all voyager class ships

Royal Caribbean's Cruise Ship Classes

Royal Caribbean ship classes offer a mind-boggling array of choices for almost every cruise style. The line is known worldwide for its wow-factor mega-ships -- including Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean's fleet consists of 26 ships divided into six classes. There are similarities between all classes, with a number of signature Royal Caribbean attractions throughout the fleet.

So what are the differences between the Royal Caribbean cruise ships' classes? To help make sense of it all, Cruise Critic has broken down the Royal Caribbean ship classes so you can book the right vacation. Let's dive in, starting with the line's largest ships: the Oasis Class.

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Royal caribbean oasis class: some of the biggest ships in the world, royal caribbean quantum and quantum ultra class: high-end action in a smaller package, royal caribbean voyager class: iconic and manageably sized for the budget conscious, royal caribbean freedom class: bells, whistles and fun in the caribbean sun, royal caribbean vision class: small options for destination-intensive cruises, royal caribbean radiance class: midsize ships for relaxed cruisers.

Among the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships can carry close to 7,000 passengers each at full capacity. That includes Wonder of the Seas , the largest passenger ship in the world. The ships feature numerous specialty restaurants, some of the line's most innovative attractions and straight-from-Broadway shows .

The line's five Oasis-class ships sail the Bahamas and Caribbean cruise ports , with two ships alternating between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Choosing among them is often a matter of deciding your embarkation port and your preferred itinerary, rather than a question of sacrificing amenities.

What Are Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class Ships?

These Royal Caribbean ships are members of the Oasis class: Oasis of the Seas , Allure of the Seas , Harmony of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas .

What Amenities Do Oasis-Class Ships Offer?

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships are huge, but themed neighborhoods help make them more manageable. Those include Entertainment Place, Central Park, Youth Zone and the Boardwalk, among others. The design is meant to prevent crowding and keep passengers busy all day long.

Attractions include FlowRider surf simulators, ziplines, rock climbing walls, multiple swimming pools and whirlpools, high-speed water slides (on all but Allure of the Seas), splash parks for the little ones, plus AquaTheater stunt diving shows and Broadway-style musicals (including "Mamma Mia!," "Grease," "Cats" and "Hairspray").

All Oasis-class ships also feature an ice skating rink, carousel, and a comedy club. Some Oasis-class ships have escape rooms, laser tag and facilities for learning to scuba dive onboard.

Royal Caribbean upped their dining game on the massive Oasis-class ships, with eight to 10 free restaurants and as many as 15 fee or a la carte options if you count bars with food menus. The restaurant lists contain new specialty dining venues like Port Side BBQ on Oasis and Mason Jar on Wonder plus the top-deck Vue Bar.

For those who enjoy the suite life, Oasis-class ships feature the full Royal Suite Class experience, which can include a host of perks like butler service, free internet, free specialty dining and drinks and free access to the spa's thermal room. On Wonder of the Seas, suites have their own neighborhood.

Who Should Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class Ships?

Any of Royal Caribbean's five Oasis-class ships are perfect for adrenaline junkies, groups of friends and families with varied tastes and cruisers looking for that all-in-one mega-resort vibe at sea. While options for rest and relaxation are available, Oasis-class ships are best for active travelers.

Looking for the extras offered on Oasis-class ships in a smaller package? Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships feature a massive array of activities, entertainment and technology but hold just over 4,000 passengers.

There are three ships in the Quantum class and two in the Quantum Ultra class. These five ships visit a wide range of cruise destinations from Alaska to Australia (Quantum and Ovation) and Asia (Spectrum), as well as the Caribbean, Mediterranean and cruises to Europe (Anthem and Odyssey).

What Are Royal Caribbean's Quantum- and Quantum Ultra-Class Ships?

These Royal Caribbean ships are a part of the Quantum and Quantum Ultra classes: Quantum of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas , Anthem of the Seas , Spectrum of the Seas (Quantum Ultra class) and Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Ultra class).

What Amenities Do Quantum-Class and Quantum Ultra-Class Ships Offer?

Quantum-class ships overflow with things to do, eat and see and feature some high-tech activities on board. That includes the North Star , a glass-enclosed capsule that lifts cruisers into the air and out over the side of the ship for 360-degree views and dramatic photo ops.You can also expect surf and skydive simulators, bumper cars, roller skating, laser tag and more.

Each Quantum-class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet has several pools and whirlpools, including an adults-only, forward-facing Solarium and a covered family pool. There are small splash areas on the Quantum Class ships and the larger Splashaway Bay on the two Quantum Ultra ships, though there are no waterpark-ready waterslides.

Spectrum of the Seas is the only Quantum-class ship with the SkyPad virtual reality bungee jump/trampoline.

You'll find an average of five specialty restaurants, several a la carte eateries, and as many as ten free dining options on Quantum-class ships. The list of bars and lounges overlaps with unique entertainment venues like the two-story Music Hall and the ultra-high tech Two70, featuring moving robotic screens that are integrated into the shows.

The suite experience on Royal's Quantum-class ships includes a range of perks, from a suite-class only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen to Royal Caribbean's version of the butler, called Genies, for the top-level bookings.

Who Should Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Quantum- and Quantum Ultra-Class Ships?

Quantum- and Quantum Ultra-class ships are best for cruisers traveling to port-intensive destinations like Alaska, Australia, and the Mediterranean, who need a home base to return to with enough activity to keep the vacation momentum going -- in other words, to keep the kids from getting bored between ports.

There are also opportunities for relaxation as well as plenty of adult-friendly entertainment.

Many of Royal Caribbean's most iconic features made their first appearances on Voyager-class ships. Built between 1999 and 2003, these five ships were the first to have indoor shopping and dining along the Royal Promenade , plus rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks. The ships were also the line's first foray into carrying more than 3,000 passengers.

Three of the five ships -- Voyager, Navigator and Mariner -- are considered "amped," meaning they have undergone an enormous overhaul, adding entertainment, activity and dining options like the ones found on much newer ships. You'll also find budget-friendly shorter sailings on most of these ships.

What Are Royal Caribbean's Voyager-Class Ships?

Royal Caribbean cruise ships that fall under the Voyager class include the following: Voyager of the Seas , Explorer of the Seas , Adventure of the Seas , Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas .

What Amenities Do Voyager-Class Ships Offer?

Royal's Voyager-class ships have plenty to keep cruisers busy, including multiple pools and whirlpools, an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and mini-golf. All also feature the Royal Promenade where cruisers can enjoy people-watching, have a drink in a pub, stop at the Café Promenade for a quick snack or go shopping.

When it comes to dining, all Voyager-class ships have several alternative dining venues, including Chops Grille, Izumi and an Italian restaurant. Johnny Rockets is available on most as well.

You'll also find Royal Caribbean favorites like the Schooner Bar and the Viking Crown Lounge. Mariner of the Seas features the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Voyager Class ships are the smallest in Royal Caribbean's fleet to have the line's popular top-deck water slides. Mariner of the Seas is the only Voyager-class ship to feature the high-tech SkyPad virtual reality bungee/trampoline experience.

Who Should Cruise on Royal Caribbean Voyager-Class Ships?

Voyager-class ships are best for cruisers who want an active cruise experience without being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people and places to see on larger ship categories. While Voyager ships are large, they are manageable.

You can also expect cheaper prices for vacations on Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class ships. They are slightly older, even though many have been updated, and often sail shorter itineraries that help keep nightly rates low.

The three Freedom-class ships are the Royal Caribbean fleet's Bahamas and Caribbean workhorses, typically operating alternating three- and four-night cruises from Miami or seven-night cruises from Galveston.

Launched between 2007 and 2008, they were the first ships to introduce the FlowRider surf simulator to the cruise industry. Freedom-class ships also have rock climbing walls, mini-golf courses and multiple restaurants like their bigger Oasis-class siblings, but with a capacity of around 4,000 passengers.

Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas have been through Royal's amplification renovations, bringing their lists of attractions closer to that of newer and larger ships.

What Are Royal Caribbean's Freedom-Class Ships?

The Royal Caribbean cruise ships that are a part of the Freedom class include: Freedom of the Seas , Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas .

What Amenities Do Freedom-Class Ships Offer?

All Freedom-class ships feature multiple pools and whirlpools, some of which are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. And in addition to FlowRider surf simulators and water slides on the top deck, Splashaway Bay aqua park is available for kids.

You'll also find an ice skating rink for free skating during designated hours and professional ice shows. Independence of the Seas has a Sky Pad bungee/trampoline virtual reality experience.

Free dining includes the main dining room, Windjammer Marketplace buffet, plus Sorrento's Pizza and Café Promenade in the Royal Promenade. Freedom-class ships also feature specialty dining venues like Giovanni's Table (or Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, in the case of Freedom), Chops Steakhouse, Chef's Table and Johnny Rockets.

Each ship also has at least one additional specialty restaurant -- Sabor on Liberty of the Seas, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi on Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

Broadway shows are on offer on Independence of the Seas ("Grease") and Liberty of the Seas ("Saturday Night Fever"), with all three featuring a variety of traditional juke-box and revue-style productions as well.

Who Should Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom-Class Ships?

Royal's three Freedom-class ships are best for couples, groups of friends or families who want a big ship with lots of entertainment and dining choices but might not want to sail with 5,000-plus cruisers. Fares for cruises on these ships, while not the highest, are also not at the lowest end of the line's pricing.

Royal Caribbean's Vision-class ships are generally the smallest options in the fleet. All were built in the 1990s and carry either just under or just over 2,000 passengers. Age shouldn't necessarily be the deciding factor when looking at these ships, though, as all are well-maintained and updated.

The glass-lined exteriors are built to soak in views, which is important as these ships spend most of their time in the Mediterranean, Alaska, New England and Canada . Grandeur of the Seas, however, spends most of the year in the Caribbean, and itineraries on it can be lower than other ships in the fleet.

What Are Royal Caribbean's Vision-Class Ships?

These are the Royal Caribbean ships that are members of the Vision class: Grandeur of the Seas , Rhapsody of the Seas , Enchantment of the Seas and Vision of the Seas .

What Amenities Do Vision-Class Ships Offer?

Vision-class ships offer a bit less variety of things to do than their behemoth counterparts in the fleet. The vibe is more intimate, with just a small selection of specialty restaurants and a handful of Royal Caribbean staples, such as the rock climbing wall, Solarium adults-only pool and the line's signature steakhouse, Chops Grille.

All four ships have a main outdoor pool and multiple whirlpools. Enchantment of the Seas has a second outdoor pool. However, zip lines, giant water slides, surf simulators, skydiving simulators, ice rinks, and the Aqua Theaters are all missing.

Dining is a bit limited, but there are still options ranging from the main dining room and Windjammer Marketplace buffet to Park Café in the Solarium (free), and paid extras like Chops Grille and Chef's Table. All but Enchantment of the Seas also feature Izumi and Giovanni's Table, which also cost extra.

Who Should Cruise on Royal Caribbean Vision-Class Ships?

The Vision-class ships are best suited for people seeking a quieter, more traditional cruise experience that stresses activities like trivia, bingo, dance classes and song-and-dance revues in the main theater. These ships are also suited to travelers who feel overwhelmed by Royal Caribbean's larger ships classes.

Built between 2001 and 2004, Royal Caribbean's mid-size Radiance-class ships are made for enjoying ocean views. A vast amount of interior space on these ships is enclosed in glass, providing nearly nonstop views of the ocean.

Despite being larger than Vision-class ships, Radiance-class ships are relaxed -- don't expect the high-octane thrills available on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. That being said, there are plenty of activities and entertainment to keep everyone happy.

What Are Royal Caribbean's Radiance-Class Ships?

These are the Royal Caribbean ships that are a part of the Radiance class: Radiance of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas , Serenade of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas .

What Amenities Do Radiance-Class Ships Offer?

Royal Caribbean's Radiance-class ships have more space for top-deck activities -- including additional pools and mini-golf courses -- than their Vision-class relatives. While Radiance-class ships still lack adrenaline-pumping activities like surfing or skydive simulations, you'll find traditional activities like trivia, bingo, silly pool games and dance classes in spades.

Most Radiance-class ships have a decent selection of eateries, with options varying from ship to ship. All Radiance-class ships feature Chops Grille, Izumi, Chef's Table and Giovanni's Table; all also have the grab-and-go Cafe Latte-Tudes, for extra-fee specialty coffees and pastries.

All four ships also feature Royal Caribbean's Schooner Bar and enough other bars and lounges to entertain most cruisers. Casino Royale is also a popular spot on the Radiance-class ships.

Who Should Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Radiance-Class Ships?

The four Radiance-class ships are best for cruisers looking for a smaller mainstream ship with a focus on relaxation and casual fun. Think: port visits and some old-fashioned cruise entertainment. Cruises on Radiance-class ships tend to be more moderately priced than those on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships, but more expensive than those on Vision-class ships.

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Complete Guide to Royal Caribbean Fleet & Ship Classes

Of the major cruise lines, few offer a more diverse lineup of ship classes than Royal Caribbean. In fact, for the most-part, Royal Caribbean ship classes are quite distinguishable from each other. In this post, we’re highlighting class specific features and giving you the insight to choose the best ship for your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean has been a leading innovator in the cruising industry for over five decades. From 1996 through 2021, Royal Caribbean introduced a new cruise ship every year in all but six of those years. Their current fleet of 26 ships which includes two under construction, are grouped into seven ship classes, each with their own base of specific common features.

Vision Class

Currently the oldest vessels in the fleet, Vision Class ships were launched between 1995 and 1998 and of the original six ships in this class there are four remaining. With two full decks of balcony staterooms & suites, Vision class ships made the once out-of-reach balcony stateroom more accessible for cruisers. Theses ships were also the first to feature Royal Caribbean’s adult-only Solarium.

Grandeur of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Southern Caribbean (Barbados), Short Caribbean (Galveston), Caribbean (Miami)

Rhapsody of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe (Venice), Caribbean (Tampa)

Enchantment of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries : Bermuda (Baltimore), Bahamas/Caribbean (Baltimore), Canada/New England (Baltimore)

Notes: Enchantment of the Seas was lengthened in 2005 by cutting the ship in two and adding a new 73-foot section. This resulted in increased capacity with 151 new staterooms, kids splash area, many new venues and the unique bridges on the pool deck.

Vision of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (San Juan, Fort Lauderdale), Mediterranean (Barcelona)

Voyager Class

Voyager Class was not only a game-changer for Royal Caribbean, but also the cruise industry. These incredible five ships launched between 1999 and 2003, proved that just about anything is possible on a cruise ship. Aside from their tremendous size, Voyager Class introduced many firsts like ice skating on real ice, the rock-climbing wall, the Royal Promenade with interior facing staterooms, Johnny Rockets Diner with waterview booths, plus expanded food and beverage options, entertainment venues and enhanced Royal Caribbean signature spaces. Over the years, these ships have been upgraded many times to include some of the latest most popular features from across the fleet.

Voyager of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Japan/Far East (Tianjin), Southeast Asia (Singapore), Baltics/Russia (Copenhagen, Stockholm), Canada/New England (Boston), Caribbean (San Juan)

2019 Amplification Highlights: – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Redesigned Spa, Fitness Center & Kids Spaces – Addition of 72 new staterooms

Explorer of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Galveston, San Juan, Miami)

Notes: Explorer of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2020 which is now on hold indefinitely.

Adventure of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Nassau, Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Galveston), Bermuda (Cape Liberty), Canada/New England (Cape Liberty)

Notes: Adventure of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2021 which is now on hold indefinitely.

Navigator of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Bahamas (Miami, Fort Lauderdale), West Coast/Mexico (Los Angeles)

2019 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Blaster Aqua Coaster, Riptide Mat Racer – Reimagined Pool Deck – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Redesigned Spa, Fitness Center & Kids Spaces – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Hooked Seafood, El Loco Fresh, Lime & Coconut, Bamboo Room

Mariner of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Port Canaveral), Caribbean (Port Canaveral), Bermuda (Port Canaveral)

2018 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Sky Pad – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Bamboo Room

Radiance Class

The four ships of the Radiance-Class were launched between 2001 and 2004. While Royal Caribbean was building the much larger Voyager class ships during that time, Radiance class ships were designed to Panamax standards to allow them to pass through the Panama Canal. There are many design elements carried over from previous classes, however, Radiance-Class ships were all about taking in the views. In fact, these ships boast exterior view elevators, two-level glass sections in the dining rooms, many ocean-facing public venues and over 500 balcony staterooms.

Radiance of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Caribbean (Miami), Alaska (Vancouver, Seward)

Notes: With their large use of glass throughout the vessels, Radiance Class ships have made a career visiting Alaska and other very scenic destinations.

Brilliance of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Tampa), Bahamas (Tampa), Mediterranean (Venice)

Serenade of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Australia/New Zealand (Sydney), Alaska (Vancouver), Caribbean (Tampa), Bahamas (Tampa)

Jewel of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam), Canada/New England (Boston), Caribbean (Miami, Port Canaveral)

Freedom Class

The three ships of the Freedom class launched between 2006 and 2008, built on the success of the Voyager class ships with many enhancements. While the overall design between the two ship classes is quite similar, the increased size of Freedom class allowed designers at Royal Caribbean to push innovation and provide more onboard experiences. Freedom class introduced the lines first cantilevered whirlpools, FlowRider Surf Simulator and dedicated kids splash park, plus expanded dining and entertainment venues in the larger Royal Promenade and around the ship.

Freedom of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bermuda (Cape Liberty), Canada/New England (Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Miami), Bahamas (Miami)

2020 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Reimagined Pool Deck – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay – Redesigned Spa, Fitness Center & Kids Spaces – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, El Loco Fresh, Lime & Coconut

Liberty of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Galveston), Bahamas (Port Everglades)

Notes: Liberty of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2021 which is now on hold indefinitely. During her 2016 dry dock, Liberty of the Seas received Perfect Storm waterslides, including the only boomerang water slide at sea, Tidal Wave, conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay and new dining and beverage venues.

Independence of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Miami), Bahamas (Port Canaveral)

2018 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Sky Pad – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Fish & Ships, Sugar Beach

Oasis Class

When it comes to major leaps forward within the cruise industry, the introduction of the Oasis class ships in 2009 has been one that has set the bar to such a high level, that even after more than a decade, no other cruise lines have come close. The four Oasis Class vessels, with a fifth under construction and another on order, are vessels whose design is so revolutionary in size, amenities, varieties of accommodation and awe-inspiring onboard experiences. Royal Caribbean delivered a long list of firsts with Oasis class ships. These include the first Zip Line at Sea, diving and entertainment venue the AquaTheater, two-level loft suites, hand-crafted carousel and the two split hull sections of Central Park and Boardwalk, offering dining, entertainment and the first non-ocean view balcony staterooms.

Never to be outdone, even by their own vessels, in 2016 with the launch of Harmony of the Seas, the third Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean introduced the Ultimate Abyss slide that winds its way from Deck 16 down to the Boardwalk on Deck 6, The Perfect Storm waterslides including the line’s first champagne bowl slide, Splashaway Bay and the Bionic Bar.

These new features and more have also made their way to Oasis of the Seas following her 2019 Amplification with Allure of the Seas currently waiting to receive a similar makeover at a future date.

Oasis of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Miami), Canada/New England (Cape Liberty)

2019 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Addition of Ultimate Abyss – Reimagined Pool Deck – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Music Hall, Lime & Coconut, Portside BBQ, El Loco Fresh

Allure of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Galveston), Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia)

Notes: Allure of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2020 which is now on hold indefinitely.

Harmony of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Port Canaveral), Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia)

Notes: Harmony of the Seas continued the evolution of the Oasis Class with the debut of the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, Splashaway Bay and Bionic Bar.

Symphony of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Miami)

Notes: Symphony of the Seas debuted casual eatery El Loco Fresh, Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and the Ultimate Family Suite.

Wonder of the Seas

2022-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Port Everglades, Port Canaveral), Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia)

Notes: The fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas is currently under construction with a planned debut in 2022. Originally built for the Chinese cruise market, Royal Caribbean decided to reposition her debut. She will continue the evolution of the class with many new spaces and a design that is quite different from her sisters.

Quantum Class

Sometimes it’s not about building bigger, but smarter. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class is a convergence of style and technology that delivers an incredible array of features and onboard experiences. Firsts in this class include Ripcord by iFly, the only sky diving simulators at sea, North Star, where guests get elevated 360 degree views from the comfort of their observation capsule and SeaPlex, a two-level multi-purpose indoor space offering activities like bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and more. Be entertained in the one-of-a-kind theater, Two70, where the latest tech in robotics and high-definition displays envelopes the audience and is part of the show experience. Add to that, sophisticated dining choices and some of Royal Caribbean’s most popular features spun in a totally new way.

Quantum of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Far East (Singapore), Australia/New Zealand (Brisbane), Alaska (Seattle)

2019 Dry Dock Notes: During Quantum of the Seas scheduled 5-year dry dock in 2019, she received an Escape Room and Laser Tag along with routine maintenance.

Anthem of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe/Mediterranean (Southampton), Bahamas (Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Cape Liberty)

2020 Dry Dock Notes: During Anthem of the Seas scheduled 5-year dry dock in 2020, she received routine maintenance.

Ovation of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Australia/New Zealand (Sydney), Alaska (Seattle)

Notes: Ovation of the Seas was the third and final Quantum Class ship before the arrival of the enhanced Quantum Ultra Class.

Quantum Ultra Class

Expanding on the successful technological wonder of the Quantum Class, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class ships deliver the same excitement with some new additions. New to this class is Sky Pad, offering thrills of a virtual reality bungee trampoline, loads of new dining and beverage spots and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. Tweaks were also made to elevate the onboard experience throughout the ship.

Spectrum of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Far East (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Tianjin)

Notes: Spectrum of the Seas was designed specifically for the Chinese cruise market and features exclusive venues not found on any other Royal Caribbean ships.

Odyssey of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Mediterranean (Civitavecchia), Caribbean (Port Everglades)

There’s not a lot publicly known about Royal Caribbean’s future new builds under the Icon Class. Currently, there are three ships in this class on order with the first scheduled for 2023 and vessels 2 and 3 following in 2025 and 2026. These ships will be an all-new design, likely featuring some incredible new experiences plus incorporate many of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ones. The 200,000-gross ton, 5,000 guest vessels will be larger than Quantum Class, but smaller than Oasis class and utilize new propulsion technology with an eco-friendly LNG drive system significantly reducing emissions.

How many of these Royal Caribbean ships have you sailed on? Let us know in the comments.

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Comprehensive Royal Caribbean Ship Class Guide: Everything You Need to Know

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• September 25, 2023

Royal Caribbean is a cruise line that offers a wide range of ship styles and designs. While the line is perhaps best known for its giant vessels, it also markets some relatively smaller, more intimate ships. With the removal of two older ships from its fleet, Royal Caribbean now has 26 oceangoing vessels in all, more than any other major cruise line. This means that travelers have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean ship for their next adventure.

The 26 ships can easily be grouped into six classes, each with its own look and feel. These classes are made up of ships constructed around the same time to the same basic design, and each has similar amenities. Whether travelers are looking for a giant Oasis-class ship or a more intimate vessel, they can find the perfect fit with Royal Caribbean.

Check out this post to learn how to pick the best cabins

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean operates a fleet of 26 ships, ranging in size from smaller vessels with a maximum occupancy of around 2,500 passengers to the largest cruise ships in the world. The company has built its brand around offering vacationers a ton of diversions on its ships, whether for dining or entertainment.

The biggest Royal Caribbean ships have the most amenities, including an interior, mall-like Royal Promenades with shops, eateries, and bars. With each step down in size, there are fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and attractions. Even the smallest of Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer, though.

Royal Caribbean groups its ships into classes based largely on the ship’s general design and structure. The line’s biggest ships are the five Oasis-class ships, which each can hold more than 6,600 passengers with every berth full. These ships are unlike anything else you’ll find at sea when it comes to size, amenities, and capacity. They have midship openings that are home to tree-lined central parks, and there’s room for three distinct pool areas plus a kiddie splash zone on their top decks.

Somewhat smaller in size, but still giant by any measure, are the line’s five Quantum-class and three Freedom-class vessels, which each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. With space for around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy, the line’s five Voyager-class vessels are relatively large, too.

Together, the 18 vessels of these four classes — Oasis, Quantum, Freedom, and Voyager — make up Royal Caribbean’s big-ship fleet. The line’s remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers. While no longer the focus at Royal Caribbean, the smaller ships (which in general are the line’s older ships) allow it to offer itineraries to places that aren’t as easy for big ships to visit.

If you’re sailing with the line for the first time, it’s important to understand that not all of Royal Caribbean’s signature attractions and venues are present on all its ships. For instance, while every Royal Caribbean vessel now has one of the line’s iconic climbing walls (some have two), only the 18 ships of the line’s big-ship classes have a FlowRider surfing simulator. Only the 13 ships of the Oasis, Freedom, and Voyager classes have ice skating rinks.

Royal Caribbean is currently developing an entirely new class of even bigger ships, the Icon class. The first of the vessels, Icon of the Seas, is scheduled to debut in early 2024, with two more ships coming in 2025 and 2026, respectively. It’ll measure a record 250,800 tons and have room for more than 7,000 passengers.

In conclusion, Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers a wide range of ships, from smaller vessels to the largest cruise ships in the world, each with its own unique amenities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for an over-the-top megaresort experience or a more intimate cruise vessel, Royal Caribbean has a ship to fit your needs.

Quantum Class

Quantum Class is the newest and most innovative class of ships from Royal Caribbean. The class includes five ships: Quantum of the Seas (2014), Anthem of the Seas (2015), Ovation of the Seas (2016), Spectrum of the Seas (2019), and Odyssey of the Seas (2021). These ships have a size range of 168,666 to 169,379 tons.

Quantum Class ships feature a wide range of restaurants, bars, and showrooms. They also boast some of the most unusual new attractions found at sea, including bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. One of the most unique attractions is the North Star ride, which is a glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that takes guests soaring into the sky for bird’s-eye views.

The Quantum Class ships also feature unusual, multilevel entertainment spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass walls called Two70. These spaces are home to innovative shows that often feature aerial performers, singers, and dancers who emerge from openings in the floor or ceiling. At certain times of the day, the glass walls transform into an expansive ambient surface called Vistarama that projects real and imagined scenes.

In addition to the unique attractions, Quantum Class ships offer many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions found on most of the brand’s ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas, and Broadway-style shows. However, some of the classic Royal Caribbean features are not found on Quantum Class ships. For instance, ice skating rinks and water parks are not available on these vessels.

“ RCL Quantum of the Seas ” by Thank You (23 Millions+) views is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Quantum Class ships are not as big as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class vessels, but they are still among the biggest ships at sea, with a significant number of venues. Most of the ships in the class hold 4,180 passengers at double occupancy, with a capacity of 4,905 if every berth is filled. Spectrum of the Seas, which was specifically built for the China market with some design differences, can hold up to 5,622 passengers. Additionally, the newest ship in the series, Odyssey of the Seas, can hold up to 5,498 passengers.

One significant difference between the Quantum Class ships and other big Royal Caribbean ships is that the Quantum Class ships are designed to be more versatile. More of their main attractions are indoors and protected from the elements than the ships of the Oasis or Freedom classes. For instance, one of the two main pool areas on each of the Quantum Class ships (except Odyssey of the Seas) is enclosed. The bumper car pavilions are also enclosed, doubling as roller skating rinks or used as indoor basketball courts. This allows Royal Caribbean to send the ships to cooler regions of the world, such as Alaska and Northern Europe, where the temperatures are not always conducive to outdoor activity.

The indoor SeaPlex venue on Quantum Class ships is a bumper car pavilion that doubles as a roller skating rink and can be used for basketball and games. Royal Caribbean has also used some Quantum Class ships for sailings out of China.

Oasis Class

The Oasis Class is a series of cruise ships by Royal Caribbean that includes Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and the upcoming Utopia of the Seas. These ships are the biggest cruise vessels afloat, and they offer a wide range of amenities that cater to big-ship lovers.

Each of the Oasis-class ships has three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court, and even a zip line. On their top decks, passengers can enjoy various amusements, including miniature golf courses, basketball courts, surfing simulators, and more. Inside the vessels, passengers can find more lounges, bars, restaurants, and shops than they can imagine, along with huge casinos, spas, and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks, just in case passengers want to get their Michelle Kwan on.

The Oasis-class ships are designed to carry as many as 6,988 passengers when every berth is filled, and they operate with around 2,200 crew members. That means passengers could be sharing their vacation with more than 9,000 people. However, despite their size, the ships don’t necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean’s designers are masters at creating vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded, at least in some areas. Passengers can have a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the sometimes nearly empty, tree-lined Central Park area of Wonder of the Seas while just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers are frolicking away at the ship’s pools.

“ Oasis of the Seas ship-outside ” by www.wbayer.com – www.facebook.com/wbayercom is licensed under CC CC0 1.0

The Oasis-class ships also have a few differences from ship to ship. For example, the three newest and largest ships in the series, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas, have a few additional attractions and venues. Among them is the Ultimate Abyss, a terrifying slide that drops nine decks. There are also giant waterslides on four of the five ships. Only Allure of the Seas is missing them. There are plans to add waterslides to Allure of the Seas, but they were put on hold after the COVID-19-caused cruising to shut down in 2020.

A handful of restaurants also differ from ship to ship in the series. The newest and largest ship in the series, Wonder of the Seas, has the most differences from the other Oasis-class vessels. At 236,857 tons, it’s about 4% bigger than the next biggest ship in the series, and the extra space is devoted to such additions as a dedicated suite area with a private lounge, restaurant, and sun deck.

The Oasis-class ships are designed for passengers who love big, bustling resorts with every sort of amusement known to humans. They are perfect for families, groups, and anyone who wants to experience a cruise on a massive, state-of-the-art ship.

Radiance Class

Radiance Class ships are a series of four vessels that were built between 2001 and 2004. The ships in this class are Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas. They are smaller than the Oasis-class ships, but still offer a variety of features and activities.

At 90,090 tons, the Radiance-class ships have more than a half-dozen places to eat, including a main restaurant, casual buffet, steakhouse, Italian restaurant, and Asian venue. Each ship has three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court, and an adults-only solarium. The ships also have a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

However, due to their smaller size, the Radiance-class ships do not have all the gee-whiz attractions found on the larger Royal Caribbean ships, such as ice skating rinks, surfing simulators, giant waterslides, and bumper car pavilions.

Despite the lack of these features, the Radiance-class ships offer a more intimate cruising experience with a maximum occupancy of 2,100 passengers at double occupancy, which is less than half the amount of passengers found on the biggest Royal Caribbean ships.

“ Radiance Of The Seas ” by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Freedom Class

Freedom Class is a class of cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean International. These ships were launched between 2006 and 2008 and include Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas. They were the largest cruise ships in the world at the time of their launch, and while they have since been surpassed in size by other Royal Caribbean ships, they still offer a classic big-ship experience with a range of amenities.

The Freedom-class ships are between 154,407 and 156,271 tons, making them significantly smaller than the Oasis-class ships but still quite large compared to other cruise vessels. They can accommodate around 3,900 passengers at double occupancy, with Liberty of the Seas able to carry several hundred more.

The top decks of Freedom-class ships are some of the most activity-packed at sea, with multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course, and a rock climbing wall. They were also the first Royal Caribbean ships to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on their top decks, which has since become a signature attraction for the line. While they do not have some of the over-the-top attractions of Oasis-class ships, such as zip lines, they offer a range of other activities.

In terms of interior spaces, Freedom-class vessels have the mall-like Royal Promenade spaces that have become standard on bigger Royal Caribbean ships. These spaces are filled with eateries, bars, and shops, and the ships also have large casinos and spas.

Overall, the Freedom-class ships offer a classic big-ship experience with a range of amenities and activities. While they are not as large or as packed with attractions as some of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, they still offer plenty to keep passengers entertained.

Voyager Class

The Voyager Class is a group of five Royal Caribbean cruise ships that were launched between 1999 and 2003. These ships are Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas. They have a size range of 137,276 to 139,999 tons.

The Voyager-class ships are similar to the Freedom-class ships, but shorter in length. In fact, the Freedom class was a stretched version of the Voyager class. These ships have many of Royal Caribbean’s signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.

“ Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas ” by Traveloscopy is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

The Voyager-class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes, and shops in their interior. Each ship also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet. Specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

One of the main differences between the Voyager class and the Freedom class is that the Royal Promenades on Voyager-class ships are shorter. The top-deck areas of the Voyager-class ships are also more truncated as compared to the Freedom-class vessels. There are also fewer cabins on the Voyager-class ships, resulting in fewer passengers on board a typical sailing. Most of the ships carry around 3,100 passengers at double occupancy — about 800 fewer than the typical Freedom-class ship.

At around 139,000 tons, the ships are about 11% smaller than the Freedom-class ships. There are also some variations in attractions among the five Voyager-class vessels. Navigator of the Seas has a relatively new waterslide zone that’s home to The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea. You won’t find that on the other ships, though most of them have different waterslides. Only three of the five ships — Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas — have laser tag courses. Adventure of the Seas is the only vessel in the class with a kiddie splash zone.

In a major overhaul of Mariner of the Seas in 2018, Royal Caribbean added a new attraction called Sky Pad. It’s a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience.

Vision Class

The Vision Class ships are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The ships in this class are Grandeur of the Seas (1996), Rhapsody of the Seas (1997), Enchantment of the Seas (1997), and Vision of the Seas (1998). They range in size from 73,817 to 82,910 tons.

These ships are designed to offer a more intimate experience to cruisers who prefer a quieter, less crowded environment. They have fewer onboard attractions and amenities than other Royal Caribbean ships. The appeal of these ships is more about the ports they visit than the onboard experience.

The Vision Class ships are often sent to Europe in the summer to operate port call-intensive itineraries. They also sail longer trips in the Caribbean that include less-visited southerly islands. These ships are sometimes based in secondary ports such as Baltimore or San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the size of the local cruise market might not warrant a larger vessel.

“ RCL Vision of the Seas ” by A Guy Named Nyal is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Unlike other Royal Caribbean ships, the Vision Class ships do not have the signature deck-top attractions such as surfing and skydiving simulators. However, they do have pools, whirlpools, and sunning areas on their top decks. All of the ships have at least two pools and six whirlpools, except for Enchantment of the Seas, which has three pools and six whirlpools. Enchantment of the Seas also has a bungee trampoline area, which is something none of the other vessels offer.

Each of the ships has at least one, and often several, additional specialty restaurants in addition to main restaurants and casual buffets. The line’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and Italian eatery Giovanni’s Table are two of them. Rhapsody of the Seas has the biggest selection of dining, while Enchantment of the Seas has the smallest. Three of the four vessels, all but Enchantment of the Seas, have an Izumi Asian restaurant.

The size of each ship in the Vision Class varies slightly. Grandeur of the Seas is the smallest of the four vessels, measuring around 74,000 tons. Enchantment of the Seas is the biggest, measuring around 83,000 tons. It was lengthened by 73 feet in 2005.

In summary, the Vision Class ships offer a more intimate cruising experience with fewer onboard attractions and amenities. They appeal to cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard experience. Despite their smaller size, they still offer a variety of dining options and have pools, whirlpools, and sunning areas on their top decks.

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Royal Caribbean cruise ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

What's the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship? It might seem like a strange question to ask, but it's something that matters if you're in the market for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The newest Royal Caribbean ship is typically also the Royal Caribbean ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It's what you want if you want the latest and greatest in a vessel for your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.

Right now, the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Icon of the Seas , which is just debuting in January . It's the first of a new class of vessels for the line.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other relatively new Royal Caribbean ships include Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. All began sailing in the last six years.

In all, Royal Caribbean operates 27 cruise vessels. On average, the line comes out without about one new ship a year, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for around 20 to 30 years before retiring them from the fleet. The oldest Royal Caribbean ship, Grandeur of the Seas, is 27 years old.

In general, Royal Caribbean's newest ships are far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last 15 or so years.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

Royal Caribbean's oldest cruise ships — those built in the 1990s and early 2000s — in many cases are half to a third the size of the line's newest vessels and have far fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer a lot of attractions as compared to many vessels at competing lines.

Royal Caribbean is known for bustling, activity-packed ships across its fleet.

Here, every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Icon of the Seas (2024)

Icon of the Seas is the belle of the ball at Royal Caribbean — the line's newest and most state-of-the-art ship. It's also the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and, indeed, the biggest ship ever built by any line.

Icon of the Seas is the first of a new class of vessels at Royal Caribbean called the Icon Class that will be rolling out over the next few years . Royal Caribbean has initially ordered three of the vessels but could add more ships to the series down the road.

Maiden voyage: 2024 Size: 250,800 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,610

2. Wonder of the Seas (2022)

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 235,600 gross tons Passenger capacity : 5,734

Wonder of the Seas was the world's biggest cruise ship until the arrival of Icon of the Seas, and it remains one of the biggest ships ever built by any line.

Wonder of the Seas is the fifth vessel in Royal Caribbean's much-ballyhooed Oasis Class series of vessels — the world's largest ships from the time they began debuting in 2009 until the arrival of Icon of the Seas early this year.

3. Odyssey of the Seas (2022)

Maiden voyage : 2022 Size: 167,704 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,284

Odyssey of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean's five Quantum Class ships. The five-ship series debuted in 2014 with the unveiling of Quantum of the Seas and is the newest class of ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet (until the arrival of the Icon Class of ships in January).

4. Spectrum of the Seas (2019)

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 169,379 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,246

Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class series and has traditionally sailed in Asia, often on cruises aimed at the Asian market.

Like all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas features an iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and other amusements and an unusual attraction called North Star that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.

5. Symphony of the Seas (2018)

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 228,081 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,518

Symphony of the Seas is the world's third largest cruise ship, just a tad smaller than its newer sister Wonder of the Seas and the recently unveiled Icon of the Seas. Like Wonder of the Seas, it's part of the groundbreaking Oasis Class of ships that began debuting in 2009 (it's the fourth in the series).

Like all Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas is broken up into multiple neighborhoods for cruising fun, including a Central Park neighborhood full of eateries, bars and shops that runs down the middle of the ship and is open to the sky.

6. Harmony of the Seas (2016)

Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 226,963 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,479

Unveiled in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the third vessel in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class series and the biggest ship in the world at the time of its debut (it's since been eclipsed by its slightly bigger sisters Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas as well as the new Icon of the Seas).

The ship was the first in the Oasis Class to have a sprawling water park area known as Perfect Storm and the 10-story-high dry slide attraction Ultimate Abyss.

7. Ovation of the Seas (2016)

Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

Ovation of the Seas is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class of ships. In recent years, it has mostly sailed in Australia and Alaska.

Like its Quantum Class sisters, Ovation of the Seas is filled with amusements such as an iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.

8. Anthem of the Seas (2015)

Maiden voyage: 2015 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

Anthem of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's five Quantum Class vessels (it was the second ship in the series). It currently splits its time between New York City (where it spends the winter, sailing to New England, the Bahamas and the Caribbean) and Southampton, England. It sails voyages out of the latter home port during the summers.

For the winter of 2024-2025, Anthem of the Seas is scheduled to move to Singapore for Asia sailings.

9. Quantum of the Seas (2014)

Maiden voyage: 2014 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180

Quantum of the Seas was the original Quantum Class vessel for Royal Caribbean, and it thus kicked off a new era for the line.

The 4,180-passenger ship notably was the first in the world with a Bionic Bar — a bar with a robot making drinks (a concept since rolled out to several other Royal Caribbean ships). It was also the first cruise ship with an iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.

10. Allure of the Seas (2010)

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 225,282 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,484

When Allure of the Seas debuted in 2010, it was the biggest ship in the world (by a hair) and is still one of the world's five biggest cruise vessels.

Allure of the Seas was the second ship in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class series, and only the three newer vessels in the series are bigger than it.

Like all Oasis Class ships, Allure of the Seas features multiple neighborhoods, including the Coney Island-inspired Boardwalk with an AquaTheater for acrobatic and high diving shows, a carousel, an arcade, restaurants and sweet shops, and two rock-climbing walls looming above.

11. Oasis of the Seas (2009)

Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 226,838 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,602

Oasis of the Seas was the cruise ship that changed the cruise world; a vessel so much bigger and with so many more attractions and venues when it debuted in 2009 that nobody who loved megaships wanted to be on any other vessel.

At the time of its debut, it was a stunning 40% bigger than any other cruise vessel on the planet.

Fourteen years after its debut, Oasis of the Seas remains one of the biggest ships on the planet, being just a tad smaller than its four Oasis Class sisters that have debuted in the years since it arrived. It's also eclipsed in size by the just unveiled Icon of the Seas.

12. Independence of the Seas (2008)

Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,634

Independence of the Seas is the newest of three ships in Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class series.

Like other Freedom Class vessels, it's notably smaller than Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class ships, but it still is big enough to offer a lot when it comes to deck-top attractions, eateries, lounges and bars. The back of its top deck features a FlowRider surfing pool, a water park area with swirling waterslides and a rock-climbing wall.

13. Liberty of the Seas (2007)

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,798

Liberty of the Seas is the second of three ships in Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class series.

Like its newer sister Independence of the Seas, it's smaller than Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class ships but still is big enough to pack in a lot of options for cruisers. You'll find many deck-top attractions, eateries, lounges and bars across this vessel.

14. Freedom of the Seas (2006)

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 156,271 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,926

Freedom of the Seas was another groundbreaking ship for Royal Caribbean, the first in a three-ship series (the Freedom Class) that were the biggest ships in the world when they debuted.

While no longer in the Top 25 list of biggest ships (so many bigger ships have since debuted), Freedom of the Seas still offers a lot of onboard fun. It was, notably, the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on its top decks — now a signature attraction for the line. It also boasts multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall.

15. Jewel of the Seas (2004)

Maiden voyage: 2004 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,191

Jewel of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean's four Radiance Class vessels, a series of ships that is significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships.

Indeed, at 90,090 tons, Radiance of the Seas and its three sisters are less than half the size of the massive Oasis Class ships.

Still, Radiance of the Seas has more than a half-dozen places to eat, including the main restaurant, casual buffet, steakhouse, Italian restaurant and Asian venue.

You'll also find three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium. Inside, a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges keep passengers entertained.

16. Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 139,863 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,000

Mariner of the Seas is the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series, which began debuting in 1999.

At the time of their debuts, the Voyager Class ships were the biggest cruise ships in the world (as is often the case with the new series of Royal Caribbean ships). But today, they are essentially midsize in the pantheon of Royal Caribbean vessels.

Still, Mariner of the Seas and its four Voyager Class sisters have many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.

Voyager Class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops in their interior. Each also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

17. Serenade of the Seas (2003)

Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143

Serenade was the third ship to debut in Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class series, which rolled out in quick succession in the early 2000s.

Like other Radiance Class ships, it is significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships but still has a lot to offer, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.

Like Jewel of the Seas, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

18. Navigator of the Seas (2002)

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 139,999 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,388

Unveiled in 2002, Adventure of the Seas is the second newest vessel in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series.

Like other Voyager Class ships, it is significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's newer vessels but still offers many of the line's signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.

19. Brilliance of the Seas (2002)

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,142

Coming out just a year earlier than Serenade of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas is an almost identical vessel.

Like Serenade of the Seas, it's a Radiance Class ship, and that means it's significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. However, it is still loaded with venues, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.

Like its Radiance Class sisters, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

20. Adventure of the Seas (2001)

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,114

Adventure of the Seas is the third newest vessel in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series.

21. Radiance of the Seas (2001)

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143

Radiance of the Seas was the prototype vessel for Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class series, which debuted between 2001 and 2004.

Like the other ships in the series, it's significantly smaller than the line's newer Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. However, it still is loaded with venues, including more than a half-dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.

In addition, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

22. Explorer of the Seas (2000)

Maiden voyage: 2000 Size: 137,308 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,286

Unveiled in 2000, Explorer of the Seas was the second vessel in Royal Caribbean's five-vessel Voyager Class series.

Like the other four vessels in the series, it has many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions despite being smaller than the Royal Caribbean ships that have debuted over the past 15 years. These include a rock climbing wall and ice skating rink as well as a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.

Explorer of the Seas also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

23. Voyager of the Seas (1999)

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,602

Voyager of the Seas was the original Voyager Class ship, and at the time of its debut, it was the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Twenty-four years later, it isn't even one of the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world, the result of years of growth in the cruise industry that has seen far bigger vessels.

Still, Voyager of the Seas has many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall and ice skating rink (two concepts it debuted). It was also the first Royal Caribbean ship with an interior Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.

24. Vision of the Seas (1998)

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 78,340 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,050 passengers

Vision of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean's Vision Class ships, which are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Unlike most Royal Caribbean ships, they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.

In general, Vision of the Seas and its three older Vision Class sisters appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship and cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions.

25. Enchantment of the Seas (1997)

Maiden voyage: 1997 Size: 82,910 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,252

Enchantment of the Seas is the third of four Vision Class vessels that began joining the Royal Caribbean fleet in 1996.

Like its sister ships, it's less than half the size of Royal Caribbean's newest, biggest ships and has far fewer onboard attractions and amenities.

Like Vision of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship.

26. Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)

Maiden voyage : 1997 Size: 78,419 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,998

Rhapsody of the Seas was the second vessel in Royal Caribbean's Vision Class of ships, which are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Like its sisters in the Vision Class, it offers fewer onboard attractions and amenities than are typical for the line's vessels.

27. Grandeur of the Seas (1996)

Maiden voyage: 1996 Size: 73,817 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,992

Grandeur of the Seas was the original Vision Class vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and it's the smallest of the series, too. In fact, it's the smallest ship in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

Like its sisters in the Vision Class, Grandeur of the Seas offers relatively few onboard attractions and amenities — at least compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships.

What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship?

The newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Icon of the Seas. As noted above, it is just debuting in January, with its first sailing with paying passengers scheduled for Jan. 27.

Measuring 250,800 gross tons, Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship ever built. It's also loaded with more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions than you'll find on any other ship at sea.

TPG got a sneak peek at Icon of the Seas in early January in advance of its first sailing with paying passengers. Don't miss our first stories live from the ship:

• Icon of the Seas preview: Photos of Royal Caribbean's newest ship
• Why the world's largest cruise ship won't be as crowded as you fear

What is the oldest Royal Caribbean ship?

The oldest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Unveiled way back in 1996, it's not just the oldest Royal Caribbean ship but the smallest Royal Caribbean ship — far smaller than the newest Royal Caribbean vessels. Measuring just 73,817 gross tons, it's just a third the size of Wonder of the Seas and has far fewer venues.

Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the gee-whiz deck-top attractions found on bigger Royal Caribbean vessels, such as skydiving simulators and giant water parks. For the most part, its top deck is lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s.

That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.

What new Royal Caribbean ships are coming?

Royal Caribbean currently has three new cruise ships on order, all of which will be among its biggest cruise ships ever — if not its biggest.

The first to arrive, in July, will be Utopia of the Seas , the sixth and final vessel in the line's iconic Oasis Class series. Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis-class ships have dominated the world of mega-size cruise ships since that year. At the time the class began rolling out, the vessels were around 40% bigger than the next-biggest cruise ships, and they have continued to be the biggest and most amenity-laden ships in the world ever since.

Utopia of the Seas is expected to be roughly the same size as Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second-biggest cruise ship. But it'll be smaller than the line's biggest ship, Icon of the Seas. It's currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

Royal Caribbean also has two more vessels similar to Icon of the Seas on order from shipyards for delivery in 2025 and 2026. The first of the vessels will be called Star of the Seas. The second of the vessels has not yet been named.

Known as the Icon Class, these ships are being built at the giant Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship available for booking?

Star of the Seas is the newest Royal Caribbean ship that you can book right now. While the ship isn't yet sailing, its initial sailings scheduled for August 2025 are already on sale, as are future sailings through April 2026.

Also not yet sailing but available to book is Utopia of the Seas, the new Oasis Class vessel that will debut in July. Utopia of the Seas sailings through April 2025 are now open for bookings.

The third Royal Caribbean ship on order has yet to open for bookings.

What is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships?

The Icon Class is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships. It'll be made up of at least three vessels, the first of which (Icon of the Seas) is debuting this month.

At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas is more than 6% bigger than the biggest Royal Caribbean ships that came before it. It can hold up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship. That's about 7% higher than the maximum capacity of Wonder of the Seas, the line's next oldest vessel, which can hold up to 7,084 passengers.

The bigger passenger capacity of Icon of the Seas is in part due to the ship's greater focus on family travelers. Icon of the Seas is being built with more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with children. It'll also have more amenities geared to families, including a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside dedicated to families with young children.

What's the difference between newer and older Royal Caribbean ships?

Newer Royal Caribbean ships generally are bigger than older Royal Caribbean ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels.

On Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest Oasis Class vessels, for instance, you'll find three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on their top decks.

Inside the vessels, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks.

In short, they're like giant floating versions of the megaresorts you find in the Orlando area or Las Vegas, and they appeal to people who like a megaresort experience.

Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas has a similar array of venues.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's older ships are a half to a third smaller and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Icon Class and Oasis Class ships can hold more than 6,600 passengers with every berth full, the line's four oldest vessels (known as the Vision Class) are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

That makes them a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet thus appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Royal Caribbean loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Royal Caribbean are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Wonder of the Seas.

Note that all Royal Caribbean ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Royal Caribbean cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

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This Is Amped Up Adventure

Voyager of the seas.

The amped up Voyager of the Seas® is packed with more ways to play.

Take on three stories of twisting, turning adventure on two high-speed waterslides in The Perfect Storm℠ or go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z℠. Hang ten on the FlowRider℠* surf simulator or recharge and reinvigorate at the spa and adults-only solarium. Plus enjoy Voyager Dunes, ice-skating, rock-climbing wall and totally reimagined spaces for every kid and teen. 

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Race to the finish line on two high-speed waterslides on The Perfect Storm℠. Or go head-to-head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠.

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Take a flavour-filled journey to the exotic Far East at Izumi. Find your element with rustic Italian dishes served with a contemporary flair at Giovanni’s Table. Indulge in the cut above the rest hand-cut steaks at Chops Grille. Or embark on a globe-trotting gourmet adventure at Windjammer Café.

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Come for the g-force spins. Stay for the spectacular ice dancing. The Studio B ice rink presents dramatic ice shows starring a cast of professional skaters from around the world. Enjoy dazzling costumes and choreography filled with amazing spins, leaps and lifts.

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Set out on a thrilling adventure on Voyager of the Seas®. Scope out Western Caribbean gems like Cozumel , or head to a legendary Euro summer holiday through the Mediterranean or Greece . No matter which destination you choose, you’ll embark on daily discoveries across breathtaking bucket-list coastlines.

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Kickstart your week-long bucket-list adventure from Barcelona , Rome or Athens  onboard Voyager of the Seas®. Soak up the sun in Valencia . Savour authentic Neapolitan pizza in a cosy trattoria in Naples . Or wander through iconic blue-domed churches in Santorini .

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Galveston is your gateway to a thrill-topping, island-hopping holiday in the Western Caribbean. Wander through ancient Maya ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula. Snorkel in the turquoise waters of Cozumel . Or go zip-lining in the jungles of Roatán . The tropics are calling.

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The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Celebrity Ascent — Celebrity Cruises Arrow

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. —Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara — Emerald Cruises Arrow

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August, the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles. Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia , has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From $3,850. —David Dickstein

Explora I — Explora Journeys Arrow

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs—such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic—curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From $698 per person per night. —Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International Arrow

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map—forgetting your sunscreen, for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the specialty seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crew members dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From $2,249. —Charlie Hobbs

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises Arrow

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the European cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details—this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. From $519. —Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva — Norwegian Cruise Line Arrow

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima . There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over the top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From $979. —Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilizers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience— Vista ’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley, and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul, Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025 From $2,699. —Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II — Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Arrow

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse . Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs—and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveler. From $7,455. —Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit — Seabourn Cruise Line Arrow

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From $10,799. —Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur — Regent Seven Seas Cruises Arrow

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travelers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving specialty pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur 's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jeweled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From $4,699 . —Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova — Silversea Cruises Arrow

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool, the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova ’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova ’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate—as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture, and place, before even disembarking. From $3,050. —Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton — Viking River Cruises Arrow

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio–designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration—just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travelers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real time, to shepherding travelers through modern night markets with endless fervor. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen—and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travelers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until, that is, your next Aton sailing). From $5,999. —Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship—20-plus to be exact—and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From $2,000 . —Rachel Dube

World Voyager — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by. Back in your cozy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant—think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favorite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From $1849. —Celeste Moure

Screen Rant

Star trek: ds9 foreshadowed voyager’s fate a year earlier.

In 1994, Star Trek began laying the groundwork for Voyager's 1995 premiere with a stark warning from Sisko about both the Maquis and the Badlands.

• DS9 set the stage for Voyager's fate, including the introduction of the Maquis and the crucial Badlands location.
• Commander Sisko's pursuit of the Maquis in DS9 foreshadowed Voyager's disappearance in the Badlands.
• The Badlands played a significant role in Voyager's pilot episode, setting the stage for the crew's journey to the Delta Quadrant.

The fate of the USS Voyager was foreshadowed by Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 2. With Star Trek: Voyager slated to premiere in January 1995, DS9 season 2 and Star Trek: The Next Generation season 7 laid some of the groundwork for the new show. The biggest way that DS9 and TNG set up Voyager was the introduction of the Maquis, the terrorist organization that would provide the rogue element in Voyager 's cast of characters. The TNG episode "Journey's End" set up the political situation from which they originated, while DS9 's two-parter "The Maquis" formally introduced them to the Star Trek universe .

Several Maquis members, including Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran) and Lt. B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson) would later be forced to join the crew of the USS Voyager. However, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 's Maquis two-parter set up the plot of Star Trek: Voyager in other ways, too . Halfway through "The Maquis", Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) is captured by terrorists, forcing Sisko to give pursuit. Tracking the Maquis freighter, Sisko, Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor), and Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) enters the Badlands, a region of space that would play a crucial role in Voyager 's pilot episode, "Caretaker".

Star Trek: Voyager & DS9 Crossed Over In The Mirror Universe

Ds9 foreshadowed uss voyager's disappearance in the badlands, the maquis' use of the badlands as a hiding place and strategic location was seeded through ds9 seasons 2 and 3..

Briefing Dr. Julian Bashir, Kira reveals that the Badlands is beset by plasma storms, making it an incredibly dangerous region of space. To which Sisko adds that " a few ships have been lost there over the past year or two ", foreshadowing the loss of the USS Voyager a year later. DS9 would also later establish that the Badlands was a key strategic location for the Maquis in their resistance efforts against Cardassian occupation , further setting up the Star Trek: Voyager pilot. Not only was the Badlands a crucial hiding place for the Maquis, the region was also used as a staging ground for larger military operations.

The Badlands were likened to the Bermuda Triangle in an early outline of Star Trek: Voyager dated 17th August 1993.

In DS9 season 3, episode 9, "Defiant", Thomas Riker (Jonathan Frakes) hijacked the USS Defiant and took it into the Badlands to rendezvous with a fleet of Maquis raiders. "Defiant" aired a few months before Star Trek: Voyager 's pilot, in which Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and the crew of the USS Voyager departed from Deep Space Nine to track down a missing Maquis ship in the Badlands . It was a fateful mission that ultimately resulted in the Intrepid-class Voyager being stranded thousands of lightyears from home, another starship " lost over there " in the Badlands.

While devising Star Trek: Voyager in August 1993, Jeri Taylor wrote that the Badlands were " a turbulent area of space where some ships have been lost (some of them might crop up during the series) "

Other Star Trek Starships Lost In The Badlands

"a few ships have been lost over there..." - commander sisko.

The USS Voyager was initially sent to track down the missing Maquis freighter, the Val Jean, aboard which Lt. Tuvok (Tim Russ) was undercover for Starfleet. The Val Jean was lost in the Badlands after being pursued by Gul Evek (Richard Poe), who was overseer of the Demilitarized Zone in place between the Cardassian and Federation territories. However, rather than being destroyed by the plasma storms that plagued the region, the Val Jean was actually captured by the Caretaker's coherent tetryon beam and brought to the Delta Quadrant . The Caretaker had also taken a Cardassian Galor-class warship, and a Cardassian Dreadnought missile.

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode "The Voyager Conspiracy" it is suggested that it was Gul Evek's ship that was captured by the Caretaker, however this is later debunked.

The most notable starship taken by the Caretaker was the USS Equinox, which was encountered by Captain Janeway and the crew in Star Trek: Voyager 's season 5 finale . However, given that the Equinox was stranded in a different region of space, it seems that they weren't lost in the Badlands like Voyager was. The Badlands continued to be a key position during the Dominion War in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , until the Maquis were rooted out by the combined forces of the Cardassians and the Jem'Hadar, a devastating loss for Voyager's Maquis crew members.

All episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager are available to stream on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

*Availability in US

Not available

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, also known as DS9, is the fourth series in the long-running Sci-Fi franchise, Star Trek. DS9 was created by Rick Berman and Michael Piller, and stars Avery Brooks, René Auberjonois, Terry Farrell, and Cirroc Lofton. This particular series follows a group of individuals in a space station near a planet called Bajor.

Star Trek: Voyager

The fifth entry in the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: Voyager, is a sci-fi series that sees the crew of the USS Voyager on a long journey back to their home after finding themselves stranded at the far ends of the Milky Way Galaxy. Led by Captain Kathryn Janeway, the series follows the crew as they embark through truly uncharted areas of space, with new species, friends, foes, and mysteries to solve as they wrestle with the politics of a crew in a situation they've never faced before. 

5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

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Royal Caribbean is unarguably one of the best cruise lines for kids. But that doesn’t mean all its ships are equally good for kids of all ages and interests.

Every ship in Royal Caribbean ’s fleet has kid-friendly attractions, such as pools, an outdoor movie screen, a rock-climbing wall and a kids club with age-appropriate activities. The line’s oldest and smallest ships don’t offer much more than that — while the newest and biggest ships in the fleet have many more amusements. These include splash parks and waterslides, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, zip lines, laser tag and fast casual restaurants serving Mexican food and Johnny Rockets burgers and milkshakes.

Royal Caribbean excels at offering something for everyone on its ships. It’s hard to find an age group that wouldn’t find something to love about the line’s newest ships, such as Wonder of the Seas (the current world’s largest ship) or Icon of the Seas (which will steal the title when it debuts in January 2024).

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As a quick guide, the line’s Vision- and Radiance-class ships have the fewest kid-friendly attractions. Voyager- and Freedom-class ships offer a sweet spot of plenty of family fun with a more manageable size. Oasis- and Icon-class ships are giant megaships packed with restaurants, shows and amusements aimed at kids and families, while Quantum-class ships offer a more sophisticated and high-tech approach to big-ship family fun.

But if we absolutely had to choose the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids, here are the ships we’d pick.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for babies and toddlers: Freedom of the Seas

I cruised with a 1-year-old to Alaska on Rhapsody of the Seas, one of Royal’s oldest and smallest ships, and it wasn’t my best cruise by a long shot. If you’re planning to cruise with little kids, my advice is to start with a short, warm-weather sailing on a ship that caters to the youngest cruisers.

On Royal Caribbean, that means picking a ship that has both a Royal Babies & Tots nursery and a Baby Splash Zone (because kids in swim diapers are not allowed in the main pool and water play areas). For my money, I’d go with Freedom of the Seas. It has both of those baby staples and plenty of restaurants and activities for the adults to enjoy as well. Your preschooler may enjoy the parades down the Royal Promenade followed by a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. (Freedom is one of six Royal Caribbean ships with their own Ben & Jerry’s outlet.)

However, Freedom is not as huge as an Oasis-class ship (which have great offerings for the 3-and-under diapered set), so you’ll have less FOMO when you’re stuck in the cabin after early bedtime. And the halls aren’t quite as long when your new walker decides the best activity on the ship is pushing something up and down the cabin hallways. (Yes, I’ve been there, done that.)

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Plus, Freedom of the Seas sails mainly short three- and four-night Bahamas cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean’s private island. If your kids are like mine, beaches are fascinating places to play, and CocoCay has a calm bay, pirate ship-themed play area, splash park and a shallow-entry pool perfect for babies and toddlers. Plus, conveniently located complimentary barbecues and tram services make it easier for parents to manage a day at the beach with their kiddos.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for little kids (ages 3-7): Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Icon of the Seas isn’t debuting until January 2024, but I’m already positive it’s the best in the fleet for younger kids. That’s because Royal Caribbean has built the entire ship to target young families .

The line has created a happy place for parents and kids under the age of 7 or so. It’s called Surfside and is an open-air space located at the back of the ship. It will feature a splash area with junior waterslides for kids and an infinity pool for adults. It will also have a beach-themed carousel, dry playground, arcade, multiple family-friendly restaurants (so you don’t have to go far when hunger strikes) and a mommy-and-me cocktail/mocktail bar.

This Deck 7 neighborhood is also a hop, skip and a jump away from the Adventure Ocean kids club on Deck 6.

Related: The best cruise ships for kids

Even better for all those little legs, Surfside will be surrounded by family-themed cabins and suites, many with separate sleeping areas for kids and adults. You won’t have to carry your tuckered-out tyke far when they’re ready for naptime in the cabin.

Because Icon of the Seas is a larger, reimagined version of Royal Caribbean’s beloved Oasis-class ships, families with young children can also enjoy ice skating and acrobatic diving shows, tons of family-friendly dining around the ship and top-deck attractions such as pools and minigolf.

Icon of the Seas will sail family-favorite weeklong itineraries to the Caribbean from the port of Miami . Each cruise also stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for older kids (ages 8-12): Wonder of the Seas

I took my daughter on Wonder of the Seas for her eighth birthday, and I can attest that Wonder (and its Oasis-class siblings) are ideal for older kids. These megaships have so much going on, your kids will never be bored. Or, as soon as they’re finished with one activity, they have several more to turn to next.

Some of the Wonder of the Seas activities have age or size limits, which is why littler kids can’t fully appreciate all it has to offer. For example, my daughter could go rock climbing, play in the splash park and multiple pools, ride the waterslides and the 10-decks-long dry slide. But she was just slightly too short and light to boogie board on the FlowRider or try the zip line. The minimum height requirements are usually 48 or 52 inches.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is awesome for families

The Studio B ice skating show and original musical “Effectors II” are perfect for older kids. My daughter was especially wowed by the slackliners, aerialists, dancers and divers we saw at the AquaTheater. Kids ages 8 to 12 may also enjoy Wonder’s escape room, sports court, minigolf course, carousel, promenade parades and arcade.

And let’s not forget about the many fast casual dining venues on the ship. My daughter would have dined on hot dogs and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets every day if I were willing to pay for it. She also enjoyed quesadillas at El Loco Fresh near all the fun top-deck attractions, the Campfire Cookie dessert at Playmakers and browsing the selections at the buffet. Other kid-friendly venues that got her thumbs up included the new-on-Wonder Mason Jar southern-themed specialty restaurant and pizza at both the free Sorrento’s and the extra-fee Giovanni’s.

Wonder of the Seas mainly sails seven-night Caribbean cruises, which is a perfect vacation length for this age group. Book those school-vacation weeks early as they’re popular dates.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for tweens and teens: Odyssey of the Seas

Tweens and teens would certainly enjoy all of the ships already mentioned, but sometimes they’re looking for a vacation that’s a little cooler and perhaps more high-tech. That’s why Odyssey of the Seas is our pick for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for middle and high school kids.

Odyssey of the Seas and its Quantum-class sister ships have some cool attractions not found on other Royal Caribbean vessels. Teens will love trying the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator and bouncing on the Sky Pad VR bungee trampoline. At the ship’s SeaPlex, they can get active with indoor basketball, table tennis and bumper cars, or get their game on at the arcade or virtual-reality play space. If they work up an appetite, they can grab burgers at Playmakers nearby.

The ship also features Two70, a cool hangout by day (grab a bite at the cafe and curl up somewhere away from parents to check your social media feeds) and a high-tech performance venue at night. The NorthStar is a sightseeing pod that rises high above the ship on a mechanical arm; teens can snap a selfie while up there.

Related: The 5 best cruises for teens

Social 180 is the tween and teen hangout on Odyssey of the Seas, and it’s extra cool given that it has both an indoor lounge and an outdoor patio. Plus, the ship has plenty of teen-friendly Royal Caribbean fan favorites, such as the FlowRider, rock climbing wall, laser tag and outdoor movies.

Tweens and teens may also be ready to appreciate Royal Caribbean’s diverse array of specialty restaurants including sushi at Izumi, steaks at Chops Grille and Italian at Giovanni’s. Plus, they can grab quick bites at El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s.

Odyssey of the Seas sails a mix of weeklong and longer Caribbean sailings, as well as Greek Islands and Holy Land cruises. This gives families more options for more adventurous travel with teens who are ready to handle longer trips or flights to Europe.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families heading to Alaska: Quantum of the Seas

Because most of our family picks are for ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas, it seemed like an oversight to leave out Alaska. Alaska is an amazing destination for a family vacation with kids, and Royal Caribbean bases four ships up north every summer. But some are better for families than others.

Our top pick for families sailing to Alaska is Quantum of the Seas (though nearly identical Quantum-class sister ship Ovation of the Seas is a close second). Quantum sails seven-night round-trip cruises from the accessible port of Seattle, perfect for families that can’t take more than a week’s vacation and don’t want to spend the time and money flying to Alaska to board a ship.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Quantum of the Seas has many of the same amenities as the aforementioned Odyssey of the Seas, which are ideal for Alaska. Indoor activities like kids clubs, the sky diving simulator and SeaPlex will always be usable even if the northern weather gets chilly or rainy. The North Star sightseeing ride is much more appealing when you can take in Alaska’s stunning scenery rather than mere stretches of Caribbean sea. Two70 makes for an equally attractive indoor observation lounge when the ship is cruising through fjords and by glaciers.

Quantum of the Seas get the nod from Ovation because it has two activities Ovation lacks: an escape room and laser tag.

Bottom line

It’s hard to go wrong with any Royal Caribbean cruise ship when you’re planning a family vacation. The bigger the ship, the more amazing kid attractions you’ll find on board. I’d recommend sticking with Voyager class and newer ships when traveling with kids, but even the smaller ships have kids clubs, pools and other family-friendly activities.

So when all is said and done, the best Royal Caribbean ship for kids is likely whichever ship in the fleet your family happens to be on!

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The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Moscow’s best free city tour

I love Moscow – this charming metropolis, its people, its history and its unique cityscape. I would like to share my passion for this city with you. It is my job to show you the most exciting corners of this fascinating metropolis. That’s why, as a travel specialist and your private tour guide Moscow in Russia, I organize a guided free city tour Moscow – so that everyone, regardless of their budget, would be able to enjoy the insider’s view of Moscow.

You get to see what only Moscow residents know and what other tourist guides keep from you. I am a licensed travel specialist in Russia and would like you to enjoy all facets of the capital of the largest country in the world, without demanding any money from you. I’ll show you the city on my free Moscow walking tour for 1.5-hours on foot.

Everything you need to know:

• My tours take place daily by arrangement, I am the only English-speaking licensed tourist guide Moscow, who offers a free city tour.
• My 1.5-hour free tours Moscow do not cost you a cent, I also offer other great paid tours as well.
• I am an experienced local, I make the tours informative, but at the same time relaxed and not off the plane.

Free Tours Moscow – Daily

My free tours Moscow city starts on Slavonic Square (Kitay-Gorod Metro Station), passes the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible on the south side of Red Square in the 16th century and where the tsars were once crowned. Then it goes across the Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the luxury department store GUM and with a view of the Kremlin towards the historical museum. Of course, you will also learn more about the stories that once happened behind the thick walls of the Kremlin – from the Tsars and Napoleon to Stalin. Then we continue through the idyllic Alexander Garden.

An advance booking is required!

Practical information:

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price: Free Language: English

«First acquaintance with Moscow» – a 2.5-hour city tour in the center of Moscow

This Moscow city tour starts on the Theater Square, past Lubyanka Square and the KGB-building, then through Kitay Gorod district and Varvarka Street, past the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then it goes across Zarjadje Park, over Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the GUM-department store and towards the Historical Museum. We walk through the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2.5 hours Price: 17 $ Students and children: 6 $ Language: English

A 3.5-hour car/bus tour of Moscow.

This is the best tour of Moscow city as all the important sights are visited. I am your Moscow city guide who will walk you through the city explaining the charming history of the city. This tour begins with picking you up from the hotel. 3 breaks are offered for photographing.

First, we will visit the most famous riverside streets and bridges in the center of the city with the most beautiful views of the Kremlin and the Moskva River (e.g. the Kremlin embankment and the Great Stone Bridge).

The first photo break is made at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. We then pass by the district with numerous museums, Prechistinka Street and the district with numerous medical areas.

We again stop at the Novodevichy Convent, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the other bank of the Moskva River to click pictures.

Then we visit “Sparrow Hills” where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city of Moscow from the observation deck. Then there are the skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Kutuzov avenue, the New Arbat, Tverskaya Street, the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, the KGB building and Varvarka Street. Here there are ample spots to click pictures.

We then drive past the Kremlin again and finally reach Red Square. We take a short tour of Red Square and say goodbye in the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 3.5 hours Price for a group: 170-200 $ (depending on the number of travelers) Language: English

Metro tour – daily

Palaces for ordinary people – that was what Stalin promised to the people when the construction of the Moscow Metro began between the World Wars. The communist dictator hadn’t promised too much. No other underground system in the world can boast such spectacular architecture – chandeliers, decorations, stucco, paintings on the walls – each station is individually designed. No wonder that Moscow residents love their metro. I will guide you through the bustle of one of the busiest subways in the world and show you the most beautiful stations Moscow city has.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: Metro tickets / the guided tour

Tour of Communist Moscow – every day

After the Communist October Revolution in 1918, Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Empire and was the center of socialist orbit for more than 70 years. This left its mark on Moscow, even if the USSR disintegrated more than a quarter of a century ago. The city streets are full of remnants of the communist regime and the Cold War. This is a walking tour where I will show you the most exciting places in Soviet Moscow: from the notorious KGB headquarters, also known as Lubyanka to the Karl Marx Monument to small hidden remains from the time of hammer and sickle. You will also learn about Stalin’s Great Terror political campaign and the system of the GULAG and how the USSR, the communist Russian republic, became modern Russia.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour

Alternative Moscow Tour – daily

Explore the unseen Moscow with your Moscow private guide and discover a range of sights during this alternative walking tour.  Away from the main tourist spots (in the central district of Kitay-Gorod), just a short walk from Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, you suddenly find yourself in one of the trendiest districts of Moscow. This place not only has trendy cafes and green squares, but here you can see the most beautiful spray works (according to Albrecht Dürer), hangout-places of the youth and hipsters, as well as learn what Moscow looked like in the 19th century. Here you will also learn exciting and even bloody stories about famous gangsters, eccentric business people and legends like the wandering preacher Rasputin, who is known in Russia either as the “holy devil” or the mad monk. To learn a little more about Moscow’s culture, this is the tour for you. On my alternative tour, you will get to know Moscow away from the tourist hotspots. This tour is of 2 hours duration and you will experience the following on the tour:

• St. John’s Hill, a quiet oasis right in the center, where time has stopped as it did in pre-Communist times
• Khokhlovka Art Center, where Russian hipsters and street artists hang out
• Samoskvorechye District where you can see beautiful streets and hear stories from old Moscow

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour / tram ticket

Kremlin tour – daily (closed on Thursday)

With its 20 towers and high walls, the Kremlin rises imposingly over Red Square. This world-famous fortress with its area of ​​28 hectares is home to over 800 years of Russian history. Described as the eighth wonder of the world, this historic fortress complex is the principal symbol of Russia that sits on the banks of the Moscow River. Today the Kremlin still harbors numerous secrets and has palaces and cathedrals, surrounded by Kremlin Wall. The current wall was constructed between the 15 th  and 16 th  centuries, but the original wall was made of wood around the year 1147. The Kremlin Wall became an important symbol of Moscow’s importance in the Russian Empire. This top tourist destination attracts millions of people every year and there are various sights to see. With my Kremlin tour, you will see the oldest square in the city in the heart of the Kremlin, the once largest cannon in the world and the scene of numerous dramas – from Ivan the Terrible and Napoleon to Stalin. You cannot miss this unique experience.

An advance booking and prepayment for tickets are required.

Time: by arrangement, daily (closed on Thursday) Duration: 2 hours Price on request Students and children: on request Language: English Included in the price: Kremlin tickets / the guided tour

Moscow pub crawl – Friday / Saturday

Experience the real nightlife of Moscow with my Moscow Pub Crawl and enjoy 4 pubs/bars plus 4 welcome shot drinks. Move from one bar to another and get to know travelers from around the world as well as the locals. Play fun adventure games and contests in addition to getting perks in the bars. Between the bars, move from one place to another on foot. The routes are organized as such that you will walk no more than 10 minutes between the bars. Visit the most exciting events, parties, concerts, and dance in the bars. Moscow Pub Crawl is a tour that you will never forget.

This tour runs every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 PM and you need to bring along your passport or an ID card, comfortable shoes, and wear smart casual clothes.

An advance booking and a small prepayment are required!

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 4 hours Price on request Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour, 4 shot drinks

1.5-hour boat trip on the Moskva River.

Taking a boat tour in Moscow on the Moskva River is a very pleasant experience. It allows you to know the city from a totally different perspective and admire the beautiful bridges. In this 1.5-hour river trip, you will sail past many beautiful sites in Moscow, so you can take the best photos to commemorate this day. The ship makes several stops on the way. The trip starts from the Ustinskiy Bridge near Sarjadje Park and ends at the Kiev train station.

On this Boat Trip, you can see sights such as: the former Imperial Education House, Sarjadje Park, the “flowing”, “floating” bridge, the most beautiful view of the Kremlin, the Great Stone Bridge, the legendary House on the Quay, the Christ the Savior Cathedral , the monument to Peter the Great on the ship, the central sports arena Luzhniki, the Sparrow Hills, 240 meters high Lomonosov University, the numerous architecturally spectacular skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Novodevichy Convent, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price on request Language: English

A military tour – riding on tanks in Stupino (Moscow region)

Russian Military is one of the largest military forces in the world formed in 1992. With my Military Tour experience what it likes to be in the Russian military, shooting guns, ride the Tank T-34 and various models of German tanks from the Second World War, as well as armored personnel carriers and vehicles. You will also shoot from the AK-47 and another combat weapon.

The tour will begin with your private tour guide Moscow in a Soviet army van accompanied with some tasty snacks and tea for a tasty start. Upon arriving, you will have to put on the army safety clothing and climb the Russian armored vehicles. The tour will take you on the noisy, smoky tank, driving through mud roads. All participants will get the chance to drive the tank which is coordinated by the Russian military.

Time: by arrangement, daily Price on request Language: English

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

Gorky Park and Sparrow Hills: Green Lungs, place to relax and meet

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