Royal Caribbean Ships by Size (2025): Comparison Chart
By Janet Benoir | January 25, 2025
Venture into the vast blue with Royal Caribbean’s magnificent fleet, where each vessel promises a unique ocean-going spectacle. As we sail through 2025, the array of ships—from colossal floating cities to more intimate seafaring sanctuaries—offers an exhilarating glimpse into the future of cruise travel.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll chart the course through the grandest to the most gracious of Royal Caribbean’s ships, exploring the allure of each class and size and unraveling the debate on whether bigger truly means better. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious cruiser, prepare to embark on a vivid voyage through Royal Caribbean’s impressive maritime mastery.
Royal Caribbean Classes Ranked by Size
Royal Caribbean’s fleet continues to set the standard in luxury cruising, ranging from the colossal Icon of the Seas to the charming Grandeur of the Seas. This guide offers a thorough comparison to help cruisers of all types discover their ideal match for a memorable journey across the seas.
Ship Name | Class | Year | Total Guest Capacity | Gross Tonnage | Length (feet) |
Icon of the Seas | Icon | 2024 | 7,600 | 250,800 | 1,198 |
Wonder of the Seas | Oasis | 2022 | 6,988 | 236,857 | 1,188 |
Utopia of the Seas | Oasis | 2024 | 6,788 | 236,857 | 1,188 |
Symphony of the Seas | Oasis | 2018 | 6,680 | 228,081 | 1,188 |
Harmony of the Seas | Oasis | 2016 | 6,687 | 226,963 | 1,188 |
Allure of the Seas | Oasis | 2010 | 6,780 | 225,282 | 1,187 |
Oasis of the Seas | Oasis | 2009 | 6,780 | 225,282 | 1,187 |
Odyssey of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | 2021 | 4,819 | 169,379 | 1,142 |
Spectrum of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | 2019 | 5,622 | 169,379 | 1,139 |
Anthem of the Seas | Quantum | 2015 | 4,905 | 168,666 | 1,141 |
Ovation of the Seas | Quantum | 2016 | 4,905 | 168,666 | 1,138 |
Quantum of the Seas | Quantum | 2014 | 4,905 | 168,666 | 1,141 |
Freedom of the Seas | Freedom | 2006 | 4,515 | 154,407 | 1,112 |
Independence of the Seas | Freedom | 2008 | 4,560 | 154,407 | 1,112 |
Liberty of the Seas | Freedom | 2007 | 4,960 | 154,407 | 1,112 |
Navigator of the Seas | Voyager | 2002 | 4,000 | 139,999 | 1,020 |
Mariner of the Seas | Voyager | 2003 | 4,000 | 139,863 | 1,020 |
Explorer of the Seas | Voyager | 2000 | 4,290 | 137,308 | 1,020 |
Adventure of the Seas | Voyager | 2001 | 3,807 | 137,276 | 1,020 |
Voyager of the Seas | Voyager | 1999 | 4,269 | 137,276 | 1,020 |
Brilliance of the Seas | Radiance | 2002 | 2,543 | 90,090 | 962 |
Jewel of the Seas | Radiance | 2004 | 2,702 | 90,090 | 962 |
Radiance of the Seas | Radiance | 2001 | 2,466 | 90,090 | 962 |
Serenade of the Seas | Radiance | 2003 | 2,476 | 90,090 | 965 |
Enchantment of the Seas | Vision | 1997 | 2,730 | 82,910 | 989 |
Rhapsody of the Seas | Vision | 1997 | 2,416 | 78,491 | 915 |
Vision of the Seas | Vision | 1998 | 2,514 | 78,340 | 915 |
Grandeur of the Seas | Vision | 1996 | 2,440 | 73,817 | 916 |
This table effectively ranks the Royal Caribbean ships by class and size, providing a comprehensive overview of the fleet’s diversity in terms of capacity and dimensions. It also guides potential cruisers in selecting a ship that fits their expectations and style of travel.
The Smallest Royal Caribbean Ships
For those seeking a more intimate and tranquil cruise experience, these smaller vessels boast a boutique-like charm and a cozy atmosphere, ideal for cruisers who appreciate a more subdued environment.
Grandeur of the Seas
Grandeur of the Seas provides a close-knit atmosphere that enhances guest interactions, creating a warm and inviting community aboard. Its compact size ensures easy navigation through the ship’s amenities and quicker, more personal service from crew members. This ship is ideal for travelers who enjoy a tranquil sea experience with the charm of a smaller vessel.
Vision of the Seas
Vision of the Seas offers a relaxed and personable cruising experience with less crowding and more accessible spaces. Its fewer decks and well-appointed public areas promote an easy-going vacation vibe, perfect for those looking to escape the larger cruise ship environment. Guests can enjoy a peaceful journey with all the Royal Caribbean quality standards in a more intimate setting.
Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas focuses on providing an inviting atmosphere where guests can forge meaningful connections with fellow passengers and crew. The ship’s smaller scale allows for a quieter, more intimate cruising experience, with plenty of opportunities to unwind or participate in community activities. It’s perfect for cruisers who prefer a laid-back and friendly voyage.
Enchantment of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas blends comfort and elegance in a smaller, more manageable layout that appeals to those looking for a less hectic cruise experience. Guests can enjoy easier access to ship features and quicker service, enhancing the feeling of exclusivity and luxury. This ship suits travelers who value tranquility and intimacy during their cruise adventures.
Largest Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean’s fleet boasts some of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships. Each of these offers a unique blend of expansive amenities and cutting-edge design. Here’s a closer look at these monumental vessels that set the standard for a grand cruising experience.
Icon of the Seas
As the flagship titan of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, the Icon of the Seas stands as the largest cruise ship globally by 2025. With a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a length of 1,198 feet, it introduces a new era of cruising packed with cutting-edge innovations such as lush parks, skydiving simulators, and robot bartenders. This ship is a floating marvel that redefines luxury and entertainment on the high seas.
Wonder of the Seas
The Wonder of the Seas is another standout in the Oasis class, followed closely in size and grandeur. Launched in 2022, this ship features a gross tonnage of 236,857 and measures 1,188 feet in length. It offers an expansive array of amenities and activities, including the largest water park at sea and multiple neighborhoods, each with unique experiences catering to all ages.
Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas, another impressive Oasis class ship, was unveiled in 2018. This cruise ship stretches 1,188 feet and weighs 228,081 gross tons, making it one of the largest in the world. It’s known for its bustling boardwalk, robotic bar, and multi-story water slides, ensuring a cruise experience filled with wonder and excitement.
These vessels represent the pinnacle of Royal Caribbean’s innovation and luxurious design, offering unparalleled experiences to guests who prefer a large cruise ship’s vibrancy and endless activities.
Royal Caribbean Ship Classes Ranked by Size
Royal Caribbean’s fleet spans a range of sizes and luxuries, from the immense Icon and Oasis classes with their expansive, resort-like amenities such as zip lines and ice rinks to the more moderately scaled Quantum and Freedom classes, which offer a rich array of features in a less overwhelming setting. This classification reflects the line’s commitment to grandeur and accessibility, catering to different preferences for adventure and comfort.
Here is a table that visually represents the varying sizes and capacities of Royal Caribbean’s ship classes:
Class | Average Gross Tonnage | Notable Features |
Icon | 250,800 GT | Newest and largest, with groundbreaking amenities |
Oasis | 228,000 GT | Previously largest, known for pioneering ship design |
Quantum Ultra | 169,000 GT | Enhanced version of Quantum with additional features |
Quantum | 169,000 GT | Features like skydiving simulators and robotic bartenders |
Freedom | 154,000 GT | Balances size with features like surf simulators |
Voyager | 138,000 GT | Introduced features like the rock-climbing wall |
Radiance | 90,000 GT | Known for panoramic views and glass elevators |
Vision | 78,000 GT | Smaller, more intimate ships with personalized service |
This ranking showcases the diversity within the Royal Caribbean fleet, highlighting how each class is designed to offer a unique cruising experience tailored to different passenger preferences.
Large and Small Ships: Which is Better?
The allure of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships is unmistakable. These ships are like vibrant cities on the sea, filled with various activities and entertainment options, ideal for travelers seeking a dynamic and bustling vacation. Yet, the vastness of these ships may not suit everyone’s taste. Smaller ships provide a quieter, more intimate atmosphere where relaxation takes precedence. They are known for their personalized service and ability to dock at smaller ports, offering unique and often more culturally rich experiences.
Royal Caribbean’s diverse fleet caters to all types of cruisers, from those drawn to the spectacular features of the Icon class to those who prefer the cozy ambiance of the Vision class. Selecting the appropriate ship can shape your cruise into an exhilarating exploration of a sea-bound metropolis or a peaceful voyage through tranquil waters. Whichever you choose, the horizon is filled with opportunities as you embark on a journey tailored perfectly to your cruising desires with Royal Caribbean.