Cruise lines pursue larger ships and higher passenger capacity
Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are expanding or planning large vessels as operators seek economies of scale and more onboard amenities.
Cruise lines are building larger ships to lower construction and operating costs per passenger while expanding entertainment and amenities, according to the report.
Royal Caribbean International launched Icon of the Seas in early 2024. The ship measures 248,663 gross tonnage, spans 20 decks and can carry up to 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. The report says the company has also deployed Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, with additional Icon-class vessels on order.
MSC Cruises introduced MSC World Europa in 2022 with capacity for 6,762 guests. It subsequently deployed MSC World America, while MSC World Asia is expected by late 2026 and further World-class ships are under construction.
Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed plans for four vessels in the 2030s, each designed for 5,000 passengers and measuring just under 225,000 gross tonnage. Carnival Cruise Line has ordered three ships for delivery in 2029 that the report says will accommodate 8,000 passengers apiece, although they will not exceed the Icon class in gross tonnage.
The largest vessels are deployed mainly in the Caribbean and, to a lesser extent, the Mediterranean, the report says, because their passenger volumes require large, accessible customer markets.