/ )

( https://www.cruise1st.co.uk/blog/cruise-ships/how-are-cruise-ships-built/#whobuildscruiseships )

( https://www.kickassfacts.com/25-interesting-facts-about-cruise-ships/ )

( https://titanicll.wordpress.com/the-jinling-shipyard-what-do-we-know/#:~:text=Right%20from%20the%20outset%20of,built%20in%20China%27s%20Jingling%20shipyard .)

(statista.com/6558/cruise-shipbuilding-industry-worldwide/

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The Ten Stages of Building Cruise Ships

From steel-cutting to maritime traditions

It feels like a new ship is being launched every other month currently, and to be honest, you would be right.

The cruise industry is undergoing explosive growth right now and the thirst for bigger, better and more exciting ships has never been so great!

The Initial Order

Everything starts with an order. Although shipyards around the world are pretty busy, we’re not quite at a stage yet where rival cruise lines are buying construction slots “just in case” then selling them as airlines do with planes.

Generally, a shipyard will have several ships being built at the same time, all in various different stages and many ships placed in their order books as either confirmed or as ‘an option’ – which allows the cruise line to cancel or postpone the build if necessary.

It is at this stage that the cruise line will announce they’ve placed an order for a new ship and it is usually around 3-4 years away. No name or any details is given at this stage, just the tonnage, possible class of ship (for example a sister ship or a brand new design) and usually the passenger capacity.

The Steel-Cutting Ceremony

By the time we get to the steel-cutting ceremony, the cruise line is starting to generate some press about their new ship. At this point, the ship is usually given a name publicly, although in some instances she may still only have a build number which is referenced on her hull. The first steel is cut in front of senior management from the cruise line, the shipyard and the press. What you’ll actually see doesn’t really resemble anything but laser-cut steel at this point!

This process continues for months as the shipyard creates lots of pieces of steel all cut into different shapes and sizes which are then welded together to make sections or ‘blocks’.

The Keel-Laying Ceremony

The next important part of building a ship is the laying of the keel. The keel is the lowest (or bottom) of any ship and will be part of the first block that is lowered by massive cranes into the dry dock or basin as it is sometimes called.

At this point, there is usually a coin laying ceremony . Specially commissioned gold coins are laid in the keel block to symbolise good luck. Sometimes they are welded in and at other times, they are just placed in and then retrieved later on and then used in a mast stepping ceremony, where the coins are welded under the bottom of the main ship’s mast. These days cruise ships don’t have a mast like sailing ships and therefore they are placed under or attached to the very bottom of the radar mast and left on display.

The coin ceremony is carried out by the Godmother ( Madrina ) of the ship. The Godmother at this point isn’t the same as the official Godmother that will name the ship when she is finished, instead, it may be someone important from the cruise line or occasionally two people, one from the shipyard and another from the cruise line.

The keel is then laid with exact precision, usually using GPS coordinates which are accurate to the centimetre. We now have (part) of the bottom of the new cruise ship!

As modern ships are now built by block (like Lego!), there is an ongoing process in the shipyard. Engineers will construct new blocks in one area of the shipyard whilst in another area large cranes will lower completed blocks into the dry dock and more engineers will weld together the large sections. These sections can commonly weigh in at 150 tonnes or more with ease.

Eventually, you end up with something on the outside looking like a cruise ship. Although the inside is generally bare at this point apart from structural things like decks and staircases. Temporary lifts will be fitted at the side of the ship and large equipment and more steel will be either lifted or craned onto the ship.   From the outside, your ship will look a familiar shape, but her paintwork will be patchy in places and she may not have any glass or outdoor facilities fitted yet.

As the months progress the ship has her azipods fitted (propellers fitted to large shafts which can rotate 360 degrees allowing the ship to move in any direction) and she is now pretty much waterproof, at least from below.

The Float Out

The Float Out is a large milestone in any ship’s build. At this point, there are 100s of workers working on every area of the ship, sometimes in rolling 24/7 shifts depending on how quick the cruise line wants their ship and how many ships the shipyard has on their order books!

By now, cabins – which are usually made in a factory nearby and prefabricated are literally craned or lifted onto the ship and then slotted in next to each other like jigsaw pieces. The plumbing and wiring are connected to each cabin or “pod” and it is ready to go – just needing bedding and other small furniture items adding!

The ship gets to a point where it is ready to be moved out of the dry dock for the first time. Press are gathered, cruise line management, workers who have helped build the ship and even some local dignitaries may also attend. There is a speech, generally by the Chief Engineer and he gives thanks to the builders and talks about the milestones they completed and then the shipyard and cruise line representatives also give speeches.

Then, the Godmother (still not the official one that will name it!) will smash a bottle of champagne over the bow of the ship and everyone will gather at the rear of the ship as the dry dock is flooded for the first time.

Depending where the ship is being built, other maritime traditions may also take place – commonly a sample of the first water to touch the ship’s hull is collected and kept in a sealed bottle (called an ampoule) . It is then presented to the Captain of the ship who will have it on display in his office near the Bridge.

Now the ship is floated out it will be moved to another part of the shipyard for the rest of the fit-out.

The fit-out can usually take months and the ship is usually alongside in the shipyard whilst the next ship to be built is being put together in the drydock. The shipyard operates like a game of chess as ships move in and out of the drydock area and alongside to maximise productivity.

The Sea Trials

The ship still isn’t complete, glass and various other parts might be visibly missing from the ship. But it is now time to test the ship at sea. Commonly sea trials last from a day to several depending on how complex the ship is, especially if it is a new class. The ship will be loaded with the crew, shipyard officials and also representatives from the insurance companies and also people like the British MCA (Maritime & Coast Agency) who will certify the ship as seaworthy.

The ship will perform various manoeuvres including seeing how quick she can stop, a compass swing (to calibrate the ship’s compasses) and the crew will also get used to how she handles at different speeds. No two cruise ships are generally the same, especially when technology changes at such a fast pace, a ship built just a year later may benefit from better hull design or more efficient engines.

After the sea trials, the ship is brought back alongside or even into a drydock again whilst her internal fit out is completed and her hull and the rest of her external paintwork is completed.

The Handover Ceremony

At the handover ceremony, senior representatives from the shipyard, the cruise line and the press are in attendance. At this point, the ship looks like a ship you could board tomorrow – however, it is probably empty of supplies and the majority of the crew will be flying in from all around the world to join the ship for the very first time.

The ship will load some basic supplies and may set sail to its homeport or wherever the naming ceremony is taking place.

The Shakedown Voyage

This voyage is nothing like a cruise you would want to experience! During this voyage, which may last anywhere from 1-7 days the ship will relocate from the shipyard to its new homeport for the season or where it will be named.

The shakedown voyage will possibly include a full ship. Certainly, all crew will be on board, learning everything about their new workplaces. The passenger cabins may also be occupied with workmen from the shipyard installing and carrying out finishing touches around the ship. Additionally, marketing staff will join the ship at this point and take all those lovely photos and videos of the ship whilst everything is looking brand new and is free of passengers!

The Inaugural Voyage

Not all cruise lines do this, but some do sell a pre-maiden voyage if the ship is looking like it will be completed earlier than expected.

The inaugural voyage is sometimes for members of the media and travel agents only. It can last anything from 1-3 nights and sometimes it might not even be a full voyage but could just be alongside in the homeport whilst invited guests come to visit and tour the ship.

The Christening Ceremony

This ceremony is the final milestone in the ship going to sea and starting its life with paying passengers. A large naming ceremony is very popular, with representatives from the cruise line, shipyard, cruise industry and the media all in attendance. Depending on the cruise line the Godmother might be someone who is famous, Royalty or tradition. It might even be someone who won a competition!

The Godmother blesses the ship and smashes a bottle of champagne across her bow. The tradition goes if the bottle doesn’t break on the first time, it is bad luck!

The Maiden Voyage

This is what you all have been waiting for, right? The ship is now ready for paying passengers to enjoy the very first voyage on the ship – in restaurants that haven’t been eaten in and beds that haven’t been slept in! The Maiden Voyage is usually quite special and may actually be a repositioning voyage rather than a normal itinerary. The cruise line may choose to give everyone who travels special commemorative gifts to mark the maiden voyage. This can sometimes be drawn out to a Maiden Season as the ship visits new ports for the very first time on each cruise.

After this, the ship will keep on performing cruises day-in-day-out, without stopping until her next dry dock. Legally the ship must undergo a dry dock for a full hull inspection every five years, at that point cruise lines usually refurbish carpets, cabin materials and sometimes reconfigure bars or restaurants depending on the current trends. Sometimes some ships may perform a dry dock period sooner if the cruise line wants to increase the number of cabins or facilities onboard.

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Shipbuilding

Cruise shipbuilding industry worldwide - statistics & facts

While the majority of the commercial shipbuilding activity takes place in Asia, the passenger shipbuilding segment is headquartered in Europe. China, Japan, and South Korea, the world’s largest shipbuilding countries , have outperformed Europe in most of the commercial segments, but European shipyards still excel in niche markets such as the cruise, yacht, and military segments. These sectors require an extremely high degree of workforce specialization as well as sophisticated technologies. Within Europe, the main shipyards for cruise vessels are located in Italy, Germany, France, and Finland. Fincantieri is the largest cruise ship builder worldwide, providing vessels for some major cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises. Despite its status, Fincantieri is not spared the competitive pressure exerted by Asian shipyards. Its plan to merge with France’s largest shipyard, Chantiers de l’ Atlantique, is currently being reviewed by EU antitrust regulators. This move would leave the German group Meyer Werft as its only European competitor. Consolidation in the shipbuilding industry has been an ongoing trend over the past few years: the number of active shipyards worldwide has halved between 2014 and 2019, mainly as a result of cyclical demand. This is particularly true of the cruise building industry, which has seen its orders decline after peaking in 2017. Specialization is another prominent trend in the global shipbuilding industry. Within the cruise market, the river cruise segment is booming, particularly in Europe. The number of international passengers in European river cruises doubled between 2013 and 2018, and the German market has seen its revenue steadily increase since 2014. After COVID-19, European shipyards are trying to find ways to cope with the reduction in demand. As of 2019, there were 114 cruise ships in the global order book , but shipyards are unlikely to receive new orders. To compensate for the plunge in demand for cruise vessels, the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) has called for the implementation of an EU-wide public vessel program. Among its objectives, such a program could also see fleet renewal interventions for European commercial vessels. This would come at the right time, as the commercial sector is under pressure to conform to the IMO 2020 regulations with interventions such as scrubber retrofits . This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. Show more - Description Published by Statista Research Department , Apr 16, 2024

Key insights

Detailed statistics

Vessels delivered by the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri Group 2011-2019

Cruise ships - market share by shipyard 2004-2018

Cruise sector: cost of ships built in Europe 2018-2021, by country of build

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027

Size of the global shipbuilding market 2020-2030

Global shipbuilding order book 2022, by vessel type

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2023
• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2023
• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2023
• Premium Statistic Cruise sector: cost of ships built in Europe 2018-2021, by country of build
• Basic Statistic Largest cruise ships worldwide 2024, by gross tonnage
• Premium Statistic Most expensive cruise ships worldwide by building cost 2024

Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2023

Annual gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide from 2015 to 2023

Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2023

Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide in 2023, by region (in millions)

Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2023

Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide in 2023, by region (in millions)

Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2023

Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book in 2023, by region (in millions)

Cost of new cruise ships scheduled for building in Europe from 2018 to 2021, by country of build (in million euros)

Largest cruise ships worldwide 2024, by gross tonnage

Largest cruise ships worldwide as of January 2024, by gross tonnage (in 1,000s)

Most expensive cruise ships worldwide by building cost 2024

Most expensive cruise ships worldwide in 2024, by building cost (in billion U.S. dollars)

• Premium Statistic Size of the river cruise ship market worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic River cruise vessels worldwide by region 2018
• Premium Statistic New river cruise vessels in Europe 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic New river cruise capacities in Europe by region 2017-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of expedition cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027

Size of the river cruise ship market worldwide 2018-2027

Projected size of the global river cruise ship market from 2018 to 2027 (in million U.S. dollars)

River cruise vessels worldwide by region 2018

Number of operational river cruise vessels worldwide in 2018, by region

New river cruise vessels in Europe 2010-2021

Annual number of new river cruise vessels in Europe from 2010 to 2021*

New river cruise capacities in Europe by region 2017-2020

Annual number of new beds in river cruise vessels in Europe from 2017 to 2020, by region

Number of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027

Estimated number of luxury cruise ships worldwide from 2018 to 2027

Passenger capacity of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027

Estimated passenger capacity of luxury cruise ships worldwide from 2018 to 2027

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How a New Cruise Ship Is Built

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Cruise ship construction is an enormous undertaking that involves thousands of decisions and logistical planning protocols that must be precisely set and coordinated in just the right order.

Watching a ship come together is a fascinating process, and I was able to witness it firsthand in Saint-Nazaire, France, where the Celebrity Apex was being built as the second in a series of five Celebrity Edge ships at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.

The scope of building a ship

The ship is actually built in stages, often in different locations before being put together like a jigsaw puzzle or a game of Legos. It comes together as the result of 1,000 key steps, 200,000 different tasks, and the involvement of 500 subcontractors and suppliers. According to shipyard officials, each shipyard completes the process a bit differently.

For the Celebrity Apex, it has taken one year to go from having its first pieces of steel cut and prepared to seeing the final touches added before its March 2020 delivery to Celebrity Cruises.

More than 1.5 million manpower hours are involved in putting such a large ship together. In fact, the building of the ship begins even while engineering work is still going on; such is the large-scale nature of this process.

3D imagery and virtual reality are used in creating the mockups and models, which allow interior designers to take tours of the ship before it is built. They can decide where to most efficiently install electrical outlets or piping, as well as how the style of the interiors will come to life. No one wants a power outlet on the ceiling!

This process also allows designers to work on various parts of the ship simultaneously instead of needing to have each be ready before another can start.

» Learn more: Does cruise travel fit into your points and miles strategy?

Starting construction

It takes six months to build the outer structure of the ship, which is then stocked with passenger cabins, restaurants, public areas, bathrooms, and hundreds of miles of electrical wires and plumbing pipes.

Large cranes capable of lifting 1,400 tons at a time put each of the pieces together into what we recognize as a cruise ship.

Stacking cabins like Legos

For me, the most surprising element of ship construction was that most of it is actually built elsewhere. The ship as a whole consists of dozens of smaller parts, including cabins, which are each built at an assembly line.

The assembly line includes the installation of almost all passenger amenities — light fixtures, wiring, power outlets, furniture, TVs, beds, bathroom fixtures and even trash cans — so that when cabins are stacked into the ship, their electrical wires and plumbing can be instantly connected to the rest of the vessel. There is little additional work that needs to be done once the cabin is loaded onto the ship.

In fact, more than 3,000 miles of electrical wires come affixed to the cabin; some suites have even more due to their more spacious quarters. Everything must arrive to the ship at the right time and at the right place.

One installed in the ship, each cabin is furnished with decor and amenities in as few as 20 minutes, as staffers pass through installing facilities and cross-check one another's work.

If you think about it, the cabins must come furnished because large items like beds and sofas would not fit through many ship doorways or hallways. Once the cabins are stacked across the previously built hull, the steel sides are wrapped around the vessel. Designers had left cutouts where the windows and balconies belong.

Altogether, more than 40 individual blocks and 500 panels — each constructed off-site — are eventually integrated into the ship’s frame, which composes 250,000 steel parts representing 25,000 tons of steel.

» Learn more: Our family vacation: A Mexican cruise for 5

Wood, weight and 'wow factor'

Wood is not allowed in the construction of the ship because it can easily burn. Those walls in your room might be covered by wallpaper and artwork, but they are actually made from metal and steel.

The weight of the ship must be balanced and optimized, with a focus on keeping the center of gravity low to the waterline. Celebrity Cruises has a team that manages the weight of everything aboard the ship. Once designers choose what they want to install on the ship, a separate team of engineers gets involved to see if there are more lightweight options to use.

It is a balancing act to reduce weight while also maintaining the overall design aesthetic and “wow factor” of the ship.

Heavier materials are less efficient at the top of the ship; no one wants a top-heavy ocean liner. Thus, the Celebrity Apex uses a more eco-friendly material that looks just like glass for the transparent atrium in the Solarium — though it weighs only 1% of what glass would weigh. Other materials like lightweight carbon fiber help offset the weight of steel and fuel tanks.

Even the smallest details like room and public area signage is examined by a variety of teams from lawyers to marketing experts. To convey important messages, the cruise line wants to be informative without being stern.

For example, small placards by toilets in cabin bathrooms say, “Excuse me, only toilet paper please.” Throwing anything else into these vacuum toilets can cause plumbing stopups.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

What’s new on board

Adding new amenities for passengers can sometimes pose challenges for designers. New features like the Magic Carpet (also aboard sister ship the Celebrity Edge), required plenty of additional planning.

This cantilevered deck ascends the side of the ship between decks 2 and 16, allowing guests to dine or gather with panoramic views while more comfortably boarding smaller tender boats to go ashore when needed. It essentially is an external elevator on the side of the ship.

In the trilevel Grand Plaza area, the Martini Bar features over 700 LED lights in crystallized lenses designed to dance in coordinated fashion for dramatic effect. If lined up on the ground, these lights would span more than half a mile.

A Spa Thermal Suite adds eight different therapeutic experiences like a salt room, massaging Rainfall Water Therapy room, Iyashi Dome sauna (said to cleanse and detoxify the body), and new treatment tables. It also features the first F45 fitness classes at sea as well as a Kerastase Institute beauty salon.

Each of these elements requires significant plumbing and wiring design, which is different from the systematic approach found in cabins and must be integrated into the overall maze of pipes on the ship. The spa’s design, especially, requires unique setups for plumbing and piping.

A 23-foot 4K LED screen curving around the main theater stage is fitted with laser projectors for wraparound lighting during stage shows.

And Eden, a combined dining and lounge space, features a canopy of leaves, which are more than decorative — they shield the view of electronic equipment and lighting.

» Learn more: I survived a cruise — and you can too

The bottom line

On this ship, I found everything seemed to fit together with precision and often served to function both for internal use and passenger appreciation.

The next time you travel aboard a new cruise ship, look closely to appreciate the myriad details that came together to create it.

Photos courtesy of Celebrity Cruises and Ramsey Qubein.

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Disney Details Vast Theme Park Expansion Projects

The company, which has recently seen softening visitor demand, will spend billions to build new rides and expand its cruise ship fleet to 13 from nine.

By Brooks Barnes

Reporting from Anaheim, Calif.

When Disney announced last year that it planned to spend $60 billion over the next decade to expand its theme park and cruise businesses, double the amount spent over the previous decade, the company’s stock price instantly dropped.

Wall Street wanted specifics that the company wasn’t prepared to give. Disney fans were excited for a hot second — and then they too started to demand answers, venting on social media about feeling baited. Was Disney being hypothetical about the expansion (as it has been on occasion in the past), or was this for real?

On Saturday, Disney finally showed its hand.

The company is building four new cruise ships — on top of four others it had previously announced — almost trebling the size of its current fleet by 2031. The Magic Kingdom, Disney’s flagship theme park in Florida, will undergo the largest expansion in its 53-year history, with one new “land” devoted to classic Disney villains and another focused on Pixar’s “Cars” movies. The Disneyland Resort in California will add two superhero-themed rides, a water-based “Avatar” attraction, the company’s first “Coco” ride and a Main Street, U.S.A., show starring an animatronic Walt Disney.

“We’re dreaming big,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, which includes theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, video games and consumer products. “We’re investing in every part of our portfolio and pushing boundaries as we turn what-ifs into reality.”

Disney is also working on a “Monsters, Inc.”-themed suspended roller coaster (with cars that hang under the tracks), a ride-through “Encanto” experience, a “Lion King” water ride and a major “Spider-Man” roller coaster. The project list, which includes new nighttime parades and elaborate outdoor pageants that Disney calls “spectaculars,” goes on and on.

Mr. D’Amaro detailed the projects — they’re all happening, he insisted, nothing conceptual — during a three-hour evening presentation at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, a three-day gathering in Southern California. (D23 is a reference to 1923, the year Walt Disney arrived in Hollywood.)

One important caveat: The ships and expansions detailed on Saturday, while vastly expensive, do not add up to $60 billion. That sum also covers still-secret rides, resort hotels and shopping and dining areas that Disney is planning for the longer term, along with technology and infrastructure investments.

Mr. D’Amaro’s presentation, in the works for months, came three days after Disney reported weaker-than-expected theme park results for the quarter that ended on June 29. Operating profit declined 3 percent, to $2.2 billion. Disney blamed a “moderation of consumer demand” that “exceeded our previous expectations,” along with higher operating costs. The post-pandemic surge in travel has worn off, Disney said, and lower-income Americans, battered by years of high inflation, have cut back on discretionary spending .

Disney, of course, is in the theme park business for the long haul, and many of the projects that Mr. D’Amaro unveiled will not open for two or more years. Disney’s parks have a long history of bouncing back quickly from economic downturns, in part because many parents view a trip to Disney World or Disneyland as a rite of passage for their children.

Laurent Yoon, a media analyst at Bernstein, a research firm, said in a report on Wednesday that, despite near-term challenges for Disney Experiences, “we’re not concerned.”

The biennial D23 event amounts to a giant corporate pep rally, with roughly 140,000 people paying anywhere from $79 to $2,600 for the opportunity to be marketed to. Disney trots out dozens of stars, previews upcoming movies, and hypes Disney television shows like “Bluey” and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Many fans come dressed as their favorite Disney character. Disney being Disney, there are confetti cannons and booths selling $30 glow wands.

It is also a spotlight moment for Disney executives. In 2022, Bob Chapek, Disney’s chief executive at the time, tried to use the event to polish his image and turn a page on what had been a tumultuous early tenure. (It didn’t work: He was fired two months later.) This year, Disney gave media credentials to roughly 1,000 reporters and online writers. Dozens came from overseas.

Mr. D’Amaro, 53, is a candidate to succeed Robert A. Iger as Disney’s chief executive when his contract expires at the end of 2026. (Mr. Iger came out of retirement to retake the helm at Disney when Mr. Chapek departed.) On Saturday, Mr. D’Amaro came across very much like a Mouseketeer in chief, striding onto the D23 stage — where a 70-piece orchestra awaited — in a zip-up sweater and jeans and effortlessly commanding the 12,000-person arena.

His presentation included a cameo by a member of the royal family (Roy P. Disney, who is Walt’s grandnephew); comedic banter between Mr. D’Amaro and stars like Ke Huy Quan and Billy Crystal; and musical performances (Meghan Trainor, Shaboozey) replete with fire, fake fog and, of course, confetti.

More than 1.2 million people watched a segment of the presentation that was live-streamed inside the Fortnite online game. In February, Disney announced a multiyear partnership with Epic Games to create a Disney universe connected to Fortnite. Mr. D’Amaro has been working with the creative chiefs of Disney’s movie studios, including Kevin Feige of Marvel and Pete Docter of Pixar, on the project.

“A lot of people learn about our characters for the first time through Fortnite,” Mr. Feige said from the stage as part of an announcement about Disney characters (Doctor Doom, the Mandalorian, Cruella de Vil) coming to Fortnite for the first time in the weeks ahead.

Stoking the fan base and refocusing attention on the “magic” has been a renewed priority for the company as it tries to move beyond “Woke Disney” attacks by conservative politicians and pundits. Disney Experiences has in many ways been at the center of that cultural battlefield, with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Disney World locked in lawsuits (they made peace in June) and a reimagining of Splash Mountain , the popular log flume ride tied to a racist film, infuriating some Disney traditionalists.

From a business perspective, two areas of Mr. D’Amaro’s presentation stood out: cruise ships and Florida.

Disney Cruise Line, which introduced its first ship in 1998, has been an overlooked part of Mr. D’Amaro’s portfolio, in part because it is still relatively small. Although its cruise industry market share has doubled in recent years — the current Disney fleet operates at more than 90 percent occupancy — Disney still has only a 5 percent piece. As such, the company sees cruises as a crucial long-term growth business.

Part of the opportunity involves areas of the world where Disney cannot (yet) justify building a theme park, Mr. D’Amaro has said. India, for example, does not have enough consumer wealth to support a park. But it has more than enough for a Disney cruise ship, a floating mini-park that can act as a brand engine in the region.

In Florida, Disney is facing increased competition from the Universal Orlando Resort, which is pouring billions of dollars into a major expansion that includes a 750-acre fourth park and three new hotels. Disney has publicly downplayed the threat by saying that new attractions in Orlando tend to help the whole market, but the company is clearly taking it seriously: On Saturday, Mr. D’Amaro announced at least eight new Disney World rides.

An earlier version of this article misidentified a member of the Disney family who attended the presentation at D23. It was Roy P. Disney, not Roy O. Disney.

How we handle corrections

Brooks Barnes covers all things Hollywood. He joined The New York Times in 2007 and previously worked at The Wall Street Journal. More about Brooks Barnes

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With four new ships already on the way, Disney Cruise Line announces four more

• Disney Cruise Line just announced four new ships.
• The new ships will double the size of the cruise line’s fleet over the next decade.
• The additional ships will connect with even wider audiences.

Disney Cruise Line just announced four new ships. 

No, not the ones you’re thinking of.  

We already knew the Disney Treasure is launching this December, the Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny will set sail next year, and that Disney is partnering with Oriental Land Company, which owns Tokyo Disney Resort , on a new OLC-owned ship inspired by the Disney Wish . 

Four additional ships were announced Saturday night at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The new ships will launch between 2027 and 2031. Together, with the four previously announces ships, they will double the size of Disney Cruise Line's fleet in less than a decade.

D23’s biggest parks announcements: New lands, experiences announced for Disney World and beyond

“The demand on our existing cruise fleet is very, very high, so we know there's a big opportunity here to invest aggressively in incremental cruise ships,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro told USA TODAY. There are currently five ships in the fleet.

Disney Cruise Line is very popular among Disney fans, particularly families. 

“We know that when guests get on one of our ships, 40, 50% of them are saying the only reason I'm cruising today is because Disney is here, so we've essentially created this space,” he said. “We also know that those guests are having exceptional experiences with us. They rate us very, very highly, and they tend to want to come back.” 

He said the additional ships will connect with even wider audiences.  

Citing Disney Adventure, which will be Disney’s first to sail Southeast Asia, he said,  “Now we're going to have a fleet that can go meet our fans where they are and tell all these amazing stories that we have.” 

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Phoenix Reisen Releases 2025 River and Coastal Program

• August 18, 2024

Phoenix Reisen, which operates four ocean-going ships, has also released its 212-page “River and Coasts 2025” brochure with sailings in Europe as well as in destinations such as India, Vietnam and Ecuador.

The newly built 208-passenger river vessel Aurelia will be in service from March in the Netherlands and Belgium as well as on the Danube.

New for Phoenix Reisen guests are Baltic Sea cruises with the Junker Jörg along the German coast and to the islands of Rügen and Usedom.

Also new is the all-suite ship Ganges Voyager sailing in India on the Ganges and Hugli.

And back in the Phoenix program are cruises along the Croatian coast with the Lupus Mare and trips to the Galapagos Islands with the Coral II.

The year will also feature shorter sailings on the Rhine and special event and theme cruises to attract more first-timers.

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The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

• New ships for 2023
• New ships for 2024
• New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an  Oceania  cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a  Carnival  cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore  Virgin Voyages  deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare  MSC Cruises  on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a  Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a  Norwegian Cruise Line  itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore  Silversea  cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare  Regent Seven Seas  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a  Celebrity Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

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Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Sun Princess: February 2024

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a  Cunard  cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• The Best Cruise Lines
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Transatlantic Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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• CruiseMapper
• Ships and Lines

Largest Cruise Ships

See here the world's largest cruise ships list (including vessels under construction ) owned by the best cruise line companies . This article is also integrated with our ship dimensions , passenger capacity , and old cruise ships surveys.

CruiseMapper's list of biggest cruise ships includes all vessels with gross tonnage/volume over 150,000 GT-tons .

Each one of these behemoth ships is an engineering marvel produced by our contemporary age of fun and super technologies. Kudos to their builders and double kudos to their proud owners who have invested so much in these newbuild projects!

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) and redirect to the liner's itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy cabin rates).

The world's largest river cruise ship is Victoria Sabrina . The 2020-launched riverboat is China-built, owned by Victoria Cruises China and deployed year-round on Yangtze River. The vessel has the impressive volume of 17000 GT-tons, LOA length 150 m (492 ft), width 22 m (72 ft), 7 decks (5 with cabins), 270 staterooms, max capacity 690 passengers plus 195 crew/staff.

Oasis-class - biggest cruise ship in the world ever built

World's currently largest cruise ship class is produced exclusively for RCI-Royal Caribbean andin 2 sub-series - Oasis-Class (Allure OTS, Oasis OTS) and Oasis-Plus (Harmony OTS, Symphony OTS, Wonder OTS). These are sisterships from the fleet of the second- largest cruise shipping company in the world - RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (as shipowner) that follows only Carnival Corporation (as shipowner).

As to vessels' dimensions, each boasts the unimaginable weight of 227,000-230,000 GT / gross tons, LOA length 362 m (1187 ft) and waterline width 47 m (154 ft). The extreme breadth is over 60 m (198 ft). As the GT is a volume measurement, the ship's actual mass (called displacement) is approx 100,000 tons (the hull alone weighs about 54,000 tons). Surpassing all passenger ship standards, building cost and all previous ship travel vacation concepts, the Oasis-class ships are currently the only passenger shipping vessels of such immense size.

Other interesting numbers are the above waterline height (72 m / 236 ft), depth (23 m / 74 ft below waterline), 16 passenger decks, draft/draught (9,3 m / 31 ft), cruising/service speed 23 knots (26 mph / 42 kph), capacity 5400 passengers at double occupancy (max 6296 / 6870) and officers+crew capacity 2165.

The world's biggest cruise ship propulsion system guarantees the perfect maneuverability by 3 rotatable Azipod thrusters (suspended under the ship's stern), each with a huge electric motor and a 6 m (20 ft) propeller. The ship offers great stability due to its enormous size. And in times of need - there are 18 lifeboats, each with a capacity of 370 people.

Oasis-Plus class is also currently the world's most technologically advanced and energy-efficient cruise vessel ever built. It is equipped with a new-generation exhaust gas cleaning system (multi-stream scrubbers) and with a hull lubrication system allowing the ship to float on air bubbles (created around the hull) thus reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

Regarding cruise accommodations , this class of vessels has some of the largest suites at sea - measuring 150 m2 (over 1600 ft2, balcony included). Another signature feature is the 7 "neighborhoods" (theme-park-like areas), 5 large swimming pools, a huge casino, a full-size volleyball/basketball court, large-capacity bars, and lounges. Oasis-Plus ships additionally have waterslides (created by Aquatic Design & Engineering) and a total of 23 "water fun" areas (swimming pools, large-size outdoor jacuzzies, waterslides, flowriders/surf simulators). The stern-located Ultimate Abyss water slide is 150 ft (45,70 m) above sea level. It features 31 sections, two 360-degree circles, 27-degree slide incline, 28 m (92 ft) serpentine-like drop, 13,14 seconds average sliding time (top to bottom), around 300 small LED lights and graffiti artworks throughout.

These phenomenal ships were manufactured by STX Europe (shipyard Turku Finland / Oasis-class) and in by STX France (shipyard Saint-Nazaire France / Oasis-Plus). The new Oasis ships are 2,15 m (7 ft) longer.

Biggest Carnival cruise ship - "Carnival Pinnacle" class

Watch this amazing YouTube video about the "Carnival Pinnacle cruise ship". The project was designed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri as their biggest ever passenger ship - GT tonnage 200,000 tons, capacity 6000 passengers, length 380 m (1246 ft), The "Pinnacle Project" was initiated by Carnival Corporation in 2004 to tip the scales in the "Carnival vs Royal Caribbean" competition.

Carnival Pinnacle was never built as the project was officially canceled (mainly due to the vessel's incredible cost at that time). However, many of the project's elements and innovative design features were later adapted for other large-sized cruise liners built for rival companies.