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The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

For megaresort lovers, Royal Caribbean may be the ultimate cruise line.

The Miami-based brand's biggest ships are bigger than any other cruise vessels afloat, and they're chock-full of more restaurants, bars, entertainment zones and attractions than you'll find anywhere else at sea — or even at many of the biggest land resorts.

On Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, there are multiple pool areas, watery play zones, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, miniature golf courses, basketball courts and even zip lines. And that's just on the top deck. Interior areas bring everything from full-size spas and large casinos to Broadway-quality theaters with top-name shows.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Some Royal Caribbean ships even feature ice skating rinks. Really.

If all that seems like too much to fit on a cruise vessel, consider this: The biggest Royal Caribbean ships are 20 decks high, nearly 1,200 feet long and capable of carrying more than 7,000 passengers.

In short, they're like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. Except they float.

3 things TPG loves about Royal Caribbean

• The incredible array of onboard activities
• The over-the-top super suites on some ships
• The top-notch entertainment, including Broadway shows

What we could do without

• Sold-out shows, particularly in onboard comedy clubs

The Royal Caribbean fleet

Royal Caribbean is the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 28 ships that together offer more than 105,000 berths.

These 28 ships include the world's seven biggest cruise vessels — Icon of the Seas , Utopia of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Harmony of the Seas , Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — each of which can hold more than 6,600 passengers.

Six of the these seven giant ships, all similar in design, are part of what's known as the Oasis Class — a hugely popular series of massive megaships that began debuting in 2009 and has changed the face of cruising. A seventh, as-yet-unnamed Oasis Class ship is under construction and scheduled to join the fleet in 2028.

The outlier among the seven ships mentioned above is Icon of the Seas, which isn't an Oasis Class ship but the first of an all-new series of even bigger vessels called the Icon Class. At, 248,663 gross tons, it's currently the world's biggest cruise ship . Royal Caribbean has ordered two more Icon Class ships that will begin sailing in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The Oasis Class and Icon Class ships are not the only biggies in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Five big Quantum Class ships and three big Freedom Class ships each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers.

Add those in, and Royal Caribbean operates 15 of the world's 40 biggest cruise ships.

Related: 4 things you'll love about Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas

The line also operates five somewhat smaller Voyager Class vessels that can each hold around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Together, the 20 Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager class vessels make up Royal Caribbean's big-ship fleet.

The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are relatively smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers.

While not necessarily the focus at Royal Caribbean, these smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow it to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Icon of the Seas.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who like a little more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. These ships are also often less expensive for travelers on a per-day basis.

With each step-down in size, you'll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment offerings and attractions. But even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer.

Related: The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2024

Destinations and itineraries

Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. In a typical summer, the line will deploy about half its ships on sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda while sending another seven or eight ships to Europe. The line typically sends four ships every summer to Alaska.

During the winter, the line will move even more of its ships to the Caribbean and send a few to Asia and Australia.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has deployed one or more ships to China for sailings aimed at the Chinese market. One of the line's newest ships, Spectrum of the Seas , has offered trips for Chinese travelers out of Shanghai and Tianjin, China (the port for Beijing).

In North America, Royal Caribbean ships generally sail out of PortMiami , Port Canaveral , Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Tampa in Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; Bayonne, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); Baltimore; Boston; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska.

In Europe, Royal Caribbean ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Amsterdam; Copenhagen; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); Istanbul; Barcelona; Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) and — since 2021 — Ravenna, Italy (which replaced Venice as a home port).

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship

Who sails Royal Caribbean?

For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. In other words, if you're the kind of person who loves staying on property at Disney World or at a giant Las Vegas resort, this is the line for you. Royal Caribbean ships offer vacationers a ton of options, whether it be for dining (some vessels have more than 20 distinct places to grab a bite) or entertainment. They are lively and fun.

That said, they also offer serene spots. You can enjoy a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the tree-lined Central Park area of Utopia of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers frolic away at the ship's three distinct pool areas. Royal Caribbean's designers are masters at designing vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded — at least in some areas.

Insider tip: To escape the bustle on a Royal Caribbean ship, seek out the relatively quiet Solarium. It's an adult-only, deck-top retreat found on every Royal Caribbean vessel.

Royal Caribbean ships offer an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to bumper car pavilions. That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of Royal Caribbean's business.

Related: Is Icon of the Seas the ultimate family vacation?

It's not just families that flock to Royal Caribbean, though. The line's ships are designed to provide a little something for everyone, and they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has added solo cabins to more ships in recent years).

The ships also draw customers from a wide range of incomes. Plentiful smaller and affordable cabins, included casual dining options, and a plethora of bars and onboard attractions give Royal Caribbean ships a for-the-masses feel and make them accessible to travelers on a budget.

Also, overlaid across most ships are high-end suites, eateries and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers. Royal Caribbean executives like to say that if they carved out all the suites on their ships as a separate business, it would be the largest luxury cruise line in the world.

What Royal Caribbean cruisers all have in common is that they love a big, bustling resort experience.

Cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. Some ships have as many as 34 categories of cabins. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 149 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multiroom suites that are more than 10 times that size.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at well-heeled travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and these truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. Some, such as the Royal Loft Suites found on Oasis Class ships, are two decks high with sweeping views across the top of the vessel. Icon of the Seas has a suite that is three decks high — the tallest suite in all of cruising.

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues, and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship

Restaurants and dining

While a few of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships have relatively limited dining options, most of the line's vessels offer so many choices that it can almost be overwhelming.

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships there are more than 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from Johnny Rockets diners to high-end restaurants serving six-course tasting menus.

Every vessel has a main dining room and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare — the latter called either Windjammer Café or Windjammer Marketplace. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either My Time Dining, which is where you go whenever you want, or Traditional Dining, where you have a fixed table and time for dinner.

Other included-in-the-fare offerings found on some ships include Sorrento's pizza parlors, the Mediterranean cuisine-themed Solarium Bistro and the coffee bar Cafe Promenade.

In addition, every ship has a least one — and sometimes many — extra-charge eateries. The most common one found across the fleet is Chops Grille, the line's signature steakhouse. Many ships also have an Italian eatery, called either Giovanni's Table or Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver. There's also Hooked Seafood, a relatively new concept now on five vessels (Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas) that serves lobster rolls, fish sandwiches and the like.

On some ships, you'll also find Izumi, a sushi-serving Asian eatery; Vintages, a small bite-serving wine bar; imaginative cuisine-serving Wonderland; and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which offers cold brews, burgers and wings along with games like foosball.

There are full-blown Starbucks cafes on some ships or at least a Starbucks stand.

In addition, some ships feature private restaurants just for passengers staying in suites along with top-tier members of the line's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program .

Some of the extra-charge eateries come with a flat fee, often around $55 to $65 per person, not including an added automatic gratuity and the cost of drinks. Others are a la carte.

If you know you want to eat at a few extra-charge restaurants during your voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount.

Related: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

No other cruise line has as broad a range of entertainment and activities on its ships as Royal Caribbean. As noted above, the line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from theaters to comedy clubs; all manner of deck-top attractions; large casinos; full-service spas; and even ice skating rinks. Plus, you'll find more bars, lounges and nightspots than you could think possible.

Theaters and shows

One of Royal Caribbean's great strengths is its theater entertainment, which can be mind-blowing at times — i.e., you won't believe you're seeing what you're seeing on a cruise ship.

Many of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships have state-of-the-art theaters as big as you'll find on Broadway, with top-name Broadway shows. Symphony of the Seas has "Hairspray," for instance, and Oasis of the Seas has Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats."

In some cases, the shows are cut down slightly (though some still run nearly two hours), and the casts aren't the A-team you'll find on Broadway. However, these are quality productions. The best part is — they are entirely free. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars you'll spend to take your family to a show in New York City.

Even more "wow," as Royal Caribbean executives like to say, are the ice skating shows put on at the ice skating rinks found on 14 of the line's ships. The rinks are in the interiors of the ships, surrounded by stadium seating for up to 775 people, and the shows are out of this world.

The line has hired Olympic-level skaters to star in the productions. In fact, the line likes to boast that it employs more world-class professional skaters than any other company in the world.

On Oasis Class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor "aqua theaters" that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows (Icon of the Seas has its own version of this under a glass dome called the AquaDome). Quantum Class ships have Two70, an extraordinary, high-tech theater space that offers multisensory shows combining singing, dancing and acrobatics.

Some ships also have comedy clubs, and there's always live music in multiple venues nightly. We're particularly fond of the two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum Class vessels.

Insider tip: Be sure to book the (free) tickets for onboard comedy clubs early. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, these are big operations. The Casino Royale on Oasis of the Seas sprawls with 450 slot machines, 27 table games (including blackjack, roulette and craps) and a poker room, plus its very own bar. The casinos on the four other Oasis Class ships are similarly giant.

The 15 vessels that are part of the Voyager, Freedom, Oasis and Icon classes also have Royal Promenades — indoor, mall-like spaces that are home to some of the coolest bars at sea, as well as food outlets and retail shops.

The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. There's also a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed nightspot and — located one deck up in a balcony area — the line's signature Schooner Bar.

The line's five Quantum Class vessels have a much smaller version of the Royal Promenade called the Royal Esplanade that transitions into another indoor area called The Via.

The Quantum Class ships also have an indoor fun zone known as The SeaPlex that includes a bumper car pavilion. When the bumper cars aren't in use, the space transforms into a roller rink, which is also used as a "circus school" with lessons on a flying trapeze. Other SeaPlex activities include air hockey and table tennis.

For something quieter and more pampering, Royal Caribbean ships also all have spas. Some are enormous, with more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower areas, saunas and steam rooms.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Royal Caribbean ships are where things get wild. There is stuff you just won't see on any other vessel at sea.

There are pools, of course — on the bigger ships, oodles of them. The Oasis Class ships have three distinct pool areas, as well as a watery play zone for kids. A growing number of Royal Caribbean ships also have water parks with significant waterslides.

You'll also find all sorts of other fun-focused attractions — giant rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, zip lines, miniature golf courses and basketball courts, to name a few. Some recently built ships even have skydiving simulators — giant acrylic tubes where you get to experience the sensation of skydiving.

On Oasis Class ships, there's also an outdoor Boardwalk area with a hand-carved carousel. On the new Icon Class ships, the Boardwalk area is replaced with a watery play zone for younger kids called Surfside.

The most out-there deck-top attractions on Royal Caribbean ships are surely the North Star rides found on Quantum Class ships. Perhaps the most bizarre attractions ever conceived for a cruise ship, they are giant mechanical arms topped with glass-enclosed capsules that will take you soaring above the ships for the view.

The North Star is generally free to ride. It also can be booked for special events, such as weddings, for a charge.

Related: The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

Children's programs

Royal Caribbean has one of the most extensive children's programs at sea, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months old through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12.

The line splits children here up into three age groups: Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5 years), Explorers (ages 6 to 8 years) and Voyagers (ages 9 to 12 years), each with its own age-appropriate activities ranging from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Adventure Ocean until 2 a.m., when it transforms into a supervised Late Night Party Zone.

Royal Caribbean also operates a Royal Babies nursery program for children ages 6 to 18 months old that includes interactive child and parent classes with activities developed by early childhood experts. The Royal Tots program (for ages 18 months to 3 years) offers 45-minute interactive playground sessions with age-appropriate activities and toys. Both programs are hosted by trained youth staff. On many ships, parents can drop off their babies at the nursery for short-term babysitting (this service comes with an extra charge).

Royal Caribbean also offers dedicated teen and tween programs on ships for children ages 12 to 17. On some vessels, such as the Quantum Class ships, you'll find a dedicated space with games and a widescreen TV called The Living Room where teens can hang out, plus a teens-only disco called Fuel.

Related: A peek at Perfect Day by CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need either a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. Passports must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $18 to $20.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. An 18% gratuity is added to bills for bars, minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea — so fast that you're able to watch Netflix from your room on your mobile device. Pricing changes over time but recently has been priced at $22.99 per day for a single device. If you're traveling with family or sharing a room with friends, look for multi-device packages that are less expensive on a per-device basis. Certain suite guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you sign up for a package.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks policy

Royal Caribbean allows every passenger of drinking age to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto ships at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. The line charges a $15 corkage fee if you bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or other public areas to drink.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, casinos and the cigar clubs found on Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee. In the casino, only cigarette smoking is allowed, and only in designated areas on most ships (smoking in casinos is forbidden on sailings out of Australia and U.K. ports).

Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

All vessels have North American-style 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on all Royal Caribbean ships is U.S. dollars, no matter where they are in the world. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on sailings originating in North America or the United Arab Emirates. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it only applies to passengers entering the main dining room. On any given night, one of three dress codes will apply — casual, smart casual or formal.

Casual means just that — jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Smart casual is a step up to collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, with a jacket for men optional. Formal officially means suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. Don't worry if you don't want to go that fancy, though. Not everybody plays into it. You'll see most men wearing suits or sports coats and women in cocktail dresses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Royal Caribbean loyalty program

Royal Caribbean has a point-based frequent cruiser program , the Crown & Anchor Society, that has six tiers ranging from Gold (requiring 3 points) to Pinnacle Club (700 points).

Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the line's ships, with double points awarded to passengers staying in suites. It takes one cruise to hit the first tier, Gold. It would take five cruises if you're doing seven-night trips (fewer if you're in a suite) to reach the second tier, Platinum (30 points).

Lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll receive things like priority check-in and a private departure lounge with continental breakfast at the end of a trip. However, higher levels of the program start to be very enticing.

The second-to-highest tier, Diamond Plus (175 points), brings Concierge Club access, priority seating at onboard shows, an exclusive number to call for bookings and reduced rates for solo travelers, plus other things. The top Pinnacle Club level brings free cruises after hitting key milestones.

Note that, unlike airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great, but it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A passenger staying in suites can get to the Diamond Plus level with just 13 seven-night cruises. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you can reach it even sooner.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost?

Royal Caribbean designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 per person per night, while a high-end suite is 10 or 15 times that amount.

As of the time of this guide's posting, for instance, a two-bedroom Star Loft Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2026 was going for $10,562 per person, based on double occupancy. That's more than 14 times the cost of the least-expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $732 per person, based on double occupancy). Balcony cabins on the same sailing started at around $982 per person, based on double occupancy.

Note the "based on double occupancy" caveat. As is typical for cruise lines, Royal Caribbean charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. It does offer a small number of cabins on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy for solo travelers.

In general, Royal Caribbean's big, resort-like Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships will be more expensive than the line's older, smaller vessels (Icon Class ships are particularly pricey ). However, there are a lot of factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends.

As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be less during offseason periods such as September and October.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Royal Caribbean vessel, you'll pay extra for most drinks (most beers will set you back $7.99, for instance; wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $14), extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance.

Most onboard activities, such as rock climbing and zip lining, are included in the fare, as are your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and entertainment.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to RoyalCaribbean.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent also can help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Royal Caribbean is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all 34 of those cabin categories that we mentioned above and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spend when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining).

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean has grown into the world's biggest cruise line by passenger capacity for a reason. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine.

If you're a megaresort lover, you'll surely love the line's biggest ships, particularly the giant Oasis Class vessels. If you're more of a small boutique hotel sort of person or someone who just isn't happy around crowds, well … this might not be the line for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Press Releases

Summer of firsts: royal caribbean all in on 2023 seasonal caribbean cruises.

MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2021 – Royal Caribbean International today revealed the 2023 seasonal Caribbean cruises that will make waves with a summer of firsts. Wonder of the Seas , debuting in March 2022, headlines the lineup with its first U.S. summer from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. The new, innovative ship will be joined by the amplified Mariner of the Seas, while Harmony of the Seas calls Miami its summer home for the first time. The bold lineup is rounded out by the first Oasis Class summer in Galveston, Texas, with Allure of the Seas slated for a full season at the cruise line’s new, $125 million terminal. Summer 2023 Caribbean cruises are now open , with more Caribbean getaways to be revealed early next year.

Families and travelers of all ages can have their pick of short, 5-night cruises and 7- to 8-night sailings that feature idyllic destinations in Bermuda and the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. The vibrant, tropical places they visit from April through October 2023 include Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao ( ABC islands ), Puerto Rico , Mexico, St. Kitts and Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas .

Whichever itinerary beckons travelers, a day of thrill and chill on Perfect Day at CocoCay will be among the highlights on most sailings from Florida. The cruise line’s top-rated destination in the Caribbean welcomes guests to create their perfect day with 13 heart-pumping waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America ; sights from the highest vantage point in The Bahamas on helium balloon Up, Up & Away ; the first floating cabanas, a dedicated restaurant and infinity pool at Coco Beach Club ; and more across dining, relaxation and adventure.

The matchup of award-winning ships and array of itineraries makes for exhilarating thrills from ship to shore. On Oasis Class ships Wonder , Allure and Harmony, adventures await in Royal Caribbean’s distinct signature neighborhoods. There are all-time favorites like the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, and more than 20 different restaurants, bars and lounges, plus all-new highlights on Wonder , such as the Suite Neighborhood and the area’s dedicated sun deck. The amplified Mariner brings to life a combination of experiences for guests to seamlessly transition from a day at the pool to a night out. The lineup on board features a Caribbean-inspired and resort-style pool deck, a trio of high-speed waterslides known as The Perfect Storm, The Bamboo Room, a tiki-chic lounge; and more.

Itinerary Highlights

• Allure of the Seas – Cruising from: Galveston Vacationers have the Lone Star State’s biggest summer ever on the horizon when Allure becomes the first Oasis Class ship to call Galveston home for the season. Just in time for summer family vacations, Royal Caribbean has extended Allure’s big Texas debut in winter 2022-2023 and opened a lineup of 7-night Western Caribbean cruises. Travelers can set their sights on more ways and time to get away to the tropics, including destinations like Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico ; and Roatan, Honduras. Allure will continue to set sail from Royal Caribbean’s new, $125 million terminal, which opens its doors in October 2022. The 161,334-square-foot and LEED-certified terminal, built in partnership with Galveston Wharves, will make way for Galveston to welcome the cruise line’s globally renowned Oasis Class – the world’s largest cruise ships – for the first time.
• Wonder of the Seas – Cruising from: Port Canaveral Following the world’s largest cruise ship’s debut in 2022, the cruise line keeps the good times rolling for vacationers. Wonder will sail its first summer in the U.S. from Port Canaveral, extending its newly announced 2022 winter season that starts in November. The adventure to be found in the new, innovative ship’s eight action-packed neighborhoods, including an Oasis Class first – the Suite Neighborhood – extends to the destinations in store on the 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises . Highlights include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas ; Cozumel ; and Perfect Day at CocoCay .
• Harmony of the Seas – Cruising from: Miami The cruise capital of the world will be Harmony’s summer homeport for the first time. An Oasis Class favorite, perfect for families and travelers of every age, Harmony will set sail on 7-night cruises to the sun-soaked shores of the Western and Eastern Caribbean . Natural sights and adventures will be at every destination, which include Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Charlotte Amalie; Oranjestad, Aruba; Costa Maya; and Perfect Day at CocoCay .
• Mariner of the Seas – Cruising from: Port Canaveral Returning to Port Canaveral for the third consecutive summer, the amplified Mariner sets course to offer vacationers varying ways to get away to the Caribbean. With their choice of short and longer itineraries of 5, 7 and 8 nights to Bermuda , and the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean , travelers can visit stunning destinations across the board, such as the Dominican Republic , Aruba, Curacao and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands . And on all 8-night Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay cruises, there are two nights in Bermuda

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International  has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today's adventurous traveler. 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. Royal Caribbean has also been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers' Choice Awards. 

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. 

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Reserve your table at any of our specialty restaurants, from our signature steakhouse Chops Grille to the imaginative curiosities of Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Enjoy additional savings of up to 40% off when you purchase one of our Specialty Dining Packages.

Plus, enjoy the convenience of selecting a dinner time that fits your schedule with My Time Dining.

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Start your vacation with a beverage in your hand from the moment you get onboard.

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This Brand-new Cruise Ship Is a Nonstop Party — With 40+ Restaurants and Bars and Stage Shows That Wow

The new Utopia of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean mega-ship, with a seemingly endless array of things to do plus short itineraries that make a turnkey vacation easy.

The Staterooms

Bars and restaurants, where utopia of the seas sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

The first time I saw Utopia of the Seas some eight months ago, the ship was just a shell, under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard, in Saint-Nazaire, France. Back then, the Royal Caribbean vessel was essentially a blank canvas, shrouded in scaffolding and netting, with patches of pale blue livery splotched across the hull.

By the time I boarded the 2,834-cabin vessel in Florida last week, Utopia of the Seas had come to life, absolutely bursting with color and music, with a big emphasis on the music. In fact, the beats were booming before I even stepped aboard, as music reverberated through the balloon-bedecked terminal during embarkation, prompting me to ask my check-in agent if she had brought earplugs. "Next sailing, I will," she said.

Royal Caribbean calls Utopia of the Seas "the World's Biggest Weekend," promising nonstop partying on three- and four-night itineraries to the Bahamas sailing out of Port Canaveral, near Orlando. And party we did, during a preview sailing that included a celebration of the ship's naming by godmother Meghan Trainor.

Roy Riley/Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

With only three nights to take the whole ship in, it was go time from the moment I stepped aboard. I attempted to visit as many of the 40-plus restaurants, bars, and lounges as I could, and I also tried to catch as many of the shows and pop-up parties — everything from Vegas-style day ragers to actual beer pong sessions — as possible.

It was, perhaps unsurprisingly, an effort in futility. There is simply no way to experience all the onboard offerings during such a short itinerary, and I found myself entirely drained by the mad dash from venue to venue. And that's not to mention the constant barrage of music from the ship's extraordinary sound systems, which all seemed to be turned up to 11, all the time. Meghan Trainor was right — it really is all about that bass on Utopia of the Seas.

So, take it from someone who flew a little too close to the sun : Don't try to do everything. Instead, pick a few things to do off the never-ending daily program, then see how your sailing unfolds. If I learned anything during my stint on Utopia of the Seas, it's that there are two must-dos onboard: the Aqua80sToo show and dinner at the Royal Railway, a brand-new venue for Royal Caribbean.

For more on each of these incredible activities and to prepare for your own trip, read on for my full review of Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas .

Utopia of the Seas

• You can't possibly be bored on this ship, with its world-class entertainment each evening and parties being thrown practically round the clock.
• Royal Railway is one of the most innovative dining concepts at sea.
• Even the smallest staterooms have excellent storage, but the suites are a worthwhile splurge to have a bit of a sanctuary on the party-hard ship.

There are 20 cabin categories across Utopia, ranging from inside staterooms with “digital windows” that show a live feed from outside to huge suites with ample space and amenities. The question to ask is whether you plan to spend your three- or four-day trip inside your own cabin or exploring the ship: If you’re somebody who’s only going to crash after a full day partying around the ship, a smaller room might be plenty. Alternatively, if you want a peaceful retreat, you might consider a Solarium Suite. These spacious rooms are located atop the bridge, on the "wings" of the ship, with panoramic views of the sea.

Where to even begin? There are more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges on Utopia, serving everything from sushi (Izumi) to Italian (Giovanni's) to burgers (Johnny Rockets).  I didn't even have a chance to try dinner in the main dining room — but that's certainly a no-reservations-required option.

For quick eats, there's the all-day Windjammer Cafe buffet, the Mexican-inspired Cantina Fresca buffet for lunch and dinner, the grab-and-go pizza spot Sorrento's (a favorite of the late-night crowd), and even a poolside food truck.

As for bars, the most notable is Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar on the promenade with a menu of on-the-rocks and frozen cocktails. I found most of the bars on board to be so loud that you have to yell to have a conversation; ironically, the casino bar was one of the quietest places on the ship, save for the spa.

One particular dining venue merits special mention here. Royal Railway , which I wrote about for T+L back in February, is an immersive dinner show that’s unlike anything else on a cruise ship today.

The evening experience begins with a ticket delivered to your cabin, and as you approach the restaurant for your "train ride," your name appears on a split-flap departure board outside the “station.” A conductor checks your tickets, and off you go to your table in the dining car.

Without spoiling the plot of the theme park–style experience, you can expect an interactive meal and even the feel of being on a real train car rumbling down the rails. Performers bring the Wild West–inspired set to life, though Royal Caribbean says other themes, like a Silk Road journey, may eventually debut. I found it to be a captivating dinner-theater show and something totally different, in a good way.

The ship's home port is Port Canaveral, Florida, from which it offers three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas. The three-night trips visit Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, while four-night itineraries stop both there and in Nassau. It’s also possible to combine sailings to create a week-long vacation.

My only time off the ship came during a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. This private island for Royal Caribbean passengers has various zones with different vibes: A water park caters to families and thrill-seekers — you can't miss the tallest waterslide in North America — while Chill Island is for lounging on the beach. An adults-only Hideaway Beach is where the party vibes continue. Guests can also book excursions including snorkeling tours, Jet Skiing, and swimming with pigs .

Simon Brooke-Webb/Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Like all mega-ships , Utopia has just about any amenity you can imagine: pools, water slides, a FlowRider, rock climbing walls, an escape room, laser tag, mini golf, the list goes on and on. I'd like to call particular attention to the spa, which was fairly bare-bones considering how over-the-top the rest of the ship is. I booked a massage to get away from the party but was disappointed that Utopia doesn’t offer the kind of full-service spa experience I’ve had on other big ships. After checking in, I was directed into a co-ed waiting room — there was no locker room where I could slip on a robe — then brought to my treatment room. And when I asked if I could use the thermal suite after my treatment, I was informed I'd need to book a separate day pass.

Entertainment, though, is a strong suit for Royal Caribbean. The theater shows on Utopia are all fairly short — less than an hour long, which leaves you plenty of time to party elsewhere — but they’re full-on spectacles with impressive sets, costumes, and lighting design. These include a song-and-dance medley (complete with drones flying through the venue) in the main theater, an ice-skating show, and the absolutely amazing Aqua80sToo, which is staged in the ship’s AquaTheater.

To say this production blew me out of the water would be an understatement. Imagine you're at SeaWorld waiting to see the Shamu show, but instead of an orca leaping hoops, a troupe of high-energy aquatic acrobats bursts forth from the pool as high divers plunge from towering heights. Oh, and this is all done to an incredible ‘80s soundtrack — hello, millennial nostalgia! The athleticism and artistry of the performers was phenomenal. (Let’s just say their diving, aerial moves, and dancing had me amped for the Paris Olympics.) If I were to travel on Utopia again, I’d be booking a seat at this show every single night.

Elsewhere on the ship, there are smaller but still interesting acts, including comedy shows in The Attic. a delightful pianist in Schooner's. a rock band in the Music Hall. At every turn, there's a show somewhere; there's no way you’d be able to catch them all.

While Royal Caribbean as a whole is undoubtedly a family-friendly cruise line, I think Utopia is perhaps best for adults and teenagers, not young children. There are plenty of family-friendly amenities, from the Splashaway Bay waterpark to the Adventure Ocean kids' club, but given the party atmosphere I experienced, I'd probably pick another ship if I were traveling with younger kids.

Utopia has 46 accessible cabins, according to the vessel's deck plan, in a variety of categories. During my sail, I got a tour of one, which had extra-wide doors, a roll-in shower, a lowered sink, and lowered closet rods, among other ADA-compliant features. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia is also equipped with portable visual and tactile alert systems, which can be brought into any cabin. Royal Caribbean also has online an extensive FAQ about accessibility features , as well as a contact center for accessibility questions.

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Royal Caribbean printed brochures

By IHeartGaming , August 1, 2016 in Royal Caribbean International

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IHeartGaming

I am looking at brochures from Royal Caribbean online (specifically the Alaska brochure and the Alaska/Canada Cruisetour brochure), but I would like a real printed copy.

Can anyone tell me what brochures Royal is currently issuing in printed form? Is it just the worldwide brochure, or do they have any more specific ones for destinations or ships? I have a Radiance class one but it would be nice to have another one of those since they did a little refurbishment on the Radiance-class ships since I got that brochure back in 2010.

Lastly, does Royal still let you order brochures through the mail? Royal's order page doesn't have a form to order a brochure through, only online or app options.

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aubreyc1988

Hello all,   I am looking at brochures from Royal Caribbean online (specifically the Alaska brochure and the Alaska/Canada Cruisetour brochure), but I would like a real printed copy.   Can anyone tell me what brochures Royal is currently issuing in printed form? Is it just the worldwide brochure, or do they have any more specific ones for destinations or ships? I have a Radiance class one but it would be nice to have another one of those since they did a little refurbishment on the Radiance-class ships since I got that brochure back in 2010.   Lastly, does Royal still let you order brochures through the mail? Royal's order page doesn't have a form to order a brochure through, only online or app options.   Thanks!     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

you might be able to go into some travel agencies that are local to you and ask and see if they have any printed brochures.

derby bears

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/brochuresandmedia/order.do

I am going to call my TA tomorrow as well as Royal.

Try this https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/brochuresandmedia/order.do

That is the page I was on. As far as I can tell, there is no way to order a printed copy, only a digital viewer and app downloads.

I am going to call my TA tomorrow as well as Royal.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Or you could follow the link that derby bears posted for you.

Just posted about that. You replied while I was posting my reply. It does not allow me to request a physical brochure.

Just an fyi, I remember when we used to go through AAA, they had brochures for the big cruiselines, Carnival/RCI/Norwegian. We took a Carnival one home, and it wasn't a abbreviated pamphlet, was a thick book with fares and itineraries. So you might have an AAA office nearby where you can pop in and grab one, then not have to wait for it to be mailed to you

Just posted about that. You replied while I was posting my reply. It does not allow me to request a physical brochure.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Simultaneity strikes again! ;)

Why do you want/need a physical copy? They were probably out of date before the ink was dry.

Simultaneity strikes again! ;)       Why do you want/need a physical copy? They were probably out of date before the ink was dry.

I like the physical brochures not for a listing of specific cruises, but general information and cruisetour listings. As much as I like technology, the brochures (whether physical or digital) are formatted well for reading and printing, and the physical copies specifically are easier to handle than a PDF file for flicking through.

I like the physical brochures not for a listing of specific cruises, but general information and cruisetour listings. As much as I like technology, the brochures (whether physical or digital) are formatted well for reading and printing, and the physical copies specifically are easier to handle than a PDF file for flicking through.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Luddite! ;) ;) :D :D

John&LaLa

I've never seen fares in a Royal brochure, but we didn't sail them back in the day. I do remember them in the 80's and 90's on other lines.

They usually had 3 prices, Season, off-season and holiday.

I'll bet no one wants to play you in Words with Friends

I'm with you on this, and I'm no Luddite. E-brochures in general do not always work well on all platforms and can be hard to read without zooming in and out. There is also something satisfying about flipping through a paper copy. Technology is nice but not always simple. I suppose you could go to FedEx Office (née Kinkos) and print a hard color copy for yourself.

I have the 2016/2017 brochure, all 153 pages of it. ;)

It doesn't show deck plans for Majesty or Empress, and it is nearly impossible to read the cabin numbers.

You can get them onboard.

I have the 2016/2017 brochure, all 153 pages of it. ;)   It doesn't show deck plans for Majesty or Empress, and it is nearly impossible to read the cabin numbers.   You can get them onboard.

Is that the worldwide brochure? And if so, is that the only brochure that they print?

I've never seen fares in a Royal brochure, but we didn't sail them back in the day. I do remember them in the 80's and 90's on other lines.   They usually had 3 prices, Season, off-season and holiday.

We have several old ones, dating back 15 years +

They all have pricing, some older ones have 2 prices, retail and the discounted price

We use them some to compare pricing to today

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(PDF) Royal Caribbean Cruise Brochure

In Royal Caribbean cruise brochure for Caribbean and other warm-water regions you will find a lot of useful information about destinations, ships, and amenities. If you need more cruise brochure, feel free to click here .

Royal Caribbean International is well known as the most innovative cruise line that pushes limits of imagination to exceed guests’ expectations each and every time they sail on their cruise ships.

They believe that only incredible experiences build lifelong memories and keep their guests coming back time and again.

This cruise brochure covers the following topics:

Destination WOW

Step 1: where do you want to go.

• Our Warm-Weather Ports of Call
• The Bahamas
• Caribbean Bermuda
• Panama Canal & Hawaii

STEP 2: Choose your Ship and Stateroom

Step 3: reserve, customize & go.

• Odnoklassniki
• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
• Brand Category: Contemporary
• Destination: Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Panama canal and Hawaii
• Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas

Alaska Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours Overview

View the charts below to help you select the Cruisetour land package that best fits your individual interests and vacation plans. Each chart shows the duration of each Cruisetour, the activities included and cities visited. Tour packages are numbered and lettered with “A” for Cruisetours that occur after the cruise or “B” for tours that occur before the cruise.

• 2025 Cruisetours
• 2024 Cruisetours

Alaska Wildlife Express 1A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Denali Natural History Tour

2025 Departures — May 16 & 30, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22

Alaska Wildlife Express 1B

2025 Departures — May 20, June 3 & 17, July 1, 15 & 29, August 12 & 26, September 9

Alaska Interior Express 2A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Denali and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Gold Dredge 8

Alaska Interior Express 2B

Mountain valley explorer 3a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska (Girdwood), Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Wildlife Conservation Center

Mountain Valley Explorer 3B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 3A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 19, June 2, 16 & 30 July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8

Wilderness Frontier Explorer 4A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Denali (2 nights) and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Tundra Wilderness Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Wilderness Frontier Explorer 4B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 4A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Mountain Panorama Adventure 5A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 5-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska (Girdwood), Denali (2 nights), Talkeetna and Anchorage

Included Experiences — Alaska SeaLife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail from Talkeetna to Anchorage, and more.

Mountain Panorama Adventure 5B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 5A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 18, June 1, 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, September 7

Fjord & Tundra National Parks Explorer 6A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 5-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Seward, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, and more.

Fjord & Tundra National Parks Explorer 6B

Grand mountain marvels 7a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 6-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali (2 nights) and Fairbanks.

Included Experiences — Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Anchorage City Tour, Anchorage Museum, and more.

Grand Mountain Marvels 7B

2025 Departures — May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, September 6

Alaska Wilderness Spectacular 8A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 6-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali (2 nights) and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Riverboat Discovery Cruise, and more.

Alaska Wilderness Spectacular 8B

Family tundra express 9a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium Discovery Center, Murie Science & Learning Center, Dog Kennel Tour, and ...

Family Tundra Express 9B

Destination denali 11a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 2-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour

Departures — May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23

Departures — May 21, June 4 & 18, July 2, 16 & 30, August 13 & 27, September 10

Departures — May 20, June 3 & 17, July 1, 15 & 29, August 12 & 26 September 9

Departures — May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25 September 8

Departures — May 18, June 1, 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24 September 7

Included Experiences — Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium Discovery Center, Murie Science & Learning Center, Dog Kennel Tour

The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

E ven if you're a newcomer to cruising, you've probably heard of Royal Caribbean 's giant Icon Class and Oasis Class ships. With the exception of a single MSC Cruises vessel , they're far bigger than any other cruise vessel afloat and like nothing else you'll find at sea.

Indeed, when you hear people talking about the wow factor of Royal Caribbean's "floating megaresorts," it's likely they're referring to the seven ships in these two sets of vessels. This includes the just-unveiled Icon of the Seas — the world's biggest cruise ship.

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That said, not all Royal Caribbean ships are similarly supersized. While the line is perhaps best known for giant vessels — it operates seven of the 10 biggest cruise ships in the world — it also markets some relatively smaller, more intimate ships.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has eight vessels that are less than half the size of the Icon Class and Oasis Class ships.

If you're thinking about booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll find the line offers a wide range of ship styles and designs.

With the relatively recent removal of two older ships from its fleet, Royal Caribbean — the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity — now has 28 oceangoing vessels in all. That's more than any other major cruise line, and it means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean ship for you.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options is that the 28 ships can easily be bunched into just seven groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

These seven groups are made up of ships constructed around the same time with the same basic design. They're known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

An introduction to Royal Caribbean ships

For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. The company has built its brand around offering vacationers a ton of diversions on its ships, whether for dining (some vessels have more than 20 distinct places to grab a bite) or entertainment. Its vessels are lively and fun.

The over-the-top megaresort experience on a Royal Caribbean ship varies from class to class, though.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

The line's one Icon Class and six Oasis Class ships are unlike anything else you'll find at sea when it comes to size, amenities and capacity. They each can hold more than 6,600 passengers, with every berth full.

Somewhat smaller in size but still giant by any measure, each of the line's five Quantum Class and three Freedom Class vessels has a total capacity ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. With space for around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy, the line's five Voyager Class vessels are relatively large, too.

Together, the 20 vessels of these five classes — Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager — make up Royal Caribbean's big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers.

While no longer the focus at Royal Caribbean, the smaller ships (which are generally the line's older ships) allow it to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Icon of the Seas.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail per day.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

As you might expect, the biggest Royal Caribbean ships have the most amenities. With each step down in size, you'll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and attractions. Even the smallest Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer, though.

If you're sailing with the line for the first time, it's important to understand that not all of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions and venues are present on all its ships. For instance, while every Royal Caribbean vessel now has one of the line's iconic climbing walls (some have two), only the 20 ships of the line's big-ship classes have a FlowRider surfing simulator. Only the 15 ships of the Icon, Oasis, Freedom and Voyager classes have ice skating rinks.

Here is a look at the seven classes of Royal Caribbean ships in more detail.

Ships in class: Icon of the Seas (2024), Star of the Seas (coming in 2025); unnamed vessel (coming in 2026)

Size: 248,663 tons

Is your idea of a great vacation a trip to a megaresort loaded with more restaurants, bars, theaters and watery amusements than you can imagine? Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class is the ship class for you.

As mentioned above, Icon of the Seas — the only Icon Class ship currently in operation — is bigger than any other cruise vessel afloat at 248,663 tons, and for big-ship lovers, there's really nothing quite like it. Two additional Icon Class ships debuting in 2025 and 2026, respectively, will be equally over-the-top in size and venues.

Each of the Icon Class vessels that are operating or soon to debut has been designed with seven separate pools (a new record for a cruise ship), a water park with six waterslides (also a record), a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on their top decks.

Inside the vessels, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks, just in case you want to get your Michelle Kwan on.

What you won't find on the Icon Class ships is intimacy. These are vessels that can carry as many as 7,600 passengers when every berth is filled. They operate with around 2,300 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with nearly 10,000 people.

If the above sounds downright outrageous to you, it is. Keep in mind, though, that the biggest megaresorts on land are even bigger. The biggest resort in the U.S. — The Venetian in Las Vegas — has 7,092 rooms. That means it can hold more than 14,000 guests, assuming there are two people per room.

By that measure, Icon Class ships are almost small.

Icon Class ships also don't necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean's designers are masters at creating vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded — at least in some areas. You can have a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the sometimes nearly empty, tree-lined Central Park area of Icon of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers are frolicking about at the ship's pools.

Related: Why Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas won't feel as crowded as you think

While only one ship in this series (Icon of the Seas) is currently operating, the second vessel in the series (Star of the Seas) is already open for bookings. Its maiden voyage is set for Aug. 31, 2025.

Quantum Class

Ships in class: Quantum of the Seas (2014), Anthem of the Seas (2015), Ovation of the Seas (2016), Spectrum of the Seas (2019) and Odyssey of the Seas (2021)

Size: 168,666 to 169,379 tons

Unveiled in 2014, the Quantum Class may be Royal Caribbean's most innovative class ever.

In addition to a wide range of restaurants, bars and showrooms, the five ships in the class feature some of the most unusual new attractions you'll find at sea. This includes bumper car pavilions (yes, somehow they found room for these) and skydiving simulators.

The ships also have glass-enclosed capsules mounted on mechanical arms that will take you soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. They're called the North Star rides, and they may be the oddest attractions ever added to the top of a cruise ship.

Quantum Class ships also feature unusual, multilevel entertainment spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass walls called Two70. The spaces are home to innovative shows that often feature aerial performers, singers and dancers who emerge from openings in the floor or the ceiling. At certain times of the day, the glass walls transform into an expansive ambient surface called Vistarama that projects real and imagined scenes.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows. But don't expect all the classic Royal Caribbean features on Quantum Class ships. For instance, you won't find ice skating rinks on the vessels even though they're a staple of all other big Royal Caribbean ships. Quantum Class ships also don't have water parks.

The Quantum Class ships aren't quite as big as Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class vessels (and thus don't have quite as much room for things like ice skating rinks). At around 169,000 tons, though, they're still among the biggest ships at sea, with a significant number of venues.

They also can carry a lot of people. Most of the ships in the class hold 4,180 passengers at double occupancy — 4,905 if every berth is filled. One exception is Spectrum of the Seas, which was specifically built for the China market with some design differences. It can hold up to 5,622 passengers. Additionally, the newest ship in the series, Odyssey of the Seas, can hold up to 5,498 passengers.

Related: 4 things you'll love about Royal Caribbean's new Odyssey of the Seas

One more big difference between the ships of the Quantum Class and other big Royal Caribbean ships: The Quantum Class ships are designed to be more versatile.

If you look closely at their deck plans, you'll notice that more of their main attractions are indoors and protected from the elements than the ships of the Icon, Oasis or Freedom classes, for example.

One of the two main pool areas on each Quantum Class ship (except Odyssey of the Seas) is enclosed. The bumper car pavilions are, too, doubling as roller skating rinks or indoor basketball courts. This allows Royal Caribbean to send the ships to cooler regions of the world, such as Alaska and Northern Europe, where the temperatures aren't always conducive to outdoor activity.

Royal Caribbean has also used some Quantum Class ships for sailings out of China.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's loyalty program

Oasis Class

Ships in class: Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022) and Utopia of the Seas (2024)

Size: 226,838 to 236,857 tons

Until this year's debut of Icon of the Seas, these were the world's biggest and most venue-packed cruise ships. Although they're not quite as big as the new vessel, they remain among the very best options for vacationers who love nothing more than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans.

Each of the Oasis Class vessels has three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and a zip line on their top decks — a nearly as wide array of features as the new Icon of the Seas. Inside the vessels, as on Icon of the Seas, you'll find a seemingly endless number of lounges, bars, restaurants and shops, as well as large casinos, spas and showrooms. Like Icon of the Seas, each ship has an indoor ice skating rink.

As is the case for Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ships, which have many similarities with the Oasis Class ships, these vessels carry a huge number of people. They can carry as many as 6,988 passengers when every berth is filled. They operate with around 2,200 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with more than 9,000 people — not quite as many as the nearly 10,000 you could find on an Icon Class ship but still a huge number.

The good news for those of you worried about excessive crowds is that, as is the case with the Icon Class ships, the Oasis Class ships don't necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean designed them with a "neighborhood" concept that spreads passengers out in seven or eight (depending on the ship) distinct areas, such as the Pool and Sports Zone and the Boardwalk amusement zone. A lot of thought went into how passengers move between these neighborhoods, too.

Note that there are a few differences from ship to ship in the Oasis Class series. For starters, the four newest and largest ships in the series — Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas — have a few additional attractions and venues. Among them is the Ultimate Abyss, a terrifying slide that drops nine decks. (Royal Caribbean says it drops 10 decks, but don't be fooled; the line counts a nonexistent Deck 13.)

There are also giant waterslides on five of the six ships. Only Allure of the Seas is missing them. There are plans to add waterslides to Allure of the Seas, but they were put on hold after COVID-19 shut down cruising in 2020.

Related: The 6 most spectacular waterslides and watery fun zones at sea

A handful of restaurants also differ from ship to ship in the series.

The two newest and largest ships in the series, Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, have the most differences from the other Oasis Class vessels. At 236,473 tons and 235,600 tons, respectively, they are about 4% bigger than the next biggest ship in the series; the extra space is devoted to such additions as a dedicated suite area with a private lounge, a restaurant and a sun deck.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is awesome for families | Wonder of the Seas cabin comparison | A wild race to try every Wonder of the Seas attraction in 2 days

A seventh, as-yet-unnamed ship in the Oasis Class series is under construction and expected to debut in 2028. It's being built by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France — the same shipyard that built Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

Radiance Class

Ships in class: Radiance of the Seas (2001), Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004)

Size: 90,090 tons

Not sure you want to sail on a megaship with 6,000 people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Radiance Class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 90,090 tons, the four vessels in the series are less than half the size of Royal Caribbean's massive Icon Class and Oasis Class ships, but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each vessel has more than a half-dozen places to eat, including the main restaurant, a casual buffet, a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and an Asian venue.

You'll also find three pools on each ship, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium. Each ship has a theater, a spa, a casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are all the gee-whiz attractions — such as ice skating rinks, surfing simulators, giant waterslides and bumper car pavilions — that Royal Caribbean has put on its bigger vessels. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, the Radiance class probably isn't for you.

Each Radiance Class ship holds more than 2,100 passengers at double occupancy (plus a few hundred more with every berth filled). That's less than half the number of passengers on the biggest Royal Caribbean ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds on the biggest megaships without giving up many of the amenities that big ships offer.

Freedom Class

Ships in class: Freedom of the Seas (2006), Liberty of the Seas (2007) and Independence of the Seas (2008)

Size: 154,407 to 156,271 tons

As recently as 2009, these were the biggest cruise ships in the world, and they're still quite big compared to almost all other cruise vessels afloat.

While no longer on the list of the top 25 biggest cruise ships — they've been displaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon, Oasis and Quantum Class vessels, as well as several ships from other lines — the Freedom Class vessels offer a classic big-ship experience with lots of restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions.

The Freedom Class ships, notably, were the first Royal Caribbean ships to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on their top decks — now a signature attraction for the line. The vessels also have multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on their top decks (which are among the most activity-packed at sea).

Indeed, the top decks of Freedom Class ships are more loaded with attractions than any other Royal Caribbean vessels except the Icon Class and Oasis Class vessels. You just won't find several of the most over-the-top attractions, such as zip lines, that Icon Class and Oasis Class ships have.

In their interiors, Freedom Class vessels have the mall-like Royal Promenade spaces filled with eateries, bars and shops that have become standard on bigger Royal Caribbean ships. They also have large casinos and spas.

Related: Royal Caribbean just fixed the worst part of cruising

At around 156,000 tons, the Freedom Class ships are about 38% smaller than the Icon Class ships and 31% smaller than the Oasis Class ships, a significant step down in size. They're nearly 8% smaller than the Quantum Class ships.

They also carry significantly fewer passengers than the Oasis Class ships. Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy (closer to 4,600 with every berth filled). Liberty of the Seas can carry several hundred more.

Voyager Class

Ships in class: Voyager of the Seas (1999), Explorer of the Seas (2000), Adventure of the Seas (2001), Navigator of the Seas (2002) and Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Size: 137,276 to 139,999 tons

The Voyager Class ships are similar to Freedom Class ships but shorter in length. In other words, the Freedom Class was a stretched version of the Voyager Class.

Like the Freedom Class vessels, the Voyager Class ships have many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.

Voyager Class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops in their interior. Each also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

One of the main differences between the Voyager Class and the Freedom Class is that the Royal Promenades on Voyager Class ships are shorter. The top-deck areas of the Voyager Class ships are also more truncated than the Freedom Class vessels.

There are also fewer cabins on the Voyager Class ships, resulting in fewer passengers on board a typical sailing. Most of the ships carry around 3,100 passengers at double occupancy — about 800 fewer than the typical Freedom Class ship.

At around 139,000 tons, the ships are about 11% smaller than the Freedom Class ships.

There are also some variations in attractions among the five Voyager Class vessels. Navigator of the Seas has a relatively new waterslide zone that's home to The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea . You won't find that on the other ships, though most of them have different waterslides. Only three of the five ships — Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas — have laser tag courses. Adventure of the Seas is the only vessel in the class with a kiddie splash zone.

Related: Why the overhaul of Navigator of the Seas was so great

Vision Class

Ships in class: Grandeur of the Seas (1996), Rhapsody of the Seas (1997), Enchantment of the Seas (1997) and Vision of the Seas (1998)

Size: 73,817 to 82,910 tons

Dating to the 1990s, the Vision Class ships are the smallest at Royal Caribbean, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.

In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship as well as those who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions.

Along those lines, Royal Caribbean often sends some of its Vision Class ships to Europe in the summer to operate port call-intensive itineraries. The vessels also often sail longer trips in the Caribbean that include less-visited southerly islands. In both cases, the allure of the cruises has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

Vision Class ships are also sometimes based in secondary ports such as Baltimore or San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the size of the local cruise market might not warrant a larger vessel.

Except for rock climbing walls, the Vision Class ships have none of the signature Royal Caribbean deck-top attractions such as surfing and skydiving simulators. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s. All have at least two pools and six whirlpools, except for Enchantment of the Seas, which has three pools and six whirlpools.

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition to main restaurants and casual buffets, each ship has at least one (and often several) additional specialty restaurants. The line's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and Italian eatery Giovanni's Table are two of them. Rhapsody of the Seas has the biggest selection of dining; Enchantment of the Seas has the smallest. Three of the four vessels — all but Enchantment of the Seas — have an Izumi Asian restaurant.

Each of the ships varies slightly in size. Grandeur of the Seas is the smallest of the four vessels, measuring around 74,000 tons. Enchantment of the Seas is the biggest, measuring around 83,000 tons (it was, notably, lengthened by 73 feet in 2005).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Cruises are more expensive than ever. But a deal isn't impossible — if you have restraint

• Cheap cruises are increasingly difficult to find as cruise lines raise prices.
• Operators are also increasingly outfitting their ships with pay-to-play amenities.
• The combination of higher fares and increased onboard spending is making budget cruises a relic of the past.

In the next few years, you could turn to the youth and say, "When I was your age, budget cruises were still a thing."

Cruise giants Carnival Corp and Royal Caribbean Group are having a windfall year, with both companies reporting sky-high onboard spending , prices, and demand in their second-quarter 2024 earnings report.

It's a sign that the vacation-at-sea industry is doing better than ever. But this news might not be so welcome if you're a fan of cheap cruises .

Budget cruises are so 2022

Cheap cruise aggregator Cruise Sheet shows fewer than 630 itineraries listed at $100 or less a day from July through December.

Not bad, right? Well, let's go back in time.

The year was 2022. Cruise lines were just beginning to reactivate their fleets after a tumultuous pause in operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic (remember that?).

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To entice travelers back, these companies started releasing a flurry of heavily discounted itineraries .

From July 2022 through the end of that year, there were about 2,000 sailings for under $100 a day , Tynan Smith, the founder of Cruise Sheet, told Business Insider at the time — a stark contrast to today's limited options.

That's not to say ultra-affordable cruises don't exist anymore

A handful of 2024 itineraries from more premium cruise lines like Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America are still being sold at an inexpensive rate of $80 a day or less. You can also try smaller companies like Margaritaville at Sea , the cheapest of which runs at $25 a night (although it won't be of the aforementioned companies' quality or caliber).

For the most part, if you want to pay that little but don't want to hunt for a deal, you're better off sticking with Carnival Cruise Line.

The popular company has about 155 sailings for under $80 a day through 2024, mostly on older ships, according to Cruise Sheet's website . That's more than Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America combined.

Success — looks like you just found yourself some pretty affordable itineraries!

Just be sure to temper your spending once onboard. Otherwise, your $80-a-day vacation could quickly become $160 a day.

Your budget vacation might not be so budget-friendly once onboard

Cruises are often lauded as an economical vacation choice compared to hotels and flights.

But budget accordingly if you want drinks, excursions, fancier restaurants, WiFi, or even some onboard attractions — they'll all have fees on mass-market cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships.

Take Carnival Conquest, for example. The 22-year-old vessel is scheduled for many of the cruise line's cheapest-per-day itineraries this year.

The ship has seven complimentary dining venues and five with fees — the latter not including upcharges for lobsters and steaks at the otherwise free dining room.

And while its mini-golf course, shows, and waterslide are free, you'll have to pay extra for the arcade games or to participate in the "Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea" or "Deal or No Deal" programs.

The same goes for WiFi, a necessity for travelers who want to live-post vacation snaps on their Instagram stories.

Thankfully, Carnival Corp just finished outfitting its ships with Starlink this year — which Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corp, called "another revenue uplift opportunity" in a call with analysts in late June.

The cruise line's drinks package alone starts at $70.74 per person and day. A dinner at its steakhouse adds another $50 for that day, while WiFi for social media websites starts at $15.30 daily.

And before you know it, if you don't have restraint, your ultra-inexpensive cruise could quickly double in cost — all while you're still stuck in an inside cabin .

With all these opportunities to spend big, it's no wonder both Carnival Corp and Royal Caribbean Group have reported a spike in onboard spending in the first two quarters of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

So, yes, it's still possible to find an ultra-cheap cruise. Just get ready to hunt for it or go with Carnival — and monitor your spending on the ship , or else all your efforts will be for nothing.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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