Royal Caribbean International is renowned for its impressive fleet, boasting some of the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world. From the groundbreaking Icon Class to the revolutionary Oasis Class, navigating the options can be exciting yet overwhelming. This Royal Caribbean Fleet Guide 2024 is designed to help you understand the distinctions between each ship class, ensuring you choose the perfect vessel for your dream vacation.
Royal Caribbean organizes its ships into classes based primarily on their design and size. While ships within the same class share fundamental structural similarities, variations exist in onboard features, dining venues, and activities due to ongoing enhancements and modifications. Therefore, while several ships may belong to a particular class, the specific experiences offered can differ.
The key differentiators between Royal Caribbean’s ship classes are ship size, available amenities, and signature onboard activities. Currently, there are seven distinct Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes, each developed around a specific timeframe and exhibiting a similar external appearance. Let’s explore each class to help you decide which aligns best with your cruise preferences for 2024 and beyond.
Icon Class
The Icon Class represents Royal Caribbean’s newest and most ambitious class of ships. Leading the way is Icon of the Seas, which debuted in January 2024 from Miami and immediately claimed the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. Surpassing the Oasis Class in size by over 6%, Icon of the Seas offers an unprecedented array of activities, amenities, and dining options.
What does being the largest cruise ship entail? Icon Class ships can accommodate between 5,610 and 7,600 passengers, in addition to approximately 2,300 crew members. This means potentially hosting up to 10,000 people on a single voyage, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Despite its massive scale, Icon of the Seas is designed to prevent overcrowding. Royal Caribbean has implemented innovative crowd management strategies to ensure a comfortable guest experience. While it’s certainly not a private yacht experience, passengers are often surprised by the spacious feel of the ship.
Icon of the Seas introduces several groundbreaking features exclusive to this class, including Royal Caribbean’s first-ever onboard waterpark, Category 6, and the stunning indoor AquaDome. Like the Oasis Class, Icon Class ships are organized into distinct “neighborhoods,” each offering a unique ambiance and set of attractions:
- The AquaDome: An indoor marvel featuring the AquaTheater and a relaxing lounge space, providing spectacular ocean views through its massive glass windows.
- Central Park: An open-air oasis filled with lush greenery, boutique shops, and specialty restaurants, offering a tranquil escape.
- Chill Island: The main pool deck area with multiple pools, swim-up bar, and varied seating options, designed for ultimate relaxation in the sun.
- Thrill Island: Home to the Category 6 waterpark, boasting six record-breaking slides, and other adrenaline-pumping activities.
- Surfside: A neighborhood designed for young families, featuring a dedicated pool, Splashaway Bay aquapark for kids, and family-friendly dining venues.
- The Hideaway: Located at the aft of the ship, offering an infinity pool, bar, whirlpools, and comfortable seating areas with stunning wake views.
- Suite Neighborhood: An exclusive enclave for suite guests, featuring a private pool, sun deck, and dedicated dining venues like Coastal Kitchen and The Grove.
- Royal Promenade: A bustling indoor thoroughfare lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the heart of the ship’s social scene.
The Icon Class marks the first new ship class since the Quantum Class in 2014 and is also the first Royal Caribbean class to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), demonstrating a commitment to cleaner energy.
Currently, Icon of the Seas is the only operational ship in this class, but Star of the Seas is set to join the fleet in 2025, with her maiden voyage scheduled for August 31, 2025.
Royal Caribbean has announced plans for at least two more Icon Class ships, with options for a fifth and sixth, indicating a significant investment in this groundbreaking class. The third unnamed Icon Class ship is expected in 2026, followed by Icon 4 in 2027.
Why Choose Icon Class: For cruisers seeking the largest, most innovative, and activity-packed ships at sea, the Icon Class is unparalleled. These ships are destinations in themselves, offering an unmatched vacation experience, especially appealing to families and thrill-seekers.
Icon Class Ships
- Icon of the Seas (2024)
- Star of the Seas (2025)
- Unnamed Icon Class ship (2026)
- Unnamed Icon Class ship (2027)
Related: 7 Cutting-Edge Features on Icon of the Seas
Icon Class Highlights
- Category 6 Waterpark with six record-breaking waterslides
- Swim & Tonic swim-up bar pool
- The Hideaway neighborhood with first suspended infinity pool at sea
- Cloud 17 adults-only retreat
- AquaDome neighborhood with AquaTheater and panoramic ocean views
- Surfside family neighborhood
- Suite Neighborhood with exclusive amenities
- Largest ice skating rink in Royal Caribbean fleet, Absolute Zero
- The Pearl, a transformative space
- New suite and stateroom categories offering enhanced luxury and comfort
- Central Park, a verdant outdoor space
- FlowRider surf simulator for wave riding adventures
Related: Icon of the Seas Cabin and Suite Guide
Oasis Class
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are renowned for pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design, offering a groundbreaking “neighborhood” concept and an extensive range of amenities. These ships were the largest in the world before the Icon Class, and remain the second largest cruise ships sailing today.
Oasis Class ships can accommodate approximately 5,500 passengers and boast a gross tonnage exceeding 225,000 tons, offering a vast and varied cruising experience.
Related: Complete Guide to Oasis Class Cruise Ships
Despite their immense size, Oasis Class ships are thoughtfully designed for easy navigation and crowd management. The seven distinct neighborhoods help break up passenger flow and create more intimate spaces. The sheer volume of activities and entertainment ensures that guests are spread throughout the ship, minimizing any feeling of congestion.
Oasis Class ships are among the newest Royal Caribbean ships, constantly updated with the latest innovations and features through Royal Amplified upgrades.
Why Choose Oasis Class: If you desire a cruise ship that offers everything – cutting-edge features, a plethora of activities, diverse dining options, and Broadway-caliber entertainment – all within one incredible vessel, the Oasis Class is an exceptional choice.
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 (Coming Summer 2024)
Oasis Class Highlights
- Neighborhood concept, creating distinct themed areas
- AquaTheater, an outdoor amphitheater with breathtaking water shows
- 3D Movies for an immersive cinematic experience
- Broadway Musicals, featuring award-winning shows like Cats and Hairspray
- Waterslides, including The Perfect Storm trio (excluding Allure of the Seas, but retrofitted during amplification) and the Ultimate Abyss on select ships
- Zip Line, soaring above the Boardwalk neighborhood
- Central Park, a tranquil green space in the ship’s interior
- FlowRider Surf Simulators (multiple on some ships)
- Boardwalk, a lively outdoor promenade with games and dining
- Carousel, a classic family-friendly attraction
- Ice-Skating Rink, for year-round ice shows and open skating
- Loft Suites, luxurious multi-level accommodations
- Outdoor Movie Screen, for movies under the stars
- Adults-only Solarium pool area, a serene retreat
Quantum Class
The Quantum Class cruise ships were designed with a focus on 21st-century cruising, blending cutting-edge technology with classic vacation experiences. These stylish ships offer stunning views and innovative activities, appealing to tech-savvy cruisers and families alike.
Quantum Class ships boast signature features unique to this class, making them a popular choice for a wide range of travelers, from first-time cruisers to seasoned veterans. They are designed to offer something for everyone onboard.
Royal Caribbean also has a subset within the Quantum Class known as the Quantum Ultra Class. Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are designated as Quantum Ultra Class ships. These vessels are slightly larger and incorporate enhancements like the Sky Pad bungee trampoline experience, a Teppanyaki restaurant, and a redesigned Main Dining Room.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Quantum Class Ships
Why Choose Quantum Class: Ideal for families seeking a modern cruise experience with a wealth of onboard activities and innovative features. Quantum Class ships offer a balance of excitement and relaxation.
Quantum Class Ships
- Quantum of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas (Quantum Ultra Class)
- Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Ultra Class)
Quantum Class Highlights
- North Star, a glass observation capsule extending high above the ship for panoramic views
- RipCord by iFLY, a thrilling skydiving simulator
- SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, offering bumper cars, basketball, and more
- FlowRider Surf Simulator
- Two70, a revolutionary venue blending technology and entertainment with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows transforming into a digital backdrop
- Virtual Balcony Staterooms, interior cabins featuring real-time ocean views projected onto screens
- 3D Movies
- Loft Suites, luxurious bi-level suites
- Music Hall, a vibrant live music venue
- Broadway Musicals
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
Freedom Class
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class cruise ships offer a quintessential big-ship cruise experience with an extensive array of onboard activities and entertainment. Recent revitalizations have further enhanced these ships, adding even more attractions.
Freedom Class ships represent excellent value for families looking for a large ship experience with numerous activities without the premium price tag associated with newer classes. They strike a great balance between size, features, and affordability.
Related: Comprehensive Guide to Freedom Class Cruise Ships
Freedom Class ships are essentially enlarged versions of the Voyager Class, building upon their successful design and adding more space and features.
Why Choose Freedom Class: For cruisers seeking a big-ship experience with a wide variety of activities at a more accessible price point than the newest ships, the Freedom Class is an excellent choice.
Freedom Class Ships
- Freedom of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
Freedom Class Highlights
- H2O Zone aqua park (on Freedom and Liberty of the Seas, now Splashaway Bay after amplifications)
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Ice-Skating Rink
- Royal Promenade, a bustling indoor street
- British-Style Pub
- Designer Shopping
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Panoramic Ocean View staterooms
- FlowRider Surf Simulator
- Waterslides (Perfect Storm waterslides added during amplifications)
Voyager Class
When Royal Caribbean introduced the Voyager Class, it revolutionized the cruise industry. This class pioneered features and activities that are now considered essential on modern cruise ships, including the Royal Promenade, ice skating rinks, and mini-golf.
Related: In-Depth Guide to Voyager Class Cruise Ships
Similar to the larger Freedom Class, Voyager Class ships offer exceptional value and diverse itineraries. Royal Caribbean continues to invest in these ships through revitalizations, adding new restaurants, surf simulators, aqua parks, and entertainment options in recent years.
Why Choose Voyager Class: Voyager Class ships offer a wide range of onboard activities, newly added features through revitalizations, and attractive pricing, making them a fantastic choice for families seeking a value-oriented cruise vacation.
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 (on select ships after revitalization)
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- FlowRider Surf Simulator (added to some ships during revitalization)
- Waterslides and Splashaway Bay (added to some ships during revitalization)
Radiance Class
Radiance Class ships are characterized by their extensive use of glass and open spaces, creating a bright and airy atmosphere and emphasizing the connection to the ocean. These ships offer a more classic and refined cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships are stylish and versatile, capable of accessing smaller, more unique ports of call around the world that larger ships cannot reach. This makes them ideal for itinerary-focused cruisers.
Related: Detailed Guide to Radiance Class Cruise Ships
Radiance Class ships still offer a wide array of amenities, including diverse dining experiences and quality live entertainment, appealing to veteran cruisers who appreciate a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
Why Choose Radiance Class: For cruisers who appreciate beautiful, elegant ships and seek itineraries that explore unique and smaller ports, the Radiance Class provides a time-honored cruise experience with a strong connection to the sea.
Radiance Class Ships
- Radiance of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
Radiance Class Highlights
- Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces and atriums, creating bright interiors
- Glass Elevators with ocean views
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Self-Leveling Pool Tables, a unique feature for stable billiards at sea
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Indoor movie theater
- Mini-golf
Vision Class
Royal Caribbean designed its Vision Class ships to be smaller and more maneuverable, enabling them to access a wide range of ports, including more remote and exotic destinations around the globe.
Related: Comprehensive Guide to Vision Class Cruise Ships
Like the Radiance Class, Vision Class ships combine a smaller size with a surprising variety of onboard activities that have been added over time through refurbishments. They offer a comfortable and versatile cruise experience suitable for both relaxation and active exploration.
Why Choose Vision Class: Vision Class ships are ideal for itinerary-focused travelers who prioritize exploring diverse and unique destinations that larger ships cannot reach, offering impressive and varied itineraries.
Vision Class Ships
- Grandeur of the Seas
- Enchantment of the Seas
- Vision of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- Majesty of the Seas
Vision Class Highlights
- Adults-only Solarium pool area
- Bungee Trampoline (on Enchantment of the Seas)
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Specialty Dining Options
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Broadway-Style Shows
