Key Takeaways
Royal Caribbean leads with billion-dollar ships, while the Seven Seas Explorer offers the most luxurious passenger experience.
- Utopia of the Seas (2024) carries up to 7,000 passengers and cost $1.4 billion USD.
- Icon of the Seas (2024) holds the largest capacity at 7,600 passengers.
- The Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Explorer costs up to $11,000 per night.
A cruise ship is truly one of the most impressive structures ever built. A floating island, a hotel out on the water; their sheer size and onboard features are something to be marvelled. One question you may be thinking of, how much does a cruise ship cost to build? Cruise ships are big business and companies are aiming to fit in additional luxuries and amenities; all of which come at a cost.
Which cruise ships are the most expensive to build?
Royal Caribbean International was founded in Norway and is based in Miami Florida USA. The brand is the largest of the cruise line industry by revenue in the world and it currently operates 26 ships. The Oasis Class of the Royal Caribbean features the 4 largest cruise ships ever built. The Oasis Class includes Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean continues to hold the title for the largest and most expensive cruise ships, with recent builds averaging over $1 billion. The Oasis Class now includes a fifth ship, Wonder of the Seas, launched in 2022. Let’s take a look at the specifics of the Oasis Class ships:
- Oasis of the Seas (2008) – Cost: $1.4 billion USD, Capacity: 6,780 passengers
- Allure of the Seas (2010) – Cost: $1.4 billion USD, Capacity: 5,492 passengers
- Harmony of the Seas (2018) – Cost: $1.5 billion USD, Capacity: 6,680 passengers
- Symphony of the Seas (2018) – Cost: $1.5 billion USD, Capacity: 6,680 passengers
- Wonder of the Seas (2022) – Cost: $1.35 billion USD, Capacity: 6,988 passengers
- Utopia of the Seas (2024) – Cost: $1.3 – 1.4 billion USD, Capacity: 7,000 passengers (max occupancy)
Which cruise ships have the largest passenger capacity?
The largest passenger capacity is with the Royal Caribbean vessels that can cater to an impressive number of passengers with over 9000 people travelling around on one ship. Here are some of the ships which carry the most passengers without including the crew members:
- Icon of the Seas (2024) – Royal Caribbean, 7,600 passengers
- Wonder of the Seas (2022) – Royal Caribbean, 6,988 passengers
- Symphony of the Seas (2018) – Royal Caribbean, 6,680 passengers
- Harmony of the Seas (2016) – Royal Caribbean, 6,687 passengers
- Oasis of the Seas (2009) – Royal Caribbean, 6,780 passengers
- Utopia of the Seas (2024) – Royal Caribbean, 7,000 passengers (max occupancy)
How much does a cruise ship cost?
Cruise ships are commonly priced by their number of berths or beds. This overall pricing system depends heavily on four factors. The first factor is the size of the vessel, then the onboard features of the vessel, followed by the shipyard for building the vessel and the fourth factor is the state of the current economy during construction.
It is estimated that the most expensive cruise ships cost over $1 billion US dollars to construct. The estimated price for a cruise ship starts at $550 million for a passenger capacity of 500 and for those carrying 2000-3000, the average price starts close to a billion dollars. Ships aiming to carry over 5000 passengers rarely build for under a billion dollars.
Which is the most expensive cruise ship for passengers?
The Seven Seas Explorer, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is renowned for offering one of the most luxurious and expensive cruise experiences for passengers. The ship’s Regent Suite is particularly notable, with rates that can reach up to $11,000 per night. Additionally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced an upcoming world cruise for 2027 aboard the Seven Seas Splendor. This voyage is set to be one of the most expensive cruises available, with the top suite priced at approximately $1.7 million per couple. These offerings highlight Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ commitment to providing unparalleled luxury and exclusivity to its passengers.
Have you heard of the world’s only privately owned cruise ship? The World operated by ResidenSea, is the only privately owned cruise ship and it cost $266 million to build. To cruise on The World, guest cabins start at around $2000 per day. The cruise ship itself is not currently for sale, however, the individually owned suits and apartments, if available, sell for a price of $2-$15 million each.
As of 2024, cruise prices start around $1,500 per person for standard packages, with daily rates averaging between $180-$300, depending on the cruise line and destination. Luxury suites, such as the Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Explorer, can exceed $12,000 USD per night. The most luxurious of suites can set passengers back $10,000 US a night such as the Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Explorer.
Why do companies choose to renovate cruise ships?
Due to the high costs of construction for a brand-new cruise ship in this current market, companies are instead refurbishing and upgrading existing ships and the cost will then depend on the vessels total refit. Luxury cruise lines are at the mercy of the guests who expect nothing short of a 5-star hotel and a world-class experience at sea. Adding features such as swimming pools, spas, water slides, theatres and restaurants comes with an extravagant price tag.
In recent years, dry-docking and ship refits have continued to play a significant role in maintaining cruise fleets. The planned 2020 refits for Allure of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but were completed in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Allure of the Seas underwent a $165 million upgrade, adding new features like water slides and updated dining options. The Explorer of the Seas will also have a refit worth $110 million to bring it up to standard with the latest features available to the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Cruise ships have an average lifespan of about 30 years and with increasing costs and strict environmental regulations being developed each year it is commonly a logical choice to refit rather than to repurchase or retire a ship.
Environmental regulations have continued to evolve, with new rules from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandating reductions in sulphur emissions and greenhouse gases. Many cruise lines are now investing in LNG (liquefied natural gas)-powered ships and installing scrubber systems to meet these stricter standards.
Despite the overhead costs for a refit, most major companies continue to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to update their fleet and stay ahead of the competition with the cruise line industry continuing to grow. Research indicates that the global cruise industry rebounded to $30 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Increased demand for luxury and expedition cruising is driving this growth.
Building a cruise ship
Each cruise ship can take over 18 months to build and companies will contract the work for each ship years in advance. The major construction companies responsible for building the ships are STX Europe in France, Meyer Werft in Germany and Finland and Fincantieri in Italy.
A cruise ship is built in a shipyard or port within an industrial facility. A cruise ship must be constructed in what is called a dry-dock prior to being tested in the water for the first time. Incredibly, the hull of the ship will be built on land and many of the ship’s components will be constructed and welded together upside down. This means each piece, once completed, is flipped over and then positioned into place like pieces of a giant puzzle.
Each cruise ship has different design features and on-board facilities such as the cabins and guest suites, the crew cabins, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, theatre and stage, sun deck and even cinemas. All of the individual features must be constructed off-site and then fitted onto the ships structure over a period of time.
The interior design plays a major role in the overall completed look of each cruise ship and guests are expecting to see something special. Modern cruise ships are embracing smart technology and sustainability-focused design. Innovations such as contactless check-in, wearable devices for onboard purchases, and AI-powered energy efficiency systems are becoming standard. Cabins now often feature voice-controlled amenities and digital interfaces for guest convenience. It is important that the expert designers can assist guests in feeling relaxed on board whilst being motivated to explore the facilities and enjoy all aspects of the ship’s entertainment options.
One example of incredible design and architecture is the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. The ship was designed by numerous architectural firms and over 100 people worked on the detail of the ship’s interior at any given time. It features multi-story water slides, Laser-tag, Flo-rider, a bionic bar with 2 robotic bartenders, a theatre, fitness centre, day spa, swimming pools, shopping promenade, restaurants, bars, lounges and well; endless entertainment!
The cruise industry faced a significant downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many ships being sidelined. However, as cruising resumed in 2022, demand surged, and investment in technology, design, and health protocols became a priority. Enhanced sanitation measures, improved ventilation systems, and updated medical facilities are now standard features on new and refurbished cruise ships.
Leading brands are operating at full capacity with certain ships selling out a year in advance; companies can’t build ships fast enough to keep up with the global demand.
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