Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
_002.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Harmony of the Seas
Icon of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Harmony of the Seas
226,963 GT
Icon of the Seas
250,800 GT
Length
Harmony of the Seas
362 m
Icon of the Seas
365 m
Beam
Harmony of the Seas
66 m
Icon of the Seas
65 m
Passengers
Harmony of the Seas
6,687
Icon of the Seas
7,600
Crew
Harmony of the Seas
2,100
Icon of the Seas
2,350
Decks
Harmony of the Seas
—
Icon of the Seas
—
Year Built
Harmony of the Seas
2,016
Icon of the Seas
2,024
Space Ratio
Harmony of the Seas
33.9 GT/pax
Icon of the Seas
33.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Harmony of the Seas
3.18 :1
Icon of the Seas
3.23 :1
| Specification | Harmony of the Seas | Icon of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Oasis Class | Icon Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 226,963 GT | 250,800 GTWinner |
| Length | 362 m | 365 mWinner |
| Beam | 66 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,687 | 7,600Winner |
| Crew | 2,100 | 2,350Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.9 GT/paxWinner | 33.0 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.18:1Winner | 3.23:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | STX France | Meyer Turku |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9682875 | 9829930 |
Icon of the Seas is the larger vessel at 250,800 GT — 11% more than Harmony of the Seas's 226,963 GT. Built in 2024, Icon of the Seas is 8 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Icon of the Seas |
| Capacity | Icon of the Seas |
| Modernity | Icon of the Seas |
| Service | Harmony of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Harmony of the Seas |
Bottom line: Icon of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Harmony of the Seas
Large 6,687-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,687 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Icon of the Seas
Large 7,600-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
7,600 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
65 m |
| Draft | 9.3 mWinner | 9.1 m |
| Decks | — | — |
_in_Malaga.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)