Why the world’s biggest cruise ships are getting even bigger

Meanwhile, MSC threw down the gauntlet in 2022 with MSC World Europa, which, although somewhat smaller, carries 6762 passengers. It was followed by MSC World America last year. MSC World Asia arrives at the end of this year, and several more World-Class vessels are under construction or on order.

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Then there’s Carnival Cruise Line, which takes delivery of the first of three mammoth ships in 2029 that will outdo all others with an 8000-passenger capacity, though at 230,000 GT they don’t beat Icon for size. The names and classes of these ships have yet to be revealed.

Beyond the biggest ships, others have been getting larger too. Viking ocean ships carry 930 guests but the most recent have been bumped up to 998. Silversea’s new Evolution-class ships have 728 passengers compared with the previous 596. And late this year, Regent Seven Seas will launch its biggest-ever ship, the 850-passenger Seven Seas Prestige.

There are economies of scale in making ships bigger, even for luxury lines, since they cost less per passenger to build and operate. The question is whether those who’ve paid a premium for a luxury experience are willing to share with too many others.