Royal Caribbean has new and old cruise ships, with a total of 29 in the fleet. At the moment, Star of the Seas is the newest that is current sailing, as she debuted in August 2025. However, even newer ships are on the way, including Legend and Hero of the Seas, increasing the fleet to 31 ships.
The oldest ship in the fleet is Grandeur of the Seas, which entered service in 1996, a 29-year gap from the newest. There are also many newer vessels on the horizon, including Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon-class ship.
In This Article:
All Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships by Age
You can now take a look at the ships with confirmed information and names, starting from Hero of the Seas, which will arrive in 2027, all the way to the oldest, Grandeur of the Seas.
Hero of the Seas (Coming August 2027)
Royal Caribbean is now slowing down with its mega-ships! Hero of the Seas will become the fourth in the Icon class and will be constructed at the ever-popular Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Since the original Icon of the Seas, this vessel will expand the most with a fleet-first Ultimate Family Suite Treehouse, Coconut Cove, and a new Hideaway Swim-up Bar.
The Royal Caribbean ship will depart on its maiden voyage on August 11, 2027, and sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Miami, Florida.
- Entered Service: August 2025
- Passenger capacity: 5,654 (double occupancy)
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Legend of the Seas (Coming July 2026)
Legend of the Seas continues the record-breaking Icon class of ships and will be a similar design to the ships before. Guests will get to enjoy eight neighborhoods, spanning 18 guest decks. The massive cruise ships feature 2,805 staterooms and include the new Royal Railway Legend Station and the new Hollywoodland Supper Club dining venues.
- Entering Service: July 2026
- Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Star of the Seas (2025)
This ship is a true giant of the seas, following in the footsteps of its sister ship, Icon of the Seas. Star of the Seas was constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and features eight neighborhoods spanning across 18 passenger decks.
The ship arrived in Port Canaveral on August 9, 2025, for its inaugural season. The naming ceremony took place with godmother Kellie Gerardi on August 20, 2025.
- Entered Service: August 2025
- Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Utopia of the Seas (2024)
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is the sixth ship in the Oasis-class and was constructed at the popular Chantiers De L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France. The giant vessel features eight neighborhoods and debuted in July 2024 out of Port Canaveral, Florida.
- Entered Service: July 2024
- Passenger Capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy)
- Gross Tonnage: 236,473
Icon of the Seas (2023)
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world until sister ship Star of the Seas arrives in 2025. The first Icon class vessel debuted in January 2024 and arrived in Miami, Florida with a lot of attention. She was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and features eight neighborhoods.
- Entered service: January 27, 2024
- Passenger capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy)
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663
Wonder of the Seas (2022)
Debuting as the world’s largest cruise ship (at least until Royal Caribbean unveiled the next world’s largest cruise ship in 2024), Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class ship, to be followed by the sixth Oasis-class ship in 2024 (Utopia of the Seas).
Built by Chantiers De L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, Wonder of the Seas boasts a suite neighborhood, the cruise line’s Ultimate Family Suite, and a range of beloved and new dining venues.
- Entered service: March 4, 2022
- Maximum passenger capacity: 7,084
- Gross Tonnage: 235,600
Odyssey of the Seas (2021)
Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Odyssey of the Seas is still relatively new and, as such, features some of the newer amenities and venues that the cruise line has started adding to its ships. You’ll find indoor skydiving, an indoor sports area called the SeaPlex and a revamped pool deck experience.
- Entered service: April 2021
- Maximum passenger capacity: 5,498
- Gross Tonnage: 167,704
Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
Sister ship to Odyssey of the Seas and the first Quantum Ultra-class ship, Spectrum of the Seas features many of the same venues, amenities and entertainment options, like the iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule and Seaplex entertainment complex. This ship primarily caters to the Asian cruising market.
- Entered service: April 18, 2019
- Maximum passenger capacity: 5,622
- Gross Tonnage: 169,379
Symphony of the Seas (2018)
The last Oasis-class ship to debut before Wonder of the Seas earlier in 2023, Symphony of the Seas is 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.
- Entered service: April 7, 2018
- Maximum passenger capacity: 6,680
- Gross Tonnage: 238,081
Harmony of the Seas (2016)
Built at STX France in St. Nazaire, France, Harmony of the Seas offers much of the same special features as sister ship Symphony 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.
- Entered service: May 29, 2016
- Maximum passenger capacity: 6,687
- Gross Tonnage: 226,963
Ovation of the Seas (2016)
The year 2016 was a big one for Royal Caribbean, as the cruise line debuted two cruise ships in just as many months. Of course, Ovation of the Seas is definitely smaller than Harmony of the Seas, but Ovation still offers plenty for cruisers to enjoy across its 16 decks.
- Entered service: April 17, 2016
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Anthem of the Seas (2015)
At the same size and passenger capacity of sister ships Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, launched into service in Southampton, England. After sailing Europe for the ship’s maiden voyage, Anthem of the Seas has gone on to serve cruise itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
- Entered service: April 2, 2015
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Quantum of the Seas (2014)
Quantum of the Seas kicked off the Quantum class in high style. Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, the ship is notable for being the first Royal Caribbean ship to offer first-at-sea activities, including the iFly skydiving activity, the North Star observation pod and the Bionic Bar. These amenities would go on to be added to future Quantum-class ships as well.
- Entered service: November 2, 2014
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,905
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Allure of the Seas (2010)
This Oasis-class ship is bigger than all of the Quantum-class ships that 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 a zip line.
Constructed in Turku, Finland, at STX Europe, 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.
- Entered service: December 4, 2010
- Maximum passenger capacity: 5,496
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Oasis of the Seas (2009)
The lead ship for the Oasis class, Oasis of the Seas was met with much fanfare. While, sure, it didn’t have as many amazing new features as the later Quantum of the Seas and the overall Quantum class, Oasis of the Seas still brought new offerings and was, for a time, the largest and the longest cruise ship in 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.
- Entered service: December 5, 2009
- Maximum passenger capacity: 6,771
- Gross Tonnage: 226,838
Independence of the Seas (2008)
Debuted in 2008 after being built in Turku, Finland, and most recently refurbished in 2013 and then 2018, Independence of the Seas was the last of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom class.
Sailing short cruises around the Caribbean, the ship offers classic cruising experiences in a smaller, lower-key setting. Its 2018 refurbishments brought waterslides and other features.
- Entered service: May 2, 2008
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,375
- Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Liberty of the Seas (2007)
One of three Freedom-class ships, Liberty of the Seas is technically the same size as sister ship Independence of the Seas, but can accommodate more guests.
In 2016, the ship was majorly overhauled to receive new dining and entertainment options, water slides, a water park, and more.
- Entered service: May 19, 2007
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,960 guests
- Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Freedom of the Seas (2006)
The very first Freedom-class ship, Freedom of the Seas is 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 Seas managed 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.
- Entered service: May 11, 2006
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,635 guests
- Gross Tonnage: 156, 271
Jewel of the Seas (2004)
At less than half the size of some of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, Jewel of the Seas feels positively intimate. A cruise on 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 last Royal Caribbean vessel to include a multi-story atrium (as opposed to a promenade) and she received renovations in 2016. Since launch, the ship has served cruise routes throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Persian Gulf.
- Entered service: May 8, 2004
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,702
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Mariner of the Seas (2003)
One of five Royal Caribbean Voyager-class vessels, Mariner of the Seas isn’t as small as the Radiance-class ships, 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 new entertainment and dining features.
- Entered service: November 14, 2003
- Maximum passenger capacity: 3,807
- Gross Tonnage: 139,863
Serenade of the Seas (2003)
With a slightly smaller guest capacity than later sister ship Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas still offers much of the same experiences.
The ship, built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, received notice as the first Royal Caribbean ship to sail to Alaska, as well as to offer the longest cruising itinerary ever, at 274 days spent traveling the entire globe during a single itinerary.
- Entered service: August 25, 2003
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,476
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Navigator of the Seas (2002)
Built in Turku, Finland, Navigator of the Seas has been updated multiple times since 2002. In 2014, Royal Caribbean added extra cabins to 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.
- Entered service: December 14, 2002
- Maximum passenger capacity: 3,968
- Gross Tonnage:139,999
Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
Another smaller Radiance-class ship, Brilliance of the Seas, was last renovated in 2013, so it still features some of the classic Royal Caribbean amenities and entertainment options, 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.
- Entered service: July 15, 2002
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,543
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Adventure of the Seas (2001)
Built in Turku, Finland, Adventure of the Seas may 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 Caribbean amenities.
There’s the rock climbing wall, Flowrider surfing simulator, Perfect Storm water slides and more.
- Entered service: November 18, 2001
- Maximum passenger capacity: 3,807
- Gross Tonnage: 137,276 GT
Radiance of the Seas (2001)
The very first Radiance-class ship, Radiance of the Seas was 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 other Royal Caribbean ships, as well as the very first ship in the industry to feature gyroscopically-stabilized pool tables.
- Entered service: April 7, 2001
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,466
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Explorer of the Seas (2000)
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.
- Entered service: October 28, 2000
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,290
- Gross Tonnage: 137,308
Voyager of the Seas (1999)
The first Voyager-class vessel for Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas launched 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 first rock climbing wall.
Like so many Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been, the ship was the largest in the world when it first set sail.Â
- Entered service: November 21, 1999
- Maximum passenger capacity: 4,000
- Gross Tonnage: 137,276
Vision of the Seas (1998)
Vision of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean’s oldest class of cruise ships still 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.
- Entered service: May 2, 1998
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,514
- Gross Tonnage: 78,340
Enchantment of the Seas (1997)
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.Â
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.
- Entered service: July 13, 1997
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,730
- Gross Tonnage: 82,910
Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)
Debuting just a few months before sister ship Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France.
The ship was refurbished in 2012 to add more cabins, a new outdoor movie screen and new dining options; other refurbishments occurred in 2016 and 2019, though the included changes were relatively minor.
- Entered service: May 19, 1997
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,416
- Gross Tonnage: 78,878
Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
The oldest of Royal Caribbean’s ships still in operation, Grandeur of the Seas was originally going to be transferred to Pullmantur Cruises in 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, amenities and restaurants that you’ll spot on other Royal Caribbean ships built throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
- Entered service: December 14, 1996
- Maximum passenger capacity: 2,440
- Gross Tonnage: 73,817
What’s the Difference Between Newer and Older Royal Caribbean Ships?
When deciding between cruising on a newer or older Royal Caribbean ship, there are a few big differences that you’ll want to consider.
Read Also: Are Royal Caribbean Cruises All Inclusive?
Newer ships are significantly larger than older ships. This is both good and bad. You’ll enjoy far more entertainment, 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.
Older ships, though, are less updated and less tech-savvy. While new ships feature laser tag arenas and VR experiences, older ships rely on entertainment like 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 your Royal Caribbean cruise.
