Royal Caribbean is known for its having some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, such as the Icon Class and Oasis Class ships
Royal Caribbean groups its ships in classes, which are based largely on the ship's general design and structure.
Within each ship class, there can be variations of features, restaurants, or activities that have been added or modified over the years. While there may be three, four, or more ships within a particular class, the exact onboard activities can vary.
You might be wondering what makes Royal Caribbean's ship classes different from each other, and it boils down to the size of the ship, onboard amenities, and signature activities offered.
There are seven Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes. Each ship in the class was built around the same time and from the outside certainly looks similar.
Icon Class
Icon of the Seas entered service in January 2024, offering cruises from Miami and taking the title of the world's largest cruise ship. She is over 6% bigger than Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, and offers nearly unlimited activities, amenities, and dining options onboard.
What does it mean to be the biggest cruise shop in the world? There could be anywhere between 5,610 to 7,600 passengers on your sailing, plus 2,300 crew members. There could be up to 10,000 people on a given sailing, and that is a lot.
While her size is indeed immense, there's lots to do and experience onboard.
One of the best things about these megaships is they aren't as crowded as you might think. Royal Caribbean went to great lengths to ensure its not overcrowded by implementing clever crowd management strategies. While you won't mistake a cruise on Icon of the Seas for a private yacht, you'll probably be surprised how open the ship feels at times.
Icon of the Seas has several new features not found elsewhere in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, including the cruise line’s first onboard waterpark and indoor AquaDome space.
Icon Class ships, like Oasis Class ships, will be split into neighborhoods:
- The AquaDome, home to an indoor AquaTheater and lounge space
- Central Park, an outdoor oasis with shops and restaurants
- Chill Island, the pool deck of Icon of the Seas
- Thrill Island, home to the Category 6 waterpark and sports activities
- Surfside, a family-friendly neighborhood with a pool, Splashaway Bay, and kid-friendly dining venues
- The Hideaway, located in the aft of the ship with a pool, bar, whirlpools, and seating areas
- Suite Neighborhood, a private neighborhood for suite guests with a pool, sun deck, and two dining venues
- Royal Promenade, an indoor thoroughfare with retail, lounges, and restaurants
This is the first new class of ships since the Quantum Class debuted in 2014, and the Icon Class is the first class to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).
Icon of the Seas is the only ship in this class at the moment, but Star of the Seas will start cruising in 2025. Her maiden voyage is scheduled for August 31, 2025.
There are plans to build at least two more Icon Class ships, with options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship.
The unnamed third Icon Class ship will be ready sometime in 2026, and Icon 4 will be ready in 2027.
Why choose Icon Class: If you want the biggest, boldest, and most exciting cruise ships at sea, an Icon Class ship will provide all of that and more! The ship truly is the destination with the Icon Class, and it’s especially fun for families.
Icon Class ships
- Icon of the Seas
- Star of the Seas (2025)
- Unnamed Icon Class ship (2026)
- Unnamed Icon Class ship (2027)
Related: 7 of the most cutting-edge features coming to Icon of the Seas
Icon Class highlights
- Category 6 waterpark
- Swim-up pool
- The Hideaway neighborhood with a suspended pool
- Cloud 17 adults-only area
- AquaDome neighborhood
- Surfside neighborhood for families
- Suites-only neighborhood
- Largest ice skating rink in the fleet
- The Pearl
- New suites and stateroom categories
- Central Park
- FlowRider surf simulator
Related: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites
Oasis Class
Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships offer the latest and greatest features found on any ship in the fleet, as well as in the industry. The Oasis Class cruise ships are the second largest cruise ships in the world sailing today.
The Oasis Class ships can handle just about 5,500 passengers and have a gross tonnage of over 225,000 tons.
Related: All about Oasis Class cruise ships
If you are concerned about crowds and navigating a ship of this size, Royal Caribbean has you covered. Royal Caribbean designed the ship to be easy to get around and break up crowds. Seven neighborhoods help distinguish parts of the ship apart to guests, and there are so many activities on Oasis Class ships that everyone will be on their own schedule.
Oasis Class ships are among the newest Royal Caribbean ships, so they are packed with the latest and greatest.
Why choose Oasis Class: You want it all on one ship! The latest features, tons of activities, and great dining.
Oasis Class ships
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
- Unnamed Oasis Class ship (coming 2028)
Oasis Class highlights
- Neighborhoods
- AquaTheater
- 3D Movies
- Broadway Musicals
- Waterslides (except Allure of the Seas)
- Zip Line
- Central Park
- FlowRider Surf Simulator(s)
- Boardwalk
- Carousel
- Ice-Skating Rink
- Loft Suites
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
Quantum Class
The innovative Quantum Class cruise ships were designed for users in the 21st century with a blend of high-tech, and tried-and-true family vacation experiences. These stylish new ships offer incredible views and activities onboard.
Quantum Class ships have signature features found just on these ships, and are a big hit with families of varied ages. Quantum Class ships are the sort of cruise ship that has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you are new to cruising or an established veteran.
Royal Caribbean has a subset within the Quantum Class called the Quantum Ultra Class. Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are technically part of the Quantum Ultra Class. These ships are considered Quantum Ultra because they are slightly larger and have a few differences, including a Skypad, Teppanyaki restaurant, and a new Main Dining Room design.
Related: All about Quantum Class ships
Why choose Quantum Class: Families looking for lots to do onboard, along with some incredible features.
Quantum Class ships
Quantum Class highlights
- North Star
- RipCord by iFLY
- Seaplex
- FlowRider Surf Simulator
- Two70
- Virtual Balcony Staterooms
- 3D Movies
- Loft Suites
- Music Hall
- Broadway Musicals
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
Freedom Class
Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships offer a big ship experience, with plenty to see and do onboard. In fact, Royal Caribbean updated two of them with much more to do in just the last few years.
Freedom Class ships represent an excellent value for families that want to cruise on a large ship, have lots of activities, but not break their budget. From a pure value standpoint, the Freedom Class ships are a great choice for a fabulous cruise experience.
Related: All about Freedom Class cruise ships
Freedom Class ships are essentially a slightly larger version of their Voyager Class sisters.
Why choose Freedom Class: Big ship experience, minus the premium price tag that the newer ships in the fleet currently command.
Freedom Class ships
Freedom Class highlights
- Aqua park
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Ice-Skating Rink
- Royal Promenade
- British-Style Pub
- Designer Shopping
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Panoramic staterooms
- FlowRider Surf Simulator
- Water slides
Voyager Class
When Royal Caribbean introduced the Voyager Class, it revolutionized the industry with features and activities that we cannot dream of not having on a cruise ship these days. Mini-golf, the Royal Promenade, ice skating, and more all had their start on the Voyager Class.
Related: All about Voyager Class cruise ships
Just like the larger Freedom Class ships, Voyager Class vessels are a terrific value and offer some incredible itineraries. Royal Caribbean is not done investing in these ships, having added new restaurants, surf simulators, aqua parks, entertainment, and more over the last few years.
Why choose Voyager Class: Plenty to do onboard, newly added features, and terrific pricing. It is a great choice for families looking to save.
Voyager Class ships
- Voyager of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Adventure of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
Voyager Class highlights
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Ice-Skating Rink
- Royal Promenade
- British-Style Pub
- Virtual Balcony Staterooms
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- FlowRider Surf Simulator
Radiance Class
Radiance Class ships combine lots of glass and open areas to provide guests with a classic cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships are stylish and get into many of the smaller cruise ports around the world that Royal Caribbean's larger ships cannot.
Related: All about Radiance Class cruise ships
Radiance Class ships do not skimp on things to do, offering varied dining experiences, as well as terrific live entertainment. Veteran cruisers enjoy the Radiance Class for the ship's refined offering and easygoing atmosphere.
Why choose Radiance Class: Beautiful ships that offer a time-honored cruise experience, with a connection to the ocean itself.
Radiance Class ships
Radiance Class highlights
- Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces
- Glass Elevators
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Self-Leveling Pool Tables
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Indoor movie theater
- Mini-golf
Vision Class
Royal Caribbean designed its Vision Class ships to fit into almost any port, which means guests can travel to exotic ports of call around the world.
Related: All about Vision Class cruise ships
Like the Radiance Class, Vision Class ships combine a small size with many activities that have been added over the years. Whether you are looking to "do it all" or just relax, Vision Class ships are a good choice.
Why choose Vision Class: Impressive itineraries that other ships in the fleet cannot offer.
Vision Class ships
Vision Class highlights
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Bungee Trampoline (Enchantment of the Seas)
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Specialty Dining Options
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Broadway-Style Shows
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