How Many Ship Classes Does Royal Caribbean Have
Royal Caribbean has 8 classes of cruise ships:
So, are the new Royal Caribbean ships better than the old ones? Well, not always. Each class of ships has its pros and cons. So, read on to discover more.
Summary of Royal Caribbean ship classes:
- Icon-class The biggest ships in the world with so much to enjoy that you wont have time to do it all
- Quantum and Quantum Ultra-class Modern, high-tech ships with the fanciest features like the North Star observation pod and the iFly skydiving simulator
- Oasis-class Formerly the largest ships, these are still absolutely packed with exciting activities
- Freedom and Voyager-class Slightly older ships, but some have been amped to have extra features added
- Radiance and Vision-class The smallest ships with no fancy features that are best suited for destination-focused itineraries
Royal Caribbean Ships By Class
Each of these eight classes has between one and five ships in it. The ships within a class are sister-ships. This means that theyre all built to a very similar design, they have the same outer shell, if you will.
However, the ships in each class are not identical. They were each built to be slightly different. Then, between 2018 and 2020, some of the ships were amped, which means that they had a thorough refurbishment and lots of extra facilities added.
List of Royal Caribbean ships in each class:
- Icon Icon of the Seas, two TBC
- Quantum Ultra Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas
- Quantum Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas
- Oasis Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas
- Freedom Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas
- Radiance Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas
- Voyager Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas
- Vision Vision of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas
Who Should Cruise On Royal Caribbean’s Oasis
Any of Royal Caribbean’s five Oasis-class ships are perfect for adrenaline junkies, groups of friends and families with varied tastes and cruisers looking for that all-in-one mega-resort vibe at sea. While options for rest and relaxation are available, Oasis-class ships are best for active travelers.
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Discover The Best Cruise Ships
There are so many reasons to get excited about a Royal Caribbean® cruise. Choose from itineraries that take you to top-rated vacation destinations, from sun-soaked Caribbean isles to ancient temples in Asia and everywhere in between. Make the most out of every moment at sea while traveling onboard the worlds best cruise ships, loaded from bow to stern with game-changing thrills, dazzling entertainment, as well as next-level dining and unmatched activities for all kinds of adventure-seekers. No matter which ship you choose to sail on, this is a fleet filled with incredible feats.
Are New Royal Caribbean Ships Better
New Royal Caribbean ships feature better technology, more activities, modern facilities, and updated decor. While old vessels are refreshed every three to five years, they simply dont compare to the range of amenities and features offered by newer cruise ships.
However, many older Royal Caribbean cruise ships have undergone significant renovations thanks to the Royal Amplified program. Through the program, older Royal Caribbean vessels received substantial upgrades to bring their amenities closer to those of newer ships.The program is more than the usual ship refurbishment. Each vessel in the program received upwards of $165 million in renovations to add new activities, entertainment, and dining options with an overhaul to the pool deck.
In our opinion, Amplified Royal Caribbean ships are on par with newer vessels, with the bonus of lower cruise fares.
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Voyager Class: The Affordable Royal Caribbean Ships
Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and make up the Voyager Class. These ships are perfect for the budget conscious traveler, as they often sail shorter itineraries that help keep nightly rates low. These ships were launched in the early 2000s, and while they are slightly older, they were the first to feature some of the attractions that are now favorites of Royal Caribbean ships, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. Other favorites include the Schooner Bar, a piano bar with immaculate vibes and live entertainment, and the Viking Crown Lounge, and cocktail lounge with panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Oasis Class Cruise Ships: What You Need To Know
Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class cruise ships, with comparisons and onboard features.
If youve considered taking a Royal Caribbean cruise, then youve probably come upon the cruise lines Oasis class cruise ships. If youre not familiar with the mega cruise ships, which are the largest in the world, you might not exactly get what all the hype is about or what the differences are.
Essentially, a cruise ship class is a grouping of ships that all share similar features. Every decade or so, a cruise line will put out a new class of ships that are designed to be, typically, bigger, better and more impressive than its past cruise ships.
The Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships are some of the cruise lines most popular and newest so what do you need to know if youre thinking of taking a cruise on one?
Heres everything you need to know about this hugely popular class of Royal Caribbean ships.
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Who Should Cruise On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance
The four Radiance-class ships are best for cruisers looking for a smaller mainstream ship with a focus on relaxation and casual fun. Think: port visits and some old-fashioned cruise entertainment. Cruises on Radiance-class ships tend to be more moderately priced than those on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships, but more expensive than those on Vision-class ships.
Freedom Class: The Former Largest Cruise Ships At Sea
Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas were all released in the mid-2000s, and were the largest cruise ships of their time. They have since been dethroned, but are impressive in their size nonetheless, with a capacity of nearly 4,000 passengers. Additionally, Freedom and Liberty have since gone through renovations and have many of the same amenities of the newer Oasis class ships. They were the first ships to feature the FlowRider surf simulator, which is now a staple of Royal Caribbean ships. They also feature a variety of pools and whirlpools, water slides, aqua park, ice skating rink, and Broadway shows. Each ship has at least 4 complimentary dining venues with some specialty options like Giovannis Table and Johnny Rockets.
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Allure Of The Seas Year Built & Renovated
When was the Allure of the Seas built?The Allure of the Seas was built in 2010. She is among Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class of ships.
When was the last Allure of the Seas dry dock?The Anthem of the Seas last experienced a dry dock in 2020. For renovation details, please see below.
The Allure of the Seas underwent significant renovations in 2020. The improvements cost roughly $165 million. Upgrades included the following: addition of roughly 50 new inside and oceanview cabins new shops Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade Ultimate Abyss 10 story waterslide The Perfect Storm waterslides Sugar Beach candy store Adventure Ocean kids park Royal Escape Room The Lime & Coconut Bar poolside bar lounge Splashaway Bay kids aquapark Portside BBQ steakhouse El Loco Fresh Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen Spotlight Karaoke Music Hall Bionic Bar with robot bartenders Clash for the Crystal City lazer tag game.
- Year Built: 2010
- Ship Length: 1,181 feet
Finding The Right Royal Caribbean Ship For You
Royal Caribbean is known for having a large fleet with innovative technology, exciting entertainment and plenty of dining choices. Each ship has individual features, but cruise ship classes help to group similar vessels.
If youâre looking to book a Royal Caribbean cruise but are not sure what ship to choose, hereâs a breakdown of their classes to help you decide.
Freedom Class
Being smaller than their Oasis-class cousins, but having similar entertainment facilities, means that Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas make sailing less intimidating for families and couples cruising for the first time. There are a handful of restaurants on each ship, providing plenty of choice for your stay.
Freedom-class ships are overflowing with exciting activities, from the FlowRider, a surfing simulator, to a top-deck rock climbing wall that provides breathtaking ocean views when at the summit. During the day, the indoor ice-skating rink is filled with guests and, by night, professionals take to the floor and perform.
Oasis Class
Families, groups of friends and thrill-seekers looking for a cruise with all the bells and whistles will feel at home on an Oasis-class ship. They can enjoy seven different themed neighbourhoods, a zip line across the ship and Broadway-style shows like Mamma Mia and Cats.
Quantum Class
Radiance Class
Sovereign & Empress Class
Vision Class
Voyager Class
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Radiance Of The Seas Year Built & Renovated
When was the Radiance of the Seas built?The Radiance of the Seas was built in 2001. She is among Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class of ships.
When was the last Radiance of the Seas dry dock?The Rhapsody of the Seas last experienced a dry dock in 2016. For renovation details, please see below.
In September 2021, the Radiance of the Seas experienced minor dry dock renovation. Improvements included general maintenance items.
- Year Built: 2001
- Ship Length: 962 feet
What Is Royal Caribbeans Biggest Ship
Currently Wonder Of The Seas is the biggest of the Royal Caribbean Ships being a whopping 236,857 tons and and 1,188 feet long and hold 6,988 at full capacity. She also has 2300 crew members, which is a ratio of 3 passenger to each crew member. Wonder of the Seas is also currently the biggest cruise ship in the world.
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Finding The Right Ship For You
Here’s a breakdown of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships to help you find the perfect fit for your vacation.
The amplified Navigator of the Seas features two thrilling waterslides, a reimagined pool deck with Caribbean vibes and a host of restaurants and bars.
You may be familiar with several Royal Caribbean ships, but knowing your way around the different ship classes can help you pick the perfect cruise vacation. Well, youre in luck we have a quick breakdown of all six classes . The choicebased on your style and where you want to gois yours, whether a short getaway on Freedom of the Seas, a wild Alaska adventure on Ovation of the Seas or island-hopping between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean on Odyssey of the Seas.
No matter the ship, you and your travel buddies can expect to do what you like when youd like. From unparalleled onboard adventures and a variety of restaurants to endless opportunities to soak up the sun or the sights, like those of Juneau, Alaska and our private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Not to mention award-winning entertainment that spans ice, water, air and stage.
Learn more about each ship class below, so you can find the perfect match.
Wonder of the Seas brings to life a new wave of possibilities with eight distinct neighborhoods, an Oasis Class first, including the first Suite Neighborhood.
Oasis Class
Quantum Class
Quantum Ultra Class
Voyager Class
Freedom Class
Royal Caribbean Ships By Size
| Ship Name |
|---|
| 12 |
What does Tonnage mean?
GRT is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT the more space the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.
How are Passengers calculated?
Youll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the Max number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.
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Guide To Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes
Our comprehensive guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes will help you decide which ship is the right fit for your next family vacation.
Royal Caribbean is one of the largest family-friendly cruise lines offering a variety of vacations to destinations across the globe. Royal Caribbeans fleet currently includes 25 cruise ships which vary greatly in terms of size and amenities. If you are considering a cruise with the brand, we have put together this comprehensive guide to Royal Caribbean ship classes to help you decide which ship is the right fit for your next family vacation.
Explorer Of The Seas Year Built & Renovated
When was the Explorer of the Seas built?The Explorer of the Seas was built in 2000. She is among Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class of ships.
When was the last Explorer of the Seas dry dock?The Freedom of the Seas last experienced a dry dock in 2020. For renovation details, please see below.
During the Spring of 2020, the Explorer of the Seas experienced a significant drydock costing roughly $110 million. Additions include the following: Cyclone, Typhoon & Tidal Wave waterslides new pool deck with hammocks, day beds, casitas, and chaise loung chairs Lime & Coconut Bar new Solarium Deck Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcode Johnny Rockets Starbucks Clash for the Crystal City laser tag game Adventure Ocean Kids Comlex and Teens-only club.
- Year Built: 2000
- Ship Length: 1,020 feet
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Royal Caribbean Ships By Age
| Ship Name |
|---|
| Vision class |
What is the difference between the Oasis-class ships?
There are currently five Oasis-class ships and the sixth one is on order there are differences between each ship, although structurally they are all the same class of ship.
The first two ships are near-enough identical sisters, however, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas both added the Ultimate Abyss the worlds longest slide at sea.
The fifth ship, Wonder of the Seas added an eighth neighborhood Suite Neighborhood, a new restaurant The Mason Jar and a new bar Vue.
Ovation Of The Seas Year Built & Renovated
When was the Ovation of the Seas built?The Ovation of the Seas was built in 2016. She is among Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class of ships.
When was the last Ovation of the Seas dry dock?The Quantum of the Seas last experienced a dry dock in 2019. For renovation details, please see below.
In 2021, the Ovation of the Seas experienced dry dock improvements including general maintenance items such as paint and engine upkeep.
- Year Built: 2016
- Ship Length: 1,142 feet
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Royal Caribbean Voyager Class: Iconic And Manageably Sized For The Budget Conscious
Many of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic features made their first appearances on Voyager-class ships. Built between 1999 and 2003, these five ships were the first to have indoor shopping and dining along the Royal Promenade, plus rock climbing walls and ice-skating rinks. The ships were also the line’s first foray into carrying more than 3,000 passengers. Three of the five ships — Voyager, Navigator, and Mariner — are considered “amped,” meaning they have undergone an enormous overhaul, adding entertainment, activity, and dining options like the ones found on much newer ships. You’ll also find budget-friendly shorter sailings on most of these ships.
Royal Caribbean Ship Classes By Size
One key difference between the different classes of ships is the size. This is important as the largest of Royal Caribbeans ships are over three times the size of the smallest ships in the fleet .
| Class | |
|---|---|
| Vision | 78,000 |
So is bigger better? Well, not always. Many people love the Oasis-class ships because they have so much to do on board. Theres even a park in the middle with over 10,000 real plants and trees! And Icon of the Seas takes that even further with more amazing features.
However, the largest cruise ships are just too big to dock at some ports. So, if you want to go island hopping around Greece, for example, youll need a smaller ship.
Tickets for the smaller ships tend to be cheaper, and there are some real bargains to be had. If you dont have kids and dont want to do surfing, zip-lining and all of that, then theres no point paying extra for a ship that has activities that you wont take part in.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size
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Vision Class: The Classic Royal Caribbean Ships
The Vision Class, composed of Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas, is the oldest and smallest of Royal Caribbeans cruise line. These ships offer a more traditional and intimate cruising experience. As you might expect, dining options are more limited, but aside from the complimentary options available, they have Chops Grille and Chefs Table, and all ships except Enchantment also feature Izumi and Giovannis Table. Because these ships are smaller than their newer counterparts, they typically sail to the Mediterranean, Alaska, and Canada/New England, with the exception of Grandeur of the Seas which does spend some time in the Caribbean.