MSC World America vs. Icon of the Seas: Which Cruise Ship Is Bigger?

Cruise enthusiasts and vacationers often compare new megaships to determine which offers the most space, luxury, and onboard experiences. Two of the most anticipated cruise ships of 2025 are MSC World America and Icon of the Seas. Both belong to industry giants—MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, respectively. But which of these floating cities is bigger? Let’s dive into their specifications, size comparisons, and what each ship offers to travelers.

MSC World America vs. Icon of the Seas: Size Comparison

When it comes to determining which ship is bigger, we primarily look at key measurements such as Gross Tonnage (GT), length, passenger capacity, and number of decks.

At a glance, Icon of the Seas is the larger of the two ships, boasting a higher gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length. However, both ships are titanic in scale and promise unparalleled experiences at sea.

Breaking Down the Numbers: What Makes a Ship “Bigger”?

Although MSC World America is massive at 215,863 GT, Icon of the Seas surpasses it with a staggering 250,800 GT, making it the largest cruise ship ever built. Gross tonnage measures the ship’s internal volume, so a higher GT generally means more space for onboard attractions, cabins, and entertainment areas.

Length and Passenger Capacity

• MSC World America is 1,093 feet long, whereas the Icon of the Seas extends to 1,198 feet, making it about 105 feet longer.
• Icon of the Seas also holds 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, while MSC World America accommodates 6,762 guests—a difference of nearly 850 passengers.

Number of Decks

Despite the difference in tonnage and length, both ships have 20 decks, ensuring plenty of entertainment, dining, and relaxation spaces. However, because Icon of the Seas has a larger gross tonnage, it likely means wider open spaces and more onboard attractions rather than additional decks.

What Sets These Ships Apart?

Beyond size, these two mega-cruise ships are designed with distinct styles, amenities, and target audiences in mind.

MSC World America: A European-Inspired Experience

MSC Cruises is known for its European hospitality, and MSC World America continues this tradition while being specially designed for the North American market. Some key highlights include:

• The Promenade: A stunning open-air boulevard with shops, restaurants, and bars.
• The Dome: A partially covered, entertainment-filled central hub.
• Six Themed Districts: Each catering to different interests, from family-friendly zones to adults-only retreats.
• Eco-Friendly Features: Running on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) for cleaner emissions.

Icon of the Seas: The Ultimate Family Adventure

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is all about adventure and innovation, particularly for families and thrill-seekers. Standout features include:

• Thrill Island: The largest water park at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides.
• AquaDome: A futuristic entertainment space with a 360-degree waterfall and aerial acrobatics shows.
• Neighborhood Concept: The ship is divided into eight neighborhoods, each offering a different atmosphere.
• Ultimate Family Townhouse: A three-story family suite with a slide inside.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the biggest ship in terms of sheer size, passenger capacity, and onboard attractions, Icon of the Seas is the winner. Its larger gross tonnage, length, and passenger space make it the undisputed giant of the seas.

However, MSC World America still offers an incredible luxury experience, especially for those who prefer a European cruise atmosphere with a focus on elegance and sustainability.

Whether you want to sail on the record-breaking Icon of the Seas or enjoy the refined elegance of MSC World America, now is the perfect time to secure your booking! CruiseBooking.com offers the best deals, early-bird discounts, and personalized cruise recommendations. Don’t wait—reserve your spot now and set sail on the cruise of a lifetime!