Guide To Royal Caribbean Ships By Class 2023

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 what we do know is researching your next cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean Ships By Class is a great way to see what entertainments, amenities and facilities suit your cruise style and how you want to cruise. Of course itineraries are always a big factor too. 

Our family are very sporty and active, thus when cruising with our boys we look for sports activities. Plus also 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!

What Classes Of Ship Do Royal Caribbean Have And How Many?

Royal Caribbean have 26 ships over 7 classes of ship, however this is all going to change in 2023 with the newest addition of Icon Class which will take them to 8 different classes and 28 vessels.  Icon Class promises to be groundbreaking and exciting and Royal do innovation at a spectacular scale.

Guide To Royal Caribbean Ships By Class

Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships

Icon of the Seas, Due 2024 will have all the Royal Caribbean cruise ship favourites such as speciality restaurants, the flow rider surf simulator,  the largest waterpark at sea and 7 pools its will not disappoint. 

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 being 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 enless entertainment you cant possibly get bored. 

When the first Quantum ship, Quantum of the Seas was released in 2014 this class of ship was considered the newest 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 difference cruise vacation experience.

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. However as an idea Wonder of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

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.

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.

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. Especially Mariner and Navigator who have recently had slides, splash pads and Laser Tag added. These ships offer an exciting cruise experience on a smaller scale.

Activities On Royal Caribbean Ships By Class

This table identifies all activities on Royal Caribbean ships by class. Let me tell you it took some researching, I hope we have got it all in? And if we have missed any Royal Caribbean activities you would like to see then do let us know so we can add to the list.

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.