Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Age - Newest to Oldest
We list the newest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships 2024 & 2025, as well as the oldest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, based on built age. Make your Cruise booking today.
We list the newest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships 2024 & 2025, as well as the oldest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, based on built age. Make your Cruise booking today.
Royal Caribbean is constantly glorified for providing cruisers with the largest and most impressive ships at sea. Over the past few decades, they have consistently revealed ships that claim the title of "world's largest" and introduced numerous innovative onboard features that other cruise lines promptly adopted.
In the current year, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) has operated 26 cruise ships, and three more are set to launch in 2024 & 2025, which means Royal Caribbean currently has a total of 29 cruise ships, as per their official announcement.
Usually, the latest Royal Caribbean ship shines with the latest features in cabins, dining, bars, and entertainment. If you are looking for the newest and best cruise in 2024 or 2025 for your upcoming cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean is a great choice. You will definitely find multiple options to enjoy and spend your golden days at the sea.
Are you wondering which Royal Caribbean Cruise ships suit your upcoming cruise? Explore our up-to-date list of Royal Caribbean cruise ships by age, from the newest to the oldest.
The table below displays Royal Caribbean's cruise ships in the order of newest to oldest, along with their respective ship classes and built years. The upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise Star of the Seas will debut in 2025, which is the latest cruise ship in the line announced by Royal Caribbean officials. The first and oldest Royal Caribbean cruise was Grandeur of the Seas, which debuted in 1996.
| Cruise Ships | Year Built | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Star of the Seas | Due 2025 | Icon |
| Utopia of the Seas | Due 2024 | Oasis |
| Icon of the Seas | Due 2024 | Icon |
| Wonder of the Seas | 2022 | Oasis |
| Odyssey of the Seas | 2021 | Quantum Ultra |
| Spectrum of the Seas | 2019 | Quantum Ultra |
| Symphony of the Seas | 2018 | Oasis |
| Harmony of the Seas | 2016 | Oasis |
| Ovation of the Seas | 2016 | Quantum |
| Anthem of the Seas | 2015 | Quantum |
| Quantum of the Seas | 2014 | Quantum |
| Allure of the Seas | 2010 | Oasis |
| Oasis of the Seas | 2009 | Oasis |
| Independence of the Seas | 2008 | Freedom |
| Liberty of the Seas | 2007 | Freedom |
| Freedom of the Seas | 2006 | Freedom |
| Jewel of the Seas | 2004 | Radiance |
| Mariner of the Seas | 2003 | Voyager |
| Serenade of the Seas | 2003 | Radiance |
| Navigator of the Seas | 2002 | Voyager |
| Brilliance of the Seas | 2002 | Radiance |
| Adventure of the Seas | 2001 | Voyager |
| Radiance of the Seas | 2001 | Radiance |
| Explorer of the Seas | 2000 | Voyager |
| Voyager of the Seas | 1999 | Voyager |
| Vision of the Seas | 1998 | Vision |
| Enchantment of the Seas | 1997 | Vision |
| Rhapsody of the Seas | 1997 | Vision |
| Grandeur of the Seas | 1996 | Vision |
The upcoming Star of the Seas honors Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class cruise ship, which is expected to launch in the summer of 2025. While its exact size remains unknown, Royal Caribbean tends to make each new cruise slightly larger than the last, aiming for the "world's biggest cruise ship" title upon launch. Currently in construction at Finland's Meyer Turku shipyard, the ship is in progress.
Related: Cruise Booking Offers the Most Affordable Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals
Launching in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's latest addition. As the sixth ship in the Oasis Class, it is renowned for its open-air design and attractions such as AquaTheater and Central Park. Utopia of the Seas will operate 3-night and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, exploring Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.
When it debuts in January 2024, Icon of the Seas will declare the title of the "World's largest cruise ship." As the inaugural vessel in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, it will feature a great range of activities and amenities. Guests can look forward to the exciting AquaDome neighborhood, the Category 6 Waterpark, and the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood. Starting from Miami, Florida, Icon of the Seas will initially offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries.
Wonder of the Seas, the world's current largest cruise ship (until 2024), marks the fifth in Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class series. It's soon to be succeeded by the sixth Utopia of the Seas. Constructed in France, this ship offers a suite neighborhood, the Ultimate Family Suite, and various dining spots, blending both familiar favorites and new experiences for travelers.
Odyssey of the Seas is the last ship in Royal Caribbean’s high-tech Quantum Class. Known for its innovation, this ship features RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience, and the SeaPlex, an indoor sports hub with bumper cars and rollerskating. Grown-ups can relax in the climate-controlled Solarium or enjoy the tropical pool deck with The Lime and coconut bar. It cruises the Caribbean in winter and heads to Europe in summer, offering Greek Isles and Holy Land trips from Rome.
Related: Five Exciting Features on Odyssey of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas, the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class series, predominantly charters voyages in Asia, catering to the region's cruise enthusiasts. As part of the Quantum Class fleet, the ship boasts signature attractions like the iFly skydiving simulator, the SeaPlex entertainment hub offering bumper cars and various amusements, and the distinctive North Star experience, elevating passengers into the skies within a suspended pod. Designed with innovative features, Spectrum of the Seas delivers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities and unique entertainment, catering to diverse tastes while sailing through the stunning waters of Asia.
Related: Top 5 Things to Do on Spectrum of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas ranks as the world's second-largest cruise ship, closely trailing its newer sibling, Wonder of the Seas. Belonging to the innovative Oasis Class initiated in 2009, it stands as the fourth vessel in this prestigious lineup. Designed akin to its Oasis counterparts, Symphony of the Seas boasts diverse neighborhoods, such as the vibrant Central Park. This unique area houses an array of dining spots, bars, and shops, creating an open-air experience within the heart of the ship and enhancing the allure of cruising escapades.
Introduced in 2016, Harmony of the Seas marked the third addition to Royal Caribbean's renowned Oasis Class fleet, reigning as the largest ship globally upon its unveiling (although it has since been surpassed by the slightly larger Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas). Distinguished as the pioneer within the Oasis Class, it featured an extensive water park named Perfect Storm and the gravity-defying 10-story-high dry slide, Ultimate Abyss.
Related: 5 Things to Do on Harmony of the Seas Cruise
The third marvel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class fleet, Ovation of the Seas, has been predominantly navigating the waters of Australia and Alaska. Much akin to its fellow Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas boasts a plethora of entertainment options. From an iFly skydiving simulator to the SeaPlex entertainment hub featuring bumper cars, and not to forget the exhilarating North Star ride—lifting passengers high into the sky within a suspended pod—this vessel brims with thrilling amusements.
Related: Top Things to Do on Ovation of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas, the second cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class fleet, alternates between two key locations. During the winter months, it calls New York City home, navigating routes to New England, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. In the summer, Southampton, England, becomes its base for voyages. However, the winter of 2024-2025 will see Anthem of the Seas embarking on a new adventure as it is slated to relocate to Singapore for sailings in Asia.
Related: Best Things to Do on the Anthem of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas pioneered Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class, marking the inception of a groundbreaking era for the cruise line. With a capacity for 4,905 passengers, this vessel introduced unprecedented features, setting global firsts like the Bionic Bar—a robotic bartender concept now adopted across multiple Royal Caribbean ships. Additionally, it debuted the innovative iFly skydiving simulator, a dynamic SeaPlex entertainment hub housing bumper cars, and the North Star. This exhilarating suspended pod ride elevates passengers into the skies.
Shortly following the launch of her sister ship, Allure of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage, claiming not just the top spot in Royal Caribbean's fleet but also the world's largest vessel—a prestigious title she maintained for a remarkable six years. Plans were in place for an extensive enhancement, including the addition of thrilling features like the Ultimate Abyss slide and Perfect Storm waterslides. However, the global shutdown disrupted these intentions. Speculation has arisen about a potential upgrade now that cruising has resumed its normal course. The allure of the Seas is a fixture in Orlando and Miami, hosting Bahamas cruises typically spanning 3 or 4 nights.
Related: Top Things to Do on Allure of the Seas
The Oasis of the Seas epitomized Royal Caribbean's statement in the world of ships. When the cruise line aimed to craft the largest vessel globally, it didn't merely surpass the previous record; it entirely reshaped the perception of a cruise ship, birthing the notion of a "super-ship." Many features we now link with modern Royal Caribbean cruises made their debut on the Oasis of the Seas. This includes innovations like the zip-line, the immersive Central Park area, and the pioneering concept of distinct neighborhoods aboard a ship. During the winter, the Oasis of the Seas offers Caribbean cruises, but come summer, it gracefully navigates the Mediterranean, embarking from cities like Barcelona and Rome.
Independence of the Seas, the final ship of the Freedom-class to set sail, has remained a beloved vessel within the fleet. Among British cruisers, it held a special place—before Anthem of the Seas claimed its position—serving as THE Royal Caribbean vessel for Southampton cruises. Now anchored in Miami as its permanent residence, it offers year-round voyages spanning the Bahamas and both Caribbean coasts. Notable attractions on board include the thrilling Playmakers Sports Bar and the exhilarating Flowrider surf simulator.
In 2007, Liberty of the Seas made a grand debut as the world's largest ship, surpassing her sister vessel, Freedom of the Seas, with a significantly higher passenger capacity, nearly accommodating up to 4,960 passengers. Despite facing a delay in her planned Amplification, she has been diligently cared for and continues to charm dedicated passengers. Renowned for her popularity, Liberty of the Seas primarily operates Caribbean and Bahamas voyages departing from Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, she extends her allure to cruises exploring Canada & New England, setting sail from Cape Liberty in New Jersey.
The Freedom of the Seas made a grand entrance as the largest passenger ship ever built, dethroning Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 upon her launch. One of her standout features is the groundbreaking FlowRider surf simulator. This pioneering addition has since become a staple on all Royal Caribbean ships, even making its way onto some older cruises. Sailing from both Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the Freedom of the Seas caters to Caribbean enthusiasts on both sides of the spectrum, offering a range of itineraries from shorter voyages to week-long escapades.
Related: Top Things to Do on Freedom of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas, though smaller than Royal Caribbean’s latest ships, offers a delightfully intimate experience. Crafted at Meyer Werft Yard in Papenberg, Germany, the cruise allows you to share the seas with only a few thousand fellow cruisers. Famous as the final Royal Caribbean ship with a multi-story atrium rather than a promenade, Jewel of the Seas underwent renovations in 2016. Since her maiden journey, she has navigated routes spanning the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Persian Gulf.
The Mariner of the Seas was a super fun ship 20 years ago. But now, it's even more exciting! They added cool stuff like water slides you can race on, a surf simulator called FlowRider, and a chill place to eat called Jamie's Italian. Now, the Mariner of the Seas is going on trips to the Caribbean. It hangs out in Galveston for a bit and then spends the rest of the year sailing from Port Canaveral.
Related: Top 5 Things You Cannot Miss on Mariner of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas was the third ship like her sisters in the Radiance class for Royal Caribbean. People on board can have yummy food at different restaurants, lots of fun stuff like sports and spas, and awesome live shows. You can go on the Ultimate World Cruise with this ship, traveling to many places around the world. The rest of the time, she sails in the Caribbean from Tampa.
Navigator of the Seas has been a favorite cruise ship for a long time since it started in 2002. It got even better in 2019 with some cool upgrades. Now, people can have fun on exciting waterslides and a surf simulator and try tasty food at places like Hooked Seafood and Jonny Rockets Express. Navigator of the Seas is always on the west coast of the US, sailing to Mexico from Los Angeles.
Coming out just a year earlier than Serenade of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas is an almost similar cruise ship. Like Serenade of the Seas, it's a Radiance Class ship, and that means it's significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. However, it is still loaded with venues, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, a rock-climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court, whirlpools, and an adults-only solarium. Like its Radiance Class sisters, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.
Related: Best Things to Do on Brilliance of the Seas
Adventure of the Seas was supposed to get a big upgrade called Amplification, but that got delayed because everything shut down. Even so, since it started in 2001, it's been taken care of with small improvements. There are lots of yummy food choices and fun things to do during the day and at night. Adventure of the Seas ship has traveled on both sides of the Atlantic before, but now it's going to sail in the Caribbean from Port Canaveral mainly.
Related: Best Things to Do on Adventure of the Seas
The radiance of the Seas was different from that of other Royal Caribbean ships. The big Voyager-class ships were really liked, but the cruise line thought some people still wanted smaller ships. So, they made the Radiance Class. Radiance of the Seas isn't as fancy as the bigger ships. It's more for grown-ups who want a bit of fun but also lots of time to relax. It goes to the Caribbean and Alaska from different starting places.
Explorer of the Seas continued the fun from Voyager of the Seas by giving lots of cool things to do on the ship. They added something cool called the FlowRider, but they still need to do a big upgrade called Amplification. In the winter, Explorer of the Seas goes to the Caribbean from Miami, like many other ships. In the summer, it sails around the Greek Isles, starting from Ravenna.
Related: Things to Do on Explorer of the Seas
The Voyager of the Seas was a big new ship for Royal Caribbean around the year 2000. It was the biggest cruise ship in the world back then and had lots of fun stuff to do onboard. In 2019, twenty years after it first started, they made it even better with some upgrades. Now, you can go on trips to the Caribbean on the Voyager of the Seas. It leaves from either Galveston or Port Canaveral and mostly offers shorter vacations.
Vision of the Seas is the newest kind of ship from Royal Caribbean called Vision Class. These ships are smaller compared to others in the Royal Caribbean group. Compared to many other Royal Caribbean ships, they have fewer things to do on board. People who like Vision of the Seas and its three older sister ships usually prefer a smaller and cozier cruise experience. They care more about where the boat goes than all the fun things to do on board.
Related: Top Things to Do on Vision of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas is the third Vision-class ship. It offers a more peaceful experience compared to the bigger ships but still has excellent entertainment at night and tasty food options. In the winter, it travels in the Caribbean from Tampa. But in the summer, it crosses the Atlantic for different cruises in the Mediterranean from places like Ravenna, Barcelona, and Athens.
Rhapsody of the Seas is the second cruise ship in the Vision class. It came after Grandeur of the Seas. It may not have all the cool and colorful things that newer ships have, but it has nice places for kids and lots of room for grown-ups to relax. This ship goes on trips mostly around the southern Caribbean. It leaves from Colon in Panama and Cartagena in Colombia.
Related: Top Things to Do on Rhapsody of the Seas
The oldest and smallest ship in the Royal Caribbean group is Grandeur of the Seas. It has been sailing for more than 25 years. The experience on this ship is different from the newest ones, but many people really like it. It's good for those who prefer a quieter Royal Caribbean experience, especially when it comes to food and quality live entertainment. Grandeur of the Seas mostly travels in the Caribbean, starting from various ports in Florida. Sometimes, it also goes on cruises from Boston to explore Canada.
Related: Things to Do on the Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has lots of cool stuff on their cruise ships for everyone. Kids have fun things to do, while adults can enjoy exciting water slides like the twisting Perfect Storm. These ships go to many places like Europe, Asia, Australia, Alaska, and the Caribbean. If you're going on a cruise for the first time, Royal Caribbean is a great choice.
Also Read: Carnival Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest
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