By Captain Sail, Book with the Captain
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Ahoy! I'm Captain Sail, the guide for Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel. Icon of the Seas gets the headlines, but the six Oasis Class ships are still some of the biggest, busiest and most family-friendly ships Royal Caribbean sails. Several have been refreshed with features first seen on newer ships. Here's how each one differs, ship by ship, so you can pick the right one for your family or group.
Quick facts: Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class
- Six ships: Oasis (2009), Allure (2010), Harmony (2016), Symphony (2018), Wonder (2022) and Utopia of the Seas (2024). (Royal Caribbean)
- Oasis of the Seas introduced "neighborhoods," including Central Park, the Boardwalk with its carousel and AquaTheater, and the Royal Promenade. (Royal Caribbean)
- Royal Amplified refreshes added newer features to Oasis (2019), Allure (2025) and Harmony (2026). (Royal Caribbean Press Center)
- Features vary by ship, so always check the ship page for your sailing.
What makes a ship Oasis Class
Every Oasis Class ship is built around the same idea Royal Caribbean introduced on Oasis of the Seas: a ship split into distinct neighborhoods, so families, couples and thrill-seekers can each find their own corner. On every ship in the class, you'll find:
- Central Park: an open-air garden with real plants, lined with restaurants and cabins.
- The Boardwalk: a seaside-style space aft with a carousel and the AquaTheater, which hosts the high-diving shows.
- The Royal Promenade: an indoor "main street" of bars, cafés and shops.
Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class neighborhoods guide walks through each one. Wonder and Utopia add an extra Suite Neighborhood for suite guests.
If you're comparing classes across the whole fleet, start with our cruise ship classes guide.
Oasis Class ships at a glance
| Ship | Debuted | Refreshed | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis of the Seas | 2009 | 2019 (Royal Amplified) | Ultimate Abyss, The Perfect Storm slides, Music Hall, Portside BBQ | Families who want the classic Oasis experience with added thrills |
| Allure of the Seas | 2010 | 2025 (Royal Amplified) | Pesky Parrot, resort-style pools, Ultimate Abyss, The Mason Jar | Groups who want new-ship bars and dining on a classic ship |
| Harmony of the Seas | 2016 | 2026 (announced) | Samba Grill, Pesky Parrot, Ultimate Family Suite, expanded Casino Royale | Big families and friend groups who want lots of nightlife |
| Symphony of the Seas | 2018 | No refresh found in the sources we checked | Ultimate Family Suite, Ultimate Abyss, Hooked Seafood | Multigenerational families splurging on a family suite |
| Wonder of the Seas | 2022 | Not applicable yet | Suite Neighborhood, Wonder Playscape, The Mason Jar | Families with young kids, and suite travelers |
| Utopia of the Seas | 2024 | Not applicable yet | Royal Railway – Utopia Station, the first Pesky Parrot, Ultimate Family Suite | Short getaways with friends or family |
Oasis of the Seas: the original, amplified
Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, the first Oasis Class ship. In late 2019, Royal Caribbean announced it as the first ship in the class to be modernized under Royal Amplified.
What the 2019 refresh added, per Royal Caribbean's press release:
- the Ultimate Abyss dry slide
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- a reimagined Caribbean pool deck with Splashaway Bay and The Lime & Coconut
- Portside BBQ, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Bionic Bar, El Loco Fresh and Sugar Beach
- Music Hall and Spotlight Karaoke
- a new Adventure Ocean and the Social298 teen lounge
- glow-in-the-dark laser tag and a Royal Escape Room
Who it suits: families who want the full neighborhood experience plus the thrills added in 2019. As the oldest ship in the class, it's also the one third-party reviewers most often point to when Icon pricing feels steep (more on that below).
Captain's tip: Oasis Class ships carry thousands of guests, so cabin location matters. Check the deck above and below before you pick, and see our guide to the Wonder of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas if you're torn between the oldest and one of the newest.
Allure of the Seas: a 2025 glow-up
Allure of the Seas debuted in 2010. Royal Caribbean announced a major Royal Amplified refresh for Allure, which debuted in April 2025 ahead of a summer season in Europe.
What the 2025 refresh added, per Royal Caribbean's press release:
- the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, which first appeared on Utopia
- resort-style pools on a reimagined Caribbean pool deck
- the Ultimate Abyss and The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Splashaway Bay
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, previously only on Wonder and Utopia
- the Royal Escape Room: Apollo 18 Lunar Landing
- laser tag in Studio B
- a new Adventure Ocean layout
Trade outlet Cruise & Ferry reported the work was completed in April 2025 and also added new Ultimate Panoramic Suites.
Who it suits: groups of friends and families who want the newest bars and dining venues on one of the classic Oasis Class layouts.
Harmony of the Seas: refreshed for 2026
Harmony of the Seas debuted in 2016. In June 2025, Royal Caribbean announced a 2026 Royal Amplified refresh for Harmony, alongside Ovation and Liberty of the Seas.
What the 2026 refresh adds, per Royal Caribbean's announcement and its Harmony flyer:
- Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
- the Pesky Parrot tiki bar
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and El Loco Fresh
- a refreshed Caribbean-style pool deck
- new Ultimate Family Suites and Ultimate Panoramic Suites
- an expanded Casino Royale, which Royal Caribbean calls the largest in its fleet
Royal Caribbean also lists laser tag, The Perfect Storm waterslides and the zip line over the Boardwalk. Its flyer shows Harmony sailing from Barcelona in May 2026 and from Port Canaveral from August 2026.
Who it suits: big families and friend groups who want a newly refreshed ship with plenty of evening options.
Symphony of the Seas: built for big families
Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018. Royal Caribbean's Symphony page highlights:
- the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-level suite with an in-suite slide
- the Ultimate Abyss
- Hooked Seafood, a New England-style seafood restaurant
We didn't find a Royal Amplified refresh announced for Symphony in the sources we checked.
Who it suits: multigenerational families, especially if the group wants to splurge on the Ultimate Family Suite and keep everyone together.
Good to know: Features move between ships when they're refreshed, so a venue you loved on one Oasis Class ship may now be on another, or may have been replaced. Check the ship's page for your sailing date, or ask us to confirm.
Wonder of the Seas: the Suite Neighborhood debuts
Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022. Royal Caribbean's guides highlight:
- the Suite Neighborhood, a private area for suite guests with a sun deck, plunge pool, Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen (shared with Utopia)
- Wonder Playscape for kids
- The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar
- The Vue bar
Who it suits: families with young kids, and travelers booking a suite who want a private space to retreat to.
Utopia of the Seas: the newest in the class
Utopia of the Seas joined the fleet in July 2024. Royal Caribbean introduced it with short getaways from Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean highlights:
- Royal Railway – Utopia Station, an immersive train-themed dining experience
- the first Pesky Parrot in the fleet
- the Ultimate Family Suite, which sleeps up to 10
- the Solarium Suite
- the Suite Neighborhood
- a reimagined Wonder Playscape
Who it suits: friends and families who want a short trip on the newest Oasis Class ship.
Ready to plan?
Get my free quote from Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel. Tell us your group size and must-haves, and we'll help match you to the right Oasis Class ship.
Is Oasis Class a smart pick now that Icon is sailing?
For many families and groups, yes. Oasis Class ships are still huge, with neighborhoods, Broadway-style shows, the AquaTheater, waterslides and plenty of dining, and several have picked up Icon-era features through Royal Amplified.
Two independent sources back up the value angle:
- Cruise Critic calls Oasis Class ships relatively cheaper than Icon, and notes that the older a ship is, the less expensive it often is. That article was written before Allure's 2025 refresh, so its Allure advice is out of date.
- Royal Caribbean Blog says older ships usually trend lower in price, though there's no set rule. It points to the older Oasis Class ships, Oasis and Allure, as likely lower-priced picks, and notes Wonder of the Seas has some of the higher fares.
Pricing changes by date, cabin and itinerary, so the only way to know for your trip is to compare. Compare quotes for both classes with us, and we'll lay Icon and Oasis Class options side by side for your dates. If Icon is still on your list, our Icon Class family guide covers what that class adds.
How to choose your Oasis Class ship
- Newest features: look at Utopia, Wonder, or a recently refreshed Allure or Harmony.
- Big family or group: compare ships with the Ultimate Family Suite (Symphony, Utopia, and Harmony after its 2026 refresh).
- Young kids: look for Splashaway Bay and Wonder Playscape on the ship you're comparing.
- Thrills: check the ship page for the Ultimate Abyss and The Perfect Storm.
- Short trip: Utopia was introduced with short getaways from Port Canaveral.
- Value: compare older and newer ships on the same dates.
- Room location: check the deck plan for noise above and below your cabin.
FAQ
How many Oasis Class ships does Royal Caribbean have?
Royal Caribbean lists six Oasis Class ships: Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022) and Utopia of the Seas (2024). Each shares the neighborhood layout but has its own mix of venues and features.
What is the newest Oasis Class ship?
Utopia of the Seas is the newest. It joined the fleet in July 2024 with short getaways from Port Canaveral, and it debuted Royal Railway – Utopia Station and the first Pesky Parrot. It also has the Suite Neighborhood and the Ultimate Family Suite for larger families.
Which Oasis Class ships have been refreshed?
Royal Caribbean refreshed Oasis of the Seas under Royal Amplified in 2019 and Allure of the Seas in 2025, and announced a 2026 refresh for Harmony of the Seas. The refreshes added features such as the Ultimate Abyss, The Perfect Storm waterslides and new bars and restaurants, which vary by ship.
Is Oasis Class cheaper than Icon Class?
It often is, according to Cruise Critic and Royal Caribbean Blog, which both describe older ships as usually lower priced, with no set rule. Fares change by date, cabin and itinerary, so the best way to know is to compare quotes for both classes on your dates with us.
Which Oasis Class ship is best for families?
It depends on the ages in your group. Families with young kids may like Wonder Playscape on Wonder and Utopia. Larger families can look at ships with the Ultimate Family Suite. Thrill-seekers should check the ship page for the Ultimate Abyss and The Perfect Storm before booking.
Can a travel advisor help me compare Oasis Class ships?
Yes. Tell us your dates, group size and must-haves, and we'll compare Oasis Class ships, and Icon if you like, side by side. Book with the Captain has no fees and no markup on cruise bookings, so you pay the cruise line's rate.
Pick the ship that fits your crew
Every Oasis Class ship gives you the neighborhoods, the shows and the space to spread out, but each one has its own mix of venues, suites and refresh history. Match the ship to your group, then compare dates and cabins. We help you check the details before you book.
Get my free quote from Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel. Tell us about your family or group, and we'll compare Oasis Class ships for you.
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean.
Book with the Captain is an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel. If you book through us, we may earn a commission from the supplier at no extra cost to you.
Sources (read Oct 26, 2026)
- Royal Caribbean, Ships by Age: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/ships-by-age
- Royal Caribbean, Oasis Class neighborhoods guide: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/oasis-class-ships-things-to-do-guide
- Royal Caribbean Press Center, Newly amplified Oasis of the Seas now sailing from Miami (Nov 25, 2019): https://royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/news/newly-amplified-gamechanger-oasis-of-the-seas-now-sailing-from-miami/
- Royal Caribbean Press Center, Introducing the all-out glow-up of Allure of the Seas (Aug 6, 2024): https://royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/news/introducing-royal-caribbeans-100m-plus-all-out-glow-up-of-allure-of-the-seas/
- Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/allure-of-the-seas
- Royal Caribbean Press Center, Royal Caribbean will amp up Ovation, Harmony and Liberty of the Seas in 2026 (Jun 18, 2025): https://royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/news/royal-caribbean-will-amp-up-memory-making-on-ovation-harmony-and-liberty-of-the-seas-in-2026/
- Royal Caribbean, Amplified Harmony of the Seas flyer: https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/HARMONY/25021903_HMAmplified_ConsumerFlyer.pdf
- Royal Caribbean, Symphony of the Seas: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/symphony-of-the-seas
- Royal Caribbean, Ultimate Family Suite: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-rooms/ultimate-family-suite
- Royal Caribbean, Wonder of the Seas things to do: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/wonder-of-the-seas/things-to-do
- Royal Caribbean Press Center, Utopia of the Seas officially joins Royal Caribbean: https://royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/news/cheers-to-weekend-energy-utopia-of-the-seas-officially-joins-royal-caribbean/
- Royal Caribbean, What's new on Utopia of the Seas: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/whats-new-on-utopia-of-the-seas
- Royal Caribbean, Utopia of the Seas rooms: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/utopia-of-the-seas/rooms/
- Royal Caribbean, Utopia of the Seas family guide: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/how-to-have-the-best-family-vacation-on-utopia-of-the-seas
Third party (not Royal Caribbean):
- Cruise & Ferry, Upping the ante onboard Allure of the Seas (Jun 24, 2025): https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/upping-the-ante-onboard-allure-of-the-seas
- Cruise Critic, Is Icon of the Seas too expensive? Here's what to book instead: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/is-icon-of-the-seas-is-too-expensive-here-s-what-to-book-instead
- Royal Caribbean Blog, How much can you save by sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship? (updated Dec 11, 2024): https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/11/30/how-much-can-you-save-sailing-older-royal-caribbean-cruise-ship
Royal Caribbean and its ship names are trademarks of their respective owners. Book with the Captain is not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean.
Keep planning
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- Royal Caribbean Icon Class Family Guide: 2027 Ships & Dates
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