How Do Royal Caribbean Ships Stack Up? Exploring Size and Age

Selecting the right Royal Caribbean ship can significantly impact your overall cruise experience. With a diverse fleet, each ship offers something unique in terms of size and age.

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.

In this article, we’ll explore each Royal Caribbean ship. Whether you’re interested in the amenities of newer, larger ships or the charm of older, smaller ships, this article aims to provide insights to help you make an informed choice.

Discover more about Royal Caribbean Ships by Age.

Why Size and Age Could Shape Your Cruise Experience

Before jumping into the details, let me explain why size and age could influence which ship you choose to go on.

You might think that bigger is always better when it comes to cruise ships, but it’s not that straightforward. Larger cruise ships like the Icon of the Seas could offer you a large choice of amenities, from a variety of pools, waterslides, flowriders, ice skating, large-scale productions and a huge choice of dining options.

However, sometimes they come with the busyness of larger crowds, which could make your experience feel a bit less personal. To get a better understanding of what to expect, you might want to explore the size and capacity of Royal Caribbean ships

Now, let’s talk about the age of the ship. While the allure of a shiny, new ship can be tempting, it’s worth considering what you might be giving up. Newer ships often boast the latest tech and amenities, but there’s something to be said for the timeless charm of older vessels like the Grandeur of the Seas. To make a more informed decision, you may wish to read up on the ages of Royal Caribbean ships.

So, whether you’re leaning towards the state-of-the-art experiences that newer, larger ships might offer, or you’re intrigued by the atmosphere that you might find on older, smaller ones, there’s a lot to think about.

Learn more about the sizes and capacities of Royal Caribbean ships.

List of Royal Caribbean Ships By Size and Age

Now that you understand how the size and age of a ship could influence your cruising experience let’s dive deeper. Below, I’ve detailed each ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to help you make a more informed choice when booking your next cruise. I’ve also included some newer ships which haven’t even been launched yet and some other extra details about each ship.

1. Star of the Seas

Class: Icon
Year Built: Due 2025
Inaugural Sailing: To Be Announced
Max Passenger Capacity: 7,600
Gross Tonnage: 250,800
Total Staterooms: 2,805
Number of Crew Members: 2,350
Port of Departure: To Be Announced
Itineraries Sample: To Be Announced
Amenities: Royal Promenade, Dueling Pianos, Outdoor Running Track, Royal Theater, Absolute Zero Ice Rink, Music Hall, Casino Royale, Escape Room, Diamond Club, The Attic Comedy Club, Fitness Centre, Surfside, Slide from Deck 8, Adventure Ocean Kids Club, Carousel, Arcade, Splash Area, Infinity Pool for Grown-Ups, AquaDome, 220-Degree Ocean Views, Fountain Shows, High-Tech Features, Overlook Lounge, Chill Island, Swim and Tonic Swim-Up Bar, Largest Pool at Sea, Infinity Pool, Hot Tubs, The Hideaway, Suspended Infinity Pool, Thrill Island, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Category 6 Water Park, The Crown’s Edge Ropes Course.

2. Utopia of the Seas

Class: Oasis
Year Built: Due 2024
Inaugural Sailing: July 22, 2024
Max Passenger Capacity: 5,668
Gross Tonnage: 236,857
Total Staterooms: 2,824
Number of Crew Members: 2,394
Port of Departure: Port Canaveral, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 3/4 days Bahamas Perfect Day
Amenities: Neighbourhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Broadway Musicals, The Perfect Storm, Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, Boardwalk, Central Park, 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Outdoor Movie Screen, Laser Tag

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.

3. Icon of the Seas

Class: Icon
Year Built: Due 2024
Inaugural Sailing: January 27, 2024
Max Passenger Capacity: 7,600
Gross Tonnage: 250,800
Total Staterooms: 2,805
Number of Crew Members: 2,350
Port of Departure: Miami, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day, 7 night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day
Noteworthy: Set to be the world’s largest cruise ship upon launching and Royal Caribbean’s first ship to be powered by LNG.
Amenities: Royal Promenade, Dueling Pianos, Outdoor Running Track, Royal Theater, Absolute Zero Ice Rink, Music Hall, Casino Royale, Escape Room, Diamond Club, The Attic Comedy Club, Fitness Centre, Surfside, Slide from Deck 8, Adventure Ocean Kids Club, Carousel, Arcade, Splash Area, Infinity Pool for Grown-Ups, AquaDome, 220-Degree Ocean Views, Fountain Shows, High-Tech Features, Overlook Lounge, Chill Island, Swim and Tonic Swim-Up Bar, Largest Pool at Sea, Infinity Pool, Hot Tubs, The Hideaway, Suspended Infinity Pool, Thrill Island, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Category 6 Water Park, The Crown’s Edge Ropes Course.

4. Wonder of the Seas

Class: Oasis
Year Built: 2022
Inaugural Sailing: March 4, 2022
Max Passenger Capacity: 6,988
Gross Tonnage: 236,857
Total Staterooms: 2,824
Number of Crew Members: 2,394
Port of Departure: Port Canaveral, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, 7 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day
Noteworthy: Previously held the title of the world’s largest cruise ship before Icon of the Seas.
Amenities: Neighbourhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Broadway Musicals, The Perfect Storm, Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, Boardwalk, Central Park, 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Outdoor Movie Screen, Laser Tag

Aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas displaying its extensive deck features including water slides, pools, and recreational areas on the open sea.

5. Odyssey of the Seas

Class: Quantum Ultra
Year Built: 2021
Inaugural Sailing: July 31, 2021
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,819
Gross Tonnage: 169,379
Total Staterooms: 2,098
Number of Crew Members: 1,551
Port of Departure: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (November to April) / Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy (May – October)
Iterniaries Sample: 6 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day, 8 Night Southern Caribbean, 7/8/9 Night Greek Isles, 12 Night Holy Land
Amenities: Broadway Style Entertainment, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Casino Royale, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Laser Tag, North Star, RipCord by iFLY, Rock Climbing Wall, Virtual Adventure Zone, SeaPlex, Sky Pad, Two70, Splashaway Bay, Music Hall

Evening shot of Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship, featuring its deck lit with vibrant lights, including an illuminated sphere structure, outdoor pool, and lounging areas on the calm ocean.

6. Spectrum of the Seas

Class: Quantum Ultra
Year Built: 2019
Inaugural Sailing: April 18, 2019
Max Passenger Capacity: 5,622
Gross Tonnage: 169,379
Total Staterooms: 2,098
Number of Crew Members: 1,300
Port of Departure: Singapore (Singapore) / Shanghai (China) / Hong Kong (China)
Iterniaries Sample: 3/4 Night Penang, 5 Night Spice Of Southeast Asia, 4 Night Fukuoka, 4 Night Okinawa
Amenities: Broadway Style Entertainment, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Casino Royale, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Laser Tag, North Star, RipCord by iFLY, Rock Climbing Wall, Virtual Adventure Zone, SeaPlex, Sky Pad, Two70, Splashaway Bay, Music Hall

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.

7. Symphony of the Seas

Class: Oasis
Year Built: 2018
Inaugural Sailing: April 7, 2018
Max Passenger Capacity: 6,680
Gross Tonnage: 228,081
Total Staterooms: 2,745
Number of Crew Members: 2,200
Port of Departure: Miami, Florida, USA (January to February) / Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (November to December) / Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy (April to October)
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, 7 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day, 6 Night Western Caribbean, 8 Night Southern Caribbean / 7 Night Western Mediterranean
Amenities: Neighbourhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Broadway Musicals, The Perfect Storm, Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, Boardwalk, Central Park, 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Outdoor Movie Screen, Laser Tag

Docked at port, the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas presents its stern, featuring a purple slide and multiple decks, against the industrial backdrop of a harbor, with mooring lines securing the vessel. — Symphony of the Seas in port

8. Harmony of the Seas

Class: Oasis
Year Built: 2016
Inaugural Sailing: May 29, 2016
Max Passenger Capacity: 6,687
Gross Tonnage: 226,963
Total Staterooms: 2,745
Number of Crew Members: 2,300
Port of Departure: Miami, Florida, USA (March to October) / Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (January to March) / Galveston, Texas (Nov – Dec 2023)
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, 7 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day, 6 Night Western Caribbean, 8 Night Southern Caribbean
Amenities: Neighbourhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Broadway Musicals, The Perfect Storm, Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, Boardwalk, Central Park, 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Outdoor Movie Screen, Laser Tag

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.

9. Ovation of the Seas

Class: Quantum
Year Built: 2016
Inaugural Sailing: April 14, 2016
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,905
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Total Staterooms: 1,918
Number of Crew Members: 1,300
Port of Departure: Sydney, Australia) / Seattle, Washington, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 6 Night Seattle to Vancouver, 6 Night Alaska Adventure, 8 Night South Pacific, 10 Night New Zealand, 7 Night Tasmania Adelaide
Amenities: North Star, RipCord by iFLY, SeaPlex, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Two70, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, 3D Movies, Loft Suites, Music Hall, Broadway Musicals, Outdoor Movie Screen

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas cruise ship moored in a mountainous fjord, its white and blue hull contrasting with the natural greenery and the cloudy sky above the calm glacial waters.

10. Anthem of the Seas

Class: Quantum
Year Built: 2015
Inaugural Sailing: N/A
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,905
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Total Staterooms: 2,095
Number of Crew Members: 1,500
Port of Departure: Southampton, UK / Cape Liberty, New York, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Norweigan Fjords, 7 Night Spain and France, 12 Night Discover the Canaries, 14 Night Discover the Canaries, 14 Night Mediterranean Beaches and Cites, 7 Night Bahamas and Perfect Day
Amenities: North Star, RipCord by iFLY, SeaPlex, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Two70, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, 3D Movies, Loft Suites, Music Hall, Broadway Musicals, Outdoor Movie Screen

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.

11. Quantum of the Seas

Class: Quantum
Year Built: 2014
Inaugural Sailing: November 2, 2014
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,905
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Total Staterooms: 2,090
Number of Crew Members: 1,500
Port of Departure: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia / Seattle, Washington, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 6 nights Queensland, 7 nights South Pacific, 7 days, round-trip Alaska Adventure, 4 night Queensland, 14 night New Zealand
Amenities: North Star, RipCord by iFLY, SeaPlex, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Two70, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, 3D Movies, Loft Suites, Music Hall, Broadway Musicals, Outdoor Movie Screen

The Quantum of the Seas cruise ship, illuminated in the early evening, reflects beautifully on the calm waters at twilight, with lights creating a warm glow and mirrored effect on the surface.

12. Allure of the Seas

Class: Oasis
Year Built: 2010
Inaugural Sailing: December 1, 2010
Max Passenger Capacity: 6,780
Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Total Staterooms: 2,742
Number of Crew Members: 2,384
Port of Departure: Port Canaveral, Florida, USA (October to December) / Galveston, Texas, USA (January to October)
Iterniaries Sample: 3 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day, 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day, 7 Night Western Caribbean
Amenities: Neighbourhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Broadway Musicals, The Perfect Storm, Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, Boardwalk, Central Park, 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Outdoor Movie Screen, Laser Tag

Aerial view of the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, with its distinctive open-air aqua theater and multiple sports courts, gliding through the serene blue ocean during a warm, golden hour.

13. Oasis of the Seas

Class: Oasis
Year Built: 2009
Inaugural Sailing: December 5, 2009
Amped: 2019
Max Passenger Capacity: 6,780
Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Total Staterooms: 2,137
Number of Crew Members: 2,394
Port of Departure: Miami, Florida, USA / Cape Liberty, New York, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, 7 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day, 7 Night Perfect Day Bahamas
Amenities: Neighbourhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Broadway Musicals, The Perfect Storm, Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, Boardwalk, Central Park, 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Outdoor Movie Screen, Laser Tag

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas cruise ship moored in the Bahamas, its grand architecture dwarfing nearby structures, with clear blue skies and turquoise waters enhancing the tropical ambiance. — Oasis of the Seas – one of my favourite ships, in the Bahamas

14. Independence of the Seas

Class: Freedom
Year Built: 2008
Inaugural Sailing: May 2, 2008
Amped: 2018
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,560
Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Total Staterooms: 1,667
Number of Crew Members: 1,360
Port of Departure: Port Canaveral, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 3/4 Night Bahamas and Perfect Day
Amenities: Sky Pad, The Perfect Storm, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Sugar Beach, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Fish & Ships, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, British-Style Pub, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Broadway Musicals

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.

15. Liberty of the Seas

Class: Freedom
Year Built: 2007
Revitalised: February 2016
Inaugural Sailing: May 19, 2007
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,960
Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Total Staterooms: 1,636
Number of Crew Members: 1,360
Port of Departure: Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA / New York, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 5 night Bermuda, 9 night Canada New England, 6 night Western Caribbean Perfect Day, 4 night Bahamas Perfect Day, 3 night Bahamas Perfect Day
Amenities: Sky Pad, The Perfect Storm, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Sugar Beach, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Fish & Ships, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, British-Style Pub, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Broadway Musicals

16. Freedom of the Seas

Class: Freedom
Year Built: 2006
Inaugural Sailing: June 4, 2006
Amped: 2020
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,515
Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Total Staterooms: 1,946
Number of Crew Members: 1,360
Port of Departure: Miami, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 3/4 Night Bahamas and Perfect Day
Amenities: Sky Pad, The Perfect Storm, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Sugar Beach, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Fish & Ships, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, British-Style Pub, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Broadway Musicals

Aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas cruise ship docked at a vibrant Caribbean island, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a bustling pier, illustrating a tropical paradise.

17. Jewel of the Seas

Class: Radiance
Year Built: 2004
Inaugural Sailing: May 8, 2004
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,702
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Total Staterooms: 1,142
Number of Crew Members: 859
Port of Departure: Amsterdam, Netherlands (May to August) / San Juan, Puerto Rico (November to December)
Iterniaries Sample: 8 Night Norweigan Fjords, 12 Night British Isles, 12 Night Iceland and Ireland, 12 Night Artic Circle, 7 Night Southern Caribbean
Amenities: Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces, Glass Elevators, Solarium with Tropical Foliage, Self-Leveling Pool Tables, Outdoor Movie Screen

The serene indoor pool area of Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, featuring a tranquil pool, waterslide, and lounging areas under a geometric glass dome, creating a bright and airy tropical oasis.

18. Mariner of the Seas

Class: Voyager
Year Built: 2003
Inaugural Sailing: November 16, 2003
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,000
Gross Tonnage: 139,863
Total Staterooms: 1,641
Number of Crew Members: 1,185
Port of Departure: Port Canaveral, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 8 Night Bermuda and Perfect Day, 4/6 Night Eastern/Western Caribbean, 3/4 Night Bahamas and Perfect Day, 8 Night Southern Caribbean
Amenities: Sky Pad, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider

Overhead view at dusk of Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas' sports deck, featuring brightly colored water slides, a rock-climbing wall, and illuminated pools, with the endless ocean extending into the horizon.

19. Serenade of the Seas

Class: Radiance
Year Built: 2003
Inaugural Sailing: August 1, 2003
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,476
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Total Staterooms: 1,013
Number of Crew Members: 884
Port of Departure: Tampa, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 night Canada, 5 night Canada, 5 night Western Caribbean, 9 night Eastern Caribbean
Amenities: Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces, Glass Elevators, Solarium with Tropical Foliage, Self-Leveling Pool Tables, Outdoor Movie Screen

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.

20. Navigator of the Seas

Class: Voyager
Year Built: 2002
Amped: 2019
Inaugural Sailing: December 14, 2002
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,000
Gross Tonnage: 139,999
Total Staterooms: 1,691
Number of Crew Members: 1,213
Port of Departure: Los Angeles, California, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 night Atlantis LA To Mexico, 4 night Catalina Ensenada, 3 nights Ensenada, 7 nights Cabo Vallarta Mazatlan
Amenities: Sky Pad, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider

Mother and daughter, standing at the port in front of the immense Navigator of the Seas cruise ship, with the ship's name prominently displayed and the early evening sky creating a soft backdrop.

21. Brilliance of the Seas

Class: Radiance
Year Built: 2002
Inaugural Sailing: July 19, 2002
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,543
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Total Staterooms: 1,074
Number of Crew Members: 894
Port of Departure: Vancouver, Canada / New Orleans, USA / Tampa, Florida, USA, Sydney, Australia
Iterniaries Sample: 7 night Alaska Inside Passage, 6 night Vancouver to Los Angeles, 14 night Los Angeles to New Orleans, 7 night Western Caribbean, 11 night South Pacific, 5 night Tasmania, 8 night South Pacific
Amenities: Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces, Glass Elevators, Solarium with Tropical Foliage, Self-Leveling Pool Tables, Outdoor Movie Screen

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.

22. Adventure of the Seas

Class: Voyager
Year Built: 2001
Revitalised: November 2016
Inaugural Sailing: November 18, 2001
Max Passenger Capacity: 3,807
Gross Tonnage: 137,276
Total Staterooms: 1,061
Number of Crew Members: 1,185
Port of Departure: Port Canaveral, Florida, USA / Fort Lauderdale, USA / Galveston, Texas, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 7 night Eastern Caribbean Perfect Day, 7 night Western Caribbean Perfect Day
Amenities: Sky Pad, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider

The 'Adventure of the Seas' cruise ship docks near a tropical coastline, with the vibrant architecture of a resort and lush greenery in the background, under an overcast sky.

23. Radiance of the Seas

Class: Radiance
Year Built: 2001
Inaugural Sailing: April 7, 2001
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,466
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Total Staterooms: 1,074
Number of Crew Members: 894
Port of Departure: Tampa (Florida), USA / Vancouver (BC Canada) / Seward (Alaska) / Galveston (Texas)
Iterniaries Sample: 7 nights High Seas Rally, 7 nights Western Caribbean, 5 nights Bahamas Perfect Day Holiday
Amenities: Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces, Glass Elevators, Solarium with Tropical Foliage, Self-Leveling Pool Tables, Outdoor Movie Screen

The 'Radiance of the Seas' cruise ship navigates through icy waters with scattered icebergs, set against a backdrop of stunning snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.

24. Explorer of the Seas

Class: Voyager
Year Built: 2000
Inaugural Sailing: October 28, 2000
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,290
Gross Tonnage: 137,308
Total Staterooms: 1,641
Number of Crew Members: 1,185
Port of Departure: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy / Venice (Ravenna), Italy
Iterniaries Sample: 6 Night Italy and Adriatic, 7 Night Greek Isles, 7 Night Greece Croatia, 7 Night Italy and Adriatic
Amenities: Sky Pad, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider, Surf Simulator

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.

25. Voyager of the Seas

Class: Voyager
Year Built: 1999
Amped: 2019
Inaugural Sailing: November 21, 1999
Max Passenger Capacity: 4,269
Gross Tonnage: 137,276
Total Staterooms: 1,072
Number of Crew Members: 1,176
Port of Departure: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Galveston Texas, USA / Port Canaveral, Florida, USA / Piraeus-Athens, Greece / Barcelona, Spain
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Caribbean, 7 Night Israel Egypt, 4 Night Bahamas Perfect Day, 5 Night Eastern Caribbean, 5 Night Western Caribbean Perfect Day
Amenities: Sky Pad, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, Laser Tag, Royal Escape Room, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade, Virtual Balcony Staterooms, Designer Shopping, Outdoor Movie Screen, FlowRider, Surf Simulator

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.

26. Vision of the Seas

Class: Vision
Year Built: 1998
Inaugural Sailing: May 2, 1998
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,514
Gross Tonnage: 78,340
Total Staterooms: 997
Number of Crew Members: 742
Port of Departure: Baltimore, Maryland, USA / Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 9 night Canada New England, 5 night Bermuda, 12 night Southern Caribbean, 8 night Southeast Coast Bahamas, 8 night Se Perfect Day Holiday
Amenities: Solarium with Retractable Roof, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Mini-Golf Course, Outdoor Movie Screen, Broadway-style Shows

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.

27. Enchantment of the Seas

Class: Vision
Year Built: 1997
Inaugural Sailing: July 13, 1997
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,730
Gross Tonnage: 82,910
Total Staterooms: 1,018
Number of Crew Members: 852
Port of Departure: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy / Venice (Ravenna), Italy / Barcelona, Spain / Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Iterniaries Sample: 7 Night Western Meditterean, 7 Night Greek Isles, 7 Night Greek and Adriatic
Amenities: Solarium with Retractable Roof, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Mini-Golf Course, Outdoor Movie Screen, Broadway-style Shows

28. Rhapsody of the Seas

Class: Vision
Year Built: 1997
Inaugural Sailing: May 19, 1997
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,416
Gross Tonnage: 78,491
Total Staterooms: 1,193
Number of Crew Members: 765
Port of Departure: Limassol, Cyprus / Haifa, Israel / Barbados
Iterniaries Sample: 4 Night Greece and Cyprus, 5 Night Greek Isles, 6 Night Med Amenities, 7 Night Greek Isles, 9 Night Greek Isles, 5/7 Night Southern Caribbean, 14 Night Ultimate Caribbean
Amenities: Solarium with Retractable Roof, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Mini-Golf Course, Outdoor Movie Screen, Broadway-style Shows

Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship navigating the emerald waters near a coastal town nestled at the foot of dramatic mountain cliffs, capturing the essence of a Mediterranean getaway.

29. Grandeur of the Seas

Class: Vision
Year Built: 1996
Revitalised: May 2012
Inaugural Sailing: December 14, 1996
Max Passenger Capacity: 2,440
Gross Tonnage: 73,817
Total Staterooms: 996
Number of Crew Members: 760
Noteworthy: The oldest ship in the fleet.
Port of Departure: Tampa, Florida, USA / Miami, Florida, USA / Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA / Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Iterniaries Sample: 5 night Bahamas Perfect Day, 4 night Western Caribbean, 9 night Eastern Caribbean, 10 night Southern Caribbean
Amenities: Solarium with Retractable Roof, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Mini-Golf Course, Outdoor Movie Screen, Broadway-style Shows

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.

Note: The itineraries are just samples, these may change alongside the port of departure. Occasionally ships will change location completely and do some ad hoc itineraries, which are usually just for a few weeks at a time.

What to Consider When Choosing a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Now you have the list of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, it can make it easier to consider what would suit you when booking. However, there are also a number of other factors to consider. When I’m planning a cruise, there’s a whole host of factors that I personally mull over before making my choice. Here’s a glimpse into what goes through my mind:

Destinations and Itineraries

The first thing I ask myself is, “Where do I want to go?” Some ships have itineraries that are just too good to pass up, especially if they’re sailing to less-visited ports.

Duration of the Cruise

I think about how long I want to be away. Is it a quick getaway I’m after, or am I in the mood for a longer voyage? The duration can really shape the whole experience.

Travel Logistics

I always consider if I’ll need to book a flight to the departure port. It’s not just about the cruise fare; it’s the total travel cost that matters.

Budget

I weigh up what I’m willing to spend. Newer, larger ships can be a bit pricier, but sometimes the extra cost is worth it for the amenities.

Onboard Activities

I love having a variety of things to do, so I look at what activities are available on board. From Broadway-style shows to surf simulators, the options can be overwhelming in a good way.

Ship Size

I ponder whether I’m in the mood for the buzz of a mega-ship or if I’d prefer the more intimate setting of a smaller ship.

Consider the size and age of various Royal Caribbean ships in your planning.

Travel Companions

Who am I travelling with? If it’s family, I’ll look for a ship with plenty of family-friendly activities. If it’s a romantic getaway, a ship with more adult amenities might be better.

Last Upgrade

I check when the ship was last refurbished or “amped.” A recent upgrade can make a world of difference in the quality of the onboard experience.

Reviews

Lastly, I never book without peeking at some reviews. It’s always good to get a sense of what other travellers are saying.

In short, choosing a Royal Caribbean cruise is about more than just the ship or where you’re going. Lots of things can affect your choice, like how easy it is to get there and what you personally enjoy. Think about all these things when you’re planning your next cruise.

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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.

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