Diplomacy

While cruise lines offer some great tips for your next cruise, there are some things that they hope you will ignore while you are on the ship.  Yes, they want you to have a great time and to go home and tell your family and friends about your cruise. However, they are also need to make a profit.

Here are a few things that cruise lines want you to ignore.  While these are not secrets, they are often overlooked.

Casinos

Slot machines at your local casino (if you live in an area that has them) are under watch of the state gaming commission of the state where they are located in.  They will have a minimum payout percentage and can not go below it (on average). In Nevada, it’s 75%. In New Jersey, it’s 83%.

Since cruise ships are flagged in foreign countries, they are not under the authority of the gaming commissions in the states and do not have to release the payout percentages of the slot machines.  

However, according to the ICCL (International Council of Cruise Lines), slot machines on cruise ships are called to “meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdiction for payback and internal software.”

The slot machines on cruise ships always seem to be tighter than you will find in the casinos in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.  

While no one except the cruise lines knows the exact payout percentages, do not expect them to be as loose as the slot machines that you are used to playing. Yes, some will win big, but most passengers will lose.

Shopping

On every cruise, there are “shopping highlight shows” where the cruise director and a shopping consultant will talk about each port and tell you about different stores and shops.

Some of these will include familiar names such as Diamonds International, Cariloha, etc. Many of these stores will even offer something free (bamboo necklace, charm bracelet) to get you to stop by.

The stores and shops that are being promoted by the cruise lines are not places they feel are of good value, but rather they are only promoting them because they are getting paid to do so.   These stores pay the cruise lines commission to promote them and to get you to shop there.

Don’t be afraid to shop at a store that isn’t “recommended” by the cruise line.  Many times you can find better deals that these other shops since they do not have the overhead of paying commission to the cruise lines.

Years ago, cruise directors used to go around to stores and collect an envelope with cash in it. This was their payment for promoting them.

I was recently on a cruise in Alaska and saw a store that had a sign that said, “Our prices are cheaper because we don’t give a kick back to cruise lines”. 

Also, don’t be afraid to barter to get a better deal.  Some of the best deals I got are when I said “no thanks” and took my first step towards the door.

However, it can be worth it to attend the shopping talks since they often give away free things at them.  Try to remember to sit up front since they like to throw things (shirts, necklaces etc.) to the audience and they normally don’t throw very far.

Huge Discounted Cruise Rates

You many have seen advertisements for cruises that are “80% off the brochure prices”. Are those cruises really that good of a deal?

First off, no one pays “brochure prices” for a cruise. The “brochure price” is a highly marked up price to make you think you are getting a better deal that you are actually receiving.  

I once saw that the “brochure price” for a four night cruise to the Bahamas was starting at $799 a person for an inside cabin. Four night cruises to the Bahamas usually start around $199-$399 (depending on the time of year) per person for cruises on Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean.

Anytime you see an advertisement for the “brochure price” for a cruise, ignore it. It is merely a marketing tool to get you to book a cruise because you think you are getting an amazing deal.

This also applies to BOGO and rates advertised as 60-75% off cruise fares. Always ignore the percentage off they are offering and just concentrate on the total price of the curise.

Cruise Line Credit Cards

Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and other major cruise lines all offer branded credit cards that help you build up points to save on your next cruise booking or for onboard credit. A few of the cards offered are:

• Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Card
• Carnival World MasterCard
• Norwegian’s World MasterCard
• Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card
• Holland America Line Rewards Visa Card
• Disney Visa

Pretty much all of these credit cards offer no annual fee, 1 point per dollar spent, and double or triple points on purchases with that cruise line. Doesn’t that sound like a great deal?  Use your credit card and earn money off of your next cruise. While it sounds like a great deal, the credit cards are really not all that special.

You can only use the points towards each specific cruise line. If you have the Carnival World MasterCard and want to book a cruise on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you can’t use your points for it.

Instead of getting one of the cruise line’s branded credit cards, you will be better off with cash back credit card that can be anywhere from 1.5-5% back.

Take for instance the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card that has no annual fee. They offer 2% cash back on every single purchase.

If you were to put $15,000 on a cruise line credit card, you would earn $150 in onboard credit. If you were to put the same charges on the Wells Fargo or a similar card, you’d have $300 cash. Which would you rather have, $150 in OBC or $300 cash?

I have a few friends who have a cruise line branded card but no longer use it because the rewards just aren’t worth it anymore compared to other credit cards.

A travel insurance company has introduced new cruise insurance that offers compensation for missed ports and itinerary changes due to weather or mechanical problems.

Seven Corners has launched a new insurance that is designed for U.S. residents taking cruises that are 30 days or less. It covers cruises all around the world and offers more benefits that insurance offered by cruise lines.

In addition to standard travel insurance coverage, it offers the following four extra benefits for cruisers:

• Missed Tour or Cruise Connection
• Cruise Diversions
• Cruise Disablements
• Itinerary Changes

Missed Tour or Cruise Connection covers unused nonrefundable deposits and additional transportation, lodging, and meal costs if a delay of at least three hours due to a covered reason causes you to miss your cruise departure.

Cruise Diversion provides compensation if you miss a port stop on your cruise due to weather, natural disaster or mechanical breakdown.

Cruise Disablement provides compensation if you are confined for more than 24 hours on a cruise ship without power, food, water or restroom facilities.

Lastly, Itinerary Change covers unused nonrefundable expenses for activities or events if your cruise line or travel supplier eliminates a destination from your itinerary or changes your trip itinerary in a way that prevents you from participating in that event or activity.

Jeremy Murchland, President of Seven Corners, gave the following statement about their new cruise insurance:

“Seven Corners Cruise Insurance gives travelers more opportunity than ever to travel with peace of mind. Any of our plans can provide more coverage than what you might find if you purchased protection directly from a cruise line, but our Cruise Insurance takes even that to a new level.”

“Savvy travelers know that the unexpected can happen before you leave port, while you’re on the ship or even on your way home. With this trip protection, you’re covered at every point. I see this as an important step in Seven Corners’ ability to empower more people to travel and travel well.”

To see a complete list of everything that this new cruise insurance covers, you can visit the company’s cruise page here.

They also offer commitment-free quotes for those who are looking to purchase travel insurance for upcoming cruises.

A new mega cruise ship that will debut in Miami in 2025 will have a 10,000 square foot kids club with LEGO themed activities.

MSC World America will be one of the top 10 largest cruise ships in the world when it debuts in the spring of 2025. The ship will homeport in Miami where MSC Cruises is currently building the largest cruise terminal in North America.

The cruise line recently announced new features on the ship that include a 10,000 square foot kids club and LEGO themed activities that include parades and family game shows.

Here is a look at what families can look forward to when MSC World America debuts next year.

SportPlex

The MSC Sportplex will have everything from bumper cars, football, basketball, tennis, zorb ball sessions, pickleball and hoverboards.

It will also host Drone Academy, a lively and high-tech drone relay race that will come to life at night through light effects and glowing drones.

Star Shooters will also take place in the Sportplex. It will be an adventure course where guests can hit and rack up points for a win.

LEGO Activities

MSC World America will be the first cruise ship to have a LEGO Family Game Show. Parents and children can work together in team challenges to see who is the true Master Builders on the cruise.

Once per cruise, there will be a LEGO parade with LEGO characters that will march through the ship from Family Adventura to the World Promenade.

The LEGO Family Zone is where parents and children can play together.

Largest Doremiland

MSC World America will have the largest Doremiland in the fleet at 10,000 square feet.  It will have seven dedicated rooms for age groups 0 to 17 years old.

The Kids’ Clubs will be open from 9 am until midnight each day of the cruise.

Doremix Family Disco

A place where parents and children can dance together to hit music or original MSC Cruises songs for children.

The Harbour

The Harbour will be an outdoor park for families that will have everything from activities to places to eat. While MSC Cruises has not given a lot of details about this new space yet, it will have a ropes course and a new state-of-the-art Chiffhanger attraction.

It will also feature the iconic lighthouse found on Ocean Cay that will be located in a playground.

Steve Leatham, Head of Entertainment for MSC Cruises, gave the following statement about this new cruise ship:

“We set ourselves the goal to create the most exceptional kids and family offering at sea with MSC World America. Our aim is to give our younger guests the freedom to express their creativity, play, socialize and explore with amazing spaces and programs that have to be seen to be believed.”

MSC World America will debut in the spring of 2025 and offer cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas from Miami.  You can view cruises and prices for MSC World America here.

Cruises are a great way to maximize your vacation funds. Oftentimes, you can book a cruise for far less than a land vacation. A wide variety of food and drinks are included, some activities, and your accommodations for the duration of the trip. 

While cruises are an effective way to stay within a budget, there are hidden costs along the way.

Through trial and error, I have discovered several things that can be excluded and still provide a wonderful vacation. 

Here are the 8 things I skipped on my cruise to save money: 

1. Beverage Package

While a beverage package can be tempting, it’s not necessary. Many cruise lines offer a “soda package” and an “alcoholic beverage package”. These packages can be purchased ahead of your cruise or at the beginning of the trip.

Each package typically gives you a maximum amount of beverages that can be purchased per day.

While this sounds convenient, it can add a hefty price tag to your cruise. I would recommend budgeting a particular amount each day to beverages or limit yourself to drinks after dinner. 

2. Shore Excursions

While many will disagree, I tend to stay away from shore excursions. This may be due to the larger number of cruises I have been on, but I prefer a relaxing day in port.

If you are unsure of the port area, do a little research or attend the cruise line-held informational talk before arrival. 

Many ports have beaches nearby or attractions that are only a short distance away. You can save lots of cash by planning ahead and paying those lower entrance fees yourselves.

Team up with other cruises to make cab fares even lower. 

Read more: 10 most overrated cruise shore excursions

3. Premium Dining

Premium dining is great for special occasions or first-timers. Otherwise, I am perfectly happy with the included dining on most cruises.

Many ships offer a more luxe dining option that will incur additional fees to your cruise bill. Some of these meals will provide a higher quality meat, larger portions or specialty menus. 

If you insist on paying the extra charge for a Steakhouse onboard, rest assured it will be delicious and worth every single penny. 

4. Photo Credit

Before your cruise departs, you will probably peruse the company website and prepare for any possible situation.

One of the options you may come by is photo credit. You can purchase photo credits that will be assigned to your folio or account onboard. I’ve known of people who will add hundreds of dollars of photo credits at a time. Why? In the name of budgeting, I suppose. 

I am quite picky about photos. I would prefer to purchase each photo a la carte, if I find one I am happy with. While some cruise photos are great, many are not. Choose which photos you love and purchase them if you really want to add them to your collection. 

5. Bingo

While bingo is fun, it can be very pricey on a cruise ship. Before the bingo session begins, cruise staff will do their best to sell you a package of cards (and a dauber, if you do not bring one yourself). 

Sometimes, a large jackpot is advertised, but that comes with restrictions. The entire bingo card needs to be covered in a certain amount of numbers called or less.

Personally, I’d rather spend my money in the casino so that I can at least enjoy the sounds of the slot machines. 

6. Balcony Stateroom

I absolutely love a balcony stateroom. The views are gorgeous and many balcony cabins provide a bit of extra space. If it’s not within my current budget, I’ll opt for an interior cabin. Literally hundreds of dollars can be saved by booking a room without a view. 

This may not be a popular suggestion for some, but I would rather skip the balcony and still be on the cruise ship for a week of fun in the sun. 

Read more: True cost different between a balcony and interior stateroom

7. Spa Treatments

Most cruise lines offer a full selection of spa treatments and salon services. Many newer ships have spas that include thermal suites. These can offer additional, premium options such as hot and cold treatments, infrared saunas, and aromatherapy baths. 

These spa treatments almost always come with a hefty price tag. Pampering and relaxation are the perfect way to spend a day, but can be booked far cheaper on land.  

8. Discounted Jewelry

No doubt you have noticed the seemingly endless advertisements for discounted jewelry on cruise ships. You might find a good deal on occasion, but trusting your hard-earned money to your local jeweler will leave you happier and more satisfied. 

The “Inch of Gold” is one area I would particularly stay away from. The “plating” on this material is hardly even a coating of sorts. As a general rule, this is the type of jewelry that will turn your skin green. 

The next time you book a cruise and need to stay within a particular budget, consider the 8 points above. You will have a wonderful vacation and save money for your next cruise. 

Looking for a list of Royal Caribbean ships from newest to oldest?  We’ve got you covered.  This ships-by-age list will stay updated as more ships are built.

*This article has been updated to reflect the latest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean.

With the inclusion of Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International currently has 28 cruise ships in the fleet, more than any other cruise line in the world (currently beating Carnival by one).  With the largest cruise ships in the world (Oasis-class) and some of the most technologically advanced cruise ships on the water, the cruise line is growing quickly.

Below we will look at every single ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship?  Utopia of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship launched in 2024, is the latest ship to be built and added to service with the cruise line.

The oldest Royal Caribbean ship is Grandeur of the Seas which was built in 1996.

We also sorted every cruise ship by size if you’d like to see which ships are the largest in the fleet.

Jump to:

This list of Royal Caribbean ships will start with the newer ships and end with the oldest Royal Caribbean ship.  The cruise line has ships that can vary from 73,000 gross tons (Vision Class), to the Oasis class that are 225,000+ gross tons.

RCCL’s new ships coming soon:

• Star of the Seas – Summer 2025.  The second Icon-class ship, Royal Caribbean just released the name of this future ship.
• Unnamed Icon-class ship – Scheduled for 2026
• Unnamed Oasis-class ship – 7th Oasis-class vessel, scheduled for 2028.

The cruise ships listed below are the vessels currently sailing within Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships newest to oldest (updated):

Utopia of the Seas (2024)

The sixth Oasis-class ship in the fleet, Utopia of the Seas was handed over to Royal Caribbean on June 14, 2024, with a first sailing taking place on July 19.   The ship which took two years to build will offer 3- and 4-night sailings which will include a visit to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

• 5,668 double capacity
• 1,188 feet long
• 236,860 gross tons
• 18 decks
• Oasis-class

Icon of the Seas (2024)

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class cruise ship with Royal Caribbean and is currently the largest cruise ship in the fleet on top of being the largest in the world.  Icon’s official debut took place on January 27th, 2024.  The ship has 8 neighborhoods and a unique AquaDome in which the AquaTheater shows will take place.

• 5,610 double capacity
• 1,198 feet long
• 250,800 gross tons
• 20 decks
• Icon-class

Wonder of the Seas (2022)

Launched in 2022, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis class ship from Royal Caribbean and previously was the largest in the world before Icon of the Seas was built. Just like her sister ships, she debuted as the world’s largest cruise ship at more than 236,000 gross tons and carries just under 7,000 passengers at maximum capacity and 5,734 at double capacity.

• 5,734 double capacity
• 1,188 feet long
• 236,857 gross tons
• 18 decks
• Oasis-class

Odyssey of the Seas (2021)

The 2nd Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship from Royal Caribbean, Odyssey of the Seas had its inaugural sailing in June of 2021.   The ship measures 1,138 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 167,704.   The 16-deck ship can carry 4,198 passengers at double occupancy.

• 4,198 double capacity
• 1,138 feet long
• 167,704 gross tons
• 16 decks
• Quantum-class

Spectrum of the Seas (2019)

A Quantum Ultra class ship, Spectrum of the Seas was specifically designed for cruise guests in China and now enjoys sailings all around the world.   At 169,000 in gross tonnage it has a guest capacity of over 4,000.  The ship was delivered in April of 2019.

• 4,246 double capacity
• 1,139 feet long
• 169,379 gross tons
• 16 decks
• Quantum-class

Symphony of the Seas (2018)

At 228,000+ in gross tonnage, Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world at the time.   This Oasis-class ship was built in 2018 and has a double capacity of 5,518.   The length of this ship is 1,184 feet with a max beam of 215 feet.  The ship holds 2,200 crew members onboard.

• 5,518 double capacity
• 1,184 feet long
• 228,081 gross tons
• 18 decks
• Oasis-class

Ovation of the Seas (2016)

Built in 2016, Ovation of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean Quantum-class ship.   Ovation comes in at 168,000+ gross tons and has a double capacity of 4,180.  The length of this ship is 1,141 feet with a max beam of 160 feet.

• 4,180 double capacity
• 1,141 feet long
• 168,666 gross tons
• 16 decks
• Quantum-class

Harmony of the Seas (2016)

Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis class ship built in 2016.    Maximum capacity is 6,687 on this 226,963 gross ton ship.   The length of Harmony is 1,188 feet with a max beam of 217 feet.

• 5,497 double capacity
• 1,188 feet long
• 226,963 gross tons
• 18 decks
• Oasis-class

Anthem of the Seas (2015)

Built in 2015, Anthem of the Seas was the second Quantum class ship from Royal Caribbean.  The 168,666 gross ton ship has a maximum capacity of 4,905.  The length of this vessel is 1,139 feet with a max beam of 162 feet.

• 4,180 double capacity
• 1,139 feet long
• 168,666 gross tons
• 16 decks
• Quantum-class

Quantum of the Seas (2014)

The first Quantum class ship ever built made huge waves when it was first revealed to the world.  Quantum of the seas was built in 2014 and featured the first ever North Star, a ride that elevates cruisers over 300 feet above the sea for 360-degree views.   This vessel is a 168,666 gross ton ship with a maximum capacity of 4,905.  The length of this ship is 1,141 feet with a max beam of 162 feet.

• 4,180 double capacity
• 1,141 feet long
• 168,666 gross tons
• 16 decks
• Quantum-class

Allure of the Seas (2010)

This ship was the largest in the world for a time when it was built in 2010.  The second Oasis class ship, Allure of the Seas is 225,282 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 6,780.  The length of this ship is 1,187 feet with a max beam of 198 feet.

• 5,492 double capacity
• 1,187 feet long
• 225,282 gross tons
• 18 decks
• Oasis-class

Oasis of the Seas (2009)

The mega ship that started it all, Oasis of the Seas was built in 2009. At 226,838 tons, Oasis has a max capacity of 6,699.  The length of this ship is 1,181 feet with a max beam of 198 feet. The pool deck offers 3 separate pools and plenty of space on the sun deck. The top deck reaches 18 decks high on this massive vessel.

• 5,606 double capacity
• 1,181 feet long
• 226,838 gross tons
• 18 decks
• Oasis-class

Independence of the Seas (2008)

Independence of the Seas was built in 2008 and was the last of the Freedom class ships.  At 155,889 gross tons this ship has a maximum capacity of 4,375.   The length of this ship is 1,112 feet with a max beam of 184 feet.

• 3,634 double capacity
• 1,112 feet long
• 155,889 gross tons
• 15 decks
• Freedom-class

Liberty of the Seas (2007)

Built in 2007, Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom-class Royal Caribbean ship.   At 155,889 tons this ship has a max capacity of 4,960.  The length of this ship is 1,112 feet with a max beam of 128 feet.

• 3,798 double capacity
• 1,112 feet long
• 155,889 gross tons
• 15 decks
• Freedom-class

View Today’s Top 10 Cruise Deals on Royal Caribbean

Freedom of the Seas (2006)

The first Freedom class ship, Freedom of the Seas was built in 2006.   When this ship was first built it was the largest cruise ship in the world.  At 156,271 gross tons, this ship has a max capacity of 4,515.  The length of this ship is 1,111 with a max beam of 128 feet.

• 3,782 double capacity
• 1,111 feet long
• 156,271 gross tons
• 15 decks
• Freedom-class

Jewel of the Seas (2004)

Jewel of the Seas was the last Radiance class ship built by Royal Caribbean International.  It was built in 2004 with a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a max capacity of 2,466.    The length of this ship is 961 feet with a max beam of 131 feet.  Jewel of the Seas is currently sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• 2,143 double capacity
• 961 feet long
• 90,090 gross tons
• 13 decks
• Radiance-class

Serenade of the Seas (2003)

Built in 2003, Serenade of the Seas comes in at 90,090 gross tons with a max capacity of 2,476 cruise passengers.  The length of this ship is 961 feet with a max beam of 131 feet. 

• 2,146 double capacity
• 961 feet long
• 90,090 gross tons
• 13 decks
• Radiance-class

Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Mariner of the Seas was the last of the Voyager class ships and is a second generation Voyager class vessel.  Built in 2003, Mariner has a max capacity of 3,807 while coming in at 139,863 in gross tonnage.  This ship has a length of 1,020 with a max beam of 157 feet.

• 3,114 double capacity
• 1,020 feet long
• 139,863 gross tons
• 15 decks
• Voyager-class

Brilliance of the Seas (2002)

This is another Radiance class vessel.  Brilliance of the Seas was built in 2002 and comes in at the same 90,090 tons as the other ships in its class.  With a max capacity of 2,543 passengers this ship has a length of 958 feet with a max beam of 130 feet.

• 2,140 double capacity
• 958 feet long
• 90,090 gross tons
• 13 decks
• Radiance-class

Navigator of the Seas (2002)

Built during the same year as Brilliance of the Seas in 2002, Navigator of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 139,999 with a max capacity of 3,990.   This Voyager-class vessel has a length of 1,020 feet and a max beam of 157 feet.

• 3,386 double capacity
• 1,020 feet long
• 139,999 gross tons
• 15 decks
• Voyager-class

Radiance of the Seas (2001)

The first Radiance class ship was built in 2001.  This ship has a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a max capacity of 2501 cruise guests.   Radiance has a length of 961 feet and a max beam of 131 feet. 

• 2,143 double capacity
• 961 feet long
• 90,090 gross tons
• 13 decks
• Radiance-class

Adventure of the Seas (2001)

Adventure of the Seas is a Voyager class ship built in 2001.  It has a gross tonnage of 137,276 and has a maximum capacity of 3,807 passengers.  The length of this ship is 1,020 with a max beam of 161 feet. 

• 3,114 double capacity
• 1,020 feet long
• 138,193 gross tons
• 14 decks
• Voyager-class

Explorer of the Seas (2000)

Built in 2000, Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship with a gross tonnage of 137,308 and a max capacity of 3,807.  This ship has a length of 1,020 feet and a max beam of 161 feet. 

• 3,114 double capacity
• 1,020 feet long
• 138,194 gross tons
• 14 decks
• Voyager-class

Voyager of the Seas (1999)

The first of the Voyager-class ships was built in 1999.  Voyager of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 137,276 with a max capacity of 3,840.  The length of this ship is 1,021 with a max beam of 156 feet.

• 3,114 double capacity
• 1,020 feet long
• 137,276 gross tons
• 14 decks
• Voyager-class

Vision of the Seas (1998)

This is a Vision-class ship, although the ships in this class are more varied than in other classes from Royal Caribbean.  Vision of the Seas was built in 1998 and is 78,717 in gross tonnage with a max capacity of 2,514 passengers.  This ship is 915 feet in length with a max beam of 117 feet. 

• 2,050 double capacity
• 915 feet long
• 78,717 gross tons
• 12 decks
• Vision-class

Enchantment of the Seas (1997)

Another Vision class ship, Enchantment of the Seas was built in 1997 and has a gross tonnage of 82,910 with a max capacity of 2,730.   Enchantment mainly operates in the Bahamas.  This ship has a length of 916 feet with a beam of 106 feet.

• 2,252 double capacity
• 916 feet long
• 82,910 gross tons
• 12 decks
• Vision-class

Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)

Rhapsody of the Seas was built in 1997 and is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.  This ship has a gross tonnage of 78,878 with a max capacity of 2,416.   The ship’s length is 915 feet with a max beam of 116 feet.

• 1,998 double capacity
• 915 feet long
• 78,878 gross tons
• 12 decks
• Vision-class

Grandeur of the Seas (1996)

This was the first of the Vision-class ships, built in 1996 and is now the oldest ship with Royal Caribbean.  With a gross tonnage of 73,817 and a max capacity of 2,440,  The length of this Royal Caribbean cruise ship is 915 feet with a max beam of 118 feet.

• 1,992 double capacity
• 915 feet long
• 78,817 gross tons
• 12 decks
• Vision-class

View Today’s Top 10 Cruise Deals on Royal Caribbean

Here are all the current Royal Caribbean ships by age from newest to oldest:

• Utopia of the Seas, 2024
• Icon of the Seas, 2024
• Wonder of the Seas, 2022






• Odyssey of the Seas, 2021






• Spectrum of the Seas, 2019






• Symphony of the Seas, 2018






• Ovation of the Seas, 2016






• Harmony of the Seas, 2016






• Anthem of the Seas, 2015






• Quantum of the Seas, 2014






• Allure of the Seas, 2010






• Oasis of the Seas, 2009






• Independence of the Seas, 2008






• Liberty of the Seas, 2007






• Freedom of the Seas, 2006






• Jewel of the Seas, 2004






• Serenade of the Seas, 2003






• Mariner of the Seas, 2003






• Brilliance of the Seas, 2002






• Navigator of the Seas, 2002






• Radiance of the Seas, 2001






• Adventure of the Seas, 2001






• Explorer of the Seas, 2000






• Voyager of the Seas, 1999






• Vision of the Seas, 1998






• Enchantment of the Seas, 1997






• Rhapsody of the Seas, 1997






• Grandeur of the Seas, 1996

List of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Size

The table below lists every Royal Caribbean ship currently in service in order from largest to smallest. This measurement is by GT or Gross Tonnage which measures overall space and not weight.

For those cruise history buffs out there, you should know that the name of RCCL’s first ship was Song of Norway which debuted in 1970.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes

Specialty Restaurants

The main dining room offers some fantastic menu choices, but sometimes you just want something a bit more, and no I’m not talking about the buffet. Royal Caribbean has a plentiful menu of specialty dining options to consider. Here they are listed below:

• Chops Grill – Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse
• Giovanni’s Table – Traditional Italian dining
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen – Pizza and pasta along with dishes like chicken parmigiana
• Jamie’s Italian – Modern Italian food
• Wonderland – An Alice and Wonderland themed restaurant with creative dishes
• 150 Central Park – A restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients
• Samba Grill – All-you-can-eat-meat Brazilian dining experience
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi – a Japanese restaurant with traditional teppanyaki and sushi
• Sabor – Mexican restaurant with tacos and quesadillas, and tapas
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade – Nachos, sliders, chicken tenders, and french fries
• Johnny Rockets – Classic American diner with a 1950’s vibe
• Hooked Seafood – Northeast seafood restaurant with clam chowder and oysters
• The Mason Jar – Southern soul food with fried chicken, lobster and crawfish gumbo
• Portside BBQ – Barbecue restaurant with tons of barbecued meats and comfort food side dishes
• Chef’s Table – Six course meal where each course paired with a different type of wine
• Basecamp – Burgers, pretzel bites, and treats in the middle of Thrill Island
• Pier 7 – California-inspired meals at Surfside, kids eat free
• Empire Supper Club – The exclusive and upscale dining in an intimate atmosphere with live music

Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety array of amenities for a wide range of cruise passengers. So, usually there is something for everyone on board. Children will love the kid-friendly attractions and adults can find plenty of thrills with larger water slides like the twisting Perfect Storm.

Their ships visit ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, Alaska, and of course the Caribbean. When it comes to picking a cruise line for your first sailing, it’s an excellent choice.

The above cruise ships are owned by Royal Caribbean International and fall under the umbrella of parent company Royal Caribbean Group which also owns Celebrity Cruises.

Note: This article was updated in June of 2024.