The 5 Most Expensive Cruise Ships in the World

Traveling around the world aboard a cruise ship can provide an alternative for those who seek a change from land-based vacations. While cruise ships offer a distinct sea travel experience, they can sometimes require a substantial vacation budget.

Nevertheless, cruise ships play a vital role in catering to the demands of the billion-dollar marine tourism industry. These floating cities typically provide an incredible travel experience, boasting luxurious amenities and impeccable services for avid travelers.

Driven by increasing customer demand and market competition, cruise lines consistently enhance the cruise experience with innovative offerings to outdo one another. Consequently, the industry attracts billions of investments annually, justifying its high costs.

Here are the five most expensive cruise ships in 2024, as reported by indonewtravel.com:

1. Luxury Class Oasis: Allure of the Seas & Oasis of the Seas

Allure of the Seas is one of the two most expensive cruise ships currently in operation globally. As the second ship in Royal Caribbean International's Oasis-class cruise ships, Allure of the Seas held the title of the world's largest passenger liner upon its launch in November 2009. The ship boasts notable features, including a two-deck ballroom, an ice skating rink, 25 dining options, a theater with a seating capacity of 1,380, and many others.

The construction of this world-class cruise ship, undertaken at the STX Europe Turku shipyard in Finland, reportedly incurred a cost of around $1.4 billion. The vessel spans 361,798 meters in length, is 65,532 meters wide, and has a registered gross tonnage of 225,282 tons. With a total of 18 decks, Allure of the Seas can accommodate 6,780 guests and is staffed by a crew of 2,200.

2. Oasis Class: Symphony of the Seas & Harmony of the Seas

The Oasis-class cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International's Symphony of the Seas, currently holds the title of the world's largest passenger ship in operation and is also the world's most expensive, with a production cost of $1.35 billion.

Constructed by STX France, the ship boasts dimensions of 1188 feet in length, 215.5 feet in width, and 238 feet in height, with a gross registered tonnage of 228,081 tons. Beginning its maiden voyage in April 2018, the ship features 18 decks and has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members.

This luxurious vessel offers an array of amenities, including 22 restaurants, 24 swimming pools, a children's water park, an ice skating rink, a full-size basketball court, and two 43-foot rock-climbing walls, all situated on its expansive decks.

3. Norwegia Epic

The Norwegian Epic stands as one of the Norwegian shipping line's most expensive vessels, with a construction cost of 1.2 billion US dollars attributed to its distinctive design and size. Notably, this ship features one of the largest Aqua Parks and cabins designed for single passengers. At the time of its construction, it ranked as the third-largest cruise ship globally, accommodating 4,228 passengers. In 2020, the Norwegian Epic underwent refurbishment, elevating it to the status of the most luxurious cruise ship. It now boasts a Gross Tonnage of 155,873, a length of 329.45 meters, and a width of 52 meters.

4. AIDAnova

AIDA Cruises' inaugural Excellence-class ship, AIDAnova, is reportedly the world's fifth-largest passenger ship. The production cost of this 337-meter-long luxury liner, constructed by Meyer Werft in Germany, is reported to be $1.1 billion. Launched in December 2018, AIDAnova introduces the Green Cruising concept, being the world's first cruise ship powered both at sea and in port by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

AIDAnova boasts over 2,600 passenger cabins, accommodating 6,600 passengers and a crew of 1,500. The ship features a total of 17 restaurants, 23 bars, a luxury spa, and a 360-degree theater, catering to passengers' desires for lavish dining and entertainment.

5. Meraviglia class cruises: MSC Meraviglia & MSC Bellissima

The MSC Meraviglia cruise ship by MSC Cruises serves as the flagship for the new MSC class of ships constructed by STX France. The production cost for a single ship in this class is reportedly around $1 billion, contributing to a total Geneva-based investment of $10.2 billion for 11 ships scheduled for delivery by 2026.

Launched in June 2017, the MSC Meraviglia was initially the fourth largest cruise ship globally, trailing behind the Oasis-class vessels. With a length of 315.8 meters, the cruise ship features 15 passenger decks and has the capacity to accommodate 4,500 passengers and 1,536 crew members.