New ships were added to the fleet of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in the 1980's, still with the great problems between the shareholders that sarted in the beginnings of the company. This also often delayed the newbuilding process. In 1987, Carnival tried to take over the business and they were backed by this by Gotaas-Larsen, one of the shareholders of RCCL, who were eager to sell. After a lot of problems between the shareholders and Carnival, RCCL stayed an independent company and Carnival took over Holland America Line instead three weeks after the deal collapsed. Since that time, Carnival and RCCL are knowing to be real competitors and no friends what so ever. But at least RCCL understood they had to become a true company and with French financial backing for the luring company they started to become one finally.

Three new giant ships were ordered and they became known as the Sovereign-class. These were the first cruiseships in the world to exceed Norway in tonnage and thus they were the biggest ships in the world. They also started a naming-tradition still used now, with all ships names ending 'Of the Seas'. Also, Castles of the Seas is based on their namingtradition.

All early Royal Caribbean ships which names ended on 'Of The Seas' were built on the Chantiers de L' atlantique-wharf in St.-Nazaire, France. This was due to the French financial backing. This illustrious row started with the Soverign-class in 1987 when Souvereign Of The Seas floated out. At that moment, she was the biggest passengerliner of the world with 73.192 tons. She surpassed Norway, then on cruiseservice for seven years, by more then 3.000 tons. Two more Sovereign-class ships were built, Monarch Of The Seas in 1990 and Majesty Of The Seas in 1991. These ships were meant for the growing Caribbean market, as stated in the name of the company also. Since their debut, they kept sailing in this region.