Royal Caribbean Ships by Size: Largest to Smallest
With Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship being Icon of the Seas, at 248,663 GT (it’s also the largest cruise ship in the world overall), and its smallest cruise ship being Grandeur of the Seas, at 73,817 GT, the line’s ships really run the gamut in terms of size.
Each Royal Caribbean ship, though, comes with its perks, and you may find that you prefer smaller ships to bigger ships, or vice versa.
Here are all the current Royal Caribbean cruise ships by size, so you can compare and contrast your options as you book your next cruise. And just a heads up that this list will change even further when the second Icon class Star of the Seas arrives!
Icon of the Seas
The lead ship of the Icon class and the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Icon of the Seas is not just the largest ship for the cruise line to date, but also the current largest cruise ship in the world.
The ship is longer than three football fields. It also weighs about five times the amount that the Titanic weighed.
As has been the case with so many other Royal Caribbean cruise ships before it, Icon of the Seas set records not just for size, but also for unique features.
Read Also: How Much Did Icon of the Seas Cost to Build?
In addition to featuring the largest waterpark at sea, with some ground-breaking first-at-sea water slides, the ship also boasts the largest pool at sea. It provides more than 40 dining and drinking options.
Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GT
Guest Capacity: 5,610
Length: 1,196 feet
Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas debuted right around the same time as Icon of the Seas, and it takes second place among Royal Caribbean’s largest ships.
The ship is the latest in the Oasis Plus Class, and, interestingly, even though it’s technically smaller than Icon of the Seas by gross tonnage, it actually has a greater passenger capacity, just due to how the staterooms and suites are split up across both ships.
There are many similarities between Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, but Utopia of the Seas still manages to stand apart in a few key ways.
Worth Reading: Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas – A Giant Comparison
For example, this ship introduced the Royal Railway, a new dining concept for Royal Caribbean, that features a dining car-esque environment.
Gross Tonnage: 236,473 GT
Guest Capacity: 5,668
Length: 1,188 feet
Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas is a similar Oasis-class ship. The vessel is slightly smaller than Utopia of the Seas, but can ultimately hold more overall passengers at double occupancy, due to stateroom and suite configuration.
This ship offers lots to love, including 40-plus restaurants, bars, and lounges; Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Abyss slide (now featured on multiple ships), the tallest dry slide at sea; and nearly 3,000 different staterooms and suites to choose from when booking.
Gross Tonnage: 235,600
Guest Capacity: 5,734
Length: 1,188 feet
Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas took its maiden voyage in 2018 and held the title of largest cruise ship in the world for multiple years, before Wonder of the Seas surpassed her.
The ship’s highlights include the Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Caribbean-exclusive feature; that Ultimate Abyss dry slide, the longest in the world; and The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides.
Read Also: Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic – A Giant Comparison
Otherwise, the ship includes a wide array of restaurants and bars and lounges, as well as all the amenities that Royal Caribbean fans have come to expect on the line’s newer ships, such as seven neighborhoods, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators and more.
Gross Tonnage: 230,000
Guest Capacity: 5,518
Length: 1,188 feet
Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas was also the largest cruise ship in the world when it first debuted, in early 2016. This was the ship to introduce the Ultimate Abyss Slide. It also features a large waterpark and multiple waterslides, as well as an ice-skating ring, surfing simulators and zip lines.
The ship has plenty of dining and drinking options, just like its Oasis-class sister ships. However, one unique feature you’ll find on this ship but not necessarily on some of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, is the Bionic Bar, with its robotic bartenders.
Gross Tonnage: 226,960
Guest Capacity: 5,480
Length: 1,188 feet
Allure of the Seas
Debuting in 2010, Allure of the Seas was Royal Caribbean’s second Oasis-class ship, and she continued on offering all of the industry-rocking elements that Oasis of the Seas introduced just a year before. As such, Allure of the Seas offers the seven-neighborhood layout that’s become standard on Royal Caribbean ships.
Royal Caribbean also boasted about this ship’s environmental friendliness when it debuted. For example, Allure of the Seas features an advanced wastewater purification system that treats more than half a million gallons of water per day. It also features an advanced emissions purification system that removes 98% of the ship’s sulfur emissions from the environment.
Gross Tonnage: 225,282
Guest Capacity: 5,400
Length: 1,187 feet
Oasis of the Seas
The first Oasis-class ship, Oasis of the Seas changed the cruising industry and Royal Caribbean forever, when it debuted in 2009. It set the standard for Royal Caribbean’s future and shook up the cruising world like no other vessel had before, and no other vessel has to date, thus far, except for maybe Icon of the Seas.
This is in part thanks to the unique seven neighborhood layout that Oasis of the Seas introduced, with similar activities and environments grouped together in the neighborhoods dubbed Central Park, The Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Youth Zone and Entertainment Place.
The ship also featured the first park at sea, with the Central Park neighborhood.
Gross Tonnage: 220,900
Guest Capacity: 5,400
Length: 1,181 feet
Spectrum of the Seas
The next-largest Royal Caribbean ship is actually a fair amount smaller, by about 50,000 GT or so. Still, Spectrum of the Seas is nothing to ignore.
This Quantum Ultra-class ship still provides plenty of staterooms and suites, restaurants, bars and lounges and highlights like the North Star ride and skydiving experience by iFLY.
Worth Reading: What Is a Royal Caribbean Quantum-Ultra Class Cruise Ship?
Interestingly, though, while Spectrum of the Seas is much smaller than Oasis of the Seas, it is also much newer. In fact, Spectrum of the Seas set sail for the first time in 2019, a decade after Oasis of the Seas’s launch.
Gross Tonnage: 168,800
Guest Capacity: 4,245
Length: 1,139 feet
Anthem of the Seas
A member of the Quantum class, Anthem of the Seas launched in April 2015. While definitely not the first Quantum-class ship, Anthem of the Seas still offered a range of exciting features when it debuted.
Particular highlights include Two70, a multi-level common space that features 270-degree sea views and massive glass walls; the SeaPlex indoor entertainment space with activities like bumper cars; the Music Hall live music venue; the North Star capsule ride; and the RipCord by iFLY surfing simulator.
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Guest Capacity: 4,180
Length: 1,142 feet
Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas is actually newer than Anthem of the Seas, debuting in 2016, though she is smaller — not by gross tonnage, but just by one little foot of length, a difference you’ll hardly notice. Otherwise, this ship is very similar to the other Quantum-class ships.
Ovation of the Seas features the RipCord by iFLY surfing simulator, North Star capsule experience, Two70 common space and SeaPlex entertainment venue. It also offers just over 2,000 staterooms and suites, spread out over 14 guest decks.
Gross Tonnage: 168,666
Guest Capacity: 4,180
Length: 1,141 feet
Quantum of the Seas
The lead ship in the Quantum class, Quantum of the Seas introduced many of these standout features that you’ll find on the other Quantum-class ships, such as the SeaPlex space, Two70, North Star and skydiving simulator. It also was the first ship to feature the bionic bartenders.
Quantum of the Seas took its maiden voyage in 2014. It’s only slightly smaller by gross tonnage than its sister ships, and the same length as Ovation of the Seas.
Gross Tonnage: 167,800
Guest Capacity: 4,180
Length: 1,141 feet
Odyssey of the Seas
The second Quantum Ultra-class ship, alongside just one other ship in this class (Spectrum of the Seas) Odyssey of the Seas is very similar to her sister ship, feature many of the same amenities and activities.
However, one thing that Odyssey of the Seas did have, uniquely, when she was rolled out in 2020, was a new hull design featuring the ship’s name in big letters, something that can now be seen on other Royal Caribbean ships.
Compared to Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas is just a bit smaller, with room for about 50 passengers fewer.
Gross Tonnage: 167,704
Guest Capacity: 4,198
Length: 1,138 feet
Liberty of the Seas
When you get down to Liberty of the Seas, you’re starting to get into some of the older Royal Caribbean ships that may not offer all the same features and amenities you’ll get with the Quantum-class ships and newer.
Still, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you like a more low-key, less crowded cruise, keeping the focus on your port days and relaxation more than on on-ship bells and whistles.
Delivered in 2007, Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom-class ship. While it is more than a dozen years older than Odyssey of the Seas, it’s only slightly smaller, at less than 10,000 GT smaller, and holding only about 400 fewer passengers.
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Guest Capacity: 3,798
Length: 1,112 feet
Freedom of the Seas
Another Freedom-class ship (as you probably could’ve guessed by the name), Freedom of the Seas was the largest Royal Caribbean ship when it first set sail in 2006. Compared to other, newer ships, though, Freedom of the Seas today offers far fewer amenities, including fewer restaurants, bars and lounges.
Still, this ship has been updated over time. Now, if you take a Freedom of the Seas cruise, you’ll see newer additions such as The Lime & Coconut resort-style pool and bar areas, as well as the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides.
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Guest Capacity: 3,634
Length: 1,112 feet
Independence of the Seas
While Independence of the Seas is the newest Freedom-class ship, built in 2008, it’s also the smallest. That said, it’s not tiny by any means. When compared to the world’s overall cruise ships, Independence of the Seas still ranks within the 40 largest cruise ships, from all cruise lines.
Worth Reading: Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in the World
Like other Royal Caribbean cruise ships of this age, Independence of the Seas has received various renovations. It was most recently overhauled in 2018.
Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Guest Capacity: 3,858
Length: 1,112 feet
Navigator of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas is a member of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class. While it is the largest ship in this class, though, it isn’t the newest. Launching in 2002, the ship is about 12,000 GT smaller than Independence of the Seas, and can carry about 700 fewer people.
Over its 14 guest decks, this ship offers over 10 dining options, as well as over 10 bars and lounges. Newer features that have been added since the ship’s initial launch include the Lime & Coconut resort-style bar area, as well as El Loco Fresh.
Gross Tonnage: 142,000
Guest Capacity: 3,114
Length: 1,020 feet
Voyager of the Seas
The lead ship for the Voyager class, when Voyager of the Seas debuted in 1999 (more than 25 years ago!), it featured a few landmark amenities that would make Royal Caribbean stand out.
In fact, some of these features can still be found on Royal Caribbean ships today, namely the ice-skating rink (the first at sea) and the rock climbing walls.
Voyager of the Seas is still pretty small compared to today’s latest and greatest from Royal Caribbean, though, with relatively fewer amenities, restaurants, bars and lounges. That said, if you like a smaller ship with less crowds, this ship may be just up your alley.
Gross Tonnage: 142,000
Guest Capacity: 3,114
Length: 1,020 feet
Mariner of the Seas
Newer than Voyager of the Seas, but still smaller, Mariner of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2003. It most recently received some renovations in 2018, though, so there are touches and amenities that are relatively modern.
The refurbishment was expansive, costing $120 million and increasing the ship’s size. Newly added amenities and features include the Sky Pad, multiple waterslides and updated restaurants.
Gross Tonnage: 138,000
Guest Capacity: 3,114
Length: 1,020 feet
Adventure of the Seas
Another Voyager-class ship, Adventure of the Seas initially debuted in 2001. Like Mariner of the Seas, it also underwent dry dock renovations in 2018, bringing this ship up to more contemporary standards. Both Adventure of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas are the same size.
Aboard Adventure of the Seas, you’ll find, across the 14 guest decks, more than 1,500 staterooms and suites, just under 10 dining options, 10 bars and lounges and highlight amenities like the FlowRider surfing simulator and the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides.
Gross Tonnage: 138,000
Guest Capacity: 3,114
Length: 1,020 feet
Explorer of the Seas
The second Voyager-class ship and setting sail on the high seas for the first time in 2000, Explorer of the Seas has, like the other ships in this class, been updated to feature newer, more modern amenities. For example, the FlowRider surfing simulator was added, as was an ice rink.
Still, this ship is on the small side, measuring in at exactly the same size as both Adventure of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.
Gross Tonnage: 138,000
Guest Capacity: 3,114
Length: 1,020 feet
Radiance of the Seas
A member of the Radiance class, Radiance of the Seas is significantly smaller than Explorer of the Seas. It’s nearly 50,000 GT smaller and holds a thousand fewer people.
As such, while these ships are right next to one another in the ranking of Royal Caribbean’s ships from largest to smallest, you’ll notice a big difference if you go from cruising on one to the other.
Despite this, Royal Caribbean manages to pack a lot of fun onto this ship’s small footprint. You’ll find 11 dining options, 11 bars and lounges and highlight entertainment-related features such as a rock climbing wall and miniature golf.
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Guest Capacity: 2,100
Length: 1,050 feet
Brilliance of the Seas
Brilliance of the Seas measures in at the same gross tonnage as sister ship Radiance of the Seas, but it’s about 100 feet shorter. Despite this, Brilliance of the Seas can actually hold more guests than Radiance.
Read Also: What to Expect on a Small Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
This ship first set sail for Royal Caribbean in July 2002, and, across its 12 guest decks, features eight restaurants, 11 bars and lounges and amenities such as a rock-climbing wall and multiple pools.
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Guest Capacity: 2,188
Length: 965 feet
Serenade of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas is newer than Brilliance of the Seas, as it entered service in 2003, but, while it’s the same gross tonnage and length, it has a lesser guest capacity, equal to that of Radiance of the Seas.
Serenade of the Seas features 12 guest decks, eight restaurants, 11 bars and lounges and amenities like a spa and sports court. It also was used for Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, which lasted nearly an entire year over 2023–2024, and visited seven continents, eight world wonders, 65 countries and more than 150 destinations.
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Guest Capacity: 2,100
Length: 965 feet
Jewel of the Seas
She may be small, but out of all the Radiance-class ships, Jewel of the Seas is the newest, officially making her debut in May 2002. The ship was refurbished in 2016.
Jewel of the Seas features 12 guest decks, seven dining options, 11 bars and lounges and both a mini golf course and rock-climbing wall. There are just over a thousand staterooms and suites to house the ship’s maximum 2,100 guests.
Gross Tonnage: 90,090
Guest Capacity: 2,100
Length: 962 feet
Enchantment of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s smallest and oldest class of ships: the Vision class. Enchantment of the Seas debuted in 1997.
This ship is the largest of its class, but it’s still significantly smaller than the smallest Radiance-class ship, Jewel of the Seas, at about 10,000 GT less. However, Enchantment manages to hold its own in terms of guest capacity, with nearly the same capacity as Jewel, with only about a 150-person difference.
Gross Tonnage: 80,700
Guest Capacity: 1,950
Length: 919 feet
Rhapsody of the Seas
This was the second Vision-class cruise ship, also debuting in 1997, like Enchantment of the Seas. Rhapsody of the Seas, though, is just slightly smaller.
This cruise ship features 12 total decks (with fewer guest decks) and eight dining options, alongside five bars and lounges. Amenities and similar features are mostly limited to pools, a rock climbing wall, the theater, casino and fitness center.
Gross Tonnage: 78,490
Guest Capacity: 1,996
Length: 919 feet
Vision of the Seas
Vision of the Seas is actually newer than both Enchantment of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, debuting in 1998. The ship is fairly similar, though, measuring in the same as Rhapsody.
This cruise ship features just 10 guest decks and just over a thousand staterooms, with eight dining options, six bars and lounges and a handful of amenities like a rock climbing wall, theater, casino and pools.
Gross Tonnage: 78,490
Guest Capacity: 1,996
Length: 919 feet
Grandeur of the Seas
This is the smallest ship that Royal Caribbean is currently operating. It’s also the oldest ship in the Vision class, debuting in 1996, which likewise makes it the oldest ship that Royal Caribbean currently uses overall.
Worth Reading: Are Royal Caribbean Cruises All Inclusive?
With only a select number of restaurants and bars, and fewer than a thousand staterooms and suites, this ship is limited in what it offers — but that’s exactly what some cruisers prefer. Amenities and other feature sinclude the spa, rock-climbing wall, an arcade, two pools and six whirlpools.
Gross Tonnage: 74,137
Guest Capacity: 1,950
Length: 919 feet
Royal Caribbean’s Largest Ship
Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Icon of the Seas, is also the largest ship in the world. It debuted to massive fanfare in 2024 and has been lauded for its wealth of things to do, restaurants, bars and suite and stateroom types.
It also shook up the Royal Caribbean neighborhood format, rearranging where some features would be located, as well as introducing new neighborhoods. In short, in the same way that the Oasis class took the cruise line to new heights, so has the new Icon class.
Cruising on Icon of the Seas comes with both pros and cons. Of course, you’ll never run out of things to do — but then that’s a con to some cruisers.
They don’t want to be overwhelmed with options or feel like they’re pressured to go-go-go during a cruise. They might prefer a more leisurely pace.
Worth Reading: Icon of the Seas Construction: From Concept to Launch
This ship’s newness is also an attractant. The ship has yet to accumulate all the wear and tear that you see on older ships. It also features all the latest and greatest cruising tech. It just feels brand-new.
Lastly, you do have to consider that the ship packs in 5,000-plus cruisers. With so many people in one spot, you’re bound to run into crowds. However, that said, the ship is well laid-out, so you won’t necessarily feel cramped, the majority of the time.
Royal Caribbean’s Smallest Ship
Royal Caribbean’s smallest and oldest ship, Grandeur of the Seas, stands in very stark contrast. This is cruising from decades past. It’s low-key, un-rushed and unworried. For some cruisers, this is exactly what they want, and they’re fine with cruising on an older ship if that’s what they get.
For a more relaxed cruise where all you really have to worry about is getting a good deck chair, small, older ships like this deliver.
Just note that if you’re traveling with kids or those who feel the need to pack their travel itineraries to the brim, they might be a little bored.
Additionally, even with its older age, Grandeur of the Seas still manages to carry that fun and friendly Royal Caribbean spirit — the factor that some may say is the most important of all when booking any cruise.
The Ever-Changing Fleet
Royal Caribbean is constantly evolving with new ships on order and updating current ones. Keep a close eye on this page as the fleet changes.
Read Also: Royal Caribbean Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest
Upcoming ships that should be on your radar include the next two Icon-class ships, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. The former is expected to debut in 2025, while the latter will set sail in Europe in July 2026. Both will be fairly similar to Icon of the Seas.
Then, there are three unnamed ships under development, including two more Icon-class ships and one Oasis-class ship, anticipated to debut in 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.