The Largest Cruise Ship in the World is Sailing at 132% Capacity: How This is Even Possible

Photo byCruise Fever

According to cruise industry reports, the world's largest cruise ship is sailing well above 100% capacity, thanks to more beds being filled on recent sailings.

Royal Caribbean’s newest flagship, the Icon of the Seas, is proving to be an unprecedented success, with occupancy rates far exceeding expectations.

The mega ship, which debuted in January, is currently sailing at a staggering 132 percent capacity, according to Cruise Industry News.

Designed to accommodate approximately 5,600 passengers in double occupancy, the ship is currently hosting nearly 7,400 guests. This means that in order to meet the overwhelming demand, Royal Caribbean is utilizing third and fourth berths in its staterooms.

In other words, there are quite a few cabins with more than two people in them.

Photo byCruise Fever

Icon of the Seas is a ship designed to cater to multi-generational cruisers, and as such many families have been sailing with the cruise line and filling up those cabins.

The ship boasts an array of unprecedented features, including six record-breaking waterslides, a groundbreaking AquaDome, and eight distinct themed neighborhoods.

One of these neighborhoods is specifically designed for young families, a first for the cruise industry.

Beyond its innovative design, the Icon of the Seas holds the title of the world's largest cruise ship, measuring in at a colossal 250,800 gross tons.

Pearl Cafe on Icon of the SeasPhoto byCruise Fever

With 20 decks, over 40 dining and entertainment venues, and a capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members, the ship is a floating city of unparalleled scale and luxury.

The success of the Icon of the Seas is also indicative of a broader trend in the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company, reported a robust occupancy rate of 108.2 percent for the second quarter of 2024, a significant increase from the 105 percent occupancy rate in the previous year.

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the success of the Icon of the Seas serves as a benchmark for future ship designs and amenities.

It remains to be seen whether other cruise lines can replicate the same level of success with their own mega-ships, especially with Carnival just announcing a new mega-ship of their own on order.