With an astonishing 25 Royal Caribbean ships to choose from, deciding which cruise ship is just right for you is no easy feat. All Royal Caribbean cruise ships are categorized into ship classes based on the facilities they offer.
If you’ve never been on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you may be wondering how Royal Caribbean ship classes differ from one another. That is exactly what we will explore in this post.
Royal Caribbean groups its cruise ships according to their structure and design, along with their facilities, including activities, restaurants, and features.
There is a total of seven Royal Caribbean ship classes, and all the ships in a particular class were built during the same period, so they look similar and offer similar luxuries.
Here is a breakdown of all the Royal Caribbean’s ship classes and what you can expect from each before your voyage.
What Makes Royal Caribbean Ships Unique?
If you ask any experienced cruiser to describe a particular Royal Caribbean ship, they’ll likely lead with all the onboard activities available.
Royal Caribbean International prides itself on bringing the It Factor to all its cruise ships by incorporating features you won’t believe can be on a cruise ship. Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship class offers a fantastic array of activities to entice any passenger. The cruise line caters directly to the current market and ensures that everyone, regardless of their preference and taste, will find something to their liking on the Royal Caribbean ships.
Over the years, cruise ships have become just as much of a destination as any place you could ever visit, and with a plethora of bars, restaurants, pool deck activities, outdoor parties, and so much more, it’s easy to see why so many opt for a cruise vacation above any other option.
If you’re familiar with Royal Caribbean cruise ships, you will be accustomed to hearing names like Oasis Class, Icon Class, and Quantum Class ships.
Icon Class cruise ships are the largest cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and can house up to 7600 passengers. Icon of the Seas is the first cruise ship of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class and will start sailing in early 2024.
Oasis Class ships are pretty mesmerizing themselves and house up to 6000 guests. These ships’ immensity puts all other cruise ships to shame, and they offer an impressive variety of things to do.
Both Freedom Class ships and Quantum Class ships are considered small when compared with Icon Class or Oasis Class ships, but they certainly don’t fall short in any way. Quantum Class and Freedom Class ships can hold up to 5000 guests and boast a myriad of excellent facilities.
Voyager Class ships are the last of Royal Caribbean’s collection of big ships, and they are just a tad smaller than Freedom Class ships. Voyager Class ships have undergone continuous upgrades over recent years to feature only the best amenities.
Radiance Class ships and Vision Class ships are part of the collection of smaller ships and have a passenger capacity of 3000. Both Vision Class and Radiance Class ships have become somewhat of a niche, as they fit into smaller cruise ports and offer an intimate experience.
You would be way off assuming that smaller ships have less to offer. These ship classes still offer their fair share of fantastic restaurants, outdoor fun, bars, and onboard events. Although the variety is less than on bigger cruise ships, you will never lack opportunities to make some unforgettable memories.
The impressive collection of Royal Caribbean ships may seem daunting at first because how could you possibly know where to start? The secret is identifying which facilities and amenities you find most appealing and exploring your options accordingly.
Let’s take a closer look at Royal Caribbean ship classes to determine which one offers everything you need.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Class
Icon Class Ships
Icon of the Seas will be the first Icon Class ship to set sail. She will debark from Miami in 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship. You can expect unrestricted activities, dining options, and amenities from this Icon Class Royal Caribbean ship.
The last new class of ships was the Quantum Class ships, which was deputed back in 2014, but Icon Class ships will exceed all expectations when cruisers learn that it is powered by liquefied natural gas.
Some unique features the Icon Class ships will boast include the ships’ own Aquadome space and complete waterpark.
Similar to Oasis Class ships, Icon Class ships will consist of multiple neighborhoods, such as:
- Central Park, housing restaurants and shops at an outdoor oasis
- The Aquadome, housing a lounge space and an indoor theater
- The Thrill Island, housing outdoor sports and a waterpark
- Chill Island as the pool deck area
- The Hideaway, set at the ship’s aft and housing a bar, pool, seating sections, and whirlpools
- The Surfside with a family-friendly pool, splash zone, and dining options
- The Royal Promenade, housing lounges, retail shops, and restaurants
Highlights of Icon Class Ships:
If you’re looking for the biggest and boldest cruise ship out there, Icon Class cruise ships are just right for you. These cruise ships are arguably the best destination of the whole trip, especially for large groups and families.
You can expect the following on all Icon Class ships:
- A swim-up pool
- Adult-exclusive area
- AquaDome
- Hideaway neighborhood
- Suites-only section
- Surfside family-friendly neighborhood
- Massive ice-skating rink
- The latest stateroom and suite designs
- Central Park area
- Surf simulator
Icon Class Royal Caribbean Ships
- Icon of the Seas is coming soon (2024)
- Icon Class unnamed ship (2025)
- Icon Class unnamed ship (2026)
Oasis Class Ships
Oasis Class ships feature the best and latest amenities of virtually any cruise ship in the industry. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are the world’s largest cruise ships currently sailing.
With a gross tonnage of 225 000 and a passenger capacity of 5500, Oasis Class ships are guaranteed to impress. Royal Caribbean International caters to those who aren’t fond of large crowds and are intimidated by the sheer size of these cruise ships by splitting Oasis Class ships into neighborhoods to make navigating the ship easier.
With such a massive range of activities occurring in the various neighborhoods, passengers will be proceeding in their own time, so there will surely be some more peaceful areas to relax in.
Highlights of Oasis Class Vessels:
- AquaTheater
- Various neighborhoods
- Broadway musical performances
- 3D movie theater
- Zip-lining adventure
- Waterslides
- Surf Simulators
- Carousal
- Central Park
- Ice-skating rink
- Open-air movies
- Adult-exclusive pool area
- Boardwalk
Oasis Class Royal Caribbean Ships
- Oasis of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas (coming soon)
Quantum Class Ships
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships are specially designed to fit the needs of the modern traveler, with all the latest technology and family-fun experiences at your fingertips.
There are many iconic activities on Quantum Class ships that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether you are a new or experienced cruiser, Quantum Class ships have something in store for all interests and age groups.
Royal Caribbean International leveled up by creating Quantum Ultra Class ships in addition to its Quantum Class ships. Quantum Ultra Class ships are an exceptional choice for those for who money is not an issue. These cruise ships feature indoor pools with retractable roofs, a Playmakers sports bar, a tea room, a karaoke lounge, a teen disco, many pubs, and virtual trampolines.
Highlights of Quantum Class Ships:
- Seaplex
- North Star
- Surf simulator
- RipCord
- Virtual balcony cabins
- Two70
- Loft suites
- 3D movie theaters
- Broadway music performances
- Adult-exclusive pool area
- Open-air movies
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class Ships:
- Quantum of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
Freedom Class Ships
Freedom Class ships of Royal Caribbean’s fleet offer an overwhelming cruise experience with an impressive range of onboard activities and attractions. Two of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class ships have even been updated recently to house even more fantastic facilities.
Freedom Class ships are named appropriately, as they allow families the freedom to enjoy all kinds of activities on these immense ships without breaking the bank. With great value for money, Freedom Class ships are an excellent choice for large groups and families.
Highlights of Freedom Class Ships:
- Rock climbing walls
- Ice-skating rink
- Waterpark
- Royal promenade
- British pub
- Adult-exclusive pool area
- Designer shopping brands
- Open-air movie theater
- Waterslides
- Incredible staterooms
- Surf simulator
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class Ships:
- Freedom of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
Voyager Class Ships
Royal Caribbean Voyage Class ships left everyone in the cruise industry speechless by including facilities and features on the cruise ships that no one could dream would one day be on a cruise ship.
From ice-skating to mini-golf, Voyager Class ships truly have it all. Voyager Class ships, much like Freedom Class cruise ships, are budget-friendly options that allow you to enjoy countless onboard features for a reasonable price. Royal Caribbean International is far from finished investing in Voyager Class ships and has added many more great amenities and facilities in recent years.
Highlights of Voyager Class Ships:
- Ice-skating rink
- A rock climbing wall
- Royal promenade
- Surf simulator
- Open-air movie theater
- British pub
- Virtual balcony rooms
- Adult-exclusive pool area
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class Vessels:
- Voyager of the Seas
- Adventure of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
Radiance Class Ships
Radiance Class ships of Royal Caribbean are the embodiment of luxury and style, and many of these cruise ships can get into the world’s smaller cruise ports effortlessly, where other Royal Caribbean cruise ships can’t. Radiance of the Seas, in particular, features many open spaces and glass walls so guests can truly feel part of the ocean.
Royal Caribbean International spared no expense when designing Radiance Class ships, and it shows in everything from the dining options to the live entertainment. Experienced cruisers often return to Radiance Class ships for the relaxed and refined atmosphere they offer.
Highlights of Radiance Class Ships:
- Open-air movie theater
- Glass elevators
- Adult-exclusive pool area
- Sunlit glass-walled areas
- Mini-golf
- Indoor theater
- Pool tables that level themselves
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class Ships:
- Radiance of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
Vision Class Ships
Royal Caribbean International structured its Vision Class ships to be able to fit into most ports around the world, meaning these cruise ship itineraries are particularly impressive.
Vision Class ships incorporate a world of activities into relatively small spaces, much like Radiance Class cruise ships. So whether you are looking for an eventful or relaxing trip, Vision Class ships will undoubtedly have what you need.
Highlights of Vision Class Ships:
- Specialty restaurants
- Adult-exclusion pool area
- Trampoline ( only on Enchantment of the Seas)
- Open-air movie theater
- Broadway-inspired performances
- Rock climbing walls
Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class Ships:
- Enchantment of the Seas
- Vision of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- Grandeur of the Seas
Summary of Royal Caribbean Ships Classes
Icon Class
Two unnamed Icon Class ships coming soon, Icon of the Seas
Quantum Class
Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas
Quantum Ultra Class
Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas
Oasis Class
Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas
Freedom Class
Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
Radiance Class
Serenade of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas
Voyager Class
Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Adventurer of the Seas
Vision Class
Enchantment of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Saas, Rhapsody of the seas
