We are huge Royal Caribbean fans, between us we always have a cruise booked. However to a newbie to cruise its daunting knowing which is the best ship, going to the best destinations and indeed ship class for your next family cruise. You see bigger is not always better. It depends on your cruise style.
But we know that researching your next cruise on Royal Caribbean Ships By Class is a great way to see what entertainment, amenities, and facilities suit your cruise style and how you want to cruise. Of course, itineraries are always a big factor, too.
Unpicking The Right Royal Caribbean Class For Your Next Cruise
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Our family is very sporty and active, so when cruising with our boys, we look for sports activities and opportunities to try new activities. However, we have friends with teens who are sun-worshippers. Thus, they are cruise guests looking for quiet, more chilled-out ships. With cruising, one size does not fit all!
Royal Caribbean Ships By Class: What Classes Are There?
Royal Caribbean have 27 ships over 8 classes of ship. Including the newest Icon Class promises to be groundbreaking and exciting, and Royal does innovation at a spectacular scale.
- Icon Class, 2024 onwards
- Quantum Ultra Ships, 2019 to 2021
- Quantum Class Ships launched between 2014 to 2016
- Oasis Class Ships from 2009 onwards
- Freedom Class Ships from 2006 to 2008
- Radiance Class Ships from 2001 to 2004
- Voyager Class Ships from 1999 to 2003
- Vision Class Ships from, 1996 to 1998
Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships
- Icon of the Seas
- Legend of the Seas
- Star of the seas
Has all the Royal Caribbean cruise ship favourites, such as speciality restaurants, the FlowRider surf simulator, the largest waterpark at sea, and 7 pools. It won’t disappoint.
Families can also expect a new and exciting area called Surfside, a dedicated sleep, stay, eat and play area for families: Surfside features family cabins, play areas, shops and splash pools so families with kids and babies can enjoy a stress-free cruise vacation.
Royal Caribbean Quantum Ultra Class Ships
- Odyssey of the Seas, 2021
- Spectrum of the Seas, 2019
Quantum Ultra Class ships hold between 5,510 and 5,662 passengers and take everything wonderful from Quantum class and more. Some of the differences are the addition of the SkyPad to Quantum Ultra Class Ships. Even though both classes ships are of a similar size, Quantum Ultra ships hold more passengers. The Seaplex is a huge pull for Quantum and Quantum Ultra Ships, especially for sporty families. Plus with favourites such as Chops Grille steakhouse, the Music Hall and endless entertainment, you can’t possibly get bored.
Highlights Of Quantum Ultra Class Ships Include
- Kiddies splashpool
- Sportsplex
- Flowrider Surf Simulator
- Choice of Speciality Restaurants and free of charge dining options.
- iFly
- North Star
Royal Caribbean Quantum Class Ships
- Ovation of the Seas, 2016
- Anthem of the Seas, 2015
- Quantum of the Seas, 2014
When the first Quantum ship, Quantum of the Seas, was introduced in 2014, this class was considered the newest and most groundbreaking of all Royal Caribbean ships. Quantum-class ships all hold around 4,905 passengers at full capacity. They also promise to appeal to a whole new audience, with additions such as the North Star and iFly , they offer a totally different cruise vacation experience. Highlights Include…..
- Kiddies splashpool
- Sportsplex
- Flowrider Surf Simulator
- Choice of Speciality Restaurants and free of charge dining options.
- iFly
- North Star
Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships
- Utopia of the Seas, 2024
- Wonder of the Seas, 2022
- Symphony of the Seas, 2018
- Harmony of the Seas, 2016
- Allure of the Seas, 2010
- Oasis of the Seas, 2009
Oasis Class feature the biggest Royal Caribbean has to offer. At full capacity they hold between 6,680 and 6,988 passengers. Offering Boardwalks, a Central Park, Escape Rooms, FlowRiders and Zip wires these ships really are like floating cities, but also have dedicated suite areas for that ship within a ship feel. Check our Royal Caribbean Ships by Size post to get an idea of the scale of Oasis Class Ships compared to others.
Highlights Of Oasis Class Ships Include
- Kiddies splashpool
- Skating Rink
- Central Park
- The Boardwalk
- Carousel
- Flowrider Surf Simulator
- Choice of specialty restaurants and free of charge dining options.
- Aquatheater
Royal Caribbean Freedom Class Ships
Freedom Class Ships hold between 4,553 and 4,960 passenger and offer a good selection of the facilities of Oasis Class ships but with a smaller ship feel. This is great for those who want all the activities with the buzz but on a slightly smaller ship. They still have a lot of exciting facilities such as the FlowRider, ice skating, sports courts and baby splash zones.
- Independence of the Seas, 2008
- Liberty of the Seas, 2007
- Freedom of the Seas, 2006
Royal Caribbean Radiance Class Ships
Radiance Class ships are more chilled, they are smaller ships holding between 2,466 and 2,702 passenger, more than half of the capacity of the Oasis Class Ships. Radiance Class Ships also have less family activities compared to the bigger ships. This however offers a more relaxing cruise experience, that is perfect for families who would feel overwhelmed by the larger ships.
- Jewel of the Seas, 2004
- Serenade of the Seas, 2003,
- Brilliance of the Seas, 2002
- Radiance of the Seas, 2001
Voyager Class
Royal Caribbean has invested a lot of money into Voyager Class, so whilst they are older ships they are definitely not to be dismissed. In fact these are the perfect ships for the intimate ship experience for families. Holding between 3,807 and 4,290 at full capacity, they are larger than Radiance Class ships and have more going on. All of these ships have been amplified and had slides, splash pads and Laser Tag added. These ships offer an exciting cruise experience on a smaller scale.
- Mariner of the Seas, 2003
- Navigator of the Seas, 2002
- Adventure of the Seas, 2001
- Explorer of the Seas, 2000
- Voyager of the Seas, 1999
Vision Class
And last by no means least, Royal Caribbeans Vision Class are the oldest ships in the fleet. However still offer a great cruise experience, whilst only holding between 2,416 and 2,730 at full capacity.
- Vision of the Seas, 1998
- Enchantment of the Seas, 1997
- Rhapsody of the Seas, 1997
- Grandeur of the Seas, 1996
| Activity | Icon Class | Quantum Ultra | Quantum Class Ships | Oasis Class | Freedom Class | Radiance Class | Voyager Class | Vision Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Ocean | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Aqua Theatre | x | x | ||||||
| Arcade | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Baby Splash Zone | x | x | x | x | x | |||
| Bionic Bar | x | x | x Allure No | |||||
| Boardwalk | x | x | ||||||
| Bumper Cars | x | x | ||||||
| Carousel | x | x | ||||||
| Casino | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Central Park | x | x | ||||||
| Escape Room | x | Quantum | x | Indi | Mariner Navigator | |||
| Flowrider | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| H2O Zone | Anthem Quantum | Allure | ||||||
| Ice Skating | x | x | x | x | ||||
| Laser Tag | x | Odyssey | Quantum | Symphony Wonder Oasis | Indi Freedom | Mariner Navigator Voyager | ||
| Mini Golf | x | x | x | x | x | |||
| North Star | x | x | ||||||
| Ripcord By IFly Skydiving | x | x | ||||||
| Rising Tide Bar | x | |||||||
| Rock Climbing Wall | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Royal Esplanade | x | x | ||||||
| Royal Promenade | x | All but Mariner | ||||||
| SeaPlex | x | x | ||||||
| Sky Pad | x | Indy | Mariner | |||||
| Solarium Age 16 + | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Splashaway Bay | x | Ovation | x (Allure no) | x | Adventure | |||
| Surfside | x | |||||||
| Sports Court | x | x | x | x | x | |||
| Suite Sundeck | x | x | x | x | ||||
| Table Tenis | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Two70 | x | x | ||||||
| Ultimate Abyss | x (Allure No) | x | ||||||
| VA Zone | x | |||||||
| Water Slides | x | x (Allure No) | (Explorer no) | |||||
| Zip Line | x | x |
Dining Options Included In Your Fare On Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- Main Dining Room
- Solarium Bistro
- The Windjammer (Buffet)
- Cafe Promenade
- Sorrento’s
- Coastal Kitchen ( For Suite Guests)
- Cafe@Two70º
- El Loco Fresh
Speciality Dining Available On Royal Caribbean Ships
- Chops Grille,
- Chef’s Table
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar,
- Hooked Seafood,
- Izumi Sushi
- Izumi Hibachi
- Johnny Rockets
- Jamie’s Italian
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Sabor
- Samba Grill
- Teppanyaki
- Vintages
- Wonderland by Dadong
- Wonderland
- 150 Central Park
Which Is The Best Royal Caribbean Class
Thats a really tough one as it all depends on you and what your choices are? As a family we love busy and sporty. However when we are travelling as a couple, smaller and more intimate is preferable. I would advice jotting down activities that are important to you, the table above with then help you choose the right Royal Caribbean Ship for your cruise vacation.
