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Royal Caribbean cruise ships from newest to oldest — a complete list
As TPG's cruise team lead, Gene Sloan oversees the site's cruise content and also writes many of TPG's main cruise guides. He has spent nearly 30 years writing about cruise ships and cruising, and he is one of the world's best-known authorities on the topic.
June 19, 2026 • 30 min read
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Quick summary
The newest Royal Caribbean ship is Star of the Seas, which debuted in 2025 as part of the innovative Icon Class, featuring record-breaking amenities and size.
Royal Caribbean's fleet includes nearly 30 ships, with new vessels typically launched each year and older ships remaining in service for up to 30 years.
Newer ships are significantly larger and offer more attractions, while older ships provide a more intimate experience and can access smaller ports.
Eight additional ships are on order, including more Icon Class vessels and a new Discovery Class, with some future sailings already open for booking.
What to consider
Icon Class ships are the largest in the fleet, focusing on family amenities and high passenger capacity.
Older ships, especially those in the Vision Class, offer fewer attractions but appeal to travelers seeking smaller crowds and lower per-day costs.
All ships undergo regular upgrades, so even older vessels feature updated decor and venues.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of each ship's features, size, and ideal audience, plus insights into upcoming Royal Caribbean vessels.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
What’s the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship? It might seem like a strange question to ask, but it’s something that matters if you’re in the market for a Royal Caribbean cruise.
The newest Royal Caribbean ship is typically also the Royal Caribbean ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It’s what you want if you want the latest and greatest in a vessel for your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
Right now, the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Star of the Seas, which debuted in 2025. It’s the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Icon Class of vessels.
Other relatively new Royal Caribbean ships include Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. All began sailing in the past five years.
In all, Royal Caribbean operates nearly 30 vessels. On average, the line launches roughly one new ship a year, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for 20 to 30 years before retiring them from the fleet. The oldest Royal Caribbean ship, Grandeur of the Seas, is 29 years old.
Ship name
Ship class
Year built
Star of the Seas
Icon Class
2025
Utopia of the Seas
Oasis Class
2024
Icon of the Seas
Icon Class
2024
Wonder of the Seas
Oasis Class
2022
Odyssey of the Seas
Quantum Class
2022
Spectrum of the Seas
Quantum Class
2019
Symphony of the Seas
Oasis Class
2018
Harmony of the Seas
Oasis Class
2016
Ovation of the Seas
Quantum Class
2016
Anthem of the Seas
Quantum Class
2015
Quantum of the Seas
Quantum Class
2014
Allure of the Seas
Oasis Class
2010
Oasis of the Seas
Oasis Class
2009
Independence of the Seas
Freedom Class
2008
Liberty of the Seas
Freedom Class
2007
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom Class
2006
Jewel of the Seas
Radiance Class
2004
Mariner of the Seas
Voyager Class
2003
Serenade of the Seas
Radiance Class
2003
Navigator of the Seas
Voyager Class
2002
Brilliance of the Seas
Radiance Class
2002
Adventure of the Seas
Voyager Class
2001
Radiance of the Seas
Radiance Class
2001
Explorer of the Seas
Voyager Class
2000
Voyager of the Seas
Voyager Class
1999
Vision of the Seas
Vision Class
1998
Enchantment of the Seas
Vision Class
1997
Rhapsody of the Seas
Vision Class
1997
Grandeur of the Seas
Vision Class
1996
In general, Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, you’ll want to stick to vessels built in the past 15 years.
Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships — those built in the 1990s and early 2000s — in many cases are half to one-third the size of the line’s newest vessels and have far fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer a lot of attractions as compared to many vessels sailing for competing lines.
Royal Caribbean is known for bustling activity-packed ships across its fleet.
Here, every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest.
Note: All passenger capacity numbers listed are for double occupancy (two passengers per cabin).
List of Royal Caribbean ships, newest to oldest
1. Star of the Seas (2025)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2025 Size: 248,663 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,610
Star of the Seas is the belle of the ball at Royal Caribbean — the line’s newest and most state-of-the-art ship. It’s also tied with the two-year-old Icon of the Seas as the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and, indeed, the biggest ship ever built by any line.
Star of the Seas is the second of a new class of vessels at Royal Caribbean called the Icon Class that the line just began rolling out in 2024. Royal Caribbean has five more of the vessels on order.
The Icon Class ships are truly massive, with each having seven separate pools (a new record for a cruise ship), a water park with six waterslides (also a record), a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on their top decks.
2. Utopia of the Seas (2024)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2024 Size: 236,473 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,668
Utopia of the Seas is the sixth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Oasis Class of ships. In an unusual twist, it has been deployed to Florida for short cruises to the Bahamas. Typically, cruise lines assign their newest vessels to longer seven-night sailings.
The deployment of such a new and large ship (Utopia of the Seas is the world’s second-largest cruise ship) to short cruises is a sign that Royal Caribbean is eager to draw more first-time cruisers. First-time cruisers often gravitate to shorter cruises.
3. Icon of the Seas (2024)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2024 Size: 248,663 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,610
Icon of the Seas was the first ship in Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking new Icon Class of ships — the line’s newest and most state-of-the-art series of ships. It’s also tied with Star of the Seas as the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet (and the biggest ship from any line in the world0.
Like the slightly newer Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas has seven separate pools and a water park with six waterslides, among other over-the-top features.
4. Wonder of the Seas (2022)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 235,600 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,734
Wonder of the Seas was the world’s biggest cruise ship until the arrival of Icon of the Seas, and it remains one of the biggest ships ever built by any line.
Wonder of the Seas is the fifth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s much-ballyhooed Oasis Class series of vessels — the world’s largest ships from the time they began debuting in 2009 until the arrival of Icon of the Seas in January 2024.
5. Odyssey of the Seas (2022)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 167,704 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,198
Odyssey of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean’s five Quantum Class ships. The five-ship series debuted in 2014 with the unveiling of Quantum of the Seas. It's the second-newest ship class in the fleet after the Icon Class.
6. Spectrum of the Seas (2019)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 169,379 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,246
Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class series and has traditionally sailed in Asia, often on cruises aimed at the Asian market.
Like all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas features a RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and other amusements and an unusual attraction called North Star that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.
7. Symphony of the Seas (2018)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 228,081 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,518
Symphony of the Seas is one of the world's largest cruise ships, just a tad smaller than its newer sisters Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, as well as the ships in the Icon Class. It’s the fourth ship in the groundbreaking Oasis Class of ships that began debuting in 2009.
Like all Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas is broken up into multiple neighborhoods, including a Central Park neighborhood full of eateries, bars and shops that runs down the middle of the ship and is open to the sky.
8. Harmony of the Seas (2016)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 226,963 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,479
Unveiled in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class series and the biggest ship in the world at the time of its debut. (It has since been eclipsed by its slightly bigger sisters Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas and the Icon Class vessels.)
Maiden voyage: 2016 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,182
Ovation of the Seas is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class of ships.
Like its Quantum Class sisters, Ovation of the Seas is filled with amusements such as a RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.
10. Anthem of the Seas (2015)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2015 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180
Anthem of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s five Quantum Class vessels (the second ship in the series). It shares many of the amenities offered by the other ships in the class, including a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod, a Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator and a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars.
11. Quantum of the Seas (2014)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2014 Size: 168,666 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,180
Quantum of the Seas was the original Quantum Class vessel for Royal Caribbean, and it thus kicked off a new era for the line.
The 4,180-passenger ship notably was the first in the world with a Bionic Bar — a bar with a robot making drinks (a concept since rolled out to several other Royal Caribbean ships). It was also the first cruise ship with a Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, a SeaPlex entertainment complex with bumper cars and a North Star ride that takes passengers into the air in a suspended pod.
12. Allure of the Seas (2010)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 225,282 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,718
When Allure of the Seas debuted in 2010, it was the biggest ship in the world (by a hair) and is still one of the world’s biggest cruise vessels.
Allure of the Seas was the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class series, and only the newer vessels in the series are bigger than it.
Like all Oasis Class ships, Allure of the Seas features multiple neighborhoods, including the Coney Island-inspired Boardwalk with an AquaTheater for acrobatic and high diving shows, a carousel, an arcade, restaurants and sweet shops, and two rock climbing walls looming above.
Allure of the Seas also just underwent a massive, $100 overhaul (Royal Caribbean calls these sort of updates "amplifications") in 2025 that brought some major new features including the addition of the 10-story dry slide called The Ultimate Abyss that already existed on some newer Oasis Class ships.
Other upgrades included the addition of a Perfect Storm waterpark area, new suites, a new tiki bar, a new sports bar and a new restaurant called the Mason Jar.
In aggregate, these updates to Allure of the Seas in aggregate make it more closely resemble its Oasis Class sisters.
13. Oasis of the Seas (2009)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 226,838 gross tons Passenger capacity: 5,602
Oasis of the Seas was the cruise ship that changed the cruise world — a vessel so much bigger and with so many more attractions and venues when it debuted in 2009 that nobody who loved megaships wanted to be on any other vessel.
At the time of its debut, it was a stunning 40% bigger than any other cruise vessel on the planet.
Nearly 20 years after its debut, Oasis of the Seas remains one of the biggest ships on the planet, being just a tad smaller than its five Oasis Class sisters that have debuted in the years since it arrived. It’s also eclipsed in size by Royal Caribbean's two Icon Class ships.
14. Independence of the Seas (2008)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,858
Like other Freedom Class vessels, it’s notably smaller than Royal Caribbean’s giant Oasis Class ships, but it still is big enough to offer a lot when it comes to top-deck attractions, eateries, lounges and bars. The back of its top deck features a FlowRider surf simulator, a water park area with swirling waterslides and a rock climbing wall.
15. Liberty of the Seas (2007)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 154,407 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,798
Liberty of the Seas is the second of three ships in Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class series.
Like its newer sister Independence of the Seas, it’s smaller than Royal Caribbean’s giant Oasis Class ships but still is big enough to pack in a lot of options for cruisers. You’ll find many top-deck attractions, eateries, lounges and bars across this vessel.
16. Freedom of the Seas (2006)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 156,271 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,926
Freedom of the Seas was another groundbreaking ship for Royal Caribbean, the first in a three-ship series (the Freedom Class) that were the biggest ships in the world when they debuted.
While no longer in the Top 25 list of biggest ships (so many bigger ships have since debuted), Freedom of the Seas still offers a lot of onboard fun. It was, notably, the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature a FlowRider surf simulator on its top decks — now a signature attraction for the line. It also boasts multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall.
17. Jewel of the Seas (2004)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2004 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,191
Jewel of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean’s four Radiance Class vessels, a series of ships that is significantly smaller than the line’s newest Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Icon Class ships.
Indeed, at 90,090 tons, Radiance of the Seas and its three sisters are less than half the size of the massive Icon Class ships.
Still, Radiance of the Seas has more than a half dozen places to eat, including the main restaurant, casual buffet, steakhouse, Asian venue and Italian restaurant.
You’ll also find three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium. Inside, a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges keep passengers entertained.
18. Mariner of the Seas (2003)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 139,863 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,344
At the time of their debuts, the Voyager Class ships were the biggest cruise ships in the world (as is often the case with the new series of Royal Caribbean ships). But today, they are essentially midsize in the pantheon of Royal Caribbean vessels.
Still, Mariner of the Seas and its four Voyager Class sisters have many of Royal Caribbean’s signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.
Voyager Class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops in their interior. Each also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.
19. Serenade of the Seas (2003)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2003 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143
Serenade was the third ship to debut in Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class series, which rolled out in quick succession in the early 2000s.
Like other Radiance Class ships, it is significantly smaller than the line’s newest Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Icon Class ships but still has a lot to offer, including more than a half dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.
Like Jewel of the Seas, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.
20. Navigator of the Seas (2002)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 139,999 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,368
Unveiled in 2002, Navigator of the Seas is the second newest vessel in Royal Caribbean’s five-vessel Voyager Class series.
Like other Voyager Class ships, it is significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels but still offers many of the line’s signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, and a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.
21. Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,142
Coming out just a year earlier than Serenade of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas is an almost identical vessel.
Like Serenade of the Seas, it’s a Radiance Class ship, and that means it’s significantly smaller than the line’s newest Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Icon Class ships. However, it is still loaded with venues, including more than a half dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.
Like its Radiance Class sisters, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.
22. Adventure of the Seas (2001)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,114
Adventure of the Seas is the middle vessel in Royal Caribbean’s five-vessel Voyager Class series.
Like other Voyager Class ships, it is significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels but still offers many of the line’s signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, and a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.
23. Radiance of the Seas (2001)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 90,090 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,143
Radiance of the Seas was the prototype vessel for Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class series, which debuted between 2001 and 2004.
Like the other ships in the series, it’s significantly smaller than the line’s newest Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Icon Class ships. However, it still is loaded with venues, including more than a half dozen places to eat, three pools, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium.
In addition, its interior venues include a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.
24. Explorer of the Seas (2000)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 2000 Size: 137,308 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,286
Unveiled in 2000, Explorer of the Seas was the second vessel in Royal Caribbean’s five-vessel Voyager Class series.
Like the other four vessels in the series, it has many of Royal Caribbean’s signature attractions despite being smaller than the Royal Caribbean ships that have debuted over the past 15 years. These include a rock climbing wall and an ice skating rink, as well as a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.
Explorer of the Seas also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.
25. Voyager of the Seas (1999)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 137,276 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,602
Voyager of the Seas was the original Voyager Class ship and, at the time of its debut, the biggest cruise ship in the world.
Nearly 30 years later, it isn’t even one of the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world — the result of years of growth in the cruise industry, which has since introduced far bigger vessels.
Still, Voyager of the Seas has many of Royal Caribbean’s signature attractions, including a rock climbing wall and an ice skating rink (two concepts it debuted). It was also the first Royal Caribbean ship with an interior Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops.
Vision of the Seas is the newest of Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships, which are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Unlike most Royal Caribbean ships, they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line’s vessels.
In general, Vision of the Seas and its three older Vision Class sisters appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship and cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions.
27. Enchantment of the Seas (1997)
MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 1997 Size: 82,910 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,252
Enchantment of the Seas is the third of four Vision Class vessels that began joining the Royal Caribbean fleet in 1996.
Like its sister ships, it’s less than half the size of Royal Caribbean’s newest, biggest ships and has far fewer onboard attractions and amenities.
Like Vision of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship.
28. Rhapsody of the Seas (1997)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 1997 Size: 78,878 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,040
Rhapsody of the Seas was the second vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class of ships, which are the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Like its sisters in the Vision Class, it offers fewer onboard attractions and amenities than are typical for the line’s vessels.
29. Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Maiden voyage: 1996 Size: 73,817 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,992
Grandeur of the Seas was the original Vision Class vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and it’s the smallest of the series, too. In fact, it’s the smallest ship in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.
Like its sisters in the Vision Class, Grandeur of the Seas offers relatively few onboard attractions and amenities — at least compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships.
What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship?
The newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship currently sailing is Star of the Seas. As noted above, it debuted in 2025.
Star of the Seas is the latest vessel in the line’s new Icon Class of vessels. At nearly 250,000 gross tons, they're the biggest cruise ships ever built, eclipsing the six Oasis Class ships by a tad. They're also loaded with more restaurants, bars, showrooms and top-deck attractions than you’ll find on any other ship at sea.
What is the oldest Royal Caribbean ship?
The oldest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Unveiled way back in 1996, it’s not just the oldest Royal Caribbean ship, but also the smallest Royal Caribbean ship — far smaller than the newest Royal Caribbean vessels. Measuring just 73,817 gross tons, it’s only one-third the size of Icon of the Seas and has far fewer venues.
Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the "gee whiz" top-deck attractions — like skydiving simulators and giant water parks — found on bigger Royal Caribbean vessels. For the most part, its top deck is lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s.
That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.
What new Royal Caribbean ships are coming?
Royal Caribbean currently has eight new cruise ships on order, all of which will be among its biggest cruise ships ever — if not its biggest.
They include five more vessels in the line’s new Icon Class series, the first of which will roll out in summer 2026 with the name Legend of the Seas (which recycles the name of a previous Royal Caribbean ship that's no longer in the fleet). The second new ship in the Icon Class series that's on the way is Hero of the Seas, which is set to debut in late 2027. Three more of the Icon Class vessels that do not yet have names are on order with shipyards for completion by 2028, 2029 and 2030, respectively. All of these ships are expected to be as big as or bigger than Icon of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean also has one more unnamed ship in the Oasis Class series on order for delivery in 2028. It's expected to be roughly the same size as Utopia of the Seas but smaller than the Icon Class ships.
In addition, Royal Caribbean has ordered two new ships in an all-new class of vessels that is under development called the Discovery Class. These ships won't start debuting until 2029.
What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship available for booking?
Legend of the Seas and Hero of the Seas are the newest Royal Caribbeans ship that you can book right now. While these new Icon Class ships aren't yet sailing, their voyages are already on sale through April 2028.
The next six Royal Caribbean vessels on order have yet to open for bookings.
What is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships?
The Icon Class is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships. It’ll be made up of at least seven vessels, the first two of which (Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas) are currently sailing.
At 248,663 gross tons, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are more than 6% bigger than the biggest Royal Caribbean ships that came before them. They can hold up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship.
The bigger passenger capacity of Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas is in part due to their greater focus on family travelers. Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas were built with more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with children.
Each of the ships also have more amenities geared to families, including a new-for-the-line outdoor “neighborhood” called Surfside that's dedicated to families with young children.
What’s the difference between newer and older Royal Caribbean ships?
Newer Royal Caribbean ships generally are bigger than older Royal Caribbean ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than the line’s older vessels.
On Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest Oasis Class vessels, for instance, you’ll find three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that’s just on their top decks.
Inside the vessels, you’ll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and theaters with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks.
In short, they’re like giant floating versions of the megaresorts you find in the Orlando area or Las Vegas, and they appeal to people who like that type of experience.
Royal Caribbean’s new Icon Class ships have a similar array of venues.
Royal Caribbean’s older ships are half to one-third smaller and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Icon Class and Oasis Class ships can hold nearly 5,700 passengers at double occupancy, the line’s four oldest vessels (known as the Vision Class) are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.
That makes the older vessels a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn’t eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet thus appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They also often cost less to sail on a per-day basis.
In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Royal Caribbean are able to operate itineraries to places that aren’t as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Icon of the Seas.
Note that all Royal Caribbean ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Royal Caribbean cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.
One other significant difference between the newer and older Royal Caribbean ships is that the newer ships generally are most expensive on a per day basis. This is typical for ships at many brands, as newer ships with the latest features and more modern amenities are in greater demand than older ships.
In general, Icon Class and Oasis Class ships at Royal Caribbean come with premium pricing as compared to Quantum Class and Freedom Class ships, which are priced at somewhat lower per day rates. Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class and Radiance Class ships often are priced even lower with Vision Class ships being the most budget-friendly ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
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Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
American Express® Gold Card
TPG editor's rating4
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
American Express® Gold Card
TPG editor's rating4
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
American Express® Gold Card
TPG editor's rating4
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
4
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
4
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
4
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
4
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
