Royal Caribbean Ships By Age: Newest To Oldest

Royal Caribbean has been rewriting the rules of cruising for nearly three decades. As one of the largest cruise lines in the world, it has grown a fleet that sails nearly every corner of the globe. From the Vision Class of the 1990s to the newest ship, Star of the Seas℠, the fleet has redefined cruising. Looking at the fleet in order is like flipping through a time capsule: Each era brought bigger, bolder ideas that changed what it means to vacation at sea.

Let’s take a spin through Royal Caribbean ships by age, from the newest jaw-droppers to the classic trailblazers still sailing today.

The Evolution Of Royal Caribbean Ships

The Vision Class Era

Back in 1996, Grandeur of the Seas® set sail and marked the beginning of the modern fleet. These Vision Class ships might look petite compared to today’s floating cities, but they were ahead of their time. With dramatic glass atriums, sweeping ocean views from nearly every angle and elegant public spaces, they gave cruisers a taste of style and sophistication on the high seas. Instead of roller coasters and waterparks, the vibe was all about connection — with the ocean, with the destinations and with fellow travelers.

More than 25 years later, ships like Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas® and Vision of the Seas® are still going strong, offering a more classic, intimate experience that die-hard cruise fans swear by.

The Voyager And Radiance Classes

The late ’90s and early 2000s ushered in a bold new chapter, as Royal Caribbean decided that “bigger” also meant “better.” Voyager of the Seas® (1999) introduced the groundbreaking Royal Promenade — an indoor street running the length of the ship, complete with shops, parades and late-night cafés. Suddenly, the ship itself became a destination. 

The Radiance Class followed in the early 2000s with a totally different focus: sleek designs filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass elevators that made Alaska glaciers or Caribbean sunsets feel like part of the décor. Between these two classes, Royal Caribbean managed to wow thrill-seekers and scenery lovers alike.

Freedom And Oasis Classes

Quantum and Icon Classes

Complete List Of Royal Caribbean Ships By Age

Here’s the lineup of Royal Caribbean ships newest to oldest, with the facts that show just how much has changed over time. From the newest Icon Class ships, which pack in record-breaking things to do, to the classic Vision Class vessels that still charm with their intimate vibe, each ship offers its own style of vacation. 

Knowing the age and class of each ship can help you decide what kind of experience you’ll have onboard. As you scroll, you can dive deeper into what makes these ships stand out: number of staterooms and number of restaurants and dining options across the fleet.

2025 – 2021: The Newest Ships

• 2025 – Star of the Seas (Icon Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 248,663
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,610
  • Crew: 2,350
  • Passenger Decks: 18
• 2024 – Utopia of the Seas (Oasis Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 236,473
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,668
  • Crew: 2,290
  • Passenger Decks: 16
• 2024 – Icon of the Seas (Icon Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 248,663
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,610
  • Crew: 2,350
  • Passenger Decks: 18
• 2022 – Wonder of the Seas (Oasis Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 235,600
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,734
  • Crew: 2,204
  • Passenger Decks: 16
• 2021 – Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Ultra Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 167,704
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 4,198
  • Crew: 1,612
  • Passenger Decks: 14

2019 – 2010: Expanding The Fleet

• 2019 – Spectrum of the Seas (Quantum Ultra Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 169,379
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 4,246
  • Crew: 1,551
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2018 – Symphony of the Seas (Oasis Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 228,081
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,518
  • Crew: 2,200
  • Passenger Decks: 16
• 2016 – Harmony of the Seas (Oasis Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 226,963
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,479
  • Crew: 2,200
  • Passenger Decks: 16
• 2016 – Ovation of the Seas (Quantum Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 168,666
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 4,182
  • Crew: 1,550
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2015 – Anthem of the Seas (Quantum Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 168,666
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 4,180
  • Crew: 1,500
  • Decks: 14
• 2014 – Quantum of the Seas (Quantum Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 168,666
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 4,180
  • Crew: 1,500
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2010 – Allure of the Seas (Oasis Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 225,282
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,718
  • Crew: 2,103
  • Passenger Decks: 16

2009 – 2000: The Mega-Ship Era Begins

• 2009 – Oasis of the Seas (Oasis Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 226,838
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 5,602
  • Crew: 2,109
  • Passenger Decks: 16
• 2008 – Independence of the Seas (Freedom Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 154,407
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,858
  • Crew: 1,440
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2007 – Liberty of the Seas (Freedom Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 154,407
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,798
  • Crew: 1,360
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2006 – Freedom of the Seas (Freedom Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 156,271
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,926
  • Crew: 1,365
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2004 – Jewel of the Seas (Radiance Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 90,090
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,191
  • Crew: 852
  • Passenger Decks: 12
• 2003 – Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 139,863
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,344
  • Crew: 1,200
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2003 – Serenade of the Seas (Radiance Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 90,090
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,143
  • Crew: 827
  • Passenger Decks: 12
• 2002 – Navigator of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 139,999
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,368
  • Crew: 1,232
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2002 – Brilliance of the Seas (Radiance Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 90,090
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,142
  • Crew: 848
  • Passenger Decks: 12
• 2001 – Adventure of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 137,276
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,114
  • Crew: 1,185
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 2001 – Radiance of the Seas (Radiance Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 90,090
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,143
  • Crew: 894
  • Passenger Decks: 12
• 2000 – Explorer of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 137,308
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,286
  • Crew: 1,185
  • Passenger Decks: 14

1999 – 1996: Vintage Beauties

• 1999 – Voyager of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 137,276
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 3,602
  • Crew: 1,200
  • Passenger Decks: 14
• 1998 – Vision of the Seas (Vision Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 78,340
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,050
  • Crew: 742
  • Passenger Decks: 11
• 1997 – Enchantment of the Seas (Vision Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 82,910
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,252
  • Crew: 852
  • Passenger Decks: 11
• 1997 – Rhapsody of the Seas (Vision Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 78,878
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 2,040
  • Crew: 772
  • Passenger Decks: 11
• 1996 – Grandeur of the Seas (Vision Class)
  • Gross Tonnage: 73,817 GT
  • Approximate Passenger Capacity (double occupancy): 1,992
  • Crew: 760
  • Passenger Decks: 11

2026 – 2028: New Royal Caribbean Ships Debuting

• 2026 – Legend of the Seas (Icon Class)
• 2027 – TBA (Icon Class)
• 2028 – TBA (Oasis Class)

Fun Facts About Royal Caribbean Ships

• Oldest ship still sailing? Grandeur of the Seas (1996) holds the title of oldest Royal Caribbean ship.
• Newest ship? Star of the Seas, which debuted in August 2025, is the newest ship in the fleet.
• Biggest innovation? Royal Caribbean basically invented the floating neighborhood concept with Oasis of the Seas in 2009.
• What’s coming next? More Icon Class ships are sailing our way!
• Refurbishments? Older ships often get Royal Amplified upgrades, which means new restaurants, updated cabins and sometimes wild additions like waterslides.

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