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Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International is a family-focused global cruise line owned by Royal Caribbean Group. Headquartered in Miami, it operates 30 ships as of August 2026, including the new Legend of the Seas, with itineraries spanning the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific.

13 articlesFounded 1968Headquarters Miami, Florida, United States
Official website

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise line known for large, activity-rich ships, family holidays and resort-style experiences at sea. It is one of the principal cruise brands owned by Miami-based Royal Caribbean Group.

The business was founded as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1968 by a group of Norwegian shipping interests. Its first ship, Song of Norway, entered service in 1970, and the company adopted the Royal Caribbean International name in 1997 as its operations expanded around the world.

Royal Caribbean fleet

As of August 2026, Royal Caribbean has 30 ships in active service. The fleet spans seven principal classes: Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision.

  • Icon class: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas
  • Oasis class: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas
  • Quantum generation: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas
  • Freedom class: Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas
  • Voyager class: Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas
  • Radiance class: Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas
  • Vision class: Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and Vision of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's public fleet FAQ currently presents a 31-ship list because it also includes the future Hero of the Seas. The fourth Icon-class ship is scheduled to arrive in Miami in August 2027, so it is not included in Deck7's active-fleet total. Legend of the Seas, which debuted in July 2026, is included because it is now sailing.

Destinations and onboard experience

Royal Caribbean operates cruises in the Caribbean and Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia, the South Pacific and other regions. Its Caribbean programmes frequently include the company's private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Ships are designed around a broad family and multigenerational market. Depending on the vessel, features may include neighbourhood-style public areas, water attractions, FlowRider surf simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice shows, AquaTheater or AquaDome productions, extensive children's facilities and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Facilities vary substantially between the smaller Vision and Radiance-class ships and the newest Icon and Oasis-class vessels.

Leadership

Royal Caribbean International is led by president and chief executive officer Michael Bayley, a long-serving Royal Caribbean Group executive.

Official sources

Royal Caribbean fleet

Voyager Class

Adventure of the Seas

Adventure of the Seas is a Voyager Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Entering service in 2001, Royal Caribbean currently lists the ship at 137,276 GT with approximately 3,114 guests at double occupancy, 1,185 crew and 14 passenger decks.

Oasis class

Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Introduced in 2010, the ship underwent a major amplification in 2025.

Quantum Class

Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Entering service in 2015, the 168,666 GT ship carries approximately 4,180 guests at double occupancy.

Radiance Class

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas is a Radiance Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built by Meyer Werft and delivered in July 2002, Royal Caribbean lists the ship at 90,090 GT with approximately 2,142 guests at double occupancy and 12 passenger decks.

Voyager Class

Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean currently lists the 2000-built ship at 137,308 GT, with approximately 3,286 guests at double occupancy, 1,185 crew and 14 passenger decks.

Freedom Class

Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas is the lead ship of Royal Caribbean International's Freedom Class. Entering service in 2006, the 156,271 GT ship carries approximately 3,926 guests at double occupancy and was Royal Amplified in 2020.

Oasis class

Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built at Saint-Nazaire, France, she entered passenger service in 2016 and is scheduled for a major Royal Caribbean amplification in 2026.

Icon Class

Hero of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International's fourth Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas is scheduled to enter service from Miami in August 2027 with year-round Caribbean cruises.

Icon class

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the lead ship of Royal Caribbean International's Icon class. Built by Meyer Turku and completed in 2023, she began passenger service in January 2024.

Freedom Class

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas is a Freedom Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Entering service in 2008, the 154,407 GT ship carries approximately 3,858 guests at double occupancy.

Radiance Class

Jewel of the Seas

Jewel of the Seas is a Radiance Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. The 2004-built ship is currently listed by Royal Caribbean at 90,090 GT, with approximately 2,191 guests at double occupancy, 852 crew and 12 passenger decks.

Icon class

Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International's third Icon-class cruise ship. Built by Meyer Turku and delivered in June 2026, she entered passenger service in July 2026.

Freedom Class

Liberty of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas is a 154,407 GT Freedom Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built in Turku, Finland, she entered service in 2007 and was newly amplified in 2026.

Voyager Class

Mariner of the Seas

Mariner of the Seas is a Voyager Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Entering service in 2003, the 139,863 GT ship carries approximately 3,344 guests at double occupancy and was Royal Amplified in 2018.

Voyager Class

Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas is a Voyager Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Entering service in 2002, she carries approximately 3,388 guests at double occupancy and was Royal Amplified in 2019.

Oasis class

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the original Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Introduced in 2009, she underwent a major $165 million Royal Amplified refurbishment in 2019.

Quantum Ultra Class

Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas is a 167,704 GT Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Delivered in 2021, the ship has 2,105 staterooms, 14 guest decks and capacity for 4,198 guests at double occupancy.

Quantum Class

Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas is a 168,666 GT Quantum Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built by Meyer Werft and entering service in 2016, she carries about 4,180 guests at double occupancy.

Quantum Class

Quantum of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas is the first Quantum Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built by Meyer Werft and delivered in 2014, the 168,666 GT ship carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy.

Radiance Class

Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas is the lead ship of Royal Caribbean International's Radiance Class. Delivered by Meyer Werft in March 2001, Royal Caribbean currently lists the ship at 90,090 GT with approximately 2,143 guests at double occupancy, 894 crew and 12 passenger decks.

Vision Class

Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas is a Vision Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean currently lists the 1997-built ship at 78,878 GT, with approximately 2,040 guests at double occupancy, 772 crew and 11 passenger decks.

Radiance Class

Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas is a 90,090gt Radiance Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built by Meyer Werft in 2003, the approximately 2,143-passenger ship is known for its extensive glass, ocean views and gas-and-steam-turbine electric propulsion system.

Quantum Ultra class

Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International's first Quantum Ultra-class ship. The 169,379gt vessel entered service in 2019 and operates primarily in East Asia, offering 2,137 cabins and capacity for 4,246 guests at double occupancy.

Icon class

Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International's second Icon-class cruise ship. Built by Meyer Turku and introduced in 2025, she accommodates 5,610 guests at double occupancy.

Oasis class

Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built at Saint-Nazaire and introduced in 2018, she accommodates 5,518 guests at double occupancy.

Oasis class

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International's sixth Oasis-class cruise ship. Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique and introduced in 2024, she is the first Oasis-class ship designed to use LNG.

Vision Class

Vision of the Seas

Vision of the Seas is a Vision Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean currently lists the 1998-built ship at 78,340 GT, with approximately 2,050 guests at double occupancy, 742 crew and 11 passenger decks.

Voyager Class

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas is the lead ship of Royal Caribbean International's Voyager Class. The 1999-built ship is currently listed by Royal Caribbean at 137,276 GT, with approximately 3,602 guests at double occupancy, 1,200 crew and 14 passenger decks.

Oasis class

Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, she entered passenger service in March 2022.

Latest Royal Caribbean articles

Royal Caribbean International

Icon of the Seas delayed overnight in Miami for maintenance

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has remained overnight at PortMiami for required maintenance, delaying its departure by a day and forcing the cancellation of a scheduled call at Costa Maya.

27 September 2026 · 2 min read
Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean names Legend of the Seas’ godmother

Royal Caribbean has appointed retired US Air Force General Lori J. Robinson as godmother of Legend of the Seas ahead of its Veterans Day naming ceremony.

16 September 2026 · 3 min read
Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Hero of the Seas floats out in Finland

Royal Caribbean's Hero of the Seas has floated for the first time at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, moving the fourth Icon-class ship into its next phase of construction ahead of a planned August 2027 debut.

8 September 2026 · 3 min read
Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Beats Q2 Forecasts, Raises 2026 Outlook

Royal Caribbean Group has reported second-quarter 2026 results ahead of its own guidance, prompting the cruise operator to raise its full-year earnings outlook on the back of strong late-booking demand and lower costs.

7 August 2026 · 3 min read