New and Old Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Royal Caribbean is acruise linefrequently lauded for offering cruisers the biggest and bestcruise shipson the high seas. Throughout the last few decades, the cruise line has frequently unveiled ships that have earned the “biggest in the world” title, and unveiled a bevy of newonboard features that othercruise linesquickly replicated.
That said, not allRoyal Caribbean cruiseships are the same. Looking through the many (many)cruise shipsin the Royal Caribbean family is like looking back in time — in a good way.
While thecruise line’s newest ships are flashy, colorful resorts on the waves, the older ships are still charming, filled with fun, more intimate and not as overwhelmingly huge.
So how do you know which is right for your upcomingcruise? It all starts with checking out our list ofRoyal Caribbean shipsby age.
In This Article:
Royal Caribbean Shipsby Age
Royal Caribbean’s fleetincludes more than two dozen ships and seems to be growing every time you turn around.
Currently, Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship,Grandeur of the Seas, is more than 25 years old, while the newest ship,Wonder of the Seas, debuted in early 2022 (thoughWonder of the Seaswill soon be overtaken by the two ships coming up in 2024,Icon of the SeasandUtopia of the Seas).
Ships are spread out over eight classes, including, oldest to newest:
The largest class is theOasis Class, with six ships.However, while Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship is quite the adult by this point, Royal Caribbean’s history stretches back to the 1970s. The line debuted its very first ship in 1970,Song of Norway, as one of the world’s first purpose-builtcruise ships.
This ship and a handful of its predecessors have been either retired or sold off, meaning that the current oldestRoyal Caribbean ship(which is both still in service and still owned by Royal Caribbean) isGrandeur of the Seas, built in 1996.
What’s the NewestRoyal Caribbean Ship?
Currently (late 2023), the newestRoyal Caribbean shipisWonder of the Seas, which debuted in early 2022. Part of theOasis class,Wonder of the Seasoffers some of the biggest and bestamenities,entertainmentvenues and services that you’ll find aboard aRoyal Caribbean ship.
However, all that will change in 2024, when two new ships join the family. The highly anticipatedIcon of the Seasleads the new Icon class starting in January, with eight gorgeous neighborhoods stretched across the ship; six record-breaking waterslides; an impressive number of restaurants and bars; and seven pools.Icon of the Seaswill be thelargest cruise shipin the world when it debuts.
After Icon, though, will comeUtopia of the Seas, later in 2024, as the sixth and finalOasis-class ship. While not as big and impressive asIcon of the Seas,Utopia of the Seasis certainly nothing to scoff at and will offer Royal Caribbean’s best of theOasis class.
Icon of the Seas Sea Trials (Photo Credit: Jouni Niskakoski / Shutterstock)
What’s the OldestRoyal Caribbean Ship?
Grandeur of the Seasis Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship still in operation. This ship debuted in 1996 and has since been refurbished, in 2012.
Constructed in Turku, Finland, it’s relatively small compared to Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, at 73,817 gross tons and 12 total decks, for a maximumguestcapacity of 2,440 people.
The ship offers six dining options, a casino, theater, handful oflounges, two pools, solarium, fitness center and rock-climbing wall, among other features.
List ofRoyal Caribbean ShipsNewest to Oldest
2022 –Wonder of the Seas(Oasis-class)
Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock
Debuting as the world’slargest cruise ship(at least until Royal Caribbean unveils the next world’slargest cruise shipin 2024),Wonder of the Seasis the fifthOasis-class ship, to be followed by the sixthOasis-class shipin 2024 (Utopia of the Seas).
Built by Chantiers De L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France,Wonder of the Seasboasts a suite neighborhood, thecruise line’s Ultimate Family Suite, and a range of beloved and new dining venues.
2021 –Odyssey of the Seas(Quantum Ultra-class)
Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: Aerial-motion / Shutterstock)
Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany,Odyssey of the Seasis still relatively new and, as such, features some of the neweramenitiesand venues that thecruise linehas started adding to its ships. You’ll find indoor skydiving, an indoor sports area called the SeaPlex and a revamped pool deck experience.
2019 –Spectrum of the Seas(Quantum Ultra-class)
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Sister ship toOdyssey of the Seasand the first Quantum Ultra-class ship,Spectrum of the Seasfeatures many of the same venues,amenitiesandentertainmentoptions, like the iFly skydiving simulator,North Starobservation capsule and Seaplexentertainmentcomplex. This ship primarily caters to the Asiancruisingmarket.
2018 –Symphony of the Seas(Oasis-class)
Photo Credit: Mia2you / Shutterstock
The lastOasis-class shipto debut beforeWonder of the Seasearlier in 2023,Symphony of the Seasis like a fairly downgraded version of Wonder. This ship has a lot to love … just not quite as much as her younger sister.
There are seven on-board neighborhoods; the Ultimate Family Suite; a 10-story slide known as The Ultimate Abyss; and a laser tag arena.
2016 –Harmony of the Seas(Oasis-class)
Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock
Built at STX France in St. Nazaire, France, Harmony of the Seas offers much of the same special features as sister shipSymphony of the Seas. There’s the same trio of waterslides known as The Perfect Storm, the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide and seven on-board neighborhoods.
2016 –Ovation of the Seas(Quantum-class)
Photo Credit: Jon Ingall / Shutterstock
The year 2016 was a big one for Royal Caribbean, as thecruise linedebuted twocruise shipsin just as many months. Of course,Ovation of the Seasis definitely smaller thanHarmony of the Seas, butOvationstill offers plenty for cruisers to enjoy across its 16 decks.
2015 –Anthem of the Seas(Quantum-class)
Photo Credit: LD Media UK / Shutterstock
At the same size and passenger capacity of sister shipsOvation of the SeasandQuantum of the Seas,Anthem of the Seas, built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, launched into service in Southampton, England. After sailingEuropefor the ship’s maiden voyage,Anthem of the Seashas gone on to servecruiseitineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
2014 –Quantum of the Seas(Quantum-class)
Photo Credit: Venturelli Luca / Shutterstock
Quantum of the Seaskicked off theQuantum classin high style. Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the ship is notable for being the firstRoyal Caribbean shipto offer first-at-sea activities, including the iFly skydiving activity, theNorth Starobservation pod and the Bionic Bar. Theseamenitieswould go on to be added to futureQuantum-class shipsas well.
2010 –Allure of the Seas(Oasis-class)
Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock
ThisOasis-class shipis bigger than all of theQuantum-class shipsthat directly followed it, and offers a large selection of highlight features, including the aquatheater Royal Caribbean has featured on a range of its ships, the Central Park zone and azip line.
Constructed in Turku, Finland, at STXEurope, the ship is getting up there in age and was due for some refurbishments just a few years ago, but the Covid-19 pandemic put a pause on those plans.
2009 –Oasis of the Seas(Oasis-class)
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
The lead ship for theOasis class,Oasis of the Seaswas met with much fanfare. While, sure, it didn’t have as many amazing new features as the laterQuantum of the Seasand the overallQuantum class,Oasis of the Seasstill brought new offerings and was, for a time, the largest and the longestcruise shipin the world.
This ship underwent renovations in 2019 to include the tallest slide at sea, the first barbecue restaurant for Royal Caribbean, and some of the line’s Ultimate Panoramic suites.
2008 –Independence of the Seas(Freedom-class)
Photo Credit: Roberto Sorin / Shutterstock
Debuted in 2008 after being built in Turku, Finland, and most recently refurbished in 2013 and then 2018,Independence of the Seaswas the last of Royal Caribbean’sFreedom class.
Sailing shortcruisesaround the Caribbean, the ship offers classiccruisingexperiences in a smaller, lower-key setting. Its 2018 refurbishments brought waterslides and other features.
2007 –Liberty of the Seas(Freedom-class)
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
One of threeFreedom-classships,Liberty of the Seasis technically the same size as sister shipIndependence of the Seas, but can accommodate moreguests.
In 2016, the ship was majorly overhauled to receive new dining andentertainmentoptions, water slides, a water park, and more.
2006 –Freedom of the Seas(Freedom-class)
Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock
The very firstFreedom-classship,Freedom of the Seasis slightly larger than its two following sister ships.
Unlike some ships that had their renovations pushed back or delayed indefinitely in 2020,Freedom of the Seasmanaged to squeeze hers in, with amplifications that year bringing new life to the pool decks, adding waterslides, and revamping the restaurant and bar options. The ship was built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, Turku, Finland.
2004 –Jewel of the Seas(Radiance-class)
Jewel of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
At less than half the size of some of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships,Jewel of the Seasfeels positively intimate. Acruiseon this ship, built at Meyer Werft Yard in Papenberg, Germany, means only sharing your space at sea with a few thousand other cruisers.
The ship was the lastRoyal Caribbean vesselto include a multi-story atrium (as opposed to a promenade) and she received renovations in 2016. Since launch, the ship has servedcruiseroutes throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Persian Gulf.
2002 –Mariner of the Seas(Voyager-class)
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
One of five Royal CaribbeanVoyager-classvessels,Mariner of the Seasisn’t as small as theRadiance-classships, but still manages to stay on the small side.
The ship, which was built in Turku, Finland, for a cost of $650 million, was renovated last in 2018 to add newentertainmentand dining features.
2003 –Serenade of the Seas(Radiance-class)
Photo Courtesy: Port of Tampa
With a slightly smallerguestcapacity than later sister shipJewel of the Seas,Serenade of the Seasstill offers much of the same experiences.
The ship, built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, received note as the firstRoyal Caribbean shipto sail toAlaska, as well as to offer the longestcruisingitinerary ever, at 274 days spent traveling the entire globe during a single itinerary.
2001 –Navigator of the Seas(Voyager-class)
Photo Credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock
Built in Turku, Finland,Navigator of the Seashas been updated multiple times since 2002. In 2014, Royal Caribbean added extracabinsto the ship, as well as its trademark surfing simulator and outdoor movie screen.
In 2019, further changes were made, to add waterslides and new dining options, among other new features.
2002 –Brilliance of the Seas(Radiance-class)
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Another smallerRadiance-classship,Brilliance of the Seaswas last renovated in 2013, so it still features some of the classic Royal Caribbeanamenitiesandentertainmentoptions, even if it might not have all of the latest and greatest, newest features.
There’s still a rock-climbing wall, solarium, mini golf course and a handful of dining and drinking options.
2001 –Adventure of the Seas(Voyager-class)
Photo Credit: NAN728 /
Built in Turku, Finland,Adventure of the Seasmay not be as updated as some of the ships that were originally launched around the same time, but the ship does still feature some of cruisers’ favorite Royal Caribbeanamenities.
There’s therock climbingwall, Flowrider surfing simulator, Perfect Storm water slides and more.
2001 –Radiance of the Seas(Radiance-class)
The very firstRadiance-classship,Radiance of the Seaswas built at Meyer Werft Yard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship made waves when it debuted, as the ship containing the most glass in its construction out of any otherRoyal Caribbean ships, as well as the very first ship in the industry to feature gyroscopically-stabilized pool tables.
2000 –Explorer of the Seas(Voyager-class)
Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Merrillie Redden / Shutterstock)
Built in Turku, Finland, this ship received updates fairly recently, in 2023, when Royal Caribbean added some waterslides. When Explorer of the Seas first debuted, it contained a notable oceanographic laboratory used by university researchers, though that lab has since been retired.
1999 –Voyager of the Seas(Voyager-class)
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
The firstVoyager-classvessel for Royal Caribbean,Voyager of the Seaslaunched in — believe it or not — the last century. This ship was ground-breaking when it debuted, with the first Royal Caribbean promenade, the first ice skating rink and the firstrock climbingwall.
As so many Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been, the ship was the largest in the world when it first set sail.
1998 –Vision of the Seas(Vision-class)
Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer / Shutterstock)
Vision of the Seasis the newest of Royal Caribbean’s oldest class ofcruise shipsstill in operation. It was built in St. Nazaire, France. The ship has been refitted as recently as 2013 to feature certain Royal Caribbean features that came standard on later ships, such as a rock-climbing wall.
1997 –Enchantment of the Seas(Vision-class)
Photo Credit: Tiffany Marie Green / Shutterstock
This ship, built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, has the unique distinction of having been stretched — Enchantment of the Seas was literally lengthened by 73 feet in 2005, with a new midsection inserted at a shipyard in The Netherlands.
Most recently, the ship was refitted in 2013, and now includes features such as a rock-climbing wall, splash deck, outdoor theater screen and more.
1997 –Rhapsody of the Seas(Vision-class)
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock)
Debuting just a few months before sister shipEnchantment of the Seas,Rhapsody of the Seaswas built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France.
The ship was refurbished in 2012 to add morecabins, a new outdoor movie screen and new dining options; other refurbishments occurred in 2016 and 2019, though the included changes were relatively minor.
1996 –Grandeur of the Seas(Vision-class)
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The oldest of Royal Caribbean’s ships still in operation,Grandeur of the Seaswas originally going to be transferred to PullmanturCruisesin 2021, though these plans were canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ship received refurbishments in 2012 and features many of the same venues,amenitiesand restaurants that you’ll spot on otherRoyal Caribbean shipsbuilt throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
What’s the Difference Between Newer and OlderRoyal Caribbean Ships?
When deciding betweencruisingon a newer or olderRoyal Caribbean ship, there are a few big differences that you’ll want to consider.
Newer ships are significantly larger than older ships. This is both good and bad. You’ll enjoy far moreentertainment, dining and stateroom options, but you’ll also deal with more crowds and just have to navigate your way around a much larger ship, which could prove annoying for some.
Photo Copyright: Melissa Mayntz
Older ships, though, are less updated and less tech-savvy. While new ships feature laser tag arenas and VR experiences, older ships rely onentertainmentlike pools and rock-climbing walls.
Likewise, staterooms are far less luxurious on older ships than they are on the newer ships, and you get more stateroom and suite options overall on newer ships than you do on the older ships.
These are all considerations to take into account before you book yourRoyal Caribbean cruise.
FAQ on Royal Caribbean Ships by Age:
What is the newestRoyal Caribbean cruiseship?
Currently (late 2023), the newestRoyal Caribbean shipisWonder of the Seas, which debuted in early 2022. Part of theOasis class,Wonder of the Seasoffers some of the biggest and bestamenities,entertainmentvenues and services that you’ll find aboard aRoyal Caribbean ship.
What is the oldestRoyal Caribbean cruiseship?
Grandeur of the Seasis Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship still in operation. This ship debuted in 1996 and has since been refurbished, in 2012. Built in Turku, Finland, it’s relatively small compared to Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, at 73,817 GT and 12 total decks, for a maximumguestcapacity of 2,440 people.
What’s the newest class of Royal Caribbean?
The newest Royal Caribbean ship class is the Icon Class. The highly anticipated Icon of the Seas leads the new Icon class starting in January 2024. Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts.
