Royal Caribbean Ships By Size And Weight (Is BIGGER Better?)

Stepping aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship feels like entering a floating realm where architectural marvel meets oceanic vastness. As you gaze upon the fleet, it’s evident that size isn’t just a measurement—it’s an experience.

Royal Caribbean keeps beating itself with their ginormous cruise ships. In fact, the newest ones are three times as large as the smallest in the fleet.

Some people prefer smaller, cozier ships, while others want all the bells and whistles.

Whatever your preference is, we have compiled a list of all of Royal Caribbean ships by size, so you can make an informed decision during your next vacation…

Royal Caribbean Ships By Size

Royal Caribbean Ship Sizes Overview

When you think of a Royal Caribbean cruise, you likely imagine a massive ship with incredible features and amenities. This isn’t far from the truth.

However, Royal Caribbean ships vary in size, giving you a lot of options to match your preferences.

Take Wonder of the Seas, for example. It’s the largest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, with a capacity of 6,988 passengers and a size of 236,857 gross tons.

On the other hand, there’s the Symphony of the Seas, still massive but slightly smaller, with a 228,081 gross tonnage and room for 6,680 passengers. These two ships showcase the range of sizes and options available within the Royal Caribbean fleet.

You’ll also find ships like Spectrum of the Seas boasting impressive features. With a guest capacity of 5,622, this vessel offers a wealth of entertainment options, including Broadway-style performances, a sports bar and arcade, Casino Royale, the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, and more.

To break down these terms, and get a better understanding of Royal Caribbean ship sizes, it’s helpful to understand what exactly gross tonnage means:

Gross tonnage refers to the total volume of the ship’s interior—from the hull to the decks—while passenger capacity denotes the maximum number of guests the ship can accommodate.

You might wonder about the size difference between the oldest and newest Royal Caribbean ships. The majestic Grandeur of the Seas is the fleet’s oldest member, while the Utopia of the Seas, scheduled for 2024, will be Royal Caribbean’s newest addition.

As the fleet expands and evolves, each new ship offers an increasingly sophisticated blend of size and features for your cruising pleasure.

Choosing a cruise is all about finding the ship that suits your style and preferences. Whether you opt for the colossal Wonder of the Seas or a smaller, more intimate vessel, you’re bound to have a remarkable adventure.

What is the Largest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship?

The title of the largest Royal Caribbean cruise ship goes to the ‘Icon of the Seas‘. Towering at 1,198 feet in length and boasting 20 expansive decks, this magnificent vessel can accommodate up to 7,600 guests, complemented by a crew of 2,350.

While the ‘Wonder of the Seas’ previously caught attention for its size, it was actually the ‘Harmony of the Seas‘ that narrowly held the record before.

However, the ‘Icon of the Seas’ surpasses the ‘Harmony’ by an extra 10 feet, firmly establishing it as the current behemoth of the cruising world.

Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that more ships, similar in grandeur to the ‘Icon’, are in Royal Caribbean’s future plans, suggesting this record might be challenged soon.

Which Are Better, Bigger Or Smaller Royal Caribbean Ships?

So, big ship or small ship? It’s like comparing a bustling city’s heartbeat to the quaint charm of a small town. Both have their own magic, and it very much depends on your personal style.

Bigger ships pack in the features. With more space, they offer a wider variety of dining options, entertainment, and activities.

You’ll find multiple FlowRiders, ziplines, escape rooms, and water slides on these vessels.

For families with infants, a notable advantage of larger ships is the presence of dedicated baby splash zones since babies aren’t allowed in the main pools.

On the other hand, smaller ships offer a different kind of appeal. They present a more intimate atmosphere, making it easier for guests to familiarize themselves with the ship’s layout and crew. The experience feels more personalized and less overwhelming.

A significant advantage of smaller ships is their ability to dock at a wider range of ports, giving you access to more unique destinations that larger vessels can’t reach.

If you want a lot of amenities and activities, go BIG. If you’re looking for a quieter, more personalized cruise with diverse port options, consider the smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Comparison of Royal Caribbean Ships by Class

Oasis Class

The Oasis Class ships are the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. These ships are known for their impressive features, like the Central Park neighborhood, Boardwalk, and incredible entertainment options.

They can accommodate between 5,400 and 6,800 passengers. Some notable Oasis Class ships include:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas

Quantum Class

You’ll find that Quantum Class ships are slightly smaller than the Oasis Class, but they’re still packed with plenty of excitement.

With capacities ranging from 4,100 to 4,900 passengers, these ships boast attractions like the North Star observation capsule and the Two70° entertainment venue. The Quantum Class ships are:

• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas

Freedom Class

Your next adventure awaits on the Freedom Class ships, which offer thrilling activities and a passenger count of around 3,600 to 4,500.

From the FlowRider surf simulator to the H2O Zone water park, you’ll have endless fun on these ships:

• Freedom of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas

Voyager Class

Voyager Class ships are perfect for those who enjoy a slightly smaller experience, with roughly 3,100 guests on board.

These ships feature attractions like ice-skating rinks and the Royal Promenade. Check out the following Voyager Class ships:

• Voyager of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas

Radiance Class

If you prefer a more intimate setting, the Radiance Class might be for you. With room for 2,100 to 2,500 passengers, these ships still offer unique amenities like outdoor movie screens and the Centrum atrium.

Discover the Radiance Class ships:

• Radiance of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas

Vision Class

Vision Class ships accommodate roughly 2,000 to 2,400 passengers and provide a cozy, comfortable experience.

With amenities such as the Solarium, themed dining options, and rock-climbing wall, you’ll find excitement on these ships:

• Vision of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas

Sovereign Class

The Sovereign Class cruise ships are no longer sailing, but we still thought they were worth mentioning as they were iconic in their time.

These included:

• Sovereign of the Seas
• Monarch of the Seas

Key Measurements and Capacities

Gross Tonnage

When considering the size of a cruise ship, one valuable measurement to consider is gross tonnage (GT).

Gross tonnage is a unit of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship.

In practical terms, the higher the gross tonnage, the more space the ship has for passengers, amenities, and cargo.

Royal Caribbean’s largest ship in terms of gross tonnage is Wonder of the Seas, which boasts an impressive 235,600 GT.

Icon of the Seas is also a standout, with over 13,000 more gross tonnes than Wonder of the Seas, making it significantly larger.

Guest Capacity

Another important factor to consider is the guest capacity of each ship. The higher the guest capacity, the more people can enjoy the luxuries and amenities aboard.

Symphony of the Seas, which is one of Royal Caribbean’s largest, can accommodate 5,518 passengers.

Wonder of the Seas has surpassed this number, having a passenger capacity of 5,734, offering a more spacious and comfortable experience for its guests.

Length

The length of a ship is an essential measurement to take into account, as it can directly impact the ease of maneuverability and docking capabilities.

Icon of the Seas holds the title for the longest ship in the world, measuring around 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.

These ships’ remarkable lengths enable them to offer more amenities and activities onboard, ensuring a unique experience for all passengers.

Beam

The beam of a ship refers to the width of the vessel at its widest point. A wider beam can translate into greater stability and comfort for passengers, as well as improved cargo and storage capacities.

When considering Royal Caribbean’s ships, it’s crucial to remember that wider vessels often provide additional space for activities, dining venues, and various forms of entertainment.

Decks

The number of decks on a cruise ship can have a significant impact on the experience for passengers. Decks often house various amenities, including guestrooms, dining venues, activity centers, and more.

For example, Symphony of the Seas has 20 decks, providing ample space for guests and crew to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

As you explore Royal Caribbean’s fleet, pay attention to the number of decks, as it can directly impact the variety and quality of experiences you may enjoy onboard.

Amenities by Ship Size

As you know, Royal Caribbean cruise ships come in various sizes, and along with their size, there’s a difference in the amenities they offer.

On the larger ships, like the Wonder of the Seas, with its massive 236,857 gross tons and capacity for 6,988 guests, you can truly expect a Las Vegas-style megaresort experience. Onboard, you’ll find various activities and recreational facilities, such as:

• Zip lines
• Ice-skating rinks
• Water slides
• Multiple pools
• FlowRiders for surfing
• Exclusive retreats like the adults-only Solarium

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s enormous ships have an extensive array of dining venues, ranging from fine dining to more casual options.

Not to mention, Broadway-style performances, live music, and comedy shows can be enjoyed in state-of-the-art theaters.

Moving on to the smaller Royal Caribbean ships, like the Grandeur of the Seas, which measures approximately 73,817 gross tons and can accommodate around 2,440 passengers, the overall feel is more intimate and cozy.

While you may not find the same scale of amenities as on the larger ships, the smaller vessels still provide a fantastic range of options for you to enjoy:

• Pools and hot tubs
• Fitness centers
• A spa for pampering yourself
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Casino
• Nightclubs and lounges

These smaller ships also offer a more personalized experience, with staff members that can cater to your every need.

The entertainment on these ships tends to be more laid-back, with live music, piano bars, and stand-up comedy.

It’s worth noting that regardless of ship size, one thing you can always count on is Royal Caribbean’s exceptional service and commitment to providing you with a memorable vacation.

From the moment you step on board, you’ll be surrounded by friendly staff eager to assist you in any way possible.

The amenities offered by Royal Caribbean ships are influenced by their size. Larger, newer ships boast a more extensive range of activities and entertainment options, while smaller ships offer a more intimate experience.

Ship Size Evolution

You’ll notice Royal Caribbean cruise ship sizes have evolved over time.

In the early days, the ships were smaller, designed for more intimate experiences. However, as customer demands and technology advanced, the cruise line responded with larger, more innovative ships to appeal to a broader range of passengers.

In the mid-1990s, Royal Caribbean introduced the Vision-class ships, such as Grandeur of the Seas, which had a gross tonnage of 73,817. These vessels offered more amenities and space for guests, with a capacity of around 2,440 passengers.

As the years progressed, the company continued to build larger ships, leading to the Voyager, Radiance, and ultimately the Freedom-class ships.

The Freedom-class ships, like the Freedom of the Seas, took passenger capacity to a new level. With a gross tonnage of 154,407, these ships could accommodate over 4,5150 guests and offered an impressive array of amenities, including surf simulators, ice-skating rinks, and outdoor movie screens.

But the evolution didn’t stop there. In 2009, Royal Caribbean debuted the Oasis-class ships, which truly redefined modern cruising.

These gargantuan ships, such as the Symphony of the Seas, boast a gross tonnage of 228,081 and have the capacity to host approximately 6,680 passengers. They also introduced innovative features like neighborhoods, aquatic theaters, and zip-lines.

Today, the upcoming Icon-class ships, planned for launch between 2022 and 2026, foreshadow an even more exciting era of cruising.

With cutting-edge technology, these highly anticipated ships are expected to push the boundaries even further in terms of size, capacity, and experiences available for guests.

Future of Royal Caribbean Ship Sizes

If you follow the growth of the Royal Caribbean cruise line, you’ll notice their ship sizes increasing over time. In the upcoming years, some exciting additions are coming to their fleet of vessels.

Specifically, the awaited arrival of the Icon Class in 2023 is sure to impress you.

The most notable ship coming soon to Royal Caribbean’s fleet is the Icon of the Seas. Though exact details are still scarce, it is expected to be a substantial step forward in terms of both size and innovation.

The anticipation is building, and you will likely hear a lot more about this new class of ship in 2022.

Besides the giant Icon of the Seas, other planned launches include Utopia of the Seas, scheduled for 2024, as well as two more unnamed ships.

By the time this expansion is completed, Royal Caribbean will boast 30 ships in their lineup, solidifying their status as the largest cruise line fleet in the world.

You’ll find it interesting to compare the future ships to the company’s older vessels. One of Royal Caribbean’s first ships, the Grandeur of the Seas, is significantly smaller than the latest mammoths.

This growing diversity in ship sizes ensures you can find an experience tailored to your preferences, whether you enjoy a more intimate setting or the grandiosity of a larger vessel.

As Royal Caribbean continues to innovate and expand, expect more groundbreaking and sizeable ships to join their fleet.

Stay tuned, because the future of ship sizes in the Royal Caribbean fleet promises to keep on impressing and evolving.