The fleet of Royal Caribbean International offers six classes of cruise ships. Since the 90s, Royal Caribbean has been giving us premium service cruises to fantastic world destinations. It is hard to fault this cruise line as there is a ship for every type of cruise guest out there, from the solo traveler to families with children. Find one to suit you and your family, your budget, and your dream!
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
The Vision class ships in Royal’s fleet were built in the mid to late 90s and refurbished to include fantastic panoramic windows. More intimate, these ships will suit you if you travel solo or as a couple. Choose these ships for the itineraries and destinations. While intimate, we would not recommend this class of cruise ship if you are traveling with children or looking for a wide array of activities on board.
The Grandeur of the Seas is now the oldest of all Royal Caribbean ships. Many say it is too tired and old in its decor and should be retired. But you may think again if you get a great price on a fantastic itinerary. Just be aware you are booking an old ship, and it by no means comes close to having all the bells and whistles of the newer ships.
In the Royal Caribbean Vision class, you have four ships to choose from:
1. Grandeur of the Seas
2. Rhapsody of the Seas
3. Enchantment of the Seas
4. Vision of the Seas
The Voyager Class
- Built 1999-2003
- 4000 passengers
Royal Caribbean’s fleet of Voyager cruise ships has undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment program. Walk the “Royal Promenade” on these ships, a shopping mall through the center of the ship with restaurants, bars, and shops. Good all-rounder ships include activities such as surf simulators, ice rinks, and climbing walls. We love these ships.
In the Royal Caribbean Voyager class, you have five ships to choose from:
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
The Radiance class cruise ships are slightly smaller and are a fantastic choice for scenic itineraries. With so many panoramic windows, you will see everything. The retracting roof over the pool area also means that these ships are the right choice for cooler climates such as Alaska, Nova Scotia, the Baltics, or Scandinavia.
Vertical theater means that their shows are very theatrical. There are also themed dining experiences. You will find fewer activities on offer compared to the Oasis-class ships, so the Radiance class is a good choice for those who want a more relaxing cruise experience.
In the Royal Caribbean Radiance class, you have five ships to choose from:
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
Ships in the Freedom class of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line were among the biggest cruise liners on our oceans until the arrival of the Oasis class ships. Freedom class is spacious ships. You will find many activities and entertainment options, including water parks and an ice rink, making them good family ships.
In the Royal Caribbean Freedom class, you have three ships to choose from:
1. Freedom of the Seas
2. Liberty of the Seas
3. Independence of the Seas
The Oasis Class
- Built 2009
- 5500 passengers
Oasis of the Seas, the first ship built in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, was the most expensive ship ever built in 2009.
As Oasis splashed onto our seas, it came to a bigger, better, and more exciting cruise experience than ever before. Quite simply, more of everything. Activity highlights include water parks, ziplines, ice rinks, and surf waves. There are “neighborhoods” such as The Boardwalk and beautiful Central park. The ships offer cutting-edge technology, such as bionic bars. And there are more guests.
Yes, beware of the long lines for some activities. On board Oasis-class ships, you are in a floating city, and like all cities, the most popular areas can get busy. And while the ship is enormous, lines can form for some activities.
If you are a family or planning a generation cruise vacation, you will love Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class. Packed full of fun, you will never be bored. If you are an active couple, these ships will suit you as well. However, if you prefer calmer sailing, with fewer children around and a focus on relaxation, these are not the ships for you.
The older ships of Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have been updated and renovated, so the entire Oasis class is in tip-top condition now. Remember, size comes with a higher price tag, and cruises onboard Oasis class ships can be expensive. However, you get a holiday with excellent value for money when you look at the sheer choice onboard.
Harmony of the Seas also offers solo cabins (single occupancy cabins) for cruise guests traveling solo.
And who can resist cruising on one of the biggest cruise ships at sea? Wonder of the Seas sails in the Caribbean and will be in Europe for the summer, returning to Florida to cruise the warm Caribbean waters for the winter. How about ringing in the New Year with a cruise onboard Wonder?
Look for more information on Royal’s newest ships, Utopia of the Seas (the sixth Oasis-class ship), and the first of a brand new ship, Icon of the Seas.
In the Royal Caribbean Oasis class, you have six magnificent ships to choose from:
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 (scheduled for its debut sailing in 2024)
The Icon Class
- Under Construction
- 5600 passengers
The first mega-ship of the new Icon class, Icon of the Seas, will be launched in 2024. You will recognize some of the eight neighborhoods, and others are brand new, such as the retro-style Surfside neighborhood and Thrill Island. With all this and the new dining venue, we anticipate great things from Royal Caribbean onboard Icon of the Seas.
Cruises onboard are now bookable for Caribbean itineraries starting January 2024.
The Quantum class
- Built 2014
- 4500 passengers
Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship class offers the same features you find in the Oasis class but are slightly smaller ships. Known as “smart ships,” cruise ships in the Quantum class have their satellite navigation system delivering wireless internet on board 24/7 (note! you still need to pay for it!).
These ships feel more sophisticated than Oasis class. Due to extravagant furnishings, more artwork, and luxurious finishes. They are super-modern, with high-end shops in the mall area. The hub of the ship is the Royal Promenade/esplanade, including shops, cafes, pubs, and music venues.
Royal Caribbean offers the world the first smart ship.
Quantum has a high-tech focus, claiming to be the most high-tech cruise ship in the world when it was first launched. As a result, you could experience bionic bars, high-tech video projections, a parachuting simulator, dodgem cars, and the incredible North Star. The North Star is unique to the Quantum class ships and is a glass capsule that takes you on a 360-degree ride about 30 meters above sea level. The theater is huge, and great shows and musical productions are available. Casinos are also larger onboard Quantum class ships, so the entire casino is a designated smoking area.
With two beautiful solariums (one of which is adults only) and numerous clubs and entertainment venues, Quantum class will be a hit for groups, families, and couples alike.
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!
Quantum ships built with primarily the Asien market focus have mandarin spoken widely onboard in addition to English. These ships are a good choice if you are looking for a culture-rich cruise or immersion cruise into ports of call in Asia.
Recently at least two of the Quantum ships will have a home base in the USA – in Seattle and Florida. Take note! These ships are busy, and popular areas get crowded. There are wait times for some activities. But overall a super modern cruising experience.
For solo travelers, many of the Quantum class ships offer single cabins. Contact Royal Caribbean for the latest information and pricing if you are cruising alone.
In the Royal Caribbean Quantum class, you have five innovative ships to choose from:
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
