Despite the fact that Royal Caribbean is known as an American cruise line and is now based out of Miami, it was founded by three Norwegian shipping companies in 1968. Designed to sail the Caribbean, they chose the name Royal Caribbean to give the impression of high standards to future guests. The names of its very first ships tell the tale of a Norwegian-based company with the first ship being christened the Song of Norway in 1970. She was quickly followed by the Nordic Prince a year later and the Sun Viking in 1972.
Two of these became the first passenger ships to be lengthened, a now popular way of expanding a cruise ship. In 1978, the Song of Norway was cut in half and an 85-foot section inserted into the center of the vessel. The Nordic Prince followed suit soon after.
In a precursor to their popular private island, Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean leased coastal property in Labadie, Haiti in 1986 as a private destination for its guests and renamed it Labadee. They followed that up two years later by purchasing an island in the Bahamas as a second private destination. This would become Little Stirrup Cay. Both are still enjoyed by cruisers today.
The late 80s brought in the first ships bearing the distinctive “of the seas” monicker. These were part of Royal’s Sovereign class, Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas. Like many of Royal’s subsequent ships, the Sovereign of the Seas would be the largest cruise ship in the world when it first sails in 1987.
Much like Carnival did in the 80s, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line began their purchasing of other cruise lines in 1997 with the Greek line, Celebrity. With this new acquisition they restructured their corporation spawning the new parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, now Royal Caribbean Group, to head both lines.
During this time of expansion the company experimented with the operation of land and sea based “cruise tours” in Alaska that featured glass-domed train cars that traveled to scenic destinations. While Royal Caribbean no longer offers this combination, you can find something similar with other lines.
The oldest ship in Royal’s current fleet is the Grandeur of the Seas. Built in 1996 the Grandeur is a vision-class ship. In 2019 it was announced that the ship would be transferred to Pullmantur Cruises, which Royal Caribbean Group had a significant stake in; however, this never happened as the line went into bankruptcy.
The late 90’s brought in the Voyager class. Once again, the largest ships being built during their time, they were the first to have Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Promenade” mall concept, a main thoroughfare extending most of the length of the ship, flanked by bars, cafes, and shopping venues. The company borrowed this now iconic designed from Silja passenger ferries that have what they call a promenade deck. In order to manage this fete and keep the ship stable, Royal Caribbean designers widened the hull significantly compared to their Sovereign class ships.
Built from 2001 to 2004 are the five Radiance class ships: Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade and Jewel of the Seas.
Similar to the Voyager class but longer, Freedom class ships, built from 2006 to 2008, are 60% the size of Oasis class ships. These include the Freedom, Liberty and Independence of the Seas.
It was in 2009 that Royal Caribbean upped the cruise game with their Oasis class ships by launching the Oasis of the Seas. The Allure of the Seas followed in 2010. These would solidify the company as the largest cruise line on the seas, size-wise at least, at over 200,000 tons each. At a cost of over a billion dollars each, these ships can accommodate up to 5,400 passengers at double occupancy and they have a maximum capacity of 6,296 passengers.
To this day it is an Oasis class ship, the Wonder of the Seas, that is the largest cruise ship sailing. At least until Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas launches in 2024.
Are you loyal to Royal? If so, what is your favorite class of Royal Ships? Do you prefer the huge Oasis class or something a little smaller?
Cruising From The Ozarks 