Royal Caribbean has a total fleet of 27 ships as of now. A bunch of new ships is set to go on the fleet in the near future, which will bring the number of vessels to 30.
The first Royal Caribbean ship is the Song of Norway, which debuted in 1970, and the latest one on the sea is the Wonder of the Seas.
If you are planning a cruise, then knowing the ship’s age is crucial.
Not all the Royal Caribbean ships are made the same. Depending on the ship’s age, the perks, amenities, luxury, etc., vary greatly.
In this article, you will find the list of Royal Caribbean ships by age.
Royal Caribbean Ships by Age
The table below summarizes all the Royal Caribbean cruise ships arranged from newest to oldest.
Each ship of the Royal Caribbean ships belongs to a class, which you can find below, along with the year the ship was built.
| No. | Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Class | Year Built | Ship’s Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utopia of the Seas | Oasis | 2024 | – |
| 2 | Icon of the Seas | Icon | 2024 | – |
| 3 | Wonder of the Seas | Oasis | 2022 | < 1 year |
| 4 | Odyssey of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | 2021 | 1 year |
| 5 | Spectrum of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | 2019 | 3 years |
| 6 | Symphony of the Seas | Oasis | 2018 | 4 years |
| 7 | Harmony of the Seas | Oasis | 2016 | 6 years |
| 8 | Ovation of the Seas | Quantum | 2016 | 6 years |
| 9 | Anthem of the Seas | Quantum | 2015 | 7 years |
| 10 | Quantum of the Seas | Quantum | 2014 | 8 years |
| 11 | Allure of the Seas | Oasis | 2010 | 12 years |
| 12 | Oasis of the Seas | Oasis | 2009 | 13 years |
| 13 | Independence of the Seas | Freedom | 2008 | 14 years |
| 14 | Liberty of the Seas | Freedom | 2007 | 15 years |
| 15 | Freedom of the Seas | Freedom | 2006 | 16 years |
| 16 | Jewel of the Seas | Radiance | 2004 | 18 years |
| 17 | Mariner of the Seas | Voyager | 2003 | 19 years |
| 18 | Serenade of the Seas | Radiance | 2003 | 19 years |
| 19 | Navigator of the Seas | Voyager | 2002 | 20 years |
| 20 | Brilliance of the Seas | Radiance | 2002 | 20 years |
| 21 | Adventure of the Seas | Voyager | 2001 | 21 years |
| 22 | Radiance of the Seas | Radiance | 2001 | 21 years |
| 23 | Explorer of the Seas | Voyager | 2000 | 22 years |
| 24 | Voyager of the Seas | Voyager | 1999 | 23 years |
| 25 | Vision of the Seas | Vision | 1998 | 24 years |
| 26 | Enchantment of the Seas | Vision | 1997 | 25 years |
| 27 | Rhapsody of the Seas | Vision | 1997 | 25 years |
| 28 | Grandeur of the Seas | Vision | 1996 | 26 years |
What is the oldest Royal Caribbean ship?
The Grandeur of the Seas is the oldest Royal Caribbean ship. The ship was built in 1996 and is 26 years old now.
The ship has 11 decks with a maximum capacity of 2,446 passengers and 760 crew.
Two other old Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Empress of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas, were sold by Royal Caribbean in the past.
What is the latest Royal Caribbean ship?
The latest Royal Caribbean ship is the Icon of the seas. The vessel is set to go on its first voyage in early 2024. Bookings have already started.
This is by far the latest of the icon class and has a gross tonnage of 250,800.
In fact, Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage.
The Icon of the Seas will have a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew.
Difference between new and old Royal Caribbean ships
If you are planning to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you might have a lot of questions in your mind.
One of the most prominently asked questions is the difference between new and old Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Below is everything you need to do to help you decide whether to book an old or new cruise ship from Royal Caribbean.
Size
First and foremost, the main difference between old and new Royal Caribbean cruise ships is the size.
The size of the ship increases dramatically as time passes by.
Let’s compare the first-ever cruise ship from Royal Caribbean and the latest one to give you an idea of how much the size of the ship has changed.
The gross tonnage of Grandeur of the Seas, the first Royal Caribbean ship, is 73,817. The gross tonnage of the latest Royal Caribbean vessel, Icon of the Seas, is 250,800.
The latest royal Caribbean ship is almost 3.5 times larger than the first.
The Grandeur of the Seas had only 12 total decks, but there are 20 decks in the Icon of the Seas.
So we can see the size of the ship increases as the year passes.
Amenities
Older Royal Caribbean ships are not advanced enough to have modern facilities and amenities, including a surf simulator, aqua dome, etc.
But newer Royal Caribbean ships like the Icon of the Seas have about six record-breaking water slides, seven pools, nine whirlpools, a royal promenade, a park, a thrill Island, etc.
If you want the best in class facilities, always opt for the newest and modern Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Price
It’s a no-brainer that older cruise ships will have a much lower ticket cost when compared with modern ones.
The price is justifiable for the kind of facilities offered by modern cruises.
But if you are on a tight budget, you may consider older cruise ships as the ticket price will be significantly lower.
Destinations
Newer Royal Caribbean ships can serve longer and farther destinations than the older ones.
Since the newer cruises are more significant enough to store more resources like fuel and other stuff, they can easily travel more nautical miles, which is not the case with older ones.
Smaller cruise ships will have to dock at ports frequently to refill the resources, while you can spend that time in the sea if you are in a massive one.
Similarly, many destinations can’t be served by massive ships. In such cases, Royal Caribbean uses the smaller ones.
Every Royal Caribbean Ships Ever – Explained
Below is a short description and photo of all the Royal Caribbean ships.
Icon of the Seas
The icon of the seas is a massive cruise ship currently under construction. The cruise will enter service by 2024.
The Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world in terms of tonnage.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Icon of the Seas |
| Year | Scheduled for 2024 |
| Length | 1,198 feet (365 m) |
| Tonnage | 250,900 |
| Capacity | Max. 7,600 passengers |
| Crew | 2,350 |
| Builder | Meyer Turku, Finland |
Wonder of the Seas
The Wonder of the Seas is the fifth in the Oasis class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships. It has a gross tonnage of 236,857. The ship’s length is 1,188 feet and has a maximum capacity of 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew.
The cruise ship consists of 20 restaurants, 4 pools, and 2,867 cabins across 16 decks.
The Wonder of the Seas entered the service on 4th September 2022.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Wonder of the Seas |
| Year | 2022 |
| Length | 1,188 feet (362 m) |
| Tonnage | 236,857 |
| Capacity | Max. 6,988 passengers |
| Crew | 2,300 |
| Builder | Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France |
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s fifth Quantum-class ship. The ship started its service on 13th November 2021.
The ship is massive enough to accommodate well over 4,000 people and has a maximum capacity of 5,510 passengers. There are 15 restaurants, 2 pools, and 2,105 cabins across 14 decks.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Odyssey of the Seas |
| Year | 2021 |
| Length | 1,138 feet (347 m) |
| Tonnage | 167,704 |
| Capacity | Max. 5,510 passengers |
| Crew | 1,663 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Spectrum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean’s first Quantum Ultra class ship. The ship mainly services East Asia.
Spectrum of the Seas is 1,139 feet long and has a total capacity of 4,905 passengers on maximum occupancy. 16 out of 18 decks are accessible to passengers.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Year | 2019 |
| Length | 1,139 feet (347 m) |
| Tonnage | 169,379 |
| Capacity | Max. 4,905 passengers |
| Crew | 1,551 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Symphony of the Seas
The Symphony of the Seas is the fourth Royal Caribbean Oasis-class cruise ship. The ship started its operation in 2018.
The ship has 22 restaurants, 4 pools, and 2,759 cabins across 16 decks. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers. The total cost to build the Symphony of the Seas is estimated to be about $1.35 billion.
The Symphony of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world from 2018 to early 2022.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Symphony of the Seas |
| Year | 2018 |
| Length | 1,184 feet (361 m) |
| Tonnage | 228,081 |
| Capacity | Max. 6,680 passengers |
| Crew | 2,200 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Harmony of the Seas
The Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship of the Royal Caribbean. The ship has a lot of water-related attractions, including 2 surf simulators, 3 water slides, and 3 swimming pools.
The ship was laid down in 2014 and started its first voyage in 2016.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Harmony of the Seas |
| Year | 2016 |
| Length | 1,188 feet (362 m) |
| Tonnage | 226,963 |
| Capacity | Max. 6,780 passengers |
| Crew | 2,300 |
| Builder | Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France |
Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas is the third of its kind in the Quantum class cruise ship from Royal Caribbean. The ship was christened in June of 2016 and started its first voyage in the same year.
The ship has a maximum capacity of 4,905 passengers and 4,180 passengers in double occupancy.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Ovation of the Seas |
| Year | 2016 |
| Length | 1,141 feet (348 m) |
| Tonnage | 168,666 |
| Capacity | Max. 4,905 passengers |
| Crew | 1,300 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas is the second Quantum-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean.
The cruise ship consists of 16 decks that are accessible to all passengers and include facilities like a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, pools, spa, fitness center, and theatre, among others.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Anthem of the Seas |
| Year | 2015 |
| Length | 1,139 feet (347 m) |
| Tonnage | 168,666 |
| Capacity | Max. 4,905 passengers |
| Crew | 1,500 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Quantum of the Seas
The Quantum of the Seas is the first Quantum-class cruise ship operated and owned by Royal Caribbean. The vessel was delivered in 2014 and started its voyage in the same year.
The ship comprises 14 decks accessible to all passengers and has a total length of 348 m.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Quantum of the Seas |
| Year | 2014 |
| Length | 1,141 feet (347 m) |
| Tonnage | 168,666 |
| Capacity | Max. 4,905 passengers |
| Crew | 1,500 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean. Even though both the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are built on the exact specifications, the Allure is 50 mm longer.
The Allure of the Seas has 18 decks, of which 16 are accessible to passengers.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Allure of the Seas |
| Year | 2010 |
| Length | 1,187 feet (362 m) |
| Tonnage | 225,282 |
| Capacity | Max. 6,780 passengers |
| Crew | 2,200 |
| Builder | STX Europe Turku Shipyard, Finland |
Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas is the first Oasis-class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.
The ship’s gross tonnage was 225,282, which was later expanded to 226,838. The vessel has a capacity for 6,699 passengers and 2,181 crew.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Oasis of the Seas |
| Year | 2009 |
| Length | 1,181 feet (360 m) |
| Tonnage | 226,838 |
| Capacity | Max. 6,699 passengers |
| Crew | 2,181 |
| Builder | STX Europe Turku Shipyard, Finland |
Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas is the third Freedom-class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.
The ship includes an array of facilities, including a two-story theater, ice-skating, rink, sports deck, what does lights, etc.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Independence of the Seas |
| Year | 2008 |
| Length | 1,187 feet (362 m) |
| Tonnage | 225,282 |
| Capacity | Max. 6,780 passengers |
| Crew | 2,200 |
| Builder | STX Europe Turku Shipyard, Finland |
Liberty of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise from Royal Caribbean. It is the second Freedom-class ship currently on the fleet.
The ship includes incredible facilities like FlowRider, a basketball court, an ice skating rink, a large fitness center, etc.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Liberty of the Seas |
| Year | 2007 |
| Length | 1,111 feet (339 m) |
| Tonnage | 155,889 |
| Capacity | Max. 4,960 passengers |
| Crew | 1,300 |
| Builder | Aker Yards Turku Shipyard, Finland |
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, a famous cruise company servicing all around the globe.
Freedom of the Seas includes facilities like an interactive water park, rock climbing wall, miniature golf course, ice-skating rink, and casino, among others.
The Freedom of the Seas consumes about 28,000 lb per hour.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Freedom of the Seas |
| Year | 2006 |
| Length | 1,187 feet (362 m) |
| Tonnage | 156,271 |
| Capacity | Max. 4,515 passengers |
| Crew | 1,360 |
| Builder | Aker Yards Turku Shipyard, Finland |
Jewel of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas is a Radiance class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean.
Compared with modern cruise ships, this one has a considerably low tonnage of only 90,090.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Jewel of the Seas |
| Year | 2004 |
| Length | 962 feet (293 m) |
| Tonnage | 90,090 |
| Capacity | Max. 2,501 passengers |
| Crew | 842 |
| Builder | Meyer Werft, Germany |
Mariner of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas is the second Voyager-class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean. The ship was christened on 14th November 2003 and got into service on 16th November of the same year.
The ship is one of the five Voyager-class ships from the Royal Caribbean. The vessel can accommodate a maximum of 3,144 passengers and 1,185 crew.
| Royal Caribbean Ship Name | Mariner of the Seas |
| Year | 2003 |
| Length | 1,020 f feet (311 m) |
| Tonnage | 139,863 |
| Capacity | Max. 3,114 passengers |
| Crew | 1,185 |
| Builder | Kværner Masa-Yards Turku New Shipyard, Finland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
How many cruise ships does Royal Caribbean have?
Royal Caribbean services 27 cruise ships as of now. The oldest is the Grandeur of the Seas and the latest one to go on sailing is the Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean sold two ships in the past.
Which is Royal Caribbean’s Biggest Cruise Ship?
The Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean. In fact, it is the largest cruise ship in the world. It will start its services by early 2024.
What are the different classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships?
The Vision Class, the Voyager Class, the Radiance Class, the Freedom Class, the Oasis Class, the Icon Class and the Quantum Class, and the Quantum Ultra class are all the different classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Wrapping Up
As of now, Royal Caribbean has a total of 27 ships in its fleet.
The oldest is the Grandeur of the Seas, and the latest is the Icon of the Seas, which is due to sail by early 2024.
New cruise ships have seen massive improvements in facilities and amenities, the total number of ducks, serviced destinations, and more.
The price for a ticket on a newer cruise ship will be significantly higher compared to older ones.
So the age of the cruise ship matters when planning your next cruise trip.