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Royal Caribbean: The Complete Guide

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About Royal Caribbean sailings

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Mega cruise line company Royal Caribbean has some of the largest cruise ships in the industry — in fact, the new Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas is the largest in the world. Royal Caribbean offers a wealth of onboard amenities, and its most popular ships have a loyal following of customers who sail the line to all seven continents.

The company dates back to 1968 when it belonged to Norwegian shipowners who wanted to be a part of the growing cruise market. It is now part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which has several cruise lines under its banner. These include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Whether you’re after Royal Caribbean’s newest ship or some of the company’s popular Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries, here is a guide to its ships, destinations, offerings and loyalty program.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Royal Caribbean has an itinerary for every interest. You’ll find the company’s ships most often sailing around the Caribbean and to Mexico. It also operates ships that sail through the majestic scenery of Alaska, along the Mediterranean coastline, in the Baltic and in the South Pacific. Here’s what you can expect on its ships:

Cabin types: The interior cabins are the most affordable, and some of them have an extra-special feature: a virtual window. These screens show scenery from outside of the ship simulating what you might see from a sea-facing cabin. On certain ships, there are cabins that look toward the interior promenade or to the back of the ship facing the AquaTheater. Also available are sea-facing cabins, balcony cabins and large suites. Some of the most expansive have in-suite slides, cinemas and wraparound balconies.

Main U.S. routes: From the U.S., you can easily sail on its Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Mexico and Panama Canal itineraries, among others. 

Loyalty program: The Crown & Anchor Society is the line’s loyalty program, which provides accumulating benefits the more you sail with Royal Caribbean. Its elite status tiers are based on points, which you earn based on the number of nights you spend on board. Suite reservations earn double points.

The Royal Caribbean route map covers every continent, departing from both the West and East U.S. coasts as well as nearly 300 global ports.

Antarctica.

Middle East.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Some cruises are as short as two nights for a quick weekend getaway while others can last several weeks. There’s even a world cruise that takes 274 days.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

The cost of a cruise depends on when and where you travel. Things that can affect the overall price include:

Cruise cabin type.

NCL ship class.

Destination.

Length of trip. 

There are plenty of great deals out there, including three-night cruises to the Bahamas for as low as $252 per person. Or you can splurge and circumnavigate South America and visit Antarctica for $3,118 per person. If you go during one of Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free promotions, children staying in a room with at least two adults get to cruise for free (restrictions apply). This special promotion takes place several times a year.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

It's impossible to say definitively which Royal Caribbean ship is the best, since opinions vary from one person to another. But there are some ships you might enjoy more than others based on the type of experience you're looking for. If you're traveling with kids, you may like its newest ships like Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas for their numerous swimming pools and water parks. Couples may prefer the adults-only areas on certain ships. Icon of the Seas, for example, has an area called Cloud 17, which has its own pool and bar.

The cruise line has more than two dozen ships in its fleet, which includes the largest passenger ship in the world: Icon of the Seas, carrying 7,600 passengers at full capacity.

» Learn more: Icon of the Seas: Floating bliss or horror at sea?

The newest Royal Caribbean ship — Icon of the Seas — will set sail in 2024 with more than 20 restaurants and bars plus a water park, numerous pools, and family-friendly attractions designed in different "neighborhoods." This will be the largest passenger ship in the world, which is not a novelty for the cruise line. In fact, Royal Caribbean is responsible for introducing many of the world’s largest ships to the market. It keeps topping itself with each new ship.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive, and cruise companies (including Royal Caribbean) make money by selling ancillary services on board. These add-ons include things like beverage packages, specialty restaurant reservations and shore excursions. But there are plenty of perks that come with the cruise fare, and passengers can have lots of fun without spending any additional money. This is what's included in the overall cruise price:

Accommodations in your selected category.

Meals and snacks in the buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and by the pool. 

Non-bottled water, juice, iced tea, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and some water park activities like the popular FlowRider surf simulator.

Activities like rock climbing and bumper cars on many ships.

You will have to pay extra to enjoy the specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, upgraded drink selections, spa services and many of the onboard activities.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Royal Caribbean has brought many special features to sea, and its passengers have come to recognize the brand for these attractions, including:

The FlowRider surf simulator.

The first rock climbing wall at sea.

The first ice skating rink at sea.

The Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants and bars.

The AquaTheater, featuring water shows in the deepest pool at sea.

The cruise line’s loyalty program is called the Crown & Anchor Society, and it comes with benefits that grow the more you sail. You earn one point for every night you sail on Royal Caribbean and double points when paying for a suite. The more points you accrue, the more benefits you earn.

Crown & Anchor Society elite levels

The loyalty program has six levels:

Diamond Plus.

Pinnacle Club.

While most of the perks are discounts and priority access to various parts of the ship, there are several top perks that make the loyalty program worth it.

Four free drinks per day.

One free day of Wi-Fi.

Diamond lounge access and evening happy hour.

Two bottles of water.

Diamond Plus

Five free drinks per day.

Two free days of Wi-Fi.

Priority access and seating at theater shows.

Three bottles of water.

Pinnacle Club

Six free drinks per day.

Daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant.

Diamond lounge access and evening happy hour. 

How to earn Crown & Anchor Society points

Members earn one point for every night spent on a ship. Nights in a suite earn double points.

How to redeem points

Unlike airline and hotel loyalty programs, you don’t earn points to redeem later with Crown & Anchor Society. Instead, the accrued points determine the elite tier you are in, which comes with a set of benefits to enjoy on the ship.

The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Credit Card accrues MyCruise points, which can be redeemed for onboard discounts, upgrades and companion fares on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings. The card has no annual fee.

With the card, you earn:

2x points on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 25,000 MyCruise points after spending $1,000 on the card within the first 90 days of opening your account.

You need to have a cruise reservation with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, and then log in to a dedicated website to redeem points for onboard perks. You need to make those redemptions at least seven days before a sailing.

The perks include:

Stateroom upgrades (as few as 5,000 points on 3-4 day sailings; 15,000 points on 4-8 night sailings).

Onboard credit (5,000 points for $50; 10,000 points for $100).

Onboard gifts (two robes for 5,000 points; two polo shirts and hats for 10,000 points).

Cruise discounts ($300 discount on a Celebrity cruise for 30,000 points).

Companion fare (on a 7-8 night Celebrity cruise for 120,000 points).

Free cruise (for 540,000 points, you can redeem for a 10+ night Celebrity cruise).

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Royal Caribbean cruises have something for everyone.

Romantic types can book a cabin in the adults-only area while families can spend time enjoying the water park. Sporty travelers can try out the rock climbing wall or surf simulator. And with the world’s largest passenger ships, Royal Caribbean takes passengers all around the world with plenty of exciting itineraries.

Featured photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean.

No, but you can buy Wi-Fi packages with prices varying by the number of devices and length of the package. The price is around $20 per day.

No, Royal Caribbean sells several things on board like specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages, shore excursions and cabin upgrades. While there are many inclusions on the cruise (like most meals, accommodations and entertainment), Royal Caribbean is not all-inclusive.

Depending on the type of drinks you want to enjoy, there are different drink packages available on Royal Caribbean. If you buy an alcoholic drink package, everyone in the cabin over age 21 must also pay for an alcoholic drink package.

Non-alcoholic

The Refreshment package includes bottled water, premium coffee and tea, soda fountain drinks, fresh orange juice and mocktails for $29 per person per day.

The Classic Soda package includes soda fountain drinks for $12.99 per person per day.

The Deluxe beverage package ranges from $56 to $105 per person per day for beer, wine, cocktails, fresh juice, premium coffee and tea, mocktails and other drinks that cost less than $14 apiece.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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If you’re a fan of large-scale resorts, Royal Caribbean might be your ideal cruise line. Their vessels are larger than any other seafaring ships and they’re brimming with an unparalleled selection of restaurants, bars, entertainment zones, and attractions that exceed what you’d find on other cruises or even at some of the largest land-based resorts. Take for example their enormous Oasis-class ships, which feature a plethora of pool areas, water play zones, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, mini-golf courses, basketball courts, and even zip lines on just the top deck. Inside, you’ll find full-sized spas, sprawling casinos, and theaters offering Broadway-quality shows with famed performers. Some Royal Caribbean ships even go as far as to include ice skating rinks. If this sounds like too much to fit on a ship, remember that their biggest vessels stand 18 decks high, measure almost 1,200 feet long, and can host nearly 7,000 passengers. Essentially, these ships are comparable to the mega-resorts found in places like Las Vegas or Orlando, but with one distinctive twist – they float.

The Fleet of Royal Caribbean

With the highest passenger capacity worldwide, Royal Caribbean stands out with a fleet of 26 ships offering more than 94,000 berths. The fleet includes the five largest cruise ships globally: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. Each can host over 6,600 passengers. Collectively known as the Oasis class, these ships are unmatched in size, amenities, and passenger capacity. Another ship, Utopia of the Seas, is set to join this class in 2024.

However, the Oasis class is not the only heavy hitter in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It also includes five large Quantum Class ships and three sizable Freedom Class ships, each capable of accommodating between 4,500 and 5,600 passengers. Counting these, Royal Caribbean operates 13 of the world’s 30 largest cruise ships .

The company also owns five slightly smaller Voyager Class vessels, each with a capacity of around 3,800 passengers. In total, the 18 ships from the Oasis, Quantum, Freedom, and Voyager classes form Royal Caribbean’s large-ship category.

The remaining eight vessels, spread across two classes, are comparatively smaller, with a maximum capacity of about 2,500 passengers. These smaller, typically older ships offer routes to destinations less accessible to larger vessels. They appeal to Royal Caribbean fans who prefer a more intimate cruising experience and are willing to forego some onboard amenities. These ships are generally more cost-effective on a per-day basis.

Despite their smaller size, these vessels still provide a substantial array of restaurants, bars, entertainment options, and attractions.

In just over a year, Royal Caribbean intends to launch a series of ships even larger than the massive Oasis-class. Dubbed the Icon class, this series will include at least three ships, each weighing over 250,000 tons.

Itinerary and Destinations

Royal Caribbean delivers a worldwide cruising experience, with a primary focus on the Caribbean and Europe. In the summer months, nearly half of its fleet is usually assigned to voyages in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda, whereas about six to seven ships are dispatched to Europe. Alaska also welcomes the arrival of three to four ships each summer.

When the winter season rolls around, an even larger number of ships sail to the Caribbean, with some also journeying to Asia and Australia.

Recently, Royal Caribbean has allocated one or more ships specifically for cruises aimed at Chinese tourists, with Spectrum of the Seas, one of the line’s newest vessels, operating from Shanghai and Tianjin, China (the port for Beijing).

In North America, the main launch points for Royal Caribbean ships encompass PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa in Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Galveston, Texas; Bayonne, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); Baltimore; Boston; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska. In 2021, departures from Barbados were added to the itinerary.

In Europe, most Royal Caribbean ships set sail from Southampton, England; Amsterdam; Copenhagen; Stockholm; Barcelona; Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), and as of 2021, Ravenna, Italy, which took over from Venice as a home port.

Who travels with Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean is known for its large, energetic mega-ships that offer a resort-like experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy stays at places like Disney World or grand Las Vegas resorts. The ships are replete with dining and entertainment options, some even offering over 20 unique dining locations. But the experience isn’t only about bustling activities; they also provide tranquil spots for relaxation. For instance, you can immerse yourself in a book in the tree-filled Central Park area on Wonder of the Seas, while others enjoy the ship’s varied pool areas not far above.

The cruise line’s designers have skillfully crafted these ships to accommodate thousands of people without ever feeling overcrowded. They are outfitted with numerous attractions, including vast waterslides and bumper car pavilions, making them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups.

However, Royal Caribbean doesn’t just cater to families; their ships have something for everyone. They attract a wide demographic ranging from couples of all ages to solo travelers, with solo cabins being added to more ships recently.

Customers from various income backgrounds find Royal Caribbean attractive due to the availability of smaller, affordable cabins, casual dining options, and a range of bars and onboard attractions, making the ships universally appealing and accessible to those on a budget.

Furthermore, the ships feature luxury suites, restaurants, and services that cater to luxury-seeking travelers. Royal Caribbean executives claim that if all the suites on their ships were to form a separate business, it would be the largest luxury cruise line in the world. Despite the diverse clientele, one common thread among all Royal Caribbean cruisers is their shared love for a vibrant, bustling resort experience.

Accommodations and Living Quarters

Renowned for its wide array of onboard accommodations, Royal Caribbean offers a unique living experience at sea. The ships provide a multitude of cabin options, with some offering up to 34 different categories. These range from budget-friendly, windowless interior cabins that are a compact 149 square feet, making them an ideal choice for the budget-conscious traveler, to expansive multi-room suites that are over ten times larger.

These lavish accommodations are designed for affluent travelers who appreciate the mega-ship experience over a traditional luxury ship. Among these are the impressive Royal Loft Suites on Oasis-class ships, which cover two decks and provide sweeping views across the upper part of the ship.

Additionally, depending on the ship, those staying in premium suites can expect a host of perks. These include personal butler services provided by ‘Royal Genies’, exclusive access to a private restaurant, a suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues, and prioritized boarding and disembarkation. This range of options ensures that every guest can find an accommodation that suits their needs and preferences, enhancing their cruise experience.

Culinary Experiences and Dining Options

Royal Caribbean’s culinary experiences and dining options offer a vast array of choices to suit every palate. While some of their smaller ships have a more modest selection, the majority of vessels in their fleet offer an extensive lineup of dining venues that can feel almost overwhelming.

Their Oasis-class ships stand out with over 20 dining options, from casual Johnny Rockets diners to high-end restaurants offering six-course tasting menus. Each ship features a main dining room and a casual buffet eatery, known as the Windjammer Café or Marketplace, where meals are part of the fare. The dining room offers flexibility with My Time Dining or Traditional Dining for those who prefer a fixed table and dinner time.

Additional complimentary dining venues on certain ships include Sorrento’s pizza parlors, Solarium Bistro with its Mediterranean flair, and Cafe Promenade coffee bar.

For a special treat, each ship boasts at least one specialty restaurant, such as Chops Grille Steakhouse, Italian eateries Giovanni’s Table or Jamie’s Italian, and the seafood-focused Hooked Seafood. Other options might include Izumi’s sushi, Vintages wine bar, Wonderland’s creative cuisine, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Some ships even feature a full-service Starbucks.

Private dining venues are available on some ships exclusively for suite guests and top-tier Crown & Anchor Society members. While these specialty venues typically charge a flat fee, some operate on an a la carte basis.

For guests who plan to indulge in several specialty restaurants during their cruise, discounted meal packages are available.

Recreational Activities and Entertainment

Royal Caribbean stands unrivaled in the cruise industry with its vast array of onboard entertainment and activities. Their largest ships house an impressive variety of performance venues, from theaters to comedy clubs, a plethora of deck-top amusements, expansive casinos, full-service spas, and even ice-skating rinks. Additionally, the number of bars, lounges, and nightspots available is almost beyond imagination.

Performance Venues and Productions

The theatrical entertainment provided by Royal Caribbean is a standout feature that consistently amazes guests with the quality and grandeur of performances, all on a cruise ship. The line’s largest vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art theaters, comparable to those on Broadway, hosting renowned productions such as “Hairspray” on Symphony of the Seas and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” on Oasis of the Seas. Despite some shows being slightly shortened (though many approach two hours in length), and the casts not being Broadway’s top-tier performers, the productions maintain high quality. Remarkably, these shows come at no additional cost, unlike the expensive Broadway shows in New York City.

Adding to the allure are the ice-skating shows performed in onboard rinks found on 13 of Royal Caribbean’s ships. These interior rinks, surrounded by stadium seating for up to 775 spectators, showcase breathtaking performances by Olympic-level skaters – a testament to Royal Caribbean’s claim of employing more world-class professional skaters than any other global company.

Furthermore, guests on Oasis-class ships can enjoy mesmerizing aerial and water shows in the 735-seat outdoor “aqua theaters”. Quantum-class ships present Two70, an extraordinary theater space equipped with advanced technology, where multi-sensory shows combining singing, dancing, and acrobatics take place.

Comedy clubs are a regular feature on some ships, and live music can be enjoyed in several venues every night. Notably, the two-story Music Halls on Quantum-class ships have won the hearts of many guests.

Additional Indoor Features and Pursuits

Beyond the diverse entertainment offerings, Royal Caribbean ships are filled with a myriad of spaces where guests can unwind and have fun at any time of the day or night. This includes an impressive selection of bars, lounges, and nightlife venues.

Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet features a casino, with the larger vessels boasting expensive gaming areas. For instance, the Casino Royale on Oasis of the Seas is home to 450 slot & video poker machines, 27 table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, a poker room, and even its bar. The casinos on the remaining four Oasis-class ships offer similar extensive facilities.

The Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis-class ships, numbering 13 in total, also have Royal Promenades. These indoor areas, akin to malls, host some of the most distinctive bars at sea, along with dining options and retail stores.

For example, the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas features the Bionic Bar, where a robot serves drinks, and the innovative Rising Tide Bar, which elevates between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while guests enjoy their beverages. It also houses a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed venue, and the line’s signature Schooner Bar, located one deck above in a balcony area.

The Quantum-class ships, totaling five, showcase a smaller version of the Royal Promenade known as the Royal Esplanade, which transitions into another indoor space named The Via.

These Quantum-class ships also house an indoor activity hub called The SeaPlex. This space includes a bumper car pavilion that transforms into a roller rink when not in use, and also serves as a “circus school” offering flying trapeze lessons. Other activities at the SeaPlex include air hockey and table tennis.

For guests seeking a more serene and luxurious experience, each Royal Caribbean ship is equipped with a spa. Some of these spas are notably spacious, featuring more than two dozen treatment rooms and thermal areas complete with hot stone chairs, rainforest shower zones, saunas, and steam rooms.

Attractions on the Top Deck

The thrill of a Royal Caribbean cruise truly comes to life on the upper decks, where guests are treated to a plethora of unique experiences not found on any other seafaring vessel.

Swimming pools are a given – with the larger ships boasting an impressive number of them. The Oasis-class ships, for example, come with three distinct pool areas and a water play zone specifically designed for children’s enjoyment. Furthermore, more and more Royal Caribbean ships now feature water parks replete with sizable waterslides.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. These ships also host a range of entertainment-focused attractions including massive rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, zip lines, mini-golf courses, and basketball courts, to name just a few. Some of the newer ships even offer skydiving simulators – large acrylic tubes that mimic the adrenaline rush of skydiving.

Oasis-class ships go a step further, featuring an outdoor Boardwalk area furnished with a beautifully hand-carved carousel.

Among the most remarkable features on the deck-top of Royal Caribbean ships are the North Star rides found on Quantum-class vessels. These extraordinary attractions, arguably the most unique ever conceived for a cruise ship, involve giant mechanical arms topped with glass-enclosed capsules that take passengers soaring above the ships for a breathtaking view.

While the North Star ride is generally free, it can also be booked for special events like weddings at an additional fee.

Child-oriented Programs

Royal Caribbean prides itself on having one of the most all-encompassing child-friendly programs on the high seas, catering to kids from as young as 6 months up to 17 years old.

The cornerstone of this program is Adventure Ocean, a hub for free daily supervised activities for children from 3 to 12 years old. Kids are categorized into three age groups: Aquanauts (3-5 years), Explorers (6-8 years), and Voyagers (9-12 years). Each group enjoys a variety of age-appropriate activities such as scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. Many ships feature dedicated areas tailored for these separate groups.

While the complimentary activities wrap up at 10 p.m., parents have the opportunity to keep their kids at Adventure Ocean until 2 a.m. for an additional fee, turning it into a monitored Late Night Party Zone.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean runs a Royal Babies nursery program for children aged 6 to 18 months, which includes engaging classes for both children and their parents, helmed by early childhood experts. The Royal Tots program, aimed at 18-month to 3-year-olds, provides 45-minute interactive play sessions with appropriate activities and toys. Both programs are managed by trained youth staff. Many ships also offer short-term babysitting services at the nursery for an extra charge.

For the older kids, Royal Caribbean offers specialized teen and tween programs on ships for those aged 12 to 17. Some ships, like the Quantum-class vessels, even have a designated area known as The Living Room, equipped with games and a widescreen TV for socializing, in addition to a teens-only disco called Fuel.

What is the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise?

To appeal to a wide variety of people, Royal Caribbean provides a broad selection of cabin types at different price levels. For a typical voyage, travelers might find an entry-level cabin priced around $100 per person per night, while a luxury suite could cost five to ten times as much.

For example, as of the time this guide was created, a two-bedroom Grand Suite on the Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2024 was being offered at $3,010 per person, assuming two people sharing. This is more than six times the price of the most economical inside cabin (which was priced from $481 per person, also based on two sharing). Balcony cabins for the same cruise were starting at around $683 per person, again with double occupancy.

It’s vital to understand the “based on double occupancy” condition. Similar to most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s pricing is per person, not per room, and the majority of cabins are priced on the assumption of two occupants. However, for solo travelers, the cruise line does make available a small selection of cabins on some ships that are priced for single occupancy.

Booking Procedure

The process of booking a cruise involves a series of decisions, starting from your preferred cabin type to the ship and itinerary you choose. If you are sure about all these aspects, you can directly book your cruise through RoyalCaribbean.com. However, given the numerous choices to be made during this process, we recommend seeking the services of an experienced travel agent specializing in cruises. Such an agent will understand your unique interests, travel style, and preferences, guiding you to choose the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary, and cabin. They can also provide invaluable assistance if any issues occur before, during, or after your journey.

If Royal Caribbean is your cruise line of choice, consider finding a travel agent who specializes in this brand. Such an expert would be familiar with all 34 cabin categories and ideally, have firsthand experience inspecting the ships.

Whether you choose to use a travel agent or not, remember to make the most of your credit card spending when paying for the cruise. Opt for a credit card that offers bonus points for travel purchases. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card gives 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit), while the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 points per dollar on dining).

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Royal Caribbean has not attained its position as the world’s largest cruise line by passenger capacity by chance. Its consistent ability to enthrall customers with magnificent, resort-like ships brimming with a wide variety of entertainment and activities is a testament to its success.

For those who enjoy the grandeur of large resorts, you’ll certainly find pleasure in Royal Caribbean’s biggest vessels, particularly the immense Oasis-class ships. On the contrary, if your preference leans towards the charm of small boutique hotels or if you simply enjoy less crowded spaces, this cruise line may not align with your tastes.

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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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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Discover The World Cruise Segments

Choose your adventures on this around-the-world cruise.

By Mary Luz Mejia | Published on August 4, 2023

If you've ever dreamed of packing up and sailing away, a world cruise might be your fantasy come to life. You pack your bags once and get to see more countries than many people see in a lifetime. If this sounds magical to you, get set to sail on an epic, around-the-world vacation called the Ultimate World Cruise℠ onboard the stunning Serenade of the Seas®. This once-in-a-lifetime voyage gives you the option of taking one of four world cruise segments — for your own mini world cruise — or enjoying them all by spending 274 nights on the full cruise. And within the four world cruise segments, the cruises are divided into 17 sailings that you can mix and match.

The beauty of booking a full world cruise is that it takes the logistics and guesswork out of where to go and what to do, offering you a fabulous itinerary encompassing more than 60 countries on seven continents. (It's especially ideal for those who don't love flying.) This global discovery experience offers the culturally curious an opportunity for full immersion in some of the world's most beautiful natural and man-made landscapes. From the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, you're sure to be wowed by this itinerary.

Start your voyage in Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, and end your world cruise on Sept.10, 2024, in the same port. Of the 150 ports of call, 40 are either rarely available in Royal Caribbean Cruise itineraries or are brand new! With opportunities to see 11 world wonders and discover so many destinations, the world is your oyster!

Choosing Your world cruise Adventure

A s Dr. Seuss once wrote, "Oh, the places you'll go!" With world cruise segments, you can pick a part of the globe to explore in depth on a trip ranging from 62 to 88 days. Enjoy one, or choose a combination of segments for an ultimate around-the-world vacation.

The segments divide the globe into four geographic groupings as follows: the Ultimate Americas Cruise (sailing Dec. 10, 2023 to Feb. 11, 2024), the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise (sailing Feb. 11 to May 9, 2024), the Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise (sailing May 9 to July 10, 2024) and the Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise (July 10 to Sept. 10, 2024).

This first of four world cruise segments, the Ultimate Americas Cruise, is a stunner. The sailing kicks off in Miami, so you don't even need to book a long fiight to begin your adventure. As part of the itinerary, you'll sail the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and enjoy the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), chill out on Barbados' talcum-like beaches before journeying around Cape Horn toward the glacier-studded waters of Antarctica. Bundle up, as this is the world's coldest continent. While there, you can watch whales display their aquatic power as they breach the surface. Closer to shore, you'll see penguins dart through the icy waters.

As you move on to warmer climates, you can take in the art deco Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro just in time for New Year's Eve. Dance the samba in Bahia, Brazil and marvel at nature's majesty at any one of the 257 waterfalls that comprise the Iguaçú Falls in Argentina. The world wonders continue with the ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico's Chichén Itzá or the former Incan citadel in Peru's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.

North of this, birdwatchers feast their eyes on a plethora of tropical hummingbirds and rare species in Costa Rican rainforests — or go surfing in Central American hot spot San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Try top-notch vintages to go with your fresh fish tacos at one of many vineyards in Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, and then head to  Los Angeles , where this segment ends. If you weren't counting, that's four world wonders on offer on this leg of the world cruise alone — and no international flights required.

If you choose to book the second segment, the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, you'll bid star-studded La-La Land goodbye, setting off on an itinerary that starts with Hawaii and its dramatic volcanic black beaches and white-capped waves. Tour the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn more about one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history. Take in a luau and visit the Iolani Palace, where the Hawaiian royal family once resided. In French Polynesia, enjoy a traditional Tahitian dance and a mai tai cocktail and be mesmerized by the sapphire waters of Moorea. Drift past lush mountain peaks and sparkling white beaches in Tahiti. Indulge your inner daredevil in New Zealand with adrenaline-spiking outdoor sports — such as bungee jumping and zorbing — and learn about native Maori culture before heading to  Australia . There, one of the world's best-known natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, awaits with a kaleidoscopic array of over 1,500 kinds of fish in addition to other marine life and coral.

You'll continue to Asia, where the beaches of Bali beckon, as do the bustling metropolises of Hong Kong, Manila in the Philippines, and Seoul, Korea. Walk along part of the 13,000-mile ancient Great Wall of China, explore Beijing and immerse yourself in the electric vibe of Tokyo. Hike Mount Fuji in Japan or take part in  shinrin-yoku  (forest bathing) near the famed Meiji Shrine. Explore swanky Singapore, eat at hawker markets, slurp noodle dishes in Malaysia, enjoy a spicy curry in Sri Lanka and take a bite of a bahn mi sandwich in Vietnam. Pay your respects to love at India's iconic Taj Mahal before passing through Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates en route to the modern marvel that is Dubai, where this world cruise segment concludes.

Around-The-World Cruise Perks And Tips

Travelers who book the Ultimate World Cruise℠ get perks that aren't usually included. To ensure your home base onboard the Serenade of the Seas is picture-perfect on your around-the-world vacation, you'll enjoy wash-and-fold laundry service for up to three bags per stateroom per week, a deluxe beverage package per guest, gratuities and a VOOM® Surf + Stream  high speed internet package for two devices per stateroom. Also included in this adventure is a pre-cruise two-night stay and gala/dinner party at the InterContinental Miami, roundtrip business class airfare to get you to and from port, premium transportation from the airport to your hotel and the pier, as well as added perks for Crown & Anchor Society members.

Packing can be a challenge when you're visiting so many different parts of the world, but it's a challenge most travelers would relish. Depending on the world cruise segments you choose, it's best to bring a range of clothing to suit the various climates you will visit. For example, for the Ultimate Americas leg, temperatures fluctuate from tropical to cold and windy. You'll want to bring layers to build warmth, waterproof gear, as well as gloves that work with touchscreens if you're planning photographic magic. You'll also need to bring along cool cottons and linens to stay comfortable in the warmer climates. We also suggest packing some seasickness medication — just in case.

Best of all, the Royal Caribbean Cruise team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire cruise so you will only have to unpack once. This is, of course, based on the inventory available since this cruise started booking in November 2021.

To reserve the enture once-in-a-lifetime Ultimate World Cruise℠ or a segment, a nonrefundable deposit is required, with full payment received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made within 180 days prior to cruise departure will need to be paid in full within 48 hours of booking. Interior staterooms start at $59,999 per person, excluding taxes, fees and port expenses; up to a starting price of $82,949 for a balcony staterooms. Junior suites start at $117,599. If you choose to pay in full, there's a 10% savings.

The third segment of the around-the-world vacation, Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise, lasts 63 days and covers three continents along with 44 destinations — many of which are thrilling bucket-list spots. Departing from dazzling Dubai, you'll have roamed near-mystical desert dunes or shopped the gold souks for that just-right bling. Behold one of the most stunning world wonders, Jordan's rose-colored ancient city of Petra; Oman's beautiful beaches; and enthralling Egyptian pyramids. The holy city of Jerusalem and the Eastern Mediterranean await, with Cypriot castles, the Temple of Artemis in Turkey, beautiful Bulgarian Byzantine architecture and Romanian vineyards with vines dating back over 6,000 years. Take in Istanbul's cafe life, shopping and culture.

Get your camera ready for stunning golden-hour vistas on whitewashed Greek Islands amid the crystalline Aegean Sea; grab a gondola for a ride through Venice, Italy's many canals; and stroll the marble streets of Croatia's Adriatic jewel, Dubrovnik. Wander Rome's Colosseum in Italy, enjoy the city's famous carbonara pasta, revel in the French Riviera and sail toward Mallorca. You'll end in one of the most beautiful cities by the sea, Barcelona, Spain, where you can admire the work of one of Catalonia's famed architects, Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia cathedral.

The final around-the-world cruise leg, Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise, departs from  Barcelona  and heads south to the Spanish cities of Valencia (fun fact: The rice dish called  paella  comes from this city) and Cartagena. The latter offers you the opportunity to visit Roman theaters dating back to 1 AD. Cruise the famed Strait of Gibraltar as you head to North Africa. Morocco's Casablanca, made famous by the movie of the same name, and Agadir await, as do the country's majestic Atlas Mountains. You'll head to Atlantic Portugal, where the country's  azulejos  (hand-painted tiles) adorn everything from shop and home façades to train stations in Lisbon. Don't forget to sample a  pastéis de nata  (custard tart), made famous in this city, and indulge in port wine, sourced regionally from Porto, Portugal. Next, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Ireland, order a pint at a local pub and go on to enjoy the sparkling city of Paris, laid out before you from atop the Eiffel Tower. Have a café crème before sailing to the English port city of Southampton, from which the Titanic departed.

From there, head north to design-centric Copenhagen, Denmark, behold fairy-tale-looking fjords in Norway and explore the cobblestone-lined medieval Old Town in Stockholm, Sweden. Take part in Swedish  fika , the country's coffee break tradition that includes cardamom-spiced baked treats. This adventure wouldn't be complete without a stop in bohemian Berlin or the Baltic shores of Estonia and Lithuania. Soak in Iceland's geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon. Head west and behold breaching humpback whales off the shores of Canada's furthest eastern landmass, Newfoundland. Make your way from beautifully rugged Atlantic Canada to the Big Apple itself, New York City, with its bright lights and Broadway spectacles. Wind down on the pink sandy beaches of Bermuda and return to subtropical Miami, where your world cruise comes to a heady close.

Written By MARY LUZ MEJIA

Colombian-born, Canadian raised Mary Luz Mejia is a twice NATJA nominated freelance food/travel journalist, Gemini-nominated former food TV producer and Level II Certified Chocolate Taster. Her work has been published in Saveur Magazine, the Toronto Star, The Globe & Mail, The Latin Kitchen, Rodale's Organic Gardening and Toronto Life to name a few. Former Saveur Editor-In-Chief James Oseland calls her "One of Toronto's most passionate food journalists" and her personal goal is to master iconic Latin American dishes, one plate at a time. And por supuesto, se habla Español!

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Who owns Royal Caribbean cruises, and which cruise lines does Royal Caribbean own?

R oyal Caribbean International is one of the most recognized brands in the cruise industry. With nearly 30 ships in its fleet, it's also the largest. For several years running, it has operated vessels that, one after the other, held the title of world's largest cruise ship .

If you've ever wondered who owns Royal Caribbean International, you've come to the right place. The line is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd.), which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Here's a rundown with more specifics for each of the Royal Caribbean Group brands.

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

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises began in 1988 as a Greek cruise line offering an experience that was slightly more elevated than the likes of other cruise lines that were operating at the time. In 1997, Celebrity was acquired by what was then Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., making it Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line (currently the only sisterhood in the industry that offers reciprocity for loyalty status ) and ushering in a new era of ships for the fleet.

Now, Celebrity sails more than a dozen vessels and still offers the same upmarket experience for which it was founded. It features a high-end vibe that's not all-inclusive, which allows fares to remain affordable when compared to luxury lines.

The ships' cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, the entertainment is high-energy, and the nightlife is lively. Sailings tend to attract young professionals and couples, as well as families with adult children, thanks to an ambience that's trendy without being tacky.

Related: All you need to know about Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean was born in 1968, sailing voyages from Miami to the Caribbean on the line's first ship, Song of Norway. Since then, the fleet has grown considerably and now sails to many parts of the world.

Offering award-winning kids clubs, excellent dining options and creative entertainment — as well as a variety of wow-factor amenities like onboard surfing , skydiving and zip lining — Royal Caribbean attracts lots of active travelers and families with children.

Since the line has so many ships, it's easy to find one that meets your needs, whether you're seeking a smaller, older vessel with affordable cabins or the newest, largest and flashiest ships with exclusive (read: pricey) suite areas .

Related: All you need to know about Royal Caribbean

Silversea Cruises

The cruise industry's first all-inclusive luxury brand, Silversea Cruises, debuted in 1994. In 2018, Royal Caribbean Group acquired two-thirds of the line and purchased the remaining bit in 2020.

Silversea's fares include high-end perks, such as all-suite accommodations with butler service, as well as flights and transfers. This allows passengers to have a truly seamless door-to-gangway (and back again) cruise experience.

The Silversea fleet comprises 11 ships — seven classic oceangoing vessels and four expedition ships — that carry between 100 and 728 passengers each. In addition to their smaller size and more intimate onboard experience, the vessels provide understated elegance with elements like marble bathrooms and Bulgari bath products.

Related: All you need to know about Silversea Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group FAQ

Is carnival owned by royal caribbean.

No. Carnival Cruise Line is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.

Is Celebrity owned by Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group, the same parent company that owns and operates Royal Caribbean International.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line owned by Royal Caribbean?

No. Norwegian Cruise Line is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Who is the sister company of Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean has two sister brands, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. All three brands fall under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Royal Caribbean's newest ship is also its priciest. Here's what it's like spending as little as possible, with no lobster or other upgrades.

• Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas could be an expensive vacation compared to other cruise ships.
• Sailing on the mega-ship without paying for any of its upcharged amenities is possible.
• But it would mean spending at least $265 a day, staying sober, and repeating meals.

A budget vacation on Royal Caribbean's new wildly popular Icon of the Seas is possible. Just be prepared to stay sober, repeat meals, and pay at least $265 a day.

Right now, there's likely no better example of the mass-market cruise industry's shift toward the budget airline strategy — charge a cheap base fare and offer irresistible up-charged amenities — than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise liner.

After all, what other ship comes with a $100,000-a-week cabin and a $200-per-person restaurant?

But it is possible to vacation on the mega-ship without giving into any of its upcharged restaurants and activities. If you're strong enough to do so, here's what your seven nights on Icon of the Seas could look like.

Be warned: It won't include lobsters or private lounges .

Less than half of Icon’s 28 eateries are complimentary, so you’ll likely repeat meals.

Picky eaters are sure to find at least one satisfactory option at the ship's three buffets, one of which is Mexican-themed.

If not, the complimentary pizza shop or sandwiches from the two on-board cafés might suffice.

In search of variety, grab a Mediterranean-style wrap or crepe at the five-stall food hall instead.

For a more formal dinner, budget cruisers can grub on a three-course meal at the complimentary dining room.

The three-floor restaurant has a rotating menu with classics like crab cakes, New York strip steak, and cheesecake.

Just don't expect lobster or filet mignon. Both cost extra.

For better or worse, guests snubbing upcharged options would also be snubbing booze.

Like most mass-market cruise ships, Icon of the Seas' 18 bars aren't free. If you want alcohol and sodas, be prepared to pay for a beverage package.

Thankfully, the ship’s complimentary amenities could distract you from your sobriety.

Icon's surf simulator and impressive six-slide waterpark won't run you a tab.

The same goes for its seven pools and nine hot tubs — save for one of each exclusive to guests who've booked a suite.

For drier activities, families could spend their afternoons scaling the rock climbing wall or testing their putt at the nine-hole mini-golf course.

Or they could work off their lunch buffet by sweating it out at the sports court — basketball and ping pong included — for no extra charges.

Fortunately, Icon of the Seas' nighttime entertainment is also a great equalizer. Its ice skating performance, rendition of the Broadway hit "Wizard of Oz," and multi-disciplinary dance, swim, and dive show are complimentary to all guests.

But if you want to test your fear of heights at the part-walking, part-agility, part-ziplining Crown's Edge , you'll have to cough up $49.

The arcade games aren't free, either.

Guests staying in suites have access to a shared outdoor lounge.

There's also the option to pay up to $700 for one day with a private cabana-like "casita."

But if you're on a budget, you'll have to fight "pool chair hogs" for the best poolside seating instead. (Consider bringing a sheet mask with you — a 25-minute facial at the ship's spa is almost $150.)

And hold off on your Instagram photo dumps until after your vacation.

Otherwise, you'll have to cough up $31 per day and device for streaming-enabled WiFi, totaling $217 for the duration of the cruise. (Icon of the Seas is exclusively operating seven-night sailings.)

But let’s face it: The base fare alone isn’t ultra-affordable compared to other cruise ships.

Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told Business Insider in late 2023, three months before Icon's launch , that the vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50%, if not more."

Steep, compared to the typical 20% to 50% new-ship premiums.

The cheapest interior stateroom for 2024 currently costs $265 per person per day.

But even the windowless cabin comes with its own list of upgrades.

Travelers who want to pick their own stateroom must pay an additional $128 per person. If they opt for one of the larger (by at least one square foot) interior cabins, it'll be an extra $100.

Which is to say, good luck avoiding any of the upcharged amenities on your Icon of the Seas vacation .

• Main content

Royal Caribbean to Make First Calls to Vanilla Islands

• April 14, 2024

Royal Caribbean International will make a series of inaugural visits to Vanilla Islands with the Serenade of the Seas in May, according to a press release.

The Serenade of the Seas is scheduled to visit four islands: Seychelles (May 14); Madagascar (May 17); Mauritius (May 19); and Reunion (May 20).

Pascal Viroleau, chief executive officer of Vanilla Islands Organisation, said that this visit promises to inaugurate a new era of travel and discovery for the region. 

“Royal Caribbean is cruising for the first time in our seas. It will come in May,” Viroleau told Cruise Industry News . “We hope that the calls will satisfy both the company and the passengers and then they could deploy a more consistent program.”

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