The cost of building cruise ships has increased over the years as the industry sees more advances and larger ships. Cruise Hive looks at the top 10 most expensive cruise ships in the world. The cost of a ship is in US dollars and as new vessels are built the list will always be changing. The amounts below are estimates and rounded up figures.
Cruise Features Top 10 Expensive Cruise Ships
Top 10 Expensive Cruise Ships
1. Allure of the Seas ($1.5 Billion)
The money spent to build this mega liner truly shows with its seven neighbourhoods, innovative features and creative spaces it really is a master class of our time. The ship was built at then named STX shipyard in Turku, Finland and is currently the world's largest and most expensive cruise ship.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Entered Service: Oct 2010
Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Length: 1,187 ft
Passengers: 5,400
Crew: 2,384
2. Oasis of the Seas ($1.4 Billion)
This ship is the first built in its class and is only just slightly cheaper than Allure of the Seas and the reasons is mainly because the first ship and all its unknowns can always be more financially unpredictable. The huge vessel was built at the Then named STX shipyard in Turku, Finland and offers guests the very best cruising experience.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Entered Service: Dec 2009
Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Length: 1,186.5 ft
Passengers: 5,400
Crew: 2,394
3. Harmony of the Seas ($1.35 Billion)
Harmony of the Seas is the third ship built in the Oasis class. The vessel was built in Saint-Nazaire, France and even though it's currently the largest ship in the world STX has become rather well at keeping costs lower than its sister ships. Harmony of the Seas has the tallest slide at sea along with new features and experiences throughout.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Entered Service: May 2016
Gross Tonnage: 227,700
Length: 1,187 ft
Passengers: 5,400
Crew: 2,394
4. Norwegian Epic ($1.2 Billion)
Norwegian Epic really is expensive with its unique design and size. The ship was built at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. For a while Epic was know as the F3 Project and is now a very unique cruise ship. The ship boasts a large Aqua Park and cabins for single passengers.
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Entered Service: June 2010
Gross Tonnage: 155,873
Length: 1,081 ft
Passengers: 4,100
Crew: 1,700
5. Ovation of the Seas ($1 Billion)
For some reason Ovation of the Seas cost more than Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, it really should be the other way around! The ship is not safe in at number five with all the new ships on order.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Entered Service: April 2016
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 ft
Passengers: 4,180
Crew: 1,300
6. Anthem of the Seas ($940 Million)
Anthem of the Seas has a slightly larger tonnage than sister ship Quantum of the Seas so is a bit more expensive. The ship was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in papenburg, germany and offers lots of new innovative features that are industry firsts.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Entered Service: April 2015
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 ft
Passengers: 4,180
Crew: 1,300
7. Disney Fantasy ($940 Million)
Disney Fantasy is the fourth ship in the fleet and identical to Disney Dream. The ship was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Kids are in for a real treat onboard this large ship with plenty of features to enjoy. The money spent on the ship shows with a modern Disney decor all over.
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Entered Service: March 2012
Gross Tonnage: 129,690
Length: 1,117 ft
Passengers: 2,500
Crew: 1,460
8. Quantum of the Seas ($935 Million)
Quantum of the Seas was slightly cheaper than sister ship Anthem of the Seas to construct. the reason for this is mainly because the ship has a slightly lesser tonnage. The vessel was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and is one of the most advanced ships out there.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Entered Service: Nov 2014
Gross Tonnage: 167,800
Length: 1,139 ft
Passengers: 4,180
Crew: 1,300
9. Disney Dream ($900 Million)
This ship was $40 Million cheaper than sister ship Disney Fantasy. It's surprising as usually the original ship in the class is more expensive. The ship features an AquaDuck water slide which winds 13 feet from the side of the ship. Dream was built at the Myer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Entered Service: Jan 2011
Gross Tonnage: 129,690
Length: 1,114.7 ft
Passengers: 2,500
Crew: 1,460
10. Queen Mary 2 ($890 Million)
There are conflicting reports on the cost of QM2 with some saying, $900 Million, some $880 Million and even some at $800 Million! With all the refurbishments and upgrades the ship has had its now probably worth a lot more than any of those. QM2 was built in Saint-Nazaire, France and is a totally unique design for sailing transatlantic cruises from the UK to the US.
Cruise Line: Cunard Line
Entered Service: Jan 2004
Gross Tonnage: 150,000
Length: 1,132 ft
Passengers: 2,620
Crew: 1,250
