Which cruise ships are people booking the most right now?
Among Royal Caribbean's fleet of ships, there's quite a few choices to consider, and plenty of attention given to Royal Caribbean's newest ships.
With 2024 on the horizon, I was curious which ships people are gravitating towards and booking the most. So I reached out to Jenn Greene, who is a Travel Planner affiliated with MEI Travel.
I've known Jenn for years, and wanted to get a sense of among her clients, which Royal Caribbean cruise ships are the most popular in terms of bookings for the coming year.
Here are which Royal Caribbean cruise ships her clients are going to sail on in 2024.
Big demand
It’s no secret that cruising has made a huge comeback. Gone are the days of last-minute bookings, and rock bottom pricing. Cruisers are planning their vacations up to a year or more in advance. By doing so this secures the best rates and stateroom locations for them.
As a travel agent with MEI Travel, 80% of my business is with Royal Caribbean. I have been booking into 2024, and noticed that cruisers are gravitating toward the same ships and sometimes booking them multiples times.
I have also noticed that the top five ships are geared towards family fun and adventure, as opposed to the smaller ships that offer a more laid-back cruise. Which makes total sense as Royal Caribbean markets itself as a family brand.
Read more: 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships
Here are the top six Royal Caribbean ships being booked for 2024 travel by my clients.
Wonder of the Seas
It comes as no surprise that the newest ship in the Oasis Class is number one.
Wonder of the Seas has all the bells and whistles that cruisers love along with some favorites specific to this ship. The Mason Jar is a popular onboard restaurant, while not included in your cruise fare, I think it is worth the extra cost to dine here.
Read more: What a room on Wonder of the Seas looks like
Icon of the Seas
Coming in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will take cruising to a brand-new level.
Touted as the ship that will bring the World’s Best Family Vacation, Icon will be taking cruisers on 7 night Eastern and Western itineraries, with each including a stop at Perfect Day at CoCoCay.
Read more: Icon of the Seas sneak peek: Inside Royal Caribbean's next new ship
The demand for this ship from it’s initial launch has not slowed down.
Harmony of the Seas
While not the newest ship in the fleet, Harmony of the Seas is a favorite among families and couples.
Many cruisers say “Harmony feels like home”, yet they can’t explain why. From ziplining across the Boardwalk, to catching Grease in the main theater, Harmony continues to be a fleetwide favorite.
Read more: Trying out the free activities on Harmony of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas will be cruising 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral. This will be the first time an Oasis class ship will be visiting Perfect Day at CoCoCay on short cruises, which has driven the demand for it even higher.
The fact that this ship has yet to be amplified also keeps pricing a little lower than other in it’s class.
Freedom of the Seas
Next on the list is Freedom of the Seas. This amplified Freedom class ship continues to be in high demand sailing 3- and 4- night itineraries from Miami. Waterslides, mini golf, a Flowrider and ice shows make this ship perfect for a weekend family getaway.
Read more: Guide to weekend cruises
Ovation of the Seas
For the bucket list Alaska cruise, Ovation of the Seas is the ship of choice for cruisers. This ship offers the Northstar, which gives epic views of glaciers and beyond during your cruise. On sea days you can enjoy iFly skydiving, or enjoy bumper cars in the Sea Plex.
Read more: 50 First Time Alaska cruise tips
No matter what ship you sail on, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone. From the more laid back Radiance Class ships that can sail to smaller and more unique ports of call, to the mega Oasis and Quantum class ships offering non stop thrills and fun you are sure to have an epic family vacation.
Planning a cruise? Start here:
- 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
- What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
- 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
- Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
- Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
- What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?
