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Whereas greatest recognized for its flashy leisure and adventurous actions — from bumper vehicles and ice skating to browsing and indoor skydiving simulators — Royal Caribbean gives one thing for all sorts of vacationers. As such, it’s no shock why it’s one of many world’s hottest cruise traces. Nonetheless, with over 25 ships in its fleet, choosing the right ship on your journey is not any simple feat.
In line with Jesse Foutz, who makes a speciality of Royal Caribbean holidays on the journey company Marvelous Mouse Travels, there are “three elements to think about when selecting which Royal Caribbean ship will greatest suit your wants.” First, take into account the place you wish to cruise, and take into account that not all ships can entry all ports. It will robotically enable you to slim down your choices. When you’ve finalized a vacation spot — in addition to desired embarkation and disembarkation ports — take into account who you’ll be cruising with. For instance, says Foutz, these touring with youthful youngsters would possibly wish to prioritize kid-friendly facilities, like splash pads and pool choices, of their decision-making course of. Final however not least, take into account what you wish to do on board. Whereas each Royal Caribbean ship gives actions and leisure, Foutz notes that the precise sorts can range, even inside a given class. “I at all times counsel developing with a listing of actions or leisure you need in a ship,” he tells Journey + Leisure, “after which looking out which ships provide these issues.”
As somebody who has sailed with Royal Caribbean prior to now, I wholeheartedly agree with Foutz’s sentiments. On a Caribbean cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas, I used to be blown away by all of the exercise choices. Every day (and evening) spent at sea, I purposefully jam-packed my itinerary: Ziplining? Examine. Silent discos? You wager. Using the onboard carousel? After all! Whereas I totally loved all this mega-ship needed to provide, although, I may additionally see why others — {couples} and grownup good friend teams, as an illustration — might favor a extra intimate, refined expertise, which will be discovered on the road’s smaller, older ships. With that in thoughts, I can’t suggest sufficient for cruisers to think about who they’re touring with together with what sort of onboard atmosphere they’re hoping for.
To assist decide which ship is greatest suited to your particular wants, T+L has compiled a full listing of all present Royal Caribbean ships, full with standout facilities and different necessary insights.
Utopia of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2024
Ship Class: Oasis
Ship Capability: 5,668 friends
Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s latest ship, launched simply this summer time. The cruise line has dubbed the ship the “world’s greatest weekend,” providing sailings from Port Canaveral in Florida. In her evaluate of the ship, T+L contributor Stefanie Waldek suggested, “Do not attempt to do every part. As an alternative, choose a couple of issues to do off the endless every day program, then see how your crusing unfolds. If I realized something throughout my stint on Utopia of the Seas, it is that there are two must-dos onboard: the Aqua80sToo present and dinner on the Royal Railway, a brand-new venue for Royal Caribbean.”
Icon of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2024
Ship Class: Icon
Ship Capability: 5,610 friends
Icon of the Seas, which first set sail early this 12 months from Miami, is the world’s largest cruise ship. The behemoth 20-deck vessel actually gives one thing for everybody, together with 40+ eating places and bars (together with the road’s first-ever swim-up bar), eight distinct “neighborhoods” (together with one solely for suite friends), and a sprawling water park outfitted with six slides (don’t miss the 46-foot-tall Horrifying Bolt, the tallest slide at sea). Take your choose of 28 stateroom classes, probably the most luxe of them being the three-story Final Household Townhouse, which on some sailings can run you upwards of $75,000 per week.
Surprise of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2022
Ship Class: Oasis
Ship Capability: 5,734 friends
This staggering Port Canaveral-based ship gives all of Royal Caribbean’s signature options and facilities, similar to eight distinct neighborhoods (together with one solely reserved for suite friends), mini golf, waterslides, and the Surprise Playscape for kiddos. When starvation or thirst calls, cruisers could make their technique to considered one of over 30 bars and eating places.
Odyssey of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2021
Ship Class: Quantum Extremely
Ship Capability: 4,198 friends
One of many line’s different supersized new ships, Odyssey of the Seas gives laser tag, bumper vehicles, a skydiving simulator, and the FlowRider surf simulator. For one of the best views, head to the North Star commentary capsule, which whisks you 300 toes above sea degree.
Spectrum of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2019
Ship Class: Quantum Extremely
Ship Capability: 4,246 friends
Journey awaits aboard Spectrum of the Seas, the place younger — and young-at-heart — cruisers can spend sea days mountaineering, skydiving (sure, you learn that proper: the road has a partnership with iFLY, a sequence of indoor skydiving amenities), and using bumper vehicles, the latter of which will be discovered on the SeaPlex exercise heart. Grown-ups can take pleasure in some R&R on the spa or absorb the solar from the adults-only solarium, whereas teenagers can cling in their very own devoted areas.
Symphony of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2018
Ship Class: Oasis
Ship Capability: 5,518 friends
Embark on a Symphony of the Seas crusing from both New Jersey or Florida and put together to be dazzled by its array of actions, like slides, laser tag, a zipline, and a lot extra. Among the many 30-plus bars and eating places is Wonderland Imaginative Delicacies, discovered on just a few Royal Caribbean ships. This specialty eating expertise is a culinary connoisseur’s dream, full with artistic cocktails and edible artworks. Diners right here select dishes primarily based on pure components: earth, sea, hearth, ice, and solar. Sugar Seashore, the onboard sweet store, is one other spotlight that can delight each cruiser’s candy tooth.
Concord of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2016
Ship Class: Oasis
Ship Capability: 5,479 friends
Presently cruising from Galveston, Texas, the 5,479-guest Concord of the Seas is a water lover’s oasis with a number of swimming pools and an abundance of aquatic actions, together with a water park particularly designed for little ones and three waterslides that cruisers can race down. It’s additionally value noting that Concord was the primary Royal Caribbean ship to characteristic the 10-story Final Abyss slide, which is among the many tallest at sea. For much more thrills, embark on a zipline experience 9 tales above the beloved Boardwalk neighborhood.
Ovation of the Seas
Inaugural 12 months: 2016
Ship Class: Quantum
Ship Capability: 4,180 friends
Whether or not you like mountaineering or skydiving, Ovation of the Seas is teeming with adrenaline-pumping actions. Plus, put together to be dazzled by 360-degree sea views from the North Star commentary deck. The nightlife scene is equally thrilling, with discos, theme nights, and thrilling performances galore.
Anthem of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2015
Ship Class: Quantum
Ship Capability: 4,180 friends
Anthem of the Seas gives lots of the identical fun-filled actions discovered on its sister Quantum Class ships, together with bumper vehicles, browsing and skydiving simulators, and a climbing wall. (Nonetheless, it’s value noting that Anthem doesn’t provide laser tag.) Whereas the youngsters are at play, grown-ups can hit up the Bionic Bar, the place the bartenders take the type of extremely expert robots that shake, stir, and sling refreshing drinks.
Quantum of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2014
Ship Class: Quantum
Ship Capability: 4,180 friends
Quantum of the Seas entered the Royal Caribbean fleet a decade in the past and stays simply as spectacular as we speak, focusing totally on journeys in Alaska that cruise to and from Seattle. On board, households of all ages can attempt their hand(s) at escape room challenges and laser tag battles earlier than retreating to their staterooms. Talking of cabins, it’s value noting that some inside staterooms characteristic digital balconies — a expertise that Royal Caribbean first provided on the Quantum.
Attract of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2010
Ship Class: Oasis
Ship Capability: 5,496 friends
The award-winning Attract of the Seas is an enormous vessel, clocking in at 18 decks and almost 5,500 passengers at double occupancy. It solely is smart {that a} ship of such a powerful measurement would provide equally superb sights and actions. Expertise the colourful Boardwalk neighborhood from new heights by way of zipline, scale the 40-foot mountaineering wall for gorgeous sea views, or let unfastened with the little ones on the H2O Zone Water Park.
Oasis of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2009
Ship Class: Oasis
Ship Capability: 5,602 friends
Once I set sail aboard Oasis of the Seas, I noticed households, {couples}, teams of associates, and (just about) everybody in between. What’s extra, with dozens of unbelievable actions, it’s just about not possible to be bored on board. Highlights embody laser tag, a zipline, an escape room, and the Splashaway Bay aqua park, which is right for little ones. My greatest evenings aboard Oasis had been spent dancing on the silent disco, belting turns on the karaoke bar, or just perusing the store, restaurant, and greenery-filled Central Park neighborhood, one of many cruise line’s most well-known sights.
Independence of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2008
Ship Class: Freedom
Ship Capability: 3,864 friends
Launched in 2008 and refurbished in 2018, Independence of the Seas alternates between New Jersey, Florida, and Southampton, England. On board, cruisers can go the time taking part in mini golf, hanging ten on the FlowRider, or racing one another down the waterslides. Little ones will love Splashaway Bay, which gives small slides, water cannons, fountains, swimming pools, and whirlpools. Among the many many consuming and eating choices are the aforementioned Sugar Seashore and Royal Caribbean favourite Playmaker Sports activities Bar & Arcade, which is — you guessed it — one half sports activities bar and pub, one half arcade.
Liberty of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2007
Ship Class: Freedom
Ship Capability: 3,798 friends
Liberty of the Seas is an older ship that hasn’t been refurbished in a number of years, however don’t let that deter you from getting on board. In truth, the vessel — which cruises from New Jersey, Florida, and England — is chock-full of issues to do. Don’t miss the Tidal Wave, which is the primary boomerang-style slide at sea and one of many ship’s a number of slides. Alternatively, go mountaineering, attempt your hand at ice skating, or catch one of many Broadway-caliber performances and thrilling reside exhibits, each of that are Royal Caribbean staples.
Freedom of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2006
Ship Class: Freedom
Ship Capability: 3,926 friends
Whereas Freedom of the Seas initially launched in 2006, it was refurbished in 2020 to supply among the cruise line’s latest — and most enjoyable — actions, like laser tag and waterslides. The vessel additionally boasts a mountaineering wall, surf simulator, mini golf, and even pickleball courts. It presently sails out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Jewel of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2004
Ship Class: Radiance
Ship Capability: 2,191 friends
Like the remainder of its Radiance Class sister ships, Jewel of the Seas gives a extra intimate and laid-back cruising expertise than the road’s newest over-the-top mega-ships. On board, cruisers will discover Royal Caribbean favorites like a mountaineering wall, a stunning on line casino, an adults-only solarium, and fascinating performances to entertain of us of all ages. Jewel sails from varied ports relying on the season, from Galveston to Amsterdam.
Mariner of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2003
Ship Class: Voyager
Ship Capability: 3,344
An older ship targeted on quick Caribbean cruises, Mariner of the Seas gives one thing of a center floor between the road’s extra fashionable mega-ships and the marginally smaller vessels of the Radiance and Imaginative and prescient courses. Onboard highlights embody a number of waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulator, and a slate of food and drinks choices that features a restaurant by Jamie Oliver and an at-sea Starbucks.
Serenade of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2003
Ship Class: Radiance
Ship Capability: 2,143 friends
Serenade of the Seas, which might accommodate 2,143 friends at double occupancy, is among the many cruise line’s smallest ships. However what it lacks in passenger capability, it greater than makes up for in leisure and exercise choices, like mini golf and mountaineering. The ship was initially constructed for Alaska cruising, that includes facilities like a pool with a retractable roof and almost three acres of exterior glass for absorbing the postcard-worthy surroundings and fascinating wildlife.
Navigator of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2002
Ship Class: Voyager
Ship Capability: 3,388 friends
Though Navigator of the Seas is an older ship, its 2019 refurbishment introduced it on top of things (extra according to Royal Caribbean’s latest choices). The vessel, which sails from Los Angeles, gives two distinctive waterslides plus a mini golf course. Moreover, as a part of the 2019 refurbishment, the pool’s floor space was doubled and the deck spruced as much as present ample area for lounging, swimming, and absorbing the solar. Lastly, magnificence aficionados can go to the onboard blow-dry bar.
Brilliance of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2002
Ship Class: Radiance
Ship Capability: 2,142 friends
Brilliance of the Seas gives itineraries from a big selection of ports in Europe and North America. Onboard highlights embody an expansive arcade together with a mini golf course. Like many different Royal Caribbean ships, this one additionally boasts a 40-foot mountaineering wall.
Journey of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2001
Ship Class: Voyager
Ship Capability: 3,114 friends
Based mostly in Port Canaveral, Journey of the Seas underwent a serious refurbishment in 2018. At this time, it has waterslides, mini golf, a surf simulator, and (a lot) extra to maintain the youngsters and adults entertained for hours — or days — on finish. Pool events, outside film nights, reside music, fascinating performances, and an arcade are simply the icing on the cake.
Radiance of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2001
Ship Class: Radiance
Ship Capability: 2,143 friends
Cruise in model aboard Radiance of the Seas, the place the swimming pools and whirlpools present nice views of the ship’s Caribbean, West Coast, and Alaskan locations. Within the evenings, friends can attend poolside dance events or outside film screenings; in any other case, they’re welcome to make their technique to one of many bars or lounges for cocktails, or one of many theaters to catch reside leisure choices.
Explorer of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 2000
Ship Class: Voyager
Ship Capability: 3,286 friends
Explorer of the Seas splits its time between Europe and the U.S. Passengers of all ages will discover one thing enjoyable to do on board — ice skating, mini golf, browsing, pool events, and, nicely, you title it! Whereas we wouldn’t blame you should you spent the evenings stress-free in your stateroom, you can too attend dance performances, musicals, and recreation exhibits. Teenagers, in the meantime, can groove to the beat on the onboard teen disco.
Voyager of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 1999
Ship Class: Voyager
Ship Capability: 3,602 friends
An intensive 2019 refurbishment helped catapult the 1999 Voyager of the Seas into the twenty first century with dueling waterslides and exhilarating laser tag. At this time, it cruises to and from a number of embarkation ports throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Imaginative and prescient of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 1998
Ship Class: Imaginative and prescient
Ship Capability: 2,050 friends
Imaginative and prescient of the Seas is greatest for passengers craving a refined cruising expertise sans the flashier bells and whistles. Although missing over-the-top facilities like surf simulators, it gives an amazing set of fundamentals, together with a on line casino, a mountaineering wall, outside film nights, a tranquil adults-only solarium, and loads of the world-class performances for which Royal Caribbean is thought.
Enchantment of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 1997
Ship Class: Imaginative and prescient
Ship Capability: 2,252 friends
Enchantment of the Seas presently cruises out of Tampa. Little ones may have a blast taking part in within the splash deck (what the provider describes as “an interactive play fountain”), whereas older youngsters can scale the mountaineering wall. Extra facilities embody an arcade, an outside film display, and an adults-only solarium.
Rhapsody of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 1997
Ship Class: Imaginative and prescient
Ship Capability: 1,998 friends
The 1997-era Rhapsody of the Seas sails from Tampa and from San Juan, Puerto Rico. It options two swimming pools, six whirlpools, a mountaineering wall, and an outside film display for al fresco flicks. Wellness and health fanatics can spend sea days on the spa and health heart in between loops on the outside jogging observe. The fun-filled pool events are a spotlight.
Grandeur of the Seas
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Inaugural 12 months: 1996
Ship Class: Imaginative and prescient
Ship Capability: 1,992 friends
Relationship again to 1996, the 1,992-passenger Grandeur of the Seas is the oldest and smallest Royal Caribbean ship presently at sea. Because it lacks many facilities discovered on the road’s newer and bigger ships, most friends will be seen absorbing the solar from the adults-only solarium or wading in one of many swimming pools or whirlpools.
