See how the world's largest cruise ship feeds 10,000 people every day

Cruises are more popular than ever, but they're also more controversial than ever, with destinations around the globe limiting or outright banning them from ports in an effort to combat over-tourism.

In April 2022, I took my first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas and it was bigger than I could even imagine. I felt as if I were in a small town in the middle of the ocean. At the time of my sailing, Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas took over the title in January 2024.  

What's the highest-rated cruise destination in the world?

If you're planning a cruise vacation with kids, you're likely focused on two brands: Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

It probably seemed like a great idea at the time: use a rare confluence of itineraries to bring three cruise ships together in the middle of the ocean, launch a drone or two, and get unique photos to highlight Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s biggest brands: Celebrity, Silversea and Royal Caribbean.

An employee working on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has been arrested on suspicion of placing secret cameras inside passengers' bathrooms and filming them without their knowledge.

Cruise food and cruise fun go hand-in-hand. Gone are the days when your only food choices were a main dining room and a buffet venue. Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with options — some that are included in your cruise fare and some that cost extra. From the largest ship in the fleet to the smallest, the choices are mind-blowing — especially for new-to-Royal cruisers.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with retired lawyer Peter Antonucci, who spent six years living on The World — a residential ship for millionaires. Antonucci has written three novels about scandals on the high seas.

First-time cruisers may feel overwhelmed by the vacation style. It's a new form of transportation for some, and when you're traveling on a large ship with so many places to eat and so many activities and excursions, it can be hard to figure out how to spend your time.

Cruise fans on the West Coast are about to have a major new option.

It's official: Short cruises on giant ships seem to be the flavor of the month in the cruise world.

In 2026, the only flight you'll have to take to visit 39 countries in less than half a year is the one from your home to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.