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Royal Caribbean Ships By Age: From New To Old (2026)

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Royal Caribbean operates a fleet of 25-plus ships. Its first vessel – Grandeur of the Seas – launched in 1996, and the cruise line has steadily added more ships to its repertoire since. Royal Caribbean's ships undergo refurbishments and dry docks frequently to refresh public spaces and cabins, and debut new dining concepts and amenities. Star of the Seas is currently Royal Caribbean's newest ship, but Legend of the Seas is expected to begin sailing in summer 2026. Read on to learn more about the newest (and oldest) Royal Caribbean ships.

Inaugural sail date: July 2026
Sails to: Europe and Caribbean

  • More than 25 restaurants and bars on board
  • AquaDome Market with new food stalls serving Mexican, Korean and Spanish cuisine
  • Sprawling water park with six waterslides, and several pools and whirlpools
  • "Crown's Edge" skywalk/ropes course/zip line
  • Roughly 70% of cabins offer balconies

First sailing: August 2025
Last refurbished: N/A
Sails to: Caribbean

  • "Back to the Future: The Musical"
  • Surfside family neighborhood with playground and kids water park
  • Lincoln Park Supper Club dinner theater with music
  • Infinity pool at adults-only Hideaway and massive Category 6 water park for families

U.S. News overall rating: 4.62 out of 5

First sailing: July 2024
Last refurbished: N/A
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Short, weekend-focused getaways to the Caribbean
  • Multiple outstanding Vegas-style shows
  • Ultimate Abyss, the longest dry slide at sea
  • More than 20 eateries to choose from

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: January 2024
Last refurbished: N/A
Sails to: Caribbean and Mexico

  • Nearly all itineraries stop at private island: Perfect Day at CocoCay
  • Seven pools, six waterslides, mini-golf, rock climbing and an escape room
  • All sorts of cuisine, from steaks and seafood to Italian and Japanese fare
  • The Pearl, an iconic art installation

U.S. News overall rating: 4.70

First sailing: March 2022
Last refurbished: N/A
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Central Park neighborhood and Solarium are respites from crowds
  • All-female "inTENse" acrobatic and aquatic show at the AquaTheater
  • Ultimate Family Suite with a slide, game room, hot tub and balcony
  • Wonder Playscape play area for kids

U.S. News overall rating: 4.35

First sailing: July 2021
Last refurbished: N/A
Sails to: Europe and Caribbean

  • Bumper cars, laser tag and pickleball at the SeaPlex
  • More than 15 dining options on board
  • Pools, water park and splash pad for kids
  • North Star glass-enclosed observation capsule offering 360-degree views

U.S. News overall rating: 4.40

First sailing: April 2019
Last refurbished: N/A
Sails to: Asia

  • Bionic Bar with robot bartenders mixing up drinks
  • RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator
  • Karaoke, live music performances, dance classes and game shows
  • Sichuan Red specialty restaurant, exclusive to this ship

First sailing: April 2018
Last refurbished: April 2023
Sails to: Caribbean

  • "Hairspray" musical
  • Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, surf simulator and indoor ice skating rink
  • 19 dining options available, from casual to specialty venues
  • Boardwalk neighborhood with a hand-carved carousel

U.S. News overall rating: 4.0

First sailing: May 2016
Last refurbished: May 2021 (next scheduled for spring 2026)
Sails to: Europe and Caribbean

  • The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides
  • Live orchestra, ice skating and AquaTheater shows, musical productions and casino
  • Wonderland specialty restaurant, serving imaginative cuisine
  • Balconies in more than 70% of cabins 

U.S. News overall rating: 4.45

First sailing: April 2016
Last refurbished: March 2021 (next scheduled for spring 2026)
Sails to: Alaska, California and Mexico

  • Variety of itineraries available 
  • Skydiving simulator, Broadway-style shows and SeaPlex indoor activity club
  • Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver for Tuscan-inspired cuisine; a must-visit restaurant
  • Comfortable cabins with ample storage

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: April 2015
Last refurbished: March 2025
Sails to: Alaska, Australia and New Zealand

  • "We Will Rock You" musical
  • SeaPlex with bumper cars and sports courts
  • Dozens of dining venues
  • Stateroom options include adjoining cabins, ocean view rooms, virtual and traditional balcony cabins, and suites

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: November 2014
Last refurbished: November 2024
Sails to: Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and Australia

  • Dozens of eateries dishing out everything from Italian and steakhouse fare to Japanese and casual cuisine
  • Rock climbing wall and FlowRider surf simulator
  • Live performances showcasing jazz music and cabaret
  • Outdoor movie nights

U.S. News overall rating: 4.25

First sailing: December 2010
Last refurbished: March 2025
Sails to: Caribbean, Honduras and Mexico

  • One of the most recently renovated ships, with new eateries and amenities
  • Well-regarded "Mamma Mia!" musical 
  • Specialty venue Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with interactive tableside chef preparations 
  • Numerous pools, waterslides and Splashaway Bay water park

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: December 2009
Last refurbished: October 2024
Sails to: Caribbean

  • 27 venues on board for food and drinks
  • Large karaoke venue
  • Glow-in-the-dark laser tag and space-themed escape room
  • Waterslides, multiple pools, water cannons, fountains and hot tubs

U.S. News overall rating: 4.15

First sailing: May 2008
Last refurbished: April 2018
Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England

  • Four pools, seven Jacuzzis, rock climbing wall and ice skating rink
  • Fish & Ships seafood eatery and Chops Grille steakhouse
  • Top-notch evening entertainment, including Broadway musicals 
  • Perfect Storm waterslides and interactive water park

U.S. News overall rating: 4.05

First sailing: May 2007
Last refurbished: January 2016 (next scheduled for spring 2026)
Sails to: Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras and Belize

  • Tidal Wave (first boomerang-style slide at sea)
  • Cupcake Cupboard for treats and cupcake-designing classes
  • Specialty Chef's Table restaurant
  • Saturday Night Fever show

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: June 2006
Last refurbished: January 2025
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Surf simulator, dual racing waterslides and large cantilevered whirlpools
  • Johnny Rockets for shakes and burgers, and El Loco Fresh for Mexican food
  • Lime & Coconut pool deck with bars, live music and DJs
  • Boleros Latin-themed club for dancing and Schooner Bar for cocktails and piano performances

U.S. News overall rating: 4.15

First sailing: May 2004
Last refurbished: May 2024
Sails to: Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras and Belize

  • Massive glass walls for ocean viewing
  • Dive-in movie nights, plus rock climbing and mini-golf
  • Smaller ship means fewer crowds on board
  • Many musical and dance shows for entertainment

U.S. News overall rating: 3.95

First sailing: November 2003
Last refurbished: April 2023
Sails to: Caribbean and Mexico

  • The Bamboo Room tiki bar 
  • Cruiser-favorite restaurant Jamie's Italian by chef Jamie Oliver
  • Laser tag, surf simulator, kids clubs, and multiple pools and hot tubs
  • Bottomless Galley Brunch

U.S. News overall rating: 4.15

First sailing: August 2003
Last refurbished: March 2025
Sails to: Alaska, Mexico, Pacific Coast and Panama Canal

  • Pool with retractable roof; outdoor poolside movies
  • "Vibeology" musical show and Broadway-style entertainment
  • Rock climbing wall and mini-golf course
  • Classic Italian fare at Giovanni's Table and panoramic views with drinks at Viking Crown Lounge

U.S. News overall rating: 4.0

First sailing: December 2002
Last refurbished: February 2019
Sails to: Mexico

  • The Blaster water coaster and Riptide mat racer waterslide
  • Ice skating and ballroom dancing shows 
  • The Bamboo Room tiki lounge for fun drinks
  • Resort-style pool deck with numerous pools and whirlpools 

U.S. News overall rating: 4.05

First sailing: July 2002
Last refurbished: April 2018
Sails to: Europe and Bahamas

  • Rock climbing wall, mini-golf and arcade with games
  • Vintages wine bar and English pub
  • Chef's Table for a VIP experience, Izumi for sushi and Chops Grille for steakhouse dining
  • Elevators with large windows offering sea views

U.S. News overall rating: 3.85

First sailing: November 2001
Last refurbished: November 2024
Sails to: Caribbean and Mexico

  • About 60% of cabins offer ocean views
  • Movies under the stars, game shows, Latin dance lessons and pickleball
  • Cyclone and Typhoon twin racer waterslides
  • 24/7 Cafe Promenade eatery serving a variety of food

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: April 2001
Last refurbished: January/February 2026
Sails to: Caribbean, Mexico and Honduras

  • Glass-walled dining rooms and bars with excellent sea views 
  • Adventure Beach splash zone for kids and Solarium adults-only indoor/outdoor area with whirlpools
  • "City of Dreams" theater production and '70s disco parties
  • Brazilian specialties at Samba Grill and Izumi for fresh sushi

U.S. News overall rating: 3.95

First sailing: October 2000
Last refurbished: September 2025
Sails to: Europe and Caribbean

  • Poolside movie nights
  • Salsa dancing, nightclubs and pub performances
  • FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides and pool parties with DJs and belly flop competitions
  • Chic, retro R Bar for drinks and authentic Italian meals at Giovanni's Table

U.S. News overall rating: 4.10

First sailing: November 1999
Last refurbished: November 2024
Sails to: Alaska and Mexico

  • Newly redesigned kids club areas
  • Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme and "Music in Pictures" evening entertainment
  • Waterslides, pool parties and hot tubs
  • Chops Grille steakhouse and Chef's Table for specialty experiences

U.S. News overall rating: 4.30

First sailing: May 1998
Last refurbished: May 2024
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Multiple pools and a casino
  • Global dining options, including Japanese, Italian and steakhouse fare
  • Game shows, movies under the stars and Broadway-style productions

U.S. News overall rating: 4.0

First sailing: July 1997
Last refurbished: September 2021
Sails to: Caribbean and Mexico

  • Four bungee trampolines
  • Boleros Latin-themed lounge, live orchestra and dancing under the stars
  • Viking Crown Lounge for cocktails with a view

U.S. News overall rating: 3.85

First sailing: May 1997
Last refurbished: May 2025
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Vitality Spa with ample treatment options and a salon for hair and nail services
  • Plenty of pools and Jacuzzis
  • Chef's Table intimate dining and Chops Grille for steakhouse eats
  • 60% of staterooms offer ocean views 

U.S. News overall rating: 4.10

First sailing: December 1996
Last refurbished: May 2012
Sails to: Caribbean and Panama

  • Poolside movies and a rock climbing wall
  • Vegas-style casino
  • Wide variety of evening shows and musicals
  • Asian flavors at Izumi and classic Italian at Giovanni's Table

U.S. News overall rating: 3.95

A note about U.S. News overall ratings: U.S. News ranks the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships based on an analysis of reviews, expert scores and health ratings. In addition to outlining details on these Royal Caribbean ships by age, we've also provided the U.S. News overall rating (out of 5). Read more about the methodology on how we rank cruise lines and ships, or explore the full list of the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships for 2026.

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