Cruise vacations are a fantastic way to explore the world, relax, and enjoy a floating resort packed with fun activities, delicious food, and exciting destinations. Royal Caribbean International is one of the most popular cruise lines, known for its massive, innovative ships that feel like cities at sea. With so many ships in their fleet, understanding Royal Caribbean ships by age can help you choose the right cruise experience, whether you’re looking for the newest thrills or a more classic vibe.
Royal Caribbean Ships Newest to Oldest
Royal Caribbean has a fleet of 28 ships as of 2025, with more on the way. Their ships range from brand-new marvels to classics that have been sailing for decades. Among the Royal Caribbean newest ships are those packed with the latest features, offering cutting-edge experiences at sea. Below is a list of Royal Caribbean ships, sorted from newest to oldest, with key details about each one. This will help you decide which ship suits your vacation style, whether you want the latest technology or a more traditional cruise experience.
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Utopia of the Seas (2024)
- Class: Oasis Class
- Gross Tonnage: 236,860
- Passenger Capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: Royal Railway (an interactive train-themed dining experience), Pesky Parrot Lounge, The Spare Tire food truck, and eight unique neighborhoods like Central Park and Boardwalk.
Utopia of the Seas is the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, launched in July 2024. It’s the sixth Oasis-class ship and focuses on short 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas, including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. This ship is perfect for quick getaways with a party vibe, offering water slides, live entertainment, and plenty of dining options.
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Icon of the Seas (2024)
- Class: Icon Class
- Gross Tonnage: 250,800
- Passenger Capacity: 7,600 (maximum)
- Key Features: Category 6 waterpark with six record-breaking slides, Crown’s Edge thrill ride, AquaDome for theater shows, and eight neighborhoods.
Icon of the Seas debuted in January 2024 and is the largest cruise ship in the world. Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, it’s packed with groundbreaking features like the tallest waterslide at sea and a family-friendly Surfside neighborhood. It sails mostly 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida.
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Wonder of the Seas (2022)
- Class: Oasis Class
- Gross Tonnage: 236,857
- Passenger Capacity: 5,734 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: Wonder Playscape for kids, Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide, FlowRider surf simulator, and Suite Neighborhood for luxury travelers.
Launched in March 2022, Wonder of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship before Icon of the Seas took the title. It sails in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, offering a mix of family-friendly activities and upscale dining like 150 Central Park.
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Odyssey of the Seas (2021)
- Class: Quantum Ultra Class
- Gross Tonnage: 167,704
- Passenger Capacity: 4,198 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule, Seaplex entertainment complex, and bumper cars.
Odyssey of the Seas started sailing in July 2021. It’s a Quantum Ultra-class ship with high-tech amenities, sailing in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. It’s great for adventure-seekers who love unique activities like skydiving at sea.
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Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
- Class: Quantum Ultra Class
- Gross Tonnage: 169,379
- Passenger Capacity: 4,246 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: Sky Pad virtual reality trampoline, North Star, and Asian-inspired dining for the Chinese market.
Spectrum of the Seas was built in 2019 and designed with Asian cruisers in mind, though it now sails worldwide. It’s known for its vibrant entertainment and short cruises to places like Malaysia and Japan.
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Symphony of the Seas (2018)
- Class: Oasis Class
- Gross Tonnage: 228,081
- Passenger Capacity: 5,518 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: Ultimate Family Suite, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and Boardwalk neighborhood.
Symphony of the Seas launched in June 2018 and was once the largest cruise ship in the world. It’s a family favorite with tons of activities, from zip lines to ice skating, and sails in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
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Harmony of the Seas (2016)
- Class: Oasis Class
- Gross Tonnage: 226,963
- Passenger Capacity: 5,479 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: The Perfect Storm waterslides, Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Bionic Bar, and seven neighborhoods.
Harmony of the Seas, launched in May 2016, offers a mix of thrills and relaxation. It sails in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with features like the AquaTheater for diving shows and a zip line.
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Ovation of the Seas (2016)
- Class: Quantum Class
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
- Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy)
- Key Features: North Star, RipCord by iFly, Bionic Bar, and Seaplex with bumper cars.
Ovation of the Seas also debuted in 2016, offering high-tech fun like robot bartenders and a 360-degree observation capsule. It sails in Alaska, Australia, and Asia.
Older Royal Caribbean Ships
- Anthem of the Seas (2015) and Quantum of the Seas (2014): Quantum Class, around 168,666 gross tons, known for innovative features like North Star and iFly.
- Allure of the Seas (2010) and Oasis of the Seas (2009): Oasis Class, around 226,000 gross tons, with seven neighborhoods and features like zip lines and Central Park.
- Freedom Class (2006-2008): Includes Freedom, Liberty, and Independence of the Seas, around 154,407 gross tons, with FlowRider and water parks.
- Radiance Class (2001-2004): Brilliance, Serenade, Jewel, and Radiance of the Seas, around 90,090 gross tons, known for glass-heavy designs and intimate vibes.
- Voyager Class (1999-2003): Navigator, Mariner, Explorer, Adventure, and Voyager of the Seas, around 137,276 gross tons, with ice rinks and rock climbing walls.
- Vision Class (1996-1998): Grandeur, Enchantment, Rhapsody, and Vision of the Seas, around 73,817-82,910 gross tons, smaller ships with a classic cruise feel.
The oldest ship, Grandeur of the Seas (1996), is 28 years old and the smallest at 73,817 gross tons, carrying about 1,990 passengers. It’s a Vision-class ship with a cozy, light-filled design and fewer amenities than newer ships but still offers a great experience for a lower price.
Upcoming Royal Caribbean Ships
- Star of the Seas (2025): The second Icon-class ship, launching in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. It will match Icon of the Seas in size (250,800 gross tons) and feature similar attractions like the Category 6 waterpark and Crown’s Edge.
- Legend of the Seas (2026): The third Icon-class ship, set for July 2026, with over 40 bars and restaurants and seven pools.
- Unnamed Oasis-class Ship (2028): The seventh Oasis-class ship, with few details released yet.
- First Discovery-class Ship: A smaller ship class, planned but without a confirmed launch date.
Royal Caribbean Ships by Size: Largest to Smallest
Royal Caribbean is famous for building some of the biggest cruise ships in the world. Here’s a quick look at their royal Caribbean boats by size, ranked by gross tonnage (a measure of the ship’s internal volume).
- Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT): The largest cruise ship ever, with room for nearly 10,000 people (passengers and crew).
- Utopia of the Seas (236,860 GT): Slightly smaller than Icon but still massive, with eight neighborhoods and tons of dining options.
- Wonder of the Seas (236,857 GT): A close second to Utopia, packed with family-friendly features.
- Symphony, Harmony, Allure, and Oasis of the Seas (226,000-228,081 GT): Oasis-class giants with similar layouts and amenities.
- Spectrum of the Seas (169,379 GT): The largest Quantum Ultra-class ship, designed for Asian markets.
- Odyssey, Ovation, Anthem, and Quantum of the Seas (167,704-168,666 GT): Quantum and Quantum Ultra-class ships, mid-sized but high-tech.
- Freedom Class (154,407 GT): Large but smaller than Oasis-class, with plenty of activities.
- Voyager Class (137,276 GT): Medium-sized ships with ice rinks and rock climbing.
- Radiance Class (90,090 GT): Smaller, more intimate ships with scenic views.
- Vision Class (73,817-82,910 GT): The smallest, ideal for a classic cruise experience.
The size difference between the largest (Icon of the Seas) and smallest (Grandeur of the Seas) is huge—Icon is over three times the size! Bigger ships offer more amenities like water parks and specialty restaurants, but smaller ships can visit ports that larger ones can’t, offering more unique itineraries.
Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ships: What Makes Them Special?
Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, like Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, are game-changers. They’re designed to feel like floating resorts, with something for everyone—families, couples, thrill-seekers, and foodies. Here’s why they stand out:
- Innovative Features: Icon of the Seas has the world’s largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides. Utopia of the Seas introduces Royal Railway, a unique dining experience set in a Wild West-themed train cart.
- More Dining Options: Newer ships have over 15 restaurants, from casual spots like El Loco Fresh to upscale venues like 150 Central Park. Utopia even has a food truck called The Spare Tire!
- High-Tech Entertainment: Expect Broadway-style shows, ice skating, laser tag, and virtual reality experiences.
- Family-Friendly Zones: Surfside on Icon of the Seas is a dedicated family area with splash pools and kid-friendly dining. Wonder of the Seas has the Wonder Playscape for kids.
- Luxury Accommodations: Icon and Utopia offer suites with private pools and multi-level sundecks, perfect for those wanting a premium experience.
These ships are pricier, but they offer unmatched variety and excitement. If you want a cheaper option, older ships like Grandeur of the Seas provide great value with fewer bells and whistles.
Comparing Other Cruise Lines: Norwegian, Princess, and Carnival Ships by Age
To put Royal Caribbean in context, let’s look at the age of ships from other major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival ships by age. This will help you see how Royal Caribbean stacks up.
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Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has 20 ships, with newer ones offering modern amenities like go-kart tracks and virtual reality zones. Here’s a snapshot of Norwegian cruise ships by age:
- Newest: Norwegian Aqua (2025), a Prima Plus-class ship with the Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court sports complex.
- Recent: Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima (2022-2023), Prima-class ships with spacious accommodations and Ocean Boulevard promenade.
- Oldest: Norwegian Spirit (1998), renovated in 2020, at 75,904 gross tons, offering a more intimate experience. Norwegian’s newer ships focus on “freestyle cruising,” with flexible dining and entertainment, but they’re smaller than Royal Caribbean’s largest ships.
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Princess Cruise Ships by Age
Princess Cruises has 16 ships, known for their elegant design and adult-focused experiences.
- Newest: Sun Princess (2024), a Sphere-class ship at 175,500 gross tons, with the Dome (a glass-enclosed lounge) and Spellbound by Magic Castle.
- Recent: Discovery Princess (2022), a Royal-class ship with MedallionClass technology for personalized service.
- Oldest: Grand Princess (1998), at 107,517 gross tons, recently updated but smaller and less flashy. Princess ships are generally smaller than Royal Caribbean’s megaships, focusing on relaxation and destinations rather than thrill rides.
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Carnival Cruise Ships by Age
Carnival Cruise Line has 27 ships, known for their fun, party-like atmosphere.
- Newest: Carnival Jubilee (2023), an Excel-class ship at 183,521 gross tons, with a roller coaster called Bolt and six themed zones.
- Recent: Mardi Gras (2021) and Carnival Celebration (2022), also Excel-class, with similar high-energy features.
- Oldest: Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise (1998), at around 70,367 gross tons, smaller but updated with modern dining like Guy’s Burger Joint. Carnival’s newer ships are closer in size to Royal Caribbean’s but emphasize a lively, budget-friendly vibe over high-tech innovation.
Is Royal Caribbean a New Cruise Line?
Royal Caribbean International is not a new cruise line—it was founded in 1968 by three Norwegian shipping companies. However, it’s part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. The company has been a leader in cruise innovation for over 50 years, introducing firsts like rock climbing walls, ice rinks, and the largest cruise ships in the world. Their focus on pushing boundaries keeps their fleet feeling fresh, even if the company itself isn’t new.
Why Choose Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean stands out for its variety of ships, from the massive Icon of the Seas to the cozy Grandeur of the Seas. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- If you want the newest experience: Book Icon of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas for cutting-edge features and tons of activities.
- If you want value: Older ships like Grandeur or Vision of the Seas offer lower prices and a classic cruise vibe.
- If you want family fun: Oasis-class ships (Utopia, Wonder, Symphony, etc.) have water parks, kids’ zones, and family suites.
- If you want smaller ports: Vision or Radiance-class ships can visit destinations that larger ships can’t access.
Wrapping Up
Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers something for everyone, from the latest excitement on Icon of the Seas to budget-friendly cruises on Grandeur of the Seas. Their ships vary widely in age and size, so you can pick one that matches your vacation goals. Compared to Norwegian, Princess, and Carnival, Royal Caribbean leads in innovation and ship size, but each line has its own charm. Norwegian for flexibility, Princess for elegance with a range of princess cruise ships by age, and Carnival for fun and affordability. How to Use the Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass
