The newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is an important consideration for those planning a cruise vacation with the cruise line. The latest ship typically boasts the most modern amenities, cabins, restaurants, bars, and attractions, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking the latest and greatest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Currently, the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Icon of the Seas, which is set to debut in January. This ship is the first of a new class of vessels for the line, known as the Icon Class. Other relatively new ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet include Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, all of which have been sailing for the past six years.
Royal Caribbean operates a total of 27 cruise vessels. On average, the cruise line introduces one new ship per year, and these ships usually remain in the fleet for around 20 to 30 years before being retired. The oldest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is Grandeur of the Seas, which is 27 years old.
In general, the newest Royal Caribbean ships are significantly larger and offer more amenities compared to the older ships in the fleet. If you desire a wide range of activities and attractions during your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, it is advisable to choose a ship built in the last 15 years or so.
To provide a comprehensive overview, here is a ranking of all the Royal Caribbean ships currently in operation, from newest to oldest:
1. Icon of the Seas (2024)
– Maiden voyage: 2024
– Size: 250,800 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 5,610
2. Wonder of the Seas (2022)
– Maiden voyage: 2022
– Size: 235,600 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 5,734
3. Odyssey of the Seas (2022)
– Maiden voyage: 2022
– Size: 167,704 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 4,284
4. Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
– Maiden voyage: 2019
– Size: 169,379 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 4,246
5. Symphony of the Seas (2018)
– Maiden voyage: 2018
– Size: 228,081 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 5,518
6. Harmony of the Seas (2016)
– Maiden voyage: 2016
– Size: 226,963 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 5,479
7. Ovation of the Seas (2016)
– Maiden voyage: 2016
– Size: 168,666 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 4,180
8. Anthem of the Seas (2015)
– Maiden voyage: 2015
– Size: 168,666 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 4,180
9. Quantum of the Seas (2014)
– Maiden voyage: 2014
– Size: 168,666 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 4,180
10. Allure of the Seas (2010)
– Maiden voyage: 2010
– Size: 225,282 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 5,484
11. Oasis of the Seas (2009)
– Maiden voyage: 2009
– Size: 226,838 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 5,602
12. Independence of the Seas (2008)
– Maiden voyage: 2008
– Size: 154,407 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,634
13. Freedom of the Seas (2006)
– Maiden voyage: 2006
– Size: 154,407 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,634
14. Liberty of the Seas (2007)
– Maiden voyage: 2007
– Size: 154,407 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,634
15. Adventure of the Seas (2001)
– Maiden voyage: 2001
– Size: 138,194 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,114
16. Navigator of the Seas (2002)
– Maiden voyage: 2002
– Size: 138,279 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,386
17. Voyager of the Seas (1999)
– Maiden voyage: 1999
– Size: 138,194 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,138
18. Explorer of the Seas (2000)
– Maiden voyage: 2000
– Size: 137,308 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 3,114
19. Radiance of the Seas (2001)
– Maiden voyage: 2001
– Size: 90,090 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,501
20. Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
– Maiden voyage: 2002
– Size: 90,090 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,501
21. Serenade of the Seas (2003)
– Maiden voyage: 2003
– Size: 90,090 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,501
22. Jewel of the Seas (2004)
– Maiden voyage: 2004
– Size: 90,090 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,501
23. Enchantment of the Seas (1997)
– Maiden voyage: 1997
– Size: 82,910 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,252
24. Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
– Maiden voyage: 1996
– Size: 73,817 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 1,950
25. Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)
– Maiden voyage: 1997
– Size: 78,491 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,416
26. Vision of the Seas (1998)
– Maiden voyage: 1998
– Size: 78,491 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,416
27. Majesty of the Seas (1992)
– Maiden voyage: 1992
– Size: 73,941 gross tons
– Passenger capacity: 2,744
It’s important to note that the newer ships are significantly larger and offer a wider range of amenities and attractions compared to the older ships. However, even the older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet still provide ample entertainment and attractions compared to many vessels operated by other cruise lines.
When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, considering the newest ship can ensure you have access to the latest features and amenities available in the fleet. Whether it’s the state-of-the-art Icon of the Seas or one of the slightly older but still impressive ships like Wonder of the Seas or Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ships offer a fantastic cruise experience with a wide range of activities and attractions for all types of travelers.