Allie Hubers Cruise ships are some of the most expensive man-made structures in the world. With towering designs, luxurious amenities, cutting-edge technology, and the ability to carry thousands of passengers, these floating resorts rival the cost of skyscrapers and even some aircraft carriers.
It’s no surprise that the cost to build a cruise ship can easily reach into the billions of dollars, especially for the largest and most advanced ships sailing today.
The final price depends on far more than just size. From innovative fuel systems and navigation technology to luxury suites, entertainment venues, and elaborate dining concepts, every detail adds to the bottom line.
A modern mega-ship like Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas or MSC World Europa represents years of planning, thousands of skilled workers, and a staggering cruise ship cost that reflects the complexity of these floating cities.
So, how much does a cruise ship cost to build, and which vessels have the highest price tags in history? In this article, I’ll break down what goes into the cost of building a cruise ship and highlight some of the most expensive cruise ships ever constructed.
What factors influence the cost of a cruise ship?
A cruise ship’s cost depends on several factors, which are outlined below. As expected, the cruise industry’s biggest and most technologically advanced vessels are the most expensive cruise ships to build.
- Size & passenger capacity – Larger ships that can hold more guests require more cabins, dining venues, theaters, pools, and crew facilities.
- Amenities & features – The addition of waterparks, roller coasters, observation pods, ice rinks, and unique dining concepts all drive up costs.
- Technology – Advanced navigation systems, stabilizers, hybrid fuel systems, and eco-friendly innovations (like LNG engines) increase the price.
- Interior design & luxury level – A mass-market cruise ship will cost less per berth than a luxury or ultra-luxury ship with spacious suites and high-end finishes.
- Shipyard location – Most modern cruise ships are built in European shipyards (like Meyer Werft in Germany or Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France), where skilled labor and high-quality engineering come with a hefty price.
How much does a cruise ship cost to build?
On average, cruise ships cost $500 million to $1.5 billion USD to build, depending on their size and complexity.
Smaller ships (like expedition vessels or older mid-size designs) can cost between $200 million and $600 million.
Mega cruise ships (carrying 5,000+ passengers) typically cost between $1 billion and $1.5 billion. The largest and newest ships in the world are breaking records at over $2 billion each.
The most expensive cruise ships ever built (2025)
To put things into perspective, some cruise ships cost as much as entire skyscrapers or sports stadiums to build.
Below is a look at the most expensive cruise ships ever constructed, including their estimated build cost and launch year. This comparison shows just how much cruise lines are investing to push the boundaries of innovation at sea.
| Ship name | Approx. cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Icon of the Seas | Over $2 billion |
| Star of the Seas | Over $2 billion |
| Utopia of the Seas | ~$1.4 billion |
| Oasis of the Seas | ~$1.4 billion |
| Wonder of the Seas | ~$1.35 billion |
| MSC World Europa | ~$1.25 billion |
| Celebrity Ascent | ~$1 billion |
| Celebrity Beyond | ~$1 billion |
| Carnival Jubilee | ~$950 million each |
These top five vessels represent major milestones in cruise ship design, technology, and passenger experience.
From record-breaking capacity to cutting-edge sustainability, here’s why these cruise ships are so expensive to build.
1. Icon of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
- Cost: Estimated $2 billion
- Year launched: 2024
- Why so expensive? As the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas can carry nearly 10,000 passengers and crew. It features seven unique neighborhoods, the largest waterpark at sea, and runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG), a more sustainable fuel option.
2. Star of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
- Cost: Estimated $2 billion
- Year launched: 2025
- Why so expensive? As the second Icon class ship, Star of the Seas carries forward the groundbreaking design of her sister while adding refinements based on guest feedback and operational learnings from Icon’s debut. Also LNG-powered, she features similar neighborhoods but with new venues, updated dining concepts, and small design improvements.
3. Utopia of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
- Cost: Around $1.5 billion – $1.7 billion
- Year launched: 2024
- Why so expensive? As the first Oasis class ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Utopia of the Seas required costly, cutting-edge propulsion and fuel systems. At over 231,000 gross tons, it’s packed with high-end features, including multiple pools, waterslides, immersive dining like the Royal Railway experience, and ultra-luxurious suites.
4. Wonder of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
- Cost: $1.35 billion
- Year launched: 2022
- Why so expensive? As the fifth Oasis class ship to debut, Wonder of the Seas was once the largest cruise ship in the world. It introduced the first-ever Suite Neighborhood along with eight distinct themed areas, dozens of dining venues, and cutting-edge entertainment spaces. Its sheer size, luxury offerings, and record-breaking capacity drove its multibillion-dollar price tag.
5. MSC World Europa – MSC Cruises
- Cost: About $1.25 billion
- Year launched: 2022
- Why so expensive? MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ship and one of the most technologically advanced vessels at sea. Its futuristic design includes an open-air promenade, the longest dry slide at sea, and dozens of dining and entertainment venues. The combination of cutting-edge sustainability, massive size, and innovative features drove its $1.25 billion construction cost.
6. Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
- Cost: $1.4 billion
- Year launched: 2009
- Why so expensive? Oasis of the Seas revolutionized the cruise industry when it debuted in 2009 as the first ship over 220,000 gross tons and the largest in the world at the time. Royal Caribbean introduced the split-superstructure design, neighborhood concept, and iconic features like the AquaTheater and Central Park. As the pioneer of the Oasis class, its groundbreaking scale and engineering explain its $1.4 billion price tag.
Smaller luxury cruise ships have high costs
It’s not just mega-ships that rack up big bills. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Viking Cruises, Silversea, and Seabourn often build smaller ships (carrying 500–1,000 passengers), but the per-passenger cost is much higher.
For example, Seven Seas Explorer, launched in 2016, cost about $450 million. This is a huge price tag for a ship carrying just 750 guests. Regent marketed it as “the most luxurious ship ever built,” with marble bathrooms, high-end dining venues, and lavish suites.
Will cruise ships get more expensive to build?
In short, yes, as costs are continuing to rise. With inflation, stricter environmental regulations, and demand for bigger and more advanced ships, we’ll likely see more vessels breaking the $2 billion mark in the coming years.
For perspective, the Titanic cost about $7.5 million USD to build in 1912, which equals roughly $200–$250 million today. At the time, it was the most advanced ship in the world, but its adjusted cost is still only a fraction of what it takes to build a modern mega-ship.
Royal Caribbean already has two more Icon class ships on order, while Disney, MSC, and Carnival are all building LNG-powered mega-ships. Each new generation of cruise ships brings higher costs, but also groundbreaking features.
