How to Choose the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Choosing the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise ship can be overwhelming with many options. At Cruise Ready, we understand the importance of finding the right vessel for your dream vacation.

Our comprehensive Royal Caribbean cruise ship review will guide you through the process, helping you select the ideal ship based on your preferences and travel style.

Let’s explore the factors to consider and discover which Royal Caribbean ship will make your cruise experience unforgettable.

Which Royal Caribbean Ship Class Is Right for You?

Royal Caribbean’s diverse fleet offers something for every type of cruiser. The key differences between the Oasis, Quantum, and Freedom classes will help you make an informed decision.

Oasis Class: The Ultimate Floating Resort

The Oasis Class ships are the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet (and the world). These floating resorts accommodate up to 6,780 guests and 2,200 crew members. Oasis Class vessels include Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.

These ships appeal to travelers who want a wide variety of activities and dining options. They feature seven distinct neighborhoods, including Central Park with over 20,000 real plants. The Boardwalk neighborhood offers a carousel and the AquaTheater for high-diving shows.

Oasis Class ships also boast the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, which is more than 150 feet above sea level. For dining, you’ll find up to 23 restaurants, ensuring a new culinary experience every day of your week-long cruise.

Quantum Class: Tech-Savvy Adventure

Quantum Class ships (including Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas) are slightly smaller than the Oasis Class but still impressive, accommodating up to 4,905 guests. These ships are known for their technological innovations and unique attractions.

One standout feature is the North Star, a glass capsule that rises above the ship for panoramic views. The SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, offers bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school. For thrill-seekers, there’s RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator.

Quantum Class ships also feature Two70, a multi-level great room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that transform into a 270-degree panoramic sea view by day and an immersive multimedia entertainment venue by night.

Freedom Class: The Perfect Balance

Freedom Class ships (Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas) offer a balance between the mega-ships and smaller vessels. These ships accommodate around 4,560 guests and are ideal for those who want a variety of activities without the overwhelming size of the Oasis Class.

Freedom Class ships feature the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, and ice-skating rinks. They also offer a good selection of dining options, typically including Giovanni’s Table for Italian cuisine and Chops Grille steakhouse.

These ships receive praise for their layout, which makes navigation easy despite their size. They’re a great choice for first-time cruisers who want to experience a large ship without feeling lost.

When choosing your Royal Caribbean ship, consider your priorities. If you seek non-stop entertainment and countless options, an Oasis Class ship might be your best bet. For cutting-edge technology and unique experiences, a Quantum Class vessel could be the right choice. And if you want a taste of everything without the massive scale, a Freedom Class ship might be your perfect match.

Now that you understand the different ship classes, let’s explore the specific factors you should consider when choosing your ideal Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

What Matters Most When Picking Your Royal Caribbean Ship?

Itinerary Sets the Stage

The destinations your ship visits will shape your cruise experience. Royal Caribbean sails to numerous destinations worldwide, offering a plethora of options. Caribbean itineraries attract sun-seekers with pristine beaches and water activities, while European voyages promise rich cultural experiences.

For Greek Island exploration, the Rhapsody of the Seas frequently sails in the Mediterranean. Tropical paradise enthusiasts might prefer the Allure of the Seas, which often cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas).

Onboard Activities Define Your Days

Royal Caribbean’s innovative onboard activities vary across ships. Quantum Class vessels boast the North Star observation capsule and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Water enthusiasts will love the Perfect Storm water slides (available on select Oasis, Quantum, and Freedom Class ships). Families should look for ships with the Adventure Ocean youth program, which caters to children aged 3-17 with age-appropriate activities.

Dining Options for Every Palate

Royal Caribbean’s culinary offerings differ across their fleet. While all ships feature the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace buffet, specialty restaurants add unique flavors to your journey.

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver graces Quantum Class and Oasis Class ships. Wonderland, an imaginative cuisine experience, awaits on select Oasis and Quantum Class vessels. For an intimate dining affair, ships featuring 150 Central Park offer a sophisticated six-course menu.

Cabin Choices Shape Your Experience

Your stateroom serves as your home base during the cruise. Royal Caribbean offers various cabin types, from interior rooms to luxurious suites. Seasickness-prone travelers should consider a midship cabin on a lower deck for increased stability.

Families might revel in the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas. Scenic view enthusiasts can opt for Virtual Balcony staterooms on select ships, which display real-time ocean views on floor-to-ceiling screens.

Ship Size Impacts Your Journey

The size of your chosen ship influences your overall cruise experience. Larger vessels (like those in the Oasis Class) offer more amenities and activities but can feel crowded. Smaller ships provide a more intimate atmosphere and can access ports that larger ships can’t reach.

Oasis Class ships (accommodating up to 6,780 guests) suit those who crave non-stop entertainment and countless options. Freedom Class vessels (hosting around 4,560 guests) strike a balance, offering variety without overwhelming size.

Your ideal Royal Caribbean ship depends on your personal preferences and travel style. These factors will guide you towards the perfect vessel for your dream cruise vacation. As you weigh these considerations, you’ll find yourself better equipped to choose among Royal Caribbean’s diverse fleet for different types of cruisers.

Which Royal Caribbean Ship Fits Your Travel Style?

Royal Caribbean’s diverse fleet caters to various traveler preferences, ensuring a perfect ship for every type of cruiser. We analyzed passenger feedback and ship features to help you find your ideal match.

Family-Friendly Favorites

Symphony of the Seas stands out for families seeking non-stop entertainment. This Oasis-class ship boasts the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-story haven with a slide connecting the kids’ bedroom to the living room. The suite also features an air hockey table, which keeps children engaged throughout the journey.

Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum-class vessel, offers the SeaPlex (the largest indoor active space at sea). Here, families can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating, and even a circus school. The ship’s Adventure Ocean youth program provides age-appropriate activities for children 3-17, allowing parents some well-deserved relaxation time.

Romantic Retreats for Couples

Couples and honeymooners often prefer more intimate settings. Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance-class ship, offers a perfect balance of amenities and tranquility. Its adults-only Solarium provides a peaceful retreat with cascading waterfalls and whirlpools. The ship’s Champagne Bar and intimate dining venues like Chops Grille create ideal date night settings.

Allure of the Seas offers the Suite Class experience for a touch of luxury. Couples can enjoy exclusive access to Coastal Kitchen, a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and the Suite Lounge for cocktails and concierge service.

Thrill-Seekers’ Paradise

Adventure enthusiasts will find their match in Harmony of the Seas. This Oasis-class ship features the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide that’s the tallest at sea. Adrenaline junkies can also try the FlowRider surf simulator or scale the 43-foot rock climbing wall.

Ovation of the Seas offers the North Star for a unique adventure. This glass capsule elevates guests 300 feet above sea level, providing breathtaking 360-degree views. The ship’s RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator adds another layer of excitement for thrill-seekers.

Luxury and Relaxation Enthusiasts

For those who prioritize luxury and relaxation, the Quantum-class ships (such as Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas) offer the Royal Suite Class. This exclusive experience includes personalized service, priority boarding, and access to a private restaurant and lounge.

The Vitality Spa, available on all Royal Caribbean ships, offers holistic cruise spa services, out-of-this-world fitness facilities, specialized fitness classes, and a beauty salon for ultimate relaxation.

Budget-Conscious Travelers

Voyager-class ships (like Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas) offer a great balance of amenities and value. These ships provide many of the popular Royal Caribbean features (such as the FlowRider and rock climbing wall) at a more affordable price point.

We at Cruise Ready recommend comparing prices across different ships and sailing dates to find the best deal. Off-peak season cruises often offer significant savings without compromising on the experience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise ship depends on your unique preferences and travel style. We explored key factors to consider in our Royal Caribbean cruise ship review, including ship classes, itineraries, onboard activities, and dining options. The size of the ship, cabin choices, and specific amenities will greatly impact your cruising experience.

Royal Caribbean’s diverse fleet offers a ship to match every desire, from family-friendly entertainment to romantic getaways and thrilling adventures. You should take the time to research and compare ships, considering factors like itineraries, onboard activities, dining experiences, and cabin types (which can vary significantly between vessels).

At Cruise Ready, we want to help you plan the perfect cruise vacation. Our expert tips, detailed ship reviews, and budget-friendly strategies will enhance your cruising experience. Set sail on your dream vacation with confidence and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.