Royal Caribbean Newbie here, how do I choose which class?

[warrenz1963]

First time poster here on this particular forum. I'm just starting to look at Royal Caribbean and am overwhelmed by the choice of ships. We'd prefer no to be on a ship that is either mega or mini. Is there a certain class I should be looking at for mid-range size ships?

 

[ScooterScott44]

Welcome!

It is probably not too helpful to try and start selecting strictly based on those classifications. Mini and mega are somewhat arbitrary.

The largest DCL ships are more mid sized compared to the Royal Fleet. Also in the Royal fleet, my first thought was the Freedom class might be good related to your question. At one time, not that long ago, Freedom held the title of worlds largest cruise ship. So you can see those titles are somewhat non-specific. It might be better look at activities or features that might interest you.

 

[ScooterScott44]

In the Royal fleet, the Freedom class is actually pretty good size with out being too big. It has skating, rock wall, a surf simulator for big items and other smaller things. It might be a little lacking if you are looking for dining. It has a couple of the specialty restaurants but not like the Oasis class. (If dining is a key item for you, the Oasis class might be the better choice.). Freedom class is probably a good place to start but also check which ships have been updated most recently.

The Voyager class is probably the next option for a “mid-sized” cruise ship. Might be a little more limited on options but dining choices would be pretty similar to the Freedom class.

Happy planning!

 

[warrenz1963]

Welcome!

It is probably not too helpful to try and start selecting strictly based on those classifications. Mini and mega are somewhat arbitrary.

The largest DCL ships are more mid sized compared to the Royal Fleet. Also in the Royal fleet, my first thought was the Freedom class might be good related to your question. At one time, not that long ago, Freedom held the title of worlds largest cruise ship. So you can see those titles are somewhat non-specific. It might be better look at activities or features that might interest you.

I just cruised on the Disney Fantasy (my nephew works on the ship!) and I'm very comfortable with that size, and am curious about "larger" ships, but things like the RC Icon class really turn me off.

 

[warrenz1963]

In the Royal fleet, the Freedom class is actually pretty good size with out being too big. It has skating, rock wall, a surf simulator for big items and other smaller things. It might be a little lacking if you are looking for dining. It has a couple of the specialty restaurants but not like the Oasis class. (If dining is a key item for you, the Oasis class might be the better choice.). Freedom class is probably a good place to start but also check which ships have been updated most recently.

The Voyager class is probably the next option for a “mid-sized” cruise ship. Might be a little more limited on options but dining choices would be pretty similar to the Freedom class.

Happy planning!

Thank you for the info! I will focus my next research on Voyager class ships.

 

[jenushkask8s]

We've sailed on both Oasis and Quantum Ultra classes (we were on Odyssey just last week, which is roughly the same size as the Fantasy).

While we prefer Oasis class for the neighborhoods concept, we also enjoyed the Quantum Ultra class for the more unique onboard activities (e.g. North Star, bumper cards).

 

[skramer100]

Be careful with the medium sized ships. We did Harmony last year and it is a massive ship. We stayed on the 8th floor which is Central Park. My wife and I had so much time in Central Park having a glass of wine and just listening to the musicians with nobody around us. The larger ships IMO offer you more quiet space than some of the smaller ships.

 

[Frozen2014]

The great thing about Royal is they have a ton of ships and they cater to different likes. We have been on Oasis, Quantum, Voyager, Freedom and Vision class. It depends on what you like or want as priority. You don't mention if you have kids, which can make a difference.

They all have Main Dining Room, Windjammer (buffet), coffee shops, nightly shows, pools, adult area. They all have rock wall and most have flowrider, sports court (think only vision class is missing these), gym and spa, casino and regular activities in the cruise planner.

Icon Class - Very Large. Just came out so can only comment from YouTube. Many pools and venues.

Oasis Class - Large Size. This class has the best shows (Aqua shows are unique, aside from Wonder they have a Broadway show, ice show, etc). Aside from included venues they also have great specialty selection for an additional cost. Has things like waterslides and dry slide (aside from Allure), zipline, flowrider. Also unique is the different neighborhood idea with Central Park, Boardwalk, Promenade, etc.

Quantum Class- Large Size. Unique is the addition of North Star (goes above the ship for a bird's view), iFly (flying experience with air pushing you up), Sea Plex that is used for bumper cars and other sports activities. Odyssey is Ultra Quantum with great technology in their shows and other where things are modern. (Just got off this one myself).

Freedom and Voyager Class - Medium Size. Similar with Freedom having an additional pool and a bit larger. Has ice rink, Independence has Grease as Broadway show. Freedom has been amped recently (haven't been on her yet but looks nice). They all have waterslides (not sure about Voyager). These are nice if you want variety of things but not huge. Includes promenade (unlike the next two classes)

Vision and Radiance Class - Smaller size. Less amenities with the extra stuff but still a traditional cruise ship. Centrum instead of Promenade.

It's a personal preference, but I personally love Oasis. Although it's big, it's spread out so doesn't feel crazy. (Going on Wonder so maybe I'll have other comments next month).

To me, they all are very classy beautiful ships with great service and options. We tend to stick with Royal as we love their product, no matter what ship. We even have a Vision class booked in the future so will see how I feel about that one.

 

[ScooterScott44]

Coming back to the tread and I’ll agree that the larger ships seemed to have worked the right mix. There are enough activities and public space that most of the time it doesn’t fell like you are with thousands of others.

We have done Quantum and Ovation form the Quantum class and allure, harmony, wonder, and oasis from the oasis class. Headed out on our second Harmony sailing today. Have done Freedom and Voyager class and they are fine but the slightly bigger actually felt better.

 

[warrenz1963]

The great thing about Royal is they have a ton of ships and they cater to different likes. We have been on Oasis, Quantum, Voyager, Freedom and Vision class. It depends on what you like or want as priority. You don't mention if you have kids, which can make a difference.

They all have Main Dining Room, Windjammer (buffet), coffee shops, nightly shows, pools, adult area. They all have rock wall and most have flowrider, sports court (think only vision class is missing these), gym and spa, casino and regular activities in the cruise planner.

Icon Class - Very Large. Just came out so can only comment from YouTube. Many pools and venues.

Oasis Class - Large Size. This class has the best shows (Aqua shows are unique, aside from Wonder they have a Broadway show, ice show, etc). Aside from included venues they also have great specialty selection for an additional cost. Has things like waterslides and dry slide (aside from Allure), zipline, flowrider. Also unique is the different neighborhood idea with Central Park, Boardwalk, Promenade, etc.

Quantum Class- Large Size. Unique is the addition of North Star (goes above the ship for a bird's view), iFly (flying experience with air pushing you up), Sea Plex that is used for bumper cars and other sports activities. Odyssey is Ultra Quantum with great technology in their shows and other where things are modern. (Just got off this one myself).

Freedom and Voyager Class - Medium Size. Similar with Freedom having an additional pool and a bit larger. Has ice rink, Independence has Grease as Broadway show. Freedom has been amped recently (haven't been on her yet but looks nice). They all have waterslides (not sure about Voyager). These are nice if you want variety of things but not huge. Includes promenade (unlike the next two classes)

Vision and Radiance Class - Smaller size. Less amenities with the extra stuff but still a traditional cruise ship. Centrum instead of Promenade.

It's a personal preference, but I personally love Oasis. Although it's big, it's spread out so doesn't feel crazy. (Going on Wonder so maybe I'll have other comments next month).

To me, they all are very classy beautiful ships with great service and options. We tend to stick with Royal as we love their product, no matter what ship. We even have a Vision class booked in the future so will see how I feel about that one.

wow, thank you for all the good info, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[ucf_knight]

First time poster here on this particular forum. I'm just starting to look at Royal Caribbean and am overwhelmed by the choice of ships. We'd prefer no to be on a ship that is either mega or mini. Is there a certain class I should be looking at for mid-range size ships?

We've done both their biggest ships and smallest ships as a couple and as a family of four with small kids. For us we like the bigger ships when sailing out of the US as for us the ship is the destination. The only time the big ships feel crowded is embarkation day. Once you set sail on the big ones though we find it very relaxing and not busy/crowded at any one venue. For us the smaller ships are better for overseas cruises as we are more focused on the ports and the ship is just a form of easy transportation for us. If I was cruising for the first time with royal I would choose one of the bigger ships especially if you have normally cruised with Disney. The bigger ships have more to offer imo than the current disney ships.