Royal Caribbean International operates the world's most innovative cruise fleet with 28 ships ranging from the groundbreaking Icon of the Seas (world's largest at 250,800 tons) to classic Vision-class vessels. The fleet spans five distinct classes: Icon (newest), Oasis (mega-ships with neighborhoods), Quantum (technology leaders), Freedom/Voyager (mid-size favorites), and Vision (intimate classics).
For Essex County, NJ travelers, Royal Caribbean offers year-round convenience with Anthem of the Seas and seasonal Adventure of the Seas sailing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne - just 20 minutes from Newark, Montclair, and Bloomfield. Skip the airports and cruise directly to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada/New England.
Icon Class: The World's Largest
Icon of the Seas
Launched: 2024
Size: 250,800 gross tons
Passengers: 7,600 (double occupancy)
Home Port: Miami
Highlights: World's largest cruise ship, 8 neighborhoods, Category 6 waterpark, Thrill Island with Crown's Edge
Wow Factor: Surfside neighborhood for families, AquaDome with entertainment, 6 waterslides
Oasis Class: Neighborhood Mega-Ships
The revolutionary Oasis-class introduced the neighborhood concept with 7-8 distinct zones including Central Park (20,000 live plants) and Boardwalk (entertainment district). These are the world's 2nd-6th largest ships.
Wonder of the Seas
Year: 2022 • Size: 236,857 tons
Capacity: 6,988 passengers
Length: 1,188 feet
8th wonder at sea, Suite Neighborhood, Wonder Playscape, Wonder Main Dining
Port Canaveral
Symphony of the Seas
Year: 2018 • Size: 228,081 tons
Capacity: 6,680 passengers
Length: 1,188 feet
Ultimate Abyss slide (10 decks), laser tag, water slides, Hairspray musical
Miami
Harmony of the Seas
Year: 2016 • Size: 226,963 tons
Capacity: 6,780 passengers
Length: 1,188 feet
Bionic Bar (robot bartenders), Ultimate Abyss, slide duo (Cyclone/Typhoon)
Port Canaveral
Oasis of the Seas
Year: 2009 • Size: 226,838 tons
Capacity: 6,780 passengers
Length: 1,187 feet
Original Oasis-class, revolutionized cruising, Central Park with 20,000 plants
Miami
Allure of the Seas
Year: 2010 • Size: 225,282 tons
Capacity: 6,780 passengers
Length: 1,187 feet
Twin to Oasis, AquaTheater shows, 7 distinct neighborhoods
Port Canaveral
Quantum Class: Technology & Innovation
Essex County Advantage: Anthem of the Seas is homeported year-round at Cape Liberty - the only Royal Caribbean ship in the Northeast. No flights required!
Odyssey of the Seas
2021 • 169,379 tons
4,198 passengers
SeaPlex (bumper cars/sports), North Star observation capsule, FlowRider surf
Fort Lauderdale
Spectrum of the Seas
2019 • 169,379 tons
4,246 passengers
China market specialist, SeaPlex, Star Moment karaoke pods
Shanghai
Ovation of the Seas
2016 • 168,666 tons
4,180 passengers
Alaska specialist, North Star, iFLY skydiving, RipCord by iFLY
Seattle (seasonal)
Quantum of the Seas
2014 • 168,666 tons
4,180 passengers
First Quantum-class, introduced North Star & RipCord, technology pioneer
Singapore
Anthem of the Seas
2015 • 168,666 tons
4,180 passengers
Cape Liberty year-round, Bermuda specialist, North Star, SeaPlex
Cape Liberty (NJ)
Signature Features Across the Fleet
Central Park
Oasis & Icon Class
20,000+ live plants, open-air promenade, specialty dining, tranquil escape mid-ship
Boardwalk
Oasis & Icon Class
Coney Island vibes, AquaTheater shows, carousel, outdoor entertainment
North Star
Quantum Class
Glass observation capsule rises 300 feet above sea level for 360° views
Ultimate Abyss
Oasis Class
Tallest slide at sea - 10-story spiral drop from Deck 16 to 6
FlowRider
Most Ships
Surf simulator - learn to surf with 40-foot wave
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Caribbean itineraries
Private island with Thrill Waterpark, zip line, beach club, exclusive for Royal guests
Which Ship Class Is Right For You?
Mega-Ships (200K+ tons)
Ships: Icon, Wonder, Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure
Best For:
Variety, families, never-get-bored travelers
Pros:
Most activities, dining options, entertainment choices
Cons:
Can feel crowded at embarkation/debarkation
Large Ships (160-200K tons)
Ships: Quantum-class (Odyssey, Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum)
Best For:
Tech lovers, active travelers, Alaska cruisers
Pros:
North Star, RipCord skydiving, SeaPlex, technology features
Cons:
No Central Park neighborhood
Mid-Size (90-160K tons)
Ships: Freedom, Liberty, Voyager-class
Best For:
Traditional cruisers, couples, value seekers
Pros:
Less crowded, easier navigation, lower pricing
Cons:
Fewer dining/entertainment options vs mega-ships
Classic Ships (70-90K tons)
Ships: Vision-class (Grandeur, Rhapsody, Vision)
Best For:
Intimate experience, European itineraries
Pros:
Port-intensive itineraries, personalized service
Cons:
Limited dining options, older ships
Royal Caribbean from Cape Liberty (NJ)
Anthem of the Seas
Class: Quantum-class
Size: 168,666 tons
Capacity: 4,180 passengers
Home Port: Cape Liberty (Bayonne, NJ)
Routes: Bermuda (May-Oct), Caribbean (Nov-Apr), Canada/New England (Fall)
Pricing: $699-$1,899 per person for 7 days
20-minute drive from Newark - year-round convenience
Adventure of the Seas
Class: Voyager-class
Size: 138,000 tons
Capacity: 3,807 passengers
Home Port: Cape Liberty (seasonal)
Routes: Bermuda, Caribbean, short cruises
Pricing: $599-$1,499 per person for 7 days
Smaller ship, easier to navigate, excellent value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?
Icon of the Seas (launched January 2024) is the world's largest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tons, carrying 7,600 passengers. It features 8 neighborhoods including Surfside (families), Thrill Island (adventure seekers), and the AquaDome. Second-largest is Wonder of the Seas (236,857 tons, 6,988 passengers). The Oasis-class ships (Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure) follow at 225,000-228,000 tons each.
Which Royal Caribbean ships sail from New Jersey?
Anthem of the Seas is homeported year-round at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ - just 20 minutes from Essex County. Anthem offers 7-day Bermuda cruises (May-October), Caribbean sailings (November-April), and Canada/New England fall foliage cruises. Adventure of the Seas also operates seasonal Cape Liberty departures. This is the only Royal Caribbean homeport in the Northeast - perfect for Essex County residents to avoid flights.
What's the difference between Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships?
Oasis-class ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Icon) are larger (225K-250K tons) with 7-8 neighborhoods including Central Park (open-air with live plants) and Boardwalk (entertainment district). They have Ultimate Abyss slides and AquaTheater shows. Quantum-class ships (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Odyssey, Spectrum) are smaller (168K tons) but technologically advanced with North Star observation capsule, RipCord skydiving simulator, and SeaPlex (bumper cars, sports court). Quantum-class better for Alaska/cold weather; Oasis-class better for Caribbean variety.
Which Royal Caribbean ship is best for families?
Icon of the Seas has the dedicated Surfside neighborhood designed for young families with water playground, family dining, family-friendly staterooms, and easy beach access. Wonder of the Seas offers Wonder Playscape and Suite Neighborhood. Oasis-class ships (Symphony, Harmony) have Splashaway Bay aqua park, Ultimate Abyss slides, Dreamworks characters, and Adventure Ocean kids clubs for ages 3-17. All ships offer complimentary kids programs, water slides, rock climbing, and family-friendly entertainment.
How do I choose the right Royal Caribbean ship?
Consider: (1) Destination - Oasis-class for Caribbean, Quantum for Alaska, smaller ships for Europe; (2) Activities - mega-ships for variety, Quantum for tech features; (3) Crowd preference - larger ships feel less crowded per-passenger but have more people total; (4) Budget - newer/larger ships cost more; (5) Departure port - Cape Liberty (NJ) offers Anthem and Adventure year-round for Essex County convenience. We help match you to the perfect ship based on your priorities and travel dates.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Royal Caribbean Ship?
Expert guidance • Ship comparisons • Best available rates • Essex County specialists