Royal Caribbean ship classes guide (2025): Find the best ship for your cruise style
Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet of 28 cruise ships, each offering a unique experience that caters to a variety of passengers. Some are designed like floating resorts with splash zones, zip lines, and bumper cars. Others are smaller, with a quieter atmosphere and more destination-focused itineraries. The common thread? Each ship belongs to a specific class.
For cruisers comparing Royal Caribbean ship classes, it helps to know that these groups are more than just labels. Different classes of Royal Caribbean ships are groups of ships built using the same basic layout, size, and design philosophy. If you know what’s on one ship in a class, you can expect similar amenities, cabin types, and onboard attractions across its sister ships.
For those in the research phase of booking, learning the difference between ship classes can save a lot of confusion (and possibly disappointment) down the line.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Royal Caribbean classes of ships, help you understand what each is best known for, and offer tips to find the right match based on your travel goals.
On this page:
- What ship class means on Royal Caribbean
- A quick look at Royal Caribbean ship classes
- Royal Caribbean Icon Class: The new flagship experience
- Royal Caribbean Oasis Class: Big ships built for nonstop action
- Royal Caribbean Quantum Class: Weather-resistant with standout tech
- Royal Caribbean Freedom Class: Familiar favorites with a few extras
- Royal Caribbean Voyager Class: A mid-size sweet spot for classic fun
- Royal Caribbean Radiance Class: Big views and quieter days at sea
- Royal Caribbean Vision Class: The smallest ships with the most charm
- Matching ship class to your travel style
Find your Royal Caribbean cruise:
What ship class means on Royal Caribbean
When people refer to Royal Caribbean ship class, they’re usually talking about the seven current families of ships: Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision. These ship classes share similar layouts, public spaces, tonnage, and capacity.
That’s different from Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes within the suite tier program, which includes Star Class, Sky Class, and Sea Class — an upgrade tier available on select Oasis and Quantum Class ships. Suite class determines the level of service and amenities you get within certain room categories. Ship class, on the other hand, shapes nearly every part of your onboard experience.
For example, Oasis Class ships are built around a neighborhood concept with seven themed areas, while Radiance Class ships focus more on scenic views and midsize cruising. Understanding the difference between ship class Royal Caribbean and suite class can help you plan your trip more effectively.
Royal Caribbean Icon Class: The new flagship experience
Best fit: Travelers who want it all in one place, especially families with kids or large groups.
Royal Caribbean’s newest class is also its most ambitious. Icon Class ships Royal Caribbean lead the fleet as the largest cruise ships in the world, with the debut of Icon of the Seas in 2024 and Star of the Seas set for 2025. These ships are built to carry over 7,000 passengers and feature seven pools, a full waterpark with record-breaking slides, and more dining venues than any other ship in the fleet.
But what sets this class apart isn't just size. Royal Caribbean icon class ship name searches are increasing as cruisers explore all the features available. Icon Class ships are designed with layered zones that separate activity-heavy areas from quieter spaces like the Central Park neighborhood. They also incorporate new sustainable technology, appealing to travelers who care about energy efficiency as much as entertainment.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you’re cruising with a large group or want to try Royal Caribbean’s newest features, book early as Icon Class sailings often sell out months in advance.
Related: 2025’s most anticipated cruise ships
Discover the flagship experience with Icon Class cruises:
Royal Caribbean Oasis Class: Big ships built for nonstop action
Best fit: Families or friend groups looking for lots of things to do at sea.
Before Icon Class came along, Oasis Class ships Royal Caribbean held the record for size and scale. These ships are still top picks for group travel and multi-generational families. You’ll find seven themed neighborhoods onboard, including the Boardwalk, Central Park, and the Pool and Sports Zone.
Features include zip lines, FlowRider surf simulators, AquaTheater shows, and carousel rides. With dozens of bars, lounges, and restaurants, Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships work especially well for large travel parties that want variety without having to split up completely.
The newest ships in this class, like Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, feature suite neighborhoods and expanded dining options.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Planning a family reunion or multi-generational trip? Oasis Class ships give everyone room to roam with dining and entertainment options for all ages.
Related: Why I can't stop raving about Utopia of the Seas
Experience big fun with Oasis Class cruises:
Royal Caribbean Quantum Class: Weather-resistant with standout tech
Best fit: Couples or small families who want tech-forward experiences and indoor activity zones.
Unlike Oasis and Icon ships that emphasize outdoor spaces, Quantum Class cruise ship Royal Caribbean vessels were built with colder climates in mind. You’ll find more indoor features, including a glass-enclosed pool, skydiving simulators, and the North Star viewing capsule that extends over the sea.
These ships feel modern and compact, with smart elevators, RFID tracking, and interactive venues like Two70 — a performance space that uses robotics and panoramic glass projections. Ships in this class include Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas.
Quantum class ships Royal Caribbean sail in regions like Alaska, Northern Europe, and occasionally Asia, thanks to their climate-friendly designs.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Sailing to Alaska or Northern Europe? Quantum Class ships offer more enclosed activities than any other Royal Caribbean class — ideal for cooler climates.
Cruise smart and strong with Quantum Class:
Royal Caribbean Freedom Class: Familiar favorites with a few extras
Best fit: Families or budget-conscious groups who want plenty to do, but in a more manageable space.
Freedom Class ships Royal Caribbean were once the biggest in the world, and they remain a solid choice for cruisers looking to enjoy many of the line’s signature features without stepping onto one of its largest vessels. They still bring a lot to the table, especially for those who want bigger-ship features without the scale of Oasis or Icon vessels.
Top-deck attractions include FlowRider surf simulators, waterslides, and mini golf. Inside, the Royal Promenade features shops, bars, and nightly parades. Ships like Freedom of the Seas have been "amplified" with newer slides and dining updates.
Royal Caribbean Freedom Class ships include Independence and Liberty as well — ideal for families looking for space without too much scale.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Freedom Class ships are a great entry point for larger families, many feature family staterooms and shorter itineraries from U.S. ports.
Book your Freedom Class cruise for extra thrills:
Royal Caribbean Voyager Class: A mid-size sweet spot for classic fun
Best fit: First-time cruisers or repeat guests who want value and variety on shorter trips.
With Voyager Class ships, Royal Caribbean introduced many of its now-iconic features — like the Royal Promenade, ice skating at sea, and the first rock climbing walls on a cruise ship. This class includes: Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas, including the Royal Promenade and onboard ice skating. They strike a solid balance between space and variety, especially on shorter itineraries.
Some ships in this class have been upgraded with new attractions like laser tag and updated water zones, including Navigator of the Seas' Blaster waterslide — one of the longest at sea.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Look for recently amplified Voyager Class ships like Navigator of the Seas for newer features without the size of a mega-ship.
Set sail on Voyager Class for timeless fun:
Royal Caribbean Radiance Class: Big views and quieter days at sea
Best fit: Travelers who prioritize views, nature, and quiet time over nonstop activity.
Smaller than Voyager and Freedom ships, Radiance Class ships Royal Caribbean — including Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas — focus on scenic cruising. Think Alaska or New Zealand, where the views are part of the experience. These ships are lined with windows, glass elevators, and panoramic lounges.
Though they don’t have bumper cars or ice rinks, Royal Caribbean Radiance Class ships do include multiple dining options, outdoor movie screens, and a Solarium for adults.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Radiance Class ships are top picks for Alaska because of their glass-heavy design, book early for glacier-view balconies.
Find serenity at sea with Radiance Class cruises:
Royal Caribbean Vision Class: The smallest ships with the most charm
Best fit: Solo travelers or adults looking for less flash and more destination variety.
The Vision Class ships Royal Caribbean date back to the 1990s and are the smallest in the fleet. While they don’t include many headline features, they retain a loyal following for their laid-back pace and port-heavy itineraries.
These smaller ships — Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas — often sail longer or more niche routes out of ports like Baltimore or Tampa. Expect a tighter-knit community onboard, with casual dining, rock climbing, and plenty of time to explore onshore.
Royal Caribbean Vision Class ships are also well suited for solo travelers or adults who enjoy smaller group dynamics.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: If your priority is port time, Vision Class ships often sail longer itineraries with fewer sea days and more destination variety.
Related:Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas review
Discover the charm of Vision Class cruises:
Matching ship class to your travel style
Still deciding which ship class is right for your group? Here’s a quick breakdown based on your travel priorities:
Families with kids: Try Oasis or Icon Class. Splash zones, kids clubs, and large family suites make coordination easier.
Couples: Consider Radiance, Quantum, or Vision Class for smaller crowds and scenic dining.
Budget-minded travelers: Look at Voyager or Freedom Class, you’ll still get Royal Caribbean hallmarks without higher per-day rates.
First-timers: Freedom or Voyager Class ships are approachable and include most of the iconic experiences.
Nature-focused guests: Radiance and Quantum Class sail scenic routes with plenty of indoor vantage points.
Which Royal Caribbean class is best for you?
Choosing the right Royal Caribbean ships by class can shape your entire cruise experience. By understanding what each class is designed for — and how it matches your budget, interests, and group type — you’re one step closer to finding a ship that fits your style.
Find the right ship, the right class, and the right price — all in one place. Book your Royal Caribbean cruise with Cruisebound and find the perfect ship class for your vibe.
