The means through which one can lead a luxurious lifestyle are a lot. When the search for unique experiences on the land reaches an end, people look for options at sea. With the cruise industry getting more advanced and offering a lot of people a luxurious experience, more people like to know about the most expensive cruise ships in the world.
Cruise ships, or floating cities changing the meaning of luxury travel, provide travel enthusiasts with awe-inspiring experiences, sumptuous amenities, and the highest standards of services. Since there is a high demand from customers and it is competitive in the market, the cruise ships are being enriched with more innovative and creative activities. Those who had the privilege of being on a luxury cruise for their vacation are aware that these ships are nothing if not big. These giant ships that offer luxurious amenities do not come for free as their making takes hundreds of millions. Therefore, the cost of a ticket being exorbitant is not surprising. If you are wondering how much it took to build these luxurious liners, keep reading as TechTrends put together a list of the most expensive cruise ships in the world.
Most Expensive Cruise Ships in the World
The cost of making cruise ships has become more and more as there are bigger and more ships in the industry. Moreover, TechTrends looks at the most luxurious cruise ships in the world and sorts them from the most expensive. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list.
1. Allure of the Seas ($1.5 Billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: Dec 2009
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282
- Length: 1,186.5 ft
- Passengers: 5,400
- Crew: 2,394
The luxury and money spent making this giant cruise ship show from miles away. Allure of the Seas is one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world. Moreover, the innovative features and creative spaces make it a master class of this time. Moreover, known as the world’s largest and most expensive cruise ship, it was built at STX shipyard in Turku, Finland. Also, the construction of this world-class cruise ship took around $1.5bn.
Among the features of this ship are a two-deck dance ball, an ice-skating rink, 25 dining options as well as a theatre that has a 1,380 seating capacity.
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2. Oasis of the Seas ($1.4 Billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: Dec 2009
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282
- Length: 1,186.5 ft
- Passengers: 5,400
- Crew: 2,394
The second one on the list of the most expensive cruise ships in the world is Oasis of the Seas. When launched in 2008, it was the world’s biggest cruise ship until Allure of the Sea came to service a year later. It was built at STX shipyard in Turku, Finland; moreover, it offers a variety of cruising experiences. In addition, it has a theatre, more than 20 dining options, a multi-deck dance venue, as well as an ice-skating ring.
Despite being an oldie, it is still the second most expensive ship as the cost of this extravagance is $1.4 billion dollars.
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3. Harmony of the Seas ($1.35 Billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: May 2016
- Gross Tonnage: 227,700
- Length: 1,187 ft
- Passengers: 5,400
- Crew: 2,394
The third ship built in the Oasis class is the Harmony of the Seas, and it is another one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world. It was built in Saint-Nazaire, France and despite being one of the largest ships in the world, it tried to spend less compared to its sister ships. Moreover, it has the tallest slide at sea and offers a various number of features and experiences onboard.
This hulk of a ship is among the most expensive cruise ships in the world. Furthermore, its features include many theatres, sports courts, and restaurants, keeping all the passengers entertained.
4. Symphony of the Seas ($1.35 Billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: June 2017
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passengers: 6,680
- Crew: 2,200
Although the same amount of money was used in making Symphony of the Seas as Harmony of the Seas, the former comes out on top for its size. Regarding the amenities, it knocks it out of the park, with two 43-foot rock-climbing walls, a children’s water park, an ice-skating rink, 22 options of restaurants as well as many sports courts. Therefore, it is listed on our picks for the most expensive cruise ships in the world.
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5. Norwegian Epic ($1.2 Billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Entered Service: June 2010
- Gross Tonnage: 155,873
- Length: 1,081 ft
- Passengers: 4,100
- Crew: 1,700
Another one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world with its one-of-a-kind design and size. Norwegian Epic was built at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It was regarded as the F3 Project for a while, but now it has become an epic cruise ship. There is a large Aqua Park as well as cabins for single guests. Moreover, the making of this epic ship took 1.2 billion U.S dollars. When it was launched, it was named the third biggest cruise ship in the world and in 2020. However, over the years, it has been overtaken in size by some new upstarts. Moreover, the ship was refurbished to be an up-to-date luxury to travel. Furthermore, it offers a variety of recreational, entertainment, and retail options to please the passengers.
6. AIDAnova ($1.1 billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Carnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises.
- Entered Service: August 2018
- Gross Tonnage: 183,858
- Length: 1,110 ft
- Passengers: 6,600
- Crew: 1,500
The magnificent AIDAnova is also another one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world. Aside from the impressive size, it has 17 restaurants, 23 bars, a full-service day spa, as well as a 360-degree theatre. It does more than enough to satisfy the passengers, regardless of their age, taste, or preference. However, the most noteworthy thing about this ship, which cost $1.1 billion to build, is its eco-credentials, as it is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at sea and in port. Also, it was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.
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7. Norwegian Bliss ($1 billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Entered Service: February, 2018
- Gross Tonnage: 167,800
- Length: 1,090 ft
- Passengers: 4,004
- Crew: 1,716
A brand-new behemoth luxury ship, Norwegian Bliss, is one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world. The production of this magnificent ship cost $1 billion, and it was made by Meyer Werft. It provides the passengers with a great experience, it has great suites and many themed dining areas as well as bars. Moreover, it has a 20,000sq. ft Observation Lounge that led to its astronomical build price. In addition, it has an 800-seat Theatre and a two-story go-kart track.
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8. Celebrity Edge ($1 billion)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: January, 2018
- Gross Tonnage: 129,500
- Length: 1,000 ft
- Passengers: 2,908
- Crew: 1,377
Another one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world is Celebrity Edge which was built by STX France. It is also its owner’s first Edge-class cruise ship, with entertainment and dining facilities. Moreover, it is widely known for its most technologically advanced theatre, giving a unique entertainment experience with Panoramic projection screens. Also, it provides passengers with everything they would expect from a billion-dollar cruiser.
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9. Disney Fantasy ($940 Million)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
- Entered Service: March 2012
- Gross Tonnage: 129,690
- Length: 1,117 ft
- Passengers: 2,500
- Crew: 1,460
Disney Fantasy, which looks a lot like Disney Dream, is another one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world. It was also made by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. In addition, it is a real deal for children as it has many features children will enjoy the modern Disney décor all over.
The cost for building this amazing ship was $940m, with the facilities being exclusively designed to cater to families. Moreover, it has an amazing three-deck atrium lobby, magnificent staircase, marble and stone inlay floor, fluted columns, lavish decorative murals, and paintings.
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10. Disney Dream ($900 Million)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
- Entered Service: Jan 2011
- Gross Tonnage: 129,690
- Length: 1,114.7 ft
- Passengers: 2,500
- Crew: 1,460
Being $40 Million cheaper than Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream is the original ship in the class and one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world. It was also built at the Myer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Moreover, building this ship cost about $900m. In addition, among the features of this magnificent ship is an AquaDuck water slide. Also, the design gives a sense of the early 20th-century, too. In addition, it offers one-of-a-kind venues and it is a true family cruise with lots of amazing experiences for each member.
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11. Queen Mary 2 ($890 Million)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Cunard Line
- Entered Service: Jan 2004
- Gross Tonnage: 150,000
- Length: 1,132 ft
- Passengers: 2,620
- Crew: 1,250
Reports claim that the cost of making Queen Mary 2 was $900 Million, while others claim it was $890 Million as it went under refurbishments and upgrades. As one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world, it was built in Saint-Nazaire, France. Moreover, it is absolutely uniquely designed for sailing transatlantic cruises from the UK to the US, between Southampton and New York, after the retirement of Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2008.
It also goes on an annual world cruise and it has 1,347-seat Britannia Restaurant, Queen’s Grill, Royal Court Theatre, Winter Garden, 14 bars as well as clubs and fitness facilities.
12. Independence of the Seas ($828 million)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: April 2008
- Gross Tonnage: 154,407
- Length: 1,110 ft
- Passengers: 4,375
- Crew: 1,370
Independence of the Seas is also one of the world’s most expensive cruise ships that was launched in April 2008. Moreover, the cost of building this ship was $828m and it was made by Aker Finnyards in Turku, Finland. Among the features of the club are a FlowRider® surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade as well as mini golf course.
13. Freedom of the Seas ($800 million)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: May 2007
- Gross Tonnage: 156,271
- Length: 1,110 ft
- Passengers: 4,375
- Crew: 1,360
The Royal Caribbean International owns the Freedom of the Seas, which is one of the most expensive cruise ships in the world. Furthermore, this Freedom-class cruise ship was built by Kvaerner Masa-YardsIt and the production cost was about $800m. Moreover, it is a large ship capable of carrying 4,375 guests and 1,360 crew. Also, the unique features of this amazing ship are surf simulator, H2O Zone water park and cantilevered whirlpools.
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14. Liberty of the Seas ($800 million)
Specifications:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Entered Service: May 2007
- Gross Tonnage: 155,889
- Length: 1,110 ft
- Passengers: 4,375
- Crew: 1,360
Just like the Freedom of the Seas, building Liberty of the Seas also took $800m to be built. In addition, it was built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, in Turku, Finland and it was launched in May 2007. It is also capable of carrying 4,375 guests served by 1,360 crew. Moreover, it has a lot of features, including a 2,101-seat main dining room, Vitality Spa & Fitness Centre, six Whirlpools and three pools, Platinum Theatre, surf simulator, and Ice-Skating Rink.
Final Thoughts
TechTrends helped you find out what the most expensive cruise ships in the world are, whether you are considering boarding one of them for your next vacation or you are just curious. Moreover, when it comes to the world’s most expensive cruise ships, Royal Caribbean International leads the way by far as it operates most of the top ten 14 on our list.
These massive cruise ships are not cheap, especially when it is equipped with facilities that are only found in a world-class resort. Since customers’ demands and the rivalry in the market is growing, cruise liners are improving the experiences with innovative and imaginative amenities, outdating one another. Also, cruising is becoming a popular way of vacationing with the entertainment cruise liners provide. Therefore, this list gave you the top most expensive cruise ships in the world, the amenities they offer, and the capacity of passengers they carry.