With 28 cruise ships currently sailing and one more to launch in 2025, Royal Caribbean’s fleet is filled with exciting, record-breaking vessels.
The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is 28 years old whereas the newest launched in 2024. Despite being part of the same cruise line, older ships offer a vastly different experience than the newest ships in the fleet.
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 from newest to oldest.
List of Royal Caribbean cruise ships by age
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 unknown exactly how big she will be, but Royal Caribbean typically builds its new ships slightly larger than the previous one so that it can call it the "biggest cruise ship in the world" when marketing its launch.
The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
Related: Star of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more
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, having launched in July 2024. She is the sixth ship in the cruise line’s Oasis Class, known for its open-air design and features like an AquaTheater and Central Park.
Utopia of the Seas offers 3 and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. The fact she sails only short weekend cruises is an important distinction, because the ship offers more party opportunities than any other ship.
Related: Utopia of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more
Being a brand new ship means the cabins, venues, and aesthetics of the ship all feel quite modern. Compared to a ship that is more than 15 years old, you'd easily confuse the stateroom decor with any contemporary hotel.
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.
Related: Icon of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more
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.
Related: Wonder of the Seas Guide, itinerary, features, and more
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.
Unlike Allure of the Seas, 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
Allure of the Seas is the second Oasis Class cruise ship, and she is the only ship in the class not to feature amenities like waterslides and updated dining venues.
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.
Related: Allure of the Seas Guide & Review
Allure of the Seas sails around the Caribbean, and will shift to Europe for Summer 2025 to undergo major enhancements and upgrades.
The ship will get new restaurants, a redesigned pool deck, water slides, and more activities than ever.
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.
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