Royal Caribbean International: A Cruise Legacy Since 1968

Royal Caribbean International stands as one of the biggest names in the cruise industry, known for its massive, innovative ships and unforgettable vacation experiences. The Royal Caribbean fleet consists of 28 ships in 2025, with more on the way, and offers something for everyone, from family-friendly adventures to luxurious getaways.

The Royal Caribbean Fleet

Royal Caribbean International, often called RCI or RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line), started in 1968 in Norway and now operates from Miami, Florida. It’s the largest cruise line by revenue and the second largest by passenger count, holding a 27% share of the global cruise market in 2025. The fleet includes 28 ships, with four more on order and two planned for future delivery. Each ship brings unique features, from massive waterparks to cozy dining venues, making Royal Caribbean a top choice for cruisers worldwide.

Royal Caribbean Ship Classes in 2025

Royal Caribbean organizes its ships into classes based on design, size, and features. These Royal Caribbean class ships share similar layouts and amenities, though each vessel may have unique touches. Here’s a look at the classes in the Royal Caribbean fleet for 2025, ordered from largest to smallest by gross tonnage.

1. Icon Class

The Icon Class represents the pinnacle of Royal Caribbean’s innovation. These ships are the largest in the world, packed with groundbreaking features. The first ship, Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, and Star of the Seas joins the fleet in August 2025. A third ship, Legend of the Seas, arrives in 2026, with a fourth planned for 2027. These ships use eco-friendly LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion, reducing emissions.

• Size: 248,663–250,800 gross tons, 1,196–1,198 feet long, 20 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 5,610 at double occupancy, up to 7,600 at maximum.
• Key Features: Eight neighborhoods like Surfside (family-friendly with pools and kid-friendly dining), AquaDome (indoor theater and lounge), Central Park (outdoor oasis with shops), and the first onboard waterpark, AquaSphere. You’ll also find six record-breaking waterslides, seven pools, and 40 dining and drinking options.

Why Choose Icon Class? Perfect for families and thrill-seekers who want the newest, most exciting cruise experience. These ships feel like floating resorts, with endless entertainment and dining options. Royal Caribbean International

2. Oasis Class

The Oasis Class includes some of the largest cruise ships ever built, starting with Oasis of the Seas in 2009. In 2025, this class has six ships: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas (launched in 2024). A seventh ship is planned for 2028.

• Size: 225,282–236,857 gross tons, 1,184–1,188 feet long, 16–18 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 5,479–5,694 at double occupancy, up to 6,780 at maximum.
• Key Features: Seven neighborhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk, and Royal Promenade. Highlights include the AquaTheater, zip lines, ice skating rinks, FlowRider surf simulators, and The Mason Jar (a Southern-style restaurant on Wonder and Utopia). These ships offer a mix of family fun and adult-only areas like the Solarium.

Why Choose Oasis Class? Ideal for those who love big ships with tons of activities, from Broadway-style shows to rock climbing and waterslides. They sail to popular destinations like the Caribbean and Europe. Royal Caribbean International

3. Quantum Class

The Quantum Class, introduced in 2014, brings high-tech features and is great for both warm and cold climates, like Alaska. It includes five ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas.

• Size: 168,666–169,379 gross tons, 1,138–1,141 feet long, 16 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 4,180–4,246 at double occupancy, up to 5,622 at maximum.
• Key Features: North Star observation pod, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, Two70 (a multi-purpose venue with 270-degree views), SeaPlex (indoor sports like bumper cars), and Bionic Bar with robot bartenders. Spectrum is tailored for the Chinese market with unique dining options.

Why Choose Quantum Class? Great for tech lovers and those cruising to colder destinations. The indoor venues make these ships perfect for year-round adventures.

4. Quantum Ultra Class

A sub-class of Quantum, the Quantum Ultra Class includes Spectrum of the Seas (also listed in Quantum Class) and Odyssey of the Seas. These ships build on Quantum features with added amenities.

• Size: 169,379 gross tons, 1,138–1,141 feet long, 16 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 4,246–4,819 at double occupancy, up to 5,622 at maximum.
• Key Features: Similar to Quantum Class but with upgrades like virtual reality games and new dining venues. Odyssey has a revamped pool deck and more outdoor spaces.

Why Choose Quantum Ultra Class? Offers a modern, high-tech cruise with a balance of indoor and outdoor fun, perfect for families and couples.

5. Freedom Class

The Freedom Class, launched between 2006 and 2008, includes Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas. These ships offer a big-ship experience at a lower price than newer classes.

• Size: 154,407–156,271 gross tons, 1,112 feet long, 15 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 3,782–4,375 at double occupancy, up to 4,960 at maximum.
• Key Features: FlowRider, H2O Zone waterpark, ice skating rink, boxing ring, mini-golf, and rock climbing walls. Recent upgrades added new restaurants and waterslides.

Why Choose Freedom Class? A budget-friendly option for families wanting big-ship amenities without the premium cost. They sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

6. Voyager Class

Introduced between 1999 and 2003, the Voyager Class revolutionized cruising with Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas. These ships introduced features like ice skating and the Royal Promenade.

• Size: 137,276–139,999 gross tons, 1,020–1,021 feet long, 14–15 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 3,286–3,807 at double occupancy, up to 4,290 at maximum.
• Key Features: Ice skating rink, mini-golf, Royal Promenade, and recent additions like waterslides and laser tag. These ships sail to diverse destinations like Europe, Mexico, and the Middle East.

Why Choose Voyager Class? Offers a mix of classic and modern amenities at a great value, ideal for families and first-time cruisers.

7. Radiance Class

The Radiance Class, built between 2001 and 2004, includes Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas. These ships focus on scenic cruising with lots of glass for ocean views.

• Size: 90,090 gross tons, 962 feet long, 12–13 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 2,143–2,502 at double occupancy, up to 2,882 at maximum.
• Key Features: Glass elevators, two-tiered dining rooms, retractable glass pool roof, rock climbing walls, and mini-golf. They’re smaller but offer a traditional cruise feel.

Why Choose Radiance Class? Perfect for those who want a classic cruise with fewer crowds and stunning views, often at a lower price.

8. Vision Class

The Vision Class, the oldest in the fleet (built 1995–1998), includes Grandeur of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas. These are the smallest Royal Caribbean ships.

• Size: 73,817–82,910 gross tons, 915–990 feet long, 11–12 decks.
• Passenger Capacity: 1,992–2,446 at double occupancy, up to 2,794 at maximum.
• Key Features: Adult-only Solarium, rock climbing wall, main pool, and hot tubs. Enchantment was lengthened in 2005, adding 151 staterooms and new venues.

Why Choose Vision Class? Ideal for cruisers who prefer smaller, more intimate ships and unique itineraries to smaller ports that big ships can’t visit.

Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

To make it easier to compare, here’s a chart of Royal Caribbean ship sizes by gross tonnage in 2025, listing the ships from largest to smallest:

Comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival Ship Classifications

While Royal Caribbean groups its ships into seven classes based on size and design, Carnival Cruise Line uses a different approach. Carnival ship classifications include nine distinct classes: Icon, Excel, Vista, Dream, Splendor, Conquest, Spirit, Sunshine, and Fantasy. Here’s how they compare: Royal Caribbean International

• Size Range: Carnival’s largest ships, like the Carnival Celebration (Excel Class, 183,521 gross tons), are smaller than Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class (up to 250,800 gross tons). Carnival’s smallest, Carnival Elation (Fantasy Class, 70,367 gross tons), is similar in size to Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class.
• Features: Carnival’s Excel Class, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis Classes, focuses on big-ship fun with roller coasters, waterparks, and multiple dining options. However, Carnival’s older classes, like Fantasy, offer a simpler, more traditional cruise experience, similar to Royal Caribbean’s Vision and Radiance Classes.
• Class Structure: Carnival’s classes are less standardized than Royal Caribbean’s. For example, Carnival’s Vista Class includes ships with varying sizes and layouts, while Royal Caribbean’s classes have more consistent designs within each group.

Royal Caribbean’s focus on innovation, like robot bartenders and skydiving simulators, sets it apart from Carnival’s emphasis on fun, vibrant atmospheres with features like dive-in movies and comedy clubs. Both lines cater to families, but Royal Caribbean’s larger ships offer more diverse amenities, while Carnival’s smaller ships are often more budget-friendly.

Choose the Right Royal Caribbean Ship for You

With so many ships and classes, picking the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise depends on your preferences:

• For Families: Icon and Oasis Classes are top choices with waterparks, kid-friendly neighborhoods, and endless activities.
• For Tech Lovers: Quantum and Quantum Ultra Classes offer cutting-edge features like robot bartenders and skydiving simulators.
• For Budget Cruisers: Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision Classes provide great value with plenty of fun at a lower cost.
• For Intimate Cruises: Vision and Radiance Classes offer a cozier experience and access to smaller ports.
• For Luxury: Icon and Oasis Classes have exclusive Suite Neighborhoods with private pools and dining for suite guests.

What’s Next for Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries with its royal Caribbean ship classes 2025. The Star of the Seas launches in August 2025, followed by Legend of the Seas in 2026 and another Icon Class ship in 2027. A new Discovery Class, smaller than Icon and Oasis but larger than Voyager, is planned for around 2028–2030. These ships will likely bring new eco-friendly technologies and innovative features, keeping Royal Caribbean at the forefront of the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean International, Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked

The Royal Caribbean fleet in 2025 offers an incredible range of ships, from the massive Icon of the Seas to the intimate Grandeur of the Seas. No matter if you are after thrilling waterslides, high-tech entertainment, or a classic cruise vibe, there’s a ship and class for you.