20-Second Summary

Royal Caribbean offers seven unique ship classes in 2025, each catering to different travel styles – from high-energy adventures to laid-back scenic escapes. This guide breaks down each class, highlights family- and senior-friendly features, and helps you find the best fit for your next cruise vacation.

If you’re planning a cruise in 2025, chances are you’ve come across the name Royal Caribbean at least once. Known for its massive fleet, thrilling onboard experiences, and family-friendly cruises, Royal Caribbean continues to dominate the seas with a little something for everyone.

But with over 20 ships spread across seven unique classes, it can feel like you need a compass just to pick the right one. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll break down all seven Royal Caribbean cruise classes of 2025, what sets them apart, where they usually sail, and what amenities are great for seniors and kids – because, yes, Royal Caribbean really is that versatile.

Whether you’re dreaming of zip lining at sea, unwinding in an adults-only solarium, or just making sure your kids don’t get bored halfway to the Bahamas, we’ve got you.

Icon Class: Royal Caribbean’s Biggest, Boldest Ships

If Royal Caribbean ships were superheroes, the icon class would be Iron Man – sleek, high-tech, and way ahead of the game.

These floating cities are Royal Caribbean’s newest and most revolutionary ships, designed to make jaws drop and Instagram feeds explode.

Think 8 themed neighborhoods, a 55-foot waterfall, and an entire deck dedicated to families with young kids.

Signature Feature: Surfside – the first-ever neighborhood just for young families.

Royal Caribbean’s Fleet: Icon Class

The current ships in this class are:

• Icon of the Seas (debuted in 2024)
• Star of the Seas (coming in mid-2025). 

This class is brand new, and it’s already making waves (literally)!

Size and Numbers

The Icon Class has a size of:

• 250,800 gross tons
• 1,198 feet in length
• At least 7,600 passengers
• 2,350 crew members
• 20 decks

Royal Caribbean Destinations: Icon Class

The primary destinations for Icon Class in 2025 are:

• Caribbean: Eastern/Western itineraries lasting 6 to 8 nights.
• Perfect Day at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean’s private island, with places like the Hideaway Beach for adults and Captain Jill’s Galleon waterpark for kids.
• Europe: 7-night Mediterranean vacations from Barcelona.

Need a pro tip? Book a balcony room overlooking Surfside. You’ll get front-row seats to the neighborhood’s carousel and splash pad chaos (in the best way).

Icon Class Cruise Ship Amenities for Seniors

While Icon Class already screams “family fun,” it’s got quiet havens for older people as well.

• The Hideaway: An adults-only infinity pool with ocean views (and a bar, obviously).
• AquaDome: A serene, climate-controlled space by day and an immersive show venue by night.
• Dedicated wellness zones, including a world-class spa.
• Plenty of indoor lounges and scenic overlooks for relaxing – without the sunburn.

Icon Class Cruise Ship Activities for Children

Icon Class is basically summer camp at sea for kids.

For little ones, aged 0 to 5, they have:

• Baby splash pads with tiny slides (and they are diaper-friendly!).
• Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, which is a staffed childcare facility.
• Surfside neighborhood, built for families with kids under 6.

For older kids, aged 6 to 12:

• Category 6 Waterpark: The largest at sea with 6 record-breaking slides.
• Adventure Ocean: STEM labs and pirate-themed parties.

For teens:

• Social020: A hangout with gaming consoles and late-night dance parties.

Why Icon Class Has Family-Friendly Cruises

• Every family member – from babies to grandparents – has their own space and activities.
• New tech and smart navigation make it easier to get around.
• There are dining options for almost every taste and dietary need.
• Private family cabins that don’t feel like you’re all packed in a shoebox.

Also, Icon Class ships are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature energy-efficient systems. That means you can vacation without stressing about your carbon footprint. It’s also just… insanely photogenic.

Quantum Class: Where Tech Meets Sea Views

Quantum Class ships are basically the Silicon Valley of the seas. They bring something different to the Royal Caribbean’s fleet – groundbreaking technology that makes you feel like you’re sailing on a spaceship as much as a cruise ship.

Designed with innovation in mind, they offer next-gen cruising experiences while still giving you all the comfort you’d expect from Royal Caribbean cruises.

Signature Feature: The North Star – a glass capsule that lifts you 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree views.

Royal Caribbean’s Fleet: Quantum Class

Current ships include:

• Odyssey of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas (primarily Asia-focused)
• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas

Size and Numbers

The Quantum Class of the Royal Caribbean fleet spans across:

• 168,666 gross tons
• 1,141 feet in length
• Capacity for 4,180 passengers
• 1,500 crew members
• 16 decks

Where They Are Sailing

Quantum class ships are more global, so they venture beyond the usual Caribbean route.

They sail to destinations including:

• Alaska: Glacier viewing from the North Star (in summer months).
• Asia: Unique routes from Shanghai and Singapore.
• Europe: Visiting cities like Venice and Amsterdam.

Cruise Ship Amenities for Seniors

Quantum Class proves that cutting-edge can still be comfortable.

For senior travelers, they offer:

• Two70 Lounge: A high-tech venue with robotic screens and daytime ocean views.
• North Star Observation Capsule: Over 300 feet above sea level.
• Spa and Thermal Suite: Heated lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Music Hall: Intimate live music with classic rock tribute bands.
• Enclosed pools and solariums for chill days, regardless of the weather.

Cruise Ship Activities for Kids

For young families, the Quantum Class offers:

• SeaPlex: The world’s largest indoor activity space at sea featuring:
  • Bumper cars
  • Roller skating
  • Xbox zones (basically kid heaven).
• RipCord by iFly: Skydiving simulator for ages above 3
• Adventure Ocean youth programs: fun and learning activities in age-specific groups.

For teens:

• Virtual Reality Zone: high-tech gaming experiences
• Teen Lounge: with its own private outdoor deck.

Why Quantum Class Feels Like the Future

• It’s perfect for tech-savvy families or cruisers who want something new.
• It offers a nice balance of quiet luxury and high-energy fun.
• It feels less like a “floating resort” and more like a “luxury hotel that happens to move.”

Signature Experiences You Won’t Find Elsewhere

• Robotic Bar: Watch your cocktail get mixed by mechanical arms.
• Bionic Bar: Where your smartphone becomes the bartender.

Oasis Class: The Original Floating Cities

When Royal Caribbean Cruises first launched the Oasis Class in 2009, they didn’t just build ships – they created floating marvels that changed cruising forever. 

Oasis Class ships are like the overachievers of the cruise world. These are the largest cruise ships on Earth – so big that they literally have neighborhoods.

Fast forward to 2025, and these engineering wonders continue to dominate the seas with their jaw-dropping scale and endless entertainment.

Signature Feature: The revolutionary neighborhood concept – seven distinct areas with their own personality.

Royal Caribbean’s Fleet: Oasis Class

Current ships include:

• Wonder of the Seas (newest)
• Symphony of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

Size and Numbers

The Oasis Class is:

• 227,700 gross tons
• 1,188 feet in length
• Able to hold 6,360 passengers and 2,100 crew members
• 18 decks high

Destinations Oasis Ships Are Headed in 2025

Primary routes:

• Caribbean: Eastern, Western, and Southern itineraries.
• Bahamas: Some cruises offer visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Europe: Summer sailings to Barcelona and Rome.
• Asia: Trips to Thailand and Japan.

Senior-Friendly Features

While packed with action, Oasis Class offers plenty of senior- and family-friendly cruises.

• Vitality Spa: Full-service spa with thermal suites.
• Solarium: Adults-only retreat with cantilevered whirlpools.
• Broadway at Sea: World-class productions like Mamma Mia!, Cats, and Hairspray.
• Over 50 wheelchair-accessible staterooms per ship.

Kid-Centric Adventures

Oasis Class is basically a theme park on water.

For little ones:

• Royal Babies and Tots Nursery: Certified staff for infants of 3 to 36 months.
• H2O Zone: Interactive water playground.

For kids, ages 6 to 12:

• Adventure Ocean: Themed parties and science labs.
• Carousel: Handcrafted merry-go-round on the boardwalk.

For teens:

• The Living Room: Hangout space with gaming consoles.
• FlowRider: Surf simulator for showing off skills.

Don’t-Miss Experiences

• AquaTheater: Mind-blowing performances in an open amphitheater under the stars.
• Central Park: Open-air green space with 12,000+ plants.
• Ultimate Abyss: The tallest slide at sea.
• Splashaway Bay: Mini water park with fountains and more slides.

These ships offer the perfect balance – enough space to not feel crowded and so many areas to discover.

Why Oasis Class Cruise is a Must for Families

The Oasis Class ships are considered the most family-friendly cruises of the Royal Caribbean because:

• Every age group has something fun to do.
• You can relax while the kids have supervised fun.
• There are all kinds of dining options, from hot dogs to high-end steakhouses.

Freedom Class: Big Ships with a Side of Chill

If you think “action-packed” and “cruise ship” don’t belong in the same sentence, you haven’t sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class.

These ships, launched from 2006 to 2008, contributed to the mega-ship revolution and remain fan favorites for their perfect balance of thrill and relaxation.

Signature Feature: The first ships to introduce the FlowRider surf simulator, which is still one of the most popular attractions fleet-wide.

Freedom Class Active Ships in 2025

The ships currently operating under Freedom Class are:

• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas

Size and Numbers

Freedom Class ships usually have:

• Volume of 156,000 gross tons
• Length of 1,112 feet
• Accommodations for over 4,500 guests
• 1,300 crew members
• 15 passenger decks

Itineraries and Routes

Freedom Class ships usually sail to:

• Caribbean: Short 3 to 4-night getaways from Miami.
• Bahamas: Perfect Day at CocoCay included.
• US Ports: New York, Galveston, and Florida.

Senior-Friendly Features

Freedom Class keeps comfort and excitement in perfect harmony by offering:

• Champagne Bar: Sophisticated spot for pre-dinner drinks.
• Adult-Only Solarium: Spacious with cantilevered whirlpools.
• Stunning ice skating shows in Studio B.
• Broadway-style shows.
• Quiet corners for reading or card games.

Parent-Approved Fun for Kids

These ships pack serious play power.

For younger kids, Freedom Class ships have:

• H2O Zone Water Park: Interactive splash area with fountains.
• Adventure Ocean: Themed nights, like a pirate party.

For thrill-seekers:

• Rock Climbing Wall: 40 feet tall with ocean views.
• Sports Courts: Basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball.
• The Perfect Storm water slides.
• Escape rooms for group fun.
• Interactive shows and character meet-and-greets.

Teen-exclusive areas include:

• Fuel Nightclub: Dedicated teen space.
• The Living Room: Chill out zone with video games.

They’ve got enough going on to keep even the hyper nieces and nephews busy.

Signature Freedom Experiences

You can’t board a Freedom Class ship without enjoying these:

• Royal Promenade: 4-deck high indoor boulevard with shops and cafes.
• Ice Skating: Real rink with professional shows.
• Johnny Rockets: Classic 50s diner with free shakes (for suite guests).

Why Freedom Class Hits That Sweet Spot

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class cruises are perfect for families who want a little more space and variety without needing the absolute latest cruise ship.

They are also budget-friendly compared to newer classes, making them ideal for both quick trips and extended vacations.

Voyager Class: The Original Adventure Playground

Before Oasis and Quantum, there was Voyager Class – the ships that started the mega-ship revolution in 1999.

Voyager Class ships were the blueprint for modern mega-ships back in the day. They introduced innovations like the Royal Promenade (basically a floating city with parades, pizza, and shopping) and the rock climbing wall, which became Royal Caribbean staples.

Signature Feature: the first ever Royal Promenade – an indoor boulevard that became Royal Caribbean’s signature design element.

Voyager Class Active Ships

In 2025, the following ships in the Voyager Class are active:

• Navigator of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas

Size and Numbers

Most ships in the Voyager Class have these measurements:

• 138,000 gross tons
• 1,021 feet in length
• Capacity for 3,800 guests
• 15 passenger decks

Where They Are Sailing

Voyager Class cruises usually sail to:

• Short Caribbean: Planned trips to the Bahamas, Mexico, and other islands.
• Labadee: Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti.
• Historical sites in Europe: Greece, Italy, and Spain.
• Alaska: Visits to glaciers and fjords.

Amenities and Entertainment for Seniors

Voyager Class offers old-school charm with some modern touches. Amenities include:

• Library and Card Room: Quiet spaces for games and reading.
• Concierge Club: Exclusive lounge for suite guests.
• Ice shows at Studio B.
• Traditional dining rooms with attentive service for those who like their cruise classic style.

What the Kids (and Teens) Will Love

These ships prove that you don’t need to be massive to be fun. They offer:

• Ice skating rink with professional shows.
• Mini Golf. A 9-hole course with ocean views.
• Rock Climbing Wall. 200 feet above sea level.
• FlowRider Surf Simulator.

For younger kids, Voyager Class ships have:

• Adventure Ocean: Award-winning kids’ program
• Pool Movie Nights: Family-friendly films under the stars.

Signature Voyager Experiences

Three of the most popular features of Voyager Class cruises are:

• Studio B: Multipurpose venue for ice shows and game nights.
• Schooner Bar: Nautical-themed piano lounge.
• Johnny Rockets: Classic burgers and shakes (with a small fee).

Voyager Class is great for:

• First-time cruisers looking for something exciting but not overwhelming.
• Multigenerational families (because there’s a lot to do for all ages).
• Travelers who want international itineraries without sacrificing amenities.

Radiance Class: The Most Scenic Ships in the Fleet

If you’re the type who cruises to see the ocean (not just floating resorts), Radiance Class is your perfect match.

These ships are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows nearly everywhere. So, even if you’re indoors, you’re never disconnected from the views.

Designed with more glass than any other ships, these vessels bring the outside in with breathtaking 360-degree views.

Signature Feature: the 10-story Centrum with glass elevators overlooking the sea.

Radiance Class Active Ships

Ships active in 2025 are:

• Serenade of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas

Size and Numbers

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class includes ships with:

• 90,090 gross tons of volume
• 962 feet in length
• Capacity for 2,466 passengers
• 13 passenger decks

2025 Itinerary Highlights

Radiance Class ships sail to:

• Alaska’s Inside Passage for glacier viewing from the helipad (in the summers).
• Royal Caribbean’s Private Destinations: Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Australia/New Zealand, with occasional overnight stays in Sydney.

Radiance Class is mainly for people who enjoy nature. If that sounds like you, book a hump cabin (located in the center) for the best views.

Senior-Friendly Perks

Radiance Class was designed with mature travelers in mind. They offer:

• Colony Club. Sophisticated lounge with billiards.
• Solarium. Glass-domed adults-only retreat.
• Walking Track. Wraps around the ship with ocean vistas.
• Easy layout and elevators for accessibility.

Family Features

Amenities for all ages include:

• Outdoor movie screen for watching poolside films under the stars.
• Mini golf.
• Adventure Ocean kids’ programs for ages 3 to 17.
• Rock climbing walls.
• Family game shows and trivia nights.

Other unique touches are:

• Self-leveling pool tables
• Glass-bottomed whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides.
• Rita’s Cantina. Festive Mexican dining with sea views.

• Safari Club. Multi-purpose lounge by day, dance venue by night.
• Viking Crown Lounge. The highest point on the ship for views.

This class isn’t over the top with attractions, but it hits that balance between fun and relaxation that works for multi-generational families.

Vision Class: Royal Caribbean’s Cozy Classics

For those who prefer smaller ships with big charm, Vision Class delivers a more traditional experience – without sacrificing Royal Caribbean’s signature fun.

These are the fleet’s smallest and oldest vessels, but they pack personality, unique itineraries, and a relaxed vibe that the bigger ships fans might overlook.

Vision Class ships are ideal for those who want to actually see the sea. With wide windows and lots of natural light, it’s a great pick for first-time travelers who like things low-key.

Signature Feature: The Centrum – a soaring atrium with aerial shows and live music, giving these ships their vibrant heart.

Vision Class Fleet

Active ships in the Vision Class include:

• Enchantment of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas

Size and Numbers

Vision Class ships range from:

• 78,000 to 83,000 gross tons
• 11 to 12 passenger decks
• Capacity for 2,000 to 2,500 guests.

Usual Destinations

Ships in the Vision Class travel to:

• The Bahamas
• Panama Canal
• Canada/New England

These ships dock in smaller ports that bigger ships can’t access, so it’s perfect for avoiding tourist crowds.

Senior Perks

Vision Class is a favorite for mature travelers who want:

• Cozy lounges. Champagne bar, schooner bar, and piano nights.
• Solarium. Glass-covered pool area.
• No lines. Fewer passengers mean quicker boarding and dining.
• Classic vibes. Warm wood finishes, nautical decor, and a slower pace.

Seniors also love Vision Class because:

• Less walking, more relaxing. The compact layout makes it easier to get around without needing to cross a mini-city.
• Classic onboard entertainment. Think piano lounges, live jazz, game nights, and ballroom dancing.
• Wellness-focused. Onboard spas, fitness centers, and calm pool areas make it ideal for those who like a peaceful pace.

Kid-Friendly Fun

While not packed with mega-ship thrills like water slides or bumper cars, it still offers:

• Splash zone. Small but fun water play area.
• Adventure Ocean. Royal Caribbean’s signature kids’ program (ages 3 to 17)

• Rock climbing walls. (Yes, even these smaller ships have one!)
• Pool games and movie nights. Laid-back fun under the stars.

• Dedicated hangout space for teenagers.
• Video arcade.

This class is better suited for families who want to explore together rather than drop the kids off and forget they exist for 3 days (no judgment, though).

Conclusion

Choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise depends on how you want to experience the journey rather than the destination.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for senior-friendly amenities, or simply planning an unforgettable family trip, each ship class brings something unique to the table.

Take the time to explore this Royal Caribbean Ship Guide again, chat with your travel crew, and match your vibe with the right vessel. Because your dream cruise isn’t just a fantasy – it’s literally docked and waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ship classes does Royal Caribbean have in 2025?

As of 2025, Royal Caribbean features seven ship classes:

• Icon
• Oasis
• Quantum
• Freedom
• Voyager
• Radiance
• Vision

What is the best Royal Caribbean ship class for families with kids?

The Icon and Oasis classes are perfect for families. They offer water parks, kids’ clubs, family suites, and other activities designed for all ages.

Are there cruise ships that cater specifically to seniors?

Absolutely. Radiance and Vision classes tend to be more laid-back, with relaxing lounges and less crowded environments. These are great for seniors looking for a peaceful getaway.

What’s the main difference between Royal Caribbean’s older and newer ships?

New ship classes like Icon and Quantum offer cutting-edge technology, high-energy attractions, and other entertainment options. In contrast, older ones like Vision and Radiance focus more on traditional cruising, scenic routes, and intimate onboarding experiences.