If you're trying to find a list of Royal Caribbean ships by size, we have a complete list.

From the smallest (Grandeur of the Seas) to the Star of the Seas (debuting later this year), the difference between ship size can be substantial.

We're measuring ships by a metric known as "Gross Tonnage" because the layout of the ship varies greatly. The actual measure of a ship's weight is its displacement, literally the amount of water that is pushed away on all sides (displaced) while the ship floats within it

So whether you have a passing interest in knowing how big each ship is in Royal Caribbean's fleet, or want to prove your friend wrong that you know which ship is the biggest, here is a look at all the Royal Caribbean cruise ships ranked from biggest to smallest.

Royal Caribbean ships by size

1. Icon of the Seas size

Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and the first of the Icon Class. Launched in January 2024, it has a gross tonnage of 250,800, length of 365 meters (1,198 feet), and spans 65 meters (213 feet) in width. The ship can accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at maximum capacity, along with a crew of 2,350. The Icon of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,827 and has 20 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT

Length: 1,198 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

2. Star of the Seas size

Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class cruise ship, scheduled to launch in August 2025. The new ship is similar in size to Icon of the Seas. It will have a gross tonnage of 248,663, measure 364 meters (1,196 feet) in length, and span 66 meters (219 feet) in width. Star will accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at maximum capacity, supported by a crew of 2,350. Star of the Seas features 2,805 staterooms across 20 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GRT

Length: 1,196 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

3. Utopia of the Seas size

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship and the biggest of the Oasis Class ships.  Utopia launched in July 2024, and measures 236,473 gross tons in size. The length is 362 meters (1,188 feet) and has a width of 66 meters (217 feet. The ship has a guest capacity of 5,668 at double occupancy, and up to 7,958 at maximum capacity, supported by a crew of 2,290. Utopia features 2,834 staterooms across 18 decks and is the first Oasis Class vessel powered by liquefied natural gas. 

Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)

4. Wonder of the Seas size

Wonder of the Seas was built in 2022, and is the fifth ship in the Oasis Class. Her total size is 236,857 gross tons, and measures 362 meters (1,188 feet) in length and 66 meters (217 feet) in width. The ship has a capacity of 5,734 guests at double occupancy and up to 6,988 at maximum capacity, along with a crew of 2,300. There are 2,867 staterooms across 18 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Beam: 210 feet wide

Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)

5. Symphony of the Seas size

The fourth Oasis Class ship is Symphony of the Seas and measures 228,081 gross tons, 362 meters (1,188 feet) in length and 66 meters (217 feet) in width. She started cruising in March 2018. Symphony holds 5,518 guests at double occupancy and up to 6,680 at maximum capacity. About 2,200 crew members work on the ship. The Symphony of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,759.

Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Beam: 215.5 feet wide

Passengers: 5,518 (double occupancy)

6. Harmony of the Seas size

Harmony of the Seas has a construction date of 2016, becoming the third Oasis Class ship. It's size is 226,963 gross tons, making it the sixth biggest ship in the fleet. It has a length of 362 meters (1,188 feet) and width of 47 meters (154 feet). There are 2,747 staterooms onboard, which can accommodate up 5,479 guests at double occupancy. If the ship reaches maximum capacity, there would be 6,687 passengers booked. A crew of 2,300 works onboard.

Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Beam: 215.5 feet wide

Passengers: 5,479 (double occupancy)

7. Oasis of the Seas size

The first Oasis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas changed the cruising world when it began offering cruises in December 2009.  At the time, it was the largest ship in the world.  It has a gross tonnage of 226,838, length of 361 meters (1,187 feet), and width of 66 meters (217 feet). The maximum capacity is 6,780 passengers, but the double occupancy rate is at 5,602 guests. There are 2,801 staterooms across 18 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 226,838 GT

Length: 1,187 feet long

Beam: 215 feet wide

Passengers: 5,602 (double occupancy)

8. Allure of the Seas size

Launched in December 2010, Allure of the Seas is the second Oasis Class ship. It got a major overhaul in 2025, and has a gross tonnage of 225,282. Her length is 362 meters (1,188 feet) and width is 47 meters (154 feet). Over 100 new cabins have been added to Allure of the Seas during her amplification, bringing the total number up to 2,859. It's double occupancy rate is 5,718, plus a 2,103 crew members.

Gross Tonnage: 225,282 GRT

Length: 1,187 feet long

Beam: 215 feet wide

Passengers: 5,718 (double occupancy) [30 new cabins added in 2025]

9. Spectrum of the Seas size

Spectrum of the Seas was the first Quantum Ultra Class ship, having joined the fleet in April 2019. It is 169,379 gross tons. The ship measures 347 meters (1,139 feet) in length with a width of 41.4 meters (136 feet). It has a capacity of 4,246 guests at double occupancy and up to 5,480 at maximum capacity. About 1,551 crew members work onboard. There are 2,137 staterooms on Spectrum of the Seas.

Gross Tonnage: 169,379 GRT

Length: 1,139 feet long

Beam: 135 feet wide

Passengers: 4,256 (double occupancy)

10. Odyssey of the Seas size

Odyssey of the Seas launched in July 2021. It has a gross tonnage of 167,704. The ship measures 347 meters (1,138 feet) in length, and has a width of 41 meters (136 feet). The ship accommodates 4,198 guests at double occupancy and up to 5,510 at maximum capacity, with a crew of 1,663. Odyssey of the Seas features 2,105 staterooms. It is the second Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship.

Gross Tonnage: 167,704 GT

Length: 1,138 feet long

Beam: 135 feet wide

Passengers: 4,284 (double occupancy)

11. Ovation of the Seas size

Ovation of the Seas entered service in April 2016. Ovation has a gross tonnage of 167,800, a length of 348 meters (1,142 feet), and a width of 49 meters (161 feet). The ship has a double occupancy capacity of 4,180 guests, and up to 4,905 at maximum capacity. 1300 crew members work onboard.  Ovation of the Seas has 2,091 staterooms across 16 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GRT

Length: 1,141 feet long

Beam: 136 feet wide

Passengers: 4,180 (double occupancy)

12. Anthem of the Seas size

Launched in April 2015 as the second Quantum Class ship, it's gross tonnage is 168,666.  The ship's length is 348 meters (1,142 feet), and width is 41 meters (136 feet). Anthem's regular capacity at double occupancy is 4,180 guests, with up to 4,905 at maximum capacity. A crew of 1,300 work onboard. Anthem of the Seas features 2,091 staterooms across 16 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GRT

Length: 1,141 feet long

Beam: 136 feet wide

Passengers: 4,180 (double occupancy)

13. Quantum of the Seas size

Quantum of the Seas is the first Quantum Class cruise ship, beginning sailing in November 2014. At 168,666 gross tons, it is 348 meters (1,142 feet) long and 41 meters (136 feet) wide. The ship accommodates 4,180 guests at double occupancy and up to 4,905 at maximum capacity, supported by a crew of 1,500. Quantum of the Seas features 2,094 staterooms across 16 decks.

Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GRT

Length: 1,141 feet long

Beam: 136 feet wide

Passengers: 4,180 (double occupancy)

14. Freedom of the Seas size

The first in the Freedom Class, Freedom of the Seas started offering cruises in June 2006.  It was the biggest ship in the world at her debut, with a gross tonnage of 156,271. Freedom has a length of 338.8 meters (1,111 feet), and a width of 56 meters (185 feet). Freedom of the Seas has 1,963 staterooms and has 15 decks.  The ship's passenger load is 3,926 guests at double occupancy and up to 4,515 at maximum capacity. There are 1,365 crew members.

Gross Tonnage: 156,271 GT

Length: 1,111 feet long

Beam: 185 feet wide

Passengers: 3,926 (double occupancy)

15. Liberty of the Seas size

Liberty of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 155,889, a length of 338.9 meters (1,112 feet), and a width of 56 meters (184 feet). The second in the Freedom Class is Liberty of the Seas, which began sailing in May 2007.  The ship accommodates 3,634 guests at double occupancy and up to 4,375 at maximum capacity, supported by a crew of 1,360. Liberty of the Seas features 1,817 staterooms across 15 decks. 

One major difference about Liberty is it had changes made to it in 2016, including The Perfect Storm waterslide trio and the Tidal Wave boomerang slide.

Gross Tonnage: 154,407 GRT

Length: 1,112 feet long

Beam: 185 feet wide

Passengers: 3,798 (double occupancy)

16. Independence of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 154,407 GRT

Length: 1,112 feet long

Beam: 185 feet wide

Passengers: 3,858 (double occupancy)

17. Navigator of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 139,999 GT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 161 feet wide

Passengers: 3,388 (double occupancy)

18. Mariner of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 139,863 GRT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 127 feet wide

Passengers: 3,344 (double occupancy)

19. Explorer of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 137,308 GRT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 157.5 feet wide

Passengers: 3,286 (double occupancy)

20. Adventure of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 137,276 GRT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 157 feet wide

Passengers: 3,114 (double occupancy)

21. Voyager of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 137,276 GT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 157.5 feet wide

Passengers: 3,602 (double occupancy)

22. Radiance of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 962 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,143  (double occupancy)

23. Brilliance of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 962 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,142  (double occupancy)

24. Serenade of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 965 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,143 (double occupancy)

25. Jewel of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 962 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,191 (double occupancy)

26. Enchantment of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 82,910 GRT

Length: 989 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide

Passengers: 2,252 (double occupancy)

27. Rhapsody of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 78,491 GRT

Length: 915.35 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide 

Passengers: 1,998 (double occupancy) 

28. Vision of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 78,340 GT

Length: 915 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide

Passengers: 2,050 (double occupancy)

29. Grandeur of the Seas size

Gross Tonnage: 73,817 GRT

Length: 916 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide

Passengers: 1,992 (double occupancy)

What is Royal Caribbean's biggest ship?

The biggest Royal Caribbean ship is Icon of the Seas, which is also the world's biggest cruise ship.

The maximum capacity for Icon of the Seas is 7,600, and the ship measures 248,663 gross tons. That means you'll find a giant ship with so much to do onboard. There are new types of cabins, a water park, new neighborhoods, and plenty of activities in-between.

Icon of the Seas will remain the biggest cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet even when the second Icon Class ship launches in 2025, Star of the Seas.  

What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas, and she is also the oldest Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Grandeur of the Seas is just 73,817 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 2,446. 

Launched in 1996, Grandeur was originally going to be sold off, but the cruise industry shutdown of 2020 meant she'd stick around a bit longer.

The top deck features one main pool and a few hot tubs. Nearby is the adults-only Solarium, which has another pool and hot tub. There is also a rock climbing wall on the aft of the ship. This is typical of a cruise ship built almost 30 years ago.

Save this blog on Pinterest

Demand for a Royal Caribbean cruise has never been higher, and that's driven prices up leaving consumers to look for ways to find a deal on a vacation.

Add in the falling value of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies and you might be reconsidering how to make your cruise vacation work.

The good news about Royal Caribbean is they have lots of options to help find value in a vacation market where prices continue to soar. Even with rising prices, many travelers see a cruise vacation still offers a greater value than a land vacation.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said in an earnings call last week that value gap helps sell a cruise when the economy is off kilter, "I think that — one of the things that we've been trying to close — that value gap to land-based vacation — and the appreciation of so much more you get out of cruise experience than you do by land base…it does serve in times like this when there's maybe a greater level of uncertainty."

It's no secret a new cruise ship comes with a premium price, so you could skip them and instead shift your cruise plans to a more affordable ship.

The value packed older ship

Let's begin with a ship that will probably cost you the least to sail on but I liked a heck of a lot more than I expected.

Enchantment of the Seas, and the rest the Vision Class, represent the oldest ships in the fleet.  But age isn't everything.

Royal Caribbean does a good job keeping these 30-plus year old cruise ships running well, and they deliver the classic core cruise experience most people want in a vacation: sun, pool, dining, and a few restaurants.

I sailed on Enchantment of the Seas earlier this year for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable it was.

The age and lack of things to do on bigger ships might put you off, but I had a great time and really wouldn't mind going back.

Odds are these will be the cheapest ships to go on, with prices starting as low as $319 per person for a 5-night cruise on September 27, 2025.

Ship size isn't everything, and Vision Class ships are going to be the lowest price on average you can find.  Just understand what it offers and doesn't offer before booking.

A ship that balances age, amenities, and value

The sweet spot of cruise ship amenities and price is a Voyager Class, like Mariner of the Seas.

These are big ships with things to do onboard, but not the mega ship price tag. In fact, they received new updates, such as water slides, new restaurants, and escape rooms.

Mariner of the Seas is one ship I point to for a great blend of value.  It's not the cheapest, but there's still lots for families to love about it.

The ship size provides a "big ship feel" with the things a lot of cruisers want. 

I really like the different specialty restaurants onboard, including Playmakers and Izumi hibachi.  Plus, it still has an ice skating show, Royal Promenade, and updated pool deck.

A fun ship out of Orlando without the premium price tag

There's no hotter cruise market right now than Port Canaveral, which is near Orlando. Royal Caribbean is about to stack the deck there with Star of the Seas coming this summer.

That puts its two newest ships on the doorstep of the theme park capital of the world, with Utopia of the Seas and Star balancing short and long cruises. But those new ships have premium pricing too.

A fun alternative is Adventure of the Seas, which is the same size as the aforementioned Mariner of the Seas.

This is a classic, "do this, not that" example where you can still enjoy a big ship vacation without paying as much for it.

If you compare almost any sailing, there's a good chance the prices will come out in Adventure's favor, giving you far more value.

Looking at March 2026, here are the cheapest cruises among the three:

• Utopia of the Seas: $719 per person for 3-nights
• Star of the Seas: $1440 per person for 7-nights
• Adventure of the Seas: $842 per person for 6 nights

On a per-night basis, Adventure is coming out a much better value.

You can even find lower prices on Explorer of the Seas, with a 4-night sailing in March 2026 starting at $441 per person, or $502 per person for a 5-night cruise.

I prefer Adventure over Explorer since it sails a longer cruise, but that's a matter of your own preference.

Pick an older but updated ship within the mega ships

If you're set on going on one of Royal Caribbean's amazing mega ships, I'd go on one of the refurbished vessels to find a good value.

Oasis of the Seas is probably going to be in that spot, as it's the oldest Oasis Class ship. What I like about Oasis is that it has some nice updates that bring it more in line with newer Oasis Class ships.

Allure of the Seas just got a big update too, so it might be a good alternative as well.

Any Oasis Class ship is going to be a really fun choice for your family because these big ships simply have so much to see, do, and eat. I love the variety of what's offered.

Going on an older Oasis Class ship might save you a few hundred dollars compared to a newer one.

Any of the cruises from LA

Odds are the lowest prices for a cruise are probably on the west coast.

Royal Caribbean is building up its Southern California presence, and soon there will be ships sailing from both Los Angeles and San Diego.

In the meantime, I find the lowest prices for a cruise from the United States out of LA.

The best think about these sailings is that they're on good ships too. Royal Caribbean has had Navigator of the Seas there for a few years, but Ovation of the Seas is about to join the fray. Quantum will join later this year too.

Why are these cruises inexpensive?

Getting to California isn't as convenient if you're not from the area. Plus, the weather in western Mexico might not be as tropical as what you'll find in the Caribbean.

I like that it's not the "same old", especially if you can do a cruise longer than 4 nights that goes down the Baja peninsula.

What's the oldest Royal Caribbean ship and how much older is it than the newest one? Our readers ask us this question a lot because they want to compare which Royal Caribbean cruise is best for them.

There are nearly 30 ships in the fleet today. The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is 28 years old whereas the newest launched in 2024. Ship age isn't everything, but the onboard experience can vary greatly between an older ship compared to the newer ones in terms of what there is to do onboard.

Utopia of the Seas holds the distinction of being the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, but that will be surpassed when Star of the Seas launches in August 2025.

Older ships vary in what they offer and what you can do onboard, as well as price.  Generally speaking, you'll pay a premium for a newer ship over an older ship, but isn't absolute. There are other factors influencing the price, but new ships definitely command higher prices.

An older ship would be anything built before 2010, and they might be half or two thirds the size of today's new megaships. There are less venues onboard, but they're still a fun ship to sail on with enough going on to keep you busy. After all, Royal Caribbean's reputation for offering the best onboard activities is no secret.

If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s helpful to have an idea of which ships belong to Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It can be difficult to keep track of each ship, its age, and amenities, so we’re putting everything you should know into one place.

Here’s our list of Royal Caribbean ships ranked from newest to oldest.

List of Royal Caribbean ships by age, newest to oldest

This listing has every Royal Caribbean cruise ship from newest to oldest, as well as which ship class and important details about each.

Star of the Seas (coming in 2025)

• Inaugural sailing: August 31, 2025
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): around 7,600
• Gross tonnage: around 250,800

Star of the Seas will be the second Icon Class cruise ship, and is slated to debut in August 2025.

It's expected that Star will be the same length as Icon, but her exact gross tonnage may differ slightly.  That won't matter much to passengers, as the amount of things to do and experience will be the same as Icon.

The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. 

Utopia of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: July 19, 2024
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 5,668
• Gross tonnage: 236,860

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, and she stands out because she flipped the script with her deployment. She is the sixth ship in the cruise line’s Oasis Class, and only offers short cruises from Florida to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean did this to create a new and big ship that will primarily appeal to first-time cruisers who tend to prefer short cruises to start out with.

Icon of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: January 27, 2024
• Maximum passenger capacity: 7,600
• Gross tonnage: 250,800

Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship. As the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class, Icon of the Seas offers an impressive array of activities and amenities onboard.

Guests will love the new AquaDome neighborhood, the Category 6 Waterpark, and family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.

Icon of the Seas offers 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida.

Wonder of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: March 4, 2022
• Maximum passenger capacity: 6,988
• Gross tonnage: 236,857

Wonder of the Seas launched in March 2022. She is the fifth Oasis Class ship, yet has slightly different design elements than her sister ships, which include The Vue bar, The Mason Jar southern restaurant, and a suites-only neighborhood.

Wonder of the Seas sails 7-night Caribbean itineraries visiting destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean along with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In 2025, Wonder will shift to offer short weekend cruises only from Miami, similar to Utopia of the Seas.

Odyssey of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: July 31, 2021
• Maximum passenger capacity: 5,510
• Gross tonnage: 167,704

Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth and final ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. Quantum Class ships are known for their technology-driven designs and activities.

Highlights of a cruise on Odyssey of the Seas include RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the SeaPlex, an indoor sports arena with activities like bumper cars and rollerskating. Adults will enjoy the enclosed, climate-controlled Solarium as well as a tropical-themed pool deck with The Lime & Coconut bar.

Odyssey of the Seas sails to the Caribbean in the winter months and spends the summer season in Europe, offering Greek Isles and Holy Land cruises from Rome.

Related: Odyssey of the Seas Guide & Review

Spectrum of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: April 18, 2019
• Maximum passenger capacity: 5,622
• Gross tonnage: 169,379

Spectrum of the Seas, the fourth Quantum Class ship, is based in Asia year round—the ship was designed for the China cruise market.

Onboard you’ll find extra casino space, a suites-only Solarium, and a specialty restaurant with Sichuan cuisine.

Spectrum of the Seas currently sails from Singapore, but she will begin offering cruises from Shanghai in April 2024. These cruises will visit destinations in Japan, China, and Vietnam.

Symphony of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: April 7, 2018
• Maximum passenger capacity: 6,680
• Gross tonnage: 228,081

Symphony of the Seas is the fourth Oasis Class ship and is perfect for passengers who love having an abundance of options when it comes to entertainment, dining, cabin choices, and activities.

Symphony of the Seas offers Western Mediterranean cruises and Caribbean cruises.

Related: Supplying the fun: Symphony of the Seas cruise review

Harmony of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: May 29, 2016
• Maximum passenger capacity: 6,687
• Gross tonnage: 226,963

Harmony of the Seas, the third Oasis Class cruise ship, offers Caribbean cruises year round. She currently sails from Galveston, Texas.

Harmony of the Seas includes updated Oasis Class features like the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and Perfect Storm waterslides. This makes her an even greater option for a fun-filled getaway to the Western Caribbean.

Related: Harmony of the Seas Guide & Review

Ovation of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: April 14, 2016
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
• Gross tonnage: 168,666

Ovation of the Seas is the third ship in the Quantum Class. Like other Quantum Class ships, she was built to sail in all weather conditions, from chilly Alaska to the tropical South Pacific. 

Throughout the ship you’ll find several indoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, such as the Two70 lounge, which allow you to enjoy views of your destination rain or shine.

In the summer season, Ovation of the Seas offers 7-night Alaska cruises departing Seattle. As the Alaska season comes to an end, she repositions to Sydney, Australia to offer South Pacific and New Zealand cruises.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Anthem of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: April 22, 2015
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
• Gross tonnage: 168,666

Anthem of the Seas, the second Quantum Class ship, has sailed to a wider variety of destinations than her sister ships in the class.

During the summer, Anthem of the Seas has typically offered European cruises from Southampton, England, visiting destinations in Norway, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. In the winter, Anthem of the Seas has offered Caribbean cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

In October 2024, however, Anthem of the Seas will reposition to Singapore and offer cruises in Asia for the first time.

Related: Anthem of the Seas Guide & Review

Quantum of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: November 2, 2014
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
• Gross tonnage: 168,666

Quantum of the Seas is the first ship in the Quantum Class, the second newest class of ships after the Icon Class.

Quantum of the Seas sails a wide range of itineraries. She offers Alaska cruises from Seattle during the summer and Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific itineraries from Brisbane during the Australia cruise season.

Allure of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: December 1, 2010
• Maximum passenger capacity: 6,780
• Gross tonnage: 225,282

Royal Caribbean updated Allure of the Seas in summer 2025 with all new features that include the addition of waterslides, new shows, and new restaurants too.

We love the updated pool deck, which looks fantastic.

Allure of the Seas still offers the classic features cruisers love in the Oasis Class, which include an AquaTheater, ice-skating rink, Central Park, and Boardwalk neighborhood.

Oasis of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: December 5, 2009
• Maximum passenger capacity: 6,780
• Gross tonnage: 226,838

There was no other ship like Oasis of the Seas when she launched in 2009. As the first ship in the Oasis Class, Oasis of the Seas was unlike any vessel to ever set sail.

Fourteen years later, the Oasis Class is still the most popular class of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Guests have come to love the large, activity-filled ships in the Oasis Class, as there is no shortage of things to do and see onboard.

After her 2019 amplification, Oasis of the Seas had new dining venues, waterslides, a revamped pool deck, and new cabins added to the ship.

Related: Oasis of the Seas guide: Cabins, itineraries, what to expect

Independence of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: May 2, 2008
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,375
• Gross tonnage: 155,889

Independence of the Seas is the last of the Freedom Class ships. She received an amplification in 2018 that added waterslides, an escape room, and a kids aqua park to the ship.

The ship makes an excellent option for a short cruise, as she offers cruises visiting destinations in the Caribbean, as well as summer cruises from the United Kingdom.

Related: All about Freedom Class cruise ships

Liberty of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: May 19, 2007
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,960
• Gross tonnage: 155,889

Liberty of the Seas is the second Freedom Class ship, and like her sister ships, she offers short cruises from Florida.

Don't let her age fool you, this is a big ship experience. It has a giant Royal Promenade, where there is plenty of shopping and bars.  It has a pair of water slides and is the only ship with a boomerang slide. It's a great ship for families that don't want to compromise on what you can do onboard.

There are many dining choices onboard too, meaning you'll have a good variety of choices where to dine.

Freedom of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: June 4, 2006
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,515
• Gross tonnage: 156,271

Freedom of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s best ships for a short weekend getaway. After a 2020 amplification, Freedom of the Seas received upgrades including a tropical-themed pool deck, waterslides, and updated dining venues and bars.

It's a megaship, but doesn't feel as crowded as the Oasis Class ships do. Its upgrades certainly stand out as a good reason to sail on Freedom.

She currently offers 6, 7, and 8-night Caribbean cruises.

Related: Freedom of the Seas Guide & Review

Jewel of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: May 8, 2004
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,502
• Gross tonnage: 90,090

Jewel of the Seas is the last ship in the Radiance Class, and the last Royal Caribbean ship to be built with a multi-story atrium as opposed to a Royal Promenade thoroughfare.

She offers longer itineraries than most newer Royal Caribbean ships. She spends the summer season in Europe and repositions to the Caribbean during the winter months.

Related: All about Radiance Class cruise ships

Mariner of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: November 16, 2003
• Maximum passenger capacity: 3,807
• Gross tonnage: 139,863

Mariner of the Seas, the fifth Voyager Class ship, is a favorite ship among cruise fans, and many argue she offers the best value in a cruise vacation that Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Amplified in 2018, Mariner of the Seas features many of the same activities and dining venues as the fleet’s newer cruise ships, yet cruise fares are often much lower than ships like Symphony and Wonder of the Seas.

Mariner of the Seas sails in the Caribbean year round, offering cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Related: Mariner of the Seas Guide & Review

Serenade of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: August 1, 2003
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,476
• Gross tonnage: 90,090

Serenade of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship, is Royal Caribbean’s most well-traveled ship. Serenade completed the cruise line’s Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night journey to all 7 continents.

As a Radiance Class ship, she is well-designed for such a colossal journey, and offers indoor spaces like a climate-controlled adults-only Solarium and indoor movie theater.

Navigator of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: December 14, 2002
• Maximum passenger capacity: 4,000
• Gross tonnage: 139,999

West Coast cruisers will love sailing on Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that sails from Los Angeles, California.

Navigator of the Seas features amenities like record-breaking waterslides, a tropical-themed pool deck, a tiki bar, and Hooked Seafood restaurant, all of which were added to the ship during her 2019 amplification.

Cruisers can visit destinations along the Mexican Riviera on Navigator of the Seas such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Related: Navigator of the Seas Guide & Review

Brilliance of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: July 19, 2002
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,543
• Gross tonnage: 90,090

Brilliance of the Seas may be a small cruise ship by Royal Caribbean standards, but she makes up for her size with exciting itineraries in the Pacific.

During the summer she sails from Vancouver, Canada, offering 7-night Alaska cruises. In the Australia season, she offers unique itineraries in the region.

Adventure of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: November 18, 2001
• Maximum passenger capacity: 3,807
• Gross tonnage: 138,193

Adventure of the Seas, the third Voyager Class ship, sails from Florida and offers 6 and 8-night cruises to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.

Unlike sister ships Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas did not receive an amplification. While she still has Voyager Class features like an ice-skating rink and outdoor Solarium, she does not have the cruise line’s most updated dining venues, lounges, and entertainment.

Related: Adventure of the Seas Review & Guide

Radiance of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: April 7, 2001
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,466
• Gross tonnage: 90,090

Radiance of the Seas is the first ship in the Radiance Class, which was designed to offer comfort while sailing through a variety of climates and landscapes.

Splitting her time between Alaska and the Caribbean, she does just that, and guests will appreciate the comfortable indoor spaces on either type of itinerary.

She differs from other ships sailing to Alaska in that she offers one-way Alaska cruise itineraries. These itineraries start in Vancouver and end in Seward, Alaska (and vice versa), allowing guests to combine a 7-night cruise with a land vacation in the state’s interior.

Explorer of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: October 28, 2000
• Maximum passenger capacity: 3,840
• Gross tonnage: 138,194

Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship splitting her time between the Caribbean and Europe. During the summer, she offers itineraries to the Greek Isles and Adriatic, and in the winter months she sails to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.

Waterslides were added to the ship in February 2023, making the vessel more equal to her sister ships.

Voyager of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: November 21, 1999
• Maximum passenger capacity: 3,840
• Gross tonnage: 138,194

Voyager of the Seas turned heads when she launched in 1999—she featured the cruise industry’s first-ever Royal Promenade, an indoor thoroughfare running down the center of the ship.

The Promenade has been a staple of Royal Caribbean ships since, and it’s where guests will find retail stores, bars, lounges, and other venues like Guest Services and Next Cruise.

Voyager of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, and European destinations such as Ravenna, Barcelona, Rome, and Athens.

Related: All about Voyager Class cruise ships

Vision of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: May 2, 1998
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,514
• Gross tonnage: 78,717

Vision of the Seas is the namesake for Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class. Vision Class ships are, when compared to other Royal Caribbean ships, relatively small.

Despite having a capacity of over 2,000 guests, they lack features like a sports court, waterslides, and other amenities found on the fleet’s newer ships.

Nonetheless, their small size enables them to fit into a wider variety of ports. Vision of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship sailing from Baltimore, Maryland, where she offers cruises to the Caribbean, southeast coast, and Bermuda.

Related: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Enchantment of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: July 13, 1997
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,730
• Gross tonnage: 82,910

Enchantment of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship to have been stretched, during which she was split into two sections and new cabins were added in between both ends.

Related: 3 surprising facts about Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas

After being stretched, she is still among the fleet’s smallest vessels, but is longer and heavier than her sister ships in the Vision Class.

Enchantment of the Seas is currently offering Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa.

Rhapsody of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: May 19, 1997
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,416
• Gross tonnage: 78,878

Rhapsody of the Seas is the second Vision Class cruise ship, and she offers some of Royal Caribbean’s most intriguing itineraries.

The ship is currently sailing to the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Grandeur of the Seas

• Inaugural sailing: December 14, 1996
• Maximum passenger capacity: 2,440
• Gross tonnage: 73,817

The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is Grandeur of the Seas at 28 years old.

Small but mighty, Grandeur of the Seas offers a traditional cruise experience and sails Caribbean cruises from Florida (Tampa and Fort Lauderdale).

Read more: Trying Royal Caribbean's oldest & smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas, was better than we envisioned

Should I sail on an old or new Royal Caribbean ship?

Most passengers prefer cruising on newer ships, as these offer the most variety when it comes to activities, cabin categories, dining options, and entertainment.

Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships can all be considered “newer” ships whereas Vision and Radiance Class ships are considered older.

Even though the Radiance Class technically launched after the Voyager Class, Voyager Class ships feel newer with activities like waterslides and design elements like a Royal Promenade and ice-skating rink.

Related: Pros and cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship

When you put Royal Caribbean’s newest and oldest ships side by side, you’ll find similarities and differences. The classic Royal Caribbean experience is still the same, as you can enjoy meals in the Main Dining Room, attend nightly entertainment shows, and grab your favorite signature drinks from the bar.

Where the experience differs, though, is in the amount of programming and activities available. While you might have just a few restaurants to choose from on a Vision Class ship, for example, you could choose from 8 or 9 on an Oasis Class ship.

One advantage of old ships, of course, are the variety of itineraries available. You won’t find the fleet’s newest ships traveling to destinations like Greenland and Costa Rica—many new ships are located in either the Caribbean or Europe.

Before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, take the time to research the fleet’s ships to ensure you book a ship that fits your travel style. Some cruisers may prefer sailing on older, smaller vessels whereas others enjoy the variety of amenities on Royal Caribbean’s newest, biggest ships.

Save this blog on Pinterest

The differences between a brand new cruise ship and one that was built almost 30 years ago is quite stark.

In the past few months, I sailed on an old Royal Caribbean cruise ship and two ships that launched in the past year. You can't help but compare them, even though their approach to cruising is quite different.

Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas began cruising in 1997 just before the era of mega ships began. 

The cruise industry was about to undergo a massive shift in focus, as the launch of Voyager of the Seas in 1999 and Oasis of the Seas in 2010 redefined what the public expected from a cruise ship.  Then in 2024, Icon of the Seas raised the bar yet again, and for some people, it's difficult to go back to the older ships.

I recently sailed on Enchantment after spending my summer on both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.  Each of these ships entered service in 2024, and both of them offer an overwhelming amount of places onboard to relax, eat, explore, and watch. 

Big, new ships are quintessentially what cruising is about today, with so much of the focus of what you can do onboard.  Royal Caribbean is very much in tune with what consumers are looking for in a vacation, and they've built ships to rival land resorts.

Meanwhile, aging ships like Enchantment of the Seas are still sailing and while they don't have nearly as much to do onboard, they're fun ships for a relaxing trip away from work.

Activities were much more varied on Icon of the Seas

One thing you'll quickly notice on a new cruise ship is just how much there is to do onboard.

Icon of the Seas is split up into different areas, with different venues in each one.  It's practically impossible to feel bored, as the line packs every day with activities and events. There are game shows, live music, dance parties, and of course the top deck attractions that capture everyone's attention.

Icon of the Seas is a popular choice for families because of how much Royal Caribbean targets for children and their parents. Naturally, that means there will be lots of kids onboard.

The Surfside neighborhood alone is a great example of this, as the whole section gravitates towards younger children. There's a carousel, buffet serving kid-friendly food, splash park, pool, and more. It's really no surprised there were a lot of families onboard.

Up on the pool deck, there are multiple pools, an entire water park, surf simulator, mini-golf course, and an adrenaline experience that is kind of like a ropes course.

You won't find most of these things on a ship like Enchantment, but it has the basics.  It has a main pool, adults-only pool, and lots of loungers.

Offering all these flashy activities on Icon is going to naturally attract families in the same way a theme park would capture the attention of families more than a national park might. It's hard to resist the glitz of everything on Icon.

Enchantment has a relaxing pool deck with much more space to spread out

One thing I really liked about Enchantment of the Seas was how inviting and spread out their pool deck felt.

It has one main pool, and a lot of deck space around it.  This means you can easily find chairs on either deck of the pool decks, and it felt more sedate compared to Icon's pool deck.

Chair hogs are present on all cruise ships, regardless of size, but I think the fact Enchantment's pool deck was a bit more serene, it helps a bit with that.

Plus, I really think the pool bar scene is superior on Enchantment.  Between the enormous pool bar located in the shade, and the Oasis Bar that faces the ocean, they're great spots to enjoy a cocktail or beer while at sea.

The difference in prices are eye opening

Probably the biggest difference between Enchantment and Icon will be the price to go on each.

Cruise prices are on the rise thanks to record demand, and there is premium pricing to go on a ship like Icon of the Seas.

As an example, if you wanted to go on Icon for spring break in 2026, an oceanview balcony cabin would cost $2,247.80 per person for a week-long cruise on Icon.  

An oceanview balcony on Enchantment would cost just $997.60 per person for a 5-night cruise.

No matter which week you compare prices, you're going to see a stark price difference between these ships.  Families on a tight budget will get more bang for their buck on an older ship, even if there's compromise on what you can do onboard.

Many more dining choices on Icon, including extra cost restaurants

If there was an area of Enchantment of the Seas I was disappointed with, it was their dining variety.

Enchantment has just one specialty restaurant and a small Windjammer buffet.  It was sufficient, and I didn't go hungry.  But I missed having more choices.

Meanwhile, Icon of the Seas has 27 places to eat, including 12 extra cost restaurants. 

Some might question the need of extra cost restaurants, but there are so many on new ships because clearly cruisers are buying it up. 

It's debatable what's necessary, but I think having more choice is always a good thing.  Some cruises I'm quite content eating in the buffet or enjoying my favorite dishes in the Main Dining Room.  But I like to step out and have sushi, or grab nachos and a burger at the sports bar.

Icon even has a food hall that's included in your cruise fare and it's one of my favorite places to eat on any cruise ship.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Empire Supper Club, which is about as fancy a dinner experience you'll find on a cruise ship with jazz music, fine dining, and exquisite service.

While dining upcharges will add to your vacation budget, it's a factor a lot of people look for in a cruise ship.

You'll find fun bars on both ships

What would a cruise ship be without drinks?

There are bars throughout both ships, and I don't think you can be disappointed in the drinking opportunities on either ship.

Enchantment has a great pool bar with Oasis Bar, but I like its Schooner Bar even better. It's massive and actually has a nautical theme, unlike the one on Icon.

The Viking Crown Lounge bar on Enchantment has a stunning view of the top deck and ocean around you.

Icon has better bars that include entertainment, such as the English Pub or Dueling Pianos.

I'm also a sucker for the Swim & Tonic pool because it has a swim-up bar.

Both ships have enticing drink packages you can purchase, but be sure to buy them before the cruise begins to save a lot of money.

The shows on Icon are incredible

Another area where there's simply no comparison is the onboard entertainment.

Icon has three different theaters, with each one a full production show that will take your breath away.

The Wizard of Oz is the probably the top show to see on Icon, and it's a wonderful production true to the 1939 film. It has all the songs you know, a beautiful production, and talented cast.

The aquashow in the indoor Aquatheater is the kind of thing you'll take a lot of video to show friends at home because it's such high energy and you have to remind yourself a few times "I'm watching this on a cruise ship!".

Then you have the ice skating show that features skaters who have competed on the world stage.  

Enchantment has a production show in its theater, but it feels like a high school medley compared to what Icon has.

But both ships had better-than-expected cabins

I'll always prefer a cabin on a new ship for the aesthetics, but I was pleasantly surprised how nice my balcony cabin was on Enchantment too.

No matter which ship you sail on, the stateroom experience is more similar than not, especially in standard rooms.

In terms of amenities, they are very close. So it's really the look and feel of the room that stands out between an old ship and a new ship.

You will find many more electric outlets on Icon, along with USB plugs too.  A ship like Enchantment that was built in the '90s just wouldn't have had those options.

My favorite feature of any cabin on Icon is the fact there is a seat in the shower, something that bucks the decades long trend of having just a tube for a shower.

How much you value activities and your budget make each an obvious choice

I like both cruise ships for different reasons, and I think you'll gravitate towards one or the other depending on what your needs are.

Enchantment lacks the exciting family activities, variety of dining, and excellent shows, but it makes up for it in a great price.  Plus, it's the kind of cruise you can go on to chill.

Icon of the Seas is my favorite cruise ship right now because of how much it packs in, and I greatly value variety. I can't get over how much this ship has changed what I expect from a cruise ship, and it's the place I'd easily go back again and again with my family.

For many people, the price is what drives them in one direction or another.  It's hard to overlook the price gap between a new and old ship.

If you don't have kids and want to save money, Enchantment will win every time.  Even if you have kids, I think you'd find more value in taking them on a smaller ship because there's just enough to keep them occupied.

But if you can afford Icon, it's an incredible vacation that is sure to make a lot of memories along the way.

I've done both, and I'll continue to sail on both in the future.  But each has its strengths that will probably pull you in one direction.

Cruise ships are regularly inspected to ensure they are maintaining a healthy and safe environment, with five Royal Caribbean ships getting a perfect score.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts random inspections of cruise ships and shares their findings with the public. 

The purpose is to ensure cruise lines meet the standards expected of them and to mitigate the chances someone would get sick on a ship, somewhat similar to how restaurants and supermarkets are inspected.

Traveling on cruise ships exposes guests to new environments, communal spaces, and high volumes of other people, all of which can exacerbate the risk of illness.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) gives each cruise ship a rating on a scale of 0-100 once the inspection is complete.

As 2024 comes to a close, the CDC revealed 27 cruise ships got a perfect sanitation score.

In 2024, the CDC conducted a total of 151 inspections and most scored a 95 or better. Of those, 29 were Royal Caribbean ships.

Five Royal Caribbean ships earned a perfect score this year:

• Mariner of the Seas: Inspected 10/28/2024
• Jewel of the Seas: Inspected 9/28/2024
• Serenade of the Seas: Inspected 9/10/2024
• Radiance of the Seas: Inspected 7/21/2024
• Brilliance of the Seas: Inspected 5/16/2024

Interestingly enough, this list is comprised of the entire Radiance Class of ships, with just Mariner of the Seas being a Voyager Class ship.

What were the scores for the other Royal Caribbean ships?

There's a good chance you're wondering how the rest of the fleet did, besides these five perfect scores.

The good news is every Royal Caribbean ship passed (a score of 85 or lower is unsatisfactory), with Adventure of the Seas coming in with the lowest score of 89.

You should also be aware that after each inspection, crew members respond to the results and offer corrective actions to remedy the issues inspectors found.

The end result is a cleaner cruise ship.

Inspection scores don't tell the whole story

Remember, non-perfect scores don't mean an unhealthy or unsafe ship.

The CDC's inspections and VSP scores are important, but not the only factor in ensuring a cruise ship is clean.

Cruise ships are also mindful of the impact that bad news and excessive press about sickness can have. Royal Caribbean wants its guests to be healthy and enjoy their cruise enough to sail again.

Every vessel, no matter its VSP score, features several health awareness tactics and oversight of outbreak prevention.

Guests on Royal Caribbean ships will spot hand-washing stations, free hand sanitizer, health awareness signs, and even crew members reminding guests to clean their hands.

If guests do fall sick, Royal Caribbean has a series of health protocols to prevent further infection, no matter the source.

This program, implemented in 2023, includes six tenants:

1. Stop buffet self-service if the onboard norovirus rate exceeds 1.5%
2. More crew training on acute GI symptoms and avoiding cross-contamination
3. More GI training for onboard medical teams
4. Increased oversight of the Outbreak Prevention Plan
5. Switching to PDI SaniCloth Prime hospital-grade disinfectant wipes, which carry a claim against norovirus (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use)
6. Contactless tap technology, so crew members don't have to handle SeaPass cards

The Oasis and Quantum Classes make up some of Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest ships, so which is the best to sail on?

If you're trying to choose between these two classes, it can be hard to know which is the best option. These are not just some of the biggest cruise ships, but also two of the most popular classes in the fleet.

Cruise ships are organized into ship classes, and it's based on the general design and layout of the ship. Both classes of vessels make for great first-time cruise experiences. They're not only best for families, but they offer just about something for everyone.

Royal Caribbean has invested a lot into each ship, and they all come with great amenities.

Although you can't go wrong when choosing a cruise, each vessel has distinct attractions that appeal to different guests' preferences.

As you're making your decision, you should consider your preferred activities, cabins, and entertainment.

Let's look at some of the key differences between two of the most popular classes in the fleet.

Activities

Quantum Class ships shine when it comes to unique activities. 

Each ship has a SeaPlex indoor sports center, complete with bumper cars and sports courts.

They also feature the North Star, an observation pod that takes passengers 300 feet above the sea for a view all around the ship.

 For an even more exciting adventure, try the Ripcord by iFLY sky-diving simulator.

Guests can experience the fun of sky-diving without the panic of jumping out of an airplane inside this high-speed wind tunnel.

Quantum Class ships also feature the FlowRider surf simulator, allowing guests to ride the waves right onboard the cruise ship.

As for the activities on Oasis Class ships, cruisers will find that there is more than one can do in a week. The Oasis Class ships are not just big, but some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Seven to eight neighborhoods on each ship provide a range of interests and activities, such as the Central Park and Boardwalk areas.

Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?

Activities include two rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lining, mini-golf, running tracks, a carousel, laser tag, escape rooms, and two FlowRider surf simulators.

Oasis Class ships excel when it comes to waterparks, featuring three Perfect Storm waterslides.

This Class of ship also features the tallest dry slide at sea: the 10-story Ultimate Abyss ride (except on Allure of the Seas).

If you're looking for more unique, technology-focused activities, a Quantum-Class ship might be the vessel for you. On the other hand, if you like to stay active and busy, Oasis-Class ships will have an overwhelming amount of activities available.

Cabins

Each class of ship offers different variations of the classic Royal Caribbean cabin categories.

Oasis Class ships, for example, have interior staterooms that also include oceanview staterooms, and Promenade view staterooms.

These ships offer unique staterooms by neighborhood, such as the Boardwalk view balconies, Central Park view balconies, and AquaTheater suites.

Larger groups and families traveling together will find many options onboard, and more than five guests can sleep in one room. 

The larger suites onboard, such as the Royal Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite, and Villa Suite, even sleep up to 14 passengers.

Quantum Class ships, on the other hand, have fewer staterooms for large groups onboard.

Families of five or more who want to book a single stateroom have one option: The Royal Loft Suite.

However, connecting cabins are always available.

Quantum Class vessels excel when it comes to pioneering technological advances in the staterooms onboard.

These vessels were the first to offer virtual balconies. These staterooms are a great plus for guests who want to save money by booking an interior cabin but still get an ocean view.

A floor-to-ceiling HD screen inside the stateroom offers real-time views, with sound, of the outside view.

Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have digital keys available on the Royal Caribbean app, which guests can use to open the door with their phone, instead of fumbling around to find their SeaPass card.

Entertainment

Both Quantum and Oasis Class ships feature high-quality entertainment onboard.

Some of them even share similar shows. Spectrum of the Seas (a Quantum-Class vessel) was the first to release The Effectors, a popular original show written by Royal Caribbean. Its sequel, the Effectors II was later debuted on Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis-Class ship.

However, Broadway fans are better off seeking an Oasis Class cruise.

Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas are all Oasis-Class ships that feature Broadway musicals, while the only Quantum-Class to feature one is Anthem of the Seas.

Both types of ships have a large Royal Theater, but also feature two very different entertainment venues.

Royal Caribbean designed an entirely new venue on Quantum Class ships called Two70. The indoor, two-story amphitheater is located on the aft of the ship, offering sweeping (270º) views of the ocean.

Guests can experience marvelous shows inside, combining visual effects, acrobats, and six robot screens that move and synchronize with the show.

Oasis-Class ships, on the other hand, have the AquaTheater, an outdoor amphitheater also placed at the aft.

The pool goes down to a depth of 17.9 feet on some ships, making it one of the deepest pools at sea.

The AquaShows performed in the Aquatheater combine dance, acrobatics, diving, extreme sports, and lights and music for a one-of-a-kind performance.

Picking the right one for you

New and seasoned cruisers will love both the Oasis and Quantum Classes because of all the activities and amenities they have to offer.

You can't go wrong picking either class—each vessel will be its own adventure.

However, different classes have distinct attractions that might appeal to individual guests.

You should lean towards picking a Quantum Class ship if you're...

Cruising with teens

Bumper cards, Ripcord by iFLY, dance clubs, and sports centers make the Quantum Class a great choice for teens, tweens, and older kids.

There are a lot of fun, self-guided activities onboard that are perfect for older children.

Read more: Anthem of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas

Wanting to cruise Alaska

Royal Caribbean stations multiple Quantum-Class ships on Alaska itineraries each year.

These ships make for great options to sail to the region. 

Quantum Class ships have indoor pools, the North Star observation capsules, indoor sports activities, and more features that make them the perfect, high-class ships to explore the region.

If seeing the "Last Frontier" is on your bucket list, a cruise on a Quantum Class vessel makes for a luxury adventure.

Read more: I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare

Love technology

Quantum Class ships focus on the latest technology, with RFID bracelets, robot bartenders, virtual balcony cabins, and more.

These vessels are all about presenting the latest advances that can enhance cruisers' experiences.

Lovers of technology will appreciate all that a Quantum Class ship has to offer.

On the other hand, you should consider sailing on an Oasis Class ship if you...

Want to stay busy 

Oasis Class vessels are mega-ships that have a staggering amount of activities and events onboard.

If you like having more options than you can do in one day, an Oasis Class ship is for you.

Read more: I tried every Oasis Class cruise ship, here's how I would rank them

With the variety of activities onboard, you'll always have a lot of choices, and never a dull moment.

Love getting active

For cruisers who like to get busy and stay active, Oasis Class ships are a great fit.

Two FlowRiders, two rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lining, mini-golf, running tracks, and more are available for those who enjoy a good physical challenge.

The sports facilities and dance classes on Oasis Class ships are an impressive choice, offering many unique opportunities to stay fit while onboard.

Need lots of dining options

If you want or need a lot of dining options, whether because of dietary restrictions, picky eaters, or just a love of food, the Oasis Class will offer a ton of choices.

While Quantum Class ships don't slack in the dining department, the Oasis Class cannot be beaten.

These ships have bars, restaurants, and lounges all over the ship, offering a variety of cuisine, from sushi to Southern comfort.

Royal Caribbean has the biggest cruise ships in the world and it proves exactly why size matters.

The cruise line's fleet of 28 vessels comes in a range of sizes, with the largest ships being in the Icon Class and Oasis Class.

While you can have a great vacation on a big or small cruise ship, the world's largest cruise ships stand out for more than just their size. 

These ships feature exciting amenities you wouldn't expect to find on a cruise ship, from waterparks and ice skating rinks to immersive dining experiences.

Unique events and venues on these ships continue to draw people in, even 15 years after the first Oasis Class vessel debuted.

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so popular 15 years after their inception

Let's dive into what makes Royal Caribbean's 5 biggest mega-ships so special. 

5. Harmony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,479 (double occupancy)

When she was launched in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world. 

As another iteration in the ground-breaking Oasis Class, Harmony both continued and expanded on the mega-ship concept.

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)

The vessel is split into seven neighborhoods:

• Central Park
• Boardwalk
• Royal Promenade
• Pool and Sports Zone
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Entertainment Place
• Youth Zone

Each area focuses on a different attraction, allowing like-minded cruisers to join together in one location. These neighborhoods hint at exciting features you can only experience on a Royal Caribbean mega-ship.

Read more: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?

Harmony of the Seas features the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Splashaway Bay kid's waterpark, an ice skating rink, the AquaTheater, Perfect Storm waterslides, ziplines, Flowrider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, Rising Tide Bar, and rock climbing.

The ship also offers 20 dining venues, including popular choices such as Jamie's Italian, Izumi, Chop's Grille, and Johnny Rockets.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,518 (double occupancy)

Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018. As the fourth Oasis Class ship, her success proved just how popular Royal Caribbean's mega-ships are.

Symphony of the Seas features the same seven neighborhoods as Harmony of the Seas, with a stellar Central Park that grows 20,700 live plants.

The vessel also added a laser tag experience—the Battle for Planet Z—and an escape room for even more onboard activities. 

If a family is looking for the best Royal Caribbean ship and also looking for a luxurious accommodation, they can stay in the Ultimate Family Suite, a 1,346-square-foot cabin.

Popular features also include the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Perfect Storm waterslides, AquaTheater, FlowRider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, and rock climbing wall. 

Popular dining venues include Hooked Seafood, Wonderland, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and more.

The mega-ship also features a Broadway-level production of Hairspray!

3. Wonder of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)

In 2022, Wonder of the Seas was released as the next Oasis Class ship.

Royal Caribbean went above and beyond by adding an eighth neighborhood to the popular Oasis Class format. 

The Suite neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas provides a private, exclusive experience for suite guests, with its own plunge pool, bar, Coastal Kitchen venue, and Suite Lounge.

In addition to a luxury neighborhood focused on suite guests, Wonder also has the classic Oasis Class amenities, such as a stellar AquaTheater show, water slides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, laser tag, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, carousel, Splashaway Bay, and arcade.

Wonder of the Seas features the Effector II show, a sequel to the popular, most technologically advanced show in the cruise industry.

Read more: Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood

She was also the first vessel to feature the specialty Southern comfort food venue, the Mason Jar.

2. Utopia of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)

Just launched in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas continued Royal Caribbean's reputation for breaking records. She became the biggest Oasis Class ship released thus far, beating out Wonder of the Seas by 3 gross tons.

Utopia was also the first mega-ship to debut by offering short sailings, focusing on becoming "The World's Biggest Weekend."

The ship features 8 distinct neighborhoods, 21 dining venues, 5 pools, and 8 hot tubs.

She introduced several innovations to the Oasis Class, such as outdoor seating in Giovanni's, a brand-new bar called the Pesky Parrot, a multi-story Lime and Coconut Bar, The Spare Tire food truck/eatery, and an extended Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

One of the must-see highlights on Utopia of the Seas is the Royal Railway dining experience, an immersive, train-car-themed specialty restaurant.

1. Icon of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT

Length: 1,198 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

Icon of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world upon her debut in 2024.

She is the first ship in the Icon Class, introducing an entirely new way of cruising, with brand-new dining venues and bars.

The mega-ship features 8 neighborhoods in a completely unique layout:

• AquaDome
• Central Park
• Surfside
• Royal Promenade
• Chill Island
• Thrill Island
• The Hideaway
• Suite Neighborhood

She introduced many unique features, some of which will continue in subsequent Icon Class ships.

The Pearl, for example, is a unique art installation and sensory experience guests can walk through.

Icon also introduced the complimentary AquaDome Market, the cruise line's first food hall, which serves five unique types of cuisine: mac 'n' cheese, Asian food, soups and sandwiches, crepes, and Mediterranean bowls.

Destination elevators also first came out on Icon of the Seas, solving the issues of crowding and long wait times previously experienced on Oasis Class ships.

Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison

Not only did guests receive an upgraded adventure onboard, but crew members did, as well. The cruise line listened to employees about what they needed to develop a new, crew-only neighborhood.

If you are looking for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship, how do you pick the perfect one from all the rankings?

Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world on almost 30 ships, each that promises a great family vacation. Utopia of the Seas is the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, but does that make it the best ship? Is the oldest ship necessarily the worst ship?

Determining the best ship means finding the right ship for your personal tastes, budget and who is cruising with you.

Royal Caribbean prides itself on a consistent experience across all of its ships, but they aren't carbon copies of each other either.

Top 10 best Royal Caribbean ships ranked

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Wonder of the Seas
3. Odyssey of the Seas
4. Utopia of the Seas
5. Freedom of the Seas
6. Oasis of the Seas
7. Symphony of the Seas
8. Mariner of the Seas
9. Harmony of the Seas
10. Anthem of the Seas

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas has been sailing for less than a year, and it's hard to overlook this ship if you are cruising with a family.

Icon of the Seas is  a game changer for families, and it has enough onboard to rival any land resort. It also packs in just about every new idea Royal Caribbean has to offer it's most complete cruise ship to date.

Being the biggest ship in the world, means there is more space for the activities and things to do that will keep children and adults busy all cruise long.

Royal Caribbean has designed this ship to cater more to families than ever before.

You'll find new categories of cabins with parents and kids in mind. More than 70% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will have balconies, and  82% of rooms have a high occupancy of 3 or more guests, which is more than double the Oasis Class ships.

Royal Caribbean also dedicated an entire neighborhood of the ship to families, known as Surfside.  Surfside is the ultimate stay-all-day neighborhood that has pools for kids and parents, family-friendly restaurants, and bars that have mocktails for the kids and cocktails for the adults.

Icon of the Seas is home to the largest water park at sea, Category 6, where you will find six recording breaking slides, including the first family raft slides at sea: Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter. 

Royal Caribbean is building at least two more Icon Class ships that will also begin cruises over the next few years.

Oasis Class

Best ship: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas or Oasis of the Seas

These are the largest cruise ships in the world, and they simply offer the latest and greatest that Royal Caribbean is known for onboard.

The six Oasis Class ships (with an unnamed 7th ship eventually joining the fleet sometime in 2028), have FlowRider surf simulators, zip lining, rock climbing, waterslides, clubs, specialty and complimentary restaurants and scenic evening strolls.

There is no shortage of things to do on an Oasis Class ship, including waterslides, Ultimate Abyss slide, two FlowRiders, mini-golf, zip line and more.

There are seven neighborhoods (eight on Utopia & Wonder of the Seas) on an Oasis Class ship, including Central Park outdoor space and the seaside-inspired Boardwalk. 

The shows on an Oasis Class ship are the best in the fleet, with three different theaters offering entertainment throughout your cruise. Watch a full Broadway show (such as Mamma Mia or Hairspray), check out the thrills of the AquaTheater performances, and be dazzled by ice shows in Studio B.

Oasis Class ships also have the most dining options of any Royal Caribbean ship, such as Chops Steakhouse, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Portside BBQ, classic Italian and much more.

Where they sail: Wonder of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas offer 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises that include stops at the private destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Some years, one Oasis Class ship sails from Europe for the summer.

Utopia of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida and only offers short 3- and 4-night cruises. 

Quantum Class

Best ship: Anthem of the Seas or Odyssey of the Seas

The newest class of Royal Caribbean ship does not compromise on entertainment, dining, or things to do with the Quantum Class ships.

Looking for some incredible things to do on a cruise ship? How about a skydiving simulator, or smash bumper cars into your fellow guest vehicles.  Then there is the observation capsule that takes you 300 feet in the air for breathtaking, 360-degree views. 

The Quantum Class ships are the only ones that feature Two70, which is a large circular space at the back of the ship where you will not only find a great view of the ocean, but also floor-to-ceiling screens that can transform the space along with their Roboscreen technology.

Music Hall is the perfect venue for anyone that loves live music performances, where cover bands perform and you can dance the night away.

The Royal Esplanade is located in the center of the ship and features dining and shopping opportunities.

Where they sail: Anthem of the Seas is in Europe for summer 2024 and will move to Singapore for a short season before alternating between Australia and Alaska cruises.

Spectrum of the Seas sails in Asia.

Odyssey of the Seas splits her time between winter cruises from Florida to the Caribbean, and summer cruises in Europe around the Mediterranean.

Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas sail to Alaska in the summer, and then spend the other part of the year in Australia.

Freedom Class

Best ship: Freedom of the Seas or Independence of the Seas

One of the most versatile cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, the Freedom Class vessels combine large size with lots to do onboard. In fact, the Freedom Class ships have been upgraded in the last few years with waterslides and other new features onboard.

You will find Splashaway Bay aquapark for kids on all three ships, along with Perfect Storm waterslides on Independence and Freedom. Liberty of the Seas has her own set of water slides, including the only ship to feature a boomerang slide.

If you are looking for dining, Independence has Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Fish & Ships, a poolside eatery where guests can grab quintessentially British seaside treats. Freedom of the Seas launched the first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen specialty restaurant concept in the fleet, that features made-to-order pizzas, freshly made pastas and a wide selection of wines and limoncellos.

All three ships offer great shows onboard, including ice skating performances in Studio B.  Independence of the Seas has its own Broadway show with Grease, while Liberty of the Seas has Saturday Night Fever Broadway show.

Where they sail: Independence of the Seas sails four and five night cruises the Caribbean from Miami.

Liberty of the Seas sails from New York in summer 2024 to Canada and Bermuda, before moving to Fort Lauderdale to offer short 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas.

Freedom of the Seas is homeported in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she offers 7-night Caribbean cruises. In 2025, Freedom will offer weekend cruises from Miami.

Voyager Class

Best ship: Navigator of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas

One of the best values in Royal Caribbean is the Voyager Class ships. These multifaceted vessels are a great choice for first-time cruisers, as well as anyone on a limited budget.  They are still "big ships" and offer plenty to do onboard, but at a fraction of the price of their mega ship sister vessels.

The Voyager Class is perhaps the most varied ships in the fleet, as the Royal Amplification process has added so many new and different options to these ships.

Mariner and Navigator of the Seas received the most striking changes in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Navigator has The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea, and Riptide, the industry’s only head-first mat racer waterslide. Both ships also now feature Battle for Planet Z and Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium.

There are plenty of other additions to both vessels, including hibachi on Mariner and Hooked Seafood specialty restaurant on Navigator. Both ships have a Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, as well as a Bamboo Room Polynessian-themed bar.

The other Voyager Class ships also have their own share of fun onboard, including a FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and shows each evening. Adventure of the Seas has its own set of water slides that were added a few years ago.

Where they sail: Mariner of the Seas offers Caribbean cruises of various length from Port Canaveral.

Navigator of the Seas is homeported from Los Angeles, where she sails short cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, as well as 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises.

The other Voyager Class ships move around a bit more, offering cruises around the world. Adventure of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral in winter 2024-2025.

Explorer of the Seas also splits time between North America and Europe, with cruises from Rome in the summer, and Port Canaveral in the winter.

Voyager of the Seas offers cruises from Port Canaveral.

Radiance Class

Best ship: Brilliance of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas

An underrated, yet impressive class of ships is the Radiance Class ships that combine sleek elegance with varied itineraries around the world.

Just because they are smaller than other ships, does not mean they compromise on the fun onboard. Royal Caribbean added new features and amenities to these ships, and you will find an outdoor movie screen, full-scale entertainment productions in the three-story theater, and plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges.

Radiance class ships are popular with Royal Caribbean veterans for their elegant offerings and relaxing atmosphere. In fact, Radiance Class ships have one of the best adults-only Solarium areas across the entire fleet.

Where they sail: The Radiance Class ships are world travelers, offering lots of places to visit. Brilliance of the Seas spends her winters in Tampa with short sailings to the Caribbean, along with cruises from Boston and Miami.

You can cruise on Jewel of the Seas from Amsterdam to Northern Europe in the summer, while choosing between cruises from Galveston to the Caribbean.

Radiance of the Seas offers some really interesting cruises, including open-jaw sailings (one-way) to Alaska in the summer.  She then transitions to Australia and sails the South Pacific.

Serenade of the Seas will offer cruises to the Caribbean from Tampa.

Vision Class

Best ship: Grandeur of the Seas or Enchantment of the Seas

Royal Caribbean uses the Vision Class ships to offer cruises to the most exotic locations around, because they can fit almost anywhere.

Like the Radiance Class, Vision Class ships still offer plenty to do onboard and have amenities such as a rock climbing wall, great pool deck, poolside movie screen, specialty dining and a grand Atrium area.

The lounges on these ships are equally impressive, and many repeat cruisers love the warm and thoughtful staff onboard these ships.

Where they sail: Vision of the Seas offers cruises in the winter from Fort Lauderdale, and Barcelona in the summer.

Rhapsody of the Seas calls Tampa and Venice/Ravenna, Italy home, with cruises to the Western Caribbean and Greek Isles.

Vision of the Seas sails year-round from Baltimore to Canada/New England, Bahamas, and Bermuda.

Enchantment of the Seas (the last Royal Caribbean ship to be stretched) offers cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean.

Grandeur of the Seas sails from Port Everglades and offers primarily long sailings to the Southern Caribbean.

What should you look for in the best cruise ship?

When you want to find the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for you, the key is to understand what the ship offers and what it does not offer, and then weigh that against how much it will cost you.

Some important considerations you should look at in any ship is what it offers in:

• Kids Programming
• Signature activities (waterslides, Broadway shows, thrill attractions, open spaces, et al)
• Where it is sailing

If you want a never ending array of "things to do," then lean towards taking a cruise on the larger ships.  

If your idea of a good time is lounging by the pool and exploring the ports of call you visit, then any size ship will be fine.

The important thing to remember is to figure out if the ship you are looking at has a FlowRider, particular specialty restaurant or something else important to you onboard the ship.

The best ship depends on you

Picking the best ship is a lot like picking out the best movie or best restaurant: it is a subjective choice based on a variety of factors that every person weighs differently.

Since no one likes to hear that the answer is "it depends", here is as objective a breakdown as possible of what to look for in the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Amenities, activities, and accommodations

At the heart of any cruise ship is what the ship offers onboard, and where you will call home during your vacation.

Royal Caribbean's cruise ships have four basic types of staterooms: inside, oceanview, balcony and suite cabins. These types of cruise cabins offer varying amount of living space and luxuries, and the some ships have more impressive cabins than others. 

Ultimately, the decision for which room you want is a question of what you can afford, but the larger and newer ships tend to offer the most expansive and luxurious accommodations.

What you do onboard is what makes Royal Caribbean stand out, and you will find various signature activities, fun things to do and multitudes of dining choices across an expansive layout.

Each cruise ship is made up of a different combination of onboard offerings and over the last decade, Royal Caribbean has varied these amenities considerably from ship to ship. So it behooves you to figure out which are the most important and pick the right ship for you.

My recommendations for the best ships

If you just want to know which ships I think might be best for certain people, here are my top picks for best Royal Caribbean ships.

• Best ships for new cruisers and families: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas
• Best ship if on a budget: Mariner of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas
• Best ship if you don't care about crazy activities: Brilliance of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas
• Best combination of value (price for what you get): Freedom of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas
• Matt's favorite ships: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are floating destinations with so many different fun activities onboard, even if it's one of their smaller ships.

There are almost 30 ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet of ships today, but they're not all copies of each other. Every ship has its own array of options, and the smaller and older ships certainly have a different feel from the megaships.

Often someone considering a cruise vacation will hesitate to book a smaller ship out of concern they might be boring or not as impressive. The truth is even the smaller Royal Caribbean ships are still quite large, and they're designed for a big market.

Before you write off a smaller ship, here are my picks for the best things to do on Royal Caribbean's smaller ships that are easily overlooked.

Best things to do on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship

Movie theater

On the Radiance Class cruise ships, there's a dedicated movie theater onboard.

All Royal Caribbean ships show movies by the pool on a big screen, but you're subject to the weather conditions outside. Plus, there are only limited showtimes.

The Cinema on Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas is an enclosed theater with perfect viewing conditions for a movie, with continuously running showtimes.

And just like the pool deck, there's no cost to going to the movie theater.

Intimate lounges and bars

You'll find fantastic bars on the smaller Royal Caribbean ships that have a different feel to them on bigger ships.

There's a Schooner Bar on every Royal Caribbean ship, but you haven't truly experienced the Schooner Bar until you've tried it on a Vision or Radiance Class ship.

The Schooner Bar is massive and features a much more pronounced nautical theme to it. Plus, the layout of the room is so much better than on the bigger ships.

Equally impressive are two bars within the Centrum atrium area.

Vintages Wine bar actually faces the ocean and has beautiful windows to see out of, which adds to the ambiance.

At the base of the Centrum is the R Bar, and it's the perfect lounge to enjoy a drink entertainment. Given the bar and the stage are together, it's an immersive lounge experience.

On the Voyager Class ships, I love the layout of the English pub.  To be honest, it's much better on Mariner and Navigator of the Seas. The other ships have an odd triangle shaped bar layout.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Viking Crown Lounge on the smaller ships.

Royal Caribbean has gone away with this signature lounge on its newest and biggest ships, but the small ships still have it and it's my favorite spot to enjoy a view and a drink from inside.

Hidden viewing deck

My favorite place for sailaway can only be found on the smaller Royal Caribbean ships.

If you're on a Radiance, Voyager, or Freedom Class cruise ship, you can go out to the helipad on the bow of the ship.

Access is available by walking all the way forward on the outside promenade deck, which is either on deck 4 or deck 5.

The views here are incredible, and it's the best spot to watch your ship pull into port or sail out of a port.

More relaxed pool decks

If you want a classic cruise ship pool experience, the pools on smaller ships are where it's at.

The pools on smaller shops are a bit more peaceful in the sense there aren't water slides, splash zones, or multiple pools to contend with.  In short, it doesn't have the hustle of the megaships.

That isn't to say there aren't events, because you'll still find a bellyflop competition and world's sexiest man competition. But I think you'll find the pool deck a bit more chill.

Moreover, I think the Solarium on the Radiance Class ships are the best in the fleet in terms of layout, being completely enclosed, and a great bar scene too.

Rock climbing wall

You won't find the over-the-top zany sports deck activities on big ships, but even the small ships have a rock wall you can climb.

The rock wall is arguably the first "I can't believe they put that on a cruise ship" feature when it first debuted on Voyager of the Seas in 1999, and it's available on even the smallest ships.

Included in your cruise fare, you get strapped in and try your best to climb the wall and reach the top. 

It's fun for kids or adults, and it's a great sea day activity.

Thermal spa

On the Radiance Class ships there is a thermal spa you can purchase a pass to, and it might be your new favorite way to indulge.

You purchase a pass that gives you unlimited access to the thermal spa, which is a calming retreat.

It includes access to heated stone lounge chairs, a dry sauna, a wet sauna, and a rainforest shower room.

Special itineraries and ports

Just as important as the features available onboard the small ships are the places you can visit on them.

The itineraries are far more varied on a smaller cruise ship, giving you the opportunity to visit more exotic and/or interesting places.

Smaller ships can visit the Greek isles and ports along the Adriatic Sea.  They can also take you much further north in Alaska to see more of the Last Frontier.

You'll also routinely find longer sailings offered on small ships.  As an example, the big cruise ships sailing from Galveston, Texas just offer cruises in the Western Caribbean, but Jewel of the Seas has 11 night cruises that go to the ABC islands in the Southern Caribbean.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean bases small ships out of San Juan, Puerto Rico that can visit more ports along the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

If you're looking for something more than the same itineraries, you could find them on a small ship.

Tips for making the most of a cruise on a smaller ship

The first thing you may notice about picking a smaller ship is the price tag, because older ships cost less than megaships.

Comparing the price of Grandeur of the Seas or Brilliance of the Seas to Icon of the Seas, and you'll see a stark difference.  The money saved means you can afford a nicer cabin or even another cruise booking.

If you're someone that usually books a balcony, keep in mind there are far less balconies on older ships, so book them early to ensure yourself of a cabin category you prefer. This is especially true on the Vision Class ships.

If you booked a smaller ship for the itinerary, be sure to focus on your time on land.  Plan out and book in advance great shore excursions so you can maximize the opportunity.

If you want a smaller ship but don't want to compromise on what you love about big ships, the Voyager Class is probably the sweet spot for you.

Unexpected emergencies arise and prevent people from embarking on their long-awaited cruise, and those who don't purchase travel insurance are often out hundreds or thousands of dollars. One individual, however, took to Reddit to share a feel-good story about her experience with Royal Caribbean's customer service after undergoing emergency surgery. 

Infamousunicornsocks was set to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise in less than one month with her husband of seven years and five-year-old daughter. However, an emergency abdominal surgery and nasojejunal feeding tube placement postponed their plans. 

"Unsure how long I would be in the hospital for, much less how long the Dobhoff [tube] would be in for, I called Royal Caribbean customer service fully expecting to [lose] my entire deposit & cruise price as I didn’t buy the travel insurance," she writes. 

She spoke to a customer service representative who couldn't promise anything without first reviewing her medical documentation. However, within less than 24 hours, she received a call back with an offer to change the sail date for just $100 per person. 

Typically, if you cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise less than 30 days before sailing, you forfeit 100% of the cruise fare, regardless if the sailing is 4 or 10 nights. 

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your cruise 90 or 75 days or more before the first day of sailing. Even then, non-refundable deposits won't be refunded. Guests on shorter sailings (i.e. between 1 and 4 nights) have a longer window, as they can cancel for a refund up to 75 days before the cruise. 

Passengers on sailings 5+ nights must cancel 90 days or more in advance for a full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit. Those canceled between 89 and 75 days before will have to pay a 25% cancelation fee, while those who cancel the cruise 74 to 61 days prior to departure will pay 50% of the total fare. 

"Our sailing has been postponed to this fall and although I’m set to now have the [nasojejunal] feeding tube replaced with a G-J tube directly through my stomach and probably won’t get [to] enjoy much of any food, I’m so grateful for their kindness and compassion, fully knowing it was saw something they didn’t have to do," Infamousunicornsocks shares about their resolution.  

"My hope [is] that by sharing this, the next person going through something similar can be hopeful knowing that they’re dealing with a company that at least tries to help the consumer by listening and being understanding."

While Infamousunicornsocks had a positive experience with Royal Caribbean's customer service, do not neglect to add travel insurance to your upcoming cruise

Travel insurance plans provide financial peace of mind during stressful and unexpected situations, from lost luggage to medical evacuations. 

Policies purchased through Royal Caribbean include six benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company: 

• Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family, or another covered reason.
• Trip Delay: Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) for catch-up expenses
• Missed Connection: Up to $300 if you miss your trip departure for covered reasons by three hours or more. 
• Accident and Sickness Medical: up to $25,000 if you get hurt and $25,000 if you get sick on your cruise vacation.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000 for emergency medical transportation during your vacation. 
• Baggage Protection and Delay: Up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged and up to $500 to buy necessary personal items if your bags are delayed.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will increase price of travel insurance policy

If that's not enough, you can add a "Cancel for Any Reason Credit" for an extra cost by calling 1-888-722-2195 or informing your travel agent. 

Per the policy's contract, "This additional enhancement is offered by Royal Caribbean International as a special service to guests that purchase this cruise ticket Cancellation Penalty Waiver Addendum...Credits are valid for one year from issue date, are not transferable, and have no cash value."

"To be eligible for the credits: 1. The travel protection plan must be purchased prior to having made final payment for the cruise; and 2. Notification of cancellation must be given to Royal Caribbean International prior to the ship's departure."

Alternatively, those who travel frequently—for work or leisure—should look into annual policies, which provide insurance coverage for one year of travel, rather than on a trip-by-trip basis. 

Even if you plan on taking just one cruise this year, annual policies cover all types of trips for one set price, including land-based trips to Europe, road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway, all-inclusive stays in Mexico, domestic flights, and more. Typically, however, the destination must be 100+ miles from home. 

Travel insurance is helpful for situations that occur before and during the sailing

In 2019, Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were hit with a $2,500.22 medical bill from onboard treatment that had to be paid out-of-pocket since they did not purchase insurance, as KFF Health News and NPR reported. 

According to the invoice, the general ward admission and observation totaled $2,285.78, with the i-STAT blood test, out-of-facility services, and medication amounted to $97.99, $104.55, and $11.90, respectively.

The couple was traveling on Independence of the Seas on a cruise gifted by their real estate agent after purchasing their first home in Saginaw, Michigan in 2018.

Following three seizures, Wasney was evacuated by a rescue boat and transported to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center, where he incurred further debt.

Have you ever put a travel insurance policy to use? Let us know in the comments!