The best Royal Caribbean cruises for 2026 for family fun, sunshine and scenery
The line offers itineraries from European beaches and North American cities to Caribbean islands
Konoly
Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise brands when it comes to megaships, offering family fun and round-the-clock entertainment at sea.
Its fleet boasts three of the world’s largest cruise ships: Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, plus Legend of the Seas, which joined the lineup this summer.
In total, passengers have around 30 Royal Caribbean ships to choose from.
Many of the brand’s vessels are like floating cities or theme parks, providing a range of features from skydiving and surfing simulators to rock climbing walls and waterparks.
The fleet is divided into six classes, reflecting the size of the ship and the services on offer.
Passengers can select from small Vision and medium-sized Radiance class ships for around 2,000 guests, which offer a more relaxed and destination-focused sailing, to the megaship-style Quantum, Oasis and the latest Icon class, which provide larger capacities of up to 7,500.
In the middle are Freedom and Voyager class ships, which feature popular entertainment options but can be quieter as they have a slightly smaller capacity at between 3,000 and 4,000.
The older ships are worth as much of a look as the new ones, especially as the fleet is regularly upgraded with features such as new slides or restaurants.
Allure of the Seas was subject to a $100 million upgrade in 2025 and Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas were renovated this year.
The brand is a popular choice for exploring the Caribbean as it operates a private island in the Bahamas called Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The cruise line also opened a new private island beach club in the Bahamas in December 2025 and has a European version in Santorini. Additionally, Royal Beach Club Lelepa is also being developed in the South Pacific on the island of Vanuatu.
Meanwhile, a Perfect Day Mexico private island experience is due to launch in 2027.
Here is our pick of the top Royal Caribbean cruises to choose from.
Read more: The best cruise ships you must travel on in your lifetime
The best Royal Caribbean cruises
1. Anthem of the Seas: South Pacific Cruise
Sydney, Australia – Noumea, New Caledonia – Port Vila, Vanuatu – Royal Beach Club Lelepa, Vanuatu – Sydney, Australia
Explore the South Pacific aboard Anthem of the Seas. Departing from Sydney, Australia, this nine-night voyage includes stops by the scenic rainforests of Port Vila and the turquoise waters of the cruise line’s new Royal Beach Club Lelepa on Vanuatu.
Anthem is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ships. The Quantum-class vessel carries 4,180 passengers and has plenty to do on board including its RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator and the North Star pod ride that provides views over the sea.
Departs 8 November 2027, from £979pp.
Read more: What to expect at Royal Caribbean’s private beach club
2. Legend of the Seas: Western Mediterranean
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy– Naples and Capri, Italy – Barcelona, Spain – Palma de Mallorca, Spain – Provence (Marseille), France – Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Read more: I spent a week on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship
Experience the first Icon class ship to sail in Europe this summer, Legend of the Seas.
There are a range of Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome to choose from before the ship heads to the Caribbean for the winter.
Guests can enjoy its giant waterslides and exclusive performances of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical while visiting the urban delights of Barcelona, Rome and Florence as well as the sun-kissed beaches of Palma de Mallorca.
Departs 24 September, from £1,288pp.
3. Voyager of the Seas: Alaska Adventure Cruise
Seattle, Washington– Juneau, Alaska – Skagway, Alaska – Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska – Victoria, British Columbia – Seattle, Washington
Royal Caribbean is mainly known for visiting warmer destinations, but its Alaska itineraries are worth considering for the onboard facilities as you enjoy the scenery.
Departing from Seattle aboard Voyager of the Seas, passengers can enjoy a seven-night sailing beside the mountain views and glaciers of Alaska on its popular Inside Passage that takes in Skagway and the capital Juneau as well as the beautiful Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier.
There is plenty to do on the ship, including an ice rink, waterslides, rock climbing and laser tag, or you can relax after a busy day of excursions across Voyager’s 10 bars and lounges.
Departs 4 September 2026, from £572pp.
4. Liberty of the Seas: Spanish Flair
Southampton, UK – Vigo, Spain – Lisbon, Portugal – Seville, Spain – La Coruna, Spain – Bilbao, Spain – Southampton, UK
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Launched in 2007, Liberty of the Seas is one of the oldest ships in the fleet.
It was revamped this year with a new pool deck, featuring wooden waterside cabins.
UK-based passengers will be able to enjoy a Royal Caribbean sailing on this ship without the hassle of a flight.
The upgraded vessel will host nine-night “Spanish Flair” round trips from Southampton this summer.
The itinerary focuses on northern Spain, providing the chance to see the architecture of Bilbao, as well as its Guggenheim Museum and the historic squares and beautiful beaches of Vigo. There will also be chance to feast on genuine pastéis de natas in Lisbon.
Despite being older, Liberty of the Seas has great features, such as 12 bars and lounges, specialty restaurants, waterslides and it is the only Royal Caribbean ship with the Tidal Wave boomerang waterslide.
Departs 31 August 2026, from £1,303pp.
Read more: The best mini cruises from the UK
5. Icon of the Seas: Western Caribbean and Perfect Day
Miami – Puerto Costa Maya – Roatan – Cozumel – Perfect Day at CocoCay – Miami
Passengers can island hop around the Caribbean on this seven-night sailing from Miami on the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of The Seas.
It is the brand’s first Icon-class ship at 1,196 feet long.
The itinerary offers plenty of beach days such as in the Bahamas as well as a chance to enjoy the clear waters and Mayan ruins of Costa Maya.
You will also get to experience Royal Caribbean’s private island takeover on a Perfect Day at CocoCay stop, where cruisers can enjoy the party atmosphere amid the pools, bars and a waterpark.
There is plenty of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas. It can fit 5,610 passengers across 18 decks and also boasts the biggest waterpark and waterslides at sea as well as seven pools, its own Central Park and more than 40 bars and restaurants – providing lots for people of all ages.
Departs 26 September 2026, from £827pp.
Read more: The best northern lights cruises
6. Star of the Seas: Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day
Port Canaveral – Perfect Day at CocoCay – Puerto Rico – St Marteen – Port Canaveral
Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and explore the eastern Caribbean.
This seven-day sailing from Port Canaveral visits scenic destinations such as Puerto Rico and St Maarten and includes a stop on the brand’s private CocoCay island.
It is the sister ship to Icon and Legend, so you can expect mammoth waterparks and slides onboard.
But there are some extra facilities on this ship compared with Icon.
Royal Caribbean has refreshed its specialty Empire Supper Club onboard, serving intimate meals with live entertainment on a 1930s Chicago-inspired theme.
New onboard technology will also be rolled out including a waterproof bracelet for parents to track where their kids are on the cruise line’s app. The ship also has an exclusive Back To The Future musical show.
Departs 6 September 2026, from £858pp.
