Hey, cruise followers!On this article, we’re diving into the perfect and worst Royal Caribbean ships. I’ve put collectively a 2025 rating primarily based on key elements like leisure, cabins, ship age, and meals high quality.
To make this as correct as attainable, I’ve mixed passenger critiques from trusted sources like TripAdvisor and Cruise Critic with my very own knowledgeable insights. This combine of knowledge and firsthand expertise provides a well-rounded have a look at every ship’s strengths and weaknesses.
Try the rating under! After all, opinions can range, however I’ve accomplished my finest to present you a good and balanced tackle every ship.
27. Grandeur of the Seas
Coming in final place as Royal Caribbean’s worst ship is… Grandeur of the Seas.
That is Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship, so it’s no shock that it’s on the backside of the record.
Some passengers mentioned that, regardless of its age, Grandeur presents a snug and intimate ambiance, with attentive service and a deal with making a memorable cruise expertise.
Nevertheless, you need to be very conscious of the ship’s limitations, corresponding to the less balcony cabins out there and the small dimension of cabins, which can present indicators of wear and tear.
Furthermore, the eating choices are far more restricted. For instance, from what I’ve seen, the buffet has a restricted choice of dishes in comparison with the bigger ships.
Moreover, some company highlighted points with the ship’s functionality to cater adequately to particular dietary wants, corresponding to gluten-free choices, which resulted in a unfavourable expertise.
Lastly, this ship lacks many of the top-deck points of interest of bigger ships, and subsequently households, notably these with teenagers and tweens, could discover it a bit difficult to maintain the youthful entertained.
Select it solely in case you are conscious of those elements and are on the lookout for a smaller, extra intimate cruise expertise.
26. Imaginative and prescient of the Seas
Second-to-last place within the rating for Imaginative and prescient of the Seas.
It was launched in 1998 and refurbished in 2013, with minor updates in 2017 and 2022. In accordance with the critiques, the ship reveals indicators of age, regardless that public areas are clear and well-maintained.
The ship presents quite a lot of itineraries departing from Baltimore, together with common routes to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, and the Southern Caribbean.
This makes Imaginative and prescient of the Seas a sensible choice for these trying to discover these areas, however potential cruisers must handle expectations concerning the ship’s age in comparison with bigger, newer ships within the Royal Caribbean fleet.
25. Spectrum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas can also be a part of the Quantum Extremely-Class and it’s even newer than Quantum of the Seas, it was launched solely in 2019.
This ship is barely bigger than its Quantum Class counterparts and has some unique options like a non-public swimming pool and a restaurant for these staying in suite-class lodging. It additionally has the Final Household Suite, which has a two-story playground full with a non-public 3D cinema and a slide for the youngsters.
Spectrum of the Seas principally sails within the Asia-Pacific area, providing departures from Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore to varied locations in Asia.
The issue of this ship is similar because the earlier one. It’s on this place on the record as a result of passengers say it’s too crowded.
Many complain in regards to the lengthy strains, the at all times full swimming pools, and the issue of discovering free areas.
24. Quantum of the Seas
Place quantity 24 for Quantum of the Seas. I have to say that I’m very stunned to see this ship so low within the rankings, particularly since it’s a pretty new ship launched in 2014.
It presents a superb vary of eating experiences, with a number of fundamental eating rooms and really fascinating specialty eating places like Jamie’s Italian and Wonderland, the place the eating is as a lot in regards to the expertise as it’s in regards to the meals.
Quantum additionally excels in leisure with venues just like the Two70 with its immersive productions and quite a lot of actions, together with a skydiving simulator, mountaineering, and even bumper automobiles within the SeaPlex.
General, Quantum of the Seas presents a whole cruise expertise due to the modern options that have been launched with the Quantum class.
Why is it so low within the rankings, then? Effectively, many individuals discovered the ship too crowded and numerous passengers thought of it extraordinarily unfavourable.
23. Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship launched by Royal Caribbean in 2000. It presents quite a lot of actions and experiences suited to each technology; subsequently, I believe it might be a sensible choice for individuals on the lookout for enjoyable and rest on the similar time.
Passenger critiques are usually optimistic, highlighting fulfilling ports, snug journeys, and a broad array of onboard actions.
Some suggestions signifies the ship might really feel full, particularly when touring with many kids, and that this will have an effect on the enjoyment of facilities like swimming pools and scorching tubs.
Furthermore, it might present some indicators of getting old however I personally like the varied locations that this ship presents.
22. Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas supplies a comfy and intimate small-size cruise expertise that appears to excel in personalised providers.
That is Royal Caribbean’s second oldest ship and likewise one of many smallest.
It was launched in 1997, and it may possibly “solely” carry 2,416 passengers.
This ship is mostly praised for its cleanliness and upkeep. Cabin sizes and facilities like snug bedding and good water stress in showers obtain optimistic suggestions, with some noting the ship won’t be the only option for solo vacationers because of the lack of fellow solo company.
Different vacationers discovered the service, crew, and delightful port locations fulfilling sufficient to miss the unfavourable issues of the ship. Others have expressed disappointment, notably when evaluating it to newer or bigger ships, indicating a necessity for enhancements in menu choices and leisure.
21. Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas was the primary ship of the Voyager class. It will probably accommodate a bit greater than 3,800 company and has a gross tonnage of 138,194 tons.
Though not very small, it’s nonetheless a slightly previous ship relationship again to 1999, regardless that it underwent a renovation in 2019.
Passengers have shared varied experiences, highlighting each optimistic elements and areas that might be improved.
For instance, many passengers liked the skilled and type crew that always made voyages nice, regardless of occasional challenges posed by climate affecting the steadiness of the ship.
The meals was usually thought of good. There are completely different choices, from the Asian dishes at Izumi to the country Italian flavors at Giovanni’s Desk and the prime cuts of meat at Chops Grille.
General, it stays a stable alternative for these trying to discover some explicit locations just like the Western and Jap Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, passengers should be conscious that this isn’t a really trendy ship.
20. Enchantment of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas is one in all Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships. It was first launched in 1997, was lengthened in 2005, and renovated in 2013.
Regardless of the refurbishment, it nonetheless lacks some trendy options like USB shops, up to date décor in cabins and public areas, and a few points of interest like water slides.
Opinions are usually combined, with many complimenting the pleasant employees and fulfilling experiences aboard however others expressing disappointment, notably when evaluating facilities and experiences with different Royal Caribbean’s bigger ships.
Furthermore, some vacationers have skilled movement illness because of the ship’s dimension, suggesting it won’t be the only option for these vulnerable to seasickness.
19. Anthem of the Seas
In place quantity 19 we discover a large ship once more, it’s Anthem of the Seas a part of the Quantum class.
Anthem of the Seas stands out for its array of leisure and eating choices. On board, there’s a wide selection of eating places, lounges, bars, and venues which can be excellent to dine, chill out, or have enjoyable.
For households, this ship supplies some excellent age-appropriate actions and areas. For instance, for teenagers starting from 6 months to 17 years previous, there’s a Science Lab for hands-on experiments and unique teen areas like The Residing Room and Gasoline Teen Disco.
Anthem of the Seas additionally shines in its leisure choices, with a few of the finest theme nights that you will discover on Royal Caribbean’s ships.
Some passengers have shared considerations over cabin format. A number of company mentioned that too many rooms have restricted balcony views and that their TV had sound high quality issues.
18. Brilliance of the Seas


Brilliance of the Seas presents a mixture between a basic and a contemporary cruising expertise.
It’s an previous ship (launched in 2002), however the leisure and the actions which can be included make it really feel like a contemporary cruise ship.
For instance, there’s a spacious health heart and a good-sized spa, a mountaineering wall, and a mini-golf course that’s accessible to all company.
Furthermore, this ship has a a optimistic fame for its cleanliness and for the well-maintained cabins which can be excellent to supply each consolation and comfort.
Nevertheless, some passengers have famous areas for enchancment. For instance, the ship has been critiqued for restricted late-night eating choices and the standard of its buffet. There have additionally been feedback in regards to the ship catering extra to an older crowd in comparison with newer, bigger ships.
17. Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship that was launched by Royal Caribbean in 2016.
It will probably positively be thought of a contemporary cruise ship due to its engineering, design, and unforgettable expertise that may supply.
Throughout the years, Ovation of the Seas traveled to many locations, together with Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska. For that reason, I wouldn’t be stunned if a lot of you had tried it.
In the event you haven’t, you need to know that this ship is filled with high-tech leisure and points of interest, making it unimaginable to expertise a boring second.
Nevertheless, some passengers have reported that venues battle to accommodate company at peak occasions, which might wreck the general expertise.
16. Radiance of the Seas
Place quantity 16 of the rating for Radiance of the Seas, a small ship that may host about 2,450 passengers.
Regardless of its modest dimension, it boasts an enormous assortment of each complimentary and specialty eating venues, making it a sensible choice for meals lovers.
A factor that I notably like about this ship is the design that maximizes pure gentle. Mainly, half of its exterior is glass, together with outdoors elevators that span 12 decks and supply panoramic sea views from many bars and lounges.
The unfavourable elements? Effectively, you’ll not discover essentially the most adventurous actions like ice skating or the FlowRider, which can be found on bigger Royal Caribbean ships. For that reason, I might not advocate it for households.
15. Surprise of the Seas
Surprise of the Seas is the final Royal Caribbean ship added to the Oasis class.
It was launched solely in 2022 and is likely one of the latest and largest ships in the whole fleet.
This ship has some unbelievable options, just like the two-story Final Household Suite, which options an indoor slide, air hockey, desk tennis, and butler service.
The eating choices are equally spectacular with an enormous choice of meals decisions. The Windjammer Buffet on Surprise of the Seas is the biggest within the Royal Caribbean fleet.
However this ship has some flaws too. For instance, I can’t perceive why the splash pad and water slides have been positioned subsequent to the adults-only solarium.
As well as, typically the format of the decks appears too complicated. In my view, when ships get greater, that you must simplify the decks as a substitute of complicating them.
Nevertheless, we should admit that Royal Caribbean is the perfect cruise line in terms of innovation, and this ship proves it.
14. Jewel of the Seas


Jewel of the Seas presents a pleasant trip expertise total.
Many critiques talked in regards to the nice bar employees and the distinctive service. Nevertheless, whereas the ship presents a superb number of eating choices, some company really feel that the Windjammer lunch buffet might be improved.
Additionally, the leisure has room for enchancment, completely different company requested for extra various choices and a few extra partaking leisure options.
Regardless of these factors, it’s thought of a sensible choice for a cruise, particularly for {couples}.
13. Navigator of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas might be thought of a medium-sized ship.
It was launched in 2002 however has all of the family-friendly actions you’d count on on a cruise ship. For instance, the glow-in-the-dark laser tag, the escape room, the rock-climbing wall, the surf simulator, and likewise the Blaster, which is taken into account one of many largest waterslides on a cruise ship.
Regardless of its many facilities, the Navigator of the Seas isn’t with out its drawbacks. Whereas the ship consists of some trendy options like digital balconies in inside cabins, it lacks quieter, extra peaceable areas, like spacious adult-only areas.
Furthermore, some cabins lack a number of conveniences like a number of shops and USB ports.
12. Journey of the Seas


Journey of the Seas nonetheless delivers fairly a superb cruising expertise regardless of being an older ship.
It underwent a renovation in 2016 that added trendy options just like the FlowRider, new waterslides, and new eating choices, together with Izumi and Chops Grille.
Some passengers mentioned that the embarkation course of was a bit too gradual, and some of them advisable including The Key program, which presents early boarding, amongst different advantages.
Ultimately, this ship options a mixture of conventional and upgraded facilities, usually compensated by the nice helpfulness of the on-board employees.
11. Liberty of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas is a ship that’s notably suited to households and first-time cruisers.
Households notably loved the big selection of actions out there, and plenty of reviewers advocate profiting from the drink packages provided by Royal Caribbean for a greater expertise with children.
Nevertheless, eating on this ship obtained combined critiques. Some passengers mentioned that the standard was distinctive, whereas others felt sure eating venues, like Chops Grille, didn’t meet their expectations when it comes to high quality in comparison with the worth.
Furthermore, many passengers have been dissatisfied by the absence of an Izumi restaurant, as this Japanese specialty eating choice is a favourite on many different Royal Caribbean ships.
10. Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas was launched in 2008 however was renewed solely 10 years later, in 2018, with the Royal Amplified program.
The multi-million-pound makeover added a number of fascinating traits, like the brand new aqua park Splashaway Bay, which now has new waterslides, water cannons, fountains, and swimming pools.
The company actually favored some explicit options of this ship, just like the full-service spa, the specialty eating choices just like the poolside “Fish & Ships“, and modern points of interest such because the SkyPad digital actuality bungee/trampoline, and the Puzzle Break escape room.
It’s fascinating to notice that, even after the renovation, fairly a number of individuals say that the pool and Solarium can get crowded throughout peak occasions, and it’s too troublesome to discover a free spot.
9. Serenade of the Seas
From Serenade of the Seas, critiques begin to get a bit extra combined.
This ship is sort of small, it may possibly solely accommodate about 2,480 passengers.
Some passengers find it irresistible as a result of its dimension ensures a extra intimate cruising expertise in comparison with bigger ships. So, it caters effectively to these searching for a quieter, extra relaxed cruise expertise.
However, some passengers suppose that the Serenade is a bit too small and its choices are considerably outdated, contemplating that it was final renovated in 2012.
8. Icon of the Seas


Icon of the Seas is one in all Royal Caribbean’s latest ships.
It entered service in January 2024 and it’s each the most important ship by the cruise line and the most important ship on the earth.
As you’ll be able to think about, Icon of the Seas is filled with thrilling points of interest and leisure choices. For instance, one can find Class 6 Waterpark, the biggest waterpark at sea.
Because the ship is so new, there are nonetheless not many critiques, so its place within the rating might range rather a lot within the subsequent months.
Nevertheless, the primary critiques appear to be a bit combined. Some vacationers discovered the ship to be a serious disappointment because of the presence of many kids and crowded areas, whereas others praised it as the perfect cruise expertise, praising its lovely design and the various onboard actions.
We’ll see how issues evolve. I’ll positively replace this rating as quickly as new critiques are printed.
Within the rating, you received’t discover Utopia of the Seas (Royal Caribbean’s latest ship). Opinions on her are nonetheless too restricted to assign her a spot within the rankings.
7. Odyssey of the Seas
Place quantity 7 for Odyssey of the Seas, one of many latest ships within the Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Its inaugural crusing was on 31 July 2021 and it was formally christened throughout a ceremony in Port Everglades on 13 November 2021.
Though it is likely one of the latest ships, it isn’t among the many largest as a result of it’s a part of the Quantum class, whose ships are smaller than these of the Oasis class.
Because it’s very trendy, numerous the company are fascinated by the modern experiences, such because the North Star, which lifts company over 300 toes above sea degree, and Ripcord by iFly, a skydiving simulator.
Regardless of its many positives, some company discovered some minor issues like some elevators that have been usually damaged and theater reveals that at all times coincided with dinner occasions.
They appear to be solely minor points, so I hope they’ve been resolved now.
6. Freedom of the Seas
Place quantity 6 within the rating for Freedom of the Seas.
This Royal Caribbean ship was launched in 2006 and was final renovated in 2020.
It’s a 156,271-ton ship and may host a bit greater than 4,500 passengers. This might be thought of a medium-sized ship, and I personally suppose it’s additionally probably the greatest when it comes to dimension. It’s not too large and never too small.
On board, one can find all of the points of interest and areas which can be on trendy cruise ships. Sports activities fields, swimming swimming pools, water slides, bars with reside music, and a big theater.
On the similar time, since it isn’t too large, it is usually straightforward to maneuver by all of the decks and never too crowded.
I actually favored it…after all, I’d love to listen to your ideas! In the event you’ve tried it, let me know within the feedback whether or not you favored it.
5. Mariner of the Seas
Lastly, in fifth place, there’s a Royal Caribbean ship that may be a little completely different…it’s Mariner of the Seas.
It’s fairly an previous ship of the Voyager class, it was launched in 2003 so greater than 20 years in the past. Even in any case these years, it nonetheless ranks in an excellent place!
A superb variety of critiques highlighted the ship’s dedication to high quality and selection in its culinary choices, particularly with the eating places Jamie’s Italian and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi.Furthermore, passengers love the extra relaxed ambiance on board.
The principle criticism is said to the itinerary. Mariner focuses totally on Caribbean locations, so it presents solely restricted ports and brief cruises.
4. Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas, the primary ship of the Oasis class, launched in 2009. Wow, this makes me really feel so previous!
By the way in which, that is the fourth Oasis-class ship among the many high positions. Passengers actually love all of the ships on this class.
What do individuals say about this ship? Effectively, numerous passengers love that it’s divided into neighborhoods like Central Park and the Boardwalk as a result of it supplies a singular expertise whereas at sea.
Very optimistic critiques additionally for Broadway-style musicals like CATS and Grease and all of the leisure choices on the whole.
Just like the earlier ships, many of the critics speak in regards to the degree of crowdedness. A number of company mentioned that it might wreck the expertise for company on the lookout for a extra intimate ambiance.
3. Concord of the Seas
third place for Concord of the Seas. Mainly, all the primary 3 positions are taken by ships of Oasis Class.
Concord has very comparable actions and leisure choices to the earlier ones.
Passengers liked the 10-story Final Abyss slide, the zip line, and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Many passengers additionally appreciated the presence of particular areas for adults and kids, just like the adults-only Solarium and the kid-friendly Splashaway Bay.
I believe it’s the proper ship for households. The one draw back I discovered was that the meals was a bit too repetitive, and there weren’t sufficient types of pasta (however that is from an Italian’s standpoint).
2. Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas earns second place with many optimistic critiques on a number of elements.
It’s one of many largest cruise ships within the fleet (227,700 tons), and has a powerful choice of cabins from inside rooms to luxurious suites, guaranteeing there’s one thing for each price range and desire.
Passengers admire the number of issues to do on board. From sports activities to video games, from the spa to the swimming pools and waterslides.
The ship can also be extremely praised by vacationers for its glorious meals. Eating on Symphony of the Seas is a spotlight, with over ten complimentary eating choices (reside Windjammer and Solarium Bistro), and a variety of specialty eating places like El Loco Recent providing a variety of worldwide and American dishes
If you’d like a preview of what you’ll be able to eat on this cruise ship, you’ll be able to check out the Royal Caribbean menus!
Nevertheless, just like the earlier one, some passengers observe the ship’s dimension could make it really feel crowded at occasions, and some individuals additionally talked about that the loos are a bit too small in sure cabins.
1. Attract of the Seas
Attract of the Seas is taken into account the perfect ship by Royal Caribbean.
Though it isn’t very new (began crusing in 2010), it’s nonetheless an enormous cruise ship that gives an enormous number of actions and facilities, making it the favourite amongst cruise vacationers.
Visitors love the ship’s spacious and comfy rooms, starting from budget-friendly inside cabins to luxurious suites.
A lot of the critiques particularly praised the distinctive service, with pleasant and attentive employees that was at all times able to create a memorable expertise for passengers.
When it comes to leisure, Attract of the Seas captures the essence of Royal Caribbean’s signature choices. Broadway-style reveals, ice skating performances, and high-diving acts.
The ship additionally has quite a few bars, lounges, and areas that present loads of choices for stress-free and socializing.
Attract can also be thought of probably the greatest ships for households due to the youngsters’s packages and family-friendly actions. For instance, on board, you will discover a browsing simulator, a zipper line, and a mini-golf. There are additionally devoted areas and actions for youngsters.
Furthermore, the standard of meals and number of choices have obtained excessive marks from passengers. A lot of the company favored the large choice of eating places and cafes, which fulfill all tastes.
Regardless of its many positives, some passengers famous that the ship’s dimension may be overwhelming. A number of critiques mentioned that some areas can get too crowded, particularly throughout peak occasions.
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