Royal Caribbean Ships by Size and Age
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Royal Caribbean International is where adventure and innovation set sail on the largest cruise ships in the world. From the pioneering spirit of the Song of Norway to the groundbreaking majesty of the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has been charting a course through the high seas of luxury, entertainment, and exploration for over half a century.
Royal Caribbean’s fleet boasts 26 incredible cruise ships exciting thrills for the whole family.
Whether you’re drawn to the intimate charm of the smaller ships or the awe-inspiring scale and technology of the world’s largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean promises an unforgettable journey. Dive in as we explore Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Royal Caribbean Ships by Size
Royal Caribbean International operates an impressive fleet with some of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships. Each vessel offers its unique blend of amenities, activities, and accommodations, making it crucial for travelers to choose the correct ship for their dream vacation.
Below is a table detailing Royal Caribbean ships by size. Whether you’re looking for an intimate voyage or a grand adventure, this guide steers you toward your perfect cruise experience.
| Ship Name | Class | Gross Tonnage | Length | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icon Of The Seas | Icon | 250,800 GT | 365 m | 5,610 |
| Utopia Of The Seas | Oasis | 236,857 GT | 362 m | 5,634 |
| Wonder Of The Seas | Oasis | 236,857 GT | 362 m | 5,734 |
| Symphony Of The Seas | Oasis | 228,081 GT | 362 m | 5,518 |
| Harmony Of The Seas | Oasis | 226,963 GT | 362 m | 5,497 |
| Oasis Of The Seas | Oasis | 225,282 GT | 311 m | 5,592 |
| Allure Of The Seas | Oasis | 225,282 GT | 360 m | 5,492 |
| Odyssey Of The Seas | Quantum Ultra | 169,300 GT | 360 m | 3,844 |
| Spectrum Of The Seas | Quantum Ultra | 168,670 GT | 348 m | 4,246 |
| Quantum Of The Seas | Quantum | 167,800 GT | 348 m | 4,162 |
| Anthem of the Seas | Quantum | 167,800 GT | 348 m | 4,168 |
| Ovation Of The Seas | Quantum | 167,800 GT | 348 m | 4,168 |
| Liberty Of The Seas | Freedom | 154,407 GT | 338 m | 3,678 |
| Independence Of The Seas | Freedom | 154,407 GT | 338 m | 3,836 |
| Freedom Of The Seas | Freedom | 154,407 GT | 338 m | 4,024 |
| Navigator Of The Seas | Voyager | 139,570 GT | 311 m | 3,348 |
| Mariner Of The Seas | Voyager | 138,279 GT | 331 m | 3,334 |
| Explorer Of The Seas | Voyager | 137,308 GT | 311 m | 3,282 |
| Voyager Of The Seas | Voyager | 137,276 GT | 311 m | 3,416 |
| Adventure Of The Seas | Voyager | 137,276 GT | 311 m | 3,382 |
| Jewel Of The Seas | Radiance | 90,090 GT | 293 m | 2,144 |
| Radiance Of The Seas | Radiance | 90,090 GT | 293 m | 2,122 |
| Serenade Of The Seas | Radiance | 90,090 GT | 293 m | 2,148 |
| Brilliance Of The Seas | Radiance | 90,090 GT | 292 m | 2,150 |
| Enchantment Of The Seas | Vision | 82,910 GT | 301 m | 2,284 |
| Rhapsody Of The Seas | Vision | 78,878 GT | 279 m | 2,026 |
| Vision Of The Seas | Vision | 78,717 GT | 279 m | 2,036 |
| Grandeur Of The Seas | Vision | 73,817 GT | 279 m | 1,994 |
List of Royal Caribbean Ships by Age
Embarking on a cruise is not just about the destinations you visit but the journey aboard your ship. Royal Caribbean International’s fleet offers a broad spectrum of experiences. The experience you get is significantly affected by the vessel’s age.
While the cruise line refreshes its vessels every three to five years, there’s an undeniable distinction between sailing on the brand-new marvels and the gracefully aged classics.
Newer ships dazzle with cutting-edge technology, more expansive facilities, a wider range of activities, and modern decor that resonates with contemporary luxury.
On the other hand, the older ships in the fleet carry the charm and warmth of years spent at sea. They offer a more traditional and laid-back cruise experience that many find comforting and wonderfully nostalgic.
Whether you’re drawn to the innovation and grandeur of the latest ships or the intimate, refined ambiance of the older ones, this guide is designed to help you select the ideal ship for your cruising style.
Editor’s Tip
Some Royal Caribbean ships are completely overhauled with new amenities. If you prefer the latest amenities, look for new cruise ships or vessels upgraded through Royal Caribbean’s Amplified program.
Royal Amplified cruise ships feature the latest amenities, such as water slides and surf simulators, but they cost less than new cruise ships.
Below is a table listing Royal Caribbean’s ships, from the newest additions to those with more years under their hulls. This table will help you chart your course to the perfect cruise vacation.
| Ship Name | Class | Year Built | Builder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis | Oasis | 2024 | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
| Icon | Icon | 2023 | Meyer Werft (Turku, Finland) |
| Oasis | Oasis | 2022 | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
| Quantum Ultra | Quantum Ultra | 2021 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Quantum Ultra | Quantum Ultra | 2019 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Oasis | Oasis | 2018 | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
| Quantum | Quantum | 2016 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Oasis | Oasis | 2016 | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
| Quantum | Quantum | 2015 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Quantum | Quantum | 2014 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Oasis | Oasis | 2010 | STX Europe (Turku, Finland) |
| Oasis | Oasis | 2009 | STX Europe (Turku, Finland) |
| Freedom | Freedom | 2008 | Aker Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Freedom | Freedom | 2007 | Aker Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Freedom | Freedom | 2006 | Aker Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Radiance | Radiance | 2004 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Radiance | Radiance | 2003 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Voyager | Voyager | 2003 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Voyager | Voyager | 2002 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Radiance | Radiance | 2002 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Radiance | Radiance | 2001 | Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) |
| Voyager | Voyager | 2001 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Voyager | Voyager | 2000 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Voyager | Voyager | 1999 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Turku, STX Finland) |
| Vision | Vision | 1998 | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
| Vision | Vision | 1997 | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
| Vision | Vision | 1997 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, STX Finland) |
| Vision | Vision | 1996 | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, STX Finland) |
Royal Caribbean Ships on Order
Royal Caribbean’s Future Fleet: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Seas
Royal Caribbean International is charting a course towards an even more dynamic future, with several new vessels on the horizon. The ships on order promise to elevate the cruising experience to new heights. For those eager to book a journey on the latest ships or simply curious about the future of cruising, here’s a sneak peek at what Royal Caribbean has in store.
| Ship Name | Class | Expected Debut | Gross Tonnage (GT) | Guest Capacity (Double Occupancy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utopia of the Seas | Oasis Class | 2024 | 231,000 | 5,714 |
| Star of the Seas | Icon Class | 2025 | 200,000 | 5,650 |
| TBA | Icon Class | 2026 | 200,000 | 5,650 |
| TBD | Oasis Class | 2028 | 231,000 (estimated) | 5,714 (estimated) |
Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis-class cruise ship. The vessel heralds its arrival as “The World’s Biggest Weekend” and is set to join the fleet in July 2024. The mega-cruise ship offers 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral.
Utopia of the Seas is designed to be a marvel of modern cruise engineering. Measuring 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 feet in length, Utopia is the same size as Wonder of the Seas. The cruise ship is the first Oasis Class ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the second in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, following Icon of the Seas.
The Oasis-class cruise ship introduces new onboard features, including the Pesky Parrot Bar and Royal Railway—Utopia Station, an immersive dining adventure.
Star of the Seas
Following the trail blazed by Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas is the second vessel of the Icon Class. It is expected to be equal in size at 250,800 gross tons and 1,198 feet in length.
The Icon-class cruise ship is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Star of the Seas is scheduled to sail on her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 17, 2025. While she shares many traits with Icon, Royal Caribbean has teased some unique features, including the Chicago-themed Empire Supper Club and an additional hot tub.
Bookings are open through April 2026 for 7-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Unnamed Third Icon Class Ship
Royal Caribbean has ordered a third Icon Class ship to join the fleet in 2026. Although we don’t know many details, it is expected to be the same size as Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Construction began at the Meyer Turku shipyard, and a steel-cutting ceremony marked the occasion on January 12, 2024.
Unnamed Seventh Oasis Class Ship
Royal Caribbean made a surprise announcement with the order of a seventh Oasis-class ship. The vessel will be constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France and delivered in 2028. This future addition, still contingent upon financing, promises to further the Oasis Class’s reputation for unmatched innovation and luxury at sea.
First Discovery Class Ship (Rumored)
There are rumors that Royal Caribbean is working on a smaller Discovery Class of cruise ships. The Discovery class addresses the aging fleet of smaller vessels. Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley has hinted at this new class, which is focused on modernity and innovation.
Speculation abounds that these ships might mirror the size of the Radiance of the Seas, which is approximately 90,000 gross registered tons, offering a more intimate yet equally enchanting cruising experience.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes at a Glance
Royal Caribbean has eight classes of cruise ships. Each class of cruise ships features nearly identical designs and features, with some slight differences between individual vessels.
The largest is the Oasis class of cruise ships. All five Oasis-class vessels make up the top five largest cruise ships in the world.
Here are Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship classes:
| Class | Gross Tonnage (GT) |
|---|---|
| Icon Class | 250,800 |
| Oasis Class | 225,282 – 236,857 |
| Quantum Ultra Class | 169,379 |
| Quantum Class | 168,888 |
| Freedom Class | 154,407 |
| Voyager Class | 137,276 – 139,999 |
| Radiance Class | 90,090 |
| Vision Class | 73,817 – 82,910 |
FAQs
What is Royal Caribbean’s Largest Ship?
Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship is Icon of the Seas, which has a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT. Icon of the Seas is 365 meters long and can accommodate 5,610 passengers.
Icon of the Seas eclipses its predecessors in the Oasis class, including the previously largest, the Wonder of the Seas.
What is Royal Caribbean’s Smallest Ship?
Royal Caribbean’s smallest cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Grandeur of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 73,817 GT, measures 279 meters in length, and has a passenger capacity of 1,994.
What is the Newest Royal Caribbean Ship?
Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship is the Icon of the Seas, which debuted in 2024.
What is the Oldest Royal Caribbean Ship?
Royal Caribbean ship is Grandeur of the Seas, which launched on March 1, 1996.
How Many Ships Does Royal Caribbean Have?
Royal Caribbean currently has 26 ships in its fleet. Ever since the introduction of Sovereign of the Seas in 1987, every subsequent ship has a name that ends with “of the Seas.”
What Was the First Royal Caribbean Ship?
Royal Caribbean International’s first cruise ship was the Song of Norway. It entered service in 1970, marking the beginning of Royal Caribbean’s journey in the cruise industry. The Song of Norway was notable at the time for its size and innovative design features. It set a precedent for the innovative, guest-focused approach that would come to define Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
The original vessel could carry 724 passengers with an internal volume of 18,000 gross tons before being “stretched” in 1978, adding 85 feet and bringing her size to 23,000 GT. The stretched vessel had a passenger capacity of 1024.
Song of Norway sailed under the Royal Caribbean banner for 27 years before being sold, making it the longest-serving Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
