Celestyal Cruises has added a special offer on select Steps of Paul Cruises that depart in 2024.
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These seven night cruises from Athens follow the footstep of the Apostle Paul with a port stop on every day of the cruise.
The cruise will visit the following ports in Greece and Turkey:
Thessaloniki
Kavala
Istanbul
Dikili
Kusadasi (Ephesus)
Patmos
On this cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks including the Hagia Sophia, the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse, the Faustina Baths of Miletus and the ancient city of Ephesus, the best-preserved historical site in the Mediterranean.
To see all of the excursions that are available on this cruise, you can visit Celestyal’s brochure here.
Celestyal Cruises is offering over 50% savings on these cruises with fares starting at $889 per person for an inside cabin.
This deal is good if booked by August 31, 2024.
Celestyal Cruises is a small ship cruise line that operates cruises in the Mediterranean and Middle East. They currently have two ships in their fleet, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.
Popular all-inclusive British cruise line Marella Cruises has revealed its 2025 winter season, which will include new itineraries and ports of call across the fleet.
Similar to the 2024 season, the cruise line will have three ships stationed in the Caribbean and two in the Canary Islands.
One of the highlights is the new Tropical Isles itinerary, which will include first-time visits to Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic, and Ponce in Puerto Rico. Other ports of call on the itinerary will include San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, and Fredericksted.
Another highlight is the Exotic Islands itinerary which will be available on Marella Discovery 2.
This will feature an overnight stay in Willemstad, Curacao, and it has some fantastic options for a cruise & stay holiday, including the Hilton Barbados Resort and Radisson Aquatica.
In the Canary Islands, a particular highlight will be the cruise ‘A New Year’s Dream’ onboard Marella Voyager, which will include the firework display in Madeira to ring in 2026.
By expanding our overnight onboard stay offering in the Curacao and Canary Islands and cruise-and-stay options in the Caribbean and Canary Islands, it will give guests a chance to explore the sights, with a change to stay at our TUI hotels pre- or post-cruise.
Chris Hackney, managing director of Marella Cruises
The new cruises are on sale to guests now.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Most cruise lines have some form of loyalty program, designed to encourage you to rebook with the same cruise line again and again.
Celebrity Cruises also has a second loyalty scheme, specifically for the casino – the Blue Chip Club.
The Blue Chip Club works differently from Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, with different ways of earning points and a lot of (potentially confusing) terms you need to be aware of.
So in this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the Blue Chip Club and what you get in each tier.
Celebrity Blue Chip Club explained
The Celebrity Cruises Blue Chip Club is a rewards program for guests who play in the casino. It is designed to encourage guests to play, offering them several rewards as they progress through the tiers, including benefits for the casino and for the cruise in general.
The only way to earn points for the Blue Chip Club is to spend at the casino onboard your ship, and the more you spend, the higher up the rankings you can climb.
How to join Celebrity Cruises’ Blue Chip Club
All guests who scan their SeaPass when playing games at the casino are automatically signed up for the Blue Chip Club. You don’t need to actively sign up to be enrolled. Any time you use your SeaPass you will accumulate points to your Blue Chip Club account.
Once you’ve completed a cruise and earned at least one point in the Blue Chip Club, your SeaPass on future cruises will display your tier level, immediately after your Captain’s Club membership tier.
To be absolutely clear, the Captain’s Club and Blue Chip Club are not linked. They’re completely separate and you’ll have different membership numbers for each.
The only time you’ll see your tiers together is when printed on your SeaPass.
Blue Chip Club Levels
There are six membership tiers in the Celebrity Cruises Blue Chip Club. The most basic is Pearl, followed by Onyx, Amethyst, Sapphire, Sapphire Plus, and then Ruby.
Each tier comes with different benefits to use on the cruise and in the casino.
Important – Celebrity updated their benefits in July 2024. This means that, from August 2025, there’ll be new benefits. Also the way you earn points was changed, along with the tier point brackets. While it may look great that you now only need 150,000 points to reach Ruby instead of 1 million, it now costs more to earn 1 point).
These are the benefits for anyone who’s already earned points, that they can enjoy through to July 2025:
And here’s a summary of the main benefits from August 2025 onwards:
Pearl
Points required – 1
Pearl is the basic membership tier for the Blue Chip Club. When you are a Pearl member, you’ll get:
The chance to use Redeemable Points for free casino play
Invitations to casino-only events
Complimentary drinks in the casino
Onyx
Points required 500 (was 2,500 previously)
Onyx is the second tier for the Blue Chip Club. As an Onyx member, you get the same perks as a Pearl member, along with:
Waived credit card cash advance fees – withdraw cash using your credit card for use in the casino without the additional fees
Amethyst
Points Required – 5,000 (was 25,000 previously)
Once you reach Amethyst level in the Blue Chip Club, you start to unlock a much longer list of perks. You’ll get everything in the Onyx level, along with:
$200 credit for Effy Boutique
10% off at the spa
30% off Premium WiFi
1 digital photo download
The chance to enjoy an Annual Cruise Benefit (free cruise in an Inside cabin)
The tier’s rewards package has been downgraded – you used to get:
Priority embarkation for your cruise
60 minutes of free internet access per cruise
An unlimited digital photo package for your cruise
Sapphire
Points Required – 15,000 (was 100,000 previously)
As you get to the Sapphire level, your benefits improve significantly once again. You’ll get everything in Amethyst, as well as:
Upgraded Effy Boutique credit of $250 (total)
One free internet package for your cruise (instead of the 30% off – you don’t get both)
15% off spa treatments
2 digital photo downloads
Upgrade to Veranda for your Annual Cruise Benefit
Exclusive cruise rates for friends and family (in additional staterooms)
Blue Chip Club members enjoyed an exclusive whiskey tasting featuring Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and food pairings onboard #CelebrityReflection. Join the Blue Chip Club today for access to special events like this and other benefits: https://t.co/ZdmSChG4zbpic.twitter.com/n9nomQ9x4G
— Celebrity Cruises (@CelebrityCruise) April 9, 2019
Sapphire Plus
Points Required – 75,000 (was 500,000 previously)
Sapphire Plus doesn’t introduce any new perks upon reaching this tier, but a couple do get upgraded:
$350 Effy Boutique credit
Upgrade to Concierge Class for your Annual Cruise Benefit
Ruby is the top tier of the Blue Chip Club. It includes everything in the earlier tiers, but with a large number of additional perks, boosted significantly since July 2024’s update to the programme.
$550 Effy Boutique credit
20% off spa treatments
3 digital photo downloads
Free Premium WiFi for 4 devices
Onboard credit to spend – $50 (3-4 night cruises), $75 (5-6 night cruises), $100 (7+ night cruises)
Unlimited complimentary room service
Welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room
Reserved theatre seating
Priority embarkation
Priority luggage delivery
Priority tender
Express luggage service on debarkation day
Upgrade to Aqua Class for your Annual Cruise Benefit
How Tier Points work
To climb the rankings of the Blue Chip Club, you need to earn Tier Points.
However, you have to do so within an earnings period – once you reach the end of a period, your points are wiped out. Though, you’ll remain at the tier you were at previously, provided you have at least gambled in the casino once.
You earn Tier Points in the following ways:
$5 wagered on slots = 1 Tier Point
$10 wagered on video poker = 1 Tier Points
Table game rewards vary by game and format, and by how long you play.
It’s all about how much you wager, not how much you lose. If you were the luckiest person in the casino, you could wager the same $5 on slot machines, constantly winning it back, and you’d be racking up the Tier Points without losing any money.
In reality, cruise ship casino slots tend to have a fixed payout somewhere around 90%, though it can vary. So you’re pretty much guaranteed to lose out if you continue playing.
With video poker it’s similar, and with table games, it all comes down to your luck and knowledge of the game.
Here’s a guide to how much you must wager to reach each tier for slots or video poker. You can’t predict it with table games anymore, unfortunately. You have to wager this within an earning period, so you usually have a maximum of 12-18 months.
Tier
Slots
Video poker
Pearl
$5
$10
Onyx
$2,500
$5,000
Amethyst
$25,000
$50,000
Sapphire
$75,000
$150,000
Sapphire Plus
$375,000
$750,000
Ruby
$750,000
$1,500,000
Moving between tiers
It’s a little confusing if you’re used to the way the Captain’s Club works, so I’ll work through an example.
Earnings periods typically last for 12-18 months but can be extended. The most recently announced period was for 1st August 2024 until 31st July 2025.
If you have never cruised with Celebrity before, you will become a member at the Pearl level after you earn your first point.
If you then earn 2,500 points before July 2025, you’ll move up to Onyx immediately, and earn those benefits.
However, if you earn only 2,499 points, then you will remain at Pearl, and from August 2025 you’ll have to earn another 2,500 points to reach Onyx.
Now, let’s say you’re in Onyx already before the earning period begins.
If you earn between 1 point and 24,999 points within that earning period, you’re still classed as an active player, and you’ll remain at Onyx level once the earnings period ends.
However, if you don’t gamble on a Celebrity cruise at all in that 12-month window, you’ll be demoted to Pearl.
You can only be demoted by one tier at a time. So if you were Ruby and you took an 12-month break from cruising, you wouldn’t fall all the way to Pearl – just back to Sapphire Plus.
How Redeemable Points work
Redeemable Points are separate from Tier Points in the Blue Chip Club, but they are earned in a similar way. Redeemable Points are points that you can earn and then ‘spend’ on a cruise to claim rewards.
You earn Redeemable Points slower than you would Tier Points, and you don’t earn them for playing table games. Also these aren’t transferable across cruises.
The values are:
$5 wagered on slots = 1 Redeemable Point
$10 wagered on video poker = 2 Redeemable Points
You can trade Redeemable Points for various goods and services mainly in the casino, including free slot plays or promotional chips for table play. You can redeem 50 points for $1 of free play, though there’s a minimum redemption of $5.
So once you’ve wagered $1,250 on slots, you’ll have earned 250 Redeemable Points, which you can then trade in for a free $5 slot machine credit.
It might not sound like much – a free $5 in exchange for having wagered $1,250 – but it’s free.
How to get a free cruise with Casino Points
While you can earn free cruises with the Blue Chip Club, it’s not something you can redeem with a set number of points.
Instead, once you reach Amtheyst level, you be eligible for an Annual Cruise Benefit, which can include either discounted fares or the offer of free cruises.
Celebrity Cruises will contact you, typically via mail or email, and offer you a selection of options. Bear in mind that you’ll still have to pay port fees and taxes even on a free cruise.
The offers you’re given will be based on how much you play in the casino, so they’re loosely tied to your points, but basically, the more you play, the more likely Celebrity Cruises will be to offer you a free cruise.
How To Contact the Blue Chip Club on Celebrity Cruises
If you need to contact the Blue Chip Club on Celebrity Cruises, you can email [email protected].
If you live in the US or you don’t mind dialling internationally, you can also call +1 866-461-7170 from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm EST.
The cruise line’s website does say that they are in the process of developing a web portal to let guests check their tier, but they expect it to be live “by the end of 2018”. So it’s a little overdue to say the least…
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
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Can you use Blue Chip Club benefits in Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale?
Currently, you can’t use any Blue Chip Club benefits in the casino on Royal Caribbean ships, though the cruise lines have said that they are open to exploring this in future. Currently, the benefits in Royal Caribbean’s casinos and Celebrity Cruises’ casinos remain separate.
Final word
I’ll be honest, Celebrity’s information around the Blue Chip Club is a little sparse, and the information they do have can be a little dated.
I even spoke to the cruise line to clarify a couple of points in this post and their response included phrases like “I believe” and “it seems”, so I’m not sure the customer service team were 100% confident in the answers!
Still, this guide should clear it up for you, and so if you do want to use the casino when you’re on a Celebrity cruise, you now know that extra perks and benefits you can earn, and how to do so.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Celebrity Cruises has revealed changes to its Blue Chip Club, the rewards programme for guests who use the casino.
The cruise line has also apologised after its initial email to customers was unclear, making it seem that changes were being made immediately.
“Yesterday, we announced some changes to the Celebrity Blue Chip Club program. The feedback we received from you in the last 24 hours made it clear that we did not roll out these changes the way we should have… We are very sorry for the stress this may have caused you and would like to share how we are addressing this“
Celebrity Cruises’ email to guests
Instead, the rewards changes will come into effect in August 2025.
The changes are quite significant, with the biggest one being the removal of drinks packages from the rewards tiers.
Packages have been replaced with complimentary drinks in the casino only – once the new rewards kick in, guests will have to buy their own drinks when they aren’t gambling.
Other changes include free play credit being altered, a downgrade in WiFi reward for all except Ruby guests, and a downgrade in digital photography rewards.
However, new reards have been added, including new credit to spend in the onboard Effy Boutique, spa discounts, and exclusive rates for family members.
Ruby-tier members will also enjoy several new benefits, including unlimited complimentary room service, priority luggage delivery, onboard credit, a welcome lunch on the ship, and reserved theatre seating.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A family that missed their all-aboard time during a cruise to Alaska was charged almost $9,000 by Norwegian Cruise Line due to the incident.
The charge was for fees incurred by the family for violating US Customs and Border Protection policies, and was for $971 per person. The family of 9 had missed the return time while in Ketchikan.
The family was forced to pay the fee, but NCL did later confirm that it would refund the charge and that it was also refunding other out-of-pocket expenses for the family. As a gesture of goodwill, the family also received a 20% discount on a future cruise.
That’s despite the fact that the cruise line was not at fault for the family missing the ship, but instead it was the fault of a local tour company.
The family had used the operator to see a lumberjack show, but then when they tried to use the company’s bus to return to the port, they were told it was full and to wait for another.
The company never sent another bus, and so the family had to urgently contact the cruise line and the port authority who did send a van, but it was too late.
Apparently, the tour operator was not checking who had booked with the ship, and so was allowing anyone onto the bus.
While most of the family were given their passports back, one had been left on the ship and so the family couldn’t travel to meet the ship in the next port of call.
They eventually managed to get home, although they said they had issues with cancelled flights and had to travel via various cities.
NCL claims that they were able to help the family make their travel arrangements so that they could get home.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Here are some important and unusual cruise tips you might not find on any other list. Cruise lines won’t tell you these.
Unusual Cruise Tips
A good travel agent might but it would not be negligent of them to keep these tips to themselves. Only the most trusted of friends will let you in on these tips, if they know about them.
Be careful flossing
Or just skip it unless you’re on a really long cruise. Either that or bring along an emergency dental care kit if you have anything other than original teeth in your head. Crowns, bridgework, fillings, all love to jump out of your mouth at sea. Yes, the ship’s medical center can help but do see #3 below for more information.
It is going to cost more than you thought
This is nothing to be scared of but to say a cruise is “all-inclusive” is stretching it a bit. While we have done cruises and not spent any money onboard (one cruise and it was tough) We have also spent more on ‘extras’ than the cruise fare. Passing up onboard spending can mean losing out on some rich experiences through shore excursions, spa treatments and other optional elements.
Travel Insurance Reimburses You
Nobody mentions this and while it is in the written details of your policy a trip to the medical center is going to cost you up front, then reimbursed later. Be sure to get receipts, the names of those providing assistance and keep a journal of your experience. Travel insurance is almost always secondary coverage. That’s also good to know if considering the travel protection provided by your credit card, when it is used to buy travel; also secondary coverage.
Some Extras Are Hard To Avoid
The big one is “gratuities” which are conveniently charged to passenger onboard accounts every day, for their convenience. This can be a good thing if that’s what you want to have happen. In fact, on many lines you can pre-pay this amount before boarding. If you think that a gratuity is a show of appreciation for a job well done, think again. These things go on your bill automatically which kind of spoils the fun of it all.
Behave, You Can Get Kicked Off The Ship
Cruise lines, more specifically, the Captain (aka “master of the vessel”) have the right to put you off the ship at the next port without a refund or way back home if you misbehave. That could mean something as innocent as an argument with a fellow gambler in the casino. Fact check: ‘walking the plank’ never was an option on a cruise vacation.
Kids Can buy Booze
If they try hard enough, your teenage children can find a way to get it on the ship. One popular method is paying double price for a bucket of beer, in cash, to an adult looking for slot-machine money. Another is buying it ashore in Mexico where the legal drinking age is “whoever has money” then sneak it back on the ship, also easy to do. My simple rule when we had teens “Don’t do anything that would require me to talk to security or identify your body” That aside, a cruise truly does have something for everyone; even angst-filled teens.
The Critical First Night Kids Meeting
This is critical, especially with those teens. The first night decides the social order and defines who hangs out with who in supplement to any informal hookups they may have made up to that point. Missing this important social opportunity dooms your kids to being outsiders and robs them of the chance to be cool; akin to losing a limb for adults.
Actually, Any Cruise Can Be A Booze Cruise
While we’re on the subject, short cruise sailings have a bad rap for being the binge-drinkers itinerary of choice. I’ve seen those same sloppy drunks on just about every ship I have ever sailed on. One cruise line is not necessarily better than another in this area.
Tell The Captain “Thank You”
You will hear him referred to as “the Master of the vessel” and that is exactly what he is; the top dog. If you see him walking about the ship, make eye contact and if the opportunity presents itself, shake his hand and thank him for the marvelous ship you are sailing on.
It’s Tempting But Don’t Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
Using vacuum systems to dispose of human waste is a bit tricky. Think of going to the drive-in bank teller and the vacuum tubes used to collect and give money. It’s basically the same system on a cruise ship and only toilet paper made especially for use with the system will do. Unfortunately, this toilet paper is not part of the Charmin Ultra Soft Boutique Collection. Bringing your own might seem like a good idea until you get the bill for repairing the toilet system you broke.
Plan Your Trip?
Need help planning a trip? Check out these helpful links:
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Flying can sometimes be a stressful experience, with long lines, security checks, and the rush to make your flight on time. However, a simple yet often overlooked way to enhance your journey is to be nice to the airplane personnel. A friendly attitude not only makes their job easier but can also significantly improve your own travel experience. In this article, we’ll explore how courteous behavior can lead to a more pleasant flight and what to do if you encounter issues like delays, including information on flight compensation.
Imagine boarding a plane where everyone is stressed and tensions are high. Now imagine the same scenario, but this time, every interaction you have with the flight crew is met with a smile and a kind word. The difference is palpable. Being friendly to airplane personnel—be it the check-in agents, flight attendants, or pilots—can transform your journey from ordinary to exceptional. Not only does it foster a positive environment, but it can also lead to unexpected perks and better overall service.
The Power of Politeness
Airport
When you approach the check-in counter or board the plane, a friendly greeting can set the tone for the entire flight. Flight personnel deal with hundreds of passengers daily, and a kind word or a smile can make a significant impact. Flight attendants are more likely to go the extra mile for polite and respectful passengers. Kindness can result in better service, whether it’s an extra blanket, a second drink, or assistance with a special request. A courteous passenger contributes to a more positive atmosphere on the plane. This not only benefits you but also your fellow travelers. A happier crew can lead to a more pleasant flight for everyone.
Handling Flight Delays and Issues
Airport
Despite your best efforts to maintain a positive attitude, flight delays and cancellations can still occur. Here’s how to stay courteous and handle these situations effectively. It’s easy to become frustrated during delays, but staying calm and polite can make the situation more manageable. Airline staff are more likely to assist you promptly and efficiently if you remain composed. Familiarize yourself with your rights regarding flight compensation. Under EU regulations, you may be entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed by more than three hours or canceled. Depending on the flight distance and delay duration, this can range from €250 to €600.
Use Tools Like the Ryanair Compensation Calculator. If you’re flying with Ryanair and experience a delay, use the Ryanair compensation calculator on their website. This tool helps you determine the compensation you’re eligible for quickly and easily.
Being nice to airplane personnel can significantly enhance your flight experience. A little kindness goes a long way in creating a positive and pleasant journey for yourself and others. While delays and cancellations are sometimes unavoidable, handling these situations gracefully and understanding can make a world of difference. Remember, knowing your rights and utilizing tools like the flight compensation calculator ensures you are well-prepared to address any issues. By fostering a friendly and courteous attitude, you improve your travel experience and contribute to a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone onboard.
Royal Caribbean currently has an extensive collection of ships that can vary from the largest in the World to much smaller in comparison. Size does matter when comparing cruise ships, as the ship is similar to a floating resort at sea. So, the choice of amenities, ambiance, entertainment, and public space can vary by the ship’s overall size.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Size
We have compiled this list of Royal Caribbean ships by size to compare the entire fleet. This can be very helpful in familiarizing yourself with Royal Caribbean’s different ships by size, age, amenities, and total guest capacity. Cruise ship innovation has caused ship size to evolve rapidly in recent years, so we hope this comparison chart will help you.
Below is a list of all Royal Caribbean ships by size, ordered from largest to smallest in terms of volume (in gross tonnage) and length (in feet).
What are the biggest Royal Caribbean ships?
Ship Name
Total Guest Capacity
GRTs
Icon of the Seas
7,600
250,800
Utopia of the Seas
6,988
236,860
Wonder of the Seas
7,084
235,600
Symphony of the Seas
6,680
228,081
Harmony of the Seas
6,687
226,963
Allure of the Seas
6,780
225,282
Oasis of the Seas
6,780
225,282
Odyssey of the Seas
4,819
169,379
Spectrum of the Seas
5,622
169,379
Anthem of the Seas
4,905
168,666
Ovation of the Seas
4,905
168,666
Quantum of the Seas
4,905
168,666
Independence of the Seas
4,560
154,407
Liberty of the Seas
4,960
154,407
Freedom of the Seas
4,515
154,407
Navigator of the Seas
4,000
139,999
Mariner of the Seas
4,000
139,863
Explorer of the Seas
4,290
137,308
Adventure of the Seas
3,807
137,276
Voyager of the Seas
4,269
137,276
Brilliance of the Seas
2,543
90,090
Jewel of the Seas
2,702
90,090
Radiance of the Seas
2,466
90,090
Serenade of the Seas
2,476
90,090
Enchantment of the Seas
2,730
82,910
Rhapsody of the Seas
2,416
78,491
Vision of the Seas
2,514
78,340
Grandeur of the Seas
2,440
73,817
Royal Caribbean Ships By Size
List of Royal Caribbean Ships By Size
Here is a complete list of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships by size. We hope this list will help you, as the cruise line has ships that can vary in size from 73,000 gross tons (Vision Class), to the Icon class that are 250,000+ gross tons.
Here is every cruise ship with Royal Caribbean currently and planned to be delivered in the fleet, sorted by size from largest to smallest in terms of volume (in gross tonnage) and length (in feet).
Here, every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:
Icon of the Seas (250,800 GRTs)
Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the Icon Class and is 250,800 GT’s. She carries5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of6,826. The 20 deck ship is currently under construction and is scheduled to take her maiden voyage from Miami in January 2024.
Utopia of the Seas (236,860 GRTs)
Utopiaof the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class ship with 236,860 GT’s. She carries 5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 6,826. She is also the first LNG-powered Oasis Class Ship. The 18-deck ship took her maiden voyage in July of 2024.
Wonder of the Seas (235,600 GRTs)
Wonder of the Seas is the fifth ship in the famous Oasis Class and is 235,600 GT’s. She carries 5,734 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 7,084. Wonder of the Seas is the first ship in the Oasis Class to feature eight neighborhoods with the addition of the new Suite Neighborhood. She also received other design enhancements to the Windjammer Café and other areas, and she was the first ship to include the popular restaurant, The Mason Jar.
Symphony of the Seas (228,081 GRTs)
Symphony of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Oasis Class and is 228,081 GT’s. She carries5,518 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of6,680. The 18-deck ship includes seven neighborhoods and the Ultimate Family Suite. You can also take a ride of the Ultimate Abyss, which is a 10-story dry slide.
Harmony of the Seas (226,963 GRTs)
Harmony of the Seas is the third ship in the Oasis Class and is 226,963 GT’s. She carries5,479 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of6,687. The 18-deck ship took her maiden voyage on May 29, 2016.
Allure of the Seas (225,282 GRTs)
Allureof the Seas is the second ship in the Oasis Class and is 226,963 GT’s. She carries5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of6,826. The 18-deck ship took her maiden voyage on December 5, 2010.
Oasis of the Seas (225,282 GRTs)
Oasisof the Seas is the first ship in the Oasis Class and is 226,838 GT’s. She carries5,602 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of6,771. The ship features seven neighborhoods and highlights like the Portside BBQ, Ultimate Panoramic Suite, Music Hall, Ultimate Abyss (10-story dry slide), The Perfect Storm waterpark and more.
Odyssey of the Seas (169,379 GRTs)
Odyssey of the Seas is a 16-deck ship which offers exciting features like the North Star, Seaplex, and a Bionic Bar. The ship’s godmother is Erin Brown. Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth ship in the popular Quantum Class and is 169,000 GT’s. She carries 4,198 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 5,498.
Spectrum of the Seas (169,379 GRTs)
Spectrum of the Seas is the first ship in the Quantum Ultra Class and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries4,246 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 5,622. This 16-deck ship was specifically designed for the Chinese market. You will also find popular features like the North Star, Seaplex, and a Bionic Bar.
Anthem of the Seas (168,666 GRTs)
Anthem of the Seas is the second ship in the Quantum Class and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries4,180 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 4,905. With 16 ship decks, she took her maiden voyage on April 22, 2015.
Ovation of the Seas (168,666 GRTs)
Ovation of the Seashad her maiden voyage on April 17, 2016. Ovation of the Seas is the third ship in the Quantum Class and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries 4,180 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of4,905.
Quantum of the Seas (168,666 GRTs)
Quantum of the Seas is the first ship in the Quantum Class and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries4,180 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 4,905. With 16 decks, this new class of ship is packed with amazing features like the North Star, Seaplex (Bumper Cars), Ripcord by IFLY, Bionic Bar and much more.
Freedom of the Seas (154,407 GRTs)
Freedom of the Seas is the first ship in the Freedom Class and is 156,271 GT’s. She carries 3,926 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of4,635. She took her maiden voyage on May 11, 2006.
Independence of the Seas (154,407 GRTs)
Independence of the Seas is the third ship in the Freedom Class, with 154,407 GTs. She carries 3,634 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 4,375. She took her maiden voyage on May 2, 2008.
Liberty of the Seas (154,407 GRTs)
Liberty of the Seas is the second ship in the Freedom Class, with 154,407 GTs. She carries 3,798 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 4,960. She took her maiden voyage on May 19, 2007.
Navigator of the Seas(139,999 GRTs)
Navigator of the Seas is the third ship in the Voyager Class and is 137,276 GT’s. She carries 3,114 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of3,807. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 18, 2001.
Mariner of the Seas (139,863 GRTs)
Mariner of the Seas is the third ship in the Voyager Class and is 138,279 GT’s. She carries 3,114 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of3,807. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 16, 2003.
Explorer of the Seas (137,308 GRTs)
Explorer of the Seas is the second ship in the Voyager Class and is 137,308 GT’s. She carries 3,286 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of4,290. The 15 deck ship, along with an international crew of 1,185 and passengers took her maiden voyage on October 28, 2000.
Adventure of the Seas (137,276 GRTs)
Adventure of the Seas is the third ship in the Voyager Class and is 137,276 GT’s. She carries 3,114 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of3,807. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 18, 2001.
Voyager of the Seas (137,276 GRTs)
Voyagerof the Seas is the first ship in the Voyager Class and is 137,276 GT’s. She carries 3,602 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of4,000. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 21, 1999.
Brilliance of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)
Brilliance of the Seas is the second ship in the Radiance Class and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,142 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of2,543. She took her maiden voyage on July 15, 2002.
Jewel of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)
Jewel of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Radiance Class and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,191 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 2,702. She took her maiden voyage on May 8, 2004.
Radiance of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)
Radiance of the Seas is the first ship in the Radiance Class and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,143 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of2,466.
Serenade of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)
Serenade of the Seas is the third ship in the popular Radiance Class and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,143 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 2,476. She took her maiden voyage on August 25, 2003.
Enchantment of the Seas (82,910 GRTs)
Enchantment of the Seas is the third ship in the Vision Class and is 82,910 GT’s. The ship was built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, Helsinki, Finland. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on July 13, 1997. This ship is unique since it was lengthened by 73 feet in June 2005 with a new section inserted in her mid-section. The result is a very unique look and greater size than her sisters. She carries2,252 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of2,730.
Rhapsody of the Seas (78,491 GRTs)
Rhapsody of the Seas is the second ship in the Vision Class and is 73,817 GT’s. The ship was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France. She carries1,998 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 2,416. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on May 19, 1997.
Vision of the Seas (78,340 GRTs)
Vision of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Vision Class and is 73,817 GT’s. The ship was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France. She carries1,998 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of2,416. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on May 2, 1998.
Grandeur of the Seas (73,817 GRTs)
Grandeur of the Seas is the first ship in the Vision Class and is 73,817 GT’s. She carries1,992 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of2,440. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on December 14, 1996.
List of Royal Caribbean ship classes by size
Class
Average Gross Tonnage
Icon
250,800
Oasis
228,000
Quantum Ultra
169,300
Quantum
168,600
Freedom
154,000
Voyager
138,000
Radiance
90,000
Vision
78,000
Royal Caribbean ship classes
The Biggest Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean makes the biggest cruise ships in the world and so many people want to know what is the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for over 50 years. Each new class of ship has been considered an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences. Royal Caribbean currently makes the biggest cruise ships in the world. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection.
Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s largest ship is the Icon of the Seas. This is the biggest cruise ship in the world and the first of the Icon class of ships. The Icon of the Seas’ tonnage is five times that of the Titanic. The ship is 1,198 feet long and features 20 decks, with a capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew.
Are the bigger ships better than the smaller ships?
When it comes to deciding between Royal Caribbean ships, size does matter. While the larger ships may offer more amenities and activities, the smaller vessels can be just as exciting. Large and small ships offer an array of features that will keep guests entertained during their voyage, depending on what they are looking for in a cruise experience.
This ultimately comes down to personal preference and the cruise you are taking. For example, a family Caribbean cruise with kids will likely want a complete waterpark and many pools. At the same time, an adult-only cruise to Alaska might be more about the destination and less about the extensive ship amenities.
What new Royal Caribbean ships are coming?
Icon of the Seas is the first in the new building in the Icon class. She will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship for Royal Caribbean and is scheduled to debut in January of 2024 as the largest cruise ship ever built.
Utopia of the Seas will be the sixth Oasis-class cruise ship. She will also be the first LNG-powered Oasis class ship. She is scheduled to debut in the Spring of 2024.
Royal Caribbean also has two more Icon class cruise ships on order, with deliveries expected in 2025 and 2026.
List of Royal Caribbean ships on order
Ship Name
Class
Year
Gross Tonnage
Star of the Seas
Icon
2025
250,800+
To be announced
Icon
2026
250,800+
Plan Your Trip?
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Royal Caribbean Ship Size Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship?
Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship and began service on March 4, 2022. She is the fifth ship in the popular Oasis Class and is 235,600 GT’s
What is the oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet?
Grandeur of the Seas is currently the oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. She began service on December 14, 1996. She was the first popular Vision Class.
What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?
Grandeur of the Seas is currently the smallest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, coming in at 73,817 GRTs.
What does gross Tonnage (GTs) or gross registered tonnage (GRT) mean?
Let us help explain this to you. The measurement of Gross register tonnage (GRT, grt, g.r.t., gt) or gross registered tonnage, is a ship’s total internal volume expressed in “register tons”, each of which is equal to 100 cubic feet (2.83 m3). Replaced by Gross Tonnage (GT), gross register tonnage uses the total permanently enclosed capacity of the vessel as its basis for volume.
Typically, this is used for dockage fees, canal transit fees, and similar purposes where it is appropriate to charge based on the size of the entire vessel. Internationally, GRT may be abbreviated as BRT for the German “Bruttoregistertonne“.
What are the largest Royal Caribbean ships?
The largest Royal Caribbean ships are part of the Oasis class, including the Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.
How does the fleet of Royal Caribbean International compare to other cruise lines?
Royal Caribbean International has one of the largest fleets in the cruise industry, offering a wide range of ships catering to different preferences and travel experiences.
What are some characteristics of the Vision class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet?
A: The Vision class ships are known for their mid-size and intimate ambiance, offering a more personalized cruise experience with distinct amenities and entertainment options.
Which class of ships does the Voyager class belong to in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?
A: The Voyager class is a prominent class in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It features ships like Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas, which are known for their innovative amenities and passenger capacity.
What is the significance of the Icon class in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?
The Icon class represents the next generation of Royal Caribbean ships, designed to be environmentally friendly and technologically advanced, setting new standards for the cruise industry. The first ship of this class is expected to debut in 2022.
How does the ship size of the Radiance class compare to other classes in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?
The Radiance class ships are mid-sized and offer a more intimate cruising experience while still providing passengers with various amenities and entertainment options.
What are some notable features of the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ships?
The largest Royal Caribbean cruise ships, such as those in the Oasis class, offer various activities, dining options, and entertainment venues, providing a resort-like experience at sea.
Can you provide a size comparison of the older ships and the new cruise ships on order in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?
The older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet are generally smaller than the new cruise ships on order, which are often larger and equipped with the latest innovations in cruise ship design.
What distinguishes the Oasis-class ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?
The Oasis-class ships are the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. They are known for their groundbreaking amenities, diverse dining options, and expansive onboard features, setting them apart as mega-ships in the cruise industry.
Who founded Royal Caribbean and its fleet of ships?
Arne Wilhelmsen founded Royal Caribbean. Since its inception, the company has expanded its fleet to include some of the industry’s most significant and most innovative cruise vessels.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a small change to its perks for the VIFP loyalty programme, giving guests more flexibility on when they can enjoy a specific perk.
Guests in the Gold, Platinum and Diamond rankings are currently entitled to a free drink during their cruise, but only at limited times.
Gold members used to get their appreciation drink (on cruises of 5 days or more) on the last evening of the cruise after 5pm, while Platinum and Diamond guests would get a complimentary cocktail during the SeaDay brunch only.
As of 20th July, that’s changing, and guests will be able to enjoy their free drink at any time of the day, on any day of their cruise.
The same rules apply regarding a minimum of 5 days for the cruise – guests on shorter cruises won’t get the free drink.
But the change – announced by John Heald in a live stream on his Facebook page and later shared to his fans via the page itself – should be welcomed by Carnival guests who can now enjoy their free drink at a time that suits them.
Wider changes to the VIFP loyalty programme are still expected later this year.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has warned that cruise lines may decide to boycott popular ports in Spain due to the ongoing protests in the country against tourists.
Many Spanish residents have been protesting against tourists, claiming that the industry drives up prices for those living in the country and makes it unaffordable to live in central areas of major cities.
The protests have been very strong in destinations like Barcelona, where some visitors have even reported being sprayed by water or hit by debris during protests where residents are holding placards that say “Tourists go home”.
Mallorca is another popular cruise destination where protests have taken place, including beach blockades.
And the Canary Islands residents often claim that tourist numbers are larger than those living on the island, meaning problems with traffic and overall quality of life for permanent residents.
CLIA’s European director has claimed that the behaviour of some protestors is harming the reputation of the country and that cruise itineraries may change if things don’t improve.
“Tourism-phobia is not only a problem in Spain, but also in France and other Mediterranean countries, but visitors are increasingly sensitive and the scenes that have been seen in places like Barcelona have an impact on the reputation of the destination”
CLIA’s European director, Marie Caroline Laurent
Destinations are already making moves to limit the number of cruise ship visits per day, in a bid to appease protestors.
But there is resistance toward an outright ban, with the Spanish government pointing out how beneficial the cruise tourism industry is for the economy.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
