Royal Caribbean unveils more ways to explore Europe in 2028-29 with new year-round season
Royal Caribbean is launching its largest-ever year-round Europe program, deploying seven ships across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
For the first time, guests can sail in Europe throughout the year aboard Rhapsody of the Seas.
Itineraries range from 7 to 12 nights and include destinations across Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
First-Ever Year-Round Europe Season
- Rhapsody of the Seas becomes Royal Caribbean's year-round European ship.
- Summer voyages focus on the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
- Winter voyages expand to the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece.
Overnight Stays in Egypt
- Several itineraries feature overnight stays in Alexandria, allowing guests extended access to nearby attractions including Cairo and the Pyramids region.
- Additional overnights are offered in Istanbul.
Strong Focus on Santorini
- The company is heavily promoting the Ultimate Santorini Day experience.
- Guests can combine visits to Oia and Fira with access to the upcoming Royal Beach Club Santorini.
- Multiple ships will offer extended evening stays in Santorini, giving travelers more time ashore.
Return to Copenhagen and Stockholm
- Jewel of the Seas marks Royal Caribbean's return to both cities.
- Baltic itineraries include destinations such as Helsinki, Visby, Gdansk (Gdynia), and Klaipeda.
Fleet Deployment Overview
- Rhapsody of the Seas - Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon: Year-round Europe cruises, Egypt overnights, Canary Islands winter program
- Explorer of the Seas - Ravenna (Venice): Greek Isles, Croatia, Santorini late stays
- Freedom of the Seas - Southampton: Norwegian Fjords, Copenhagen, Bruges, Bilbao, Paris, Lisbon
- Jewel of the Seas - Copenhagen & Stockholm: Baltic and Scandinavian itineraries
- Liberty of the Seas - Barcelona, Athens, Rome: Greek Isles, Marseille, Palermo, Sardinia
- Mariner of the Seas - Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, Ravenna: Mediterranean highlights including Dubrovnik and Porto
- Odyssey of the Seas - Rome (Civitavecchia): Greek Isles, Mykonos, Ephesus, Santorini
New & Returning Destinations
- Return to Heraklion, Greece and Cagliari, Sardinia after more than a decade.
- Return to Copenhagen and Stockholm.
- Expanded access to Morocco, Canary Islands, Turkey, and Egypt.
Onboard Experience Highlights
Guests will find a mix of Royal Caribbean signature attractions, including:
- FlowRider surf simulators
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator
- North Star observation capsule
- SeaPlex activity center
- Royal Escape Room
- Izumi and Izumi Teppanyaki restaurants
- Chops Grille steakhouse
- Adults-only Solarium spaces
