How Royal Caribbean’s Newest and Oldest Ships Compare

Are you thinking about your next Royal Caribbean cruise? The ship you choose can be just as important as the destination itself. With Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 29 cruise ships (and more on the way), you have many options to choose from. But here’s the thing: not all ships will give you the same experience.

If you’re all about cutting-edge tech and top-of-the-line amenities, the ship’s age matters. Royal Caribbean updates its ships every few years, but the newest ships often offer experiences that the older ones can’t quite match.

So before you book your cruise, take a moment to read the list of Royal Caribbean ships, ranked from newest to oldest. Whether you’re after the latest cruise ship or something a bit more classic, this guide will help you choose what’s best for you.

The Newest Royal Caribbean ship

The Utopia of the Seas is the newest addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet. Its maiden voyage was in July 2024.

As the sixth vessel in the esteemed Oasis class, she boasts a gross tonnage of 236,473, surpassing her sister ship, Wonder of the Seas.

A pioneering feature of Utopia of the Seas is her propulsion system; she is the first in the Oasis class to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), underscoring Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Designed for short getaways, Utopia offers three- and four-night cruises to The Bahamas, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Onboard, guests can indulge in over 40 dining and beverage venues, such as the immersive Royal Railway dining experience and the tiki-themed Pesky Parrot bar.

The ship also features five pools, eight hot tubs, and a variety of entertainment options, including the Aqua80 show, casinos, nightclubs, and live performances.

The Oldest Royal Caribbean Ship

The oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is Grandeur of the Seas, which has been sailing since 1996. While she may not have the latest high-tech amenities, she has a charm that has touched many cruisers. 

Grandeur of the Seas is also the smallest of the fleet, accommodating just 2,240 guests, a contrast to the newer ships. Before December 2020, Empress of the Seas held the title, but it was sold along with Majesty of the Seas to make room for new additions.

The Next Royal Caribbean Ship to Launch

Star of the Seas is set to debut in the summer of 2025. As the second cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, it will offer beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures.

The ship will operate 3 and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, with itineraries including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

List of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Age

Here’s a table listing all of Royal Caribbean’s ships by age. I’ve also included their respective classes to give you a more complete picture. 

Just a quick note: Star of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas are still being worked on and haven’t yet made their maiden voyages. 

Ship Name	Class	Year Built	Inaugural Sailing	Max Passenger Capacity
Star of the Seas	Icon	Due 2025	TBD	TBD
Utopia of the Seas	Oasis	2024	July 22, 2024	5,668
Icon of the Seas	Icon	2024	January 27, 2024	7,600
Wonder of the Seas	Oasis	2022	March 4, 2022	6,988
Odyssey of the Seas	Quantum Ultra	2021	July 31, 2021	5,510
Spectrum of the Seas	Quantum Ultra	2019	April 18, 2019	5,622
Symphony of the Seas	Oasis	2018	April 7, 2018	6,680
Harmony of the Seas	Oasis	2016	May 29, 2016	6,687
Ovation of the Seas	Quantum	2016	April 14, 2016	4,905
Anthem of the Seas	Quantum	2015	N/A	4,905
Quantum of the Seas	Quantum	2014	November 2, 2014	4,905
Allure of the Seas	Oasis	2010	December 1, 2010	6,780
Oasis of the Seas	Oasis	2009	December 5, 2009	6,780
Independence of the Seas	Freedom	2008	May 2, 2008	4,375
Liberty of the Seas	Freedom	2007	May 19, 2007	4,960
Freedom of the Seas	Freedom	2006	June 4, 2006	4,515
Jewel of the Seas	Radiance	2004	May 8, 2004	2,502
Mariner of the Seas	Voyager	2003	November 16, 2003	3,807
Serenade of the Seas	Radiance	2003	August 1, 2003	2,476
Navigator of the Seas	Voyager	2002	December 14, 2002	4,000
Brilliance of the Seas	Radiance	2002	July 19, 2002	2,543
Adventure of the Seas	Voyager	2001	November 18, 2001	3,807
Radiance of the Seas	Radiance	2001	April 7, 2001	2,466
Explorer of the Seas	Voyager	2000	October 28, 2000	3,840
Voyager of the Seas	Voyager	1999	November 21, 1999	3,840
Vision of the Seas	Vision	1998	May 2, 1998	2,514
Enchantment of the Seas	Vision	1997	July 13, 1997	2,730
Rhapsody of the Seas	Vision	1997	May 19, 1997	2,416
Grandeur of the Seas	Vision	1996	December 14, 1996	2,440

Related Reading: a list of Royal Caribbean Ships by size and age.

Should I sail on an old or new Royal Caribbean ship?

The “right” Royal Caribbean ship for you will depend on what you’re looking for in terms of amenities, atmosphere, and budget. With such a diverse fleet, you should find a ship that suits your preferences.

Choosing between an older and a newer Royal Caribbean ship comes down to many factors, including size, facilities, destinations, passengers, ambience, and price. I’ve broken down each element below:

Size

The size difference between older and newer ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet is striking. For example, the latest addition, Icon of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 250,800, making it nearly 3.5 times larger than the Grandeur of the Seas, which has a gross tonnage of 73,817. 

The larger size of newer ships allows them to offer extensive activities and amenities, making them essentially floating mega resorts.

Recommended Reading: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

Onboard Facilities

Newer ships generally have more cutting-edge facilities like zip lines, skydiving simulators, virtual reality trampolines, escape rooms, and bumper cars. Older ships don’t offer these high-adrenaline activities. However, they still feature essential amenities like swimming pools, rock-climbing walls, arcades, and kids’ clubs.

Destinations and Itineraries

Newer, larger ships sometimes focus more on the onboard experience rather than the destinations. Older ships, due to their smaller size, have the capability to dock at ports that cannot accommodate the mega-ships, offering more port-intensive itineraries with fewer sea days.

Demographics

Newer ships tend to attract a younger demographic, families with children and younger couples looking for various activities.

On the other hand, older ships often appeal to an older crowd who might prefer a more relaxed and intimate cruising experience.

Recommended reading: The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Kids

Ambience and Decor

The atmosphere can vary between the older and newer ships. Newer ships tend to have a bustling environment filled with activities, while older ships provide a more laid-back atmosphere. 

Although every Royal Caribbean ship is refurbished every three years, the decor on older ships may appear slightly dated compared to their newer ships, but in my opinion, they are still of high quality.

Budget Considerations

Price can be a determining factor for many travellers. Older ships generally offer a more cost-effective experience, while the demand for brand-new ships typically drives their prices higher.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing between older and newer Royal Caribbean ships ultimately boils down to what you value most in your cruising experience. If you’re seeking cutting-edge amenities and a wide range of activities and don’t mind sharing your holiday with a larger crowd, newer ships like those in the Oasis or Quantum classes might be ideal. 

On the other hand, if you prioritise intimacy, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to visit less accessible ports, then the older ships in the Vision or Radiance classes might be more to your liking. 

From a personal perspective, having sailed on different classes of Royal Caribbean ships, each has unique charm and appeal. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of zip-lining over the ocean or desire the peaceful corner where you can read a book undisturbed, the Royal Caribbean fleet has something for everyone.