Royal Caribbean has seven types of cruise ships, and each has its own distinct style.
The Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision Class ships come in different layouts, sizes, and onboard features.
Think of ship classes like models of cars. There are many similarities, but also a few ways they're different in how they look and function.
I've got tips and tricks to make the most of any of them, regardless of which ships you prefer or are sailing on next.
Icon class tips
There are two Icon Class cruise ships in service (plus a few more on order): Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.
Book shows before the cruise begins: The shows on Icon Class ships are incredible, so don't miss out on them by not having a reservation.
You can make a reservation for shows on Icon Class ships up to 30 days before the cruise begins. Right now there isn't an exact cadence to when they are available to book, but usually it's about a month or less before your cruise sails.
Go on the water slides on a port day: The Category 6 waterpark is impressive, but your best bet is to try to ride the slides during a port day.
Either stay on the ship when your ship is docked in port, or plan to hit the slides before or after your tour.
There are more free (and better) dining choices: While I love indulging in specialty restaurants, you really don't have to spend extra for them.
Royal Caribbean invested more in convenient included restaurants, including my all-time favorite: Aquadome Market. There's also El Loco Fresh, Basecamp, Pearl Cafe, and of course Windjammer, Main Dining Room, and Sorrento's.
Oasis Class tips
Some of the biggest ships in the world, the Oasis Class ships include: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, and Utopia of the Seas.
Try the Solarium Bistro: One of the least-crowded spots for a sit down meal that's included in your fare is Solarium Bistro.
It's a combination of buffet and plated meal, but most people are unaware it exists and it's a great alternative to the more crowded venues.
Don't miss the Mason Jar bar: My favorite bar experience on any ship is the country bar on Utopia, Allure, and Wonder of the Seas.
The Mason Jar is a Southern American restaurant, but it has a really fun country music bar that has great music, and even better cocktails.
Catch an AquaTheater show: I think the must-see performance on any Oasis Class ship is in the Aquatheater.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can get a really good seat. Keep in mind the first two rows are the "splash zone".
Quantum Class tips
Think of the Quantum Class ships like a mash-up of big ship size with refined tastes. There are five ships in total: Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas.
Two70: The don't miss venue on any Quantum Class ships is Two70, which has different events throughout the day.
This beautiful space has shows at night, and demonstrations involving its impressive roboscreens.
Book a North Star and Ripcord reservation before the cruise: Royal Caribbean opens bookings for its two most popular top deck activities before the cruise begins.
North Star pod and Ripcord by iFly require reservations, so get one about a month or so before the cruise begins.
North Star is free if you book a port day (like embarkation day), and in my opinion, you're not missing much for a paid one on a sea day.
Bumper cars are a lot of fun: It might seem like a gimmick to offer bumper cars on a cruise ship, but I really think they're worth trying.
It's a lot of family fun and worth the wait!
Freedom Class tips
There are just three Freedom Class ships, but I think they're some of the best options for value, size, and fun things to do onboard: Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.
Go to the helipad for sailaway: I love the helipad location for sailaway, and most guests don't know you can go there.
The perfect views from deck 14: If you want a great spot to sit, have a drink, and watch the world go by, I'd recommend the lounge on deck 14.
It goes by different names depending on which ship you're on, but it's the lounge on deck 14 accessible by the aft elevators.
Each ship has a special dining venue: Depending on the Freedom Class ship you sail on, Royal Caribbean has one restaurant you should seek out to eat at because it's impressive.
- Freedom of the Seas: Giovanni's Italian Kitchen ($)
- Independence of the Seas: Fish and Ships
- Liberty of the Seas: Izumi Teppanyaki
Voyager Class tips
Arguably the best value in Royal Caribbean right now, the Voyager Class ships have the big ship feel, but without the premium price tag: Voyager of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas.
Free sauna: Voyager Class ships offer saunas and steam rooms in the fitness area.
When you enter the gym, there should be an entrance on the left.
Visit the helipad: As one of three cruise ship classes offering access to the helipad, it's worth going there for a photo.
You can access it on deck 4 at the outside area and then walking forward.
Bring your bathing suit on embarkation day: Whether you want to hit the water slides, pool, or FlowRider surf simulator, the best time to go is on boarding day.
Pack your bathing suit or simply wear it to the cruise terminal and then go right to the pool deck. You'll find non-existent lines.
Radiance Class tips
Small in size, the Radiance Class offer sailings to fantastic places around the world. They're a mix of versatile and relaxing.
There are a total of four ships in this class: Radiance, Serenade, Brilliance, and Jewel of the Seas.
There's a water slide for young kids: If you children are under the age of eight, take them to try the water slide.
The water slide on deck 12 is basic, but it's something young children should relish going down over and over.
There's a rotating bar: The Radiance Class has a bar up on deck 13 in the Viking Crown Lounge, and theoretically it spins.
At night, it has the capability to slowly rotate. It's often broken, but if it does work, it's a neat effect.
Thermal spa pass: You can buy a thermal spa pass, which gets you unlimited access to the steam room, sauna, and heated stone chairs.
You can buy it at the Vitality Spa, and it also includes a Rasul treatment session.
Vision Class tips
The oldest and smallest of Royal Caribbean's ships, there are just four of these left in service: Enchantment, Vision, Rhapsody, and Grandeur of the Seas.
The best Schooner Bar: All Royal Caribbean ships have a Schooner Bar, but I think the one on the Vision Class is the best in the fleet.
It's massive, has lots of seating, and fantastic ocean views too. Plan to visit at least a couple of evenings.
Park Cafe is hidden: You might miss Park Cafe if you didn't know it was in the adults-only Solarium.
This is where you can get sandwiches, salads, and even late night pizza. Don't worry, kids can go in to get a bite to eat too.
Free sauna and steam room: Inside the Fitness Center is a free sauna, steam room, and very large showers for anyone to use.
The showers are great for families, and the sauna and steam rooms are lesser-known amenities open to guests.
Discovery Class tips
Just kidding, there are no Discovery Class ships.
