Royal Caribbean has taken big bets on big cruise ships take a look at it's 5 largest vessels that have each held the title of world's largest

Brittany Chang/Insider

• Royal Caribbean International currently operates the five world's largest cruise ships.
• Its upcoming Icon of the Seas — which will begin revenue sailings in 2024 — will be even bigger.

If you believe bigger is better in the cruise industry, you may enjoy traveling aboard one of Royal Caribbean International's five Oasis-class cruise ships.

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Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of unveiling and operating the world's largest cruise vessels.

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And its five Oasis Class ships — the Harmony, Allure, Symphony, Wonder, and Oasis of the Seas — are currently the biggest in the world.

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Source: Cruise Hive, Royal Caribbean

Most recently in 2022, Royal Caribbean launched the Wonder of the Seas, a 1,188-foot-long behemoth that currently claims the title of the world's largest cruise ship.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Source: Insider

But in 2024, this title will be stripped away and given to the cruise line's next build, the 1,198–foot-long Icon of the Seas.

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Source: Insider

It may seem like there are no competitors outpacing Royal Caribbean in building these mega vessels.

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But this wasn't the cruise line's goal, Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer, told Insider.

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"We don't sit down and [say], 'We're going to design the next biggest ship,'" Schneider said.

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Instead, he says Royal Caribbean prioritizes the addition of multiple onboard entertainment options and "first experiences" to differentiate itself from the typical "dinner and a show" cruise.

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And this then sets off a domino effect.

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As the cruise line's "wishlist" of onboard experiences expands, its need for revenue grows as well, Schneider said.

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And meeting these revenue needs then requires adding more cabins, dining spaces, and subsequently square footage.

Brittany Chang/Insider

"As you go through the evolution of [our] strategy to compete [as] the best family vacation, you quickly grow into bigger ships," Schneider said.

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And bigger may truly be better regarding amenities aboard these mega cruise ships.

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Unlike other vessels, every Oasis Class ship is subdivided into smaller and more digestible "neighborhoods" that all have their own services, design, and activities.

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Source: Royal Caribbean

And the list of amenities may feel overwhelmingly long for traveling families who only have a few days aboard the ships.

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Oasis Class vessels all have a zip line, multiple water slides, and a boardwalk with a carousel, just to name a few amenities.

Brittany Chang/Insider

And this list doesn't even include the nighttime entertainment, which includes options like an ice skating performance and a swim-and-dive show.

Brittany Chang/Insider

But vessels of this size still come with their own pitfalls.

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Not all ports can accommodate these floating cities.

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And some nations like French Polynesia have already banned ships of these sizes.

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Source: Conde Nast Traveler

So while travelers aboard these mega-ships may miss out on some desirable destinations, at least they'll have plenty of unique onboard amenities that rival — and maybe surpass — the typical on-land resort.

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"It's not an ambition to build mega ships, but we're very happy with the results of ours," Schneider said.

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