Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked Best To Worst (Rated By Reviews)

Royal Caribbean’s fleet now stretches across 29 ships from the headline-grabbing Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024, to the much-loved Grandeur of the Seas, which has been sailing since 1996. But age alone doesn’t tell you which ships actually offer the best experience.

Do the massive new vessels really live up to the buzz? Or do the older, more traditional ships offer something special that many cruisers quietly prefer?

Here’s the interesting part: there’s one often-overlooked factor that shapes cruise satisfaction far more than the year a ship was built. Keep reading to discover which type of ship could make your next holiday unforgettable… and which might leave you wishing you’d chosen differently.

A fleet of Royal Caribbean cruise ships majestically sailing in a vast blue ocean, showcasing their multiple decks and the distinct yellow lifeboats lined on their sides.

How I Ranked the Ships

Before we jump into the rankings, let’s set the stage. The insights here are based on something other than my personal experiences, as I haven’t sailed on every Royal Caribbean ship. Instead, I’ve used data from three major cruise review sites: Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor. These platforms offer unbiased feedback from thousands of cruisers, ensuring the rankings reflect a balanced average rather than a few outlier opinions.

I ranked each ship by these average scores and used my own judgment for any ties, focusing on onboard features and experiences.

Note: This list isn’t about good or bad – the ‘worst’ score is a decent 3.4 out of 5, and some surprises might be in store!

Second note: I haven’t included Star of the Seas. As it was launched only in August 2025, it currently hasn’t received many reviews compared to the other ships.

1. Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, captured from an aerial angle as it sails the open sea. The ship's deck bustles with amenities, including an aqua theater and green spaces, against the vast backdrop of the ocean.

Allure of the Seas was the second Oasis-class ship to set sail, and despite being older than the newest additions, launching 12 years before Wonder of the Seas, it still delivers an incredible experience, thanks in part to a 2025 refurbishment.

This refurbishment brought some long-awaited features that her sister ships have enjoyed for years including a 10-foot slide, new venues such as the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, Ultimate Panoramic suites above the bridge and other pool and kids’ area upgrades.

Passenger reviews continue to praise the ship’s impressive range of activities, especially for families. However, familiar complaints persist about service in the Main Dining Room and food quality in the Windjammer. Fortunately, with so many dining options on board, there’s no shortage of alternatives!

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.4
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.1
TripAdvisor Review Score: 4.0
Average: 4.2

2. Symphony of the Seas

An aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, as it navigates the deep blue ocean. Its multiple decks and distinctive architectural features create a floating cityscape against the vastness of the sea, embodying the grandeur of modern ocean travel.

Symphony of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship, consistently earns high praise for its impressive range of activities—including some with a musical twist that nods to its name.

Passenger reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with very few complaints specifically about the ship itself. The most common criticism? Occasional mentions of slow service in the Main Dining Room, possibly from guests accustomed to smaller, less crowded ships.

Symphony has been a regular near the top of this list since it began. She started 2025 in first place, but shifted down to fourth for a bit before settling into number 2 on the list.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.6
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 4.0
Average: 4.1

3. Mariner of the Seas

The Mariner of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, navigates the open sea, showcased from an aerial perspective. The ship's multiple colorful slides and outdoor activities hint at the adventure and entertainment aboard, contrasting with the vast and deep blue ocean below.

Mariner of the Seas proves that newer doesn’t always mean better. Despite being the 17th oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, it still ranks as the 3rd best based on passenger reviews!

As the last Voyager-class ship to launch, Mariner strikes a perfect balance between exciting activities and a relaxed atmosphere. The Voyager-class introduced some of Royal Caribbean’s most beloved features, like the ice rink, and Mariner has since been upgraded with extra water slides, but it never feels overwhelming or overcrowded.

Reviews consistently describe it as a “really nice” ship, ideal for those looking to experience Royal Caribbean without the hustle and bustle of the mega-ships.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.3
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.1
TripAdvisor Review Score: 4.0
Average: 4.1

4. Oasis of the Seas

Overlooking a dreary New York City skyline, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas presents a contrasting image of leisure and adventure on the Hudson River, its vibrant design elements standing out against the muted urban backdrop on a cloudy day.

The very first Oasis-class ship, Oasis of the Seas, set sail in 2009 and has been wowing guests ever since. Even today, its sheer size is incredible, with every inch packed with things to see and do – you’d need more than one cruise just to experience it all.

I have a personal soft spot for this ship – it’s my favorite I’ve ever sailed on. Back in the day, when it was the world’s largest cruise ship, I remember being completely blown away by the wow-factor at every turn. From the first time I stepped onto the Boardwalk to seeing Central Park at sea, it was a game-changer.

Reviews still reflect that magic, with guests overwhelmingly loving their experience. That said, a few criticisms mention occasional disorganization, long waits for tables, slow bar service, and some communication issues. But for a ship of this scale, Royal Caribbean does an impressive job keeping things running smoothly.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.6
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 4.0
Average: 4.1

5. Harmony of the Seas

The majestic Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas cruise ship is seen sailing on the open ocean during early evening, with its intricate deck structures and vibrant lights beginning to illuminate the vessel.

It’s no surprise that five of the six Oasis-class ships dominate the top spots on this list. Harmony of the Seas secures a well-earned place in the top five, with passengers loving the endless activities for both kids and adults.

Like her sister ships, Harmony receives a few recurring complaints, mainly about service and staffing. If anything, these issues seem slightly more common here, with some guests experiencing longer-than-expected wait times.

That said, the overwhelming majority of reviews are glowing, with many praising the crew’s friendliness and dedication to making every cruise special.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.5
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.1
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 4.0

6. Independence of the Seas

The Independence of the Seas cruise ship embarks on a voyage at sunset, its side catching the warm hues of the setting sun, with the sprawling deck activities visible and a backdrop of a distant coastline.

For three years, Independence of the Seas stood among the largest ships in the world, alongside her Freedom-class sisters. She also became a favorite for UK cruisers, spending several seasons homeported in Southampton. She now switches between New York in the summer/fall and Miami in the spring to maximize the warmer months in the Northeast US.

Like other Freedom-class ships, Indy strikes a great balance, offering more to see and do than the older Voyager and Radiance-class ships, but not quite as much as Royal Caribbean’s newer megaships. Most passengers love this mix of size, features, and manageable crowds, though some reviews mention that parts of the ship are starting to feel a little dated.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.2
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 4.0
Average: 4.0

7. Freedom of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas cruise ship is docked at a tropical island, captured from an aerial view. The turquoise and shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea contrast with the large, elegant white ship, while the vibrant island in the background adds to the paradise-like setting.

Freedom of the Seas was previously the highest-ranked of the Freedom-class ships, but she has slipped from 6th place at the start of 2025 and has now been overtaken by her sister, Independence of the Seas. Her mix of size and space still appeals to many guests, offering plenty to do without the more overwhelming crowds found on the Oasis-class ships.

Recent reviews note a few minor gripes, including dips in Main Dining Room food quality and staff not always being fully up to speed on onboard facilities.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.3
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.1
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 4.0

8. Serenade of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas cruise ship amidst the awe-inspiring Alaskan landscape, with a vast glacier in the background and pristine icy waters reflecting the ship's elegant design.

The first Radiance-class ship to make this list, and the third to launch, Serenade of the Seas perfectly embodies what sets this class apart. Rather than packing in endless attractions, it focuses on delivering a relaxing, traditional cruise experience with a more laid-back atmosphere.

Passengers who love Serenade appreciate its classic cruising vibe and peaceful setting. However, some reviews note that it doesn’t quite match the larger ships in certain areas, particularly evening entertainment, which lacks the big-production, West End-style feel found on Royal Caribbean’s bigger vessels.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.1
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.0
TripAdvisor Review Score: 4.0
Average: 4.0

9. Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas cruise ship sailing at dusk, with vibrant lighting accentuating its multiple decks and leisure amenities against a backdrop of a purple-tinged sky and calm sea.

Utopia of the Seas made an impressive entrance when she launched in July 2024, quickly earning praise from Royal Caribbean fans. Travellers have particularly enjoyed her wide range of features, with the Royal Railway interactive dining experience standing out as a favorite. While her size means crowds can crop up at times, overall feedback has stayed positive.

Even so, rankings can shift fast. Icon of the Seas held the top spot in 2024 before dropping several places in 2025, and Utopia has experienced a similar pattern, moving from 3rd at the start of 2025 to now dropping into 9th at the end of 2025 and early 2026. Time will tell whether she rises again as the early buzz settles and more reviews roll in.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.7
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 4.0

10. Liberty of the Seas

An aerial view of the deck on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, highlighting an array of twisting water slides in vibrant orange and green. Below, passengers enjoy the ship's spacious pool area, with the ocean's expanse providing a captivating backdrop to the bustling onboard activities.

Liberty of the Seas, the second Freedom-class ship, delivers a well-rounded cruise experience, featuring all of Royal Caribbean’s most popular innovations available at the time of her debut. Just like her sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, she offers plenty to see and do, making her a solid choice for cruisers.

While she remains a fan favorite, some reviews mention that the evening entertainment doesn’t quite match the spectacle of newer ships. Others feel the Main Dining Room and Windjammer could use a refresh in terms of food quality. Still, despite her age, Liberty of the Seas continues to hold her own as a well-loved ship in the fleet.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.2
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.0
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.9

11. Odyssey of the Seas

The Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's quantum ultra-class cruise ship, makes its way through the deep blue ocean, under a sky with dramatic clouds at dusk. The ship's side is adorned with its name, marking its impressive presence on the high seas.

Odyssey of the Seas is the standout Quantum-class ship, packed with cutting-edge technology and innovative entertainment. The Two70 venue offers a breathtaking mix of live performances and digital effects, while the SeaPlex keeps guests entertained for hours with activities like bumper cars and sports courts.

Criticisms are minimal, but some passengers feel the Main Dining Room could be more exciting. Others mention that, despite the ship’s impressive lineup of attractions, it can feel a little crowded, as if there’s almost too much to do for a ship of its size. Still, Odyssey remains a top choice for those looking for a high-tech, adventure-filled cruise.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.5
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.6
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.9

12. Radiance of the Seas

The 'Radiance of the Seas' cruise ship navigates through icy waters with a backdrop of the stunning snow-capped mountains and a sprawling glacier, reflecting a serene Alaskan landscape.

Radiance of the Seas was the first-ever Radiance-class ship built for Royal Caribbean, and more than 20 years later, she’s still a top pick for cruisers looking for a relaxing experience with a touch of that Royal Caribbean flair.

She’s often considered one of the best Royal Caribbean ships for adults, thanks to her laid-back atmosphere, though some still prefer the bars and restaurants found on newer ships.

Passengers love that her smaller size means no overcrowding, creating a more peaceful cruise experience. However, a few reviews note that some areas are starting to show their age and could use a refresh.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.2
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.9
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.9

13. Adventure of the Seas

The Adventure of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, rests in a calm bay with crystal clear turquoise waters. Lush green hills frame the background, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting for this grand vessel under the bright, clear sky.

Adventure of the Seas shares a similar reputation to Mariner of the Seas, as a Voyager-class ship, she offers a great mix of activities for both kids and adults, including water slides, the FlowRider, and a rock climbing wall. However, she comes without the overwhelming crowds found on the larger mega-ships from later classes.

Negative reviews are mixed, with some passengers mentioning awkward ship design, an older crowd, or areas that feel a bit worn and in need of an update. But for a ship that’s been sailing for over 20 years, there’s still plenty of life left in her yet!

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.9
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.9

14. Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship sails gracefully at dusk, with the glow of the setting sun casting a warm light on its sleek, white structure. The ship's impressive size and modern design, featuring a unique glass dome, are set against a backdrop of distant mountains and a pastel sky.

One of the newest additions to the Royal Caribbean fleet, and still among the largest ships in the world, Icon of the Seas offers an extraordinary amount to see and do. Her sister ship, Star of the Seas, mirrors her size and design, continuing the same record-breaking legacy. Travellers are consistently impressed by the sheer variety onboard, from the endless activities and dining choices to the scale of the ship itself.

However, all that popularity and innovation comes with a price. Icon of the Seas remains one of the most expensive ships to sail on, which has almost certainly played a part in her dip in rankings since launch. After taking the top spot in early 2024, she has fallen in the rankings a bit.

Crowds can still be an issue on a ship carrying more than 7,000 guests, though most reviewers say there’s no shortage of places to spread out. The most common complaints center around upselling and noise levels, with many guests hoping for a few more peaceful spots to relax.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.6
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.7
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.9

15. Anthem of the Seas

The Anthem of the Seas cruise ship, part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, cruising on a sunny day with a clear blue sky overhead, showcasing its expansive decks and the unique North Star observation capsule extended above.

I was genuinely surprised to see Anthem of the Seas ranked so low on this list. For years, it’s been one of the best ships sailing from the UK, packed with fantastic features, and plenty of reviewers agree.

To be honest, most of the negative reviews seem to be aimed more at Royal Caribbean as a whole rather than the ship itself, especially when it comes to high costs for activities and specialty dining. Maybe it’s because British cruisers are used to inclusive pricing on lines like P&O Cruises?

The ship itself gets overwhelmingly positive feedback, though some passengers mention it feels crowded during peak season – something I can personally vouch for after cruising during the school holidays.

In 2025, Anthem of the Seas left the UK to offer Alaskan cruises from Seattle, Washington and South Pacific cruises from Sydney, Australia. With this change in itinerary, it climbed 6 spots from 21st to 15th in the rankings.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.2
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.7
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

16. Wonder of the Seas

The majestic Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas cruises at sunset, with its innovative structure highlighted by the fading sunlight. The world's largest cruise ship is a marvel of modern engineering, boasting a unique combination of luxurious amenities and cutting-edge design as it traverses the open ocean.

I’m a bit surprised to see Wonder of the Seas ranked this far down the list, especially since the other Oasis-class ships have all scored so highly. That said, her average rating is still strong, so it’s not like she isn’t popular.

Wonder of the Seas takes the Oasis-class concept and elevates it to new heights. She offers incredible dining options, some of the best suites at sea, including breathtaking two-story accommodations, and an endless list of activities. From the FlowRider to the zip-line, water slides, and live shows, there’s no shortage of excitement on board.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.5
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.4
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

17. Jewel of the Seas

The serene waters mirror the Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, a sophisticated and sleek cruise ship docked in a peaceful harbor. The ship's design, with its rows of balconies and expansive glass windows, offers a glimpse into the elegant experiences awaiting guests aboard.

Jewel of the Seas, the last Radiance-class ship to launch in 2004, may be showing her age in places, but she still delivers a great cruise experience thanks to her relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.

Passengers appreciate the tranquility of the ship, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more laid-back cruise. However, the most common complaint is about the food quality, which many feel has declined in recent years, especially in the Main Dining Room, though a few guests have noted issues in other restaurants as well.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 4.0
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

18. Voyager of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas offers a vibrant top-deck experience with a colorful water slide, sports court, and rock-climbing wall, captured with the deep blue ocean stretching into the distance.

The next Voyager-class ship on this list is the one that started it all—debuting in 1999, she introduced now-iconic Royal Caribbean features like the ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, and Royal Promenade, shaping the cruise experience we know today.

While she was once considered a giant, she’s now dwarfed by the industry’s latest megaships. Still, she continues to earn positive reviews, with guests loving the well-balanced mix of activities without the overwhelming crowds found on larger ships.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.2
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

19. Navigator of the Seas

A majestic cruise ship, the Navigator of the Seas, basks in the warm glow of sunset as it docks at a port, its multiple decks illuminated, reflecting the fading sunlight.

Navigator of the Seas, which launched in 2002, continues to earn praise for how well she has evolved over the years, adding exciting new attractions while maintaining her classic charm. Like her Voyager-class sisters, she strikes a great balance between fun and size, though she doesn’t offer quite as much variety as the larger Freedom, Quantum, and Oasis-class ships.

She is starting to show her age in some areas, though. The staterooms could use modern updates, like USB ports, and the entertainment leans toward the more traditional side, lacking the high-energy productions found on newer ships.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.1
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

20. Brilliance of the Seas

The Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship, a part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, glides across calm ocean waters under a clear blue sky, reflecting the sunlight off its many windows and balconies.

The second Radiance-class ship to join the Royal Caribbean fleet, Brilliance of the Seas offers a classic cruising experience, much like her sister ships. Rather than being packed with high-tech attractions, she caters more to an older crowd who appreciate a relaxing, traditional voyage.

Reviews are mostly positive, especially when it comes to service. However, some passengers feel the décor is looking a little tired and in need of a refresh, while others mention that the food quality doesn’t quite measure up to what’s offered on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

21. Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship in a serene setting, surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of a bay with lush green hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

Rhapsody of the Seas, which debuted in 1997, may be one of the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but she still earns strong reviews for her service, entertainment, and dining options.

Rhapsody holds a special place in my heart; she was the first Royal Caribbean ship I truly fell in love with, and she sparked my passion for cruising with Royal Caribbean.

That said, her age is the most common criticism. While she has been refurbished, there are still telltale signs of an older ship—most notably, the lack of modern soundproofing, meaning engine noise is more noticeable throughout the vessel. Despite this, Rhapsody continues to charm cruisers looking for a more intimate, traditional cruise experience.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.1
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

22. Enchantment of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas cruise ship sailing on calm blue ocean under a clear sky.

Enchantment of the Seas was the third Vision-class ship to launch back in 1997, and in 2005, she was stretched to make her slightly larger than her sister ships. Even with the extra space, she’s still much smaller than Royal Caribbean’s newer megaships, so families shouldn’t expect the same huge variety of activities for younger guests.

That said, adults tend to love Enchantment, thanks to a great selection of bars and dining options. While some guests feel the entertainment isn’t as exciting as on the bigger ships, one area where Enchantment stands out is food, she actually receives better dining reviews than many other similarly aged Royal Caribbean ships.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.9
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

23. Explorer of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas cruise ship in a serene setting, surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of a bay with lush green hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

The first Royal Caribbean ship built in the new millennium, Explorer of the Seas was the second Voyager-class ship to launch, continuing the trend of introducing exciting new activities for both kids and adults. Many passengers praise how well she balances size and entertainment, offering plenty to do without feeling overwhelming.

However, if Explorer of the Seas is going to stay in the fleet, she’s due for another refurbishment. Some reviews mention aging areas that could use an update, while others note that certain spots need a deep clean to bring back their original shine.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.9
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.8

24. Ovation of the Seas

The cruise ship 'Ovation of the Seas' glides through the icy waters of Alaska, with the majestic backdrop of snow-covered mountains and glaciers reflecting the clear blue skies.

Despite Odyssey of the Seas sitting in fourteenth place on this list, the bigger surprise is how the other Quantum-class ships have performed – Ovation of the Seas has fallen by seven spots, having been 17th at the start of 2025. Travelers still enjoy the class’s standout features, including the North Star and the Two70 entertainment venue, but experiences can vary.

Some guests report issues such as inconsistent food quality or poor crowd management on busy sea days, which has resulted in a mix of positive and less favorable reviews.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.4
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.3
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.7

25. Vision of the Seas

The 'Vision of the Seas' cruise ship glides through calm waters in a fjord, flanked by steep green cliffs and a cascading waterfall, under a partly cloudy sky, evoking a sense of adventure in the Norwegian landscape.

Vision of the Seas, which debuted in 1998, was the last Vision-class ship to launch—but the one that ultimately gave the class its name. Significantly smaller than most of the Royal Caribbean fleet, she sometimes surprises passengers who expect a larger ship with more attractions.

However, most guests who know what to expect leave positive reviews, praising her relaxed atmosphere and excellent service. Food reviews are a bit mixed, but generally lean positive, making Vision of the Seas a great choice for those who prefer a more intimate cruising experience.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.7
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.5
Average: 3.7

26. Grandeur of the Seas

The 'Grandeur of the Seas' cruise ship travels in the open sea, its white structure contrasting with the deep blue waters, under a sky scattered with white clouds, embodying the essence of ocean travel.

The oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Grandeur of the Seas, debuted back in 1996, yet she still receives mostly positive reviews from guests. Those who choose Grandeur typically appreciate her smaller size, with only a handful of reviews mentioning a lack of activities.

While she may not have the thrills of newer ships, she offers enough restaurants and bars to keep things interesting. However, common criticisms include lackluster food in the Main Dining Room and the need for more updates to give the ship a fresher, more modern feel.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.8
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.0
Average: 3.6

27. Spectrum of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship is captured cruising on the open sea, showcasing its distinctive blue and white exterior with yellow lifeboats and an array of onboard activities visible from the side.

One of the newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Spectrum of the Seas was the fourth Quantum-class ship and the first of the Quantum Ultra sub-class, slightly larger and upgraded with even more high-tech features. Given how feature-packed she is, it’s a bit surprising to see her ranked this low on the list.

Her review scores remain mostly positive, but some guests feel the ship gets too crowded, and a recurring complaint is that the crew struggles with queue management, leading to longer waits and a less seamless onboard experience.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.0
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.3
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.0
Average: 3.4

28. Quantum of the Seas

Surprised by the ‘worst’ cruise ship in the fleet? I know I am. When Quantum of the Seas debuted in 2014, she introduced some of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting innovations, including the North Star observation capsule, Two70 entertainment venue, and the Bionic Bar.

So why did she rank so low? Looking at guest reviews, the biggest complaints stem from recurring ship issues that have led to cancelled excursions, a major letdown, especially for an Alaska itinerary, where excursions are a huge part of the experience. Hopefully, these problems get resolved so Quantum can climb back up the rankings.

Cruiseline Review Score: 4.1
Cruise Critic Review Score: 3.2
TripAdvisor Review Score: 3.0
Average: 3.4

Missing Number 29?

Royal Caribbean may now have 29 ships in its fleet, but only 28 appear in these rankings. Star of the Seas is still so new that she hasn’t yet collected enough passenger reviews to be compared fairly with the others.

Once she’s been sailing a bit longer and more feedback comes in, she’ll be added, and it’ll be interesting to see how she stacks up against her sister ships.

Choosing The Best Royal Caribbean Ship For You

Even after ranking every Royal Caribbean ship, it’s clear there isn’t a one-size-fits-all ‘best’ ship, much depends on what you’re looking for in your cruise experience. Each ship caters to slightly different preferences, though they all share the core elements of the Royal Caribbean experience.

So, there you have it: a complete rundown of each ship in the current fleet, with pointers on selecting the best one for your cruise needs. Remember, the ‘best’ ship really hinges on your personal cruise expectations.

And just a note – no Royal Caribbean ship received poor reviews overall, so even those at the bottom of the list provide a fantastic experience. Sometimes, a single less-than-perfect meal can skew perceptions of dining quality, but generally, Royal Caribbean is known for its excellent cuisine.

This is one of the reasons Royal Caribbean is at the top of my list of cruise lines.