You may be familiar with several Royal Caribbean ships, but knowing your way around the different ship classes can help you pick the perfect cruise vacation. Well, you’re in luck; we have a quick breakdown of all six classes (soon to be seven with the addition of Icon Class). The choice–based on your style and where you want to go–is yours, whether a short getaway on Freedom of the Seas, a wild Alaska adventure on Ovation of the Seas or island-hopping between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean on Odyssey of the Seas.
No matter the ship, you and your travel buddies can expect to do what you like when you’d like. From unparalleled onboard adventures and a variety of restaurants to endless opportunities to soak up the sun or the sights, like those of Juneau, Alaska and our private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Not to mention award-winning entertainment that spans ice, water, air and stage.
Learn more about each ship class below, so you can find the perfect match.
Wonder of the Seas brings to life a new wave of possibilities with eight distinct neighborhoods, an Oasis Class first, including the first Suite Neighborhood.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Oasis Class
Featuring the five largest cruise ships in the world, Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas, the game-changing Oasis Class has a variety of adventures you can taste and explore.
Who will love it: Everyone—from friends to couples and family members of all ages. The best things about these ships are the many different experiences, including zip lining, rock climbing, waterslides, chart-topping nightlife, specialty and complimentary restaurants, and more.
What you’ll get: There’s so much to experience within the ships’ seven distinct neighborhoods. And even more so when Wonder debuts with the first-ever eighth neighborhood, the Suite Neighborhood.
You can enjoy the lush Central Park (which has more than 20,700 living plants) and Boardwalk, a lively area inspired by seaside piers and nostalgic landmarks like Coney Island, or check out the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; and two FlowRider surf simulators, a longtime guest favorite in the Pool and Sports Zone neighborhood. And on Wonder, kids are in for an all-new adventure—Wonder Playscape. The slides, climbing walls, games, puzzles and an interactive mural activated by touch bring this underwater-themed world to life.
The dining options may actually seem endless too, with a lineup that ranges from handmade tagliatelle Bolognese at Jamie’s Italian to Portside BBQ’s menu inspired by popular barbecue styles from across the U.S. But wait; there’s more. Make sure to take in the variety of entertainment along the way, from ice skating and full-scale stage productions (think: Hairspray and Grease) to aerialists, acrobats and high divers performing unbelievable stunts against an ocean backdrop at the AquaTheater.
Pro tip: Enjoy a cocktail at The Vue, a new cantilevered bar on Wonder that offers panoramic ocean views from day to night.
On Quantum Class ships, Ripcord by iFly is the ultimate heart racer: A true sky diving experience without the need to jump out of a plane or strap on a parachute.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Quantum Class
You don’t need to understand quantum physics to remember this ship class—just know that plenty of science went into the features that define Quantum, Anthem and Ovation of the Seas.
Who will love it: Adventurers of all types, as well as the tech and food lovers in your family.
What you’ll get: Thrill-seekers can find their fill of action as soon as they step on board. You can head to the industry’s first sky diving simulator or the bumper cars, laser tag and trapeze school at the largest indoor activity space at sea, SeaPlex. Try your hand at surfing on FlowRider or take a ride in North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that takes you 300 feet above the ocean for breathtaking, 360-degree views.
As if that’s not high-tech enough for you, robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar will mix your cocktails with laser precision. And at Wonderland (one of many specialty restaurants), you’ll find whimsical cuisine and craft cocktails served in glasses dipped into a cloud of liquid nitrogen that chills them to below-zero degrees. In the cutting-edge Two70, where the line between technology and entertainment is blurred, our signature Vistarama technology transforms floor-to-ceiling windows into a projection surface that serves as a powerful backdrop to a cast of six agile Roboscreens (the first robotic entertainment at sea) and talented performers.
At SeaPlex, you’ll find a full-sized sports court, interactive games, the only bumper cars at sea, rollerskating and more.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Quantum Ultra Class
The destinations are in the details of Quantum Ultra Class. These ships up the ante with innovative features and experiences that were thoughtfully designed to be reflective of the far-flung places Spectrum of the Seas and our newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, visit.
Who will love it: All types of travelers (techies, food lovers and adventurers), especially those who enjoy local flavors.
What you’ll get: Taking Quantum Class to the next level, Quantum Ultra Class offers the signature Royal Caribbean experiences that guests know and love, like sky diving and surfing, along with locally inspired dining, entertainment and more.
On Spectrum in Asia, regional flavors dominate menus like Sichuan Red, which is influenced by the very province it’s named after; Noodle Bar, an on-the-go noodle bar with live chef demonstrations; plus Star Moment, where the whole family can belt out the best hits. There is also the largest Ultimate Family Suite yet, two stories of innovative thrills that include a private cinema and an in-suite slide. More room all around.
Then there’s Odyssey on other side of the world, and it’s designed for island-hopping in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The game-changing ship features two open-air, resort-style pools, anchored by the lively Lime & Coconut bar, for optimal fun in the sun; the most colorful version of the deck-defying North Star observation capsule, and the next-generation SeaPlex that features the venue’s first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and a host of other new adventures, including laser tag and VR games.
Pro tip: Also debuting on Odyssey is the Virtual Adventure Zone, the first fully immersive, 4D virtual reality experience at sea. You’ll be transported to dimensions you never dreamed existed for some friendly competition.
Navigator of the Seas’ Caribbean pool deck features The Lime & Coconut, a signature bar with a “rooftop” deck for a bird’s-eye view.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Voyager Class
If you’re looking to trek around the world, there’s a good chance you’ll do it on board one of the five Voyager Class ships: Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Mariner and Navigator of the Seas.
Who will love it: First-time cruisers and those looking for short, adventure-packed vacations.
What you’ll get: With a thrilling pair of three-story-high racer waterslides, an epic laser tag battle for the last planet in the galaxy and escape rooms that may stump the very best, there’s no shortage of action on board Voyager Class ships. Also, Navigator touts the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea, To Dry For. Pop in for a quick beauty fix and a complimentary glass of wine or champagne before your night out.
When the sun goes down, start your night at one of the lively lounges or bars like The Bamboo Room, our Polynesian-themed watering hole with kitschy-cool cocktails. Or swing by Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, where you’ll enjoy excellent food, a lineup of ice-cold craft beers and amazing desserts like the Campfire Cookie—which is freshly baked and covered with roasted marshmallows and ice cream.
Royal Caribbean’s $116 million amplification of Freedom of the Seas brings high-energy features and guest favorites on board.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Freedom Class
Whether you’re taking a Caribbean vacation or looking to discover Europe, Freedom Class ships—Freedom, Independence and Liberty of the Seas—keep everyone entertained.
Who will love it: Anyone looking for variety, from destinations to the length of the sailing.
What you’ll get: Discover loads of pools and whirlpools, along with The Perfect Storm waterslides and the FlowRider surf simulator (which debuted on Freedom for the first time).
You can find a mix of signature Royal Caribbean dining like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, which debuted on Freedom, and Fish & Ships, a poolside eatery introduced on Independence, where guests can grab quintessentially British seaside treats.
Radiance Class ships shine with miles of glass, giving guests a window to breathtaking views—like these glaciers in Alaska.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Radiance Class
With Radiance Class ships Jewel, Brilliance, Serenade and Radiance of the Seas, it feels like you’re outdoors even when you’re inside. These ships are lined with miles of glass for amazing views of the ocean, sunsets and your destinations.
Who will love it: Explorers, photographers of all talent levels, whether shooting for Instagram or a frame.
What you’ll get: There’s more to see besides the views—though with hundreds of prime lookouts, they’re at every corner! Plan to hit up rock climbing, mini golf, the outdoor movie screen for a movie night under the stars, original entertainment productions in the Royal Theater and Casino Royale (a 6,459-square-foot, Vegas-style casino). You can also enjoy plenty of bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants like guest favorites, Izumi Sushi & Hot Rocks and Chops Grille.
The Centrum on board Radiance Class ships is an elegant area for lounging and entertainment.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Vision Class
Some of us search for the finer things in life. Enchantment, Grandeur, Vision and Rhapsody of the Seas make up our smaller-sized Vision Class, and take you to any corner of the world in style and comfort.
Who will love it: Guests looking to kick back in class.
What you’ll get: The popular Vitality Spa, offering hot-stone massages, detox wraps, facials and more, an outdoor, poolside movie screen; several swimming pools—including the adults-only Solarium—and whirlpools. When you wrap up your day of lounging, take in original performances like Can’t Stop the Rock in the main theater, play blackjack at Casino Royale, or live it up at the classic Champagne Bar or Latin-themed Boleros lounge.
Read more about all the unique features our different ship classes have to offer and find the right ship (and cruise) for you here.
