Passenger sea travel took off in the 19th century, driven by transatlantic migration and the demand for larger, faster and more luxurious vessels. From Brunel’s steamships to record-breaking cruise liners, each generation has reimagined the possibilities of ocean travel. Here, we rank 15 of the world’s largest passenger ships and explore their impact on travel, technology and maritime innovation.
Read on to discover our ranking of the world's biggest passenger ships...
The SS Royal William, launched in 1831 in Québec, Canada, was a pioneering steamship and one of the first vessels to cross the Atlantic primarily under steam power in 1833, showcasing a significant advancement in maritime technology. At approximately 160 feet (49m) long, it represented a bold step forward in ocean travel.
Initially built to ferry passengers between Québec and the Atlantic colonies, the Royal William faced financial difficulties due to a cholera epidemic that restricted travel in 1832.
It was eventually sold and later acquired by the Spanish Navy, where it served as a supply vessel. Its legacy lies in its groundbreaking transatlantic voyage, which set the stage for the future of steam-powered sea travel.
The SS Great Britain, designed by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was a marvel of its time – so much so that at its launch in 1843, it was called 'the greatest experiment since the Creation'. At 322 feet (98m) long, it was the first large vessel built with an iron hull and powered by a single screw propeller, and made history in 1845 as the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic.
Originally created for transatlantic luxury service, it could carry 252 first- and second-class passengers in style. With its grand dining salons and well-appointed cabins, the Great Britain became the preferred choice for wealthy travellers seeking a more sophisticated way to journey across the ocean.
After a successful run as a transatlantic passenger liner until 1854, the SS Great Britain was repurposed as an emigrant ship, carrying travellers to Australia on dozens of voyages between 1852 and 1875. Later converted into a cargo vessel in 1882, a storm off Cape Horn in 1886 left the ship badly damaged.
Abandoned in the Falkland Islands, it served as a storage hulk, seemingly destined to fade into obscurity. But in 1970, the Great Britain was rescued and returned to Bristol, where it was carefully restored. Now a museum ship, it stands as a symbol of 19th-century innovation.
The SS Great Eastern, measuring 692 feet long (211m), was designed by Brunel and launched in 1858. As the largest ship of its time, it was designed to carry over 4,000 passengers but struggled to find a profitable route, as its immense size made it difficult to fill to capacity.
The Great Eastern boasted several innovative features, including double iron hulls and a unique propulsion system that combined paddle wheels, a screw propeller and sails on six masts. It catered to both luxury and budget travellers, with grand dining salons and spacious promenade areas offering a glimpse into the future of maritime travel.
Despite its innovative design, the SS Great Eastern faced significant operational challenges – including mechanical issues and financial difficulties – and was ultimately scrapped in 1888. Though it failed commercially, the ship set the stage for future ocean liners, pushing the boundaries of ship design.
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The RMS Baltic, measuring 725 feet (222m), was launched in 1903 as the largest ship in the world at the time. Built for the White Star Line, it was designed to carry around 3,000 passengers, with elegant dining rooms and refined lounges that catered to those seeking luxury and comfort.
Though not the fastest ocean liner of its era, the Baltic became a popular choice for transatlantic travel due to its size and amenities. It served the White Star Line until 1932 and was scrapped in 1933.
The RMS Baltic was part of the White Star Line’s famous 'Big Four' class of ocean liners, alongside the Celtic, Cedric and Adriatic. These ships were designed for size and comfort rather than speed, offering passengers a more luxurious and stable transatlantic crossing experience.
The Big Four marked a shift in maritime travel, prioritising comfort and reliability over the high-speed competition of earlier years, and set the standard for the luxury ocean liners that followed.
The RMS Olympic, launched on 20 October 1910, was the first of the White Star Line's Olympic-class liners, preceding sister ships the Titanic (heard of it?) and the Britannic. Nicknamed 'Old Reliable', it was celebrated for its size and luxury – and at 882 feet (269m) in length, was the largest moving object in the world at the time.
Designed for transatlantic voyages, this five-star liner featured opulent amenities, including grand first class cabins, ballrooms and refined dining rooms, attracting wealthy clientele seeking luxury and adventure. It also played a vital role during World War I, transporting troops and supplies. After a proud service history, the Olympic was retired in 1935.
A marvel of early 20th-century engineering, the RMS Titanic was the most celebrated ship of its time. Launched in 1911 and measuring 882.5 feet (269m) long, at the time it was the largest passenger liner ever built, symbolising luxury and innovation on an unprecedented scale.
Designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and sophistication, the ship featured opulent first-class cabins, a grand staircase, a swimming pool and even a squash court – amenities unheard of on earlier vessels. Heralded as 'unsinkable' due to its advanced safety features, including watertight compartments and a double-bottom hull, the Titanic promised an unparalleled experience.
However, the ship’s legacy is forever tied to its tragic maiden voyage in April 1912. After striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic, the Titanic sank within hours, resulting in the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
The disaster shocked the world and exposed serious flaws in maritime safety regulations, leading to sweeping changes in lifeboat requirements and ship design standards. Despite its short life, the Titanic remains one of history’s most iconic vessels – and continues to captivate the public imagination in film, literature and popular culture.
Carnival Destiny, measuring 893 feet (272m) long, launched in 1996 as a pioneering 'Fun Ship.' It was the first passenger cruise ship to exceed 100,000 gross tons, offering multiple restaurants and entertainment options for travellers seeking an exciting holiday on the water. It visited sunny destinations around the world and is pictured here in Miami, Florida.
Destiny's lively design included expansive decks and themed lounges, suitable for all ages, from couples to families. After a successful run, it was renamed Carnival Sunshine in 2013 following an extensive refurbishment.
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Grand Princess, measuring 949 feet (290m) in length, launched on 26 May 1998 and became synonymous with luxury cruising. As the largest and most expensive cruise ship at the time, its revolutionary private balcony cabins set a new standard for ocean-view accommodations.
With expansive dining areas, multiple pools and diverse entertainment venues, it offered guests both relaxation and a variety of activities during their journeys.
Grand Princess played a vital role in establishing premium standards for modern cruise experiences, emphasising comfort and variety. Today, it remains an active part of the Princess Cruises fleet.
Launched in 1936, the RMS Queen Mary was the pinnacle of luxury and speed, stretching an impressive 1,019 feet (311m) from bow to stern. This Art Deco masterpiece was more than just a ship – it was an experience, boasting grand lounges, fine dining, cocktail bars and even two indoor swimming pools.
Catering to the world’s elite, it became a transatlantic icon, holding the coveted Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic in 1936. After three decades of glamorous voyages, it retired in 1967, but its legacy as one of the most famous ocean liners in history endures.
After retiring from service, the RMS Queen Mary was permanently docked in Long Beach, California, where it was transformed into a hotel and museum. The ship’s exhibits highlight its pivotal role in World War II, when it was known as the 'Grey Ghost', transporting thousands of Allied troops across the Atlantic.
Today, it remains a beloved attraction, inviting visitors to explore its preserved Art Deco interiors, historical exhibits and immersive experiences.
The Voyager of the Seas, measuring 1,020 feet (311m) in length, made its debut in 1999 as the first of Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class vessels. At the time of its launch, it was the largest cruise ship in the world.
This groundbreaking ship introduced several at-sea firsts, including an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall and the Royal Promenade – a mall-like boulevard running through the ship's centre.
In 2019, Voyager of the Seas underwent a £77 million ($97m) refurbishment. Additions included The Perfect Storm waterslides, a reinvigorated Vitality Spa and redesigned spaces for children and teens, making sure the ship remained at the forefront of modern cruising experiences.
Today, Voyager of the Seas remains a popular cruise ship, offering a mix of exciting activities and classic style. With something for everyone, it continues to be a top choice for modern cruising.
Another Royal Caribbean big-hitter, The Navigator of the Seas – also measuring 1,020 feet (311m) – was launched in 2002 as the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class.
Building upon the success of its predecessors, this vessel's amenities included an ice-skating rink and a rock-climbing wall, offering a variety of activities for guests of all ages.
In 2019, the ship underwent a £91 million ($115m) refurbishment, introducing new attractions such as The Blaster, the longest aqua coaster at sea, and Riptide, the only headfirst mat racer water slide at sea.
The ship also offers over a dozen restaurants, bars and lounges, including fleetwide favourites like Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Chops Grille, Sorrento’s Pizza and Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. It remains in service as one of Royal Caribbean's most popular ships.
Launched in 1932 and measuring a mammoth 1,029 feet (313m), The SS Normandie was renowned for its luxurious design and advanced engineering. On the ship's maiden voyage in 1935, from Le Havre to New York, it captured the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing, completing the journey in four days and three hours.
Celebrated for its stunning Art Deco décor, the ship's first-class dining room, designed by architect Pierre Patout, was a marvel of luxury –featuring mahogany wood, bronze accents and cloth upholstery.
During World War II, the Normandie was seized by US authorities in 1941 while docked in New York. The US Navy intended to convert it into a troop transport vessel but while undergoing conversion the ship caught fire before capsizing. Although salvaged at great expense, restoration was deemed too costly, and the ship was scrapped in October 1946.
Launched in 2004, the RMS Queen Mary 2 remains the largest ocean liner (a ship designed for point-to-point transoceanic travel) ever built, measuring 1,132 feet (345m) in length. As the flagship of the Cunard Line, it upholds a legacy of refined ocean travel while offering a smooth and stable journey across the Atlantic.
Onboard, guests enjoy a variety of world-class amenities, including multiple dining venues, lavish lounges and the Illuminations theatre – the only planetarium at sea. The ship also boasts indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa and the Britannia Restaurant, spanning two decks.
Accommodations range from stylish staterooms to opulent suites, many featuring private balconies. Guests staying in the Queens Grill Suites receive personal butler service and access to private dining areas.
As the last true ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 continues to offer regular transatlantic crossings between Europe and North America, preserving a tradition dating back to 1840. With its unique design, legendary service and timeless charm, it remains a symbol of luxury cruising, appealing to discerning travellers seeking an extraordinary journey.
Launched on 27 January 2024, the Icon of the Seas is a game-changer in the world of cruising. Stretching an impressive 1,198 feet (365m), it is officially the largest cruise ship ever built. Designed with families, couples and adventure-seekers in mind, this spectacular vessel offers thrills, relaxation and world-class entertainment like never before.
At the heart of the experience is Category 6, the largest water park at sea, featuring an adrenaline-pumping surf simulator. With seven pools, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea, there’s no shortage of places to soak up the sun.
Accommodating over 7,000 guests and with a dazzling selection of dining experiences, luxe accommodations and vibrant nightlife, Icon of the Seas isn’t just a cruise – it’s a floating city of adventure, offering the ultimate escape for modern travellers.
Launching in August 2025, Star of the Seas is set to redefine the cruising experience as the latest addition to Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class. Stretching an impressive 1,198 feet (365m), this spectacular vessel is designed to deliver the ultimate mix of luxury, adventure and cutting-edge technology.
Some of its standout features will be the largest waterpark at sea, boasting six record-breaking slides, a 55-foot (16m) shapeshifting waterfall, the breathtaking Aqua Theater and Crown’s Edge, an aerial adventure course that dangles daring cruisers high above the ocean.
Beyond the thrills, Star of the Seas is set to bring a new level of luxury to the high seas. The ship will offer a range of elegantly designed accommodations, from ocean-view staterooms to lavish suites with private balconies.
Pair that with world-class dining, immersive entertainment and sun-soaked relaxation spaces, and it’s a floating paradise for every kind of traveller.