Known for having the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines at sea. In fact, they have held the title of largest cruise ship in the world since Freedom of the Seas' debut in 2006!
Today, Royal Caribbean has 27 ships in their fleet with another 4 expected to enter service between mid-2024 and 2028. Their current fleet of ships ranges from 78,340 gross registered tons to over 236,000! When Icon of the Seas entered service in January 2024, she became the largest cruise ship in the world, coming in at a whopping 250,800 gross registered tons!
If you are looking to take a cruise on a ship with countless onboard thrills -- think surfing and sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lines, Broadway-style entertainment, bumper cars, ice skating, water slides, and virtual reality bungee trampolines--, look no further than Royal Caribbean's impressive fleet.
While their older ships may not come outfitted with everything that is onboard the newer ships, you are sure to find a ship and itinerary that meets you and your travel party's wants and needs. Below, we have broken down Royal Caribbean's fleet by ship size and class!
Icon Class
Star of the Seas (2025)
Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class ship is expected to set sail in late August 2025. She will offer 7-night cruises to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Though similar to the namesake ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, there will be some differences, most notably the theme of Empire Supper Club, which will be themed after Chicago.
Gross tonnage: 250,800
Length: 1,198 feet
Width: 216 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,610
Icon of the Seas (2024)
Icon of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on January 27, 2024 from Miami, Florida.
Fans of Oasis Class ships will notice that the Icon Class takes inspiration from this class with the different neighborhoods and inward-facing balcony cabins; however, guests can find numerous Royal Caribbean firsts, including Thrill Island, the largest waterpark at sea that will feature 6 record-breaking water slides; an infinity-edge pool; new family-oriented Surfside neighborhood; and AquaDome.
Icon and Star of the Seas will be joined by another unnamed Icon Class ship in 2026.
Gross tonnage: 250,800
Length: 1,198 feet
Width: 216 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,610
Oasis Class
Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class was the first class of ships in the world to feature the concept of neighborhoods that offer distinct experiences based on personal styles, preferences, or moods. If, for instance, you're looking for a serene escape from the crowds, you might find yourself wandering through Central Park admiring the thousands of live plants. They were also the first to feature interior-facing balconies in said neighborhoods.
There are currently 5 Oasis Class ships. The 6th, Utopia of the Seas, is expected to enter service in July 2024.
Utopia of the Seas (2024)
When Utopia of the Seas launches in July, she'll be the only ship in the fleet to feature the brand-new immersive train car dining experience. Utopia will also be the only Oasis Class ship with Izumi Sushi & Hibachi located in Central Park. Plus, there will be a new pick-up window, so you can enjoy fresh sushi and other treats from anywhere onboard.
Upon Utopia's debut, she'll become Royal Caribbean's first new-build targeting the short cruise market. The ship will sail from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Gross tonnage: 236,860
Length: 1,188 feet
Width: 215 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,668
Wonder of the Seas (2022)
Wonder of the Seas has some key differences that make her stand out in a bold way, such as a brand-new Suite neighborhood, upgraded Caribbean pool deck, redesigned mini-golf course, and enlarged Windjammer Buffet.
Through August 2025, she will be making weeklong round-trip sailings to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay from Port Canaveral, Florida. Afterward, the vessel will make shorter cruises to The Bahamas.
Gross tonnage: 236,857
Length: 1,188 feet
Width: 215 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,734
Read more: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships
Symphony of the Seas (2018)
Gross tonnage: 228,081
Length: 1,188 feet
Width: 215.5 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,518
Harmony of the Seas (2016)
Harmony of the Seas was the first ship in the class to feature the Ultimate Abyss, a pair of side-by-side dry slides that take guests from the Sports Zone all the way to the Boardwalk on Deck 6, as well as the Perfect Storm water slide trio. Since then, these features have been added to Oasis of the Seas during her Royal Amplification.
Gross tonnage: 226,963
Length: 1,188 feet
Width: 215.5 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,479
Oasis of the Seas (2009)
Gross tonnage: 226,838
Length: 1,187 feet
Width: 215 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,602
Allure of the Seas (2010)
Compared to other Oasis Class ships, guests may find that Allure of the Seas lacks certain modifications, such as water slides and the Ultimate Abyss. This is because her Royal Amplification was indefinitely postponed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. It's scheduled for early 2025.
Gross tonnage: 225,282
Length: 1,187 feet
Width: 215 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,484
Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class vessels are noticeably smaller than Oasis Class ships, ranging between 167,704 and 169,379 gross tons. They are the only ships in the cruise line's fleet to feature attractions such as the North Star observation capsule, iFly skydiving simulator, SeaPlex multipurpose venue, and Two 70° lounge.
Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are part of the Quantum Ultra Class, which combines the fan-favorites onboard standard Quantum Class vessels with upgraded amenities:
- The Sports Deck located in the aft of the ships features a SkyPad.
- The Main Dining Room is unified.
- In addition to Izumi Sushi, there is also a Teppanyaki (hibachi) restaurant.
Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
Gross tonnage: 169,379
Length: 1,139 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,256
Quantum of the Seas (2014)
Gross tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 feet
Width: 136 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,180
Anthem of the Seas (2015)
Gross tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 feet
Width: 136 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,180
Ovation of the Seas (2016)
Gross tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,138 feet
Width: 136 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,180
Odyssey of the Seas (2021)
Gross tonnage: 167,704
Length: 1,138 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,284
Freedom Class
When Freedom of the Seas launched, she was the first to feature a FlowRider surf simulator, the H2O Zone for kids, and cantilevered hot tubs. To date, it is Royal Caribbean's smallest class of ships at sea, comprised of only 3 vessels, all of which have received some sort of amplification.
Freedom of the Seas, for instance, has a Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, while Liberty of Seas features the only boomerang-style slide in the fleet.
For that reason, there are some differences amongst the ships, so it is important to check and see if the one you are looking to sail on has the amenities you are hoping for, whether that is Independence's "Fish & Ships" or SkyPad virtual reality bungee trampoline or Freedom's resort-style pool deck.
Freedom of the Seas (2006)
Gross tonnage: 156,271
Length: 1,111 feet
Width: 185 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,926
Liberty of the Seas (2007)
Gross tonnage: 154,407
Length: 1,112 feet
Width: 185 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,798
Independence of the Seas (2008)
Gross tonnage: 154,407
Length: 1,112 feet
Width: 185 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,858
Voyager Class
Royal Caribbean's renowned Royal Promenade first debuted on Voyager Class ships. They were also the first ships to feature an ice rink at sea!
Within this class, there are two generations of ships; the latter two vessels -- Navigator and Mariner of the Seas -- feature cabins with wider glass balconies.
In a way, these ships can be thought of as shorter versions of Freedom Class ships. And like Freedom Class ships, the onboard amenities can vary from ship to ship, as only three -- Voyager, Navigator, and Mariner of the Seas -- have undergone the Royal Amplification program.
Navigator of the Seas, for instance, is the only ship in the fleet to feature "The Blaster" water slide. Currently, it is the longest water slide at sea! While on Mariner of the Seas, guests will find a SkyPad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline.
Navigator of the Seas (2002)
Gross tonnage: 139,999
Length: 1,020 feet
Width: 161 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,388
Mariner of the Seas (2003)
Gross tonnage: 139,863
Length: 1,020 feet
Width: 127 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,344
Explorer of the Seas (2000)
Gross tonnage: 137,308
Length: 1,020 feet
Width: 157 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,286
Voyager of the Seas (1999)
Gross tonnage: 137,276
Length: 1,020 feet
Width: 157.5 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,602
Adventure of the Seas (2001)
Gross tonnage: 137,276
Length: 1,020 feet
Width: 157.5 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,114
Radiance Class
Radiance Class ships lack many of the bells and whistles that you will find onboard the newest record-breaking vessels; however, you will be taken to some neat ports of call that are unable to accommodate today's mega-ships.
Radiance Class destinations include Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, the Bahamas, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, and the South Pacific.
They are the perfect class of ship for those seeking a more traditional cruising experience that highlights intimacy and port-intensive itineraries.
Serenade of the Seas is currently sailing Royal Caribbean's first-ever Ultimate World Cruise. It departed from Miami in December 2023 and is in the process of visiting all 7 continents, as well as several World Wonders including Iguazú Falls in Argentina; the Taj Mahal in India; and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Alexandria, Egypt.
Radiance of the Seas (2001)
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,143
Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,142
Serenade of the Seas (2003)
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,143
Jewel of the Seas (2004)
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,191
Vision Class
The Vision Class is Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest (by gross tonnage) class. All of these ships offer a relaxing, no-frills cruising experience with few onboard "thrills" that define the newer ships. That being said, you will still find an adults-only Solarium with a retractable roof, rock wall, mini-golf, and a pool deck.
These smaller ships are fan favorites due to their limited occupancy, and guests enjoy the more intimate and personalized service that they can receive.
Today, you will find all four Vision Class ships sailing across the world to destinations like Bermuda, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Enchantment of the Seas (1997)
Enchantment of the Seas is the biggest ship in the Vision Class and offers some different features than her sister ships. In 2005, the ship was actually cut apart in the middle and extended by 73 feet. It is also the only ship in the class to feature a Jump Zone, a set of four bungee trampolines.
Gross tonnage: 82,910
Length: 989 feet
Width: 105.6 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,252
Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)
Gross tonnage: 78,491
Length: 915.35 feet
Width: 105.6 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 1,998
Vision of the Seas (1998)
Gross tonnage: 78,340
Length: 915 feet
Width: 105.6 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,050
Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
Gross tonnage: 73,817
Length: 916 feet
Width: 105.6 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 1,992
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
