Royal Caribbean Sets Major Europe Cruise Expansion Across Seven Ships

Royal Caribbean, European fleet in 2028-29, including a raft of new winter sailings and itineraries that visit the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. The programme will also see year-round European cruises on Rhapsody of the Seas alongside summer sailings from Southampton, Rome, Barcelona and other key ports. Guests can enjoy shorter European getaways, longer Mediterranean breaks and overnight calls to cities including Alexandria and Istanbul. New Baltic sailings, as well as additional calls to Santorini, will also be available. Members will be able to book from 14 October 2026, with general availability on 15 October.

How Will Royal Caribbean’s 2028–29 Expansion Change European Cruise Holidays

This new programme allows for more passenger flexibility on how they select their departure season, destination and cruise length.

Royal Caribbean will operate seven ships across European waters, with itineraries ranging from three to twelve nights. Most ships will concentrate on the warmer months, while Rhapsody of the Seas will extend the programme into winter.

The expansion also allows departures to be spread between a number of European ports. Southampton, Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, Rome, Ravenna, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

For cruisers, this presents more chances to join a city break and cruise. Guests can discover their capital city before they set sail or extend their vacation after they leave the ship.

The biggest upgrade is the winter programme. Rather than just taking European cruising primarily in the spring, summer and autumn, Royal Caribbean will be doing more sailings in the cold weather months.

Rhapsody of the Seas Introduces Year-Round Cruises Across Europe

Rhapsody of the Seas will lead the expanded programme with seven- to twelve-night voyages from Athens, Barcelona and Lisbon.

Between May and October 2028, the ship will visit destinations across Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Selected seven-night itineraries will include overnight stops in Alexandria and Istanbul.

These longer port visits give passengers more time to explore historical attractions, local markets and cultural landmarks without rushing back to the ship after a short excursion.

From November 2028, Rhapsody will shift towards nine- to twelve-night itineraries covering the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece.

Travellers can explore Tenerife’s natural swimming pools, Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes and Moroccan cities such as Casablanca and Tangier.

The programme also brings Royal Caribbean back to Heraklion in Crete and Cagliari in Sardinia after more than a decade.

Onboard facilities include a rock-climbing wall, swimming pools, an adults-only Solarium, entertainment and speciality restaurants.

Southampton and Northern Europe Gain More Cruise Options

Freedom of the Seas will operate three- to nine-night cruises from Southampton between May and October 2028.

Its itineraries will cover the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Belgium’s Zeebrugge port, Bilbao, Le Havre and Lisbon.

Meanwhile, Jewel of the Seas will return to Copenhagen and Stockholm between May and August 2028.

The ship will offer seven- to eleven-night Baltic voyages visiting Helsinki, Visby, Gdynia and Klaipeda.

These routes will appeal to travellers interested in Scandinavian landscapes, historic ports and Northern European culture.

Greek Isles and Santorini Feature Across Four Ships

Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas will expand Mediterranean cruise choices during 2028.

Explorer will depart from Ravenna for seven-night voyages covering Greece and Croatia, including extended Santorini visits and selected stops in Kotor.

Liberty will sail from Barcelona, Athens and Rome, offering seven- and eight-night cruises featuring Greece, Marseille, Palermo and Cagliari.

Mariner will operate seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens and Ravenna, visiting destinations including Mallorca, Porto and Dubrovnik.

Odyssey will depart from Rome between April and October, offering seven-night Greek Isles cruises that include Mykonos and access to the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey.

Royal Beach Club Santorini Adds New Experiences

Royal Caribbean will add its famous Santorini beach club to some of its Greek Isles itineraries.

The Ultimate Santorini Day, explore both the famous towns of Oia and Fira, and enjoy Royal Beach Club Santorini.

Sights are coastlines, local dishes and an open air market of regional producers.

Participating companies are Nomikos Estate, Canava Lyngos and Santo Wines.

They will also extend opportunity for passengers to visit Santorini outside of the busier days sightseeing.

Travelers need to verify if there’s an extra excursion cost for a beach club visit prior to booking.

What Should Travellers Know Before Booking

Passengers should compare departure ports, cruise durations and immigration requirements before choosing their itinerary.

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System records eligible non-EU travellers crossing external Schengen borders. However, cruise-specific arrangements depend on where the voyage begins and ends.

Travellers should follow these essential steps:

Check entry requirements: Confirm passport validity and visa rules for every country on the itinerary.
Review border procedures: Allow additional time where immigration registration applies.
Compare departure ports: Consider flights, transfers and accommodation before embarkation.
Examine excursion costs: Check whether speciality experiences and beach club visits cost extra.
Verify schedules: Confirm port calls and overnight stays before making non-refundable arrangements.

The European Commission provides official guidance through its Travel to Europe portal.

The 2028-29 programme allows passengers more freedom to explore European ports of call outside of the typical summer cruise holiday period, according to Royal. However, its mix of winter cruises, Baltic sailings and longer stays in the Mediterranean could also help sustain tourism to various European ports all year round.

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