Has the idea of a cruise been popping into your mind from time to time? Perhaps you’d like to savor one last Caribbean getaway before winter sets in. With nearly 30 ships in their growing fleet, Royal Caribbean has a floating city that will gracefully usher you to any number of sunny shorelines. What do you say we examine each of their ships – one more impressive than the next? Let’s do it. Together, let’s take a tour of the seas in a most regal style.
Star of the Seas
Class: Icon
Total Guest Rooms: 2,805
We’ll begin with the star of the show – a new ship set to make its grand debut in 2025. It’s making its mark based on the success of Icon of the Seas. This beauty will include seven distinct pools, a Category 6 waterpark, and the AquaDome, a venue filled with awe-inspiring screens and a dynamic waterfall. You’ll also find Absolute Zero, a huge ice skating rink to live out all your childhood dreams. But, if this is a couple’s trip and not a family getaway, then you’ll probably find yourself walking the Royal Promenade at night, a place where the drinks flow and the music floats through the air, making for countless memorable nights under the stars.
Icon of the Seas
Class: Icon
Total Guest Rooms: 2,805
As the first in this burgeoning class of ships, Icon of the Seas is a standout in many ways. Its waterpark, Thrill Island, has six record-breaking waterslides, a Surfside neighborhood for families, seven different pools, and a very memorable bar: The Lime and Coconut. It’s aptly named, too, because this ship will gladly sail you down to Cococay in the Bahamas, as well as St. Maarten and St. Thomas. While on board, each night, you can feast on something new, with 20 different dining venues to choose from.
Odyssey of the Seas
Class: Quantum
Total Guest Rooms: 2,137
The Quantum class dips down in size by about 600 suites but has no shortage of excitement. This ship is known for its technologically advanced features, as well as the SeaPlex, an indoor activity center with bumper cars, and FlowRider, a surf simulator. You’ll also want to step inside the North Star sometime when you’re on board for the most magnificent panoramas of the sea as you make your way to the Eastern, Western, or Southern shorelines of the Caribbean.
Spectrum of the Seas
Class: Quantum
Total Guest Rooms: 2,137
Spectrum of the Seas is your gateway to the splendors of Asian culture, including South Korea and Japan. Even though the Quantum fleet is the second-largest, there are still plenty of private suite areas onboard. In place of a surf simulator, you can still thrill-seek with some bungee jumping from their Sky Pad. Families tend to really enjoy this experience, as there’s plenty to do during your sea days, including an escape room and RipCord, a skydiving simulator. And, when it’s time for a refreshment, scoot everyone up to the Bionic Bar for juice drinks crafted by the hands of robots.
Ovation of the Seas
Class: Quantum
Total Guest Rooms: 2,137
This member of the Quantum class aims to reach the shorelines of Alaska. Its moment in the sun surrounds its Two70 theater, a glass-walled space that offers 270-degree oceanic views. Here, too, you can thrill-seek when you take a plunge on the RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator. Then, there’s the Seaplex, where you can flex your basketball, rollerskating, or bumper car skills. And, as if all this wasn’t enough, Ovation has one more feather in its cap: the fastest Internet at sea.
Anthem of the Seas
Class: Quantum
Total Guest Rooms: 2,137
There’s no shortage of adventure during your days aboard Anthem of the Seas. With indoor skydiving and roller-skating at the SeaPlex, this is yet another family affair that’s sure to be remembered. Here, too, you’ll want to spend some time in the jewel-shaped North Star capsule that floats more than 300 feet above sea level, serving up some of the most spectacular views of the sea.
Quantum of the Seas
Class: Quantum
Total Guest Rooms: 2,137
Like Odyssey of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas puts the focus on technology to deliver a memorable experience. Perhaps the most notable of their advancements is the fact that the interior staterooms have virtual balconies. Cute, right? This beauty can help you sail away to Asia or Alaska. As with Odyssey and Anthem, you’ll also find the North Star for those panoramic views of the sea, as well as SeaPlex for plenty of indoor activities.
Symphony of the Seas
Class: Oasis
Total Guest Rooms: 2,886
With even more rooms than the upcoming Star of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas was once the world’s largest cruise ship. The Oasis class has done something truly notable: designed various neighborhoods onboard their ships that feature an array of onboard activities. Symphony has an astounding seven different neighborhoods, including Central Park, featuring 20,000 live plants. Another notable feature is the Ultimate Abyss, a slide that extends from the sixth deck all the way up to the 16th. Come evening light; their entertainment is known to feature Broadway-caliber performers, delivering performances of a lifetime.
Harmony of the Seas
Class: Oasis
Total Guest Rooms: 2,886
Similar to Symphony, Harmony of the Seas also features its own Central Park and Ultimate Abyss. This, too, is a fan-favorite for families with seven different neighborhoods to explore and 20 different dining options designed to host large family gatherings. Mom and Dad will certainly enjoy the full-service spa here, Vitality at Sea Spa, and more of those Broadway-caliber performances at night.
Allure of the Seas
Class: Oasis
Total Guest Rooms: 2,886
Speaking of large families, Allure of the Seas is the first in its class to offer two-story loft suites. What a great way for families to stay together while still spreading out. The ship’s Boardwalk is another favorite for families, as well as the AquaTheater, where live aquatic performances take place daily. If you can believe it, there are 18 different decks here, 25 dining options, and 2,384 crew members happy to be at your service. Here, you’re likely to find yourself enjoying their ten different whirlpools, four different pools, zip line, or basketball courts – very impressive, indeed.
Oasis of the Seas
Class: Oasis
Total Guest Rooms: 2,886
To no surprise, Oasis of the Seas was the genesis of every other ship in its class. It was the first to feature the Royal Caribbean’s split-neighborhood concept with distinct oases like Central Park and Boardwalk. Here, too, you can indulge in any number of pools, whirlpools, 25 different dining options, multiple bars and lounges, and an ice skating rink. Whether you need a day in a lounger by the pool or a zip across a zip line, there’s no shortage of fun to be had on board this floating city.
Utopia of the Seas
Class: Oasis
Total Guest Rooms: 2,886
Utopia of the Seas is happy to deliver the fun, wave upon wave. We’re talking 17 adrenaline-pumping slides and 40 different places to eat and drink. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Utopia of the Seas is happy to escort you down to CocoCay for what the Royal Caribbean team terms the “Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is a nice option if you’re looking for a three-night cruise out of Orlando to wash all your cares away while every last need is happily catered to.
Wonder of the Seas
Class: Oasis
Total Guest Rooms: 2,886
Wonder of the Seas has a lovely array of neighborhoods to enjoy, as well. The Suite Neighborhood is for guests who have booked into the suites, helping people to get to know their neighbors better. Another notable attraction is The Vue, a cantilevered bar that serves up some of the most delightful little umbrella drinks. The pool deck was recently redesigned, offering a multitude of ways to soak up the sun – or the shade – whatever your pleasure. The Wonder’s AquaTheater also received a bold upgrade, with a surround stage that truly makes you feel like you’re a part of the action.
Independence of the Seas
Class: Freedom
Total Guest Rooms: 1,964
Independence of the Seas also features the Sky Pad for a little bungee jumping fun. Families can also engage in laser tag while the little ones enjoy Spashaway Bay. This is a great ship because it has a little bit for everyone – the thrill-seekers and the young families alike. You’ll probably find yourself in The Observatorium a time or two, the ship’s escape room, as well as in or beside the six different whirlpools and expansive swimming pools.
Liberty of the Seas
Class: Freedom
Total Guest Rooms: 1,964
Liberty of the Seas’ star moment is its Tidal Wave, the first boomerang-style slide for any ship at sea. It’s also known to deliver memorable team-building experiences if that’s what you’re looking for. Outside of your meetings, you might find team members battling it out at The PerfectStorm, dueling waterslides. With multiple bars and lounges, ten different dining options, and six different whirlpools, there are plenty of opportunities to gather together when onboard Liberty.
Freedom of the Seas
Class: Freedom
Total Guest Rooms: 1,964
Freedom of the Seas also comes with a bevy of water slides to slip and slide down when you’re ready for some fun. Its tagline is nice, too: “Freedom to choose. Freedom to customize. Freedom to make waves.” And, boy, do they live up to it with ten pools and whirlpools, more than 100 spa treatments, and 22 different bars, clubs, and lounges to relax in. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is not to be missed. When you’re ready for this level of freedom and fun, this impressive ship is happy to escort you down to all manner of islands, including Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Haiti.
Mariner of the Seas
Class: Voyager
Total Guest Rooms: 1,715
Mariner of the Seas offers plenty of onboard excitement, as it features a Sky Pad and a host of water slides, as well. The sports lovers in your family might enjoy Playmakers Sports Bar when it’s five o’clock somewhere, not to mention the 16 additional bars, clubs, and lounges. There’s also an ice skating rink, basketball court, and Royal Caribbean’s famous Flowrider. You’ll also find their luxury shops to your liking right before you settle in for the night for a movie on the poolside big screen.
Navigator of the Seas
Class: Voyager
Total Guest Rooms: 1,715
Navigator of the Seas is popular for shorter getaways but features no less onboard excitement, with Blaster, an aqua coaster, and a beautiful Caribbean poolscape. Other popular venues include Riptide, a famous waterslide, The Bamboo Room craft cocktail lounge, and their own version of Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. You might also find yourself engaging in a little glow-in-the-dark laser tag before you sip and savor a drink from The Lime and Coconut Bar.
Adventure of the Seas
Class: Voyager
Total Guest Rooms: 1,715
Here, too, you can hang ten on their Flowrider to test your surfing skills before you arrive at your island destination. Its Cyclone and Typhoon water slides are also a great way to kick off any – or every – bit of afternoon fun. Adventure of the Seas’ multi-level Royal Promenade is just jam-packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a delicious array of restaurants, a poolside outdoor movie screen, and cutting-edge technological advancements.
Explorer of the Seas
Class: Voyager
Total Guest Rooms: 1,715
As you can see, the Voyager class knows how to deliver in terms of onboard activities. Explorer of the Seas is a nice option because it comes with mini-golf, ice skating, and Flowrider. With a nice balance of adventure-seeking and relaxation, you can’t go wrong with this ship’s menu of options. One of their most popular itineraries is a 10-day cruise out of Miami down to relaxing retreats like Labadee, San Juan, St. Lucia, St. John’s, and St. Kitts.
Voyager of the Seas
Class: Voyager
Total Guest Rooms: 1,715
Voyager of the Seas is another ship that will happily take you to any number of sunny shorelines, including CocoCay and Nassau. Here, too, you can enjoy a couple of rounds of mini-golf before or after trying your hand at their rock climbing wall. People often indulge in the spa services offered by Vitality at Sea Spa, as well as the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
Jewel of the Seas
Class: Radiance
Total Guest Rooms: 1,097
Jewel of the Seas lives up to its name. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, it perfectly frames the beautiful ocean panoramas all throughout your journey. This ship is happy to help you set sail for Cozumel, Curacao, Aruba, and Grand Cayman. With a variety of complementary and gourmet dining options, your belly – and your heart – will remain full the entire time you’re at sea.
Serenade of the Seas
Class: Radiance
Total Guest Rooms: 1,097
The Radiance Class really is a nice way to enjoy more intimate surroundings in the posh luxury that only the Royal Caribbean can provide. Serenade of the Seas will also whisk you away to Mexico, with stops in Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya. While on board, you can dine in delight at 12 different eateries before or after, savoring a drink at any number of bars and lounges. Be sure to also take a ride in their ocean-facing glass elevators as you make your way to a game of pool on their self-leveling tables.
Brilliance of the Seas
Class: Radiance
Total Guest Rooms: 1,097
Brilliance of the Seas is another mid-sized ship that serves up splendid panoramic views everywhere you go. Known for having a more laid-back atmosphere, this is a great ship to board when you’re looking to sit back, relax, and leave the world behind for a few days. Here, you’ll find five new specialty restaurants, as well as countless floor-to-ceiling windows designed to make you feel as though you’re part of both sky and sea. For a little quiet time, you can indulge in the adults-only solarium before enjoying a Broadway-caliber show.
Radiance of the Seas
Class: Radiance
Total Guest Rooms: 1,097
Here, too, we find a ship that lives up to its name. Radiance of the Seas is known for its extensive glasswork, making it the perfect ship to take in all those island – or glacial – views. Here, you can book private dinners, try your hand at rock climbing, or even plan a scavenger hunt if you’re looking for a little team-building or family-friendly fun. With eleven restaurants, a bevy of bars, and six different pools, there are plenty of ways to sit back and relax while you make your way to your next port of call.
Vision of the Seas
Class: Vision
Total Number of Rooms: 1,145
Vision of the Seas has its own claim to fame, as well: as one of the smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean’s fleet, it’s the perfect choice for a more intimate experience as you make your way to your next island getaway. One of the most dazzling delights of the onboard festivities is the midair acrobatics that take place in the ship’s six-story main lobby. Enjoy this impressive sight as you make your way to the four different restaurants, eight different pools, and whirlpools, or luxurious spa treatment.
Enchantment of the Seas
Class: Vision
Total Number of Rooms: 1,145
Like Navigator of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas is a great choice for shorter itineraries. But, even so, there’s no shortage of onboard activities like bungee trampolines and rock climbing walls. The Enchantment’s four-night Western Caribbean cruise is the most popular option, cruising down to Cozumel for a perfectly balanced escape from reality in a sea of enchantment.
Rhapsody of the Seas
Class: Vision
Total Number of Rooms: 1,145
Rhapsody of the Seas will be happy to rhapsodize you as it sets sail for the colorful shorelines of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Barbados. Loaded with many of the amenities we’ve come to know and love, you’ll find an enormous poolside movie screen, dazzling aerial performances, and ten delightful different dining options.
Grandeur of the Seas
Class: Vision
Total Number of Rooms: 1,145
Grandeur of the Seas is known for having a comfortable and classic atmosphere, setting sail for some quintessential cruise destinations like Curacao and Aruba. You’ll be sure to savor a meal at one of the five specialty restaurants, as well, including Chops Grill Steakhouse and Izumi, a Japanese fusion sensation in between dipping your toes into the six different pools and whirlpools and the glorious sunsets you’re sure to see.
Royal Caribbean | Cruising Done Right
As we can see, no detail is overlooked. No opportunity for delicious decadence is foregone. Whether you like the thrill of a packed ship or are seeking a more intimate affair, any one of these ships is certain to deliver the getaway of a lifetime.
Here at Travel Reveal, we’re big cruise enthusiasts. Be sure to review our extensive library of travel tips to help you pack right and choose the right itinerary. And, if all goes well, we’ll find ourselves seated beside you someday in Odyssey of the Seas’ North Star, taking in the glorious sights that only a scenic cruise can deliver.