Cruise Facts(2024) Royal Caribbean Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest (Complete List)

(2024) Royal Caribbean Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest (Complete List)

Royal Caribbean cruise ships docked at CocoCay

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you want to see what ships have sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, you can see that list here.

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

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

RCCL’s new ships coming soon:

  • Star of the Seas – Summer 2025.  The second Icon-class ship, Royal Caribbean just released the name of this future ship.
  • Third Icon-class ship – Scheduled for 2026
  • Fourth Icon-class ship – Scheduled for 2027
  • Unnamed Oasis-class ship – 7th Oasis-class vessel, scheduled for 2028.
  • First Discovery-class ship – Not many details have been revealed about this smaller  size class of ships coming to Royal Caribbean.

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

Royal Caribbean cruise ships newest to oldest (updated):

Utopia of the Seas (2024)

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

The sixth Oasis-class ship in the fleet, Utopia of the Seas, is a party ship from Royal Caribbean.  The ship which took two years to build offers 3- and 4-night sailings from Port Canaveral which include a visit to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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

Icon of the Seas (2024)

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

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

Wonder of the Seas (2022)

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

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

Odyssey of the Seas (2021)

Odyssey of the seas new ship

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

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

Spectrum of the Seas (2019)

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

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

Symphony of the Seas (2018)

symphony of the seas

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

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

Ovation of the Seas (2016)

ovation of the seas

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

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

Harmony of the Seas (2016)

harmony of the seas

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

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

Anthem of the Seas (2015)

anthem of the seas

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

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

Quantum of the Seas (2014)

quantum of the seas

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

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

Allure of the Seas (2010)

oasis of the seas

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

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

Oasis of the Seas (2009)

oasis of the seas

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

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

Independence of the Seas (2008)

independence of the seas

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

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

Liberty of the Seas (2007)

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

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

View Today’s Top 10 Cruise Deals on Royal Caribbean

Freedom of the Seas (2006)

freedom of the seas

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

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

Jewel of the Seas (2004)

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

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

Serenade of the Seas (2003)

serenade of the seas

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

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

Mariner of the Seas (2003)

mariner of the seas

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

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

Brilliance of the Seas (2002)

brilliance of the seas

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

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

Navigator of the Seas (2002)

navigator of the seas

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

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

Radiance of the Seas (2001)

radiance of the seas

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

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

Adventure of the Seas (2001)

adventure of the seas

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

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

Explorer of the Seas (2000)

explorer of the seas

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

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

Voyager of the Seas (1999)

voyager of seas royal caribbean

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

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

Vision of the Seas (1998)

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

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

Enchantment of the Seas (1997)

enchantment of seas royal caribbean

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

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

Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)

rhapsody of the seas rennovation

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

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

Grandeur of the Seas (1996)

grandeur of the seas

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

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

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

  • Utopia of the Seas, 2024
  • Icon of the Seas, 2024
  • Wonder of the Seas, 2022
  • Odyssey of the Seas, 2021
  • Spectrum of the Seas, 2019
  • Symphony of the Seas, 2018
  • Ovation of the Seas, 2016
  • Harmony of the Seas, 2016
  • Anthem of the Seas, 2015
  • Quantum of the Seas, 2014
  • Allure of the Seas, 2010
  • Oasis of the Seas, 2009
  • Independence of the Seas, 2008
  • Liberty of the Seas, 2007
  • Freedom of the Seas, 2006
  • Jewel of the Seas, 2004
  • Serenade of the Seas, 2003
  • Mariner of the Seas, 2003
  • Brilliance of the Seas, 2002
  • Navigator of the Seas, 2002
  • Radiance of the Seas, 2001
  • Adventure of the Seas, 2001
  • Explorer of the Seas, 2000
  • Voyager of the Seas, 1999
  • Vision of the Seas, 1998
  • Enchantment of the Seas, 1997
  • Rhapsody of the Seas, 1997
  • Grandeur of the Seas, 1996

List of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Size

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

Cruise Ship Gross Tonnage Double Capacity Year in Service
Icon of the Seas 250,800 5,610 2024
Utopia of the Seas 236,860 5,668 2024
Wonder of the Seas 236,857 5,734 2022
Symphony of the Seas 228,081 5,518 2018
Harmony of the Seas 226,963 5,497 2016
Oasis of the Seas 226,838 5,400 2009
Allure of the Seas 225,282 5,492 2010
Spectrum of the Seas 169,379 4,246 2019
Anthem of the Seas 168,666 4,180 2015
Ovation of the Seas 168,666 4,180 2016
Quantum of the Seas 168,666 4,180 2014
Odyssey of the Seas 167,704 4,200 2021
Freedom of the Seas 156,271 3,782 2006
Liberty of the Seas 155,889 3,798 2007
Independence of the Seas 155,889 3,634 2008
Navigator of the Seas 139,999 3,376 2002
Mariner of the Seas 139,863 3,114 2003
Explorer of the Seas 138,194 3,114 2000
Voyager of the Seas 138,194 3,114 1999
Adventure of the Seas 138,193 3,114 2001
Serenade of the Seas 90,090 2,146 2003
Radiance of the Seas 90,090 2,143 2001
Brilliance of the Seas 90,090 2,142 2002
Jewel of the Seas 90,090 2,112 2004
Enchantment of the Seas 82,910 2,252 1997
Rhapsody of the Seas 78,878 1,998 1997
Vision of the Seas 78,717 2,050 1998
Grandeur of the Seas 73,817 1,992 1996

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

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Classes

Icon Class

Icon class is Royal Caribbean’s newest class of cruise ships.  The recent debut of Icon of the Seas as the first Icon class ship was a huge success, and the company has two more ships in this class on order.   This is the largest class of ships in the fleet and introduces some new neighborhoods like the family-friendly Surfside and the adult-only Hideaway.

Oasis Class

With two more Oasis class ships on order, there will be a total of seven ships in this class.  In addition to being the largest ships in the world (before the debut of Icon of the Seas), Oasis class ships introduced Central Park and the Coney-Island inspired Boardwalk.   Being able to accommodate well over 5,000 passengers, the first Oasis vessel was launched in 2009. 

Quantum Class

The Quantum class is another of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ship classes.  Full of innovative tech and cutting edge features, Quantum-class ships have some amenities not found on any other ships at sea.  Things like sky-diving simulators, bumper cars, and the “North Star” capsule that elevates cruise passengers over 300 feet above the ocean make this class the perfect fit for adventure seekers.   The first ship in the class was launched in 2014 and there are five ships in the category.

Freedom Class

Once the largest cruise ship in the world, Freedom of the Seas was the first of three Freedom class ships which also include Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.  These ships feature an ice-skating rink and cantilevered whirlpools on the sides of the ships and are still popular among Royal Caribbean fans.  These ships debuted in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Voyager Class

Voyager class ships were also once the largest in the world when they first debuted.  Do you see a theme here?  There are five Voyager class ships in the fleet and they were the first ships to have ice-skating rinks onboard.  These 138,000 gross ton vessels were built from 1999 to 2003 with Mariner of the Seas being the latest.

Radiance Class

The Radiance class is a smaller and more intimate class of Royal Caribbean ships.   There are four of these vessels in the class and their 90,000 gross tonnage and slimmer design allows for them to pass through the Panama Canal.  These ships were built from 2001 to 2004.

Vision Class

The Vision class is Royal Caribbean’s oldest class of ships, but there have been many updates and renovations to these ships.  There are four vessels in this class, including the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet that was built in 1996: Grandeur of the Seas.  The gross tonnage of this class ranges from 73,000 to 78,000 with maximum capacities around 2,500.

 

Specialty Restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

Note: This article was updated in June of 2024.

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J. Souza
J. Souza
Jon is the co-founder of Cruise Fever and has been on 50+ cruises since his first in 2009. As an editor, 15-year writer on the cruise industry, and avid cruise enthusiast he has sailed with at least 10 cruise lines and is always looking for a great cruise deal. Jon lives in North Carolina and can be reached at [email protected].
Cruise Facts(2024) Royal Caribbean Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest (Complete List)
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