Cruise Buzz

Royal Caribbean Ship Classes

What are the different types of ships on Royal Caribbean? Find out the difference between Oasis Class, Voyager Class, and more.

Picking a Royal Caribbean Ship

Be aware and compare – there are over 25 ships to choose from

This cruise line has a lot of fans that appreciate their brand’s ship design, onboard amenities, and action-packed cruise experiences.  The challenge when picking a Royal Caribbean cruise is making sure that you are getting what you want in terms of shipboard lifestyle options and knowing the differences between the ship’s classes.  Below are the ship classes and some of the buzz-words associated with each ship. You can drill down on the tonnage and stats of each vessel on plenty of websites, my goal is to give you a quick rundown of the ship classes to make more informed buying decisions. If you are shopping by price alone and don’t know the differences between the ship classes, you might be disappointed.

Quantum Class

Quantum of the Seas. Photo by Royal Caribbean International

With Quantum Class you have plenty of activities to keep you busy. Some of the buzz words of these ships are “robotic bartenders”, RipCord by iFLY, which is a skydiving simulator.  North Star an observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level,  Seaplex, where bumper cars and trapeze school invite you to play, and Two70, a high-tech entertainment venue. Ships in this category typically span 18 decks, 2,090 staterooms and have a capacity of 4,180 guests at double occupancy.

Ships in this class include:

  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas

Oasis Class

Allure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International

This is the ship class that boasts the title of  World’s Largest Cruise Ship. These ships are all about the hood – the neighborhood, I mean. Expect to experience lots of activities spread out among seven distinct themes that include: Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and the Youth Zone. There are two FloRiders, two rock climbing walls, and an AquaTheater that features high-dive performances.

Typically 16 decks high, and space enough for you and 5400 other passengers at double occupancy.

Ships in this class include:

  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas (will claim the title of the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in April 2018)
  • Allure of the Seas

Freedom Class

Freedom of the Seas photo via Royal Caribbean

The Freedom Class ships have surf simulators, an ice-skating rink, and a rock-climbing wall. A well-rounded entertainment program awaits cruise passengers. These ships are about 18 decks high with space for 3,634 guests at double occupancy.

Ships in this class include:

  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas

Voyager Class

Mariner of the Seas photo by Royal Caribbean International

Back in the day, these ships ushered in a lot of innovations like the rock wall, an ice skating rink and take advantage of the shops and dining venues on the Royal Promenade.

For comparison, Mariner of the Seas has 15 passenger decks and has space to accommodate 3114 passengers at double occupancy.

Ships in this class include:

  • Voyager of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas (refurbished in 2012)
  • Adventure of the Seas
  • Explorer of the Seas

Radiance Class

Radiance of the Seas photo bu Royal Caribbean International

These ships are smaller than the jumbo-sized Royal Caribbean International ships in the Oasis Class, so make sure that your favorite activities and dining venues are available when booking one of these ships. There is rock climbing, mini golf, and poolside fun as well as delicious restaurants.

Ships in this class include:

  • Jewel of the Seas
  • Brilliance of the Seas
  • Serenade of the Seas
  • Radiance of the Seas

Vision Class

Vision of the Seas photo by Royal Caribbean International

These ships are smaller than her sisters but don’t let that keep you from booking these cozy cruise ships.

For comparison, Vision of the Seas has 11 passenger decks and space to accommodate over 2400 guests at double occupancy.

Ships in this class include:

  • Enchantment of the Seas
  • Grandeur of the Seas
  • Vision of the Seas (refurbished in 2013)
  • Rhapsody of the Seas

Sovereign Class

These ships are used for quick getaways from popular ports in Florida. Not all the bells and whistles available on the larger ships, so be aware to compare.

Majesty of the Seas has 14 decks and a capacity for 2744 passengers.

  • Majesty of the Seas (refurbished in 2016, built in 1992)
  • Empress of the Seas (refurbished in 2016 and built in 1990)

Learn More

Links for more information about Royal Caribbean International Cruises

  • https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships
  • http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise/Royal-Caribbean-International
Carrie Finley