Royal Caribbean's ships come in various sizes, but how important is the area of the cruise ship?
While the cruise line generally leans towards the larger side, there are significant differences between the ship classes.
Within Royal Caribbean's fleet, the smallest ships are the Vision and Radiance Classes, which carry around 2,400-2,700 passengers.
The medium ships are the Voyager Class; ships with a capacity for 3,800-4,200 passengers.
The bigger ships are the Freedom, Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Classes: mega-ships with a capacity for 4,500 up to 7,500 guests.
So with over 28 vessels to choose from, how do you decide which ship size is best for you?
The short answer? Size matters when it comes to your cruise ship.
Here's how the size of your cruise ship can affect the entire sailing experience.
Bigger, older ships come with the cheapest price tag
Big cruise ships are popular, but if you can sail on one of the older big ships, the price can be more affordable than you think.
Let's take a lot at some example cruises.
A Western Caribbean Cruise on the Voyager-Class Explorer of the Seas will cost about $889 per person for 7 nights (interior cabin price, sailing out of Miami, Florida, on February 16, 2025).
However, an Icon of the Seas cruise around the same time jumps to $1,194 per person for 7 Nights in the Western Caribbean (sailing out of Miami, Florida, on February 15, 2025).
Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison
It makes sense that the brand-new, hugely hyped, largest cruise ship in the world would have a more expensive cruise fare.
If we contrast this with a big yet older ship, we'll see some cheaper prices.
A 6-night Freedom of the Seas cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida costs just $664 per person (interior cabin price, sailing on February 23, 2025).
The Freedom Class ship was first launched in 2006 and has the capacity for 4,515 guests.
Personalized service in a smaller ship community
If you're someone who enjoys personalized customer service, a smaller ship might be a great experience for you.
Smaller vessels mean fewer passengers for crew members to keep track of, and they can get to know you throughout a week-long sailing.
On a vessel with less than 3,000 passengers, you'll start to see familiar faces.
Whether it's your stateroom attendant, Main Dining Room wait staff, or the crew member passing out towels, you'll be able to recognize and get to know each other.
Read more: After sailing Royal Caribbean's mega ships, I tried a small ship and here's what I liked about it
Smaller ships tend to feel like a more tight-knit community, with both crew members and guests contributing to a comfortable environment.
However, one downside of a smaller ship is that it's harder to fade away into the crowds or to avoid a particularly annoying group of guests.
Endless entertainment on a large ship
Royal Caribbean mega-ships are renowned for their marvelous entertainment. From Broadway productions to stunning AquaTheater performances, guests have overwhelming options.
The Oasis and Icon Classes, in particular, are packed with constant activities.
A look at your Cruise Compass will reveal parties at the pool, craft activities, live musicians, game shows, famous comedians, musical productions, figure skating, and so much more.
One downside to this constant entertainment is that it can be hard to decide what to prioritize. Big ships offer endless shows and parties that you'll have to choose between.
For example, Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's latest Oasis Class ship, and "The World's Biggest Weekend," has been marketed as a non-stop party.
Smaller cruise ships visit more varied ports of call
Not every port has the capacity for a big cruise ship, so smaller ships have the benefit of visiting more ports of call.
If you value unique cruise itineraries and experiences, a small ship could have exactly what you're looking for.
They might have fewer activities onboard, but these vessels take you to more unique ports of call, where you can purchase unbelievable tours.
Royal Caribbean's Vision and Radiance Classes travel to exciting destinations, from Grand Bahama and Yucatan, Mexico to Belize and Colón, Panama.
The cruise line's Ultimate World Cruise, for example, took place on Serenade of the Seas, a 2,476-passenger Radiance Class vessel.
Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)
Smaller ships also don't use tender boats as frequently and have shorter lines for disembarkation.
Ample activities appeal to all ages
For those who enjoy a fast-paced cruise experience, a bigger ship will provide ample activities to enjoy.
Royal Caribbean's mega-ships have it all when it comes to activities onboard. The cruise line has developed a range of options, from rope courses to surf simulators.
Bigger groups, and those traveling with families of multiple generations, will find that a large vessel has something for everyone to try.
If you're looking for an adrenaline-packed cruise experience where you can zip line, ride water slides and dry slides, play mini-golf and arcade games, ice skate, play laser tag, sing karaoke, and gamble at the casino, all on one cruise ship, a mega-ship is the right choice.
Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so popular 15 years after their inception
Comparing alone time vs. large crowds
If you're more introverted, or like getting a quiet space to yourself, choosing a ship can be difficult.
On the one hand, bigger ships often are packed with crowds, from lines for the elevator to limited seating by the pool.
But on the other hand, it's easier to find quiet spaces on a larger ship.
Spaces like Central Park, the Library, the Outlook, and quiet bars provide the perfect opportunity to get away.
Overall, there's more space to put between yourself and your lovable but tiring travel buddies.
Before deciding which ship to sail on, you'll have to decide which is more important: quiet spaces where you can be alone, or calm public areas with fewer lines?
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