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.
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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.
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Icon of the Seas Sets Sail Fall 2023
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(2024) Royal Caribbean Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest (Complete List)
Looking for a list of Royal Caribbean ships from newest to oldest? We’ve got you covered. This ships-by-age list will stay updated as more ships are built.
*This article has been updated to reflect the latest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean.
With the inclusion of Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean International currently has 27 cruise ships in the fleet, more than any other cruise line in the world (currently beating Carnival by one). With the largest cruise ships in the world (Oasis-class) and some of the most technologically advanced cruise ships on the water, the cruise line is growing quickly.
Below we will look at every single ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship? Icon of the Seas, an Icon-class ship launched in 2024, is the latest ship to be built and added to service with the cruise line.
The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is Grandeur of the Seas which was built in 1996.
We also sorted every cruise ship by size if you’d like to see which ships are the largest in the fleet.
- Royal Caribbean ships newest to oldest list
- Every Royal Caribbean ship by size
- Royal Caribbean ship classes
This list of Royal Caribbean ships will start with the newer ships and end with the oldest Royal Caribbean ship. The cruise line has ships that can vary from 73,000 gross tons (Vision Class), to the Oasis class that are 225,000+ gross tons.
RCCL’s new ships coming soon:
- Utopia of the Seas – Spring 2024. Utopia will be the sixth of the Oasis-class ships with Royal Caribbean.
- Star of the Seas – Summer 2025. The second Icon-class ship, Royal Caribbean just released the name of this future ship.
- Unnamed Icon-class ship – Scheduled for 2026
- Unnamed Oasis-class ship – 7th Oasis-class vessel, scheduled for 2028.
The cruise ships listed below are the vessels currently sailing within Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Royal Caribbean cruise ships newest to oldest (updated):
Icon of the Seas (2024)
Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class cruise ship with Royal Caribbean and is currently the largest cruise ship in the fleet on top of being the largest in the world. Icon’s official debut will take place on January 27th, 2024. The ship has 8 neighborhoods and a unique AquaDome in which the AquaTheater shows will take place.
- 5,610 double capacity
- 1,198 feet long
- 250,800 gross tons
Wonder of the Seas (2022)
Launched in 2022, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis class ship from Royal Caribbean and previously was the largest in the world before Icon of the Seas was built. Just like her sister ships, she debuted as the world’s largest cruise ship at more than 236,000 gross tons and carries just under 7,000 passengers at maximum capacity and 5,734 at double capacity.
- 5,734 double capacity
- 1,188 feet long
- 236,857 gross tons
- Oasis-class
Odyssey of the Seas (2021)
The 2nd Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship from Royal Caribbean, Odyssey of the Seas had its inaugural sailing in June of 2021 . The ship measures 1,138 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 167,704. The 16-deck ship can carry 4,198 passengers at double occupancy.
- 4,198 double capacity
- 1,138 feet long
- 167,704 gross tons
- Quantum-class
Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
A Quantum Ultra class ship, Spectrum of the Seas was specifically designed for cruise guests in China and now enjoys sailings all around the world. At 169,000 in gross tonnage it has a guest capacity of over 4,000. The ship was delivered in April of 2019 .
- 4,246 double capacity
- 1,139 feet long
- 169,379 gross tons
Symphony of the Seas (2018)
At 228,000+ in gross tonnage, Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world at the time. This Oasis-class ship was built in 2018 and has a double capacity of 5,518. The length of this ship is 1,184 feet with a max beam of 215 feet. The ship holds 2,200 crew members onboard.
- 5,518 double capacity
- 1,184 feet long
- 228,081 gross tons
Ovation of the Seas (2016)
Built in 2016 , Ovation of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean Quantum-class ship. Ovation comes in at 168,000+ gross tons and has a double capacity of 4,180. The length of this ship is 1,141 feet with a max beam of 160 feet.
- 4,180 double capacity
- 1,141 feet long
- 168,666 gross tons
Harmony of the Seas (2016)
Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis class ship built in 2016 . Maximum capacity is 6,687 on this 226,963 gross ton ship. The length of Harmony is 1,188 feet with a max beam of 217 feet.
- 5,497 double capacity
- 226,963 gross tons
Anthem of the Seas (2015)
Built in 2015 , Anthem of the Seas was the second Quantum class ship from Royal Caribbean. The 168,666 gross ton ship has a maximum capacity of 4,905. The length of this vessel is 1,139 feet with a max beam of 162 feet.
Quantum of the Seas (2014)
The first Quantum class ship ever built made huge waves when it was first revealed to the world. Quantum of the seas was built in 2014 and featured the first ever North Star, a ride that elevates cruisers over 300 feet above the sea for 360-degree views. This vessel is a 168,666 gross ton ship with a maximum capacity of 4,905. The length of this ship is 1,141 feet with a max beam of 162 feet.
Allure of the Seas (2010)
This ship was the largest in the world for a time when it was built in 2010 . The second Oasis class ship, Allure of the Seas is 225,282 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 6,780. The length of this ship is 1,187 feet with a max beam of 198 feet.
- 5,492 double capacity
- 1,187 feet long
- 225,282 gross tons
Oasis of the Seas (2009)
The mega ship that started it all, Oasis of the Seas was built in 2009 . At 226,838 tons, Oasis has a max capacity of 6,699. The length of this ship is 1,181 feet with a max beam of 198 feet. The pool deck offers 3 separate pools and plenty of space on the sun deck. The top deck reaches 18 decks high on this massive vessel.
- 5,606 double capacity
- 1,181 feet long
- 226,838 gross tons
Independence of the Seas (2008)
Independence of the Seas was built in 2008 and was the last of the Freedom class ships. At 155,889 gross tons this ship has a maximum capacity of 4,375. The length of this ship is 1,112 feet with a max beam of 184 feet.
- 3,634 double capacity
- 1,112 feet long
- 155,889 gross tons
- Freedom-class
Liberty of the Seas (2007)
Built in 2007 , Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom-class Royal Caribbean ship. At 155,889 tons this ship has a max capacity of 4,960. The length of this ship is 1,112 feet with a max beam of 128 feet.
- 3,798 double capacity
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Freedom of the Seas (2006)
The first Freedom class ship, Freedom of the Seas was built in 2006 . When this ship was first built it was the largest cruise ship in the world. At 156,271 gross tons, this ship has a max capacity of 4,515. The length of this ship is 1,111 with a max beam of 128 feet.
- 3,782 double capacity
- 1,111 feet long
- 156,271 gross tons
Jewel of the Seas (2004)
Jewel of the Seas was the last Radiance class ship built by Royal Caribbean International. It was built in 2004 with a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a max capacity of 2,466. The length of this ship is 961 feet with a max beam of 131 feet. Jewel of the Seas is currently sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- 2,143 double capacity
- 961 feet long
- 90,090 gross tons
- Radiance-class
Serenade of the Seas (2003)
Built in 2003 , Serenade of the Seas comes in at 90,090 gross tons with a max capacity of 2,476 cruise passengers. The length of this ship is 961 feet with a max beam of 131 feet.
- 2,146 double capacity
Mariner of the Seas (2003)
Mariner of the Seas was the last of the Voyager class ships and is a second generation Voyager class vessel. Built in 2003 , Mariner has a max capacity of 3,807 while coming in at 139,863 in gross tonnage. This ship has a length of 1,020 with a max beam of 157 feet.
- 3,114 double capacity
- 1,020 feet long
- 139,863 gross tons
- Voyager-class
Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
This is another Radiance class vessel. Brilliance of the Seas was built in 2002 and comes in at the same 90,090 tons as the other ships in its class. With a max capacity of 2,543 passengers this ship has a length of 958 feet with a max beam of 130 feet.
- 2,140 double capacity
- 958 feet long
Navigator of the Seas (2002)
Built during the same year as Brilliance of the Seas in 2002 , Navigator of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 139,999 with a max capacity of 3,990. This Voyager-class vessel has a length of 1,020 feet and a max beam of 157 feet.
- 3,386 double capacity
- 139,999 gross tons
Radiance of the Seas (2001)
The first Radiance class ship was built in 2001 . This ship has a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a max capacity of 2501 cruise guests. Radiance has a length of 961 feet and a max beam of 131 feet.
Adventure of the Seas (2001)
Adventure of the Seas is a Voyager class ship built in 2001 . It has a gross tonnage of 137,276 and has a maximum capacity of 3,807 passengers. The length of this ship is 1,020 with a max beam of 161 feet.
- 138,193 gross tons
Explorer of the Seas (2000)
Built in 2000 , Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship with a gross tonnage of 137,308 and a max capacity of 3,807. This ship has a length of 1,020 feet and a max beam of 161 feet.
- 138,194 gross tons
Voyager of the Seas (1999)
The first of the Voyager-class ships was built in 1999 . Voyager of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 137,276 with a max capacity of 3,840. The length of this ship is 1,021 with a max beam of 156 feet.
- 137,276 gross tons
Vision of the Seas (1998)
This is a Vision-class ship, although the ships in this class are more varied than in other classes from Royal Caribbean. Vision of the Seas was built in 1998 and is 78,717 in gross tonnage with a max capacity of 2,514 passengers. This ship is 915 feet in length with a max beam of 117 feet.
- 2,050 double capacity
- 915 feet long
- 78,717 gross tons
- Vision-class
Enchantment of the Seas (1997)
Another Vision class ship, Enchantment of the Seas was built in 1997 and has a gross tonnage of 82,910 with a max capacity of 2,730. Enchantment mainly operates in the Bahamas. This ship has a length of 916 feet with a beam of 106 feet.
- 2,252 double capacity
- 916 feet long
- 82,910 gross tons
Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)
Rhapsody of the Seas was built in 1997 and is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. This ship has a gross tonnage of 78,878 with a max capacity of 2,416. The ship’s length is 915 feet with a max beam of 116 feet.
- 1,998 double capacity
- 78,878 gross tons
Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
This was the first of the Vision-class ships, built in 1996 and is now the oldest ship with Royal Caribbean. With a gross tonnage of 73,817 and a max capacity of 2,440, The length of this Royal Caribbean cruise ship is 915 feet with a max beam of 118 feet.
- 1,992 double capacity
- 78,817 gross tons
Here are all the current Royal Caribbean ships by age from newest to oldest:
- Icon of the Seas, 2024
- Wonder of the Seas, 2022
- Odyssey of the Seas, 2021
- Spectrum of the Seas, 2019
- Symphony of the Seas, 2018
- Ovation of the Seas, 2016
- Harmony of the Seas, 2016
- Anthem of the Seas, 2015
- Quantum of the Seas, 2014
- Allure of the Seas, 2010
- Oasis of the Seas, 2009
- Independence of the Seas, 2008
- Liberty of the Seas, 2007
- Freedom of the Seas, 2006
- Jewel of the Seas, 2004
- Serenade of the Seas, 2003
- Mariner of the Seas, 2003
- Brilliance of the Seas, 2002
- Navigator of the Seas, 2002
- Radiance of the Seas, 2001
- Adventure of the Seas, 2001
- Explorer of the Seas, 2000
- Voyager of the Seas, 1999
- Vision of the Seas, 1998
- Enchantment of the Seas, 1997
- Rhapsody of the Seas, 1997
- Grandeur of the Seas, 1996
List of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Size
The table below lists every Royal Caribbean ship currently in service in order from largest to smallest. This measurement is by GT or Gross Tonnage which measures overall space and not weight.
For those cruise history buffs out there, you should know that the name of RCCL’s first ship was Song of Norway which debuted in 1970.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes
Icon class is Royal Caribbean’s newest class of cruise ships. The recent debut of Icon of the Seas as the first Icon class ship was a huge success, and the company has two more ships in this class on order. This is the largest class of ships in the fleet and introduces some new neighborhoods like the family-friendly Surfside and the adult-only Hideaway.
Oasis Class
With two more Oasis class ships on order, there will be a total of seven ships in this class. In addition to being the largest ships in the world (before the debut of Icon of the Seas), Oasis class ships introduced Central Park and the Coney-Island inspired Boardwalk. Being able to accommodate well over 5,000 passengers, the first Oasis vessel was launched in 2009.
Quantum Class
The Quantum class is another of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ship classes. Full of innovative tech and cutting edge features, Quantum-class ships have some amenities not found on any other ships at sea. Things like sky-diving simulators, bumper cars, and the “North Star” capsule that elevates cruise passengers over 300 feet above the ocean make this class the perfect fit for adventure seekers. The first ship in the class was launched in 2014 and there are five ships in the category.
Freedom Class
Once the largest cruise ship in the world, Freedom of the Seas was the first of three Freedom class ships which also include Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. These ships feature an ice-skating rink and cantilevered whirlpools on the sides of the ships and are still popular among Royal Caribbean fans. These ships were debuted in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Voyager Class
Voyager class ships were also once the largest in the world when they fist debuted. Did you see a theme here? There are five Voyager class ships in the fleet and they were the first ships to have ice-skating rinks onboard. These 138,000 gross ton ships were built from 1999 to 2003 with Mariner of the Seas being the latest.
Radiance Class
The Radiance class is a smaller and more intimate class of Royal Caribbean ships. There are four of these vessels in the class and their 90,000 gross tonnage and slimmer design allows for them to pass through the Panama Canal. These ships were built from 2001 to 2004.
Vision Class
The Vision class is Royal Caribbean’s oldest class of ships, but there have been many updates and renovations to these ships. There are four vessels in this class, including the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet that was built in 1996: Grandeur of the Seas. The gross tonnage of this class ranges from 73,000 to 78,000 with maximum capacities around 2,500.
Specialty Restaurants
The main dining room offers some fantastic menu choices, but sometimes you just want something a bit more, and no I’m not talking about the buffet. Royal Caribbean has a plentiful menu of specialty dining options to consider. Here they are listed below:
- Chops Grill – Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse
- Giovanni’s Table – Traditional Italian dining
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen – Pizza and pasta along with dishes like chicken parmigiana
- Jamie’s Italian – Modern Italian food
- Wonderland – An Alice and Wonderland themed restaurant with creative dishes
- 150 Central Park – A restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients
- Samba Grill – All-you-can-eat-meat Brazilian dining experience
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi – a Japanese restaurant with traditional teppanyaki and sushi
- Sabor – Mexican restaurant with tacos and quesadillas, and tapas
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade – Nachos, sliders, chicken tenders, and french fries
- Johnny Rockets – Classic American diner with a 1950’s vibe
- Hooked Seafood – Northeast seafood restaurant with clam chowder and oysters
- The Mason Jar – Southern soul food with fried chicken, lobster and crawfish gumbo
- Portside BBQ – Barbecue restaurant with tons of barbecued meats and comfort food side dishes
- Chef’s Table – Six course meal where each course paired with a different type of wine
- Basecamp – Burgers, pretzel bites, and treats in the middle of Thrill Island
- Pier 7 – California-inspired meals at Surfside, kids eat free
- Empire Supper Club – The exclusive and upscale dining in an intimate atmosphere with live music
Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety array of amenities for a wide range of cruise passengers. So, usually there is something for everyone on board. Children will love the kid-friendly attractions and adults can find plenty of thrills with larger water slides like the twisting Perfect Storm.
Their ships visit ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, Alaska, and of course the Caribbean. When it comes to picking a cruise line for your first sailing, it’s an excellent choice.
The above cruise ships are owned by Royal Caribbean International and fall under the umbrella of parent company Royal Caribbean Group which also owns Celebrity Cruises .
Note: This article was updated in March of 2024.
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The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.
Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.
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
- Cruise Line Drink Packages
- First-Time Cruise Tips
- The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
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Why Royal Caribbean isn't going all in on massive cruise ships despite the wild success of its new Icon of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean International has unveiled a swath of giant cruise ships over the past few years.
- Its CEO said its new world's largest ship, the Icon of the Seas, is its "best-selling product" ever.
- But the cruise line doesn't plan on going all in on megaships forever.
Earlier this year, guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island were the first to revel at the historic sight of the world's largest cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, docked side-by-side.
The vessels towered over their communal dock like skyscrapers, casting a dark shadow over their relatively tiny shared pier.
Together, they can accommodate about 19,250 people.
At 1,196 feet long and weighing 248,663 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is a sight to behold. When it launched in late January, the giant vessel upstaged its eight-foot shorter predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's biggest.
At the time, it was no surprise: Every new Royal Caribbean ship seemed to dethrone another Royal Caribbean ship for this title.
But not for long.
The company's smaller ships, important for diverse trips, are aging.
The company is synonymous with its mega vessels. And they've been mega-hits: Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, has repeatedly called the Icon of the Seas the "best-selling product" in the company's history.
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Royal Caribbean is set to launch four more megaships by 2028 — representing about a third of its total fleet. So far, most of the megaships' scheduled sailings are in the Caribbean.
The other 21 smaller vessels tend to have more specialized itineraries, Patrick Scholes, the managing director of lodging and leisure-equity research at Truist Securities, told Business Insider.
Given their trimmer sizes, these vessels can operate more sailings outside the Caribbean , which often reel in high fares and customer satisfaction for the company, Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January. Think of the Mediterranean, Alaska, and South Pacific itineraries — the latter are especially important as the cruise line continues to ramp up business in Asia.
But these destination-flexible cruise liners are aging as Royal Caribbean continues to unveil their giant counterparts. The company launched its four oldest Vision-class ships, with a maximum 2,730-guest capacity, between 1996 and 1998.
They're tiny and old compared to the 2-month-old, 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas .
Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships.
Despite the cruise line's success with mega-vessels, Schneider said Royal Caribbean is now considering a new class of ships that would start "smaller" — noting that he was "careful to say small, but less-than-large."
"The reality is, families want to go on vacations not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean where a ship like Icon can get into," Schneider said. "They want to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility in ship size."
Desirable destinations such as French Polynesia and Venice, Italy, have limited visiting cruises , including size restrictions, to curb pollution and overcrowding. But, as Schneider said, small-vessel-enabled specialized itineraries are also important to travelers.
Giant mass-market floating resorts also often attract first-time cruisers, enamored by their family-friendly water parks and Broadway-style shows. But after a few good vacations at sea, these no-longer-new-to-cruising guests might start craving quieter ships or more bespoke itineraries.
"Alaska cruises tend not to be the first-time cruiser," Scholes told BI. "I don't really see Icon of the Seas doing a Norwegian Fjord or Alaska trip."
Plus, "there's probably only so much demand for these giant ships," Scholes said.
Royal Caribbean has already succeeded in the first part: bringing in a swath of new cruisers with its megaships. Now, it has to retain them.
Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail
- Main content
I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why bookings are surging to record highs
Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 20, 2024
- Royal Caribbean has been increasingly targeting multigenerational families.
- The cruise line's president and CEO said its new Icon of the Seas megaship is a "great example."
- I went on the world's largest cruise ship and saw how it could appeal to younger and older guests.
Royal Caribbean has a secret to its smashing success.
No, it's not its cruise ships' water parks or Broadway-style shows.
It's you, your parents, and your young children. Or, as the industry calls it, "multi-generational families."
In 2023, Royal Caribbean's bookings hit an all-time high ahead of the launch of its newest ship, the Icon of the Seas.
Interest has yet to wane: The three strongest booking weeks in the company's history were at the start of 2024 and "wave season," when cruise lines typically roll out flashy discounts to incentivize reservations .
Sure, its achievement is in line with the rest of the mass-market cruise industry.
Companies such as Carnival and Norwegian have also seen wild success over the last year, with some now running low on cabins and others charging fares surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
But Royal Caribbean's success, in particular, could be due to its shifting attempt to win over families .
Great timing: More people want to cruise with their kin now.
The trade group Cruise Line International Association called multigenerational cruising one of the top 15 trends in a September 2023 report, noting that 73% of responding cruisers said they're traveling with at least two generations of family members .
Royal Caribbean says these travelers are its bread and butter.
Like other cruise lines, the company now aims to poach families considering land-based vacations. Think of the US theme-park capital, Orlando.
"We've started this transition from being a traditional cruise vacation to being a multi-generational family option that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Orlando and Las Vegas," Jason Liberty, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told investors in February.
To do this, Royal Caribbean has been "acutely focused" on this family segment, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told investors on the same call. "And I think Icon of the Seas is a great example of that," Bayley said.
On paper, it’s easy to see how the world’s largest cruise ship appeals to young children.
I joined the ship's complimentary, three-night preview sailing on January 20.
Its flashy, kid-friendly amenities — a short list of which includes a six-slide waterpark, a theme-park-like thrill ride, and a mini-golf course — consumed most of my time .
But if you pay close attention, you might notice the little designs and amenities that make it a great option for parents and grandparents too.
The water park is a good example.
Not every adult would love the 46-foot-tall drop slide. But children and their parents could gleefully go a few rounds on the multi-person raft slides .
Activities such as the rock-climbing wall, the mini-golf course, and the Crown's Edge thrill 'ride' are all near the water park.
Grandparents could spend an hour playing mini-golf with their grandchildren.
But if they prefer to sit out, they can watch their little ones from the adjacent covered lounge, where they can sip on a drink and pick at finger foods instead .
Or they can head to the adult-only infinity pool and bar behind the mini-golf course and water park.
A "family vacation" doesn't mean the family has to stick together for the entire trip.
Instead, on Icon of the Seas, adults can lounge around the ship's de-facto pool club, mai tai in hand, while their children spend their afternoon running around the activity-filled deck .
Like most cruise ships, bars are littered throughout the 1,198-foot-long, 20-deck vessel.
There's even a watering hole in the one neighborhood designed for toddlers, Surfside.
Large candy-shaped decals line Surfside's walls while a giant flamingo grounds the outdoor space. In between, there's a carousel, small dry and water playgrounds, and a pay-to-play arcade .
But just because your toddler can't drink doesn't mean you can't, either.
For supervising adults, Surfside has a watering hole: Lemon Post, which flexes lemonade-stand-inspired alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
The bar has great views of the water playground, so parents can sip while their kids play.
Across the way, there's also an all-day brunch restaurant where children eat for free, creating several spaces for multigenerational families to spend time together .
One of the ship’s seven pools has a swim-up bar.
Children can splash around while their grandparents unwind with a cocktail. Are you sensing a theme yet?
Or, like most other cruise ships, parents can head to the spa after sending the young ones to the children's and teen's clubs .
To my surprise, the cruise ship’s shows could also delight travelers of all ages.
I have vague childhood memories of hating cruises — and cruise shows. I remember them being tacky, boring, and plotless.
I wanted an exciting performance. Where are the dramatics?! Where are the plot twists?!
I didn't ask to be fidgety or sleepy during these shows, but the singers doing boring and campy covers of oldies hits surely helped me do both. (Can you tell I was later diagnosed with ADHD?)
Fortunately, the shows on the Icon of the Seas were good.
Two decades later, I still don't love most song-and-dance performances.
But I'll admit, the Icon of the Seas' shows were spectacular enough to win me over. The rendition of the Broadway hit "Wizard of Oz," which featured a flying bed and "monkeys," would've delighted kid me .
And I have no doubt even the most bored kid would also love 'Aqua Action!'
At times, I found the striking display of divers, nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and synchronized swimmers a bit cringey — especially the segment where the swimmers danced with flashlights.
But it was still an impressive show of acrobatic talent — enough to delight attendees of all ages.
If your children enjoy Cirque du Soleil-like acts, they will surely like "Aqua Action!"
In terms of dining, parents and their parents could be charmed by the ship’s plushest offering, the Empire Supper Club.
A meal at the Empire Supper Club — meant more for adults than children — includes several courses, cocktail pairings, and live music. At $200 a person, it's the most upscale restaurant on the ship.
Yes, there's a dress code. And yes, kids are allowed, as well .
The ship’s seemingly never-ending access to alcohol and the opportunity for fine dining could appeal to most parents and grandparents.
The family-oriented waterslides could be a big hit with all demographics as well.
But in my opinion, the most subtly successful way the ship targeted multigenerational groups of guests was through the proximity of relaxing lounges to children-oriented amenities such as the water park .
So far, targeting these diverse age groups has been paying off: The new ship has been a massive success.
The Icon of the Seas' fares have been "double or triple" Royal Caribbean's previous new ship launches, Liberty told investors in February .
These high rates don’t seem to impact reservations. Bookings for the new vessel have also been 'phenomenally strong,' Liberty said.
The company saw a record-setting booking day when it opened reservations for Icon of the Seas in October 2022 — over a year before the ship's launch.
A few months later, Bayley called the ship the "best-selling product in the history of our business."
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Royal Caribbean Ships By Age: Newest To Oldest Complete List
Being a frequent cruiser since 2013, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the evolution of Royal Caribbean’s fleet over the years. I know its exciting to learn about the older and newer ships and exploring their respective amenities.
Currently, Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet of 26 cruise ships, with two more planned to be launched in 2024. Each ship has its own charm, amenities, and unique appeal, to satisfy guest’s preferences based on their age and design.
As Royal Caribbean plans to launch some modern ships next year, I know it’s hard to keep track of which ship is the newest. But don’t worry.
Grab a coffee and sit back because I’ll be discussing each and everything about the Royal Caribbean ships by age.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
List of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Age
I’ve compiled a list of Royal Caribbean ships from newest to oldest. Also, for you ease and better understanding, the class category of each ship is included.
Note: The ships marked with an asterisk (*) indicate those that are yet to make their maiden voyages. These include Star of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas.
1. Wonder Of The Seas
- Launched: 2022
- Class: Oasis
- Guest capacity: 6,988
The Wonder of the Seas holds the flagship title for Royal Caribbean, being the boldest and biggest cruise ship to ever grace the ocean waves.
As the fifth Oasis-class vessel in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, it’s more than just a mere attraction. This mega-ship boasts 16 guest decks, 20 restaurants, four pools, and 2,867 cabins.
Setting itself apart from other Oasis-Class ships, it stands as the sole vessel featuring onboard Central Park with more than 10,000 plants and flowers
This mega-ship costs $1,350,000,000 to build, and it features eight distinct neighborhoods, including the new and exclusive Suite Neighbourhood. The Wonder of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s top ships, sailing in the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome and in the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida.
- All shows (reservations required for most)
- Most daily activities, unless otherwise noted
- Fitness center use, but not classes or personal training sessions
- Meals at Windjammer Buffet, Main Dining Room , and select specialty restaurants
- All pools, slides, and hot tubs use
- Flowrider surfing
- Kids and Teens Clubs
- Continental breakfast room service
2. Odyssey Of The Seas
The Odyssey of the Seas proudly stands as the first Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship to sail in the US. It’s the second newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and best ship for couples.
Having personally experienced this cruise, I can confidently say that this ship is a hub of non-stop action, offering the Suite accommodation options and a huge variety of activities and venues.
It’s perfect in every aspect, catering to comfort, convenience, and entertainment seekers alike. Despite being slightly smaller than Oasis-class ships, the Odyssey of the Seas is sure to appeal to all sorts of tastes.
The Odyssey of the Seas explores the Mediterranean from Rome and also sails the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
I love the elevated approach this ship takes to the cruise line’s Royal Promenade. For instance, designing a stylish area that looks fantastic yet remains thrilling.
- FlowRider Surf Simulator
- RipCord by iFLY Skydiving Simulator
- North Star Observation Capsule
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Full-service Vitality at Sea Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center
- SeaPlex Activity Center
- Bumper Cars
- Sports Court
- 17 dining options & multiple bars and lounges
Royal Caribbean Ships From The 2010s
Now, in this section, I’ll discuss the ships launched between 2010 and 2019. These are all fairly new but not from the above ones.
1. Spectrum Of The Seas
- Launched: 2019
- Class: Quantum-Ultra
- Guest capacity: 5,622
The Spectrum of the Seas stands as the pioneering vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class. It’s the award-winning Quantum Class, known for its adventurous offerings.
Amazingly, it boasts slightly larger dimensions than her sister ships and has been designed specifically for the China and Asia Markets.
The primary language on board is Mandarin, and signage is in simplified Chinese, followed by English.
Cruising from Shanghai and Singapore, the Spectrum of the Seas primarily offers short trips to Malaysia and Thailand, along with some week-long voyages to Japan.
The Spectrum of the Seas doesn’t seem to present a significant upgrade compared to previous Quantum-class ships like the Anthem of the Seas.
This might be why this class was dubbed Quantum Ultra rather than receiving an entirely new name.
- 19 dining options
- Multiple Bars and Lounges
- RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator
- North Star observation capsule
- Flowrider surf simulator
- Star Moment karaoke
- Seaplex activities center with Bumper cars, roller skating, basketball court, circus school, and more
2. Symphony Of The Seas
- Launched: 2017
- Guest capacity: 6,680
Symphony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s fourth huge Oasis-Class ship, made in 2018. When it first set sail, everyone was like, “Whoa, that’s huge!”
It’s like five times bigger than the Titanic ! And they’ve got these fancy Suites that come with amazing perks.
There’s a lot to do on there, like lots of pools, a surfing thing called FlowRider, a zip line, walls for rock climbing, and the crazy slide, the Ultimate Abyss!
The symphony features numerous food spots and different rooms for everyone. It’s like a whole city on the water!
Starting from Miami, Florida, the Symphony of the Seas takes you around the Caribbean. It’s a real adventure!
- 7 distinct neighborhoods
- 4 pools, 10 whirlpools
- 20 dining options
- The Ultimate Abyss water slide
- 2 FlowRider surf simulators
- 2 Rock Climbing Walls
- Three multi-story water slides
- Basketball court
3. Harmony Of The Seas
- Launched: 2016
- Class: Oasis
- Guest capacity: 6,687
Harmony of the Seas was the first Oasis-Class ship to launch in six years and the company’s third one. Most amazingly, it was named after the Harmony Module on the International Space Station.
This ship also held the title of the largest cruise ship in the world until her sister, Symphony of the Seas, launched.
Some of the features on Harmony of the Seas had only been available on Quantum-class ships before, such as Jamie’s Italian and Wonderland.
And guess what? Harmony of the Seas was the first ship in the fleet to introduce the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea at that time. In addition, it offers Junior and Grand Suites.
With all the entertainment options you need, the Deck plans of this ship also offer Serene and Adult-Only spots.
- Three multi-story waterslide
4. Ovation Of The Seas
- Launched: 2016
- Class: Quantum
- Guest capacity: 4,905
Ovation of the Seas is one of the coolest ships worldwide, being the third in the Quantum-class series. Its name was announced on September 18, 2014, when they started building it.
Similar to its sibling ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, it offers fun stuff like the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, the North Star capsule, bumper cars, and trapeze classes.
The ship’s deck plans have both family-friendly and adults-only areas, ensuring there’s something for everyone when it comes to entertainment.
In short, it’s a fantastic mega-ship with high-tech fun, but sometimes, it can get crowded in the dining and entertainment spots.
- Rock Climbing wall
- Ripcord by iFly
- Pool and Whirlpools
5. Anthem Of The Seas
- Launched: 2015
Anthem of the Seas is the second big ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. It’s exciting and feels like a fun Las Vegas hotel.
What’s great about it is that it’s modern, but also really fun. Similar to its other ship buddies, Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, it has cool stuff like a skydiving simulator, a big capsule you can ride, bumper cars, and trapeze classes.
It’s made for families and adults, so everyone can find something fun to do. In short, it’s a super fun and modern ship, but sometimes the places to eat and have fun might be a bit crowded.
- 17 Dining Options
6. Quantum Of The Seas
- Launched: 2014
Quantum of the Seas is a Quantum-Class cruise ship. When it was made in 2014, it was the third biggest in the world. Right now, it sails in Alaska and Australia. It’s different because Royal Caribbean didn’t want to make the biggest ship in about 10 years. The outside of the ship is attention-grabbing, and inside, there’s a lot of fun stuff to do, too. The cabins on this ship are pretty cool and surprising. Overall, it’s great for cruising in places where indoor spaces matter more. But the food quality isn’t consistent. You might find some good stuff, but it takes effort to find the best.
7. Allure Of The Seas
- Launched: 2010
- Guest capacity: 6,780
The allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship that holds the title of the World’s largest passenger ship upon its launch in November 2009 for six years.
What I like most about Allure of the Seas is that she is breathtaking both in scale and ambition, yet it never feels overwhelming.
Inspired by Coney Island, the outdoor Boardwalk neighborhood features ships, a carousel, and the AquaTheater.
She was set to receive major upgrades, including new features like Ultimate Abyss slide and Perfect Storm waterslides. Unfortunately, due to the global shutdown, these plans were canceled.
Each area on board offers a distinct ambiance and atmosphere, almost like experiencing seven different ships in one. In short, this ship caters to every type of cruiser.
Allure of the Seas sails out of Orlando and Miami on Bahamas cruises, typically for 3 or 4 nights.
- 7 neighborhoods
- 24 dining options
- Multiple bars and lounges
- 4 pools and 10 whirlpools
- 2 rock climbing walls
- Ice-skating rink
- Full-service Vitality at Sea Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center
Royal Caribbean Ships from the 2000s
1. oasis of the seas.
- Launched: 2009
Oasis of the Seas was a real game-changer for Royal Caribbean, which was the first ship to launch a c revolution. It introduces even more new thrills for couples and kids of all games.
Surpassing the Freedom Class cruise ships, it claimed the title of the largest cruise ship in the world at that time.
The ship’s Royal Promenade, lacking outside windows, can give off a mall-like vibe as you step on board. It entirely redefined the concept of a cruise ship and essentially pioneered the idea of a super ship.
Packed with eateries, shops selling designer items, logo apparel, and even a Starbucks, it creates an impression more akin to a shopping district than a traditional cruise ship.
Another amazing thing about this ship is its decks, which are laid out, allowing easy access to tons of amenities without the need to spend all day on the elevator. In short, Oasis of the Seas is packed with amenities, restaurants, and bars and is manageable despite its size. However, you should expect lines at popular venues.
- Surf Simulator
- An aquatic amphitheater
- A moving bar
- Multiple night clubs
- Miniature golf course
- Five swimming poos
- Youth zones
- Nurseries for children
- A Karaoke club
- Comedy club
- Volleyball and basketball courts
2. Independence Of The Seas
- Launched: 2008
- Class: Freedom
- Guest capacity: 4,560
This third and last Freedom-class ship has always been of great importance in the fleet. It gave Royal Caribbean an injection of new adventures on gateways. It was also with the British cruisers, but before the Anthem of the Seas took over, Independence of the Seas was the Royal Caribbean ship for cruises out of Southampton. In May 2018, the ship, affectionately known as Indy among its numerous fans, underwent an extensive refurbishment that introduced a range of new features onboard. Independence of the Seas really excels in its kid-friendly offerings along with the extraordinary amount on offer for youngsters. However, many cruisers complain as the Food quality varies considerably, upcharging for certain activities.
- 13 dining options
- 4 pools, 6 whirlpools
- FlowRider surf simulator
- The Perfect Storm℠ dueling waterslides
- Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z
- Escape Room: The Observatorium
- Rock climbing wall
- Ice skating rink
3. Liberty Of The Seas
- Launched: 2007
- Guest capacity: 4,960
Liberty of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s second Freedom-Class cruise ship, which entered the fleet in May 2007. It was initially announced that she would be called Endeavour of the Seas, but later, this name was changed.
The ship’s main area is the Royal Promenade. It’s four decks tall, featuring glass staircases and lit-up bridges in cool colors like purple and blue. Here, you’ll find lots of people looking for deals and fun character parades.
There are tons of family-friendly amenities on the Liberty of the Seas Deck Plan.
Even though it launched in 2007, Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas still feels modern and up-to-date in its public spaces.
- FlowRider onboard wave generator for surfing
- Interactive water play area for children
- Full-sized volleyball/basketball court
- Large fitness center
- Two cantilevered whirlpools offer unimpeded views of the sea.
- Modular conference center for business meetings
4. Freedom Of The Seas
- Launched: 2006
- Guest capacity: 4,515
Freedom of the Seas was launched in May 2006 and became the largest ever passenger ship to be built at that time, taking the title from Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
Proudly, she is the namesake of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class.
While it’s not the largest in Royal Caribbean anymore (that title goes to the newer Oasis-class ships), its public areas still feel fresh and modern. One of its standout features is the FlowRider surf simulator, introduced first on this ship and later added to all Royal Caribbean vessels, with some older ships retrofitted to include it as well. The Freedom of the Seas sails from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, offering cruises on both sides of the Caribbean. It includes shorter itineraries along with week-long sailings.
- Adventure Ocean
- Casino Play
- The Perfect Storm
- Hour Room Service
- Lime and Coconut
- Onboard gratuities
- Shore Excursions
- Splashaway Bay Kids Aqua Park
5. Jewel Of The Seas
- Launched: 2004
- Class: Radiance
- Guest capacity: 2,702
Jewel of the Seas is a Radiance class ship that made its debut in the spring of 2004. Carrying a maximum of 2700 plus passengers, it was the fourth and last limb on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class family tree. Arguably, it’s also the last mid-sized ship to ever be built for the cruise line. It’s perfect for those cruisers who prefer a traditional cruising experience rather than bells and whistles.
It’s a laid-back ship, where guests savor unhurried meals and a couple of G&Ts in the evening and enjoy nostalgic entertainment.
It caters to three different cruising areas, attracting younger crowds on shorter Caribbean trips and appealing to slightly older passengers on scenic, longer voyages to Northern Europe and New England-Canada.
She offers exciting onboard activities like the Royal Theater, a climbing wall, a sports court, an arcade, and more.
- Vitality Spa & Fitness Center
- Coral Theater
- Casino Royale
- Three pools
- Three whirlpools
- Outdoor movie screen
- Sports court
- Nine-hole miniature golf course
- Library & Cardroom
- Art & Photo Gallery
- Jogging track
- Video arcade
- Medical Center
6. Mariner Of The Sea
- Launched: 2003
- Class: Voyager
- Guest capacity: 4,000
Mariner of the Seas is the fifth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class, starting its journey in 2004. She was already a fun-packed ship over 20 years ago, but her recent Amplification added even more awesome features.
Mariner of the Seas offers an affordable Caribbean cruise experience with the right amount of excitement to make your short cruise vacation more memorable.
Its deck plans are so intelligently designed that make this small Royal Caribbean ship feel just the right size.
Guests can move about almost anywhere without crowds, and elevators zip up and down to pools, the gym, and the spa, and access other amenities.
- Escape Room
- Bamboo Room
- Spa and fitness area
7. Serenade Of The Seas
- Guest capacity: 2,476
Serenade of the Seas is the third Radiance-class ship for Royal Caribbean, which is famous for its plenty of amenities despite being a mid-sized ship. It’s a good choice for a wide range of travelers, including couples, singles, families, and groups. This ship differentiates from other Radiance-class ships due to its three acres of exterior glass employed in its design, including glass elevators with ocean views.
There are remarkable views from nearly every public room, and the ship is also very easy to navigate.
Guests can enjoy great food at various restaurants and plenty of fun activities, including sports and spa treatments.
- A visual feast
- Elevated sights
- Lounge on the Lookout
- Lights out, nights out
- Spa and fitness center
- Guest entertainment
- Live Orchestra
- Schooner Bar
- Solarium Bar
- Viking Crown Lounge
8. Navigator Of The Seas
- Launched: 2002
Navigator of the Seas is an Amplified Voyager-class ship with tons of things to do onboard, from enjoying dinner to sipping sunset drinks with views. Most amazingly, Navigator of the Seas boasts plenty of quiet cabins as they are designed very smartly. A large percentage of cabins are far away from the busiest public and entertainment areas, allowing for quiet nights. Navigator of the Seas underwent a refurbishment in 2019, upgrading the pool area, adding new nightlife and dining spots, and introducing additional waterslides. In short, this ship caters to all tastes and budgets, but the new enhancements, like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, do extra charge.
- Amplified pool deck
- The Blaster
- Ice skating shows
- Ballroom Fever
- Suite Lounge
9. Brilliance Of The Seas
- Guest capacity: 2,543
Brilliance of the Seas is the second Radiance-class ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The ship’s medium size, along with the ample activities and attentive service, makes it famous among the cruisers. With the Radiance series, cruisers never miss a view: the ship’s stunning, nice-story central atrium is surrounded by glass for amazing views. Most amazingly, the plethora of outdoor features at this ship, like the rock climbing wall, are easy to find, and no reservations are required. Although ship venues are generally not congested, some passengers complained about the smoky air quality throughout the ship despite smoking restrictions.
- English Pub
- Guest Entertainment
- Fitness and Spa
10. Adventure Of The Seas
- Launched: 2001
- Guest capacity: 3,807
Adventure of the Seas debuted in 2001 as the third in the series of Royal Caribbean’s game-changing Voyager-class vessels. While Adventure of the Seas is not as large or equipped with as many amenities as the Quantum-class, Oasis-class, or Freedom-class ships, it still ranks among the world’s larger vessels.
It offers a variety of venues that set it apart from the traditional cruise experiences, which include an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, a shopping mall, bars, and cafes. The Adventure of the Seas deck plan is similar to its sister ships, with a number of rooms that provide a quiet environment while few rooms share the deck with public spaces. Its ambiance is really good, but the only thing that’s not good is that it has a relatively small portion of rooms with balconies.
- 9 dining options.
- Three pools and 6 whirlpools.
- Rock Climbing Wall.
- Sports Court.
- Ice-skating rink.
- Typhoon & Cyclone water slides.
- Perfect Storm water slide.
11. Radiance Of The Seas
- Guest capacity: 2,466
Radiance of the Seas was a different kind of ship for Royal Caribbean as Voyager-class ships were very popular; Royal Caribbean thought there was still a demand for “Mid-sized” ships. So they introduce Radiance of the Seas. In Australia, Radiance of the Seas is known as Royal Caribbean’s “Dining Ship” as it has such a large number of free and paid dining options. Although this ship doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as larger ships in the fleet, instead, it is more focused on adults who want some fun and a relaxed dining environment.
- 1 dining options
- 3 pools and 3 whirlpools
- Mini-golf course
12. Explorer Of The Seas
- Launched: 2000
- Guest capacity: 4,290
Explorer of the Seas is the second of five in the revolutionary Voyager-Class series, which can accommodate 4290 passengers.
This ship follows the floating resort concept, with a diverse range of entertainment, facilities, and activities that will appeal to the taste of every age group.
Its most famous and exciting attractions include the retrofitted Perfect Storm duo of water slides (Cyclone and Typhoon), each with stories of twists and turns.
Despite the numerous onboard activities, the ship has been surpassed in size and features by Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class and Oasis-class ships. But it still has many appealing features.
However, the high passenger capacity means queuing is inevitable.
- Concert venue
- Spa/solarium complex
- A shopping mall
- Dining/Entertainment options
- 3D movie theater
- Nine-hole miniature golf
- New Flow Rider surf simulator
The Oldest Royal Caribbean Ships
Now, in this section of the guide, I’ll discuss the ships launched in the 1990s. These are the oldest and smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean family that have fewer facilities as compared to the newer ships.
1. Voyager Of The Seas
- Launched: 1999
- Guest capacity: 4,269
Voyager of the Seas is the first Voyager class ship of Royal Caribbean which gave the cruise line the largest cruise ship in the world.
At that time, it was an honor for this ship to have dozens of exciting things to enjoy onboard. Furthermore, it underwent a $97-million refurbishment in 2019, and many enhanced amenities were included 20 years after her debut.
Voyager of the Seas is ideally suited for families with superb children’s facilities catering to youngsters.
- 11 dining options
- 3 pools and 6 whirlpools
- Flow Rider surf simulator
2. Vision Of The Seas
- Launched: 1998
- Class: Vision
- Guest capacity: 2,514
Vision of the Seas is the final Vision Class ship, which is why it shares its name with the class itself.
It is famous for its stunning glass exterior; more than 2 acres of glass were used in its construction back when it launched in 1998.
It’s a mid-sized ship holding 2514 passengers at double occupancy.
Vision is not comparable to the newest ships in tech and amenities, but still, it offers all the basics and a few extra amenities for fun and relaxing vacations.
However, some cabins s howing age have fewer options for food and entertainment than larger ships.
- Entertainment options
- Spa & Fitness Center
- Royal Theatre
3. Enhancement Of The Seas
- Launched: 1997
- Guest capacity: 2,730
Enhancement of the Seas is a Vision-Class cruise ship focused on a quieter cruise experience as compared to the other larger ships in the fleet.
She might not have all the jaw-dropping features of newer Royal Caribbean ships, but its fun, friendly onboard atmosphere makes it an ideal choice among the cruisers.
With a capacity of 2700, passengers can share their contagious excitement about all the daily activities, and it provides the best ambiance and time to know your shipmates.
Most amazingly, its consistent food and few extra-fee venues make mealtime a pleasure onboard.
- Three pools, 6 whirlpools.
- Full-service Vitality at Sea Spa & state-of-the-art Fitness Center.
4. Rhapsody Of The Seas
- Guest capacity: 2,416
Rhapsody of the Seas is a second ship of the Vision Class. Although it’s not the biggest or flashiest ship in the fleet, it does have a lot to offer on a more manageable scale.
There are good-quality kids’ clubs and plenty of space for adults to enjoy their vacations. It also offers plenty of places onboard for those who admire ocean views.
In short, you’ll get personalized service and consistent quality in the main dining room and buffet.
- 10 dining options
- 2 pools and 6 whirlpools
5. Grandeur Of The Seas
- Launched: 1996
- Guest capacity: 2,440
Grandeur of the Seas is the oldest and smallest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Due to the maintenance of public areas, it still retains the classic charm of a 20th-century cruise ship.
Obviously, you won’t get any modern amenities or decor as it’s the oldest ship, but the deck plan flows smoothly.
Most amazing, its main dining room goes beyond what I experienced on larger ships in both service and execution of the menu.
In short, this first Royal Caribbean ship is an ideal option to cater to both new and seasoned cruisers taste who are looking for a simplified and lower-cost cruising option on Royal Caribbean.
- 12 dining options
- 2 pools, 4 whirlpools
- Full-service vitality at Sea Spa and state-of-the-art Fi
The Next Royal Caribbean Ships To Launch
The Royal Caribbean has planned to launch the four iconic and modern ships in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Below is the list of those ships with their features:
1. Icon Of The Seas (To Be Launched In Jan 2024)
Specifications
- 7600 Guest Capacity
- Gross tonnage of 250,800 GT
- 28 accommodation options
- 15 restaurants
- A variety of bars and lounges
- Stunning live entertainment venues
- Eight neighborhoods
- Six waterslides
2. Utopia Of The Seas (To Be Launched In May 2024)
- LNG-powered ship
- Oasis Class
- 6788 Guest Capacity
- 8 distinct neighborhoods
- 21 dining options
- 5 pools and 8 whirlpools
- 2 Flow Rider surf simulators
3. Star Of The Seas (To Be Launched In 2025)
- In-suite slide
- Cinema space
- Two balconies
- Private entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside
- Debut of the first Ultimate Family Townhouse in December 2023 (Icon and Star of the Seas)
4. Unnamed Ship (To Be Launched In 2026)
- Guest Capacity of 7600
Royal Caribbean plans to construct three Icon-class ships, with the third one to launch in 2026.
The agreement for the third ship was signed in July 2019, but its arrival in 2026 isn’t certain due to financing uncertainties arising from recent events. However, the cruise industry’s future seems promising at present.
What Is The Newest Royal Caribbean Ship Available For Booking?
Icon of the Seas is the newest ship you can book with Royal Caribbean. Even though it hasn’t started sailing, you can book trips from January 2024 to April 2026.
Utopia of the Seas, another new ship, is also available for booking. It’s part of the Oasis Class ship and will start voyages in July 2024, with bookings open until April 2025.
The other two Royal Caribbean ships that are on the way aren’t available for booking just yet.
What Is The Newest Class Of Royal Caribbean Ships?
The Icon Class is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship type, with at least three ships planned. The first one, Icon of the Seas, will start sailing in January 2024.
Icon of the Seas will be huge, about 6% larger than the current biggest Royal Caribbean ships. It’ll carry up to 7,600 passengers, which is 7% more than the largest ship now, Wonder of the Seas.
This new ship will focus more on families. There will be more cabins for families with extra beds and a special outdoor area called Surfside, just for families with young kids.
What’s The Difference Between Newer And Older Royal Caribbean Ships?
Newer Royal Caribbean International ships are huge compared to the older ones, and they’ve got way more stuff to do. Think of multiple pools, mini-golf, basketball courts, and even zip lines on the top decks.
Inside, there are a bunch of restaurants, bars, shops, big casinos, spas, and theaters with fantastic shows. Some even have ice skating rinks. They’re basically like giant floating resorts, ideal for people who love a big resort vibe.
What Makes the Newer Royal Caribbean Ships Stand Out?
- Destinations
- Demographic
How Many Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Are There?
There are currently 26 ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, with more to launch in upcoming years.
What Are The Different Classes Of Royal Caribbean Ships?
Royal Caribbean ships have the Vision Class, the Voyager Class, the Radiance Class, the Freedom Class, the Oasis Class, the Icon Class, and the Quantum Class, including Quantum Ultra. Icon Class ships are the largest and the newest.
What Is The Nicest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship?
The best Royal Caribbean ship depends on what you want. The newest one is Icon of the Seas, launching in 2024. It’s the biggest ship in the world.
Final Words
Hopefully, now you must have a clear understanding of all the Royal Caribbean ships and their amenities.
So, if you’re looking for a modern cruising experience, I recommend you choose the exciting new ships of Royal Caribbean.
And if you’re cruising on a budget, old ships are recommended as they do offer a lot of things.
I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.
Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.
Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.
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- Cruise Knowledge
Royal Caribbean Ships by Age — Newest to Oldest
Doug Parker
- December 14, 2023
Royal Caribbean International operates a fleet of 27 ships, with varying ages ranging from the oldest, Grandeur of the Seas, launched in 1996, to the newest, Icon of the Seas.
The table below shows the ship’s name, class, the Royal Caribbean ship age, gross registered tonnage, and how many guests it carries at double occupancy.
Royal Caribbean ships listed by age
1. utopia of the seas.
Key Features: Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Splashaway Bay, Zip Line, Casino Royale, Royal Theater, Aquatheatre, Studio B, Central Park, Boardwalk, and Windjammer Cafe
2. Icon of the Seas
Key Features: Thrill Island, AquaDome, Chill Island, Surfside, The Hideaway, The Pearl, The Ultimate Family Townhouse, The Royal Bay Pool, The Cloud 17, The Lime & Coconut, The Mason Jar, The Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and The Adventure Ocean
Key Features: Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Splashaway Bay, Zip Line, Casino Royale, Royal Theater, Aquatheatre, Studio B, Central Park, Boardwalk, and Windjammer Cafe
3. Wonder of the Seas
Key Features: Wonder Playscape kids’ playground, The Lime and Coconut bar, Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide, The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, a zip line, El Loco Fresh restaurant with the Cantina Fresca bar, an ice skating rink, Boleros Latin lounge, Hooked Seafood restaurant, adults-only Solarium Bar, and Wonderland restaurant. From top to bottom, Wonder of the Seas is packed with amenities.
4. Odyssey of the Seas
Key Features: Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Wonderland restaurant, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, Teppanyaki restaurant, laser tag, adults-only Solarium, Virtual Adventure Zone featuring 4D virtual reality, North Star observation capsule, Bionic Bar, and Chops Grille steakhouse
5. Spectrum of the Seas
Key Features: North Star observation capsule, bumper cars, FlowRider surfing simulator, Sichuan Red Chinese restaurant, Chops Grille steakhouse, Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Bionic Bar, adults-only Solarium, and Jamie’s Italian restaurant
6. Symphony of the Seas
Key Features: Numerous complimentary dining options , Wonderland restaurant, FlowRider surfing simulators, Bionic Bar, Hooked Seafood restaurant, laser tag, The Perfect Storm waterslide trio, Sugar Beach candy shop, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, adults-only Solarium, an ice skating rink, Chops Grille steakhouse, a zip line, and AquaTheater diving shows
7. Ovation of the Seas
Key Features: Rock climbing wall, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, Wonderland restaurant, Bionic Bar, North Star observation capsule, Vintages wine bar, Boleros Latin lounge, Fish & Ships restaurant, and Izumi Asian restaurant
8. Harmony of the Seas
Key Features: The Perfect Storm waterslide trio, Wonderland restaurant, a zip line, an ice skating rink, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant, Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide, Bionic Bar , Chops Grille steakhouse, Boleros Latin lounge, Coastal Kitchen, adults-only Solarium, and AquaTheater diving shows
9. Anthem of the Seas
Key Features: RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, Bionic Bar, Sunshine Bar in the adults-only Solarium, Izumi Asian restaurant, bumper cars, Wonderland restaurant, North Star observation capsule, Chops Grille, and Johnny Rockets
10. Quantum of the Seas
Key Features: North Star observation capsule, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, Bionic Bar, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, La Patisserie French café, Izumi Asian restaurant, Wonderland restaurant, Sunshine Bar in the adults-only Solarium, bumper cars, and a FlowRider surfing simulator
11. Allure of the Seas
Key Features: A zip line, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, FlowRider surfing simulators, Rising Tide Bar, Boleros Latin lounge, a rock climbing wall, Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant, Park Café, adults-only Solarium, H2O Zone kids’ water park, and an adults-only Solarium
12. Oasis of the Seas
Key Features: Splashaway Bay kids’ water park, laser tag, Bionic Bar, an escape room, Portside BBQ, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Rising Tide Bar, 150 Central Park restaurant, AquaTheater diving shows, a zip line, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and an ice skating rink
13. Independence of the Seas
Key Features: Fish & Ships restaurant, adults-only Solarium, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Izumi Asian restaurant, Sugar Beach candy shop, ice skating rink, Chops Grille steakhouse, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, and Splashaway Bay kids’ water park
14. Liberty of the Seas
Key Features: Splashaway Bay kids’ water park, Sabor Mexican restaurant, Cupcake Cupboard shop, Boleros Latin lounge, adults-only Solarium, Vintages wine bar, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Johnny Rockets, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, and an ice skating rink
15. Freedom of the Seas
Key Features: Laser tag, El Loco Fresh restaurant, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, a FlowRider surfing simulator, The Lime and Coconut bar, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant, Boleros Latin lounge, adults-only Solarium, and Chops Grille steakhouse
16. Jewel of the Seas
Key Features: A rock climbing wall, Park Café, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Vitality Spa, Izumi Asian restaurant, adults-only Solarium, Chops Grille steakhouse, Viking Crown Lounge
17. Mariner of the Seas
Key Features: Sky Pad bungee trampoline, Bamboo Room lounge , Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, escape room, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, laser tag, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, ice skating rink, and Starbucks
18. Serenade of the Seas
Key Features: Swimming pool with a retractable glass roof, Izumi Asian restaurant, Vitality Spa, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant, Viking Crown Lounge, mini golf, Park Café, Schooner Bar
19. Navigator of the Seas
Key Features: The Blaster aqua coaster, Hooked Seafood restaurant, The Lime and Coconut bar , RipTide mat waterslide, Bamboo Room lounge, ice skating rink, El Loco Fresh restaurant, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, and Playmakers Bar & Arcade
20. Brilliance of the Seas
Key Features: Adults-only Solarium, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, a rock climbing wall, Chops Grille steakhouse, Vitality Spa, Viking Crown Lounge, mini golf, and Izumi Asian restaurant
21. Adventure of the Seas
Key Features: Splashaway Bay kids’ water park , Johnny Rockets, Chops Grille steakhouse, The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Boleros Latin lounge, a FlowRider surfing simulator, adults-only Solarium, and Izumi Asian restaurant
22. Radiance of the Seas
Key Features: A rock climbing wall, Quill & Compass English pub, Vitality Spa, Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, Chops Grille, Viking Crown Lounge, Izumi Asian restaurant
23. Explorer of the Seas
Key Features: Johnny Rockets, a FlowRider surfing simulator, Izumi Asian restaurant, an ice skating rink, Viking Crown Lounge, adults-only Solarium, Chops Grille, and Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs
24. Voyager of the Seas
Key Features: The Perfect Storm waterslide duo, Izumi Asian restaurant, a FlowRider surfing simulator, laser tag, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, adults-only Solarium, Viking Crown Lounge
25. Vision of the Seas
Key Features: Adults-only Solarium, Vitality Spa, Izumi Asian restaurant, a rock climbing wall, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Viking Crown Lounge, Chops Grille, and Schooner Bar
26. Rhapsody of the Seas
Key Features: Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Viking Crown Lounge, Izumi Asian restaurant, Chops Grille steakhouse, Schooner Bar, Vitality Spa
27. Enchantment of the Seas
Key Features: Adults-only Solarium, Boleros Latin lounge, Vitality Spa, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Viking Crown Lounge, Casino Royale
28. Grandeur of the Seas
Key Features: Izumi Asian restaurant, a rock climbing wall, Chops Grille steakhouse, Vitality Spa, Viking Crown Lounge, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, and the Schooner Bar
RELATED: Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Size
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- The Colosseum
May 9th - July 10th
Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise
Ancient Civilizations, Fresh Adventures
Departing from Dubai, where dynamic high-rises meet gold souks and desert sands, make for new horizons on this extraordinary 63-night vacation, which takes in 44 astounding destinations. Cutting through the heart of the Middle East, unwind on Oman’s wild beaches, be wowed by rose-hued Petra before taking in Egypt’s ancient treasures. Explore the sacred city of Jerusalem and the Eastern Med, visiting Cypriot castles and Turkey’s Temple of Artemis. At the shores of the Black Sea, admire Bulgaria’s Byzantine architecture, Romania’s vineyards, Odessa’s museums and Istanbul’s cosmopolitan culture. Travel to Bodrum’s honey-colored sands and the rugged Greek Islands, ringed by the ultramarine Aegean Sea. Finally, discover the best of the Eastern Mediterranean including Venice’s waterways, the walled city of Dubrovnik, the Colosseum in Italy, before soaking up the glamor of the French Riviera, and Gaudi’s surreal architecture in Barcelona, where this segment ends.
Amenities Included in your adventure
Wash & fold service
Deluxe beverage package
Voom Surf & stream
The Western Mediterranean and the Adriatic
Cradles of Creativity
Packed with spectacular age-old landmarks and grand architecture, history comes thick and fast in the Western Med and the Adriatic. Journeying through Italy, wonder at the Colosseum and Pantheon - ancient reminders of Rome’s time as world’s largest empire - and wander Pompeii’s ruins, frozen-in-time after Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79AD. Against the bold blues and powder-white sands of the Adriatic, admire Slovenia’s Venetian-influenced buildings, the 4th-century pizazz of Split’s Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik’s dramatic Old Town, and Montenegro’s mighty forts. Whether genning up on the Knights of Malta in Valletta, discovering Napoleon’s childhood in Corsica, cruising along the French Riviera to Mallorca - where Arab and Balearic influences meet - or reveling in Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, you’ll be enthralled by history at every stop on this story-filled vacation.
The legacy of the Renaissance - a cultural movement borne in 14th-century Italy, which spread throughout Europe shaping intellectual life, art, architecture and the arts can be seen in abundance as you travel through the region’s most extraordinary cities. Discover the mind-blowing art of the Renaissance masters at Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice and Rome’s Galleria Borghese, a 17th-century villa which houses art, sculptures and antiquities. See first-hand why Michelangelo’s dreamy ceiling frescoes at the Sistine Chapel, and the famed corridors of Florentine mega-museum The Uffizzi deserve a spot on every art-lover’s bucket list. Just as compelling are Kotor’s Maritime Museum, which reveals the area’s fascinating seafaring history, and Malta’s National Museum of Archeology, which houses masses of prehistoric art and Neolithic pottery. Altogether more contemporary, is Cannes, renowned for its glamorous film festival.
A warm climate, fertile landscapes and teeming waters make for a rather delicious roll call as you sail through the Adriatic and the Western Mediterranean. Live La Dolce Vita - or sweet life - in Italy, where cafe culture reigns, and staples include fresh pasta, pizza, gelato , and lashings of olive oil and wine. Try pillowy-soft burrata cheese in Puglia, Sicilian eggplant and ricotta signature pasta alla norma , and classic Neopolitan-style Margherita pizza in its birthplace, Naples. Seafood’s a real Adriatic superstar; don’t miss Slovenian seafood rizota (risotto) - with a glass of local white rebula wine - and Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew) and rožata custard pudding in Croatia. Corsica’s signature civet de sanglier offers heartiness aplenty, while socca (chickpea pancakes) are a French Rivieran favorite, Marseille’s seafood bouillabaisse packs a liquorice-y kick thanks to fennel and pastis , while Barcelona excels at seafood paella and crema catalana , a Catalan take on creme brûlée.
Alongside a serious hit of history and culture, awaken your senses exploring the region’s sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear bays and breathtaking volcanic, forested landscapes. Take invigorating dips in Bari’s bays or sun yourself on Torre Sant’Andrea whilst admiring its dramatic sea stacks. Dubrovnik’s an adventure junkie’s dream; try cliff diving, kayaking, or scuba dive to see the Taranto wreck, and its quirky submerged tractors. Get your heart rate going hiking in Portofino Regional Park’s lush network of trails, and wonder at Mount Etna’s volcanic vineyards and lava pits in Sicily. For more natural thrills, travel to Corsica’s Scandola Nature Reserve to spot eagles soaring over stunning rock formations, or discover the Cuevas del Drach - Mallorca’s dragon caves - an underground lair full of limestone stalactites and stalagmites.
A rip-roaring journey packed with exhilarating through-the-ages adventures, the Ultimate Middle East & Med segment is a vacation that cannot fail to set your imagination on fire. Whizz up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for unrivalled city views, be moved as the history of age-old civilizations - of the Nabateans, the Pharaohs and Ancient Greeks and Romans - comes to life before your very eyes in pink-hued Petra, the wild Egyptian desert, dominated by the Pyramids of Giza, and Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis. Along the way you’ll connect with religious heartlands and sacred shrines, revel in Renaissance art and regal architecture and enjoy relaxing at a multitude of sun-kissed beaches, taking blissful dips in transformative turquoise waters.
Barcelona, Spain
Segment 3 World Wonder
Tales of armored gladiators, intense battles and frenzied spectators fuel the history of The Colosseum. Constructed in 80 A.D., this 80,000-seat amphitheater perfectly represents the power and spectacle of ancient Rome — and remains in impressively good shape. Just know that photos truly can’t compare to the emotion of exploring this World Wonder for yourself.
Explore Highlights
A rip-roaring journey packed with exhilirating through-the-ages adventures, the Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med Expedition cannot fail to set your imagination on fire. Whizz up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for unrivalled city views, be moved as the history of age-old civilisations - of the Nabateans, the Pharaohs and Ancient Greeks and Romans - comes to life before your very eyes in pink-hued Petra, the wild Egyptian desert, dominated by the Pyramids of Giza, and Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis.
Along the way you’ll connect with religious heartlands and sacred shrines, revel in Renaissance art and regal architecture and enjoy relaxing at a multitude of sun-kissed beaches, taking blissful dips in transformative turquoise waters.
Insider tips Good to know in every situation
When visiting religious sites such as churches, mosques or synagogues, dress modestly, particularly in the Middle East. Opt for long sleeves, and keep your shoulders, back and legs covered. A lightweight scarf or sarong can come in handy as a makeshift headscarf or coverup, which can be easily thrown on at the last minute if it’s unexpectedly required.
Sprawling ancient marvels and Europe’s cobblestone-lined, often narrow city streets are best explored on foot. To ensure you make the most of things, pack a well-worn-in pair of comfortable shoes, and some trusty blister plasters, just in case.
Temperatures in the Middle East and the Med can really soar, plus there’s plenty of time spent on beaches and in the desert on this segment, so invest in a decent wide-brimmed hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, and keep a refillable bottle of water with you as you explore.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Ultimate World Cruise segment?
The Ultimate World Cruise can be taken as a whole, or you can choose from the four available Ultimate Cruise segments to take a portion of the voyage instead. The names and dates of the four Ultimate Cruise segments that make up the Ultimate World Cruise are as follows:
Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations
Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations
Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 39 destinations
Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations
What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise segments?
Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.
Ultimate Americas Cruise
Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise
Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise
Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise
*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.
What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four segments?
Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:
Embarkation Amenities
Round-trip business class airfare
Pre-cruise hotel and gala
Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship
Onboard Amenities
Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage
VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage
Gratuities for entire voyage
Wash and fold laundry service
Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the New World Wonders.
Guests who join us for one of the four segments will receive the following inclusions:
Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment
VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment
Gratuities for entire segment
Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment
Ready for an adventure?
Segment 4 Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise
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Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You.
Here are five unexpected features on ships, some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.
By Ceylan Yeğinsu
Cruise ships have hidden features that many passengers, particularly first-timers, don’t know about. Some ships are as big as small cities, and while it’s relatively easy to familiarize yourself with a seemingly endless number of amenities — water parks, tattoo parlors, multiple restaurants — there is also an entire ecosystem, often below passenger decks, that is shrouded in mystery.
Here are five things that cruisers may not know about cruise ships:
There’s a morgue …
Cruise ships carry millions of passengers each year, and it is not uncommon for deaths to occur on board. Most vessels are required to have a morgue and additional body bags in the event of an emergency.
The morgue, usually a small stainless steel refrigerated room on the ship’s lowest deck, accommodates between two to 10 bodies, depending on the size of the vessel. When a passenger or crew member dies, officials on the ship will notify the authorities on shore and a medical team will assess the body and move it to the morgue, where it is kept until arrangements are made for repatriation. In most cases, the body will be removed at the next port of call, but sometimes will remain on board until the end of the voyage.
…and a jail
There are no police officers on cruise ships, but most vessels have small jails known as the brig, and unruly passengers could find themselves locked up if the ship’s security team determines that they have violated the cruise line’s code of conduct.
The brig, usually a bare-bones room with a bed and bathroom facilities, does not have iron bars like a traditional jail cell. It is used to detain guests who commit serious crimes like assault or possession of illegal substances. Drunk and disorderly passengers may be put under “cabin arrest,” meaning they cannot leave their cabin without a security escort.
Depending on the circumstances, most passengers put in the brig will stay there until they can be handed over to law enforcement officials.
Many ships don’t have a Deck 13
Many cruise ships do not have a Deck 13 because of the widespread superstition in Western culture that the number is unlucky. Ships with a Deck 13 typically use it for public areas, not cabins.
Some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class vessels, have a Deck 13 because the vessels are used mainly for the company’s market in Asia, where the number is not considered unlucky. MSC ships also have a Deck 13, but not a Deck 17, because the cruise line’s founder is Italian and 17 is considered unlucky in Italy.
Cruise lines entertain other superstitions, like appointing godmothers to bless new vessels and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. They also hold naming ceremonies in which a bottle of champagne is smashed against the hull of a new ship for good luck. If the bottle fails to break, the vessel will, according to superstition, have bad luck. These days, cruise lines use mechanical devices to ensure that does not happen.
Hidden pools and facilities for the crew
There are typically more than 1,000 crew members on board large cruise ships, and while they spend most of their time serving passengers, there are several areas on the lower decks designated for them to unwind.
The facilities vary from ship to ship, but there are usually small pools in the ship’s bow exclusively for crew members, as well as restaurants, bars and recreational areas like game rooms and gyms. The designated bar, a central social hub for employees after they have finished their shifts, often hosts live music and events in the evening.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has an entire “neighborhood” dedicated to its 2,300 crew members, with a clubhouse that has massage chairs and virtual balconies — large screens that show real-time views from outside — as well as a restaurant with portholes looking out to the ocean.
Most ships host A.A. meetings
With all-inclusive beverage packages and countless bars, cruise ships can be a tough environment for guests in recovery. Many cruise lines offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are usually scheduled as “Friends of Bill W.,” a reference to William Wilson, who co-founded the A.A. program in 1935.
The meetings are usually held in a quiet place like the library, where guests can feel comfortable and maintain their anonymity. They are also open to other support group members, like Women for Sobriety and Narcotics Anonymous.
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .
Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu
Come Sail Away
Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..
Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.
Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .
Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled: The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why those who signed up are seeking fraud charges instead.
TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’: People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise into “cast members” overnight.
Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.
Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .
Royal Caribbean Cancels Brilliance Cruises Following Technical Issue
- March 25, 2024
Royal Caribbean International is canceling cruises onboard the Brilliance of the Seas. According to the company, a technical issue is impacting the vessel, which is completing a winter program in Australia & the South Pacific .
Affected sailings include an 11-night voyage to the South Pacific Islands that departed on March 19, and a five-night cruise to Tasmania that was scheduled to sail on March 30.
In a statement sent to guests, Royal Caribbean said that the first sailing was cut short on March 22, while the second sailing is no longer taking place.
“As you may know, the Brilliance of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning early to begin required maintenance,” the company explained.
“Our crew has started working on restoring the system and we’re deploying the best experts. Despite our efforts, we are unable to complete the needed repairs to be ready in time on March 30, 2024.”
As a result, the sailing scheduled for that day had to be cancelled, the company added.
“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” Royal Caribbean concluded.
Passengers who were set to board the Brilliance on March 30 will receive a full refund, the company said, in addition to a 50 percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) that can be used toward any future sailing departing within one year.
Guests will also be reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-purchased travel fees incurred, such as flight, hotel, train tickets or car rentals, Royal Caribbean added, noting that it will cover up to $250 per guest for domestic changes, and up to $400 per guest for international changes.
Passengers who left Sydney on March 19 and had their cruise cut short are also set to receive a 50 percent FCC, the company said.
Wrapping up its winter program in Australia, the Brilliance of the Seas is scheduled to depart on a trans-Pacific voyage to Hawaii on April 12, 2024.
The ship will then depart on a repositioning cruise to Canada before starting a summer program in Alaska.
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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.
This is a whole new perspective on some of Europe's most legendary shores. Scope out Santorini's seaside cliffs from 300 feet above sea level in the North Star℠. Or gaze at crystal blue Mediterranean waters through the panoramic two-story windows in Two70 on your way to Ephesus, Athens, Mykonos and more.
Launched: 2022 Class: Oasis Guest capacity: 6,988; Launched in March 2022, Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis-Class ship is Wonder of the Seas. The fifth Oasis-class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, Wonder of the Seas was previously the biggest cruise ship in the world.. With a building cost of $1,350,000,000, this mega-ship has everything you could want, with eight distinct neighbourhoods ...
The new Star of the Seas℠ doubles down on Icon Class thrills, chill and wows. Like six record-breaking waterslides and a fear-inducing challenge high above the sea. Seven splashy pools with epic views. Over 40 ways to dine and drink. Entertainment that rocks the house. Plus, stops at the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay on every sailing.
Royal Beach Club. Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club will open in Nassau in 2025. This 17-acre club will feature a private beach atmosphere with cabanas, beach bars, a food hall, and several pools. Island-style barbecues, live music, and local artisans will be found at the beach club as well.
Every sailing on our newest, thrill-packed ship stops at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. ... Sign up here to be among the first to receive the latest news from Royal Caribbean®, including special offers and last-minute cruise deals. And if you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.
April 2022 - A new adventure begins: Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International's revolutionary Oasis Class is now underway in Saint-Nazaire, France. The cruise line revealed the name of the upcoming marvel, Utopia of the Seas, at a steel-cutting ceremony that took place at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard. Come spring 2024, the first Oasis Class ship powered ...
MIAMI, March 31, 2021* - Setting course for a lifetime of adventure, Royal Caribbean International's Odyssey of the Seas completed the final chapter in its construction odyssey today. The highly anticipated marvel officially became the 25 th ship in the cruise line's award-winning fleet, following a virtual rendition of the time-honored maritime tradition known as a delivery ceremony.
June 2021 - A new, revolutionary era of cruising is setting sail in fall 2023 with the debut of Royal Caribbean International's first Icon Class ship, Icon of the Seas. Construction is now underway on the cruise line's first LNG-powered ship, which will include a lineup of other advanced environmental technologies and game-changing experiences and features for guests and crew.
The next step for Icon are around round of sea trials scheduled for later in 2023 to ensure Icon of the Seas is ready to be delivered to Royal Caribbean prior to her January 27, 2024 maiden voyage. The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night cruise from Miami on January 27, 2024. The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024 ...
Symphony of the Seas (2018) At 228,000+ in gross tonnage, Royal Caribbean International's Symphony of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world at the time. This Oasis-class ship was ...
Jenna DeLaurentis. With 26 cruise ships currently sailing and 2 more to launch in 2024, Royal Caribbean's fleet is filled with exciting, record-breaking vessels. The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is 26 years old whereas the newest launched just last year. Despite being part of the same cruise line, older ships offer a vastly different ...
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 ...
Oasis of the Seas (Photo: Cruise Critic) See our list below for the newest cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 1. Symphony of the Seas. Year launched: 2018. Class: Oasis Class. Decks: 16 ...
Royal Caribbean Cruises offers adventure and relaxation for adults and kids onboard the biggest newest ships cruising to popular travel locations around the world. Book your next cruise and discover the award-winning cruise ships taking you to the best destinations around the world.
Grandeur of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's oldest ship still in operation. This ship debuted in 1996 and has since been refurbished, in 2012. Built in Turku, Finland, it's relatively small ...
Royal Caribbean sails to top-rated cruise destinations from all over the country. Get away for a few days on a Bahamas escape with 2024-2026 cruises from New York. Explore every corner of the Caribbean with departure ports all over Florida. Give yourself the ultimate weekend upgrade out of L.A. with tons of short getaways in our 2024-2026 ...
Wonder of the Seas® is more than just another attraction. It's Orlando's best family vacation — sailing from Cape Canaveral. Everything is a big deal on the boldest and biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas®. This is a larger-than-life, island-hopping adventure with epic thrills for all ages. Kids can revel in next-level playtime.
The inaugural Wonder of the Seas sailing will be March 4, 2022. In May 2022, Wonder of the Seas will head to Europe, where she will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome. Wonder of the Seas will visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Capri, Italy and replace Allure of the Seas in the region.
Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships. Royal Caribbean's oldest ship is the 2,440-guest Grandeur of the Seas, which first set sail on December 14, 1996.
In 2023, Royal Caribbean's bookings hit an all-time high ahead of the launch of its newest Icon of the Seas ship. And interest has yet to wane: The three strongest booking weeks in the company's ...
1. Wonder Of The Seas. Launched: 2022. Class: Oasis. Guest capacity: 6,988. The Wonder of the Seas holds the flagship title for Royal Caribbean, being the boldest and biggest cruise ship to ever grace the ocean waves. As the fifth Oasis-class vessel in Royal Caribbean's fleet, it's more than just a mere attraction.
Contents Show. Royal Caribbean International operates a fleet of 27 ships, with varying ages ranging from the oldest, Grandeur of the Seas, launched in 1996, to the newest, Icon of the Seas. The ...
THE MOST EXCITING CRUISE DESTINATIONS AND AWARD-WINNING SHIPS Unlock some of the most incredible travel destinations.Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise getaway with the whole family.. Earn your wilderness badge as you cruise between the Alaska glaciers ...
What's the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship? In all, Royal Caribbean operates 26 cruise vessels and here is every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operati...
Beach clubs are a new idea for Royal Caribbean, which are private areas reserved for the use of Royal Caribbean ships visiting that day. An admission cost is also associated with the clubs. The announcement was made on Friday and the new club will open sometime in 2026.
Cruise Hive has another huge cruise news update from this week, including an atrium flood, Royal Caribbean cancellations, new ships, and more! Once again, it's been a hectic week for cruise news ...
The names and dates of the four Ultimate Cruise segments that make up the Ultimate World Cruise are as follows: Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 - February 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations. Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 - May 9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations. Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe: May 9, 2024 ...
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has an entire "neighborhood" dedicated to its 2,300 crew members, with a clubhouse that has massage chairs and virtual ...
Royal Caribbean International is canceling cruises onboard the Brilliance of the Seas. According to the company, a technical issue is impacting the vessel, which is completing a winter program in Australia & the South Pacific. Affected sailings include an 11-night voyage to the South Pacific Islands that departed on March 19, and a five-night cruise to Tasmania that was scheduled to sail on ...