Your Guide to Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes

Royal Caribbean International is one of the most innovative cruise lines in the world. It is famous for pushing the boundaries of cruise vacations for millions of passengers each year. From skydiving simulators and robot bartenders to Central Parks at sea, and smaller, cozier ships, Royal Caribbean’s fleet has a ship for every type of traveler. Royal Caribbean has seven distinct cruise ship classes in service, each offering unique features, ship sizes, and itineraries. Choosing the right cruise ship class can dramatically shape your cruise experience. In this guide, we break down all seven Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes: the Icon, Quantum, Oasis, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision Classes. Plus, we will give you a few insights and tips on which Royal Caribbean cruise ship class best suits your travel style.

Table of Contents

Royal Caribbean Icon Class (Launched 2024 – Present)

The Royal Caribbean Icon Class launched in January of 2024 with the mega-resort style ship, Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean will add two more Icon Class mega-resort style ships. The Star of the Seas will begin sailing in August 2025. The Legend of the Seas is scheduled to begin sailing in July 2026.

The Icon Class is Royal Caribbean’s newest and most advanced of all its cruise ship classes. The ships in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class are currently the largest cruise ships in the world. The Icon of the Seas cruise ship is the largest in the world, surpassing MSC’s World America cruise ship and Carnival’s Excel Class Cruise ships. The Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage of almost 250,000 and a guest capacity of 5,610.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas blends innovation, family fun, sustainability as it is LNG powered, and luxury in a way that redefines the cruise experience. It has over 20 decks, seven neighborhoods for guests to enjoy, and many dining options for its guests.

The Icon of the Seas has the largest waterpark at sea for guests to enjoy, over seven swimming pools, and the AquaDome entertainment venue with waterfall shows. It has iconic activities that passengers enjoy on Royal Caribbean ships, such as the rock climbing wall, the Flowrider surf simulator, the Sports Court, and mini golf.

Along with the many well-known activities, the Icon of the Seas has a new neighborhood for families. The Surfside Family Neighborhood is designed for young families. It offers swimming pools, a water park for young kids, a carousel, an arcade, shops, restaurants, and a bar. It is a great place for young families to spend the day.

Icon Class Destinations

The Icon of the Seas sails out of the Port of Miami to destinations in the Western and Eastern Caribbean. A few of its port stops include the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, Honduras.

The Star of the Seas will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida, to destinations in the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

The Legend of the Seas will sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to destinations in the Caribbean. It also has a few sailings in Europe, which include destinations such as Italy, Spain, and France.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class is best for:

The Icon Class ships are ideal for families with kids, thanks to dedicated family spaces, waterslides, and splash zones. They are also great for multigenerational families due to the ship’s many entertainment, neighborhood, and dining options. They’re also perfect for travelers who want the newest technology, cutting-edge entertainment, and luxury suite options. Of all seven Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes, the Icon class is the most modern and offers the most amenities for its passengers.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Quantum Class (Launched 2014 through 2021)

The Royal Caribbean Quantum Class launched in 2014 with the Quantum of the Seas. The rest of the ships in this class include Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas.

The Quantum Class generally includes all of the above Royal Caribbean cruise ships. However, the newest ships in this class, the Spectrum of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas, are considered part of the Ultra Quantum Class.

The ships in the Quantum Class have a gross tonnage that ranges between 167,700 and 168,600, with a guest capacity of over 4000. The Spectrum of the Seas is the largest ship in this class.

Royal built the Quantum Class ships to bring innovation, smart technology, and adventurous thrills to its mid-to-large cruise ships. The Quantum Class is known as “smart ships.” They include robot bartenders, virtual balconies, and the North Star observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level.

Other features of this Royal Caribbean cruise ship class include the SeaPlex indoor activity zone, where you will find bumper cars, the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, and Splashaway Bay.

Quantum Class Destinations

Ships in the Quantum Class depart from ports in cities such as Los Angeles (San Pedro), Cape Liberty in New York/New Jersey, Seattle, Washington, and Seward, Alaska. They also sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, Barcelona, Spain, Rome, Italy, and Brisbane, Australia. Other departure cities include ports in Asia such as Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, Tokyo, Japan, and Singapore.

Their destinations include ports in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Mexico, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class is Best For:

Quantum Class is best for tech-savvy cruisers, first-time cruisers, and adventure seekers. The Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships are great for people who love gadgets, innovation, and indoor attractions.

These ships are also popular for cold-weather cruising in Alaska and Asia, thanks to many enclosed activity areas.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class (Launched 2009 through 2024)

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class launched in 2009 with the Oasis of the Seas. The other ships in this class include Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and the newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. The Oasis of the Seas was updated in 2019, and the Allure of the Seas was updated in 2025.

The ships in the Oasis Class have a gross tonnage that ranges between 226,800 and 236,470, with a guest capacity of over 5000. The Utopia of the Seas is the largest ship in this class.

When Oasis Class debuted in 2009, it set a new standard for cruise ships with its “neighborhood” concept, massive open-air spaces, and jaw-dropping entertainment venues. These floating cities carry over 5,000 guests and are loaded with things to do.

A few key features of ships in the Oasis Class include the Central Park and Boardwalk outdoor neighborhoods. They also feature AquaTheater diving shows, multiple waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss slide, Zip lines, FlowRider surf simulators, an ice skating rink, Laser Tag, and dozens of bars, restaurants, and lounges.

Oasis Class Destinations

The ships in the Oasis Class depart from ports in cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral, Florida, Galveston, Texas, Cape Liberty, and New York (New Jersey). There are also departures from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy.

Their destinations include ports in the Bahamas, Caribbean ports such as Taino Bay Cruise Port in the Dominican Republic, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, Honduras. In Europe, Oasis Class ships visit ports in Italy, Spain, and France.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class is Best For:

Oasis Class ships are best for families, social travelers, and thrill seekers. These ships are perfect for cruisers who want endless activities such as theater performances, live music, ziplining, and fine dining. With neighborhoods catering to kids, teens, adults, and everyone in between, there’s something for all age groups.

Subscribe to our Travel Newsletter!

Receive our free Packing Guide with Bonus Cruise Essentials Checklist and Waikiki Travel Guide with Map when you subscribe.

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class (Launched 2006 through 2008)

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class launched in 2006 with the Freedom of the Seas. The ships in the Freedom Class include the Freedom of the Seas, the Liberty of the Seas, which launched in 2007, and the Independence of the Seas, which launched in 2008.

All three ships have been updated since their launch.

The ships in the Freedom Class have a gross tonnage of 155,889 to 156,271 with a guest capacity of over 3700 for both the Freedom of the Seas and the Liberty of the Seas. The Independence of the Seas has a guest capacity of over 3600.

When Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class launched in 2006, these ships were among the largest in the world. While these ships are not as large as the ships in the Icon Class, the Oasis Class, and the Quantum Class, their larger size and extra amenities make them a comfortable ship to sail on.

The Freedom Class introduced many features that passengers look forward to and are now common on Royal Caribbean ships, such as the Flowrider surf simulator. The ships in this class have been updated and now have more modern features found on many Royal Caribbean ships, including the Perfect Storm waterslides, an updated pool deck with Caribbean vibes, and an ice skating rink. The dining options have also been revamped to offer more options for passengers.

Freedom Class Destinations

The Freedom of the Seas departs from the Port of Miami and visits destinations such as the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, and the Caribbean. Ports visited in the Caribbean include Labadee, Haiti, Taino Bay Cruise Port in Puerto Plata, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Jamaica, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten. The Freedom of the Seas also visits Cozumel, Mexico.

The Liberty of the Seas and the Independence of the Seas sail out of Southampton, England, and visit several European ports. Their destinations include ports in Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, and Belgium.

Both the Liberty of the Seas and the Independence of the Seas have transatlantic routes, with sailings from Miami and New York and destinations in the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class is Best For:

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class is best for families, multigenerational families, active cruisers, and value-focused travelers. The Freedom Class is a great middle ground between the mega-ships and smaller vessels. They’re perfect for those who want plenty of fun without the crowds and more affordable pricing than the larger, newer ships.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas — Freedom of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class (Launched 1999 through 2003)

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class launched in 1999 with Voyager of the Seas. Other ships in this class include Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas.

The ships in the Voyager Class have a gross tonnage of 138,194 to just under 140,000. The ships have a guest capacity of 3100. Navigator of the Seas is the largest ship in this class with a guest capacity of just under 3400.

The Voyager Class is a step up from the Radiance Class and the Vision Class, both of which group Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships. However, the Voyager Class has a cozy atmosphere with many amenities of larger Royal Caribbean ships, such as the ice skating rink and the rock climbing wall.

The Voyager Class introduced the Royal Promenade with several ships, cafes, and bars on the interior of the ship. After undergoing “Royal Amplification” upgrades, ships in the Voyager Class now offer modern features while maintaining a smaller ship feel compared to their giant sister ships.

Voyager Class Destinations

The five ships in the Voyager Class have a variety of departure ports. They sail from ports in Europe, Australia, and Asia. In the United States, their departure ports include Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral in Florida, Galveston, Texas, Los Angeles, California, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Seattle, Washington.

Their destinations include ports in the Caribbean such as the Bahamas, St. Croix, USVI, St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curacao, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. West Coast cruises include destinations such as Catalina Island in California, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, Mexico. The Voyager of the Seas also sails in Alaska during the Alaska cruise season.

Their European destinations are extensive. Ports include stops in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro, to name a few. The ships also sail throughout Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class is Best For:

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class is best for international cruisers, budget cruisers, families with teens, and returning Royal Caribbean guests. The Voyager Class offers a balanced cruise experience with ships that are not too big or too small. This makes the Voyager Class ships ideal for shorter Caribbean itineraries with sea days and European cruises. The Voyager class gives you a taste of Royal’s best features without the price tag of the Oasis Class or Icon Class.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class (Launched in 2001 through 2004)

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class is made up of four ships: the Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas. All of the ships were revitalized between 2012 and 2016. However, they do not have the updated amenities found on other Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes.

The Radiance Class has a gross tonnage of 90,090 and has a guest capacity of a little over 2100. While the Radiance Class is not made up of the smallest ships on Royal Caribbean’s fleet, they are one step above the smallest class.

The ships in Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class are very popular. They represent part of the original Royal Caribbean ships, which were known for their elegance and serene features. These ships do not have waterslides and other modern amenities. Instead, they have an open design which focuses on scenic cruising. Their smaller size also allows them to visit ports that larger ships cannot.

They do have many features that returning Royal Caribbean cruisers enjoy, such as the Solarium, a window-enclosed outdoor pool area with a retractable roof that is generally for adults only. During our sailing on the Radiance of the Seas, we asked about the retractable roof, and we were told that the roof had not been opened in several years.

The Radiance Class also has many areas that offer beautiful outdoor views, such as its glass elevators with ocean views. With floor-to-ceiling windows nearly everywhere, they’re perfect for Alaska, Canada, and other picturesque destinations.

There is an outdoor movie screen that can be enjoyed either on a lounger or while in the pool. There are also multiple specialty restaurants besides the Windjammer buffet and Main Dining Room.

Radiance Class Destinations

Ships in the Radiance Class have a variety of departure ports, including several ports in the United States, such as Boston, Massachusetts, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Alaska.

For the Alaska cruising season, the Radiance of the Seas and the Serenade of the Seas sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska.

In order to reposition for the Alaska cruising season, both ships sail through the Panama Canal. On these sailings, they visit ports such as Colon, Panama, Cartagena, Colombia, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, in Latin America, and Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Caribbean Destinations include the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Fort De France, Martinique, Bridgetown, Barbados, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Curaçao, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Castries, St. Lucia, and many other stops.

Their Pacific Coast destinations include Astoria, Oregon, Catalina Island, San Francisco, and San Diego, California. They also sail to various ports in Canada and Europe.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class is Best For:

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class is best for nature lovers, mature cruisers, and those seeking serenity. These smaller ships are perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the scenery, think fjords, glaciers, and sunsets. You won’t find waterslides or zip lines, but you will find relaxation, good food, and quiet sophistication.

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas — Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class (Launched 1996 through 1998)

Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class includes four ships: the Vision of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas. The Vision Class was launched in 1996 with the Vision of the Seas.

The Vision Class has a gross tonnage of 73,817 through a little under 83,000. Their guest capacity ranges from 1992 to 2252. The Enchantment of the Seas is the largest ship in this class. Their gross tonnage makes these the smallest of all Royal Caribbean ship classes.

The ships that make up the Vision Class are the smallest and most classic ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. These ships lack some of the newer bells and whistles found on other Royal Caribbean Cruise ship classes. They do offer cozy environments and port-intensive itineraries. You will find live music in their main lobby, Broadway-style shows, and features like the adult-only Solarium. Outdoor features include mini-golf, a swimming pool with a large movie screen, a rock climbing wall, and a walking track.

Due to their smaller size, ships in the Vision Class offer unique itineraries to places larger ships can’t reach. These ships are popular for transatlantic crossings and Mediterranean cruises. They are also perfect for port-heavy itineraries. That is, itineraries where you will stop at a different port almost daily.

Vision Class Destinations

Ships in the Vision Class sail out of Baltimore, Maryland, Tampa, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Rhapsody of the Seas sails from Puerto Rico. It is popular for Southern Caribbean Destinations such as Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Castries, St. Lucia, St. John’s, Antigua, Bridgetown, Barbados, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Curaçao, Kralendijk, Bonaire, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Along with its Southern Caribbean routes, the Rhapsody of the Seas also sails to the Western Caribbean, visiting ports such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize.

The Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas visit ports in the Caribbean. The ports include the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay. They also visit ports in Canada such as New Brunswick, Halifax, and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class is Best For:

Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class is best for couples, solo travelers, and those wanting to visit many ports on one voyage. These ships are also best for those wanting off-the-beaten-path adventures. Vision Class ships are ideal for those who prefer laid-back cruising and destination-rich itineraries over flashy onboard thrills. They are also perfect for cruisers who value atmosphere and itinerary more than ship size and ship frills.

Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Discovery Class

In 2024, Royal Caribbean announced its Discovery Class. This will be a new addition to Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes. Little is known about Royal Caribbean’s Discovery Class. Ships in this new class will be smaller in comparison to the mega-resort style ships of the Icon Class. This class could replace aging ships in both the Radiance Class and Vision Class.

Keeping veteran Royal Caribbean cruisers happy with the addition of ships that keep the serene atmosphere of their smaller ships is a great plan. Adding smaller ships that can accommodate port-heavy itineraries keeps current customers happy. Being able to visit ports that cannot accommodate larger ships is an excellent business idea.

Hopefully, Royal Caribbean will release more information about its new Discovery Class soon.

Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes

Royal Caribbean has an incredibly diverse fleet, and choosing the right ship class can make or break your cruise experience. Learning about the seven Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes will help you make the perfect choice for your cruise vacation. Whether you want to zipline across the ship, relax with a glass of wine while watching glaciers drift by, splash in the largest waterpark at sea, or visit many cruise destinations, there’s a Royal Caribbean ship made just for you.

Take the time to match your personality, travel goals, and budget to the right ship class. By doing this, you will set sail on a vacation to remember. Happy cruising!

Your Guide to Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes