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Coming Spring 2024, New Oasis Class Ship Utopia of the Seas

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June 2023 – Introducing the ultimate 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaway, Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas . The new vacation is the first game-changing Oasis Class ship to debut with short getaways, setting the stage to make more memories in one short trip than ever before. Groups of friends and families can celebrate with unmatched weekend energy across all-new and returning experiences, more than 40 ways to dine and drink, more pools than the days to count, thrills and ways to chill, and more of all the above at Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas – on every cruise. Utopia debuts July 2024 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and will set sail every Friday and Monday year-round.

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The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
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• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The Top Island Itineraries For 2023's New Cruise Ships

Fun-in-the-sun megaships, small luxury vessels, a new cruise line, and a returning favorite highlight these tropical experiences..

If you're looking to book a brand-new cruise ship sailing island-centric itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond, 2023 offers lots of options. There's a new cruise ship debuting almost every month from April to December as nine leading cruise lines add vessels to their fleets, an upscale newcomer debuts, and a familiar brand relaunches. 

So, whether you prefer lively megaships accommodating more than 4,000 guests or small luxury ships focused on fine dining and pampering, there's an island-hopping cruise waiting to be booked. Read on for the top itineraries from 2023's new cruise ships.

Inaugural cruise: July 

What's onboard: Luxury-ship newcomer Explora Journeys , a division of MSC Cruises, will christen its first vessel, Explora 1 , in July. The 922-passenger ship is the first of six planned eco-conscious vessels that will sail six- to 35-night immersive itineraries, first in Northern Europe and then in South America, and feature nine inclusive dining experiences, four pools (one with a tractable roof), and 10 bars and lounges (several featuring hand-crafted Steinway pianos).

Top island itineraries: Among Explora 1's early itineraries will be the 19-night Extended Journey from Flemish Canals to Icelandic Lagoons (from Hamburg, Germany to Reykjavik, Iceland) that calls on England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Lewis, and the Shetland Islands, as well as the Faroe Islands. After arriving in the Caribbean, the ship will sail itineraries that include the 10-night Caribbean Escapes in European Outposts, visiting Key West, Virgin Gorda, St. Barths. St. Kitts, Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, and Barbados.

Viking Saturn

Inaugural cruise: April 

What's onboard: When you step aboard Viking Saturn, the cruise line's ninth ocean ship, there won't be any surprises. That's because Viking's philosophy for its ocean cruise line is to offer guests a consistent experience with identical 930-guest ships. Just like its siblings, Viking Saturn is adults-only and features tranquil Scandinavian-modern décor, a Liv Nordic Spa with a soothing thermal area available to all guests, an aft infinity pool, and a main pool with a retractable roof, five dining venues (all included in the cruise fare along with complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner), and educational guest lectures.

Top island itineraries: Viking Saturn will be in Europe throughout 2023 with itineraries that include: Iceland, British Isles, and Iberia , which combines port calls in Iceland, Ireland, and England with coastal visits in Spain and Portugal; Empires of the Mediterranean , which cruises coastal Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece plus the islands of Corfu and Santorini; and Cities of Antiquity and the Holy Land , which visits Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Cyprus, as well as coastal Israel and Italy. 

Resilient Lady

Inaugural: may .

What's onboard: The third ship in Richard Branson's three-year-old Virgin Voyages fleet, 2,700-guest Resilient Lady offers an adults-only cruise experience that's music-centric and campy, with an onboard tattoo parlor, a resident drag-queen "Diva," suites called "Rockstar Quarters," 20 restaurants (all complimentary) and edgy nightlife and entertainment. Resilient Lady will set sail in May from Athens (Piraeus), Greece and then from Barcelona, Spain and spend winter 2023/2024 in Australia (summer Down Under).

Top island itineraries: Resilient Lady will cruise 7-night French Daze and Ibiza Nights itineraries to the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca (plus Marseilles and Cannes) from Barcelona and Greek Island Glow to Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos and Bodrum, Turkey from Athens (Piraeus) through fall 2023 and then homeport from Melbourne Australia , offering 2-to-5-night cruises to Tasmania and 10-to-12-night sailings to Tasmania and New Zealand through March 2024.

Oceania Vista

What's onboard: It's been 11 years since Oceania Cruises launched a new-build ship and 1,200-guest Oceania Vista , the first in in the Allura Class, will set sail in May in the Mediterranean. Vista, featuring elegant contemporary design and all-veranda accommodations, will offer all-complimentary dining options that include new options Ember serving inventive New American cuisine and wellness-inspired Aquamar Kitchen, along with guest-favorite Red Ginger for flavorful pan-Asian specialties. There's also an onboard culinary center, an innovative mixology program, a chic pool deck, and an Aquamar Spa with an aft pool on the Spa Terrace.

Top island itineraries: While in Europe, Oceania Vista will offer a 10-day Greek and Italian Artistry cruise that visits the islands of Sicily, Malta, Mykonos, and Santorini, as well as coastal Italy and Turkey and a 12-day British Isles Splendor , which sails roundtrip from London and visits 10 ports in England, Ireland, and Scotland. In late fall, the ship heads to Miami for a series of winter sailings in the Caribbean, such as the 10-day Caribbean Wanderlust , which calls on the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Barth, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Antigua.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

Relaunch: July and September

What's onboard: Crystal , now owned and managed by British travel company A&K Travel Group Limited and holding company Heritage, plans to relaunch 740-guest Crystal Serenity (in July) and 606-guest Crystal Symphony (in September), following extensive refurbishments. A brand that dominated the luxury cruise market for two decades until its former owners suffered bankruptcy and liquidation in early 2022, Crystal is known for attentive service and elevated cuisine in venues that will now include Waterside main dining room, new Italian specialty restaurant Osteria D'Ovidio, global family-style Tastes Kitchen and Bar, and exclusive Vintage Room for six-course wine-paired dinners (at extra cost). 

Top island itineraries: When Crystal Serenity arrives in Miami in late October, it will begin several months of Caribbean itineraries, including the 10-night Miami to San Juan sailing that visits Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Barth, Tortola, and Puerto Rico, while the 13-night Miami to Miami itinerary calls on Grand Turk, Jost Van Dyke, St. Thomas, Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, and Puerto Rico. Crystal Symphony will spend September and October in the Mediterranean before heading to Asia, where a top itinerary is a 30-night Sydney to Bali sailing visiting Tasmania, New Zealand, Komodo Island, and Bali.

Norwegian Viva

Debut: August 

What's onboard: Just a year after the debut of Norwegian Cruise Line's first-in-its-class Norwegian Prima , 3,099-guest Norwegian Viva will set sail in the Mediterranean and offer the same onboard innovations as its sibling: a dozen dining venues (including four complimentary eateries, among them the new Indulge Food Hall and seven specialty restaurants), bright and modern décor in its airy staterooms (some for solo travelers), a dazzling three-story atrium, and a wide array of indoor and outdoor bars and lounges. Ideal for both couples and families, the new ship features expansive deck space with sleek infinity pools, twisting slides, and a three-level Viva Speedway. 

Top island itineraries: As Norwegian Viva spends the autumn months in the Mediterranean, the 9-day Italy, Greece and Croatia sailing visits Sicily, Malta, and Corfu, as well as coastal ports in Italy and Croatia. After arriving in the Caribbean, Viva will offer a 9-day Curacao, Aruba, and St. Lucia sailing (roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico) that calls on St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts. 

Silver Nova

Inaugural: august .

What's onboard: With 728-guest Silver Nova , luxury cruise line Silver s ea is debuting a novel new asymmetrical design that orients the pool deck toward the ship's starboard side for panoramic views. The ship also features new aft suites offering 270-degree vistas, nine restaurants (including S.A.L.T. Kitchen for destination-inspired menus), 11 bars, and the Otium Spa inspired by 2,000-year-old ancient Roman therapies. After its summer debut in the Mediterranean, Silver Nova will head to the Caribbean and South America.

Top island itineraries: Silver Nova's 17-day Lisbon to Lisbon sailing in late September will visit six islands in the Azores, Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, and Madeira; and in November its 16-day New York to Bridgetown cruise will call on Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Barth, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, and Barbados.

Seabourn Pursuit

Inaugural: August

What's onboard: Is visiting Antarctica's South Shetland Islands, South Georgia Island, or the Falkland Islands on your bucket list? The debut of Pursuit adds a second 264-guest vessel to Seabourn's luxury expedition fleet with itineraries exploring remote locales while guests enjoy world-class amenities and spacious staterooms—plus access to a trained expedition team, two submarines and 24 Zodiacs. And while polar expeditions and other remote voyages are a key part of Pursuit's line-up, so are Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises.

Top island itineraries: The 14-day Spanish French and Italian Gems itinerary in late August visits Mallorca, Sardinia, and Corsica as well as coastal ports in Spain, Italy, Monaco, and France, while the 10-Day Atlantic Sunrises sailing in late September visits Puerto Rico, Jost Van Dyke, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, Bequia, and Barbados. Non-tropical Islands are part of polar exploration, with the 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia, and Falkland cruise in February 2024 visiting South Georgia Island (famed for its king penguin colonies) and the Falkland Islands. Dreaming of the South Pacific? Pursuit will make an epic 37-day Island Cultures: From Easter Island to Melanesia journey in March 2024 that visits Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural: november .

What's onboard: Do you just want to have fun—at an affordable price? Carnival Cruise Lines has always had "fun" as its mantra and 5,374-guest Carnival Jubilee , joining the fleet with cruises to the Caribbean from Galveston, TX in November, is the third megaship in the festive Mardi Gras class. Carnival continues its "party at sea" legacy onboard Jubilee with more than two-dozen restaurants and bars, a WaterWorks aqua park, five pools, a Family Feud Live game show, a BOLT rollercoaster, and much more.

Top island itineraries: Carnival Jubilee will homeport in Galveston and offer 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries year-round that call on Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, as well as Costa Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast. 

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Inaugural: November

What's onboard: Seven Seas Grandeur , launching in November with a transatlantic crossing followed by sailings from Miami to the Caribbean, will be the third ship in Regent's Explorer Class and feature the most expensive art collection at sea—which will include the first Fabergé egg to permanently reside on a cruise ship. Grandeur will offer seven gourmet dining venues (all included in the cruise fare), elegant bars and lounges, two pools, a gleaming spa, and spacious veranda suites in 10 categories.

Top island itineraries: Seven Seas Grandeur's 12-night Miami to Miami sailing in February 2024 calls on Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Barth, and Tortola, while its 10-night Istanbul to Athens itinerary in June 2024 visits the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Lesbos, Patmos, Rhodes, and Crete, along with Malta and coastal ports in Turkey.

Celebrity Ascent

Inaugural: december.

What's onboard: Celebrity Ascent , the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, makes its debut in December, cruising to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. The 3,260-guest vessel continues the evolution of Edge-series ships, which are distinguished by the tangerine-hued Magic Carpet lounge perched on their starboard side, signature martini-shaped hot tubs, and 32 food and beverage experiences, including specialty dining at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and the two-deck Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar, both first seen on 2022's Celebrity Beyond .

Top island itineraries: During its inaugural Caribbean season, Celebrity Ascent will offer 7-night San Juan, Tortola, and St. Kitts sailings and 7-night Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman itineraries (visiting Cozumel, Nassau, and Grand Cayman) before heading to the Mediterranean and offering varied itineraries, including 12-night Greek Isles, Italy, and Malta sailings in September and October 2024.

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DISCOVER THE BEST CRUISE SHIPS

There are so many reasons to get excited about a Royal Caribbean® cruise. Choose from itineraries that take you to top-rated vacation destinations, from sun-soaked Caribbean isles to ancient temples in Asia and everywhere in between. Make the most out of every moment at sea while traveling onboard the world’s best cruise ships, loaded from bow to stern with game-changing thrills, dazzling entertainment, as well as next-level dining and unmatched activities for all kinds of adventure-seekers. No matter which ship you choose to sail on, this is a fleet filled with incredible feats.

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These engineering wonders take home awards every year for their cutting-edge design, first-of-their-kind attractions, world class dining and accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. From the tallest slide at sea, to culinary concepts that take guests from Japan to Italy to Wonderland, the world’s largest cruise ships are full of adventures guaranteed to wow every kind of explorer.

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If you’re ready to learn more about the incredible adventures you can have on Royal Caribbean, check out our 2024-2026 sailings — they’re all open to book right now. Dive into our deck plans and become an expert on the fleet. Or discover why our Oasis Class and Amplified ships are rated among the best cruise ships in the world.

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Royal Caribbean cruise ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

What's the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship? It might seem like a strange question to ask, but it's something that matters if you're in the market for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The newest Royal Caribbean ship is typically also the Royal Caribbean ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It's what you want if you want the latest and greatest in a vessel for your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.

Right now, the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Icon of the Seas , which is just debuting in January . It's the first of a new class of vessels for the line.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other relatively new Royal Caribbean ships include Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. All began sailing in the last six years.

In all, Royal Caribbean operates 27 cruise vessels. On average, the line comes out without about one new ship a year, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for around 20 to 30 years before retiring them from the fleet. The oldest Royal Caribbean ship, Grandeur of the Seas, is 27 years old.

In general, Royal Caribbean's newest ships are far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last 15 or so years.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

Royal Caribbean's oldest cruise ships — those built in the 1990s and early 2000s — in many cases are half to a third the size of the line's newest vessels and have far fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer a lot of attractions as compared to many vessels at competing lines.

Royal Caribbean is known for bustling, activity-packed ships across its fleet.

Here, every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Icon of the Seas (2024)

Icon of the Seas is the belle of the ball at Royal Caribbean — the line's newest and most state-of-the-art ship. It's also the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and, indeed, the biggest ship ever built by any line.

Icon of the Seas is the first of a new class of vessels at Royal Caribbean called the Icon Class that will be rolling out over the next few years . Royal Caribbean has initially ordered three of the vessels but could add more ships to the series down the road.

Maiden voyage: 2024 Size: 250,800 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,610

2. Wonder of the Seas (2022)

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 235,600 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,734

Wonder of the Seas was the world's biggest cruise ship until the arrival of Icon of the Seas, and it remains one of the biggest ships ever built by any line.

Wonder of the Seas is the fifth vessel in Royal Caribbean's much-ballyhooed Oasis Class series of vessels — the world's largest ships from the time they began debuting in 2009 until the arrival of Icon of the Seas early this year.

3. Odyssey of the Seas (2022)

Maiden voyage : 2022 Size: 167,704 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,284

Odyssey of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean's five Quantum Class ships. The five-ship series debuted in 2014 with the unveiling of Quantum of the Seas and is the newest class of ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet (until the arrival of the Icon Class of ships in January).

4. Spectrum of the Seas (2019)

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 169,379 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,246

Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class series and has traditionally sailed in Asia, often on cruises aimed at the Asian market.

Like all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas features an iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and other amusements and an unusual attraction called North Star that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.

5. Symphony of the Seas (2018)

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 228,081 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,518

Symphony of the Seas is the world's third largest cruise ship, just a tad smaller than its newer sister Wonder of the Seas and the recently unveiled Icon of the Seas. Like Wonder of the Seas, it's part of the groundbreaking Oasis Class of ships that began debuting in 2009 (it's the fourth in the series).

Like all Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas is broken up into multiple neighborhoods for cruising fun, including a Central Park neighborhood full of eateries, bars and shops that runs down the middle of the ship and is open to the sky.

6. Harmony of the Seas (2016)

Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 226,963 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,479

Unveiled in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the third vessel in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class series and the biggest ship in the world at the time of its debut (it's since been eclipsed by its slightly bigger sisters Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas as well as the new Icon of the Seas).

The ship was the first in the Oasis Class to have a sprawling water park area known as Perfect Storm and the 10-story-high dry slide attraction Ultimate Abyss.

7. Ovation of the Seas (2016)

Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

Ovation of the Seas is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class of ships. In recent years, it has mostly sailed in Australia and Alaska.

Like its Quantum Class sisters, Ovation of the Seas is filled with amusements such as an iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.

8. Anthem of the Seas (2015)

Maiden voyage: 2015 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

Anthem of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's five Quantum Class vessels (it was the second ship in the series). It currently splits its time between New York City (where it spends the winter, sailing to New England, the Bahamas and the Caribbean) and Southampton, England. It sails voyages out of the latter home port during the summers.

For the winter of 2024-2025, Anthem of the Seas is scheduled to move to Singapore for Asia sailings.

9. Quantum of the Seas (2014)

Maiden voyage: 2014 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

Quantum of the Seas was the original Quantum Class vessel for Royal Caribbean, and it thus kicked off a new era for the line.

The 4,180-passenger ship notably was the first in the world with a Bionic Bar — a bar with a robot making drinks (a concept since rolled out to several other Royal Caribbean ships). It was also the first cruise ship with an iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.

10. Allure of the Seas (2010)

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 225,282 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,484

When Allure of the Seas debuted in 2010, it was the biggest ship in the world (by a hair) and is still one of the world's five biggest cruise vessels.

Allure of the Seas was the second ship in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class series, and only the three newer vessels in the series are bigger than it.

Like all Oasis Class ships, Allure of the Seas features multiple neighborhoods, including the Coney Island-inspired Boardwalk with an AquaTheater for acrobatic and high diving shows, a carousel, an arcade, restaurants and sweet shops, and two rock-climbing walls looming above.

11. Oasis of the Seas (2009)

Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 226,838 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,602

Oasis of the Seas was the cruise ship that changed the cruise world; a vessel so much bigger and with so many more attractions and venues when it debuted in 2009 that nobody who loved megaships wanted to be on any other vessel.

At the time of its debut, it was a stunning 40% bigger than any other cruise vessel on the planet.

Fourteen years after its debut, Oasis of the Seas remains one of the biggest ships on the planet, being just a tad smaller than its four Oasis Class sisters that have debuted in the years since it arrived. It's also eclipsed in size by the just unveiled Icon of the Seas.

12. Independence of the Seas (2008)

Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,634

Independence of the Seas is the newest of three ships in Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class series.

Like other Freedom Class vessels, it's notably smaller than Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class ships, but it still is big enough to offer a lot when it comes to deck-top attractions, eateries, lounges and bars. The back of its top deck features a FlowRider surfing pool, a water park area with swirling waterslides and a rock-climbing wall.

13. Liberty of the Seas (2007)

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,798

Liberty of the Seas is the second of three ships in Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class series.

Like its newer sister Independence of the Seas, it's smaller than Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class ships but still is big enough to pack in a lot of options for cruisers. You'll find many deck-top attractions, eateries, lounges and bars across this vessel.

14. Freedom of the Seas (2006)

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 156,271 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,926

Freedom of the Seas was another groundbreaking ship for Royal Caribbean, the first in a three-ship series (the Freedom Class) that were the biggest ships in the world when they debuted.

While no longer in the Top 25 list of biggest ships (so many bigger ships have since debuted), Freedom of the Seas still offers a lot of onboard fun. It was, notably, the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on its top decks — now a signature attraction for the line. It also boasts multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall.

15. Jewel of the Seas (2004)

Maiden voyage: 2004 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,191

Jewel of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean's four Radiance Class vessels, a series of ships that is significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships.

Indeed, at 90,090 tons, Radiance of the Seas and its three sisters are less than half the size of the massive Oasis Class ships.

Still, Radiance of the Seas has more than a half-dozen places to eat, including the main restaurant, casual buffet, steakhouse, Italian restaurant and Asian venue.

You'll also find three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium. Inside, a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges keep passengers entertained.

16. Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 139,863 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,000

Mariner of the Seas is the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series, which began debuting in 1999.

At the time of their debuts, the Voyager Class ships were the biggest cruise ships in the world (as is often the case with the new series of Royal Caribbean ships). But today, they are essentially midsize in the pantheon of Royal Caribbean vessels.

Still, Mariner of the Seas and its four Voyager Class sisters have many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.

Voyager Class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops in their interior. Each also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

17. Serenade of the Seas (2003)

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143

Serenade was the third ship to debut in Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class series, which rolled out in quick succession in the early 2000s.

Like other Radiance Class ships, it is significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships but still has a lot to offer, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.

Like Jewel of the Seas, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

18. Navigator of the Seas (2002)

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 139,999 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,388

Unveiled in 2002, Adventure of the Seas is the second newest vessel in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series.

Like other Voyager Class ships, it is significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's newer vessels but still offers many of the line's signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.

19. Brilliance of the Seas (2002)

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,142

Coming out just a year earlier than Serenade of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas is an almost identical vessel.

Like Serenade of the Seas, it's a Radiance Class ship, and that means it's significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. However, it is still loaded with venues, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.

Like its Radiance Class sisters, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

20. Adventure of the Seas (2001)

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,114

Adventure of the Seas is the third newest vessel in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series.

21. Radiance of the Seas (2001)

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143

Radiance of the Seas was the prototype vessel for Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class series, which debuted between 2001 and 2004.

Like the other ships in the series, it's significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. However, it still is loaded with venues, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.

In addition, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

22. Explorer of the Seas (2000)

Maiden voyage: 2000 Size: 137,308 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,286

Unveiled in 2000, Explorer of the Seas was the second vessel in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series.

Like the other four vessels in the series, it has many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions despite being smaller than the Royal Caribbean ships that have debuted over the past 15 years. These include a rock climbing wall and ice skating rink as well as a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.

Explorer of the Seas also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

23. Voyager of the Seas (1999)

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,602

Voyager of the Seas was the original Voyager Class ship, and at the time of its debut, it was the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Twenty-four years later, it isn't even one of the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world, the result of years of growth in the cruise industry that has seen far bigger vessels.

Still, Voyager of the Seas has many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall and ice skating rink (two concepts it debuted). It was also the first Royal Caribbean ship with an interior Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.

24. Vision of the Seas (1998)

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 78,340 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,050 passengers

Vision of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean's Vision Class ships, which are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Unlike most Royal Caribbean ships, they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.

In general, Vision of the Seas and its three older Vision Class sisters appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship and cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions.

25. Enchantment of the Seas (1997)

Maiden voyage: 1997 Size: 82,910 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,252

Enchantment of the Seas is the third of four Vision Class vessels that began joining the Royal Caribbean fleet in 1996.

Like its sister ships, it's less than half the size of Royal Caribbean's newest, biggest ships and has far fewer onboard attractions and amenities.

Like Vision of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship.

26. Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)

Maiden voyage : 1997 Size: 78,419 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,998

Rhapsody of the Seas was the second vessel in Royal Caribbean's Vision Class of ships, which are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Like its sisters in the Vision Class, it offers fewer onboard attractions and amenities than are typical for the line's vessels.

27. Grandeur of the Seas (1996)

Maiden voyage: 1996 Size: 73,817 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,992

Grandeur of the Seas was the original Vision Class vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and it's the smallest of the series, too. In fact, it's the smallest ship in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

Like its sisters in the Vision Class, Grandeur of the Seas offers relatively few onboard attractions and amenities — at least compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships.

What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship?

The newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Icon of the Seas. As noted above, it is just debuting in January, with its first sailing with paying passengers scheduled for Jan. 27.

Measuring 250,800 gross tons, Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship ever built. It's also loaded with more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions than you'll find on any other ship at sea.

TPG got a sneak peek at Icon of the Seas in early January in advance of its first sailing with paying passengers. Don't miss our first stories live from the ship:

• Icon of the Seas preview: Photos of Royal Caribbean's newest ship
• Why the world's largest cruise ship won't be as crowded as you fear

What is the oldest Royal Caribbean ship?

The oldest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Unveiled way back in 1996, it's not just the oldest Royal Caribbean ship but the smallest Royal Caribbean ship — far smaller than the newest Royal Caribbean vessels. Measuring just 73,817 gross tons, it's just a third the size of Wonder of the Seas and has far fewer venues.

Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the gee-whiz deck-top attractions found on bigger Royal Caribbean vessels, such as skydiving simulators and giant water parks. For the most part, its top deck is lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s.

That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.

What new Royal Caribbean ships are coming?

Royal Caribbean currently has three new cruise ships on order, all of which will be among its biggest cruise ships ever — if not its biggest.

The first to arrive, in July, will be Utopia of the Seas , the sixth and final vessel in the line's iconic Oasis Class series. Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis-class ships have dominated the world of mega-size cruise ships since that year. At the time the class began rolling out, the vessels were around 40% bigger than the next-biggest cruise ships, and they have continued to be the biggest and most amenity-laden ships in the world ever since.

Utopia of the Seas is expected to be roughly the same size as Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second-biggest cruise ship. But it'll be smaller than the line's biggest ship, Icon of the Seas. It's currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

Royal Caribbean also has two more vessels similar to Icon of the Seas on order from shipyards for delivery in 2025 and 2026. The first of the vessels will be called Star of the Seas. The second of the vessels has not yet been named.

Known as the Icon Class, these ships are being built at the giant Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship available for booking?

Star of the Seas is the newest Royal Caribbean ship that you can book right now. While the ship isn't yet sailing, its initial sailings scheduled for August 2025 are already on sale, as are future sailings through April 2026.

Also not yet sailing but available to book is Utopia of the Seas, the new Oasis Class vessel that will debut in July. Utopia of the Seas sailings through April 2025 are now open for bookings.

The third Royal Caribbean ship on order has yet to open for bookings.

What is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships?

The Icon Class is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships. It'll be made up of at least three vessels, the first of which (Icon of the Seas) is debuting this month.

At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas is more than 6% bigger than the biggest Royal Caribbean ships that came before it. It can hold up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship. That's about 7% higher than the maximum capacity of Wonder of the Seas, the line's next oldest vessel, which can hold up to 7,084 passengers.

The bigger passenger capacity of Icon of the Seas is in part due to the ship's greater focus on family travelers. Icon of the Seas is being built with more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with children. It'll also have more amenities geared to families, including a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside dedicated to families with young children.

What's the difference between newer and older Royal Caribbean ships?

Newer Royal Caribbean ships generally are bigger than older Royal Caribbean ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels.

On Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest Oasis Class vessels, for instance, you'll find three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on their top decks.

Inside the vessels, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks.

In short, they're like giant floating versions of the megaresorts you find in the Orlando area or Las Vegas, and they appeal to people who like a megaresort experience.

Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas has a similar array of venues.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's older ships are a half to a third smaller and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Icon Class and Oasis Class ships can hold more than 6,600 passengers with every berth full, the line's four oldest vessels (known as the Vision Class) are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

That makes them a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet thus appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Royal Caribbean loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Royal Caribbean are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Wonder of the Seas.

Note that all Royal Caribbean ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Royal Caribbean cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Holland America Line Announces 2025-26 Caribbean Season

• April 2, 2024

Holland America Line announced its 2025-26 Caribbean season, featuring nearly 30 different itineraries sailing between October 2025 and April 2026, according to a press release.

New for the season is the addition of Miami, Florida, as a homeport, as well as the return of the Koningsdam, deploying all three Pinnacle Class ships in the Caribbean. Port Everglades serves as the company’s main homeport.

Travelers can explore the eastern, western and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial Panama Canal transit.

  “This will be the first time all three of our Pinnacle-Class ships are in the Caribbean together, allowing for even more opportunities for guests to experience all we have to offer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “With demand for Caribbean cruises remaining strong, we’ve planned a robust season allowing guests to choose the islands they want to visit and the ideal length for their vacation.”

Highlights of the 2025-26 Caribbean include:

• All itineraries include a visit to Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
• Late-evening departures from Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire on select itineraries.
• Cuisine onboard highlights local flavors with regional favorites including yellowtail snapper and plantains
• 10 sailings in December exploring the waters of the Caribbean on cruises from seven to 14 days.

Travelers can extend their Caribbean sailing into Collectors’ Voyages for an even longer adventure. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries spanning more than one Caribbean region.

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The 2 New Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Debuting in 2024

Here’s is a look at Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, the two new cruise ships from Royal Caribbean debuting next year.

Icon of the Seas

First up is Icon of the Seas, the first of a new class of ships from Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship ever built at over 250,000 gross tons in size. The vessel is so large that it will be divided into eight neighborhoods

Royal Caribbean is combining the best of all of their vessels into the ultimate cruise ship. Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami, Florida and offer week long cruises to the Caribbean starting in January 2024.

Royal Caribbean is turning Icon of the Seas into the ultimate vacation for families. The top deck will have everything from the largest swimming pool at sea to a waterpark with the best waterslides found on any cruise ship.

There will be more than 20 dining options on the world’s largest cruise ship that will range from options for families to fine specialty dining. There will also be the cruise line’s first food hall.

View Prices on Cruises on Icon of the Seas

One of the most interesting new features on Icon of the Seas will be the Aquadome. In a tranquil oasis by day, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and an awe-inspiring waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it becomes a vibrant place great for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars and Royal Caribbean’s marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection and more.

Icon of the Seas will have more than 28 cabin categories ranging from large suites to inside cabins to cabins built specifically for families. It will also be the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to have infinite balcony cabins.

Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, week long Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from PortMiami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, and a mix of destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s 6th and final Oasis class ship. It will also be the first Oasis class ship powered by LNG. In keeping with tradition, it will be slightly larger than the previous Oasis class vessel and will be the second largest cruise ship in the world after Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean is going to shake up the short cruises market by having Utopia of the Seas sailing three and four night cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral starting in July 2024.

Utopia of the Seas will have all of the great features that Oasis class ships are known for. This includes the AquaTheater, Central Park, Boardwalk, an ice skating rink, and world class entertainment.

There will be over 20 cabin categories to choose from and more than 20 dining options so you’ll never go hungry.

Utopia of the Seas will be a getaway for friends, families and groups celebrating any occasion. Everyone can create their own weekend energy with their pick and mix of different types of pools and beaches, flavors from around the world, nightlife, entertainment and more.

The ship will also have the longest dry slide at sea, it will be 43 feet longer than her sister ships at 259 feet. The Ultimate Abyss on Utopia will have new zoom booster rollers and transparent racing windows.

View Prices on Cruises on Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Sea will sail three and four night cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral. Cruises will visit Nassau and CocoCay, with the four night cruises adding in a sea day.

All cruises on both of these new cruise ships from Royal Caribbean debuting in 2024 will visit the cruise line’s award winning private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The island will open an all new Hideaway Beach in early 2024 that will be for adults only.

CocoCay has a waterpark with 13 waterslides including the tallest in North America. It also has a swim-up bar, pools, and overwater cabanas that you can rent.

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I've been on 2 ultra-luxury cruise ships — endless caviar and free flights make the $685 per day worth it

• The cruise industry's  new ultra-luxury ships  could be worth the expensive fares.
• Wealthy cruisers get high-end amenities like complimentary flights, caviar, and wine.
• Luxury small-ship cruising has becoming increasingly popular. 

Say goodbye to questionable lunch buffets and tiny, windowless cabins. On ultra-luxury cruises , travelers get mountains of caviar, roundtrip business-class flights, and floating Rolex stores.

When you think of a cruise, you might picture the giant ships run by companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. On these family-friendly floating resorts, activities like go-kart tracks, waterparks, and virtual reality arcades are commonplace.

On smaller, more expensive cruises, these large and loud amenities are replaced with peace, quiet, and foie gras.

Cruises are generally considered an affordable vacation option, with necessities like food and a cabin included in the base fare.

However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the budget airline model : Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.

Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.

But guests luxuriate on high-end cruises, many of which are all-inclusive and don't have this problem.

Sure, luxury cruises have a higher base fare. But you'll never have to reach for your wallet once on board.

That's about as stress-free as you can get with a vacation.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Michael Ungerer, CEO of MSC Group's new luxury cruise line , Explora Journeys, told Business Insider in 2023. "Most of [the amenities] are already included, so we don't have to upsell."

After going on two luxury cruise ships, I now understand why so many wealthy travelers are splurging on these vacations at sea.

In 2023, I spent one night on Explora Journeys' Explora I while it was docked in New York and three nights on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur while it sailed roundtrip from Miami. Both were complimentary non-revenue events for travel agents and media.

Seven Seas Grandeur's least expensive 2024 cruise is a seven-night roundtrip Miami voyage in December, starting at $4,800 per person — about $685 per day. (Travelers can book their own flights and pre-cruise hotels for a discounted fare.)

Meanwhile, Explora I's most affordable itinerary is a $3,030-per-person, 10-night November sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Expensive? Yes. But on a cruise, money buys happiness.

On both ships, the fare includes complimentary bottles of Champagne, WiFi, endless alcoholic beverages, and access to the spa.

With Regent Seven Seas, pre-cruise hotels, every on board restaurant, flights to and from the ship (business class if international), and most excursions are also included.

Ironically, a higher price means a smaller ship.

The 922-guest Explora I stands at 813 feet and 63,900 gross-tons. The 746-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is smaller at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-tons.

To compare, Royal Caribbean's most popular and the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas , is a casual 1,196 feet long and 248,663 gross tons.

We’ll likely never see Icon of the Seas’ waterslides and theme park amenities across Regent Seven Seas' or Explora’s fleet.

But small ships have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.

The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.

Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.

Luxury ships still have some traditional amenities like pools, restaurants, and bars — just with an upscale flair, of course.

Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.

Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.

Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.

The devil (quiet references to quiet luxury) is in the ships’ details.

Explora I has the first Rolex store at sea. The Cartier boutique is right next door.

Up a few decks, travelers can workout at the Technogym Artis Line-supplied gym, where a treadmill costs $20,250 and an elliptical $15,500.

Meanwhile, Seven Seas Grandeur is decorated with 503 chandeliers and a $6 million art collection that includes several original Pablo Picasso pieces and a custom Fabergé egg.

As expected, the food on these luxury ships are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Both floating five-star resorts have lunch buffets of raw seafood, lobster tails, and crab legs.

For dinner on the Explora I, travelers can dine on the six restaurants' wagyu tataki, grilled octopus, and aged prime rib with potatoes and caviar.

The Seven Seas Grandeur's five restaurants all serve some form of black truffle, sturgeon caviar, or foie gras.

For a 10-night cruise, Regent Seven Seas says its new ship carries 1,200 pounds of lobster, 20 pounds of caviar, and 5,000 bottles of wine — the most pricey at $2,500.

Expensive food means expensive service: Like many high-end on-land restaurants, the hostess always offered me a black napkin when I wore dark pants.

Dinners of steak tartare, lobster, and wine were as commonplace as the scrambled eggs at the breakfast buffet.

And, they're free, according to the laws of " girl math ."

By the end of my second night on the Regent Seven Seas ship, "I'm tired of eating caviar" went from being a joke to a serious statement.

If we're stereotyping, cruise ship bars can be less-than-luxe.

But don't call Explora I's Lobby Bar, which looks like it came out of an actual hotel bar, "trashy." After all, its background music comes from the overhead Steinway piano.

Starbucks outposts are becoming increasingly popular on mass-market ships.

But wealthy cruisers don't get to wake up with green siren-decorated cups of caffeine.

Instead, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have their own coffee shops serving delectable espresso-based drinks and a separate afternoon tea service.

Like the lack of mediocre coffee, travelers on these fine ships will never be stuck in a tiny windowless interior cabin.

The smallest stateroom on the 461-cabin Explora I starts at 377 square-feet and flexes high-end amenities like a Dyson hairdryer.

The 373 cabins on the Seven Seas Grandeur start a bit smaller at 307 square-feet. At least it comes with L'Occitane en Provence products.

Both options have walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies. That's unheard of in the cheapest cabin on most mega-ships.

But one of the most pleasant differences between ultra-luxury and mid-tier cruises isn't in the amenities or dining.

It's the general ambiance.

Ultra-luxury ships aren't designed for cruising families with young children . The two ships didn't have cartoonish decor, loud lounges, or an unbearable number of children that could've kicked my fight-or-flight response.

Instead, the high-end vessels' common spaces were modern, mature, and relaxing.

If it seems like everyone you know has recently booked a cruise, you’d be correct.

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have recently seen off-the-charts bookings.

The same applies to the industry's more niche and expensive peers — especially as travelers have increasingly splurged on luxurious vacations like small-ship cruising.

In February, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , said demand for its luxury brands has been "very high."

After eating caviar and black truffles for every dinner on the Grandeur, I now understand why.

• Main content

Could ships be rerouted to New Jersey ports following Baltimore Key Bridge collapse?

In the wake of a devastating bridge collapse in Baltimore, shipping routes for cargo and cruise ships may undergo significant alterations, potentially rerouting vessels to ports in New Jersey.

Port Director of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Beth Rooney said her organization offered assistance and resources.

“The Port Authority is in touch with our counterparts in Baltimore, and we stand ready to assist with emergency resources and any other assistance that may be needed,” she said. “The Port of New York and New Jersey is proactively working with our industry partners to respond as needed and ensure supply chain continuity along the East Coast.”

At about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a vessel leaving the Port of Baltimore struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A video shows the ship hitting one of the bridge's columns before part of the bridge fell onto the ship and then fully collapsed into the Patapsco River.

As of Tuesday afternoon, a massive search was underway as multiple vehicles along with contractors repairing potholes were on the bridge at the time of its collapse, as reported by USA TODAY .

Data from ship tracking and maritime analytics provider MarineTraffic shows that on the day of the crash, 29 ships were expected to arrive at the port within 24 hours and 14 more were expected in the coming days.

Two people were rescued during the initial hours of the search.

The mayor of Baltimore, Brandon M. Scott, issued an executive order Tuesday morning declaring a state of emergency for the city. It is set to remain in place for 30 days.

"The Executive Order mobilizes the City of Baltimore's Emergency Operations Plan to deploy emergency resources to protect the persons affected by the incident and expands the resources available to tackle the emergency situation," the press release stated.

The Port of Baltimore announced that vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore will be suspended until further notice.

Between cargo ships and cruise ships, numerous vessels sail in and out of the port each day. In the wake of this tragedy, where will they all go?

Major ports nearby

The Port of New Jersey and New York is the largest port on the East Coast and a relatively short trip from the Port of Baltimore, making it a viable option for rerouting.

Other major ports along the East Coast that could see rerouted ships include:

• Port of Savannah
• Port of Charleston
• Port of Virginia
• Port of Miami
• Port of Boston

Cruise ships

Three major cruise lines run voyages in and out of the Port of Baltimore: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, all using the port for Caribbean, Canadian and other Atlantic destinations.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the company is working on alternatives for its ships.

"Our Port Logistics team is currently working on alternatives for our ongoing and upcoming sailings. We will message our guests and travel partners directly once our plans are finalized."

Royal Caribbean's, Vision of the Seas is on a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing that is not due back into port until April 4.

Travel | Royal Caribbean cruise ship rerouting…

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Travel | royal caribbean cruise ship rerouting operations to norfolk from baltimore.

Nauticus will host a Royal Caribbean cruise ship’s calls in April that were originally planned for Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Vision of the Seas , a 2,500-passenger vessel, was scheduled to return to Baltimore on April 4, but will instead debark its guests in Norfolk, according to a Nauticus news release. Many passengers will take buses back to their vehicles in Baltimore.

The ship will depart for two additional cruises from Norfolk on April 4 and April 12, returning a final time April 19.

Vision of the Seas will join another Baltimore-based cruise ship, Carnival Legend, in rerouting its operations to Norfolk after the bridge collapse curtailed ship traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore.

The bridge collapsed Tuesday, killing six people on a construction crew working on the span, after the cargo ship Dali hit one of its supports.

As cruise ships reroute to Nauticus, the Port of Virginia is ready to receive diverted cargo traffic from the Port of Baltimore. The collapsed bridge blocks the only channel in and out of the port on the Patapsco River. The port will be unable to receive shipping traffic until the channel is cleared , and stands to lose an estimated $15 million per day in economic activity.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]

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