Voyager Class Ships: Why These Royal Caribbean Favorites Still Shine

When Royal Caribbean launched the Voyager Class ships in the late 1990s, they changed cruising forever. With the first-ever Royal Promenade, rock climbing walls, and ice-skating rinks at sea, these ships set a new standard for what a cruise vacation could be.

Voyager Class ships may not be the biggest in the fleet now, but they remain fan favorites thanks to their mix of size, innovation, and value. Here’s everything you need to know before booking a Voyager Class cruise.

What Are Voyager Class Ships?

The Voyager Class debuted in 1999 with Voyager of the Seas, and over the next 5 years, 4 more ships joined the lineup. Each one carries around 3,100–3,800 passengers, making them smaller than Oasis or Quantum Class ships but still full of big-ship fun.

The Voyager Class fleet includes:

Voyager of the Seas (1999)
Explorer of the Seas (2000)
Adventure of the Seas (2001)
Navigator of the Seas (2002)
Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Key Features of Voyager Class Ships

The Royal Promenade:
The Royal Promenade was revolutionary when it launched—a bustling indoor street lined with shops, cafés, and bars. It remains the heartbeat of every Voyager Class ship

Entertainment

Each ship features:
Ice-skating shows in Studio B
Broadway-style performances
Live music, karaoke, and themed parties

Activities
Even though they’re smaller than today’s mega-ships, Voyager Class ships pack in plenty of activities:
Rock climbing wall Sports court and mini golf
Pools and hot tubs Waterslides (on amplified ships)
FlowRider surf simulators (on some ships after upgrades)

Dining Options
You’ll find a mix of included and specialty restaurants:

Included:
Main Dining Room
Windjammer Buffet
Café Promenade
El Loco Fresh (on newer upgrades)

Specialty (extra cost):
Chops Grille
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Izumi
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (on amplified ships)

Best Voyager Class Ships for Your Vacation

Best for Families: Mariner of the Seas (amplified with waterslides and a FlowRider)
Best for Caribbean Getaways: Navigator of the Seas (sailing short itineraries from Los Angeles)
Best for Adventure Travelers: Adventure of the Seas (unique itineraries in the Caribbean)
Best for First-Timers: Voyager of the Seas (classic ship with updated features)
Best for Longer Cruises: Explorer of the Seas (often sails Europe and transatlantic voyages)

Why Choose a Voyager Class Ship?

Perfect Size – Large enough for lots of dining, entertainment, and activities, but easier to navigate than bigger classes.
Value-Packed – Often priced lower than Oasis or Quantum sailings, making them great for families or first-time cruisers.
Unique Itineraries – Voyager Class ships sail everywhere from the Caribbean to Europe and Asia.
Classic Royal Caribbean Vibe – These ships still carry the innovation that defined Royal Caribbean’s brand.

Tips for Sailing a Voyager Class Ship

Check for amplified updates – Some ships have the newest thrills like waterslides, laser tag, and updated dining. Plan for sea days – These ships are especially fun on itineraries with lots of time onboard.
Don’t miss the ice shows – They’re consistently rated among the best entertainment at sea.
Take advantage of value pricing – Voyager Class cruises often run cheaper than newer ships without sacrificing fun.

✨ Final Thought: Voyager Class ships may be over 20 years old, but they’ve aged gracefully with updates and amplifications. If you want a cruise that combines classic Royal Caribbean innovations with great value and exciting itineraries, a Voyager Class ship might be the perfect fit.