The Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, Ranked

I'm asked all the time which ships I think are the best or worst, so here's my picks for the top and bottom 5 ships in the fleet!

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[Cartergreenteam]

BEST:
1. Icon 1:05
2. Wonder 2:27
3. Odyssey 3:59
4. Utopia 5:41
5. Freedom 7:41

WORST:
5. Explorer 8:53
6. Liberty 9:52
7. Jewel 10:38
X. Entire Vision Class 11:21

[conniebrierly]

My first cruise was on Freedom in November, and I absolutely loved it. I'm 75 and hope I get the chance to go again.

[JohnSimpson-rd]

I just took my whole family (17) on Harmony of the Seas. It was superb with so many things to do and explore. The play “Columbus” was original, creative, impressive sets, and lots of fun.
Note: If there is something you really want to do, make it happen. Looking back on life it will be a treasured memory.

[gabrielcarvalho]

I LOVE the new ships, but the older ones have their place as well. I love the vibe of older cruises, it reminds me of my family vacations as a kid in the 00's, and it has that "old world, simpler times" atmosphere. Also, less things to do can be a great thing, because you don't feel the "pressure" to watch all the shows or to participate in all activities, you just lay in the sun and relax by the pool! Great plan to forget about all the problems and the busy life in the city!

[Kerflop]

We just got off the Liberty. Compared to our experiences on other Cruise Lines, it was a wonderful experience.

[BethNeutze]

A ship is what you make of it. I can find wonderful things on every ship. A good first time ship is probably a Freedom or Oasis class ship.

[floridacycling]

We were on the Enchantment in December and the thing I noticed the most was that it was a "happy" ship. That is, the Crew was noticeably upbeat and it showed. I think this reflects favorably on the Officers and Leadership but it sure makes for an enjoyable cruise experience.

[jeanettepaulovich]

Been on Brilliance a number of times and love it. Don't care for the larger ships as they are just to many people.

[Joshua-tkhl]

Just got off Mariner last week. First Royal cruise. Loved it! Going back same cruise and ship in October! Thanks Matt for getting my family hooked on Royal! Keep the content coming brother God bless! 🎉🎉

[phyllismcdougle]

I vacationed on Rhapsody of the Seas last year and loved it! We don't travel with children and have no need for waterslides. It was a very relaxing trip with great port stops - Barbados, Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Lucia. The ship is dated but comfortable.

[hemanthkumar]

Going on our first Cruise with famliy this month on Jewel of the Seas. Hoping our first experience will be incredible

[Droidysseus]

Just got off Grandeur in late January and honestly, if you look at it from the "classic" cruise experience...it delivers.

[SoundHoundStudios]

Just got off the Navigator of the Seas today and it was my very first cruise. The experience was great and I am excited to get to come back to it or another ship in the future.

[murphy]

Just spent 12 nights on Odyssey on a Southern Caribbean sailing out of Cape Liberty, NJ. It. Was. Fabulous. We've already booked for 2026!

[DaProphessor]

I’ve recently been sailed on the Enchantment and Grandeur of the Seas and I find that I’ve enjoyed my time. They may lack the level of entertainment and activities however it was relaxing and easier taking the stairs from from the 4th floor to the Windjammer on the 9th floor 😂

[sandraharris]

I was on Grandeur a year ago and we had a wonderful time! i was a little skeptical since all the other RC ships i had sailed on were larger and newer. we don't have small children to travel with and aren't interested in water slides and flow riders etc so this vessel was fine with us. We book based on the itinerary rather than the ship itself. My biggest complaint with the older ships is how the rooms are less updated, such as shower curtain instead of a door on the shower, and not as much shelving and storage. but overall it was fine! We are looking forward to our next cruise in May on Enchantment so I was thrilled to see your recent review! For the more affordable cost and great itineraries, we don't mind the older smaller ships.

[jamesestabrooks]

Going on Odyssey of the seas the end of April on a transatlantic to the Mediterranean. Can't wait. All my cruises have been great with Royal. Been cruising since 2015 with them.

[brettzsl]

I Like small ships the best. Enjoy not being over crouded and actually getting to see the ocean. Also enjoy the big new ships but it's nice having many choices.

[heidischoening]

My first RC cruise ship was Grandeur and we LOVED her. Still remains my favorite experience after 5 additional RC ships. I love the size and the service and entertainment were great! Sailing on Navigator in 8 days!

[Ely-yk]

My very first cruise was last year in the Utopia of the Seas, and I fell in love with RC.Going on the Icon this year!!❤.My kids and I feel pretty excited about it!