Take a look at the 8 biggest new cruise ships set to make their debut this year

Eight ships with a gross tonnage of more than 100,000 each are set to debut this year, according to a consolidated order book by Cruise Industry News. These ships are so massive that they dwarfs the Titanic — which was once the largest ship in the world — several times over. The Titanic, in comparison, had a gross tonnage of 46,329.

Several of these ships belong to prominent cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian, but Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is arguably the most anticipated of the new ships. It's not only the biggest cruise ship expected this year in terms of gross tonnage and capacity, but it's also expected to become the world's largest cruise ship by gross tonnage.

Check out the biggest cruise ships that are expected to set sail for the first time this year. Entrants are arranged from smallest to largest in terms of their gross tonnage.

Expected delivery: 2023

Tonnage: 135,000 gross tonnage

Cost of construction: $750 million

Capacity: 5,000 guests

Adora Cruises, a joint venture between Carnival and Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, announced in November that it would be launching a new cruise in 2023. The cruise, which has yet to be named, is expected to sail along "the ancient Maritime Silk Road," according to Chinese state media newspaper Shine.

The ship is built in China and is designed with 16 floors and plans to incorporate Chinese restaurants and entertainment, per Shine.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Expected delivery: Summer 2023

Tonnage: 140,000 gross tonnage

Cost of construction: $850 million

Capacity: 3,215 guests

Norwegian's Viva is the cruise line's newest ship. The cruise is designed with 20 decks and five room categories: the haven, club balcony suite, suite, studio, and inside. Some of its notable features include an infinity pool, a gaming gallery, and race track.

The cruise's planned itinerary ranges from a seven-day sail around Italy, France, and Spain, to a 19-day transatlantic sail from Spain to the Dominican Republic. Prices for a seven-day cruise in the Caribbean start from $899.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Expected delivery: Quarter 4 of 2023

Tonnage: 140,600 gross tonnage

Cost of construction: $900 million

Capacity: 3,260 guests

Celebrity's Ascent has 17 decks and nine room categories, including a villa-style suite. Some of the ship's notable features include a solarium and spa and fitness centers.

The cruise has 29 itineraries listed on its official website, ranging from seven-night trips in the Caribbean to a 13-night trip around Portugal and Spain. Prices start from $599 for a seven-night cruise. The cruise will begin sailing in 2024.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Expected delivery: June 2023

Tonnage: 177,000 gross tonnage

Cost of construction: $1 billion

Capacity: 4,888 guests

MSC Cruise's Euribia is one of the line's largest ships. The cruise has 19 decks and five room categories: interior, ocean view, balcony, suite, and yacht club. The ship features five pools, a waterpark, and 10 restaurants.

The cruise's planned route is a seven-night cruise across northern Europe, with stops in Norway and Denmark. The cruise is currently expected to sail in June, July, and August.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Expected delivery: Quarter 4 of 2023

Tonnage: 250,800 gross tonnage

Cost of construction: $1.1 billion

Capacity: 5,610 guests

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is expected to become the world's largest cruise ship by gross tonnage. The cruise is designed with 20 decks, and it stands to be manned by 2,350 crew members. Some of the cruise's most notable features include a suspended infinity pool and a waterfall.

The cruise's planned routes include a seven-night sail in the eastern Caribbean, which includes stops in Mexico, Saint Maarten, and the Bahamas. The cruise is expected to begin sailing in August 2024.

Source: Cruise Industry News