What Royal Caribbean Ship Should You Choose?

Welcome to Byte Size Cruises! Thanks for checking out our blog. We are a travel agency just outside of Philadelphia, PA and we specialize in ALL things cruising. If this sounds interesting to you, click to subscribe! Thinking about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Read on to find out which Royal Caribbean class of ships is best for your next cruise vacation. Let’s get started!

Vision Class

The Vision Class with Royal Caribbean is the oldest class of ships These ships were built between 1996 and 1998 and hold between 2,400 to 2,700 passengers. These are the smallest ships in the Royal fleet. They offer travelers solariums, rock climbing, outdoor movies, mini golf, and production shows. This is the type of ship you want to build a strong itinerary around vs. the ship being the destination. There are not a ton of extras but that does not mean that you won’t have a fantastic time cruising on one of these ships. One of the benefits of being on one of these ships is that with a smaller ship you’re able to get into smaller ports and visit places that larger ships cannot go. 

The Vision Class is really good for you if you’re looking to adventure at the destination and relax on the journey. For example, choose one of these ships if you’re traveling to a location for a special excursion and plan to visit the spa or relax by the pool while on the ship. These ships are also great if you’re looking to avoid huge crowds, long lines, or tons of kids while on your cruise.

Radiance Class

The next class of ships is the Radiance Class. Built between 2001 and 2004, these ships also hold between 2,400 and 2,700 passengers. These ships are about the same size as the Vision Class of ships, but with some differences. Here you’re going to find the solariums, outdoor movies, shows, etc. like with the Vision Class. These were the first class of ships to have the self-leveling pool tables, which is pretty cool. Like the Vision Class, these ships are for you if you’re more interested in the destination you’re going to rather than making the ship itself the vacation. Here you’ll find less kids on board, fewer bells and whistles, but access to more interesting ports and adventures once you have reached your destination.

Voyager Class

The Voyager Class ships were built between 1999 and 2003 and are larger than both the Radiance and Vision classes. A lot of these ships have been amplified and upgraded since they were built. On average they hold between 4,000 and 4,300 passengers and these were the first class of ships with the Royal Promenade on board. If you’re familiar with Royal Caribbean, you’ll see a lot of things you recognize on these ships such as the Bamboo Room, the Perfect Storm Slides, Playmakers, etc. There is a lot more to do on this class of ships, such as ice skating, laser tag, escape rooms, etc.

If you’re looking to cruise on a budget, the Voyager Class is where it’s at. You’re going to find a class of ships with a lot more to do on board but because they aren’t the newest ships around the prices will be a bit lower. Families love these ships. There are great things on board to entertain kids and adults and they’re heading to some great destinations over the next year.

Freedom Class

Built between 2006 and 2008, these ships are larger than the Voyager class and hold between 4,500 to 5,000 passengers. These ships are specifically doing shorter cruises (think, weekend or 3 to 4 day vacations.) If you’re looking to get away for a short period of time and be back in the office on Monday, these are the ships for you. Here you’ll find a lot of fun things on the ship with a short stop at a destination. These ships will have all the things you know and love Royal Caribbean for, as well as some extras such as broadway style shows and a party vibe on board. Because these ships don’t stay long at a destination, they are designed to be a part of the vacation with all sorts of things to see and do on board. These ships are popular with families and have activities designed for both children and adults.

Oasis Class

This is our favorite class of ships Royal Caribbean offers! Built from 2009 all the way up through next year, these ships hold between 6,600 and 7,000 passengers. This is the class of ships where each ship has more than enough activities and things to see and do to be a vacation all on its own. Here is where Royal Caribbean introduced neighborhoods for different age groups with corresponding activities, as well as the Aqua Theater, Central Park, and more! There are water slides, specialty dining, ice skating, and just a ton of things to see and do. If you’re looking to find most of your entertainment on the ship itself rather than focusing on a destination, this is the class of ships for you.

Because of all the things to do on board, these ships have a faster paced vibe and often are full of families with children. If you’re looking to party on your vacation and be on a larger ship with more people, the Oasis Class is a great fit for you.

Quantum Class

This next class of ships was built between 2015 and 2018 and holds about 4,900 passengers. There are three ships in the Quantum Class and these are great family ships. There’s tons to see and do on board and the destinations are family friendly. Here you’ll find bumper cars, arcade games, indoor skydiving, and lots more. There’s the two story music hall, broadway shows, and more than enough to fully entertain you while on the ship.

Quantum Ultra Class

Built between 2019 and 2021, the Quantum Ultra Class ships hold 5,400 to 5,600 passengers. These ships have everything the Quantum Class has on board plus some unique extras such as a virtual adventure park. They also travel to some unique destinations such as the Holy Land and Asia. (If you want to cruise to an Asian destination, this is the only class of Royal Caribbean ships that travels here!)

Icon Class

Last but not least, the Icon Class, which is the ultimate family ship. Right now there is only one ship in this class. It was built just this past year, and it is a large ship that holds over 7,000 passengers This is a step up from the Quantum Ultra Class and Oasis Class and will have brand new things on board that Royal Caribbean vacationers have never experienced before. It will have a class six water park, additional neighborhoods, the Aqua Dome, and be an amazing ship for passengers of all ages to experience an incredible vacation. There are more pools, water slides, and water based activities and entertainment than any other cruise ship that has ever been built. Kids have their own special new area and a redesigned Royal Promenade. If you are looking to take your family on the ultimate cruising vacation, this is the ship for you.

Depending on the type of vacation you’re looking for, Royal Caribbean has a ship to fit your needs. Are you cruising with your family? Or are you looking for a more quiet ship with a more mature crowd? With such a wide range of activities, destinations, and ship types, you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you. If you’ve been on a Royal Caribbean ship or are looking to book a cruise, we would love to hear from you! Comment below.