Complete Guide to Royal Caribbean Fleet & Ship Classes

Of the major cruise lines, few offer a more diverse lineup of ship classes than Royal Caribbean. In fact, for the most-part, Royal Caribbean ship classes are quite distinguishable from each other. In this post, we're highlighting class specific features and giving you the insight to choose the best ship for your next Royal Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean has been a leading innovator in the cruising industry for over five decades. From 1996 through 2021, Royal Caribbean introduced a new cruise ship every year in all but six of those years. Their current fleet of 26 ships which includes two under construction, are grouped into seven ship classes, each with their own base of specific common features. Vision Class Currently the oldest vessels in the fleet, Vision Class ships were launched between 1995 and 1998 and of the original six ships in this class there are four remaining. With two full decks of balcony staterooms & suites, Vision class ships made the once out-of-reach balcony stateroom more accessible for cruisers. Theses ships were also the first to feature Royal Caribbean’s adult-only Solarium. Grandeur of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb Dec 1996 73,817 GRT 916 ft 996 1,992 (dbl) 2012 2021-2023 Itineraries: Southern Caribbean (Barbados), Short Caribbean (Galveston), Caribbean (Miami) Rhapsody of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb May 1997 78,491 GRT 915 ft 1,020 1,998 (dbl) 2016 2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe (Venice), Caribbean (Tampa) Enchantment of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb Jul 1997 82,910 GRT 989 ft 1,142 2,252 (dbl) 2017 Watch Video: Enchantment of the Seas - Ultimate Cruise Ship Tour 2021-2022 Itineraries : Bermuda (Baltimore), Bahamas/Caribbean (Baltimore), Canada/New England (Baltimore) Notes: Enchantment of the Seas was lengthened in 2005 by cutting the ship in two and adding a new 73-foot section. This resulted in increased capacity with 151 new staterooms, kids splash area, many new venues and the unique bridges on the pool deck. Vision of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb May 1998 78,340 GRT 915 ft 1,024 2,050 (dbl) 2017 2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (San Juan, Fort Lauderdale), Mediterranean (Barcelona) Voyager Class Voyager Class was not only a game-changer for Royal Caribbean, but also the cruise industry. These incredible five ships launched between 1999 and 2003, proved that just about anything is possible on a cruise ship. Aside from their tremendous size, Voyager Class introduced many firsts like ice skating on real ice, the rock-climbing wall, the Royal Promenade with interior facing staterooms, Johnny Rockets Diner with waterview booths, plus expanded food and beverage options, entertainment venues and enhanced Royal Caribbean signature spaces. Over the years, these ships have been upgraded many times to include some of the latest most popular features from across the fleet. Voyager of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb Nov 1999 137,276 GRT 1,020 ft 1,801 3,602 (dbl) 2019 2021-2023 Itineraries: Japan/Far East (Tianjin), Southeast Asia (Singapore), Baltics/Russia (Copenhagen, Stockholm), Canada/New England (Boston), Caribbean (San Juan) 2019 Amplification Highlights: - Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides - Glow-in-the-dark laser tag - Redesigned Spa, Fitness Center & Kids Spaces - Addition of 72 new staterooms Explorer of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb Oct 2000 137,308 GRT 1,020 ft 1,643 3,286 (dbl) 2019 Watch Video: Explorer of the Seas - Port Miami Sailaway 2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Galveston, San Juan, Miami) Notes: Explorer of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2020 which is now on hold indefinitely. Adventure of the Seas Maiden Voyage Size Length Staterooms Guests Last Refurb Nov 2001 137,276 GRT 1,020 ft 1,557 3,114 (dbl) 2018 2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Nassau, Cape Li