voyager class ships

• DESIGN & BUILDING
• VIRTUAL TOUR

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Part 1: Genesis

Part 2: managing a huge design project, part 3: making way for the construction, part 4: construction.

As any major cruise ship project, Project Eagle started by a series of marketing studies — these were realized by Royal Caribbean in 1995, regarding the future growth of the cruise market. The basic idea was to attract people who do not consider themselves "cruise ship people", i.e. soon-to-be first-time cruisers — who represented about 90% of Americans at the time, or in other words, a huge market. The studies showed that what would make these people go for a cruise could be boiled down to a single word: options. The ability to be free to do almost whatever they wanted, anywhere they wanted (not having to seat at a particular time for dinner, for instance).

Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami, Florida

An idea that's also important to keep in mind is that cruise ships have a life expectancy of about 25 years. So one of the biggest questions was: what will Royal Caribbean customers want in 2010? Will the cruise ship we're trying to build now be still relevant then?

Hence, the first talks about Project Eagle were focused on trying to come up with innovative ideas for new vacation options. Most of the major concepts that make the Voyager-class ships so unique where brought up back then —the ice rink, for example. What Royal Caribbean executives had not anticipated, however, was that all those new passenger spaces would add up to form a whopping 140,000-ton ship — 40% larger than originally expected.

Harri Kulovaara

It is at this early stage of the project that newly-hired VP of Quality Assurance Harri Kulovaara suggested the idea of a huge open space in the middle of the ship that would interconnect most of the large public spaces and be the center of passenger life onboard the ship. The idea was evocative of one of Kulovaara's previous design of a ferry for Silja Lines. This 120-meter atrium, that would end up as the Royal Promenade, was however very far from being an obvious choice or an easy decision: it was a bet that could also have ended up as a hollow center inside the world's largest cruise ship.

Silja Symphony's indoor promenade

Project Eagle was so huge, it required something of a complete shakeup of Royal Caribbean's newbuilding department.

What has to be understood here, is that Royal Caribbean is pretty unique in the way it handles ship design. Unlike its archrival Carnival Cruises, which only relies on its one single architect for both interior and general planning — with the very poor results most shiplovers acknowledge — Royal Caribbean is focused on delegating design responsibilities to a myriad of different people, all carefully chosen ("Execution is relatively easy, compared with finding talent," Kulovaara says. "It's more important that the designers know what they are doing than that they live in a convenient place.")

Once the basic layout was complete, the design of each public space was assigned to a particular architect or design firm — some having no cruise ship experience yet. The role of these small groups was to come up with clever designs and an absolute focus on every detail for the particular area(s) assigned to them, supervising everything from decor to furnishing to construction quality inspections at the shipyard. Starting in 1997, this dozen outside consultants reported to Project Manager Gunnar Bjørn and Technical Director Olav Eftedal in Oslo.

Then, at Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami, were held steering committee sessions (quite unlike those most companies are familiar with, lasting for a couple of days or more in most cases). These involved:

• on one side of the table: Richard Fain — Chairman & CEO, Harri Kulovaara — newly promoted Senior VP of Marine Operations, Jack Williams — President, Royal Caribbean International, and a few more veteran Royal Caribbean executives forming the so-called Miami Eagles, each in charge of a department affecting construction or use of shipboard space, such as Hotel Services, Shipboard Revenue or Entertainment.
• on the other side: architects and engineers from the Newbuilding Department in Oslo, headed by Technical Director Olav Eftedal.
• in addition, all the outside consultants, designers and artists in charge of the particular room that was being discussed at the session.

Jack Williams, Richard Fain & Harri Kulovaara

At each of these meetings, Richard Fain, whose reputation for ship design is known industry-wide, liked to challenge every architect or designer about the most trivial matters as well as the most critical issues to make sure they were 100% reliable and had strong convictions about their proposals. This was his way to make sure quality and care for design were being treated with the required concern at every level of the organization. The committee oversaw design as well as cost and overall progress on the project, while most of the planning was being taken care of by Eftedal's team at the Newbuilding Department in Oslo.

It would be fool to believe all design issues were being taken care of by the design firms and during steering-committee sessions. Project Eagle was about designing a ship, and like any ship, it required tremendous work from naval architects and engineers to make sure the floating palace envisioned in Miami was an efficient steel structure that could handle rough seas while guaranteeing passenger comfort.

This complex task begins with hull shape design, fuel and deadweight requirements, and is being discussed as soon as the ship size and number of passenger cabins are approximatively determined. The second step is the testing of a huge scale model of the future hull in an immense basin:

The first hull prototype for Voyager of the Seas

Basin testing

The prototype's stability was enchanced by two improvements added after the results of the early basin tests: a vertical stabilizer (left) and the "ducktail" (right)

An efficient bulbous bow design (right) vs. a bad one (left)

Once Voyager was built, most of the design work had already been done. All changes in the subsequent sisterships would be quite minor design enhancements, and different decor and furnishing. Thus, less people were involved in the design process: starting in 2001, the Newbuilding Dpt. moved from Oslo to Miami, and Juhani Pitkanen was promoted Technical director for all newbuilds (including the remaining Voyager ships), while a Site manager was appointed at the Finnish shipyards to take care of the day-to-day problems facing construction.

A decorator facing CEO Richard Fain in Miami

The first step is the manufacturing of individual components and panels, which will later be put together in the prefabrication zone, forming enormous blocks. These components cannot be purchased ready-made — most of them are large parts of the hull. Sheets of metal are cut out using plasma, laser or oxyacetylene equipment, then are welded and transformed into decks or bulkheads etc., which are to be put together into panels. The forming of profiles and specific sheets occurs at this stage as well.

In parallel, products that cannot be bought on the open market either, but that aren't part of the structure, are also being put together: it's the case of pipes, spacers, bolts, threaded connector rods, sea cocks, inspection hatch covers, hatch handles, pipe collars.

The first steel cut for the construction of newbuild No. 1344 (Voyager of the Seas) using a plasma steel-cutting machine

Once these 'home-made' components are built, prefabrication can start. The assembly process consists of turning individual spans into panels, or putting together metal assemblies made up of welded sheets that will eventually form the vessel's hull. The shaping workshop produces all curved pieces (plating, bulb, superstructure) of the vessels, which will later be assembled on the prefabrication lines.

Pre-fitting consists of equipping the panels or blocks with pipe work, ventilation ducts, electrical cabling, etc. prior to their assembly within the hull. This stage is important since it allows a decrease in the proportion of the fitting-out task, which is carried out aboard the vessel — in more difficult working conditions than in the workshops.

A pre-fitting workshop at Kværner Masa-Yards during the construction of NB No. 1344 Note that workers equip the panels upside down to ease the process (much of the cables, air ducts, pipes, etc. being located in the ceiling)

The last fitting session prior to the assembly of the vessel is called the block stage. Just like the panel fitting, it deals with the installation of pipes, ventilation ducts, electrical cable runs, insulation, etc. as well as modules (pipe-work assemblies, electric motors, generators...) — in short, all the assemblies which are delivered ready-to-fit. Then all the panels are put together to form sub-assemblies of the vessel (i.e. blocks), each weighing several hundred tonnes. Wedged in one against another, these colossusses slowly begin to resemble pieces of a massive jigsaw puzzle.

A small block (a forward part of Voyager) being lifted before its welding to the ship. Notice the pipes and cables installed during the pre-fitting stage.

The assembly process can be considered as the finalisation of all the work carried out by those involved upstream. On its keel, the vessel is finally starting to take form: little by little, what was initially just a collection of blocks is turning into a cruise ship.

The assembly process starts with the keel laying. It consists of transferring the blocks, one after the other, from the pre-assembly zone to the construction dock. The first blocks are located in the lower, middle section of the vessel. Then, the soon-to-be cruise ship grows from bottom to top and from center to ends.

The first block of NB No. 1344 being lifted into the building dock.

One block being transported from the pre-assembly zone to the building dock by a dedicated huge truck. The embarkations deck and the balconies of decks 6 and 7 are clearly recognizable.

The same block being lifted by one of the yard's gigantic crane before its welding into the whole structure. Voyager's Royal Promenade is taking shape.

The last block to be fitted out is the aft stack up on deck 13

Once all the blocks are welded together to form the complete ship, it is time to float the vessel out. The dock is flooded with water and the dock gates are opened, allowing the vessel to touch her element for the first time. Then, she is moved to the fitting-out quay.

NB 1344 being floated out on Nov. 27, 1998

Fitting out a vessel means completing her with all the equipment required to make her operational — a series of operations which start in fact as early as the keel laying, with the installation of the engines (which cannot be done during the pre-fitting process).

The first step of the fitting-out process: the installation of the machinery on the lowest deck. The masssive white block in the center is one of the six electric generators.

Then the support work is getting its finishing touches (i.e. the mounting of pipework, ducts, etc) to allow the set up of phonic, thermal and fire insulations.

Most of the fitting-out occurs later on, alongside the dedicated dock (the fitting-out quay)

At this stage, the pipework system is subjected to 'proving tests' (the pipes and ducts are pressurized in order to detect possible leaks), the temporary lighting and fire protection networks are being replaced by their final versions, the galleys are equipped and the prefabricated passengers cabins are fitted (only the larger suites being built directly aboard).

The Pikiio factory in Turku, where the vast majority of Voyager's cabins are prefabricated.

A prefabricated cabin being loaded into the ship through the upper stern structure, before it is connected to the air-conditioning, water and electric networks.

Then comes the work on the internal partitioning and various paintwork, wall covering, décor, etc. The last step is the floor covering (carpets, teak planking...) to prevent any damage before the ship hand-over.

Fitting-out of Newbuild No. 1344

Installation of an electric substation

One block of the miniature golf — manufactured in New Hampshire

The Schooner Bar during fitting-out

The forward Centrum and Royal Promenade

Tiles on the floor of the Promenade

The installation of the artwork is one of the latest stage of the fitting-out process. Due to an onboard fire, Voyager's construction was delayed and this step took place during her transatlantic crossing.

The first trials occur alongside the fitting-out quay.

The vessel's main electrical switchboard is turned on first, followed by the propulsion system (for berthing manoeuvres), the electrical production plant, the lighting, pumps and ventilation systems and the security systems (fire detectors, extinguishers, indications...). The first acoustic and vibration tests are also carried out at this time; they will be validated later on, during the sea trials.

As much as 90% of the trials are carried out at this stage.

Voyager of the Seas being carried along the fitting-out quay.

One of Voyager's most critical test is that of the Royal Promenade's firedoors, whose revolutionary design has been put into question since the beginning.

The sea trials is the last major stage of the construction process. The vessel is finally operating in real-life conditions, under careful surveillance from Royal Caribbean's own representatives as well as specialists from the US Coast Guards and Det Norske Veritas (a well-reknowned classification society).

The shipowner's engineers are aboard to validate a number of contractual measurements, such as the vibration levels and maximum speed. The DNV and USCG people are here to make sure the newbuild complies with the latest international regulations. Indeed, the ship will not be allowed to sail unless their organizations have given their final approval. This requires several compulsory trials, all standardized and coded with great detail.

Voyager during her sea trials.

Once the ship has been fully validated and completed, the delivery protocol is signed. The shipyard's President and the shipowner's CEO, Richard Fain in the case of the Voyager-class ships, initial the documents which testify to the legal change of ownership of the newbuild: from this moment on, she belongs to the cruise company.

Richard Fain (left) signing Voyager of the Seas' delivery protocol, next to Kvaerner Masa-Yards President & CEO Martin Saarikangas

The finale is the ceremony of flag switching — i.e. when the shipowner's flag replaces that of the shipyard. Voyager's flag switching was celebrated in the ship's own theater, La Scala.

A Finnish choir singing on La Scala's stage while Royal Caribbean's flag was being raised on Voyager's forward mast.

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Adventure of the Seas, Voyager-Class Cruise Ship

Adventure of the Seas is the third of five Voyager-Class cruise ships that have been built for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. It was constructed by Kvaerner Masa-Yards at the Turku New Shipyard in Finland. The other vessels were the Voyager of the Seas, which was delivered in October 1999, and the Explorer of the Seas, which was delivered in September 2000.

Cruise ship

Length Overall

311.1m (1,020ft)

Maximum Breadth

49.1m (157.5ft)

Breadth Waterline

38.6m (126.6ft)

Gross Tonnage

Draught dwl.

Nine metres (29ft)

Height to Top of Funnel

Approx. 63m (207ft)

Main Engines

Six x Wärtsilä 12V46C

Total power

Total propulsion power, propulsion machinery.

3 x 14 MW AZIPOD® propulsion

Bow thrusters

4 x 3 MW, total 12 MW

Classification

Det Norske Veritas

Passenger capacity

Crew capacity, passenger cabins.

total 1,557

Cabins with sea view

1,077 (69%)

Cabins with balconies

Cabins facing the royal promenade.

Adventure of the Seas is the third of five Voyager-Class cruise ships that have been built for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. It was constructed by Kvaerner Masa-Yards at the Turku New Shipyard in Finland. The other vessels were the Voyager of the Seas, which was delivered in October 1999, and the Explorer of the Seas, which was delivered in September 2000. The $500m ship completed its maiden voyage in November 2001. It was refurbished in 2009.

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The 140,000gt cruise liner has an overall length of 311m (1,020ft) and an exceptionally large breadth of 38.6m (126ft) at waterline level or 49.1m (161ft) at the bridge wings. Its draught is nine metres. The height from keel to the top of the funnel is 72.3m (237ft) and the gross tonnage is approximately 142,000t. The ship has 15 decks. The total deck area is 137,000m² (1,522,000ft²), with 15,400m² of outside deck areas for passengers.

The ship has a passenger capacity of 3,835 passengers and a crew capacity of 1,185, giving a total number of 5,020 on board. There are 667 crew cabins. The total interior (air conditioned area) area is more than 90,000m², of which approximately 30,000m² is public passenger area.

The hotel facilities include 1,879 staterooms. The main passenger cabins are located on decks two and three. The staterooms vary in size from 15m² to 45m². Of these staterooms, 939 have a sea view, and 707 have balconies. Every stateroom has a mini-bar and a 19in TV. The vast majority of the outside staterooms are fitted with a veranda. There are 15,500 seats for passengers, of which 5,300 seats are in cabins and 2,000 are seats on outer decks.

The layout features a four-deck-high horizontal walkway called the royal promenade. The length of the promenade is almost half the ship’s length, with an eleven-deck-high atria called the centrums at either end. Almost ten percent of the Adventure’s staterooms face the royal promenade with bay windows.

Dining and entertainment onboard Adventure of the Seas

The Adventure of the Seas has a variety of dining options, including a spectacular three-level main dining room with three separate and distinct themed dining areas.

The ship also has a Windjammer Cafe and a Johnny Rockets Restaurant. In addition to Studio B, the 1,350-seat theatre, which has 25,000W of power for sound equipment and 18,000W for lighting equipment, there is a 900-seat arena for a variety of shows, including ice shows and ice-skating.

Sports facilities include an outdoor sports deck, complete with golf course, driving range and golf simulators, as well as a roller blade track and a full-sized sports court for basketball, paddleball and volleyball. There is also a rock-climbing wall. There are large facilities for children and teens and large conference facilities. The vessel also contains a wedding chapel.

The ship also has 9,623ft2 Casino Royal bar. The casino has 291 slots and 16 tables. The ship has 15 bars, clubs and lounges in total. There is also an unparalleled amount of space for the crew with a recreation deck, six whirlpools, three dining facilities, a gym and a disco.

Engine on Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship

The power facilities are based on a diesel-electric power station. It has six Wärtsilä 12V46C engines, giving a total power of 75,600kW. The total propulsion power is 42,000kW.

The propulsion machinery consists of three azimuthing electric 14MW Azipod podded electric propulsion units. The two units on the sides are fully azimuthing, whereas the one at the centreline is a fixed unit.

It incorporates an electric AC motor, located inside the propeller pod, which directly drives a fixed-pitch propeller. There are four 3MW tunnel thrusters in the bow. Dynamic positioning systems ensure no anchoring is needed in sensitive coral areas.

Future upgrades of the cruise liner

The ship has a vitality spa, four pools, and a fitness centre, which conducts yoga and Tai Chi classes.

The ship will receive upgrades under Royal Advantage Programme in 2014. The upgrade programme will provide new facilities, including an outdoor movie screen, digital signage, ship-wide Wi-Fi and new Concierge and Diamond lounges.

The Cafe Promenade and Portofino restaurants will also be refurbished on the Park Cafe and Giovanni’s Table concepts.

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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

2021-2023 Itineraries: Southern Caribbean (Barbados), Short Caribbean (Galveston), Caribbean (Miami)

Rhapsody of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe (Venice), Caribbean (Tampa)

Enchantment of the Seas

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

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

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

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

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Nassau, Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Galveston), Bermuda (Cape Liberty), Canada/New England (Cape Liberty)

Notes: Adventure of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2021 which is now on hold indefinitely.

Navigator of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Bahamas (Miami, Fort Lauderdale), West Coast/Mexico (Los Angeles)

2019 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Blaster Aqua Coaster, Riptide Mat Racer – Reimagined Pool Deck – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Redesigned Spa, Fitness Center & Kids Spaces – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Hooked Seafood, El Loco Fresh, Lime & Coconut, Bamboo Room

Mariner of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Port Canaveral), Caribbean (Port Canaveral), Bermuda (Port Canaveral)

2018 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Sky Pad – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Bamboo Room

Radiance Class

The four ships of the Radiance-Class were launched between 2001 and 2004. While Royal Caribbean was building the much larger Voyager class ships during that time, Radiance class ships were designed to Panamax standards to allow them to pass through the Panama Canal. There are many design elements carried over from previous classes, however, Radiance-Class ships were all about taking in the views. In fact, these ships boast exterior view elevators, two-level glass sections in the dining rooms, many ocean-facing public venues and over 500 balcony staterooms.

Radiance of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Caribbean (Miami), Alaska (Vancouver, Seward)

Notes: With their large use of glass throughout the vessels, Radiance Class ships have made a career visiting Alaska and other very scenic destinations.

Brilliance of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Tampa), Bahamas (Tampa), Mediterranean (Venice)

Serenade of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Australia/New Zealand (Sydney), Alaska (Vancouver), Caribbean (Tampa), Bahamas (Tampa)

Jewel of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam), Canada/New England (Boston), Caribbean (Miami, Port Canaveral)

Freedom Class

The three ships of the Freedom class launched between 2006 and 2008, built on the success of the Voyager class ships with many enhancements. While the overall design between the two ship classes is quite similar, the increased size of Freedom class allowed designers at Royal Caribbean to push innovation and provide more onboard experiences. Freedom class introduced the lines first cantilevered whirlpools, FlowRider Surf Simulator and dedicated kids splash park, plus expanded dining and entertainment venues in the larger Royal Promenade and around the ship.

Freedom of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bermuda (Cape Liberty), Canada/New England (Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Miami), Bahamas (Miami)

2020 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Reimagined Pool Deck – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay – Redesigned Spa, Fitness Center & Kids Spaces – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, El Loco Fresh, Lime & Coconut

Liberty of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Galveston), Bahamas (Port Everglades)

Notes: Liberty of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2021 which is now on hold indefinitely. During her 2016 dry dock, Liberty of the Seas received Perfect Storm waterslides, including the only boomerang water slide at sea, Tidal Wave, conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay and new dining and beverage venues.

Independence of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Miami), Bahamas (Port Canaveral)

2018 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Sky Pad – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Fish & Ships, Sugar Beach

Oasis Class

When it comes to major leaps forward within the cruise industry, the introduction of the Oasis class ships in 2009 has been one that has set the bar to such a high level, that even after more than a decade, no other cruise lines have come close. The four Oasis Class vessels, with a fifth under construction and another on order, are vessels whose design is so revolutionary in size, amenities, varieties of accommodation and awe-inspiring onboard experiences. Royal Caribbean delivered a long list of firsts with Oasis class ships. These include the first Zip Line at Sea, diving and entertainment venue the AquaTheater, two-level loft suites, hand-crafted carousel and the two split hull sections of Central Park and Boardwalk, offering dining, entertainment and the first non-ocean view balcony staterooms.

Never to be outdone, even by their own vessels, in 2016 with the launch of Harmony of the Seas, the third Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean introduced the Ultimate Abyss slide that winds its way from Deck 16 down to the Boardwalk on Deck 6, The Perfect Storm waterslides including the line’s first champagne bowl slide, Splashaway Bay and the Bionic Bar.

These new features and more have also made their way to Oasis of the Seas following her 2019 Amplification with Allure of the Seas currently waiting to receive a similar makeover at a future date.

Oasis of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Bahamas (Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Miami), Canada/New England (Cape Liberty)

2019 Amplification Highlights – Addition of Perfect Storm Waterslides – Addition of Ultimate Abyss – Reimagined Pool Deck – Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – Royal Escape Room – Conversion of H2O Zone to Splashaway Bay – Several new dining venues and bars including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Music Hall, Lime & Coconut, Portside BBQ, El Loco Fresh

Allure of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Galveston), Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia)

Notes: Allure of the Seas was to receive a major amplification in 2020 which is now on hold indefinitely.

Harmony of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Port Canaveral), Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia)

Notes: Harmony of the Seas continued the evolution of the Oasis Class with the debut of the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, Splashaway Bay and Bionic Bar.

Symphony of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Miami)

Notes: Symphony of the Seas debuted casual eatery El Loco Fresh, Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and the Ultimate Family Suite.

Wonder of the Seas

2022-2023 Itineraries: Caribbean (Port Everglades, Port Canaveral), Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia)

Notes: The fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas is currently under construction with a planned debut in 2022. Originally built for the Chinese cruise market, Royal Caribbean decided to reposition her debut. She will continue the evolution of the class with many new spaces and a design that is quite different from her sisters.

Quantum Class

Sometimes it’s not about building bigger, but smarter. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class is a convergence of style and technology that delivers an incredible array of features and onboard experiences. Firsts in this class include Ripcord by iFly, the only sky diving simulators at sea, North Star, where guests get elevated 360 degree views from the comfort of their observation capsule and SeaPlex, a two-level multi-purpose indoor space offering activities like bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and more. Be entertained in the one-of-a-kind theater, Two70, where the latest tech in robotics and high-definition displays envelopes the audience and is part of the show experience. Add to that, sophisticated dining choices and some of Royal Caribbean’s most popular features spun in a totally new way.

Quantum of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Far East (Singapore), Australia/New Zealand (Brisbane), Alaska (Seattle)

2019 Dry Dock Notes: During Quantum of the Seas scheduled 5-year dry dock in 2019, she received an Escape Room and Laser Tag along with routine maintenance.

Anthem of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Europe/Mediterranean (Southampton), Bahamas (Cape Liberty), Caribbean (Cape Liberty)

2020 Dry Dock Notes: During Anthem of the Seas scheduled 5-year dry dock in 2020, she received routine maintenance.

Ovation of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Australia/New Zealand (Sydney), Alaska (Seattle)

Notes: Ovation of the Seas was the third and final Quantum Class ship before the arrival of the enhanced Quantum Ultra Class.

Quantum Ultra Class

Expanding on the successful technological wonder of the Quantum Class, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class ships deliver the same excitement with some new additions. New to this class is Sky Pad, offering thrills of a virtual reality bungee trampoline, loads of new dining and beverage spots and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. Tweaks were also made to elevate the onboard experience throughout the ship.

Spectrum of the Seas

2021-2022 Itineraries: Far East (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Tianjin)

Notes: Spectrum of the Seas was designed specifically for the Chinese cruise market and features exclusive venues not found on any other Royal Caribbean ships.

Odyssey of the Seas

2021-2023 Itineraries: Mediterranean (Civitavecchia), Caribbean (Port Everglades)

There’s not a lot publicly known about Royal Caribbean’s future new builds under the Icon Class. Currently, there are three ships in this class on order with the first scheduled for 2023 and vessels 2 and 3 following in 2025 and 2026. These ships will be an all-new design, likely featuring some incredible new experiences plus incorporate many of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ones. The 200,000-gross ton, 5,000 guest vessels will be larger than Quantum Class, but smaller than Oasis class and utilize new propulsion technology with an eco-friendly LNG drive system significantly reducing emissions.

How many of these Royal Caribbean ships have you sailed on? Let us know in the comments.

Related Posts

Icon of the Seas – Introduction & Big Reveals

Royal Caribbean Debuts Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 1st Ship In New Class: Icon of the Seas

First look at World Voyager, the stylish new expedition cruise ship from Atlas Ocean Voyages

Editor's Note

You can tell a lot about an expedition ship from the way it handles rough seas and storms.

World Voyager, the third ship for fast-growing newcomer Atlas Ocean Voyages, was put through its paces during a tempest of wind and waves on its recent nine-day maiden voyage to Antarctica.

It handled it with ease.

That's thanks to the ship's new, state-of-the-art stabilizing dual Rolls-Royce retractable fins and advanced hydrodynamic design.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Crossing the fearsome Drake Passage — the violent confluence of three seas between the tip of South America and Antarctica — the ocean pitched, rolled and yawed. It was the dreaded Drake Shake. Waves leapt to 39 feet, but we were buffered against the worst of it as we zig-zagged to briefings, polar gear fittings, welcome drinks and dinners.

I got to see those stabilizers in action again in the white continent, flying on the coattails of 100-knot winds. Snow fell sideways. Spectral winds chased jitterbug seas. Onboard, there was nothing but smooth sailing, even on the treadmill in the gym.

Introducing World Voyager

World Voyager is an intimate ship designed for what Atlas Ocean Voyages likes to call "expedition yachting" in some of the most remote pockets of the globe. Right now, that's Antarctica. Like sister ice-class ships World Traveller and World Navigator , this ship has state-of-the-art sonar that allows it to travel deep into polar regions and Zodiac inflatable boats on board for exploring off the ship.

But the ship doesn't offer immersive travel only in far-flung locales. In the coming months, World Voyager will head north for warm-weather sailings in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and the British Isles; there, it will swap the Zodiacs for Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards.

The ship can maneuver into small harbors and narrow rivers that bigger ships can't. This is something Atlas is keen to capitalize on during the coming year with warm-water sailings that invite a deeper connection to food culture and history. New Epicurean Expeditions will be centered on food tours, cooking demonstrations, local chefs and vintners, and wine tastings. I got to sample some of these wines — including a Miraval rose from Provence, France — and can vouch for their excellence.

One of the biggest differences between an expedition ship and some of the bigger luxury cruise ships is the expert team of marine biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists and historians onboard; they enrich daily outings with talks and daily recaps. World Voyager travels with up to 14 expedition leaders. Still, its program is lighter than what you'll find on the expedition vessels of more established players in the space, such as Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea Cruises and Quark Expeditions.

Still, the enrichment offerings from World Voyager's expedition team are just part of a wider entertainment program. The program includes afternoon tea, trivia, evening movies, late-night cabaret shows and an always-open and lively Dome observatory bar — an array of diversions you don't always find on expedition ships.

In this way, the ship straddles big-ship entertainment and small-ship adventure. It's early days, and the team is still finding its sea legs — not unusual for a new ship. However, there is talk of getting the expedition team to dine with guests.

Related: The ultimate guide to Atlas Ocean Voyages

It's good value

Traveling to far-flung places with an intimate coterie of like-minded travelers is one of the luxuries of expedition cruising. Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Voyager is one of the smallest ships of its kind. The 9,935-ton ship has the capacity for 198 passengers, but that number drops to a mere 178 people in Antarctica, with cabins given to guest lecturers and entertainers. Our maiden voyage had only 138.

For such a big-ticket cruise, the crowd was relatively young. I put this down to Atlas' current offer that allows the second guest to sail free; the deal includes overnight accommodation and return private charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. It's a striking value for a nine-night Antarctica trip that, after adjusting for the second guest traveling free, starts at just $6,299 per person.

Like most ships at the high end, Atlas includes a lot in its base price. Onboard accommodations, all meals, most drinks, gratuities and shore excursions are part of the ticket price, plus round-trip airfares from select U.S. and Canadian gateways. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is also included — something few other expedition companies offer.

What's not included in Atlas fares are shelf liquors (a shot of Belvedere vodka will set you back $7), premium wines or Champagne. Shipboard Wi-Fi also comes at a steep price after an initial 1GB of data that is included in the fare (500MB for an additional $45, 1GB for $80 or 5GB for $350) and can only be used on one device. It's an irritation when you consider most ships let you switch between devices — and that many luxury expedition ships in the same space offer shipboard Wi-Fi for free.

Related: I jumped off a cruise ship in Antarctica and lived to tell the tale

World Voyager is made for design lovers

Cruise ship decor switches from cookie-cutter elegance to such dizzying colors and patterns you'd be forgiven for thinking a toddler was let loose in the craft cupboard.

Not World Voyager. The ship exudes sophistication.

Built in 2020, the ship initially sailed for Germany-based Nicko Cruises, owned by the same Portuguese company that owns Atlas Ocean Voyages. When the ship switched allegiances, it also received a design refresh.

The result is a meet-cute of Scandinavian minimalism and art deco gorgeousness that wouldn't look out of place in a boutique hotel.

It marks a departure for Atlas, which partnered on its first two ships with Portuguese design firm Oitoemponto. The glossy mahogany wood paneling and decorative European fabrics are gone, traded for a lighter, more pared-back look; it favors Scandi-inspired blonde wood, black and white marble floors, geometric carpets, rich rust velvet feature lounges, gilt highlights and glorious pops of gemstone color.

The ship is easy to navigate, with a floor plan that flows seamlessly between venues. Deck 4 is home to the main public spaces, including the lecture auditorium, lounge bar, lobby, cafe (a quick stop for juice shots, smoothies, espresso coffee, pastries and hearty snacks), a small shop and the main dining room.

A small, well-equipped gym is tucked away on the port side. Meanwhile, the aft is home to a tiny L'Occitane spa with two treatment rooms, the gifted hands of masseur Akom, a chill lounge and a sauna with a glass wall.

The ship offers views for days

Nature is the star attraction on any expedition cruise, something Atlas knows well. The entire ship is dripping with indoor and outdoor spaces that deliver dress-circle views of icebergs, whales, birdlife and dazzling sunsets.

The Dome observatory lounge offers views in spades. Situated at the front of the ship, on the highest deck, the lounge boasts curved floor-to-ceiling glass and a glorious wraparound viewing platform, both of which serve up spectacular 270-degree views.

Two decks below is Water's Edge: another stunning spot at the ship's bow, with magical views on three sides and a heated wraparound bench (a welcome seat on cold polar days). Three other viewing platforms — at the rear of Madeira restaurant on Deck 4 and on passenger decks 5 and 6 — make for an easy exit whenever nature beckons.

Related: Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

Cabins offer front row seats to the action outside

In polar climates where the temperature regularly dips below 32 degrees, a private balcony would seem unnecessary. No surprise then that the ship's Horizon Staterooms — the type of cabin that I experienced while on board — earn points for their generous 270 square meters of temperature-controlled bliss. A step up from the Veranda Staterooms with their standard cruise ship balconies, these rooms claw back 55 square meters of icy outdoor space for just a little more money.

The Horizon Staterooms feature what Atlas calls a Juliette balcony — a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass with an electric top-drop window, easily controlled by the touch of a button. (Some river cruise ships have these, and they're akin to the "infinite verandas" on Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class ships.)

The experience was like being in an IMAX Theatre. From my room, I had a front-row seat to Antarctica's larger-than-life natural drama. Window down, I watched petrels coast the Drake Passage, the roar and tang of the sea outside delivered to me in 3D to counteract the pitching swell. I saw whales, cartwheeling penguins and an iceberg bigger than an apartment block.

Cabins come with a queen-size bed and Portuguese linens, a stocked minibar (beer and soft drinks only), Ksumi teas, still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles, and a Nespresso machine. In-room binoculars are a nice touch.

Bathrooms feature L'Occitane toiletries and a walk-in mosaic glass shower with a rain head, handheld wand and body jets. Storage overall seemed on the small side for two people, but the main drawback was noise. My room was portside in the back, and it was so noisy that the clanking of the engine regularly woke me up.

World Voyager offers two- and three-person Horizon and Veranda staterooms, along with three categories of one-bedroom suites. These upgraded rooms feature extra floor space, a large balcony, a luxuriously deep bath, additional wardrobe space and the greatest luxury of all: a personal butler.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Atlas Ocean Voyages ships

The food onboard is sustainable — and delicious

I found a lot to love about the food on board World Voyager, including the plant-based and zero-waste menus rolled out across the fleet.

It's the kind of sustainable dining that is on trend with luxury travelers wanting to tread more lightly.

Austrian-born executive chef Rene Aflenzes is behind the holistic menus found throughout the ship that champion slow food, molecular gastronomy and zero-waste principles. It's truly a root-to-stem and peel-to-core mindset about food prep. Vegetable skins are dehydrated and turned into soup seasonings and garnishes. Whole fruit is magicked into delectably sweet concoctions.

It's part of an ambitious long-term plan to bring a true nose-to-tail food philosophy to the high seas.

Juice shots, smoothies, house-made Bircher muesli, vegan oat slices, nutritious muffins and hearty snacks are the mainstay at the grab-and-go cafe, Paula's Pantry; it also offers espresso coffee, donuts and pizza slices.

The buffet lunch in the Madeira dining room features a dedicated vegan salad station. Madeira becomes an a la carte restaurant in the evening. Along with a modern menu, it offers a selection of plant-based starters, mains and desserts, an "always available" plant-based steak and a good sprinkling of zero-waste dishes. Most were good. The salads were a bit hit-or-miss.

In a nod to Atlas' Portugal-based parent company, Mystic Cruises, the menu also features a handful of typical Portuguese dishes.

Meat lovers will enjoy meals in the main dining room and at Deck 7's poolside 7Aft Grill, where meat is seared over Josper coals until smoky. In a coup for Atlas, the beef is from the same butcher as Argentina's famed Don Julio restaurant, ranked number 19 on the 2023 list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

Bottom line

Atlas Ocean Voyages' new World Voyager is built for adventure, without the stuffiness that can come from more serious expedition ships. It strikes the right balance between an expedition cruise vessel and a more traditional luxury ship, with late-night entertainment and daily Zodiac outings. Give it a go while fares remain one of the better values in expedition cruising.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

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Royal Caribbean is unarguably one of the best cruise lines for kids. But that doesn’t mean all its ships are equally good for kids of all ages and interests.

Every ship in Royal Caribbean ’s fleet has kid-friendly attractions, such as pools, an outdoor movie screen, a rock-climbing wall and a kids club with age-appropriate activities. The line’s oldest and smallest ships don’t offer much more than that — while the newest and biggest ships in the fleet have many more amusements. These include splash parks and waterslides, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, zip lines, laser tag and fast casual restaurants serving Mexican food and Johnny Rockets burgers and milkshakes.

Royal Caribbean excels at offering something for everyone on its ships. It’s hard to find an age group that wouldn’t find something to love about the line’s newest ships, such as Wonder of the Seas (the current world’s largest ship) or Icon of the Seas (which will steal the title when it debuts in January 2024).

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

As a quick guide, the line’s Vision- and Radiance-class ships have the fewest kid-friendly attractions. Voyager- and Freedom-class ships offer a sweet spot of plenty of family fun with a more manageable size. Oasis- and Icon-class ships are giant megaships packed with restaurants, shows and amusements aimed at kids and families, while Quantum-class ships offer a more sophisticated and high-tech approach to big-ship family fun.

But if we absolutely had to choose the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids, here are the ships we’d pick.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for babies and toddlers: Freedom of the Seas

I cruised with a 1-year-old to Alaska on Rhapsody of the Seas, one of Royal’s oldest and smallest ships, and it wasn’t my best cruise by a long shot. If you’re planning to cruise with little kids, my advice is to start with a short, warm-weather sailing on a ship that caters to the youngest cruisers.

On Royal Caribbean, that means picking a ship that has both a Royal Babies & Tots nursery and a Baby Splash Zone (because kids in swim diapers are not allowed in the main pool and water play areas). For my money, I’d go with Freedom of the Seas. It has both of those baby staples and plenty of restaurants and activities for the adults to enjoy as well. Your preschooler may enjoy the parades down the Royal Promenade followed by a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. (Freedom is one of six Royal Caribbean ships with their own Ben & Jerry’s outlet.)

However, Freedom is not as huge as an Oasis-class ship (which have great offerings for the 3-and-under diapered set), so you’ll have less FOMO when you’re stuck in the cabin after early bedtime. And the halls aren’t quite as long when your new walker decides the best activity on the ship is pushing something up and down the cabin hallways. (Yes, I’ve been there, done that.)

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Plus, Freedom of the Seas sails mainly short three- and four-night Bahamas cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean’s private island. If your kids are like mine, beaches are fascinating places to play, and CocoCay has a calm bay, pirate ship-themed play area, splash park and a shallow-entry pool perfect for babies and toddlers. Plus, conveniently located complimentary barbecues and tram services make it easier for parents to manage a day at the beach with their kiddos.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for little kids (ages 3-7): Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Icon of the Seas isn’t debuting until January 2024, but I’m already positive it’s the best in the fleet for younger kids. That’s because Royal Caribbean has built the entire ship to target young families .

The line has created a happy place for parents and kids under the age of 7 or so. It’s called Surfside and is an open-air space located at the back of the ship. It will feature a splash area with junior waterslides for kids and an infinity pool for adults. It will also have a beach-themed carousel, dry playground, arcade, multiple family-friendly restaurants (so you don’t have to go far when hunger strikes) and a mommy-and-me cocktail/mocktail bar.

This Deck 7 neighborhood is also a hop, skip and a jump away from the Adventure Ocean kids club on Deck 6.

Related: The best cruise ships for kids

Even better for all those little legs, Surfside will be surrounded by family-themed cabins and suites, many with separate sleeping areas for kids and adults. You won’t have to carry your tuckered-out tyke far when they’re ready for naptime in the cabin.

Because Icon of the Seas is a larger, reimagined version of Royal Caribbean’s beloved Oasis-class ships, families with young children can also enjoy ice skating and acrobatic diving shows, tons of family-friendly dining around the ship and top-deck attractions such as pools and minigolf.

Icon of the Seas will sail family-favorite weeklong itineraries to the Caribbean from the port of Miami . Each cruise also stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for older kids (ages 8-12): Wonder of the Seas

I took my daughter on Wonder of the Seas for her eighth birthday, and I can attest that Wonder (and its Oasis-class siblings) are ideal for older kids. These megaships have so much going on, your kids will never be bored. Or, as soon as they’re finished with one activity, they have several more to turn to next.

Some of the Wonder of the Seas activities have age or size limits, which is why littler kids can’t fully appreciate all it has to offer. For example, my daughter could go rock climbing, play in the splash park and multiple pools, ride the waterslides and the 10-decks-long dry slide. But she was just slightly too short and light to boogie board on the FlowRider or try the zip line. The minimum height requirements are usually 48 or 52 inches.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is awesome for families

The Studio B ice skating show and original musical “Effectors II” are perfect for older kids. My daughter was especially wowed by the slackliners, aerialists, dancers and divers we saw at the AquaTheater. Kids ages 8 to 12 may also enjoy Wonder’s escape room, sports court, minigolf course, carousel, promenade parades and arcade.

And let’s not forget about the many fast casual dining venues on the ship. My daughter would have dined on hot dogs and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets every day if I were willing to pay for it. She also enjoyed quesadillas at El Loco Fresh near all the fun top-deck attractions, the Campfire Cookie dessert at Playmakers and browsing the selections at the buffet. Other kid-friendly venues that got her thumbs up included the new-on-Wonder Mason Jar southern-themed specialty restaurant and pizza at both the free Sorrento’s and the extra-fee Giovanni’s.

Wonder of the Seas mainly sails seven-night Caribbean cruises, which is a perfect vacation length for this age group. Book those school-vacation weeks early as they’re popular dates.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for tweens and teens: Odyssey of the Seas

Tweens and teens would certainly enjoy all of the ships already mentioned, but sometimes they’re looking for a vacation that’s a little cooler and perhaps more high-tech. That’s why Odyssey of the Seas is our pick for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for middle and high school kids.

Odyssey of the Seas and its Quantum-class sister ships have some cool attractions not found on other Royal Caribbean vessels. Teens will love trying the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator and bouncing on the Sky Pad VR bungee trampoline. At the ship’s SeaPlex, they can get active with indoor basketball, table tennis and bumper cars, or get their game on at the arcade or virtual-reality play space. If they work up an appetite, they can grab burgers at Playmakers nearby.

The ship also features Two70, a cool hangout by day (grab a bite at the cafe and curl up somewhere away from parents to check your social media feeds) and a high-tech performance venue at night. The NorthStar is a sightseeing pod that rises high above the ship on a mechanical arm; teens can snap a selfie while up there.

Related: The 5 best cruises for teens

Social 180 is the tween and teen hangout on Odyssey of the Seas, and it’s extra cool given that it has both an indoor lounge and an outdoor patio. Plus, the ship has plenty of teen-friendly Royal Caribbean fan favorites, such as the FlowRider, rock climbing wall, laser tag and outdoor movies.

Tweens and teens may also be ready to appreciate Royal Caribbean’s diverse array of specialty restaurants including sushi at Izumi, steaks at Chops Grille and Italian at Giovanni’s. Plus, they can grab quick bites at El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s.

Odyssey of the Seas sails a mix of weeklong and longer Caribbean sailings, as well as Greek Islands and Holy Land cruises. This gives families more options for more adventurous travel with teens who are ready to handle longer trips or flights to Europe.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families heading to Alaska: Quantum of the Seas

Because most of our family picks are for ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas, it seemed like an oversight to leave out Alaska. Alaska is an amazing destination for a family vacation with kids, and Royal Caribbean bases four ships up north every summer. But some are better for families than others.

Our top pick for families sailing to Alaska is Quantum of the Seas (though nearly identical Quantum-class sister ship Ovation of the Seas is a close second). Quantum sails seven-night round-trip cruises from the accessible port of Seattle, perfect for families that can’t take more than a week’s vacation and don’t want to spend the time and money flying to Alaska to board a ship.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Quantum of the Seas has many of the same amenities as the aforementioned Odyssey of the Seas, which are ideal for Alaska. Indoor activities like kids clubs, the sky diving simulator and SeaPlex will always be usable even if the northern weather gets chilly or rainy. The North Star sightseeing ride is much more appealing when you can take in Alaska’s stunning scenery rather than mere stretches of Caribbean sea. Two70 makes for an equally attractive indoor observation lounge when the ship is cruising through fjords and by glaciers.

Quantum of the Seas get the nod from Ovation because it has two activities Ovation lacks: an escape room and laser tag.

Bottom line

It’s hard to go wrong with any Royal Caribbean cruise ship when you’re planning a family vacation. The bigger the ship, the more amazing kid attractions you’ll find on board. I’d recommend sticking with Voyager class and newer ships when traveling with kids, but even the smaller ships have kids clubs, pools and other family-friendly activities.

So when all is said and done, the best Royal Caribbean ship for kids is likely whichever ship in the fleet your family happens to be on!

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

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THE FUTURE OF ADVENTURE ROYAL AMPLIFIED

El Loco Fresh ®

Fresh. Fast. Authentic. Go wild for El Loco Fresh®.

Portside BBQ℠

Cue the applause for a smokin’ good meal at Portside BBQ℠.

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

It’s always game on at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.

The Lime and Coconut ®

Get your fill of sun-soaked sips and Caribbean cool at The Lime & Coconut®.

Johnny Rockets® Express

Order up — Johnny Rockets® Express at sea brings all your diner favorites poolside.

The Bamboo Room

Savor island-inspired drinks at this tropi-cool cocktail bar.

Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen

Old-World flavors that would make your nonna proud.

Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Taste your way to Tuscany at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver.

The Perfect Storm℠

Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm℠, the boldest waterslides at sea.

Royal Escape Room℠ - Mission Control: Apollo 18

Decode the mysteries of Mission Control in the latest Royal Escape Room challenge.

To Dry For®

Get glammed up in a snap at the blow dry bar — it’s To Dry For®.

Plunge into new thrills on the only headfirst mat racer waterslide at sea, Riptide℠.

Amplified Pool Deck

It’s time to take your pool game to the next level.

The Blaster ®

Hang on tight for The Blaster® aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea.

Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City℠

Two clans collide in an icy new glow-inthe-dark laser tag faceoff for control of a mystical frozen city.

Spotlight℠ Karaoke

Get mic’d up and max out the hits at Spotlight℠ Karaoke.

NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS

VOYAGER OF THE SEAS

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

OASIS OF THE SEAS

MARINER OF THE SEAS

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

TURN UP THE ADVENTURE

Sail on our amped up cruise ships for an adventure like no other.

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This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. Conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from up to 450 up in a helium balloon. This is Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Royal Amplified experiences vary by ship. Images and messaging for Oasis of the Seas® reflect current design concepts and may include artistic renderings and/or images of other Oasis Class and Voyager Class ships. All ship features, experiences and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Royal Amplified and Amplified are trademarks of Royal Caribbean.

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