Royal Caribbean Best & Worst Ships

Royal Caribbean’s Best and Worst Ships: The Real Tea

Ahoy, cruise lovers! Welcome aboard the Royal Caribbean liner of truth, where we sift through the opulence and the outdated to bring you the real deal on which ships are worth your precious vacation days and which are better left anchored. With a fleet as vast as Royal Caribbean’s, there’s quite a spectrum of experiences waiting for you. So let’s dive right in!

The Gems in the Crown: Shining Stars of the Fleet

When it comes to gems, Royal Caribbean’s lineup does not disappoint. Some ships sparkle brighter than others, and here’s why:

• Wonder of the Seas: Launched in 2022, this floating wonderland is the newest in the fleet. Packed with innovative features, it’s like the Beyoncé of cruise ships. From the massive Central Park to the brand new Wonder Playscape, this ship leaves no stone unturned. Its CDC scores are consistently high, reflecting its pristine condition and impeccable sanitation.
• Symphony of the Seas: Known for its jaw-dropping amenities and top-notch cleanliness, Symphony has been turning heads since its debut in 2018. This bad boy comes equipped with everything from an ice rink to a real Broadway musical, and its CDC score regularly lands it in the upper echelons of our cleanliness rankings.
• Oasis of the Seas: Not the newest, but certainly a fan-favorite, Oasis underwent a massive refurbishment in 2019 and came back with a bang. With a revamped pool deck and new dining options, it’s a classic that’s still got it.

Squeaky Clean or Bubbling with Trouble? CDC Scores Tell All

If you’re wondering how Royal Caribbean fares in the hygiene department, the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program has you covered—and us too, in our ship database. Across the fleet, scores can vary, but generally, Royal Caribbean ships maintain high standards. The average score is around 95 out of 100, which is nothing to sneeze at. However, a few ships occasionally slip below this mark, so keep an eye on those scores.

The Rust Buckets: Ships Showing Their Age

Every fleet has its duds, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. Here are a few ships that might make you channel your inner cruise critic:

• Majesty of the Seas: Despite being a cherished classic, it’s no secret that Majesty is long in the tooth. Launched in 1992, it’s like the 90s called and wants their cruise ship back. It hasn’t seen a major refurbishment in years and doesn’t quite offer the same pizzazz as newer ships.
• Vision of the Seas: Vision has seen better days. Launched in 1998, it’s often one of the lower-rated vessels in our cleanliness rankings. While it still sails, don’t expect modern amenities or cutting-edge entertainment.

The Refurbished Renaissance: Ships with a Fresh Coat of Glam

Refurbishments are like a ship’s version of a spa day, and some Royal Caribbean ships have come out looking fab:

• Freedom of the Seas: Post-2020 refurbishment, Freedom boasts new waterslides, updated dining venues, and a refreshed pool deck. It’s like it took a time machine to the present!
• Liberty of the Seas: After its facelift, Liberty is a solid choice for families, offering a FlowRider surf simulator and a revamped waterpark that keeps the little ones entertained.

Newest vs. Oldest: A Tale of Two Ships

Let’s pit the oldest and youngest of Royal Caribbean’s fleet against each other to see what’s what.

• Oldest: Grandeur of the Seas: Launched in 1996, it’s a classic but lacks the wow factor of newer ships. Sure, it’s got charm, but it won’t win any awards in a beauty contest.
• Newest: Icon of the Seas: Set to launch in 2024, this is the highly anticipated talk of the town. Word on the gangway is that it’s going to blow all previous records out of the water. Watch this space!

Specific Ships to Seek Out or Avoid

Looking for recommendations? Here are some ships you should either run to or steer clear of:

• Seek Out: Anthem of the Seas: With its high-tech features and excellent dining, it’s a strong contender for those seeking modern luxury with a hint of thrill.
• Avoid: Empress of the Seas: Recently retired, but it deserves a mention for those thinking of cruising back in time. It was small and lacked the bells and whistles modern cruisers crave.