Royal Caribbean International and their amazing fleet of ships

Royal Caribbean International has one of the most exciting and diverse fleets at sea. With seven distinct ship classes, there’s a perfect option for every type of cruiser—whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or an adventure-seeker.

Since the 1990s, Royal Caribbean has set the standard for innovation, entertainment, and family fun. Whether you’re looking for a mega-ship with thrills or a more intimate cruising experience, you’ll find a ship matching your style, budget, and dream itinerary.

The brand of Royal Caribbean is synonymous with innovative design, family fun, fantastic on board activities and great broadway-style entertainment.

The Vision Class

• Built 1995 to 1998
• 2000 passengers

Vision Class ships are smaller, more intimate, and designed for scenic itineraries. Their standout feature? Stunning panoramic windows that bring the views right to you. These ships are a great fit for solo travelers and couples who want to focus on the destination rather than onboard attractions.

That said, if you’re cruising with kids or looking for endless onboard activities, this isn’t the best class for you.

In the Royal Caribbean Vision class, you have four ships to choose from:

1. Grandeur of the Seas (Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship—great itineraries but limited amenities)

2. Rhapsody of the Seas

3. Enchantment of the Seas

4. Vision of the Seas

The Voyager Class

• Built 1999-2003
• 4000 passengers

Voyager Class ships were a game-changer when they debuted, and thanks to multi-million-dollar upgrades, they still impress today. You’ll find the iconic Royal Promenade, an indoor shopping and dining boulevard, along with surf simulators, ice rinks, and climbing walls.

A great all-rounder for families, couples, and first-time cruisers!

Ships in the Voyager Class:

1. Voyager of the Seas

2. Explorer of the Seas

3. Adventure of the Seas

4. Navigator of the Seas

5. Mariner of the Seas

The Radiance Class

• Built 2001-2004
• 2100 passengers

Love breathtaking views? Radiance Class ships were designed with floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere—perfect for scenic destinations like Alaska, Nova Scotia, and the Baltics.

These ships also feature a retractable pool roof, ideal for cooler climates. While fewer onboard activities exist than the larger ships, Radiance Class is perfect for those who want a relaxed, elegant cruise experience.

Ships in the Radiance Class:

1. Radiance of the Seas

2. Brilliance of the Seas

3. Serenade of the Seas

4. Jewel of the Seas

5. Elegance of the Seas

The Freedom Class

• Built 2006
• 4500 passengers

Before the Oasis Class arrived, these were the largest cruise ships in the world. They still hold up as spacious, family-friendly ships with water parks, ice rinks, and Broadway-style entertainment.

Ships in the Freedom Class:

1. Freedom of the Seas

2. Liberty of the Seas

3. Independence of the Seas

The Oasis Class

• Built 2009
• 5500 passengers

The Oasis Class redefined cruising when Oasis of the Seas launched. Think floating cities with multiple “neighborhoods,” water parks, surf simulators, zip lines, and even a Central Park.

But with size comes crowds. These ships are amazing for families, multigenerational groups, and active cruisers, but this may not be the class for you if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Ships in the Oasis Class:

1. Oasis of the Seas

2. Allure of the Seas

3. Harmony of the Seas

4. Symphony of the Seas

5. Wonder of the Seas

6. Utopia of the Seas

The Icon Class

• Built 2024
• 5600 passengers

The Icon Class is Royal Caribbean’s future—sustainable, tech-forward, and packed with groundbreaking entertainment. These ships run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature the largest water parks and pool decks in the fleet.

Ships in the Icon Class:

1. Icon of the Seas
   
2. Star of the Seas (launch date August 2025)
   
3. Legend of the Seas (launch date July 2026)

Want to be among the first to sail on Star or Legend of the Seas? Bookings open now!

The Quantum class

• Built 2014
• 4500 passengers

Nicknamed the “Smart Ships”, Quantum Class combines Oasis-style entertainment with a sleeker, more high-tech experience. Features include:

• North Star Observation Capsule (a glass pod that lifts you 300 feet above sea level)
• Bionic Bars with robotic bartenders
• Skydiving simulators and dodgem cars
• Luxury shopping and extravagant art collections

These ships cater to a wide range of travelers, from families to solo adventurers. But beware—popular activities can have long wait times!

Top tip! Beware on Anthem of the Seas if you book cabins on deck 13 - you are right below Lido deck (deck 14). If you are unlucky you can hear noise above your cabin with all the activity, even early in the morning, so it could be disturbing!

Ships in the Quantum Class:

1. Quantum of the Seas

2. Anthem of the Seas

3. Ovation of the Seas

4. Spectrum of the Seas

5. Odyssey of the Seas

Cruising Asia? Some Quantum Class ships are tailored for Asian markets, with Mandarin widely spoken onboard!

Which Royal Caribbean Ship Is Right for You?

With seven unique ship classes, Royal Caribbean has something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, luxury, or a family getaway, there’s a perfect ship waiting for you.

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