Finding the Right Royal Caribbean Ship for You

Choosing the perfect cruise holiday goes beyond just finding the idyllic itinerary, it is about finding the ship that will make the journey just as special as each exhilarating destination. With so many features packed from bow to stern on Royal Caribbean’s innovative fleet, it can be difficult to decide on the ship that is right for you. Here is a helpful guide to help you choose.

The Royal Caribbean Fleet

There are 27 vessels in the Royal Caribbean fleet, servicing different destinations and playing host to a range of different onboard amenities. The fleet is comprised of different ship classes within which each vessel boasts similar features. Highlights may vary between ships even within the same class, but to get a feel for what to expect on each, read on.

Oasis Class

Oasis Class ships are designed around a ‘neighbourhood’ concept. On board there are seven distinct zones that cater to different themes and interests for the whole family, including the tropical grounds of Central Park, the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Spa and Fitness Centre, the Youth Zone, and Entertainment Place.

These expansive vessels and the varied neighbourhoods and amenities that call them home make the Oasis Class ships perfect for all travellers, from intergenerational families to groups of friends or couples setting sail for a romantic getaway. There truly is something for everyone.

The Oasis Class ships offer incredible entertainment, including 3D movies, Broadway musicals, and first class acts that will take your breath away at the unique AquaTheatre, equipped with two diving platforms.

Enjoy thrills from the zip line suspended nine storeys above the Boardwalk to the waves of the surf simulators, test your skills at the ice skating rink, or challenge your fellow travellers to a game of laser tag. Game changing multi-storey waterslides also make an appearance on some of these epic ships.

The ships hailing from the Oasis Class are either relatively new or earmarked to be “amped” as part of the Royal Amplified program.

Quantum Class & Quantum Ultra Class

Calling all thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships are here to shake things up.

Highlights of Quantum Class ships include one-of-kind cutting edge experiences such as the North Star, a glass observation capsule that carries guests over 90 meters in the air and extends over the side of the ship delivering breathtaking 360-degree views.

Guests can also get a sense of what it feels like to fly within the safe confines of a skydiving simulator, carve up some waves on the surf simulator, or head to the SeaPlex where you can try out the bumper cars, play basketball, hit the roller skating rink, or test your skills at the trapeze school - all in one incredible indoor active space.

Awe-inspiring entertainment unfolds at the Music Hall and Two70 transforms into a scene of video projection, robotics and human artistry. Broadway musicals grace the stage and the outdoor movie screen is the perfect place to wind down after a thrilling day at sea or on shore.

Quantum Ultra Class is the next evolution of Royal Caribbean’s innovative fleet, retaining Quantum Class favourites such as the SeaPlex, North Star, the sky diving simulator, and incredible shows at Two70 – plus much more.

Choose from the sister ships in the Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class for an adventure of a lifetime.

Freedom Class

The Freedom Class ships are either scheduled to be amplified with new game changers, or in the case of Independence of the Seas, already transformed to welcome never before seen thrills and even more unforgettable experiences.

Boasting a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, an outdoor movie screen, The Promenade lined with bars and restaurants, and a host of pools and whirlpools, these vessels are the perfect getaway for families – particularly those that love sun drenched days by the pool. It is a big ship experience, without the premium price tag.

New “amped” activities will see guests don a virtual reality headset to take on a bungee trampoline, whizz through twists and turns of all new epic waterslides, battle it out in a game of laser tag, master the escape room and enjoy new dining venues.

Voyager Class

Similar to her Freedom Class cousins, Voyager Class ships are equipped with a series of highlights ranging from the rock climbing wall and the surf simulator to the glistening ice skating rink and the bustling Royal Promenade.

Sports enthusiasts and night owls will be right at home aboard the Voyager Class ships, with a full-sized basketball and volleyball court for all the action by day and at least 12 different bars and clubs (and as many as 17) for the all the action by night.

An adventure on a Voyager Class ship is great value for money with plenty to do for everyone, which makes it a perfect choice for families looking to enjoy a sensational getaway without breaking the bank.

From 2018 through to 2021 the Voyager Class is getting an overhaul which will see an array of new features also offering travellers a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience, new waterslide combos, laser tag and an escape room, as well as new places to wine and dine on board.

Radiance Class

True to their name, Radiance Class ships are designed to be truly radiant. Adorned with plenty of glass to let in the natural light and spaces created for prime viewing of destination ports as well as sensational sunsets at sea, these vessels call to photographers and scenery lovers and those who hunger for classic or traditional cruising.

If you can tear your gaze away from the horizon there are ample amenities and activities to engage and entertain you on board – and you can even ride in glass elevators as you scurry between them.

Conquer the rock climbing wall, hit the mini golf course, play some pool, relax with an outdoor movie, or retreat to the Solarium, an adult only oasis on board.

While no major amplifications are scheduled for the Radiance Class at this stage, all ships have been revitalised since joining the fleet.

Vision Class

Vision Class ships are smaller in size than the Mega Ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet but are still home to enough activities to keep you entertained throughout your cruise. They allow travellers to keep busy should they choose, from the rock climbing wall to the mini golf course, but also offer plenty of relaxation on board from the adults only Solarium to the Vitality Spa and Fitness Centre.

These four sister ships whisk you away in style, and while they may not have as many extravagant thrills as some of their cousins in the fleet, their size means they can take you on incredible itineraries that the Mega Ships just can’t offer.

Sovereign Class & Empress Class

These two classes boast just one ship apiece. Majesty of the Seas hails to Sovereign Class and the namesake Empress of the Seas hails to the Empress Class, both of which have been revitalised in 2016.

Both ships are home to sunlit glass covered spaces, glass elevators, an adult only Solarium and an outdoor movie screen (just to name a few).

Majesty of the Seas has fun for the whole family as well as plenty of options for rest and relaxation, making it a great getaway for families and couples alike.

Empress of the Seas, being the smallest and most intimate ship, is designed for sun drenched mini breaks and is the perfect choice for couples looking for a quick getaway.

Still not sure which is for you? Take a look at Royal Caribbean's fleet for what to expect on each ship.