caribbean cruise capacity

Royal Caribbean cruise ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list

Are you looking for the most activity-packed, megaresort-like Royal Caribbean cruise ships at sea? If so, you'll want to get on one of the biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are, by nature, the Royal Caribbean ships with the most pools, waterslides and other deck-top activities, as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest casinos and spas among ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet as well as the most cabins and suites — and the most variation in cabin and suite types.

With room for 6,000 passengers or more, the biggest Royal Caribbean ships are truly massive resorts like you find at such landlocked destinations as Orlando and Las Vegas. If you're in the "bigger is better" camp when it comes to a resort experience, these are the Royal Caribbean ships for you.

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Still, Royal Caribbean doesn't just operate massive vessels. The Miami-based cruise giant also operates quite a few relatively small cruise ships that carry just 2,000 or 3,000 people and have a much more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are just half or a third of the size of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships. These ships, notably, have far fewer deck-top activities and interior venues than the biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate, less crowded resort experience.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

To ensure you end up on the right Royal Caribbean ship for you, it pays to study which Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.

Here is every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation ranked from biggest to smallest.

1. Icon of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2024 Size: 250,800 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,610

2. Wonder of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 235,600 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,734

3. Symphony of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 228,081 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,518

4. Harmony of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 226,963 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,479

5. Oasis of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 226,838 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,602

6. Allure of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 225,282 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,484

7. Spectrum of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 169,379 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,246

8 (tied). Ovation of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

8 (tied). Anthem of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2015 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

8 (tied). Quantum of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2014 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

11. Odyssey of the Seas

Maiden voyage : 2022 Size: 167,704 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,284

12. Freedom of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 156,271 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,926

13 (tied). Independence of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,634

13 (tied). Liberty of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,798

15. Navigator of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 139,999 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,388

16. Mariner of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 139,863 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,000

17. Explorer of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2000 Size: 137,308 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,286

18 (tied). Voyager of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,602

18 (tied). Adventure of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,114

20 (tied). Jewel of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2004 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,191

20 (tied). Serenade of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143

20 (tied). Brilliance of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,142

20 (tied). Radiance of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143

24. Enchantment of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 1997 Size: 82,910 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,252

25. Rhapsody of the Seas

Maiden voyage : 1997 Size: 78,419 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,998

26. Vision of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 78,340 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,050

27. Grandeur of the Seas

Maiden voyage: 1996 Size: 73,817 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,992

What is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?

The biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the just-unveiled Icon of the Seas . Measuring 250,800 gross tons, it's not only the biggest Royal Caribbean ship but also the biggest cruise ship ever built by any line. It's loaded with more bars, restaurants, theaters and deck-top attractions than you'll find on any other ship at sea.

Icon of the Seas is the first in a new series of ships at Royal Caribbean that are bigger than anything seen before. The series is called the Icon Class.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

At 250,800 gross tons, Icon of the Seas is more than 6% larger than Royal Caribbean's 1-year-old Wonder of the Seas , which previously was the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet (and the biggest ship operated by any line). Icon of the Seas can carry up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship. That's about 7% higher than the maximum capacity of Wonder of the Seas, which can hold up to 7,084 passengers.

The bigger passenger capacity is partly due to the ship's greater focus on family travelers. Icon of the Seas was built with a lot more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with many children. It also has more amenities geared toward families. This includes a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside dedicated to families with young children.

What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Measuring just 73,817 tons, it's just a third the size of Icon of the Seas.

Grandeur of the Seas dates to 1996, a time when cruise ships were built far smaller than they are today and with far fewer venues. At 27 years old, it's the oldest vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet and probably will be phased out sometime in the next few years.

Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the gee-whiz Royal Caribbean top-deck attractions found on newer Royal Caribbean vessels, such as skydiving simulators and giant water parks. For the most part, its top deck is lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s.

That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.

Are bigger Royal Caribbean ships coming?

Royal Caribbean currently has three new cruise ships on order, all of which will be among its biggest cruise ships ever — if not the biggest.

The first to arrive in July will be Utopia of the Seas , the sixth and final vessel in the line's iconic Oasis Class series. Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis-class ships have dominated the world of mega-size cruise ships since that year. At the time the class began rolling out, the vessels were around 40% bigger than the next-biggest cruise ships, and they have continued to be the biggest and most amenity-laden ships in the world ever since.

Utopia of the Seas is expected to be roughly the same size as Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second-biggest cruise ship. But it'll be smaller than the line's biggest ship, Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean also has two more vessels similar to Icon of the Seas on order from shipyards for delivery in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Both ships are expected to be as big or bigger than Icon of the Seas.

Related: The ultimate guide to Icon of the Seas itineraries, attractions and more

What's the difference between bigger and smaller Royal Caribbean ships?

Royal Caribbean's biggest ships have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than Royal Caribbean's older ships. That makes them more alluring for vacationers who prefer a big, bustling megaresort experience to a stay at a smaller resort.

On Royal Caribbean's biggest Oasis-class vessels, for instance, you'll find three separate main pool areas, 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.

The line's new Icon of the Seas has a similar array of amenities.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's smallest ships are a half to a third smaller than the Oasis Class and Icon Class vessels and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Oasis Class and Icon Class ships can hold more than 5,400 passengers at double occupancy, the line's four oldest vessels (known as the Vision class) are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean's smallest ships are a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet thus 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 on a per-day basis for cruisers.

Related: Don't miss out on these Royal Caribbean loyalty perks

Additionally, because of their size, the smallest Royal Caribbean ships can operate 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.

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Royal Caribbean Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

Royal Caribbean has an active fleet of 26 ships currently. They plan to launch a further 4 more ships between 2022 and 2026 ( Icon on of the Seas , Utopia of the Seas and two unnamed currently) which will bring them to 30 ships and keep their position as the largest cruise line fleet in the world.

Introduction to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is an American cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida. It was founded in 1968 in Norway by three Norwegian shipping companies and the first ship to sail for the company was Song of Norway in 1970.

Later on, the company merged with the greek cruise line Celebrity Cruises but kept the brand alive whilst also running Royal Caribbean. A further acquisition in 2018 of Silversea Cruises added another brand to the company, aimed at luxury cruise travellers.

Royal Caribbean is seen as one of the most innovative cruise lines in the world with many ‘firsts’ at sea (surfing, rock climbing, aqua theatre, world’s biggest ship and more) – they are very popular for all age groups and cater massively for families.

Their fleet of ships sails from dedicated ports around the world year-round and additionally they own two private islands which are visited by most of their Florida-based cruise ships.

This guide will help you work out which Royal Caribbean ship is which!

Royal Caribbean Ships Frequently Asked Questions

What are royal caribbean’s newest ships.

The latest ships to launch in the Royal Caribbean fleet are Wonder of the Seas (2022) and Odyssey of the Seas (2021)

What is the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet?

The biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet currently is Wonder of the Seas .

How many Royal Caribbean ships are there?

There are currently 26 ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. With a further 4 ships on order.

Which Royal Caribbean ship is the most fun?

That would depend on your definition of fun! However, the Oasis-class ships offer the most facilities at sea because they are bigger and have more activities on them.

What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?

Grandeur of the Seas is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship in the fleet.

What is the oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet?

The oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is Grandeur of the Seas which launched back in 1996.

What is the biggest cruise ship in the world?

Wonder of the Seas is currently the world’s biggest cruise ship at 236,857 GRT.

Which ship is bigger, Oasis or Anthem?

Oasis of the Seas is the bigger of the two ships. She is an Oasis-class ship whereas Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship, which is smaller.

Does Royal Caribbean own Silversea?

Yes. Royal Caribbean acquired Silversea in July 2018. Before then it was a family-owned cruise line.

Is the Titanic bigger than a cruise ship?

No! Titanic is relatively small in comparison to modern cruise ships. Titanic was only 269m long compared to Wonder of the Seas at 362m long. Titanic was 46,328 GRT compared to Wonder of the Seas with 236,857 GRT!

Royal Caribbean Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Royal Caribbean Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all royal caribbean ships new builds.

Yes, all ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet have been built specifically for them. Some of their ships have at times been earmarked for transfer to other brands ( Grandeur of the Seas was due to move to Pullmantur, but was cancelled)

Royal Caribbean Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

What is the difference between the oasis-class ships.

There are currently five Oasis-class ships and the sixth one is on order ( Utopia of the Seas ) – there are differences between each ship, although structurally they are all the same class of ship.

The first two ships are near-enough identical sisters, however, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas both added the Ultimate Abyss – the world’s longest slide at sea.

The fifth ship, Wonder of the Seas added an eighth neighborhood ‘Suite Neighborhood’, a new restaurant ‘The Mason Jar’ and a new bar ‘ Vue’.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean makes it easy for choosing a cruise ship to sail on – they have ships of varying different sizes and capacities – allowing them to sail from multiple ports around the world year-round.

Whilst their most-popular cruises leave from Miami, allowing calls at their private islands, many people enjoy Royal Caribbean sailing in Europe (to the Canaries and the Norwegian Fjords) and also in Asia, where Royal Caribbean has experimented with homeporting ships for the Chinese market in the past.

Oasis-class ships still get the most reviews (they of course also take the most passengers) but also because of more facilities and thus activities onboard.

That said, the Quantum-class ships are extremely popular with many delighted by the ‘ North Star ‘ attraction on the top of each Quantum-class ship.

Enjoy this guide? Read our other guides on MSC Cruises , Holland America Lin e and Disney Cruise Line .

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Royal Caribbean currently has an extensive collection of ships that can vary from the largest in the World to much smaller in comparison. Size does matter when comparing cruise ships, as the ship is similar to a floating resort at sea. So, the choice of amenities, ambiance, entertainment, and public space can vary by the ship’s overall size.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Size

We have compiled this list of Royal Caribbean ships by size to compare the entire fleet. This can be very helpful in familiarizing yourself with Royal Caribbean’s different ships by size, age, amenities, and total guest capacity. Cruise ship innovation has caused ship size to evolve rapidly in recent years, so we hope this comparison chart will help you.

Below is a list of all Royal Caribbean ships by size, ordered from largest to smallest in terms of volume (in gross tonnage) and length (in feet).

What are the biggest Royal Caribbean ships?

List of royal caribbean ships by size.

Here is a complete list of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships by size. We hope this list will help you, as the  cruise line has ships  that can vary in size from 73,000 gross tons (Vision Class), to the Icon class that are 250,000+ gross tons.

Here is every cruise ship with Royal Caribbean currently and planned to be delivered in the fleet,  sorted by size from largest to smallest in terms of volume (in gross tonnage) and length (in feet).

Here, every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

Icon of the Seas (250,800 GRTs)

Icon of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Icon Class  and is 250,800 GT’s. She carries   5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,826. The 20 deck ship is currently under construction and is scheduled to take her maiden voyage from Miami in January 2024. 

Utopia of the Seas (236,860 GRTs )

Utopia   of the Seas  is the sixth Oasis Class ship with 236,860 GT’s. She carries 5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 6,826. She is also the first LNG-powered Oasis Class Ship. The 18-deck ship is currently under construction and is scheduled to take its maiden voyage in July 2024. 

Wonder of the Seas (235,600 GRTs)

Wonder of the Seas  is the fifth ship in the popular  Oasis Class  and is 235,600 GT’s. She carries   5,734 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 7,084.  Wonder of the Seas  is the first ship in the Oasis Class to feature 8 neighborhoods with the addition of the new  Suite Neighborhood . She also received other design enhancements to the Windjammer Café and other areas and is the first ship to include the popular restaurant,  The Mason Jar .

Symphony of the Seas (228,081 GRTs )

Symphony  of the Seas  is the fourth ship in the  Oasis Class  and is 228,081 GT’s. She carries   5,518 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,680. The 18-deck ship includes seven neighborhoods and the Ultimate Family Suite. You can also take a ride of the Ultimate Abyss, which is a 10-story dry slide.

Harmony of the Seas (226,963 GRTs)

Harmony  of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Oasis Class  and is 226,963 GT’s. She carries   5,479 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,687. The 18-deck ship took her maiden  voyage  on May 29, 2016.

Allure of the Seas (225,282 GRTs)

Allure   of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Oasis Class  and is 226,963 GT’s. She carries   5,496 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,826. The 18-deck ship took her maiden voyage on December 5, 2010. 

Oasis of the Seas (225,282 GRTs)

Oasis   of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Oasis Class  and is 226,838 GT’s. She carries   5,602 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   6,771. The ship features seven neighborhoods and highlights like the Portside BBQ, Ultimate Panoramic Suite, Music Hall, Ultimate Abyss (10-story dry slide), The Perfect Storm waterpark and more.

Odyssey of the Seas (169,379 GRTs)

Odyssey of the Seas is a 16-deck ship which offers exciting features like the North Star, Seaplex, and a Bionic Bar. The ship’s godmother is Erin Brown. Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth ship in the popular Quantum Class and is 169,000 GT’s. She carries 4,198 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 5,498.

Spectrum of the Seas (169,379 GRTs)

Spectrum of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Quantum Ultra Class  and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries   4,246 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 5,622. This 16-deck ship was specifically designed for the Chinese market. You will also find popular features like the North Star, Seaplex, and a Bionic Bar.

Anthem of the Seas (168,666 GRTs)

Anthem of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Quantum Class  and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries   4,180 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 4,905. With 16 ship decks, she took her maiden voyage on April 22, 2015.

Ovation of the Seas (168,666 GRTs)

Ovation of the Seas had her maiden voyage on April 17, 2016. Ovation  of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Quantum Class  and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries 4,180 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   4,905.

Quantum of the Seas (168,666 GRTs)

Quantum  of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Quantum Class  and is 168,666 GT’s. She carries   4,180 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 4,905. With 16 decks, this new class of ship is packed with amazing features like the North Star, Seaplex (Bumper Cars), Ripcord by IFLY, Bionic Bar and much more.

Freedom of the Seas (154,407 GRTs)

Freedom of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Freedom Class  and is 156,271 GT’s. She carries 3,926 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   4,635. She took her maiden voyage on May 11, 2006.

Independence of the Seas (154,407 GRTs)

Independence of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Freedom Class, with 154,407 GTs. She carries 3,634 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity 4,375. She took her maiden voyage on May 2, 2008.

Liberty of the Seas (154,407 GRTs)

Liberty of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Freedom Class, with 154,407 GTs. She carries 3,798 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 4,960. She took her maiden voyage on May 19, 2007. 

Navigator of the Seas (139,999 GRTs)

Navigator of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Voyager Class  and is 137,276 GT’s. She carries 3,114 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   3,807. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 18, 2001.

Mariner of the Seas (139,863 GRTs)

Mariner of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Voyager Class  and is 138,279 GT’s. She carries 3,114 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   3,807. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 16, 2003.

Explorer of the Seas (137,308 GRTs )

Explorer of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Voyager Class  and is 137,308 GT’s. She carries 3,286 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   4,290. The 15 deck ship, along with an international crew of 1,185 and passengers took her maiden voyage on October 28, 2000.

Adventure of the Seas (137,276 GRTs)

Adventure of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Voyager Class  and is 137,276 GT’s. She carries 3,114 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   3,807. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 18, 2001.

Voyager of the Seas (137,276 GRTs)

Voyager   of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Voyager Class  and is 137,276 GT’s. She carries 3,602 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   4,000. The 15-deck ship took her maiden voyage on November 21, 1999.

Brilliance of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)

Brilliance  of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Radiance Class  and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,142 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   2,543. She took her maiden voyage on July 15, 2002.

Jewel of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)

Jewel of the Seas  is the fourth ship in the  Radiance Class  and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,191 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 2,702. She took her maiden voyage on May 8, 2004.

Radiance of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)

Radiance of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Radiance Class  and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,143 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   2,466. 

Serenade of the Seas (90,090 GRTs)

Serenade of the Seas  is the third ship in the popular  Radiance Class  and is 90,090 GT’s. She carries 2,143 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 2,476. She took her maiden voyage on August 25, 2003.

Enchantment of the Seas (82,910 GRTs)

Enchantment of the Seas  is the third ship in the  Vision Class  and is 82,910 GT’s. The ship was built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, Helsinki, Finland. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on July 13, 1997. This ship is unique since it was lengthened by 73 feet in June 2005 with a new section inserted in her mid-section. The result is a very unique look and greater size than her sisters. She carries   2,252 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   2,730.

Rhapsody of the Seas (78,491 GRTs)

Rhapsody of the Seas  is the second ship in the  Vision Class  and is 73,817 GT’s. The ship was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France. She carries   1,998 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of 2,416. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on May 19, 1997.

Vision of the Seas (78,340 GRTs)

Vision of the Seas  is the fourth ship in the  Vision Class  and is 73,817 GT’s. The ship was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France. She carries   1,998 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   2,416. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on May 2, 1998.

Grandeur of the Seas (73,817 GRTs )

Grandeur of the Seas  is the first ship in the  Vision Class  and is 73,817 GT’s. She carries   1,992 passengers (based on two per cabin) with a total guest capacity of   2,440. The 12-deck ship took her maiden voyage on December 14, 1996.

List of Royal Caribbean ship classes by size

The biggest royal caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean makes the biggest cruise ships in the world and so many people want to know what is the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean International  has been delivering innovation at sea for over 50 years. Each new class of ship has been considered an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences. Royal Caribbean currently makes the biggest cruise ships in the world . The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay , the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection.

Royal Caribbean’s largest ship is the Icon of the Seas. This is the biggest cruise ship in the world and the first of the Icon class of ships. The Icon of the Seas’ tonnage is five times that of the Titanic. The ship is 1,198 feet long and features 20 decks , with a capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew.

Are the bigger ships better than the smaller ships?

When it comes to deciding between Royal Caribbean ships, size does matter. While the larger ships may offer more amenities and activities, the smaller vessels can be just as exciting. Large and small ships offer an array of features that will keep guests entertained during their voyage, depending on what they are looking for in a cruise experience.

This ultimately comes down to personal preference and the cruise you are taking. For example, a family Caribbean cruise with kids will likely want a complete waterpark and many pools. At the same time, an adult-only cruise to Alaska might be more about the destination and less about the extensive ship amenities.

What new Royal Caribbean ships are coming?

Icon of the Seas  is the first in the new building in the Icon class. She will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship for Royal Caribbean and is scheduled to debut in January of 2024 as the largest cruise ship ever built.

Utopia of the Seas  will be the sixth  Oasis-class  cruise ship. She will also be the first LNG-powered Oasis class ship. She is scheduled to debut in the Spring of 2024.

Royal Caribbean also has two more Icon class cruise ships on order, with deliveries expected in 2025 and 2026.

List of Royal Caribbean ships on order

Royal caribbean ship size frequently asked questions.

What is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship?

Wonder of the Seas  is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship and began service on March 4, 2022. She is the fifth ship in the popular  Oasis Class  and is 235,600 GT’s

What is the oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet?

Grandeur of the Seas is currently the oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. She began service on December 14, 1996. She was the first popular  Vision Clas s.

What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?

Grandeur of the Seas is currently the smallest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, coming in at 73,817 GRTs.

What does gross Tonnage (GTs) or gross registered tonnage (GRT) mean?

Let us help explain this to you. The measurement of Gross register tonnage  ( GRT ,  grt ,  g.r.t. ,  gt ) or  gross registered tonnage , is a ship’s total internal volume expressed in “register tons”, each of which is equal to 100 cubic feet (2.83 m 3 ). Replaced by  Gross Tonnage  (GT), gross register tonnage uses the total permanently enclosed capacity of the vessel as its basis for volume.

Typically, this is used for dockage fees, canal transit fees, and similar purposes where it is appropriate to charge based on the size of the entire vessel. Internationally,  GRT  may be abbreviated as  BRT  for the German “ Bruttoregistertonne “.

What are the largest Royal Caribbean ships?

The largest Royal Caribbean ships are part of the Oasis class, including the Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.

How does the fleet of Royal Caribbean International compare to other cruise lines?

Royal Caribbean International has one of the largest fleets in the cruise industry, offering a wide range of ships catering to different preferences and travel experiences.

What are some characteristics of the Vision class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet?

A: The Vision class ships are known for their mid-size and intimate ambiance, offering a more personalized cruise experience with distinct amenities and entertainment options.

Which class of ships does the Voyager class belong to in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?

A: The Voyager class is a prominent class in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, featuring ships like Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas, known for their innovative amenities and passenger capacity.

What is the significance of the Icon class in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?

The Icon class represents the next generation of Royal Caribbean ships, designed to be environmentally friendly and technologically advanced, setting new standards for the cruise industry. The first ship of this class is expected to debut in 2022.

How does the ship size of the Radiance class compare to other classes in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?

The Radiance class ships are mid-sized and offer a more intimate cruising experience while still providing passengers with a range of amenities and entertainment options.

What are some notable features of the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

The largest Royal Caribbean cruise ships, such as those in the Oasis class, offer various activities, dining options, and entertainment venues, providing a resort-like experience at sea.

Can you provide a size comparison of the older ships and the new cruise ships on order in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?

The older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet are generally smaller than the new cruise ships on order, which are often larger and equipped with the latest innovations in cruise ship design.

What distinguishes the Oasis-class ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?

The Oasis-class ships are the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and are known for their groundbreaking amenities, diverse dining options, and expansive onboard features, setting them apart as mega-ships in the cruise industry.

Who founded Royal Caribbean and its fleet of ships?

Arne Wilhelmsen founded Royal Caribbean. Since its inception, the company has expanded its fleet to include some of the industry’s biggest and most innovative cruise vessels.

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The Quick Guide to Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Size You’ll Need

By: Author Elaine Warren

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

Categories CRUISE LINES & SHIPS , CRUISE PLANNING

With a fleet of ships in all shapes and sizes, Royal Caribbean offers something for everyone. But with so many options, how do you choose the perfect vessel for your family’s adventure? That’s where we come in with this guide to Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Size.

In this post, we’ll explore Royal Caribbean’s ships by size so that you can find the perfect ship for your next adventure. Also, keep reading to learn why size matters when planning your cruise vacation and key factors you may want to consider. (Also, check out our separate guide to Royal Caribbean ships by age .)

How We Compare Cruise Ship Sizes – Gross Tonnage

The measurement most commonly used to determine a ship’s size is its gross tonnage. The term can be a bit confusing since it doesn’t necessarily correlate to the ship’s weight, but it is the standard of measurement used to calculate various things, including port dues. 

What Is Gross Tonnage?

Gross tonnage is basically the volume of all enclosed spaces on a ship. It is used to calculate manning regulations, safety rules, registration fees, and more. So, though gross tonnage doesn’t refer to the ship’s weight, it is a good indication of the ship’s size and capacity.

It is the most prevalent metric used to calculate the size of a ship since it is used nearly universally to determine various regulations and fees. As such, gross tonnage makes it possible to compare the sizes of different classes of ships.

Quick Primer On Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes

Royal Caribbean International currently has seven cruise ship classes. They are:

• Quantum Ultra Class , which includes the Odyssey of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. They can carry between 5,498 and 5,622 guests.
• Quantum Class , which includes the Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas. These ships can carry between 4,905 and 4,908 guests.
• Oasis Class , which includes the Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. They can carry between 6,680 and 6,988 guests.
• Freedom Class , which includes the Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas. They can carry between 4,515 and 4,960 guests.
• Voyager Class , which includes the Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas. These ships can carry between 3,807 and 4,290 guests.
• Radiance Class , which includes the Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas. They are capable of handling between 2,466 and 2,702 passengers.
• Vision Class , which includes the Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas. They can handle between 2,416 and 2,730 guests.

The most significant difference between the classes is the number of guests the ships can take. However, they also differ by size, and Royal Caribbean offers different entertainment types and amenities on the various cruise ship classes.

All Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Size

Royal Caribbean currently has 26 cruise ships that vary considerably by size. Let’s look at the different options you have when you plan your next cruise.

1. Wonder Of The Seas

Wonder of the Seas is currently Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship. This Oasis-class ship has a gross tonnage of 236,857 GT and is 1,188 feet (362 meters) long.

Wonder can handle 5,518 passengers and 2,394 crew members for a total of 7,912 people on board.

It officially launched on March 4, 2022 , in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

2. Symphony Of The Seas

Symphony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s second-largest cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 228,081 GT and the same length as the Wonder at 1,188 feet (362 meters). It is also an Oasis-class ship.

Symphony can also handle 5,518 passengers but just 2,200 crew members, giving it a total of 7,718 people on board.

It started its maiden voyage on April 7, 2018 . 

3. Harmony Of The Seas

Harmony of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 227,700 GT and is slightly shorter than the largest two, with a length of 1,187 feet (362 meters). It is also an Oasis-class ship.

Harmony can handle 5,479 passengers and 2,300 crew members, giving it a total of 7,779 people on board.

It started its maiden voyage on May 29, 2016 , and is still going strong.

4. Oasis Of The Seas

Oasis of the Seas , also an Oasis-class cruise ship, has a gross tonnage of 226,838 GT and is 1,187 feet (362 meters) long.

It can comfortably accommodate a total of 6,771 guests (5,602 with double occupancy) and 2,109 international crew members.

Oasis started its maiden voyage on December 5, 2009 .

5. Allure Of The Seas

Allure of the Seas is fifth on this list, with a gross tonnage of 225,282 GT. It is also slightly shorter, with a length of 1,181 feet (360 meters). The Allure is also an Oasis-class ship.

Allure can handle a total of 8,880 people, which consists of 5,496 passengers with double occupancy (6,826 in total) and 2,054 crew members.

It departed on its maiden voyage on December 5, 2010 , exactly one year after Oasis.

6. Spectrum Of The Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra class cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 168,800 GT and a length of 1,139 feet (347 meters).

Spectrum can accommodate 5,480 people, consisting of 4,180 guests and 1,300 crew members.

The ship set off on her maiden voyage on April 18, 2019 .

7. Ovation Of The Seas

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum class ship with a gross tonnage of 168,666 GT and a length of 1,138 feet (347 meters).

It can accommodate a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew members.

The ship set off on her maiden voyage on April 17, 2016 .

8. Odyssey Of The Seas

The only other Quantum Ultra class ship is the Odyssey of the Seas , which has a gross tonnage of 167,704 GT and a length of 1,135 feet (346 meters).

The ship can accommodate a total of 5,835 people on board, consisting of 4,284 passengers and 1,551 crew members.

Odyssey set off on its maiden voyage on July 31, 2021 .

9. Quantum Of The Seas

Quantum of the Seas is a Quantum class ship (and the ship that gave the class its name) with a gross tonnage of 168,666 GT and a length of 1,141 feet (slightly less than 348 meters).

The ship’s maiden voyage happened on November 2, 2014 . It can accommodate a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew members, just like the Ovation.

10. Anthem Of The Seas

Anthem of the Seas is the third Quantum class ship, and it’s pretty similar to the others. It also has a gross tonnage of 168,666 GT and a length of 1,141 feet (348 meters).

Anthem departed on its maiden voyage on April 22, 2015 . 

Like the other Quantum class ships, Anthem can accommodate a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew members.

11. Freedom Of The Seas

Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom-class ship that departed on its maiden voyage on May 11, 2006 .

The ship has a gross tonnage of 156,271 GT and a length of 1,111 feet (338 meters). It can accommodate a total of 4,635 guests and 1,365 crew members.

12. Independence Of The Seas

Independence of the Seas is the second-largest Freedom-class ship, with a gross tonnage of 154,407 GT and a length of 1,112 feet (339 meters).

It can accommodate 3,648 guests and 1,360 crew members.

Independence departed on its maiden voyage on May 2, 2008.

13. Liberty Of The Seas

The third Freedom-class ship is Liberty of the Seas . It is almost identical to Independence in its size, with a gross tonnage of 154,407 and a length of 1,112 feet (339 meters).

Liberty can accommodate a total of 4,960 guests and 1,360 crew members. It was the second Freedom-class ship, built before Independence, and embarked on its maiden voyage on May 19, 2007 .

14. Navigator Of The Seas

The Voyager class ships are slightly smaller than the Freedom class, and the first is Navigator of the Seas . It has a gross tonnage of 139,999 GT and is 1,020 feet (310 meters) long.

Navigator has the capacity for 3,968 guests and 1,232 crew members. It departed on its maiden voyage on December 14, 2002 .

15. Mariner Of The Seas

The next Voyager class ship is Mariner of the Seas . It has a gross tonnage of 138,279 GT and is 1,020 feet (311 meters) long. The ship can accommodate 3,114 guests and 1,185 crew members.

Its maiden voyage started on November 16, 2003 .

16. Explorer Of The Seas

Explorer of the Seas is another Voyager class vessel. It’s slightly smaller than Mariner, with a gross tonnage of 137,308 GT and a length of 1,020 feet (311 meters).

In total, the ship can accommodate 4,290 guests and 1,185 crew members. Explorer embarked on its maiden voyage on October 28, 2000 .

17. Adventure Of The Seas

Adventure of the Seas is the fourth Voyager class ship. Its gross tonnage is 137,276 GT, and it is 1,020 feet long (311 meters). Adventure can accommodate 3,807 guests in total, as well as a crew of 1,185 people.

It departed on its maiden voyage on November 18, 2001 .

18. Voyager Of The Seas

Voyager of the Seas is the eponym of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class. Like Adventure, it has a gross tonnage of 137,276 GT and a length of 1,020 feet (311 meters).

Voyager can accommodate 4,000 guests and 1,200 crew members, and it embarked on its maiden voyage on November 21, 1999 .

19. Radiance Of The Seas

The next ship is the first of the Radiance class: Radiance of the Seas . It has a gross tonnage of 90,090 GT and is 962 feet (293 meters) long.

Along with its smaller size, it can also accommodate fewer people: only 2,466 guests and 894 crew members.

Radiance started its maiden voyage on April 7, 2001 .

20. Brilliance Of The Seas

Brilliance of the Seas is another Radiance class vessel. It departed on its maiden voyage on July 15, 2002 .  

Brilliance also has a gross tonnage of 90,090 GT and is 962 feet (293 meters) long. It can accommodate 2,543 guests and 848 crew members.

21. Serenade Of The Seas

The next vessel in the Radiance class is Serenade of the Seas . Its gross tonnage is also 90,090 GT, but it is slightly longer than the other two Radiance vessels at 965 feet (294 meters).

Serenade can accommodate 2,476 guests in total, along with 832 international crew members. It departed on its maiden voyage on August 25, 2003 .

22. Jewel Of The Seas

Jewel of the Seas is the fourth cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s Radiance class. It’s identical in size to Radiance and Brilliance, with a gross tonnage of 90,090 GT and a length of 962 feet (293 meters).

Jewel can accommodate 2,702 guests and 852 crew members. It embarked on its maiden voyage on May 8, 2004 .

23. Enchantment Of The Seas

Enchantment of the Seas is a Vision class ship with a gross tonnage of 82,910 GT and a length of 989 feet (301 meters). 

Enchantment accommodates 2,730 guests and a crew of 852 people. It embarked on its maiden voyage on July 13, 1997 .

24. Rhapsody Of The Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas is another Vision class vessel. It has a gross tonnage of 78,491 GT and a length of 915.35 feet (around 279 meters).

Rhapsody accommodates 2,416 guests and a crew complement of 765 people. It departed on its maiden voyage on May 19, 1997 .

25. Vision Of The Seas

Vision of the Seas is the eponym of the Vision class. It has a gross tonnage of 78,340 GT and a length of 915 feet (279 meters).

The cruise ship accommodates 2,514 guests and 742 international crew members. Its maiden voyage started on May 2, 1998 .

26. Grandeur Of The Seas

Grandeur of the Seas is the fourth cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s Vision class. It has a gross tonnage of 73,817 GT and a length of 916 feet (279 meters).

Grandeur accommodates a total of 2,440 guests and 760 crew members. It departed on its maiden voyage on December 14, 1996 .

Future Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean is in the habit of regularly announcing new cruise ships, and we are currently looking forward to the launch of two new ships: Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas will be the first in a new class called the Icon class. It has a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT and will accommodate a maximum of 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. Royal Caribbean plans to launch this vessel in 2024.

Utopia of the Seas will also arrive in 2024 and boasts a gross tonnage of 236,860 GT. It will be able to accommodate more than 5,000 guests and 2,290 crew members. 

Why Does Size Matter?

When it comes to planning a family cruise vacation, the size of the ship can have a big impact on the overall experience. Here are some key factors families may want to consider when choosing a Royal Caribbean ship based on its size:

Amenities: Larger ships tend to have more amenities, which can be a big draw for families with kids. From water parks and zip lines to Broadway-style shows and multiple dining options, larger ships offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment options. Families who want a jam-packed itinerary with plenty of things to do may want to consider a larger ship with lots of amenities.

Crowds: On the flip side, some families may prefer a smaller ship to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience. Smaller ships tend to have fewer passengers, which can mean shorter lines, more personalized service, and a quieter atmosphere. Families who want a more relaxed and low-key vacation may want to consider a smaller ship.

Age of Children: The age of your children can also be a factor in choosing the size of your ship. Larger ships may have more options for childcare and activities for kids, which can be a big plus for families with young children. However, families with infants or toddlers may prefer a smaller ship with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Also, the size of the ship will determine how many kids are on board. If you want opportunities for your older kids and teens to socialize with their own age group, you’ll find more options on a larger ship.

Personal Preference: Of course, personal preference is also a factor when it comes to choosing the size of your ship. Some families may prefer the excitement and energy of a large ship, while others may prefer the more intimate and relaxed experience of a smaller vessel. Families who have cruised before may have a better sense of what they like and can choose a ship based on their past experiences.

Itinerary: Families may want to consider the ship’s itinerary when choosing its size. Depending on the size of the ship, it may be able to visit smaller, more remote ports or larger, more popular destinations. Families who want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations may want to consider a smaller ship, while those who want to hit all the major ports may prefer a larger vessel.

Overall, the size of the ship can be an important factor to consider when planning a family cruise vacation. 

Closing Thoughts

No matter what size Royal Caribbean ship you choose for your family vacation, one thing is certain: You’re in for an unforgettable adventure on the high seas. From the smallest ships to the largest, each vessel offers its own unique blend of amenities, activities, and experiences that will create countless lifetime memories for you and your family.

Elaine Warren

Founder & Crew Chief

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Royal Caribbean Ships By Size And Weight (Is BIGGER Better?)

Stepping aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship feels like entering a floating realm where architectural marvel meets oceanic vastness. As you gaze upon the fleet, it’s evident that size isn’t just a measurement—it’s an experience.

Royal Caribbean keeps beating itself with their ginormous cruise ships. In fact, the newest ones are three times as large as the smallest in the fleet.

Some people prefer smaller, cozier ships, while others want all the bells and whistles.

Whatever your preference is, we have compiled a list of all of Royal Caribbean ships by size, so you can make an informed decision during your next vacation…

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Royal Caribbean Ships By Size

Royal caribbean ship sizes overview.

When you think of a Royal Caribbean cruise, you likely imagine a massive ship with incredible features and amenities. This isn’t far from the truth.

However, Royal Caribbean ships vary in size, giving you a lot of options to match your preferences.

Take Wonder of the Seas , for example. It’s the largest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, with a capacity of 6,988 passengers and a size of 236,857 gross tons.

On the other hand, there’s the Symphony of the Seas , still massive but slightly smaller, with a 228,081 gross tonnage and room for 6,680 passengers. These two ships showcase the range of sizes and options available within the Royal Caribbean fleet.

You’ll also find ships like Spectrum of the Seas boasting impressive features. With a guest capacity of 5,622, this vessel offers a wealth of entertainment options, including Broadway-style performances, a sports bar and arcade, Casino Royale , the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, and more.

To break down these terms, and get a better understanding of Royal Caribbean ship sizes, it’s helpful to understand what exactly gross tonnage means:

Gross tonnage refers to the total volume of the ship’s interior—from the hull to the decks—while passenger capacity denotes the maximum number of guests the ship can accommodate.

You might wonder about the size difference between the oldest and newest Royal Caribbean ships. The majestic Grandeur of the Seas is the fleet’s oldest member, while the Utopia of the Seas , scheduled for 2024, will be Royal Caribbean’s newest addition.

As the fleet expands and evolves, each new ship offers an increasingly sophisticated blend of size and features for your cruising pleasure.

Choosing a cruise is all about finding the ship that suits your style and preferences. Whether you opt for the colossal Wonder of the Seas or a smaller, more intimate vessel, you’re bound to have a remarkable adventure.

What is the Largest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship?

The title of the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ship goes to the ‘ Icon of the Seas ‘. Towering at 1,198 feet in length and boasting 20 expansive decks , this magnificent vessel can accommodate up to 7,600 guests, complemented by a crew of 2,350.

While the ‘Wonder of the Seas’ previously caught attention for its size, it was actually the ‘ Harmony of the Seas ‘ that narrowly held the record before.

However, the ‘Icon of the Seas’ surpasses the ‘Harmony’ by an extra 10 feet, firmly establishing it as the current behemoth of the cruising world.

Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that more ships, similar in grandeur to the ‘Icon’, are in Royal Caribbean’s future plans, suggesting this record might be challenged soon.

Which Are Better, Bigger Or Smaller Royal Caribbean Ships?

So, big ship or small ship? It’s like comparing a bustling city’s heartbeat to the quaint charm of a small town. Both have their own magic, and it very much depends on your personal style.

Bigger ships pack in the features. With more space, they offer a wider variety of dining options, entertainment, and activities.

You’ll find multiple FlowRiders, ziplines, escape rooms, and water slides on these vessels.

For families with infants, a notable advantage of larger ships is the presence of dedicated baby splash zones since babies aren’t allowed in the main pools.

On the other hand, smaller ships offer a different kind of appeal. They present a more intimate atmosphere, making it easier for guests to familiarize themselves with the ship’s layout and crew. The experience feels more personalized and less overwhelming.

A significant advantage of smaller ships is their ability to dock at a wider range of ports, giving you access to more unique destinations that larger vessels can’t reach.

If you want a lot of amenities and activities, go BIG. If you’re looking for a quieter, more personalized cruise with diverse port options, consider the smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Comparison of Royal Caribbean Ships by Class

Oasis Class

The Oasis Class ships are the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. These ships are known for their impressive features, like the Central Park neighborhood , Boardwalk, and incredible entertainment options.

They can accommodate between 5,400 and 6,800 passengers. Some notable Oasis Class ships include:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas

Quantum Class

You’ll find that Quantum Class ships are slightly smaller than the Oasis Class, but they’re still packed with plenty of excitement.

With capacities ranging from 4,100 to 4,900 passengers, these ships boast attractions like the North Star observation capsule and the Two70° entertainment venue. The Quantum Class ships are:

• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas

Freedom Class

Your next adventure awaits on the Freedom Class ships, which offer thrilling activities and a passenger count of around 3,600 to 4,500.

From the FlowRider surf simulator to the H2O Zone water park, you’ll have endless fun on these ships:

• Freedom of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas

Voyager Class

Voyager Class ships are perfect for those who enjoy a slightly smaller experience, with roughly 3,100 guests on board.

These ships feature attractions like ice-skating rinks and the Royal Promenade. Check out the following Voyager Class ships:

• Voyager of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas

Radiance Class

If you prefer a more intimate setting, the Radiance Class might be for you. With room for 2,100 to 2,500 passengers, these ships still offer unique amenities like outdoor movie screens and the Centrum atrium.

Discover the Radiance Class ships:

• Radiance of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas

Vision Class

Vision Class ships accommodate roughly 2,000 to 2,400 passengers and provide a cozy, comfortable experience.

With amenities such as the Solarium, themed dining options, and rock-climbing wall, you’ll find excitement on these ships:

• Vision of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas

Sovereign Class

The Sovereign Class cruise ships are no longer sailing, but we still thought they were worth mentioning as they were iconic in their time.

These included:

• Sovereign of the Seas
• Monarch of the Seas

Key Measurements and Capacities

Gross Tonnage

When considering the size of a cruise ship, one valuable measurement to consider is gross tonnage (GT).

Gross tonnage is a unit of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship.

In practical terms, the higher the gross tonnage, the more space the ship has for passengers, amenities, and cargo.

Royal Caribbean’s largest ship in terms of gross tonnage is Wonder of the Seas, which boasts an impressive 235,600 GT.

Icon of the Seas is also a standout, with over 13,000 more gross tonnes than Wonder of the Seas, making it significantly larger.

Guest Capacity

Another important factor to consider is the guest capacity of each ship. The higher the guest capacity, the more people can enjoy the luxuries and amenities aboard.

Symphony of the Seas, which is one of Royal Caribbean’s largest, can accommodate 5,518 passengers.

Wonder of the Seas has surpassed this number, having a passenger capacity of 5,734, offering a more spacious and comfortable experience for its guests.

The length of a ship is an essential measurement to take into account, as it can directly impact the ease of maneuverability and docking capabilities.

Icon of the Seas holds the title for the longest ship in the world, measuring around 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.

These ships’ remarkable lengths enable them to offer more amenities and activities onboard, ensuring a unique experience for all passengers.

The beam of a ship refers to the width of the vessel at its widest point. A wider beam can translate into greater stability and comfort for passengers, as well as improved cargo and storage capacities.

When considering Royal Caribbean’s ships, it’s crucial to remember that wider vessels often provide additional space for activities, dining venues, and various forms of entertainment.

The number of decks on a cruise ship can have a significant impact on the experience for passengers. Decks often house various amenities, including guestrooms, dining venues, activity centers, and more.

For example, Symphony of the Seas has 20 decks, providing ample space for guests and crew to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

As you explore Royal Caribbean’s fleet, pay attention to the number of decks, as it can directly impact the variety and quality of experiences you may enjoy onboard.

Amenities by Ship Size

As you know, Royal Caribbean cruise ships come in various sizes, and along with their size, there’s a difference in the amenities they offer.

On the larger ships, like the Wonder of the Seas, with its massive 236,857 gross tons and capacity for 6,988 guests, you can truly expect a Las Vegas-style megaresort experience. Onboard, you’ll find various activities and recreational facilities, such as:

• Ice-skating rinks
• Water slides
• Multiple pools
• FlowRiders for surfing
• Exclusive retreats like the adults-only Solarium

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s enormous ships have an extensive array of dining venues, ranging from fine dining to more casual options.

Not to mention, Broadway-style performances, live music, and comedy shows can be enjoyed in state-of-the-art theaters.

Moving on to the smaller Royal Caribbean ships, like the Grandeur of the Seas, which measures approximately 73,817 gross tons and can accommodate around 2,440 passengers, the overall feel is more intimate and cozy.

While you may not find the same scale of amenities as on the larger ships, the smaller vessels still provide a fantastic range of options for you to enjoy:

• Pools and hot tubs
• Fitness centers
• A spa for pampering yourself
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Nightclubs and lounges

These smaller ships also offer a more personalized experience, with staff members that can cater to your every need.

The entertainment on these ships tends to be more laid-back, with live music, piano bars, and stand-up comedy.

It’s worth noting that regardless of ship size, one thing you can always count on is Royal Caribbean’s exceptional service and commitment to providing you with a memorable vacation.

From the moment you step on board, you’ll be surrounded by friendly staff eager to assist you in any way possible.

The amenities offered by Royal Caribbean ships are influenced by their size. Larger, newer ships boast a more extensive range of activities and entertainment options, while smaller ships offer a more intimate experience.

Ship Size Evolution

You’ll notice Royal Caribbean cruise ship sizes have evolved over time.

In the early days, the ships were smaller, designed for more intimate experiences. However, as customer demands and technology advanced, the cruise line responded with larger, more innovative ships to appeal to a broader range of passengers.

In the mid-1990s, Royal Caribbean introduced the Vision-class ships, such as Grandeur of the Seas, which had a gross tonnage of 73,817. These vessels offered more amenities and space for guests, with a capacity of around 2,440 passengers.

As the years progressed, the company continued to build larger ships, leading to the Voyager, Radiance, and ultimately the Freedom-class ships.

The Freedom-class ships, like the Freedom of the Seas, took passenger capacity to a new level. With a gross tonnage of 154,407, these ships could accommodate over 4,5150 guests and offered an impressive array of amenities, including surf simulators, ice-skating rinks, and outdoor movie screens.

But the evolution didn’t stop there. In 2009, Royal Caribbean debuted the Oasis-class ships, which truly redefined modern cruising.

These gargantuan ships, such as the Symphony of the Seas, boast a gross tonnage of 228,081 and have the capacity to host approximately 6,680 passengers. They also introduced innovative features like neighborhoods, aquatic theaters, and zip-lines.

Today, the upcoming Icon-class ships, planned for launch between 2022 and 2026, foreshadow an even more exciting era of cruising.

With cutting-edge technology, these highly anticipated ships are expected to push the boundaries even further in terms of size, capacity, and experiences available for guests.

Future of Royal Caribbean Ship Sizes

If you follow the growth of the Royal Caribbean cruise line, you’ll notice their ship sizes increasing over time. In the upcoming years, some exciting additions are coming to their fleet of vessels.

Specifically, the awaited arrival of the Icon Class in 2023 is sure to impress you.

The most notable ship coming soon to Royal Caribbean’s fleet is the Icon of the Seas . Though exact details are still scarce, it is expected to be a substantial step forward in terms of both size and innovation.

The anticipation is building, and you will likely hear a lot more about this new class of ship in 2022.

Besides the giant Icon of the Seas, other planned launches include Utopia of the Seas, scheduled for 2024, as well as two more unnamed ships.

By the time this expansion is completed, Royal Caribbean will boast 30 ships in their lineup, solidifying their status as the largest cruise line fleet in the world.

You’ll find it interesting to compare the future ships to the company’s older vessels. One of Royal Caribbean’s first ships, the Grandeur of the Seas, is significantly smaller than the latest mammoths.

This growing diversity in ship sizes ensures you can find an experience tailored to your preferences, whether you enjoy a more intimate setting or the grandiosity of a larger vessel.

As Royal Caribbean continues to innovate and expand, expect more groundbreaking and sizeable ships to join their fleet.

Stay tuned, because the future of ship sizes in the Royal Caribbean fleet promises to keep on impressing and evolving.

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Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity

View cruise ship ratings and learn what is average/normal and max cruise ship passenger capacity. Cruise ships capacity (passengers and crew/hotel staff) and space ratios of the world's most famous ships are sorted alphabetically by the names of their owners (companies, lines, and operators) according to the official cruise ship data.

Most online travel media publish ship ratings based on onboard amenities (dining/entertainment), itineraries/destinations, special/unique facilities, and experiences. Some ratings are based on website visitors' feedbacks and conducted polls. However, while the latter ratings could by easily manipulated, "expert review" based ratings could be only suggestive as top-rated will be always the largest liners and the  newest vessels .

Cruise Ship Capacity

The "full" cruise ship passenger capacity is based on double occupancy (2 guests per cabin). The cabin's capacity varies according to stateroom's type, category, and also by line and ship. A standard passenger ship cabin usually accommodates 2 or 3 guests, but there are some "smaller" and "bigger" exceptions.

Our survey also includes smaller ships (under 500 passengers), and some ships are intentionally omitted from the big table to be included in the small one (about passenger capacity of top luxury cruise ships, with emphasis made on their highest guests-to-crew ratio. If searching for a particular vessel, use the Ctrl+F key combination and type the name in the search box. Good to know things:

• Ships will sail at varying capacities depending on itinerary and season.
• The average cruise ship passenger capacity is around 3,000 guests for ocean liners and around 150 guests for bigger river cruise ships.
• The largest cruise ship passenger capacity is 5,412 (at double occupancy) and 6,318 max capacity if all berths are occupied. And, of course, these big numbers are part of the specifications of the first in the  list of the biggest cruise ships in the world  - the Oasis ship of Royal Caribbean International.
• Single cruise cabins (called also "studios", or "solo cabins"), though rarely available, offer some of the cheapest rates for solo travelers by avoiding the double occupancy policy of all the major cruise ship companies, with the range of single supplement rates being between 50 and 100% (depending on line and ship).
• Family suite cruise accommodations generally have the biggest passenger capacity (up to 6 guests) and are some of the most expensive cabin categories (again, not available on all ships). Cheap suites are available on most Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa ships.

Max (largest) passenger capacity of a cruise ship would signify this ideal financial situation, when all the berths, plus all upper and lower bunks, "Pullman" beds and single and double sofa beds (available in types and numbers according to the ship's cabin grades) are all occupied by the most numerous crowd the ship can ever gather on board. However, on most of the sailings, even the full-ship capacity (at double occupancy level) is not reached. This automatically opens the "big ships doors" for great deals, like kids sail for free, buy one get one free, free cabin upgrades, bonus amenities, and also huge price discounts on luxury cruise deals. For more info, you can read our survey on unsold cruise cabins/cheap cruise upgrades .

Cruise passengers-to-space ratio

The ship's "space ratio" (by definition) is the enclosed space (measured in ft3/cubic feet) per passenger. A ship of 45,000 GT (gross tonnage) with capacity 1,000 passengers will have a space ratio 45 (or 45ft3=45000/1000). So if your ship has generally smaller cabins but very large public spaces, she will have a higher space ratio, and the higher the space ratio number, the more guests will enjoy a sense of spaciousness on board.

Average/max cruise passenger capacity

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For boats that are dead and forgotten see at CruiseMapper's Scrapped Cruise Ships hub.

Cruise Ship Ratings

0 (or no Stars) doesn't mean the ship is the worst ever, but not yet rated.

"Specialty" means usually a smaller ship offering deals on adventure or expedition cruises. Emphasis on itinerary/destination and unique experiences rather than onboard services/amenities/activities. Cabins are modest (as size and amenities), but also comfortable.

3 Stars mean "Contemporary" and big resort-like experiences on bigger ships with a multi-generational clientele, a huge variety of family and kids programs, at least 2 swimming pools, huge fitness/spa centers, distinct nightlife (clubs, a casino, deck parties), several dining options. Cabins range from cozy Inside to large family suites and many connecting/adjoining rooms. Itineraries from 3 to 7-night in length (repeating, round-trip) leaving from big and popular ports.

4 Stars mean a "Premium" product, medium-sized ships with higher guest-to-crew ratios compared to similar-sized mainstream ships. The onboard experience - fewer kids, larger than average cabins with upgraded (luxurious) amenities, high-level of service, dining, and entertainment, extensive enrichment programs, a luxury spa, longer itineraries (from 7 to 14 and even 21-night in length).

5 Stars mean a "Deluxe" product, from medium-size to small cruise ships with deluxe staterooms, bedding and cabin amenities, impeccable service, multiple specialties (gourmet) dining options, also less entertainment and onboard activities. The itinerary is mostly port-intensive, and longer than 10 nights, with deals on back-to-back cruises .

6 Stars mean "Best Luxury" on small ships, intimate cruising experiences, highest guest-to-crew ratios (fewer guests). These are mostly ships with all-inclusive cruise deals - gratuities and beverages (often alcohol) and gourmet (specialty restaurant) dining are all included in the fares (often with shore excursions and tours), spacious staterooms and public spaces, the highest level of service. Many of these are all-suite ships (with different category suites). Port-intensive itineraries and exotic destinations, often offering deals on Around the World Cruises .

All cruise ship ratings are based on CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) categorizations, and reviews from "WMPH Vacations" (iCruise, AlaskaCruises, EuropeCruises, HawaiiCruiseOutlet, RegentCruises, and CruiseCheap) specialists and advisors. Cruise ratings also may vary on the ship's age, size, cabins/venues/amenities, passenger feedback, etc. Besides CLIA and WMPH, other cruise vessel rating sources are Berlitz Guide, Fieldings Guide, Sterns Guide, CruiseCritic, CruiseReviews, and CruiseMates.

Cruise ship star ratings meaning

5,5 stars rating - a top luxury cruising, impeccable and highly personalized service, finest quality food & amenities; attention to detail, perfect maintenance, spacious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, the highest level of service, authentic furnishings, top of the line fitness & spa facilities.

5 stars rating - the highest level of food/service in a premium cruising market, high-quality meals, attentive service, well-equipped staterooms (not necessarily large), list of cabin amenities include bathrobes; butler service, public spaces are with beautiful decors.

4,5 stars rating - friendly decor, good maintenance, full range of onboard activities.

4 stars rating - best overall experience, above-average food & service, satisfactory entertainment.

3,5 stars rating - an average overall experience, very small to large accommodations, good service, delicious food, kids facilities without dedicated areas, mediocre entertainment.

3 stars rating - modest experience on an older cruise ship, may not have balcony cabins, mediocre food & lack of proper service, expect interesting destinations/itineraries.

2 stars rating - the ship is comparable to a low-budget hotel, a major refurbishment needed for refit and renovation of public areas and staterooms, lousy service (the staff will only supply the most basic service), itineraries with little or no popular (cheap charging) ports of call.

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State of the Cruise Industry report

Press Release | April 09, 2024

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report. This year’s report includes the release of 2023 passenger volume, which reached 31.7 million— surpassing 2019 by 7%.The report also shows continued demand for cruise holidays, noting intent to cruise at 82%. The forecast for cruise capacity shows an increase of 10% from 2024 through 2028, as cruise lines make ongoing, concrete progress in pursuit of net- zero emissions by 2050.

Other highlights include the forecast for cruise capacity through 2028 and a summary of the 2024 – 2028 cruise orderbook, as well as the latest cruise trends, which include.

• The number of new-to-cruise is increasing – 27% of cruisers over the past two years are new-to-cruise, an increase of 12% over the past year.
• Cruises are a top choice for multi-generational travel – with more than 30% of families traveling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travelers traveling with three to five generations.
• Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023.
• Accessible tour excursions are on the rise—with 45% of cruise passengers booking an accessible tour for their most recent cruise.
• 73% of cruise travelers say that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.

Read more  here .

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Ovation of the Seas

Royal caribbean.

The  Ovation of the Seas  was built in 2016 and is among Royal Caribbean’s 27 ships in its fleet. The Ovation is included in the cruise line’s Quantum Class. In the cruise ship stats below, you’ll find the Ovation of the Seas vs all of the other Royal Caribbean ships.

Ovation of the Seas Size

How big is the Ovation of the Seas? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Ovation of the Seas. Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Ovation of the Seas Capacity

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Ovation of the Seas can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Royal Caribbean Avg: 3,708 guests

Ovation of the Seas Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Ovation of the Seas is 4,180 guests . The average capacity for the 27 active ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet is 3,708 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Royal Caribbean ships has a minimum of 1,992 guests and a maximum of 7,600 passengers.

Royal Caribbean Avg: 1,400 staff

Ovation of the Seas Crew Members: Staff on the Ovation of the Seas include 1,300 crew members. That’s a guest to staff ratio of 3.2 to 1. The average Royal Caribbean ship includes 1,400 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.6 to 1.

Ovation of the Seas Passenger Capacity and Crew

vs Royal Caribbean Fleet

Ovation of the Seas Length

How long is the Ovation? From end to end, the Ovation of the Seas length equals 1142 feet (349 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 27 active vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, measuring 1068 feet (326 meters).

Royal Caribbean Avg: 1,068 feet

The smallest Royal Caribbean ship (in terms of length) measures 915 feet (279 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1196 feet (365 meters).

Our chart below shows the length of the Ovation of the Seas vs all other active Royal Caribbean ships.

Ovation of the Seas Ship Length

vs all Royal Caribbean Ships

Ovation of the Seas Built Date

When was the Ovation of the Seas Built? The Ovation of the Seas was built in 2016 and joined the cruise line’s Quantum Class.

Royal Caribbean includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996. The average Royal Caribbean ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

Royal Caribbean Avg: 2007

When was the last Ovation of the Seas Dry Dock? The Ovation of the Seas experienced dry dock improvements in 2019.

renovation date

Renovations included the following: In 2021, the Ovation of the Seas experienced dry dock improvements including general maintenance items such as paint and engine upkeep.

Ovation of the Seas Deck Plans

The Ovation of the Seas has a total of 14 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 3. The highest passenger deck is Deck 16.

What does the Ovation of the Seas offer in terms of “things to do?” The ship features 15 restaurants, 12 bars, 26 activities, and 2 other features for your enjoyment.

Click below to access deck plans for the Ovation of the Seas. The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all “things to do” offered on that level of the ship.

Ovation of the Seas - All Deck Plans

• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 3
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 4
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 5
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 6
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 7
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 8
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 9
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 10
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 11
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 12
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 13
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 14
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 15
• Ovation of the Seas - Deck 16

Ovation of the Seas Info

Frequently asked questions, on which deck is the ovation of the seas casino located.

You will find the Ovation of the Seas Casino on Deck 3 of the ship.

On which deck is the Ovation of the Seas Buffet located?

You will find the Ovation of the Seas Buffet on Deck 14 of the ship.

When was the Ovation of the Seas last refurbished?

The Ovation of the Seas experienced dry dock improvements in 2019. Renovations included the following: In 2021, the Ovation of the Seas experienced dry dock improvements including general maintenance items such as paint and engine upkeep.

What is the Ovation of the Seas ship class?

The ship belongs to the Royal Caribbean class of ships known as the Quantum class.

What does the Ovation of the Seas offer in terms of things to do?

The ship features 15 restaurants, 12 bars, 26 activities, 0 shows and 2 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.

How many decks are on the Ovation of the Seas?

The Ovation of the Seas has a total of 14 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 3. The upper most passenger deck is Level 16.

What is the Ovation of the Seas capacity?

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Ovation of the Seas. The ship's capacity is 4,180. When comparing the occupancy to the average Royal Caribbean passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 3,708 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Royal Caribbean ships.

How old is the Ovation of the Seas?

The Ovation of the Seas was built in 2016. Royal Caribbean includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996. The average Royal Caribbean ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2010

Is the Ovation of the Seas a good ship?

Each of Royal Caribbean's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Ovation of the Seas is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

How long is the Ovation of the Seas?

From end to end, the Spectrum of the Seas length equals 1,142 feet (349 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 27 active vessels in Royal Caribbean fleet, measuring 1,068 feet (326 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

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Caribbean Princess Ship Facts

Guest Capacity: 3,140 lower berths Tonnage: 112,894 Inaugural Cruise: April 3, 2004 Last Refurbished: March 2017 Christener: Jill Whelan, "Vicki Stubing" from "The Love Boat" Dining and Snacks: Crafted by Curtis Stone (dining room dishes), Chocolate Journeys(SM) (desserts), Salty Dog Grill (burgers, hot dogs & street tacos), Sabatini's Italian Trattoria (specialty restaurant)^, Crown Grill (steakhouse specialty restaurant)^, Steamers Seafood (specialty restaurant)^, Planks BBQ (specialty restaurant)^, World Fresh Marketplace (buffet), Vines (wine & seafood bar)^, Slice Pizzeria (poolside pizza), International Café (coffee, snacks, light meals & desserts), Coffee & Cones (coffee & ice cream), Ultimate Balcony Dining, 24-hour room service ^Nominal charges may apply Showrooms/Lounges: Princess Theater, Explorers Lounge, Wheelhouse Bar, Skywalkers Nightclub Club Fusion, Churchill Lounge, Crooners Bar Guest Services: The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars poolside screen, Lotus Spa and Fitness Center, Piazza Atrium, Casino, Wedding Chapel, Sports Deck, Kid's and Teen's Centers, Library, Internet Café, Photo/Video Gallery, Art Gallery, The Princess Shops, Guest Services Desk, Shore Excursions Desk, Medical Center Number of Crew: 1200 Registry: Bermuda Length: 952 feet Height: 193 feet Number of Decks: 19 Guest Cabins: 1,556 total

• 25 Suites with private balconies - Square footage: 319-1279*
• 7 Window Suites - Square footage: 319-1279*
• 2 Family suites - Square footage: 607*
• 178 Mini-suites with private balconies - Square footage: 370-536*
• 669 Balcony cabins - Square footage: 233-273*
• 230 Ocean view cabins - Square footage: 158-182
• 445 Inside cabins - Square footage: 163 *includes balcony

Wheelchair Accessible Cabins: 25 Cabins with Private Balconies: 881 (80 percent of all outside cabins) Pools: 5 (plus two splash pools) Whirlpools Spas: 7 Lifeboats: 18 lifeboats, 6 tenders, 2 rescue boats

Builder: Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Monfalcone, Italy

Learn more about Caribbean Princess

Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Breaking News

Travel | booms, sirens in israel after iran launches ballistic missiles, drones in unprecedented attack, things to do, subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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Disney: Summer Deployment Includes Mix of Destinations, New Private Island

• April 11, 2024

Disney Cruise Line is offering an expanding summer program in 2024, with ships serving destinations in North America and Europe.

While maintaining its year-round presence in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, the company is also offering summer seasons in Alaska, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Additionally, the company is set to open its second private island destination during the season, introducing Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in early June .

Cruise Industry News has examined the company’s complete deployment for the 2024 summer.

  Caribbean and Bahamas

Disney Wish Capacity: 2,500 guests Built: 2022 Homeports: Port Canaveral (United States) Length: Three and four nights Itineraries: Short cruises to the Bahamas featuring stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island destination Sailing Season: Year-round

Disney Fantasy Capacity: 2,500 guests Built: 2012 Homeports: Port Canaveral (United States) Length: Five to ten nights Itineraries: Regular seven-night cruises to both Western and Eastern Caribbean featuring visits to Castaway Cay and, starting in June, to Disney’s new private destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Sailing Season: January 1 to October 5

Disney Magic Capacity: 1,750 guests Built: 1998 Homeports: Fort Lauderdale (United States) Length: Three to five nights Itineraries: Mix of three- to five-night cruises to the Bahamas, as well as to the Western and Eastern Caribbean visiting Cozumel, Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Nassau and more Sailing Season: May 9 to October 31

Disney Dream Capacity: 2,500 guests Built: 2011 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Civitavecchia (Italy); and Southampton (England) Length: Three to 12 nights Itineraries: Seven- to 11-night cruises across the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, in addition to three- to 12-night cruises to Western Europe, Iceland, Scandinavia and the British Isles Sailing Season: May 18 to September 8

Disney Wonder Capacity: 1,750 guests Built: 1999 Homeports: Vancouver (Canada) Length: Five to seven nights Itineraries: Regular seven-night cruises to different destinations in the region including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Victoria and more Sailing Season: May 13 to September 16

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Royal Caribbean's family-friendly private island is about to get more crowded with Gen Xers

• Celebrity Cruises will sail to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay for the first time.
• The cruise lines target different demographics, but the business case is solid.
• The private island is scheduled on 47 of Celebrity's itineraries this year.

Royal Caribbean's family-friendly private island is about to get a bit more crowded — with Gen Xers.

On April 21, Gen X-beloved Celebrity Cruises will voyage to Royal Caribbean International's Perfect Day at CocoCay for the first time, marking the start of a Celebrity-CocoCay bonanza: The premium cruise line plans to visit the family-friendly getaway 47 more times before the end of the year.

According to Celebrity, these itineraries will both double its year-round Caribbean offerings and launch its first weekend cruises . And travelers are hyped: A handful of these sailings are halfway or close to selling out.

Fares start at about $277 per person for a three-day roundtrip cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in which the Caribbean island is the only destination on the itinerary.

Travelers familiar with Celebrity and CocoCay might be scratching their heads

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity share the same parent company, Royal Caribbean Group .

For the most part, that's where their similarities end.

Royal Caribbean's private island is a tropical dream for cruising families dotted with sprawling beaches, clubs, a zipline, and a waterpark. The private destination is colorful, loud, kid-friendly, and generally the antithesis of what travelers might find on Celebrity's ships.

Celebrity's stylish vessels do offer children and teen programming. But if you want the exciting water slides, fun rides, and rock climbing walls of the popular mass-market ships, you're better off looking elsewhere.

Compared to Royal Caribbean's ships, Celebrity is best if you want to be on a premium, trendy, and more subdued cruise.

Related stories

If it's not obvious, the two brands are vying for different guests. Royal Caribbean goes after multi-generational families, while Celebrity's target demographic is Gen Xers, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the then-CEO of Celebrity Cruises, told Business Insider in 2021.

Celebrity sails to 300 ports on all seven continents — why this sudden push for the private Caribbean island?

In short, cruisers love Celebrity's upcoming Caribbean destination .

Last year, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told analysts that CocoCay had seen robust demand, including from repeat travelers.

About two-thirds of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean-bound guests will stop at CocoCay this year. And most of them aren't complaining: "The vast majority of people love the islands," Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told Business Insider in March.

But for the two brands' parent company, there are more benefits to private island cruising besides guest satisfaction.

CocoCay is one night's sailing from Florida's major cruise ports, reducing the visiting ships' fuel consumption and costs.

More importantly, these private destinations keep more profits in-house.

A day pass to CocoCay's waterpark can exceed $100 per person. Entry to the recently opened Hideaway Beach costs up to $89 per person. Nearby, an afternoon at the more luxurious Coco Beach Club could be shy of triple that cost.

Even the complimentary parts of the island have splurge-enticing amenities like rentable cabanas and snorkeling gear. And because there's no need to rely on other excursion operators, Celebrity's parent company gets to pocket more profits.

Most of Celebrity's 2024 cruises to CocoCay will be on two of its largest ships: the 3,849-guest Celebrity Beyond and 3,480-guest Celebrity Reflection. That's plenty of guests ready to spend big on the popular private island.

But that doesn't mean Celebrity cruisers will be fighting kids for beach chairs

It is possible to escape the hoards of families at Perfect Day at CocoCay. For example, the new Hideaway Beach is rowdy, boozy, and thankfully adult-only.

While not kid-free, on the other side of the island, the Oasis Lagoon pool has become the de facto hot spot for afternoon ragers "packed with intoxicated people having a really good time" on one end, and children on the other end, Bayley told reporters in late January.

If nothing else, at least there won't be any kids drinking at the island's more than 10 bars.

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

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