Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular cruise lines, with the most up-to-date cruise ship activities, design, and itineraries as reported by Royal Caribbean Blog.
A new launch ahead
It might be difficult to distinguish between Royal Caribbean cruise ships, whether you’re new to the company or not. So, how many Royal Caribbean cruise ships are there, and what do they have to offer? Royal Caribbean now has 26 cruise ships on the water, with four more on the way in the next four years. The cruise line’s ships are divided into six categories, each with its own layout, size, onboard activities, cabin options, and facilities. Icon of the Seas, the seventh class, will debut in the fall of 2023.
Here is the list of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet:
Vision Class ships
- Grandeur of the Seas
- Enchantment of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- Vision of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships are the company’s oldest and smallest ships. They hold approximately 2,500 passengers and have many of the same amenities as larger ships, such as a pool deck, adults-only Solarium, Adventure Ocean kids programming, spa and fitness centres, and speciality dining venues.
Radiance Class ships
- Radiance of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
The Radiance Class ships are the second smallest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and are intended to travel in a variety of climates, allowing them to offer distinct itineraries all over the world. The Radiance Class ships have approximately three acres of glass, allowing guests to enjoy views of the ocean from nearly any vantage point.
Voyager Class ships
- Voyager of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Adventure of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
With a capacity of roughly 4,000 passengers, the Voyager Class cruise ships are considered “mid” in size. They were the first Royal Caribbean ship class to include the Royal Promenade, the ship’s central thoroughfare. Water slides, new speciality restaurants and bars, and other new activities like the Sky Pad, escape rooms, and laser tag have recently been added to some Voyager Class ships.
Freedom Class ships
- Freedom of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
Freedom Class ships are quite similar to Voyager Class ships, however, they are longer, providing for more retail, culinary, and bar venues as well as an additional pool area. The Freedom Class is considered by many customers to be the optimal size for a Royal Caribbean trip. While not as spacious as Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, there is plenty of great entertainment, dining, and onboard activities.
Oasis Class ships
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
With a split layout unlike anything seen at sea before, the Oasis Class ships were a game-changer in the cruise industry. From the classic outdoor promenade to tranquil Central Park, the Oasis Class ships boast separate neighbourhoods. On board, guests of all ages can participate in activities like as ziplining, ice skating, or watching a play at the AquaTheater.
Quantum Class ships
- Quantum of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
Quantum Class ships blend technology and cruising to provide passengers with a modern, cutting-edge experience at sea. A two-story Royal Esplanade, the North Star observation pod, and an indoor skydiving simulator distinguish the Quantum Class from other Royal Caribbean ships. Because the Quantum Class ships are designed to withstand a variety of climates, they all contain an indoor pool in addition to the adults-only Solarium. The SeaPlex, an indoor sports arena with bumper cars, health activities, and an arcade can also be found aboard Quantum Class ships.
Icon Class cruise ships
Although little is known about the characteristics, layout, and amenities of the Icon Class, it will be Royal Caribbean’s newest and seventh class of ships. The first ship in the class, Icon of the Seas, will launch in the fall of 2023, and it will be the first LNG-powered ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Royal Caribbean recently revealed that the Icon Class cruise ships will be larger than the Oasis Class, albeit it is unclear in what ways. Icon of the Seas construction photographs has also been posted, including three of a giant sphere that has recently been mounted on the ship.
How to pick a ship for your upcoming cruise
While one cruise ship isn’t always better than another, it’s crucial to consider your personal tastes and holiday style when booking a Royal Caribbean trip.
If you’re new to cruising, it could be tempting to go with the cheapest option.
However, choosing a cruise based solely on price is not recommended. Instead, consider the following:
- Ship size
- Entertainment options
- Kids’ activities and amenities
- Dining venues
- Itinerary choices
- Old vs new ship
Of course, budget is important, but if you’re looking for things like water slides or bumper cars, you’ll want to look at larger or recently upgraded cruise ships.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking a traditional cruise experience without all the frills, an older and smaller ship can be perfect for you.
There is a Royal Caribbean ship to suit every type of cruise, so do your research before booking to avoid being disappointed or startled once onboard.
How big are Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships?
Royal Caribbean is noted for producing the world’s largest cruise ships. Since 1999, a Royal Caribbean ship has held the distinction of the world’s largest passenger ship, with the exception of the Queen Mary 2 from 2003 to 2006.
Regardless, Royal Caribbean ships come in a variety of sizes and designs. With passenger capacities of roughly 2,500, the Vision and Radiance Class ships are the smallest in the fleet. With a capacity of about 4,000 and 4,500 passengers, the Voyager and Freedom Classes are much larger.
The Quantum Class and the Oasis Class are the two largest classes in the fleet. Quantum Class ships can accommodate between 5,000 and 5,600 passengers, while Oasis Class ships can accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers!
Watching a comprehensive video tour of each ship on YouTube is one of the greatest methods to get a sense of how it appears. You’ll be able to “visit” the ship before deciding on which class of ship, or even which ship within that class, is appropriate for your voyage.
Is Royal Caribbean building new cruise ships?
Royal Caribbean will add four more cruise ships to its fleet in the next years. Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are two new cruise ships currently under construction.
The first ship of the new Icon Class will be Icon of the Seas. Two further Icon Class ships have been ordered for 2025 and 2026, but their names have yet to be revealed.
Utopia of the Seas will be the sixth cruise ship in the Oasis Class.
While no specifics about the ship have been released, it is expected that she will have many of the same characteristics as other Oasis Class ships, such as unique neighbourhoods and entertainment facilities like the AquaTheater.
Outside of these four, more cruise ships are anticipated to be ordered in the future, but these are the only ones ordered right now.
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Source: Royal Caribbean Blog
