Although Royal Caribbean began operations in 1968, it wasn't until 1970 that it launched its first purpose-built cruise ship. Even though it would be a modest vessel today, it was completely revolutionary at the time.
Royal Caribbean continued to build and release more ships, but things really started to set off when the cruise line debuted its ground-breaking Freedom Class. These ships were the largest in the world until 2009, until Royal Caribbean broke their own record by introducing Oasis of the Seas.
For decades, Royal Caribbean has charted a remarkable course as it continues to break its own records while remaining innovative and pushing the boundaries of what is possible while at sea.
From unique dining concepts to expansive entertainment and adrenaline-pumping options for all ages, Royal Caribbean is dedicated to its guests having the ultimate cruise experience.
As the company continues to grow its fleet, the cruise line still offers its older ships as an option, which are smaller but still provide a great variety. You can, for example, sail on a port-intensive European cruise aboard a Voyager Class vessel or sail throughout the Caribbean on the largest cruise ship at sea.
Curious about Royal Caribbean's fleet? Here's a comprehensive breakdown of all Royal Caribbean ships by age from oldest to newest.
Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
Grandeur of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's oldest ship at sea, a title she gained after Monarch of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's last Sovereign Class ship, and Empress of the Seas were sold in 2020. Not only that, but she's also one of the line's smallest vessels.
Compared to newer ships like Icon of the Seas, Grandeur may appear to be pretty bare — she offers a no-frills cruising experience with limited onboard amenities that the cruise line has come to be known for. Onboard, though, you will find an adults-only Solarium with a retractable roof, rock wall, mini-golf, and a pool deck for all ages to enjoy.
Gross tonnage: 73,817
Length: 916 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 1,992
Rhapsody of the Seas (May 1997)
1997 was a big year for Royal Caribbean, as it welcomed two Vision Class ships to its fleet. The first, Rhapsody of the Seas, began sailing in May.
Today, Rhapsody spends most of her time in the Caribbean. She'll sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the rest for the remainder of 2025 before moving to Tampa, Florida. Tampa will be her permanent homeport through at least March 2027.
Gross tonnage: 78,878
Length: 916 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,040
Enchantment of the Seas (July 1997)
Although Enchantment of the Seas is only a few months younger than Rhapsody of the Seas, she stands out thanks to the new mid-body section she received in 2005.
This lengthened the ship by 73 feet and increased her gross registered tonnage to over 80,000. 151 new staterooms were added, as well as new venues and amenities.
Gross tonnage: 82,910
Length: 989 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,252
Vision of the Seas (1998)
Vision of the Seas was the last ship in the Vision Class to be constructed. Although referred to as a class, the six ships were actually built in pairs of two sister ships, meaning that Vision of the Seas is most similar to Rhapsody of the Seas.
In contrast, Enchantment was originally built to mimic Grandeur. The remaining two ships — Legend and Splendour of the Seas — have since been sold.
Gross tonnage: 78,340
Length: 915 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,050
Voyager of the Seas (1999)
Voyager of the Seas is the first ship in the cruise line's Voyager Class and held the title of largest cruise ship in the world for one year, until she was surpassed by Explorer of the Seas.
The well-known Royal Promenade first debuted on Voyager of the Seas. Ever since, the Royal Promenade has been incorporated into every new build in some capacity. On Quantum Class ships, for instance, it is known as the Royal Esplanade. Additionally, she was the first ship to ever feature an ice rink and rock climbing wall at sea.
Gross tonnage: 137,276
Length: 1,020 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,602
Explorer of the Seas (2000)
The second Voyager Class ship, Explorer of the Seas, made her grand debut in 2000. When launched, she featured a built-in atmospheric and oceanographic laboratory operated by the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. However, it was removed in 2007
The following year, in February 2008, the crew heard a mayday call over the radio and rescued three men from the 39-foot sailing vessel Tumbleweed, which had suffered a mechanical breakdown. The crew onboard had been drifting at sea for eleven days before being rescued.
Gross tonnage: 137,308
Length: 1,020 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,286
Radiance of the Seas (April 2001)
In 2001, Royal Caribbean launched its brand-new Radiance Class. Radiance of the Seas cost around $338 million to build and, at 90,090 gross registered tons, has a gross tonnage significantly less than her Voyager Class counterparts.
Radiance was designed with versatility in mind. As such, she's ideal for a range of itineraries, including Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Pacific Northwest, and the Bahamas and Caribbean. Her smaller size also allows her to access ports that are off-limits to larger vessels.
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,143
Adventure of the Seas (November 2001)
A few months after Radiance set sail, Adventure of the Seas joined the fleet as the third Voyager Class ship.
When constructed, she lacked some fan favorites, such as the Cyclone and Typhoon dual racer water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, Splashaway Bay, Izumi, Chops Grille, and Boleros. Thankfully, these were all added during a $61 million refit in 2016. She was the fifth ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to undergo revitalization efforts.
Gross tonnage: 137,276
Length: 1,020 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,114
Brilliance of the Seas (July 2002)
Brilliance of the Seas set sail on her maiden voyage on July 15, 2002. When launched, she was the first cruise ship in the world to feature self-leveling pool tables.
In 2019, the world's largest pasta-tasting event took place on board, with a total of 468 people in attendance. The event was led by Executive Chef Alastair Gillott while Brilliance was sailing to Spain.
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,142
Navigator of the Seas (December 2002)
Navigator of the Seas was the first Voyager Class ship to feature wider balconies with glass windows. Today, she is one of two ships in the fleet to have the Bamboo Room, a tiki-inspired cocktail bar. Likewise, she received the cruise line's resort-style pool deck during her $115 million dry dock in 2019.
Through late 2026, she'll offer cruises to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles, California. Then, she will relocate to Asia.
Gross tonnage: 139,999
Length: 1,020 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,368
Serenade of the Seas (August 2003)
Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise was onboard Serenade of the Seas. Throughout 274 nights, she sailed to more than 120 destinations in 55 countries and visited many great wonders of the world, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Serenade will sail year-round from San Diego, California, starting in October 2026.
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,143
Mariner of the Seas (November 2003)
The last Voyager Class ship was launched in 2003, meaning that all ships in this class are over twenty years old. Throughout the years, they have been refitted to keep them updated and fan favorites within the fleet. In 2018, Mariner of the Seas received a $120 million amplification.
Currently, she sails out of Galveston, Texas, but will move to New Orleans, Louisiana, in November 2026. From Texas, she operates 4 to 10-night sailings to the Western Caribbean.
Gross tonnage: 139,863
Length: 1,020 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,344
Jewel of the Seas (2004)
The fourth-and-final Radiance Class ship, Jewel of the Seas, departed on her maiden voyage on May 8, 2004. Today, she sails year-round from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 2,143
Freedom of the Seas (2006)
Freedom of the Seas was launched in 2006. While the ship drew inspiration from Voyager Class ships, she is larger. Upon her completion, she became the largest cruise ship ever built, and Royal Caribbean ships have held the title ever since.
In 2020, Freedom underwent a major $116 million amplification as part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program. The upgrade added new restaurants, bars, and an enhanced resort-style pool deck with waterslides.
Gross tonnage: 156,271
Length: 1,111 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,926
Liberty of the Seas (2007)
Each Freedom Class ship offers something unique that cannot be found on another. Freedom, for instance, has a resort-style pool deck, while Liberty of the Seas has the Tidal Wave, one of the only boomerang-style waterslides in the fleet.
Unfortunately, Liberty of the Seas did not get its dry dock upgrades as originally scheduled in 2020. She did, however, receive some enhancements in 2016 that added a collection of water slides.
Gross tonnage: 154,407
Length: 1,112 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,798
Independence of the Seas (2008)
Independence of the Seas set sail in 2008. Ten years later, she underwent a dry dock and got the first trampoline park at sea. Dubbed the "Sky Pad," the virtual reality bungee experience has been retired from all four ships it was on: Independence, Mariner, Odyssey, and Spectrum of the Seas.
Independence's unique Freedom Class feature is the fast-casual restaurant Fish & Ships. This tasty seafood spot is just steps from the pool. However, it's not included in your cruise fare.
Gross tonnage: 154,407
Length: 1,112 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 3,858
Oasis of the Seas (2009)
Oasis of the Seas redefined "family vacation." The cruise ship, which was the first to surpass 200,000 gross registered tons, was the first to be divided into themed neighborhoods, all of which focus on providing a different experience. You can, for example, take a relaxing stroll through Central Park before heading to the Boardwalk to catch a jaw-dropping high-diving show at the AquaTheater!
Moreover, she was the first cruise ship to feature a zip line, which lets guests soar nine decks above the Boardwalk. She was last renovated in 2019. During this, her gross registered tonnage increased due to the additional cabins added to Deck 14.
Gross tonnage: 226,838
Length: 1,187 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,602
Allure of the Seas (2010)
The second Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas, was launched one year after Oasis.
Allure recently underwent a $100 million+ revitalization, bringing new features onboard like the Pesky Parrot bar, Ultimate Abyss, Mason Jar specialty restaurant, Perfect Storm water slides, and more. She also returned to Europe for the first time since 2015.
Gross tonnage: 225,282
Length: 1,187 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,718
Quantum of the Seas (2014)
Quantum Class vessels were designed to function in both warm and cold weather conditions. For that reason, they have more indoor areas than other Royal Caribbean ships, such as the SeaPlex.
The SeaPlex boasts numerous activities throughout the cruise, such as dance and exercise classes, pickleball, soccer, roller skating, and bumper cars. Quantum of the Seas also features a skydiving simulator and observation capsule that takes guests 300 feet above sea level.
Gross tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,180
Anthem of the Seas (2015)
Anthem of the Seas, the second Quantum Class ship, has the H20 zone. The remaining three Quantum Class ships have the upgraded Splashaway Bay for children. Her first-ever voyage took place on April 22, 2015.
Gross tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,180
Ovation of the Seas (April 2016)
2016 was a busy year for Royal Caribbean, as they had two ships launch within two months of each other. The first, Ovation of the Seas, set sail on April 16, with Harmony of the Seas following on May 29.
Along with Independence, Ovation of the Seas features the dining venue Fish & Ships. Here, you can find items such as fish & chips, chicken fingers, and deep-fried candy bars. She began sailing from Los Angeles to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera in June 2025.
Gross tonnage: 168,666
Length: 1,141 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,182
Harmony of the Seas (May 2016)
Following Royal Caribbean's six-year break from releasing new Oasis Class ships, Harmony of the Seas set sail in May 2016. She differs from her two younger sisters in that she features redesigned cabins and is the only Oasis Class ship that does not have a pool inside the adults-only Solarium.
When she was launched, she was the only ship to feature the Ultimate Abyss and Perfect Storm water slides. Since then, these amenities have been added to Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
Gross tonnage: 226,963
Length: 1,188 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,479
Symphony of the Seas (2018)
Symphony of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship for just about four years, until Wonder of the Seas set sail in 2022. Although she's neither the newest nor largest ship, she still offers a fantastic family vacation.
Currently, Symphony is homeported in New Jersey, sailing to the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean's private island. In October 2025, she'll move to Miami, Florida, where she'll offer voyages to the Caribbean through April 2026. Then, she'll make the journey from Florida to Texas. Sailing from Galveston is exciting, as it'll offer cruisers a newer ship option from an up-and-coming port.
Gross tonnage: 228,081
Length: 1,188 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,518
Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
Spectrum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's first Quantum-Ultra Class ship, which is similar to the regular Quantum Class. For that reason, they should be thought of as a subclass instead of an entirely different class.
Moreover, Spectrum of the Seas was designed for an Asian cruising market. As such, she's the only ship in the fleet to have Leaf and Bean, a coffee and tea spot that is located in the Royal Esplanade. The dining menus are also a little different to cater to different tastes.
Gross tonnage: 169,379
Length: 1,139 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,246
Odyssey of the Seas (2021)
Like Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas is not identical to other Quantum Class ships.
Onboard, guests will find that the Main Dining Room is unified, as opposed to separate dining rooms. Moreover, there is a teppanyaki restaurant in addition to just sushi.
Gross tonnage: 167,704
Length: 1,138 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 4,198
Wonder of the Seas (2022)
Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis Class ship and was the largest cruise ship in the world until Icon of the Seas' delivery.
She is unlike any of the other Oasis Class ships in that she only has one FlowRider. In place of the other one, guests will find Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed playground that has slides, climbing walls, games, and puzzles.
Gross tonnage: 235,600
Length: 1,188 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,734
Icon of the Seas (January 2024)
Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and the first new class of ship from Royal Caribbean since 2014. She measures 248,663 gross tons, making her less than 10% bigger than Wonder of the Seas.
The ship has been designed with families in mind. Not only does the ship feature the largest waterpark at sea, but there's also a brand-new family-focused neighborhood called Surfside.
Adults will even get an upgraded escape at The Hideaway. There is so much to do onboard Icon of the Seas, which sails from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Gross tonnage: 248,663
Length: 1,196 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,610
Utopia of the Seas (July 2024)
The sixth Oasis Class ship embarked on her maiden voyage in July 2024. Utopia of the Seas is the ultimate weekend trip, offering 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
She is the most similar to Wonder of the Seas; however, Utopia also offers unique experiences that cannot be found on other Oasis Class ships, such as the first-ever immersive train car dining experience and Pesky Parrot bar. Likewise, Utopia is the only Oasis Class ship with Izumi in Central Park, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite rolls al fresco.
Gross tonnage: 236,473
Length: 1,188 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy): 5,668
Star of the Seas (August 2025)
Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class ship will enter service in August 2025. Star of the Seas will sail from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean has already announced some changes to the second Icon Class vessel. Empire Supper Club, for instance, will be themed after Chicago, rather than New York City.
Gross tonnage (planned): 248,663
Length (planned): 1,196 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy, planned): 5,610
Legend of the Seas (July 2026)
Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will launch in 2026. She'll offer exciting Mediterranean voyages before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida — a first for any Icon Class ship.
Gross tonnage (planned): 248,663
Length (planned): 1,196 feet
Number of passengers (double occupancy, planned): 5,610
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!
