How safe are Royal Caribbean's ships when it comes to disease and illness?

Cruise ship travel—like other forms of transport—exposes people to new environments and the risk of illness.

Cruise ships are often criticized for spreading gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses, or risking illness through contaminated food and water.

Because GI illnesses are highly contagious, they can easily be passed through person-to-person contact.

Norovirus, for example, is transmitted when someone ingests particles of vomit or feces from an infected person, such as through consuming food touched by an infected individual, touching contaminated surfaces and then their mouth, or placing contaminated objects on clean surfaces.

The most common symptoms are diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, abdominal pain, and fever.

Sick people can spread illness to others by touching handrails, elevator buttons, shared utensils, and other people.

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.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the center "helps the cruise ship industry prevent and control gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships."

The CDC rated 3 Royal Caribbean ships perfectly clean

Not all cruise ships are operated in the same way, so the CDC randomly conducts inspections on cruise ships throughout the year. The inspection is a surprise, always unannounced.

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

The CDC studies each vessel's sanitary levels, examining common areas such as buffets, kitchens, pools, and playscapes.

Inspectors look at food storage and any sign of vermin on board, as well as detailed aspects like swimming pool disinfection and the water temperature of the dishwasher.

The CDC has inspected a total of 119 ships in 2024, and its report shows data on a rolling 12-month basis. 

While all of Royal Caribbean's ships passed their inspections, three vessels in particular received a perfect score.

The following Royal Caribbean ships have a 100 VSP score according to the CDC:

1. Voyager of the Seas

2. Radiance of the Seas

3. Brilliance of the Seas

Although cruise ships only make up 1% of reported outbreaks of GI illnesses, they tend to make the news whenever an outbreak occurs onboard.

In May of 2024, passengers on Allure of the Seas reported on social media that many guests were falling ill from food poisoning.

On a September 20th sailing in Alaska, 180 cruisers on Radiance of the Seas fell sick in a GI illness outbreak. Three crew members also reported being sick.

Read more: People onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship report sick from gastrointestinal illness

If the incidents of sick cases make up more than 3% of the ship's total population, cruise ships are required to report the cases to the CDC. These reports often end up making major news in the cruise industry.

A lower score doesn't necessarily mean an unsafe ship

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

According to the CDC's VSP index, a score of 85 or lower is unsatisfactory. All Royal Caribbean ships feature a rating of at least 89 or above on the score sheet.

The lowest-rated Royal Caribbean ships are:

• Adventure of the Seas, which received a score of 89
• Independence of the Seas, rated at 91
• Harmony of the Seas, which scored 92

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.

The cruise line uses several plans of action and employs crew members to keep its ships well-maintained and clean throughout the year.

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.

Read more: Royal Caribbean eliminated norovirus outbreaks on its cruise ships last year after making big changes

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.

With so many Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the fleet, it can be confusing to figure out how big each ship is by size.

The biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships can hold more than 6,000 passengers, making them massive resorts floating on the sea. Big ships are definitely Royal Caribbean's calling card.

Royal Caribbean still has some ships with about 3,000 passengers capacity, and these ships are more intimate and offer a classic cruise experience. While they lack the amount of onboard activities the big ships have, they can reach far-flung destinations around the world.

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are ideal for someone who wants a less crowded and relaxed atmosphere.

While the size of a cruise ship is not the end-all-be-all statistic that defines one ship from another, it is certainly a metric many people pay attention to, especially from a marketing perspective. In fact, some of the biggest cruise ships in the world are Royal Caribbean ships.

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

Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT

Length: 1,198 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

2. Star of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GRT

Length: 1,196 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

3. Utopia of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)

4. Wonder of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Beam: 210 feet wide

Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)

5. Symphony of the Seas

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

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

Gross Tonnage: 226,838 GT

Length: 1,187 feet long

Beam: 215 feet wide

Passengers: 5,602 (double occupancy)

8. Allure of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 225,282 GRT

Length: 1,187 feet long

Beam: 215 feet wide

Passengers: 5,484 (double occupancy)

9. 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

Gross Tonnage: 169,300 GT

Length: 1,138 feet long

Beam: 135 feet wide

Passengers: 4,284 (double occupancy)

11. Ovation of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GRT

Length: 1,138 feet long

Beam: 136 feet wide

Passengers: 4,180 (double occupancy)

12. Anthem of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GRT

Length: 1,141 feet long

Beam: 136 feet wide

Passengers: 4,180 (double occupancy)

13. Quantum of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GRT

Length: 1,141 feet long

Beam: 136 feet wide

Passengers: 4,180 (double occupancy)

14. Freedom of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 156,271 GT

Length: 1,111 feet long

Beam: 185 feet wide

Passengers: 3,926 (double occupancy)

15. Liberty of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 154,407 GRT

Length: 1,112 feet long

Beam: 185 feet wide

Passengers: 3,798 (double occupancy)

16. Independence of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 154,407 GRT

Length: 1,112 feet long

Beam: 185 feet wide

Passengers: 3,858 (double occupancy)

17. Navigator of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 139,999 GT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 161 feet wide

Passengers: 3,388 (double occupancy)

18. Mariner of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 139,863 GRT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 127 feet wide

Passengers: 3,344 (double occupancy)

19. Explorer of the Seas

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

Gross Tonnage: 137,276 GRT

Length: 1,020 feet long

Beam: 157 feet wide

Passengers: 3,114 (double occupancy)

21. Voyager of the Seas

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

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 962 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,143  (double occupancy)

23. Brilliance of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 962 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,142  (double occupancy)

24. Serenade of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 965 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,143 (double occupancy)

25. Jewel of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 90,090 GRT

Length: 962 feet long

Beam: 106 feet wide

Passengers: 2,191 (double occupancy)

26. Enchantment of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 82,910 GRT

Length: 989 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide

Passengers: 2,252 (double occupancy)

27. Rhapsody of the Seas

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

Gross Tonnage: 78,340 GT

Length: 915 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide

Passengers: 2,050 (double occupancy)

29. Grandeur of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 73,817 GRT

Length: 916 feet long

Beam: 105.6 feet wide

Passengers: 1,992 (double occupancy)

How do you measure how big a cruise ship is?

Cruise ships are measured by their gross tonnage, which can be a confusing metric to understand.

Gross tonnage is a nonlinear measure of a ship's overall internal volume.

What?

Basically, this is a way to measure passenger vessels by volume and not weight. This is the standard way to measure how cruise ships compare to each other because of how designs can vary greatly.

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.

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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! 

Choosing the right cruise ship is one of the most important steps when planning your cruise vacation. There is nothing worse than feeling disappointed on vacation, especially if you book a cruise ship that falls short of your expectations.

The top considerations for choosing a cruise ship should include your budget, itinerary preference, and travel group’s needs. This means if you’re traveling with children, you should properly research the amenities and attractions available for kids onboard.

However, if you’re looking to avoid sailing with kids or families, you’ll also want to carefully choose your cruise ship. Most mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean appeal to families, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ships that are best suited for adults.

I’ve been cruising for as long as I can remember with my first cruise at just three years old. My family sailed with Royal Caribbean every year when I was growing up, meaning I’ve sailed on just about every ship in the cruise line’s fleet. In addition, I’ve also sailed on every Royal Caribbean ship class - including the now-extinct Sovereign Class!

As you can imagine, cruising as an adult on Royal Caribbean is a vastly different experience. The waterslides and zip lines aren’t quite the draw for me anymore; instead, I prefer indulging in the more adult-focused activities and amenities.

Since my husband and I are still proud DINKs (double income, no kids), we typically book cruises on Royal Caribbean with the adult experience in mind. While you might not be able to avoid kids altogether, there are some Royal Caribbean ships that are better for adults than others.

Of the 46 cruises I’ve taken in my life, here are my picks for the best Royal Caribbean ships for adults.

1. Grandeur of the Seas

I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Looking at Royal Caribbean’s fleet as a whole, the Vision Class is arguably the best for adults. Why? Because the Vision Class ships have hardly anything to do for kids.

I’ve been sailing on Vision Class ships for two decades, starting with Enchantment of the Seas in 2005. As a kid, the ship was a total snooze fest with very few onboard thrills or attractions. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate the Vision Class ships more and more.

Last fall, I sailed on Grandeur of the Seas with my sister and we couldn’t believe how much we enjoyed our vacation. Grandeur of the Seas was built in 1996 and holds 1,992 guests at maximum capacity, making her a small-to-midsize cruise ship.

Yes, the cruise ship is 28 years old and lacks many bells and whistles of newer ships. Despite her age, adults looking to relax and disconnect will find this easy to do on old “Lady G." As a bonus, there were hardly any kids onboard and so many spaces to enjoy the ocean views. 

The ship has an adults-only indoor Solarium, along with a spa and plenty of bars and lounges. I was surprised to see there were multiple specialty dining restaurants onboard as well. These are excellent choices for adults looking to have a more upscale, intimate dining experience.

Not to mention, Grandeur of the Seas has a variety of itineraries available - ranging from weekend getaways to longer voyages down to the Southern Caribbean. I wouldn’t hesitate to book Grandeur of the Seas for another adult getaway.

2. Spectrum of the Seas

Perhaps the most unique ship on my list, Spectrum of the Seas is another excellent Royal Caribbean ship for adults. Back in July 2019, I sailed to China and Japan onboard Spectrum of the Seas, which was the first Quantum Ultra Class ship. It was unlike any Royal Caribbean cruise we had taken before!

You don’t read or hear much about Spectrum of the Seas, as she predominately operates only in East Asia; however, she is one of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ships that has so much to offer for adults. As the largest ship on my list, Spectrum of the Seas clocks in at 169,000 gross tons and holds 5,622 guests at maximum capacity.

To start, Spectrum of the Seas offers some incredibly rare itineraries throughout Asia. For those destination-focused cruisers, this Quantum Ultra Class ship is one to consider for her itineraries alone. You can find sailings throughout Asia, including ports of call in China, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.

In my experience, sailing on Spectrum of the Seas was a cultural experience in and of itself. The ship was designed to cater to the Asian market, giving her some distinctive attributes compared to other Royal Caribbean ships. The entertainment was top-notch with headliner production shows like The Effectors, Showgirl, and Silk Road.

You’ll also find a variety of specialty and complimentary dining restaurants onboard. Most notably, there are ten specialty dining options aboard including Wonderland, Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, Izumi, Sichuan Red, and Teppanyaki.

Additionally, you won’t have to fight the chair hogs during your cruise because the top decks are not jam-packed like other sailings. It was always easy to find an outdoor chair if we wanted a little bit of sun, ensuring a relaxing experience. I recommend booking a sailing when kids are in school - September to July - to ensure a quiet cruise.

3. Mariner of the Seas

Moving back to smaller and older cruise ships, Mariner of the Seas is one of my all-time favorite cruise ships as an adult. While the ship caters to cruisers of all ages, the Voyager Class cruise ship just received the Royal Amplification treatment worth $120 million. 

Mariner of the Seas is a modestly sized ship, measuring 138,000 gross tons and holding around 4,000 guests at capacity.

I’ve sailed on Mariner of the Seas multiple times and it never gets old! I first sailed on Mariner of the Seas in elementary school, followed by an exotic Southeast Asian itinerary to Thailand and Malaysia with my husband. Last year, I sailed on Mariner of the Seas twice for a fun getaway cruise to Mexico with friends and family.

To start, I love The Bamboo Room, which is a unique bar that was added to Mariner of the Seas during her Royal Amplification. The tiki bar is Polynesian-inspired with a special menu of tiki-themed drinks - it’s the perfect place for adults wanting to indulge in a variety of cocktails.

Also, Mariner of the Seas has a nice selection of complimentary and specialty dining options. For adults wanting to indulge, the specialty dining selection on Mariner is more than sufficient. In fact, her Royal Amplification also brought three new specialty restaurants: Playmakers Sports Bar, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.

Not to mention, I love the entertainment on Mariner of the Seas, especially the ice skating performances. Adults can spend time in the adults-only Solarium on Mariner of the Seas. Similar to other ships, I recommend booking a sailing during the school year to avoid too many kids onboard. Avoiding holidays and spring break will help mitigate the number of families onboard too.

4. Serenade of the Seas

As an adult, I’ve spent more time on Radiance Class ships than any other in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. This is mostly because Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships sail on the more far-flung itineraries.

My husband and I sailed on Serenade of the Seas in 2021 on one of Royal Caribbean’s first post-pandemic cruises. Perhaps I am looking back with rose-colored glasses on that experience, but Serenade of the Seas was a great choice for adult cruisers.

During our sailing, there were very few kids onboard, which has been the case for almost all of my Radiance Class sailings. Serenade of the Seas is one of the smaller ships on my list, measuring 90,000 gross tons with 2,490 guests at capacity. You won’t find much for kids to do on this medium-sized ship, detracting families from booking their next trip on Serenade of the Seas.

The ship’s smaller size allows her to dock without restriction in most ports, unlike Royal Caribbean’s larger ships. This doesn’t mean you can’t find Royal Caribbean’s classic bars, lounges, and restaurants onboard for adults to enjoy.

Both of my experiences on Serenade of the Seas were memorable with one cruise to Alaska and another sailing across Northern Europe visiting 8 different countries. Adults looking to sail on Serenade of the Seas will appreciate the vast array of itineraries to book, from Alaska to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Europe.

In fact, Serenade of the Seas is currently sailing on Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Ultimate World Cruise. Those wanting an unparalleled Royal Caribbean experience can still book segments throughout Europe for this summer and into fall.

5. Rhapsody of the Seas

Looping back to Vision Class ships, I’m going to finish the list with another controversial pick: Rhapsody of the Seas. This old cruise ship was built in 1997 and represents a significantly different cruising era than the new mega-ships we see being built today.

I sailed on Rhapsody of the Seas a few years ago with my husband for our honeymoon. We sailed from Venice to Croatia and the Greek Isles. Given her small size of 78,000 gross tons, she can only hold around 1,900 guests at capacity, which creates a more intimate cruising experience.

Unlike Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, Rhapsody of the Seas doesn’t have any flashy onboard thrills or attractions. You can peacefully sit on the top deck enjoying the ocean breeze without the commotion of waterslides or splash pads.

As one of the smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Rhapsody of the Seas was an excellent choice for us when we were newlyweds sailing on a budget. Even as an older ship, she was in good condition for sailing. The ship had everything we needed for a comfortable cruise without the distraction of kid-friendly thrills, leading to very few kids onboard. 

For a port-heavy itinerary, I would highly recommend Rhapsody of the Seas for any adults!

The answer to which Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the biggest depends on when you check.

At the moment, the largest Royal Caribbean vessel (and largest cruise ship in the world) is the Icon of the Seas.

In 2024, Icon of the Seas beat out Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship, ushering in Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class.

She overtakes Wonder of the Seas in gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length.

As of right now, it's unlikely that any other cruise ship will surpass her until 2025.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by size

In August 2025, Star of the Seas, the next Icon Class ship, will take her maiden voyage.

Only a few details have been released about Star of the Seas, and her size hasn't been confirmed.

However, Royal Caribbean has said that subsequent Icon Class ships will not be a foot bigger than Icon of the Seas.

In the meantime, Icon of the Seas takes the crown as the largest Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, is the second largest Royal Caribbean ship (and the second biggest in the world).

Icon of the Seas officially began passenger cruises in 2024.

At maximum occupancy, she carries 7,600 guest passengers and 2,350 crew members, equalling a total occupancy of nearly 10,00 people.

That's the population of a small town, all gathered on one cruise ship.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

She is 20 decks high, 250,800 gross tons, and 1,198 feet long. 

If Icon of the Seas were stood up on one end, it would be taller than the Chrysler Building in New York City and the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas!

The 20-deck ship has seven pools, eight distinct neighborhoods, and six waterslides that make up an entire water park.

Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison

Despite surpassing Wonder's size, Icon of the Seas actually has fewer cabins than the Oasis Class ship.

Icon only has 2,805 cabins compared to Wonder's 2,867.

Royal Caribbean intentionally built its new ship this way to accommodate more families onboard in larger cabins that fit three or four passengers.

Here's some more data pitting Icon of the Seas vs. Wonder of the Seas:

Gross tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800
• Wonder of the Seas: 236,857

Length

• Icon of the Seas: 1,198
• Wonder of the Seas: 1,188

Total decks

• Icon of the Seas: 20
• Wonder of the Seas: 18

Maximum passengers

• Icon of the Seas: 7,600
• Wonder of the Seas: 6,988

Crew capacity

• Icon of the Seas: 2,350
• Wonder of the Seas: 1,551

Big or small ship?

There are pros and cons to going on a big cruise ship.

In general, the bigger the ship, the more space the cruise line has to add things to do while you are onboard.

Space is always at a premium on a cruise ship, so if a ship is bigger, it has more room to offer more activities.

Smaller cruise ships don't have nearly as many whiz-bang amenities, and for some people, this matters more than for others.

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

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for building innovative and large ships, and many of the smallest ships in the fleet would still be considered large if they suddenly became part of another cruise line.

Why cruise ships are getting bigger

The trend in the cruise industry is to build bigger ships, so typically the smaller ships are also the older ships.

There are a lot of great things about older ships. They come at a better value, with more unique itineraries, and a more intimate, close-knit atmosphere onboard.

Newer ships, which are typically larger, offer the latest and greatest, the most hyped activities and innovative amenities.

Every cruiser is different, so everyone feels differently about the importance of the age of your ship.  

Read more: 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships

So why are cruise lines building bigger ships?

Economy of Scale

The other aspect of making money is cost control and economies of scale make these bigger ships more profitable. 

Whether 1,000 or 5,000 passengers are onboard, there are common expenses such as wages for the captain, cruise director, chief engineer, and other staff that must be paid. 

Spreading these costs out over more passengers enhances profitability for the cruise line.  

What does this mean to the bottom line? 

According to Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, “newer, larger ships can break even on cash flow at around 35% capacity while older, smaller ships are closer to 50%." This makes a significant difference.

Despite these new ships having a price tag of over $1 billion, they have proven to be more cost-effective as building one large ship is more feasible than building two smaller ones.

Once a cruise ship covers its costs, it can focus on additional revenue sources, the icing on the cake.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real

Marketing

A key aspect of a successful marketing strategy is a great product, and bigger cruise ships are just that. 

These floating cities have tons of amazing amenities, especially for those guests who want to try the latest and greatest things.

With kids' areas, lounges, adult-only only sun decks, and world-class dining options, larger ships appeal to a broad target market. Whether it be families, solo travelers, honeymooners, or retirees, there is something for everyone.

New cruise ships create lots of buzz. 

With each new ship being bigger than the last, anticipation is heightened. Facebook groups monitor the construction progress posting pictures and providing updates on sea trials.

Travel agents and media provide reviews and YouTube videos with all the new details, to excite would-be passengers and drive sales with good publicity.

Great amenities and activities

New ships like the Icon of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas have all the newest bells and whistles, with the flexibility to operate in different regions such as the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

Odyssey of the Seas with its 17 different restaurants and a variety of bars and lounges means that cruisers will not be short on great food and drink options. New onboard activities like a skydiving simulator, virtual reality bungee experience, and the SeaPlex activity interior all keep kids and parents busy.

Guests can also rent casitas for an additional fee, so no worries about getting a great spot on the sundeck on busy sea days.

Wonder of the Seas features some brand-new design elements such as a designated suite neighborhood with more suite-only amenities.

In addition, the ship has a redesigned pool deck experience and a new kids' playscape. These new features on the fleet’s biggest ship will no doubt be a big draw for consumers.

Revenue

The purpose of these bigger ships is to make more money. A big part of this equation is to increase revenues, especially as it relates to the amount of onboard spending.

Gambling at the casino, specialty dining restaurants, spas, and drink packages among other additional fee-based activities are all geared toward this. 

With the exception of Utopia of the Seas, which offers 3 and 4 day cruises, cruise lines are putting their newest ships on 7-day sailings, giving cruisers more to do and more time to spend.

Older ships are more frequently sailing on 3-4 day cruises.

For a 7-day cruise, Royal Caribbean makes an average of $300 per person after deducting expenses. 

Passengers spending an extra couple hundred dollars on a drink or photo package, a massage, or playing blackjack, all help to improve margins, a significant impact on the cruise line's bottom line.

Suites

Larger ships mean more space. The development of a suite-only exclusive area is another revenue management strategy. 

Icon of the Seas has an innovative layout with a dedicated suites-only neighborhood.

The exclusive neighborhood has upscale amenities for guests who are willing to pay for them, such as a private two-story sundeck, and an exclusive restaurant, the Grove.

Suite guests also have access to the Coastal Kitchen dining room, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Suites are a huge source of revenue for the cruise line as they can cost tens of thousands of dollars more than a standard balcony or interior stateroom.

For example, a 7-day 2025 Eastern Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas costs $2,185 per person in an interior cabin.

Read more: I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin

However, a one-bedroom Owner's Suite with Sky Class amenities is priced at $12,504 per person.

That's over 5 times the prices for just about double the space!

Even at this growing premium pricing, the demand for suites continues to grow.

Cruise ships conclude one sailing and begin the next sailing on the same day, which means a lot has to happen to have the vessel, crew, and supplies ready in just a few hours.

Known as turnaround day, there are just a handful of hours in the morning and early afternoon to get everything ready while simultaneously ensuring passengers disembark so new ones can board.

The process is anything but simple, and involves a great deal of logistics from Royal Caribbean's headquarters, the ship, and the cruise terminal staff to make it all work seamlessly.

It's a fast-paced day of unloading, loading, stocking, preparing, and serving. All while ensuring the cruise ship passengers never notice any of it happening around them.

The disembarkation process

As a cruise ship returns to its homeport to complete its journey, the busy disembarkation process begins quite early in the morning.

Most cruise ships arrive at the terminal in the early hours of the morning, usually around 6 or 7am. The ship docks at the pier and then is required to file paperwork with the local authorities to allow the disembarkation process to begin.  A ship returning to port is no different than an airplane flying into an airport; the immigration and border patrol process needs to occur.

Once the ship is cleared, crew members begin working to get what's necessary off the ship and start prepping for the next sailing. Hundreds of crew members start turnaround day at 6:30 a.m., before guests onboard have even started disembarking.

Passengers can enjoy one final breakfast onboard and then must disembark the ship shortly thereafter. Royal Caribbean requires all guests to be out of their stateroom by 8am.

Read more: How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?

At the same time, passenger luggage is offloaded to the cruise terminal so that it can be retrieved later. Thousands of pieces of luggage will be taken by a crew of longshoremen from the ship to the terminal.

Luggage was collected the night before by housekeeping staff from the ship's hallways, and organized based on the tags guests used to indicate what time they would be disembarking.

In addition, the process of unloading waste begins.  Cruise ships have a sophisticated approach to managing where everything goes once people are done with it, from human waste to recycling to leftover food.

Read more: Where does the poop go on a cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean's ships have a designated waste and recycling center. There are separate teams to deal with each incoming recyclable: glass, cardboard, plastic, and metal.

The ship has an incinerator, as well as a compactor for processing plastic waste. The compactor crushes approximately 528 gallons of water bottles.

Once the ship returns to port, it can then transport plastic, aluminum, paper, and glass for recycling through a third party vendor.

Cleaning and maintenance

While the ship is being resupplied, other crew members are hard at work prepping the ship to look its best.

Every cabin on a ship is turned over at once, which begins as soon as the first guests disembark.  An army of crew members tackle the cabins to clean and sanitize the room for the next room. The thousands of cabins need to be ready for the next set of passengers by as soon as 1pm. The Oasis Class cabins have around 2,700 cabins each.

Dirty laundry is taken from the cabin to the laundry rooms below the ship's waterline so it can be sanitized for use again.  Meanwhile, clean linens, towels, and duvet covers are brought into the cabin to replace what was taken.

Not only do cabins need to be cleaned, but the rest of the ship too.

Public venues such as bars, restaurants, shops, and the pool deck are all reset accordingly.  Surfaces are wiped down, and dining facilities readied so they can be used again.

Depending on the circumstances, this is also when shoreside maintenance teams come aboard to repair and service various parts of the ship.  Similar to a race car pit stop, some work gets done on turnaround day if it requires supplies not onboard.  Every ship has a team of maintenance workers and engineers to keep things operating, but occasionally workers are needed to come onboard to do additional work.

Restocking and preparation

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship has to be supplied with just about everything passengers and crew will need for the duration of the cruise.  Some supplies are actually stocked for more than one sailing will need, in case there's a delay returning to port. 

Frozen items, such as prime rib or fish, are brough every two or three weeks. More than 10,000 rolls of toilet tissue, 1,000 new light bulbs, almost 2,000 pounds of coffee are typically brought onboard.

Read more: How over 6,000 people are served meals every day on the world's largest cruise ship

On turnaround day, trucks carrying 500 pallets of new inventory will arrive at the cruise terminal to be loaded.  In the case of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, about 600,000 pounds of food and beverages get loaded on the ship. And it all has to be loaded onto the ship in about 9 hours.

The supplies need to be perfectly planned for the next cruise so that there's enough of what the ship needs without having excess and not running out of anything at the same time. 

All of the new supplies get brought onboard on the ship's lowest deck, which is usually deck two. 

The chefs inspect all of the herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables, specially sourced meats, and other food items to ensure the best quality for our guests.

The embarkation process

While a cruise ship is still unloading waste and loading provisions, new guests are ready to start their Royal Caribbean vacation.

The final passengers are usually off the ship around 9:00am - 9:30am, and the embarkation process begins in earnest around 10:00am.

Once the local authorities clear the ship, new passengers are allowed to board and that means certain venues need to be ready for them as soon as they board. Bars, pools, and certain restaurants are open and ready for new passengers just a couple of hours since they waved goodbye to guests on the previous sailing.

One requirement of all new passengers is to complete the mandatory passenger safety drills, which is required by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). This is an international maritime agreement that establishes all passengers know what to do in case of an emergency.

In the case of Royal Caribbean, the eMuster drill allows guests to watch a safety video on their mobile device and then report to their muster station so they know where it is.  A subset of crew members must staff the muster stations to be able to check guests in, ensure they understand what to do in the case of an emergency, and answer questions.

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

Back at the cruise terminal, luggage from new guests is brought onboard the ship to be delivered to passenger's cabin. Embarkation runs until about 3pm, so that means a steady stream of new passengers boarding and getting luggage on the ship.

Each piece of luggage needs to be screened to ensure there are no prohibited items. Any bag flagged by security in the security process is held back and the guest notified to come to security so the bag can be opened and inspected.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

If there's no contraband in the luggage, it is then taken onto the ship and delivered.

A frenetic and well-planned day

It's no simple task to unload and load a cruise ship in just a few hours, but Royal Caribbean makes it look so easy considering how it's done every few days on every ship in the fleet.

Turnaround day ensures everyone and everything gets taken off the ship in a timely manner, and then subsequently getting ready for the next sailing. It's an exercise in extreme logistics, and the average cruiser has no idea how much goes into making it all work.

Crew members from officers to the lowest ranks work together to make such a complex operation run smoothly. The cruise line and all of its crew have to be really efficient every step of the way.

Cruise ships are often described as a small city, and it takes a great deal of effort to make it all work just right.