Royal Caribbean International is known for its innovative and expansive fleet, featuring some of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the world. Whether you’re curious about the newest Royal Caribbean ships, the oldest vessels still sailing, or how they compare in size and amenities, this guide covers everything you need to know. Royal Caribbean Ships by Age and Size
Royal Caribbean Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest (2025)
Royal Caribbean’s fleet consists of nearly 30 ships, with new vessels launching almost every year. Below is the complete list of Royal Caribbean ships ranked from newest to oldest, including their maiden voyage dates and key features.
1. Star of the Seas (2025) 47
- Class: Icon Class
- Maiden Voyage: August 31, 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 7,600 (max)
- Notable Features:
- Sister ship to Icon of the Seas, featuring Category 6 waterpark (largest at sea).
- Crown’s Edge thrill ride.
- Eight distinct neighborhoods including Surfside (family-friendly zone).
2. Utopia of the Seas (2024) 15
- Class: Oasis Class
- Maiden Voyage: July 19, 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy)
- Notable Features:
- First Oasis-class ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Focuses on short Bahamas cruises (3-4 nights).
- Features Royal Railway, an immersive dining experience.
3. Icon of the Seas (2024) 26
- Class: Icon Class
- Maiden Voyage: January 27, 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 7,600 (max)
- Notable Features:
- World’s largest cruise ship (as of 2025).
- AquaDome with robotic shows.
- Thrill Island with record-breaking slides.
4. Wonder of the Seas (2022) 38
- Class: Oasis Class
- Maiden Voyage: March 4, 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 6,988 (max)
- Notable Features:
- Suites-only neighborhood (exclusive to this ship).
- The Mason Jar (Southern-style restaurant).
- Largest cruise ship before Icon.
5. Odyssey of the Seas (2021) 48
- Class: Quantum Ultra Class
- Maiden Voyage: July 31, 2021
- Gross Tonnage: 167,704 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 5,510 (max)
- Notable Features:
- RipCord by iFLY (indoor skydiving).
- North Star observation capsule.
Older Royal Caribbean Ships (Pre-2020)
- Spectrum of the Seas (2019) – Designed for Asian market.
- Symphony of the Seas (2018) – Former largest ship before Wonder.
- Harmony of the Seas (2016) – First with Ultimate Abyss slide.
- Oasis of the Seas (2009) – Revolutionized cruising with neighborhoods.
- Grandeur of the Seas (1996) – Oldest ship in the fleet 5.
Royal Caribbean Ships by Size: Largest to Smallest
Royal Caribbean’s ships vary dramatically in size, from intimate vessels to floating mega-resorts. Below is a ranking by gross tonnage (GT).
1. Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT) 610
- Length: 1,198 ft
- Passengers: 7,600 (max)
- Key Fact: Largest cruise ship ever built.
2. Star of the Seas (250,800 GT) 710
- Length: 1,196 ft
- Passengers: 7,600 (max)
- Key Fact: Sister to Icon, launching in 2025.
3. Utopia of the Seas (236,860 GT) 310
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)
- Key Fact: First LNG-powered Oasis-class ship.
4. Wonder of the Seas (235,600 GT) 610
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passengers: 6,988 (max)
- Key Fact: Fifth Oasis-class ship.
5. Symphony of the Seas (228,081 GT) 36
- Length: 1,188 ft
- Passengers: 6,680 (max)
- Key Fact: Glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
Smallest Royal Caribbean Ship: Grandeur of the Seas (73,817 GT) 5
- Length: 916 ft
- Passengers: 2,446 (max)
- Key Fact: Oldest in the fleet (1996).
Royal Caribbean’s Newest Cruise Ships & Future Launches
Royal Caribbean continues to expand its fleet with cutting-edge ships: Royal Caribbean’s Newest Cruise Ships
Upcoming Ships:
- Legend of the Seas (2026) – Third Icon-class ship 8.
- Unnamed Oasis-class (2028) – Seventh in the series 8.
- Discovery-class (TBA) – A new, smaller ship class 5.
Why Newer Ships Are Better
- More amenities (waterparks, robotic bars, skydiving simulators).
- Larger staterooms and more dining options.
- Eco-friendly tech (LNG, advanced waste management) 1.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Royal Caribbean Ship
Whether you prefer the latest mega-ships like Icon of the Seas or a classic cruise experience on Grandeur of the Seas, Royal Caribbean offers something for everyone.
- For families: Icon-class (Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas).
- For luxury: Oasis-class (Wonder, Utopia).
- For budget travelers: Older ships (Freedom-class, Radiance-class).
Stay updated on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships and future launches as the cruise line continues to redefine ocean travel!
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, helping you choose the perfect ship for your next cruise adventure. For more details, check Royal Caribbean’s official announcements and cruise blogs.