Royal Caribbean cruise ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list
Editor's Note
Are you looking for the most activity-packed, megaresort-like Royal Caribbean cruise ships at sea? If so, you’ll want to get on one of the biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
These ships are, by nature, the Royal Caribbean ships with the most pools, waterslides and other top-deck activities, as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest casinos and spas among ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, as well as the largest number of cabins and suites — and the most variation in cabin and suite types.
With room for more than 6,000 passengers, the biggest Royal Caribbean ships are truly massive resorts like you'd find at landlocked destinations such as Orlando and Las Vegas. If you’re in the “bigger is better” camp when it comes to a resort experience, these are the Royal Caribbean ships for you.
Royal Caribbean doesn’t only operate massive vessels, though. The Miami-based cruise giant also operates quite a few relatively small cruise ships that carry just 2,000 or 3,000 people and have a much more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are just half or one-third of the size of Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships. These ships, notably, have far fewer top-deck activities and interior venues than the biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate, less crowded resort experience.
Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained
To ensure you end up on the right ship for you, it pays to study which Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.
Here is every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation ranked from biggest to smallest.
Note: Ships are ranked based on gross registered tonnage — the measure of a ship's interior volume. Passenger numbers listed are based on double occupancy (two people per cabin).
Royal Caribbean cruise ships, biggest to smallest
1. Icon of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2024
Size: 248,663 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,610 passengers
2. Utopia of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2024
Size: 236,473 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,668 passengers
3. Wonder of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 235,600 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,734 passengers
4. Symphony of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2018
Size: 228,081 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,518 passengers
5. Harmony of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2016
Size: 226,963 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,479 passengers
6. Oasis of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2009
Size: 226,838 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,602 passengers
7. Allure of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2010
Size: 225,282 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 5,718 passengers
8. Spectrum of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2019
Size: 169,379 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,246 passengers
9. (tied) Ovation of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2016
Size: 168,666 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,182 passengers
9. (tied) Anthem of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2015
Size: 168,666 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,180 passengers
9. (tied) Quantum of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2014
Size: 168,666 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,180 passengers
12. Odyssey of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 167,704 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,198 passengers
13. Freedom of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2006
Size: 156,271 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,926 passengers
14. (tied) Independence of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2008
Size: 154,407 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,858 passengers
14. (tied) Liberty of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2007
Size: 154,407 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,798 passengers
16. Navigator of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2002
Size: 139,999 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,368 passengers
17. Mariner of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2003
Size: 139,863 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,344 passengers
18. Explorer of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2000
Size: 137,308 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,286 passengers
19. (tied) Voyager of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1999
Size: 137,276 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,602 passengers
19. (tied) Adventure of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2001
Size: 137,276 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,114 passengers
21. (tied) Jewel of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2004
Size: 90,090 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,191 passengers
21. (tied) Serenade of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2003
Size: 90,090 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,143 passengers
21. (tied) Brilliance of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2002
Size: 90,090 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,142 passengers
21. (tied) Radiance of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2001
Size: 90,090 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,143 passengers
25. Enchantment of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1997
Size: 82,910 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,252 passengers
26. Rhapsody of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1997
Size: 78,878 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,040 passengers
27. Vision of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1998
Size: 78,340 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,050 passengers
28. Grandeur of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1996
Size: 73,817 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 1,992 passengers
What is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?
The biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Icon of the Seas. Measuring 248,663 gross tons, it’s not only the biggest Royal Caribbean ship but also the biggest cruise ship ever built by any line. It’s loaded with more bars, restaurants, theaters and top-deck attractions than you’ll find on any other ship at sea.
Icon of the Seas is the first in Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class of ships. A second ship in the Icon Class, Star of the Seas, will debut in August 2025.
How big is Icon of the Seas?
At 248,663 gross tons, Icon of the Seas is about 5% larger than Royal Caribbean’s second-largest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Icon of the Seas can carry up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship.
The bigger passenger capacity is partly due to the ship’s greater focus on family travelers. Icon Class ships were built with many more cabins with plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with children. They also have more amenities geared toward families. The ships include a new-for-the-line outdoor “neighborhood” called Surfside, which is dedicated to families with young children.
What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?
The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Measuring just 73,817 tons, it’s just one-third of the size of Icon of the Seas.
Grandeur of the Seas dates to 1996, a time when cruise ships were built far smaller than they are today and with far fewer amenities and dining venues. At nearly 30 years old, it’s the oldest vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet and probably will be phased out sometime in the next few years.
Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the "gee whiz" Royal Caribbean top-deck attractions — such as skydiving simulators and giant water parks — found on the newest 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.
Royal Caribbean has hinted that it might build a new series of smaller ships that could replace Grandeur of the Seas and other older, smaller vessels in the line’s fleet.
Are bigger Royal Caribbean ships coming?
Royal Caribbean currently has four new cruise ships on order, all of which will be among its biggest cruise ships ever.
The ships on order include three more vessels in the line’s Icon Class, meaning they will be similar to Icon of the Seas in size and amenities. They’re on order from a shipyard for delivery in 2025, 2026 and 2027 respectively. The first two, respectively, will be named Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas; the third is currently unnamed.
Related: The ultimate guide to Icon of the Seas itineraries, attractions and more
Royal Caribbean also has one more ship in its popular Oasis Class series on order for delivery in 2028.
Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis Class vessels have dominated the world of mega-size cruise ships since that year. When the class began rolling out, the vessels were around 40% bigger than the next-biggest cruise ships, and they have continued to be among the largest and most amenity-laden ships in the world ever since.
The new Oasis Class vessel, which hasn't yet been named, is expected to be roughly the same size as Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second-biggest cruise ship, but smaller than Icon Class ships.
What’s the difference between bigger and smaller Royal Caribbean ships?
Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than Royal Caribbean’s older ships. That makes them more alluring for vacationers who prefer a big, bustling megaresort experience to a stay at a smaller resort.
On Royal Caribbean’s 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 the 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.
Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships are one-half to one-third smaller than the Oasis Class and Icon Class vessels 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 Oasis Class and Icon Class ships can hold more than 5,400 passengers at double occupancy, the line’s four oldest vessels (known as the Vision Class) are designed to carry only about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.
Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships are a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn’t eager to travel with huge crowds. The smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet 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 are also often less expensive on a per-day basis for cruisers.
Related: Don’t miss out on these Royal Caribbean loyalty perks
Additionally, because of their size, the smallest Royal Caribbean ships can operate itineraries to places that aren’t as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle ships the size of Icon Class vessels.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.