Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

Jeffrey ClearyJune 30, 2023

Book Your Next Amazing Cruise with Travel Leader, Jeffrey Cleary

With 26 cruise ships currently sailing and 2 more to launch in 2024, Royal Caribbean’s fleet is filled with exciting, record-breaking vessels.

The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is 26 years old whereas the newest launched just last year. Despite being part of the same cruise line, older ships offer a vastly different experience than the newest ships in the fleet.

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 by age from newest to oldest.

Utopia of the Seas (coming in 2024)

Inaugural sailing: July 22, 2024
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 5,668
Gross tonnage: 236,860

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s newest ship when she launches 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.

When she launches, Utopia of the Seas will offer 3 and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Icon of the Seas (coming in 2024)

Inaugural sailing: January 27, 2024
Maximum passenger capacity: 7,600
Gross tonnage: 250,800

Icon of the Seas will be the world’s largest cruise ship when she launches in January 2024. As the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class, Icon of the Seas will offer an impressive array of activities and amenities onboard.

Guests will love the new AquaDome neighborhood, the Category 6 Waterpark, and family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.

Upon launching, Icon of the Seas will offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida.

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 and is currently the world’s largest cruise ship by gross tonnage. 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.

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.

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 is currently offering Western Mediterranean cruises in Europe. After the summer season comes to an end, she will offer Caribbean cruises.

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 Florida, but will reposition to Galveston, Texas in November 2023.

Unlike Allure of the Seas, which currently sails from Galveston, 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.

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 April 2024, however, Anthem of the Seas will reposition to Singapore and offer cruises in Asia for the first time.

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 newest class of ships until the Icon Class launches in 2024.

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. She was due to receive an upgrade in 2020, but her amplification has been indefinitely postponed as a result of the pandemic.

Nonetheless, 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.

Allure of the Seas sails Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, but she will reposition to Florida in mid-2024 to offer 3 and 4-night Caribbean cruises.

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.

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 3, 4, and 5-night cruises visiting destinations in the Caribbean.

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.

She currently sails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering 3 and 4-night cruises visiting both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

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.

She currently sails 3 and 4-night itineraries from Miami, visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. In 2024, she will begin offering 6, 7, and 8-night Caribbean cruises.

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, which include 12-night Arctic Circle cruises and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises. She spends the summer season in Europe and repositions to the Caribbean during the winter months.

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.

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, will soon be Royal Caribbean’s most well-traveled ship. In December 2023, she will set sail on 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.

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 2023-2024 Australia season, she will offer unique itineraries in the region, including a 34-night circumnavigation around Australia.

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.

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 currently sails from Galveston, Texas, but she will make her way to Europe for the 2024 summer cruise season.

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.

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.

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 in Europe for the summer season, but she will return to Florida in fall 2023 to offer 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 in Europe, where she is sailing Greek Isles itineraries from Haifa, Israel and Limassol, Cyprus.

After the summer season ends, she will begin offering 7-night cruises in the Southern Caribbean and Central America, with homeports in Colombia and Panama.

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 26 years old. Small but mighty, Grandeur of the Seas offers a traditional cruise experience and sails Caribbean cruises from Florida.

In 2024, she will offer a 15-night Greenland cruise along with several shorter Canada cruises departing from Boston.

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.

Voyager, Freedom, Oasis, and Quantum 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.

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.

source

Discover more from Amazing World Cruises

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

#@CruiseLines #AdventureTravel #JeffreyCleary #RoyalCaribbean #TravelLeaderJeffreyCleary #TravelLeaders