When you think of Royal Caribbean, it’s easy to picture the latest mega-ships with their skydiving simulators, robot bartenders and waterparks that tower ten decks high. But before the Icon, Oasis and Quantum classes came along, Royal Caribbean built a fleet of ships through the late 1990s and 2000s that still sail today. These vessels – from the intimate Vision Class to the trailblazing Voyager and Freedom ships – may not have the newest bells and whistles, but they continue to attract loyal cruisers in 2025 and 2026.
Royal Caribbean Cruising Excursions – Everything You Need to Know
Is Royal Caribbean Still an Exciting Escape for Older Travellers?
The question is: are these older ships still worth your holiday time and money? In this post, we’ll look at who they suit, when they were last refurbished, how they operate today, and whether they remain a smart choice compared to Royal’s newer hardware.
Older Royal Caribbean Ships:
When I say ‘older Royal Caribbean ships,’ I’m talking about anything built before 2009. And while 2009 might feel like a lifetime ago (16 years to be exact), the Oasis Class that debuted that year still feels fresh and unique in the cruising world.
Who these ships suit
- Itinerary-first travellers. These ships often run classic routes with great port times instead of sea-day gimmicks.
- Couples, friends and solo travellers who prefer a calmer vibe, good lounges and live music over big waterparks.
- Families on a budget who want Royal fun at a lower fare, and who are happy with pools, FlowRider on select ships, mini-golf and sports courts rather than every new attraction.
- Loyal Royal fans who like a smaller-ship community feel and easier navigation.
Do they still function correctly?
Yes. Royal Caribbean dry-docks its ships on a regulated cycle for safety and upkeep. Routine maintenance dry-docks typically occur about every five years, with increased frequency as ships age. This work includes hull, propulsion and technical inspections plus soft-goods refreshes, so systems remain certified and seaworthy.
Refurb and recent maintenance, at a glance
Quick highlights of the most recent notable work. “Amplified” means a big, feature-adding refit.
Vision class
- Grandeur of the Seas (1996): Month-long dry dock and refresh completed in early 2024, including cabin refresh, paint and technical upgrades.
- Enchantment of the Seas (1997): Routine dry docks in recent years; no major Amplification announced.
- Rhapsody of the Seas (1997): Two-week routine dry dock completed May 2025 at Grand Bahama Shipyard.
- Vision of the Seas (1998): Last major refit recorded in 2013, with typical upkeep since.
Voyager class
- Voyager of the Seas (1999): Amplified in 2019 with Perfect Storm slides and tech upgrades.
- Explorer of the Seas (2000): 2023 dry dock added racer waterslides and maintenance work.
- Adventure of the Seas (2001): Routine dry dock in Nov 2024 in Cádiz for maintenance.
- Navigator of the Seas (2002): Major Amplification in 2019, about $115m, with a revamped pool deck, venues and slides.
- Mariner of the Seas (2003): Amplified in 2018, plus a 2023 maintenance dry dock.
Radiance class
- Radiance of the Seas (2001): Underwent Royal Advantage revitalization with added venues; continuing routine upkeep.
- Brilliance of the Seas (2002): Dry dock in 2018, with another maintenance period reported spring 2025.
- Serenade of the Seas (2003): Refreshed in 2022 ahead of Ultimate World Cruise, plus maintenance dry dock scheduled March 2025.
- Jewel of the Seas (2004): Three-week dry dock in France Apr–May 2024, including azipod, stabiliser and repaint work.
Freedom class
- Freedom of the Seas (2006): $116m Amplification in 2020, then another dry dock in Spain in Jan 2025.
- Liberty of the Seas (2007): Major upgrade announced for 2026.
- Independence of the Seas (2008): 2018 upgrades added venues like Playmakers and Izumi and other layout changes.
Should you book Freedom class / Independence of the Seas in 20205/2026?
Are they still worth it in 2025 and 2026?
Yes, with the right expectations.
What you trade in jaw-dropping neighbourhoods and record-breaking slides, you often gain in price, atmosphere and itinerary.
Why book them
- Value. Fares are usually friendlier than the newest ships, so you can splurge on a balcony, speciality dining or longer trips.
- More ports. Smaller sizes open up classic Med islands, older Caribbean piers and scenic routes where mega-ships cannot squeeze.
- Quieter vibe. Easier to get a sunbed, faster to pop back to your cabin, fewer crowds at trivia and live music.
When to look elsewhere
- You want the biggest waterparks, surf simulators on every ship, zip lines and a theme-park feel.
- You are travelling with teens who expect the absolute newest toys rather than pools, sports courts and arcades.
- You rely on the latest suite programmes or dining concepts that sometimes roll out on newer classes first.
(2025 Edition) 5 of the Best Royal Caribbean Ships
How to pick the right older ship
- Check the most recent dry dock. Aim for ships with 2023 to 2025 maintenance or Amplifications above, since soft-goods and tech will feel fresher.
- Match ship to use-case.
- Voyager class gives you the best mix of size and features among the “older” set, with several ships recently Amplified.
- Radiance class is perfect for scenic itineraries and adults who love glass-walled lounges and a chilled pool deck.
- Vision class is the most classic and intimate. Choose them when itinerary and price win over bells and whistles.
- Read recent reviews and ship news for your exact sailing date, since minor fixes and venue swaps happen continuously.
- Book location smart. On older designs, a mid-ship, lower-deck cabin often rides best. If noise sensitive, avoid directly under the pool deck or the theatre.
Bottom line
If you like value, ports and a more classic cruise feel, the ships built from 1996 to 2008 are absolutely still worth booking in 2025 and 2026. Pick a vessel with a recent dry dock or an Amplification, prioritise the itinerary, and you will have a cracking time without paying new-ship premiums. If your heart is set on the very latest thrills and massive promenades, save these for another trip and aim for the newest classes instead.
