Member News

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its expanded 2028–29 European cruise programme, introducing its first year-round European season and offering travelers more opportunities to explore the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe and Canary Islands.

The new deployment will feature seven ships, with itineraries ranging from three to 12 nights, combining iconic European destinations with Royal Caribbean's signature onboard experiences.

A major highlight is the introduction of year-round European sailings aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, extending the traditional summer cruise season into winter with voyages to the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco and the Mediterranean.

Year-Round European Adventures Aboard Rhapsody of the Seas

For the first time, Rhapsody of the Seas will offer year-round European cruises, departing from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona and Lisbon.

Between May and October 2028, the ship will operate seven-night itineraries exploring Greece, Turkey and Egypt, including overnight stays in Alexandria and Istanbul on selected sailings.

From November 2028, the programme expands to nine- to 12-night voyages featuring the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece. Highlights include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Casablanca and Tangier, alongside Royal Caribbean's return to Heraklion, Greece, and Cagliari, Sardinia, after more than a decade.

Royal Beach Club Santorini Adds a New Dimension to Greek Isles Cruises

Another highlight of the European programme is Royal Beach Club Santorini, offering guests a new way to experience one of Greece's most celebrated islands.

The Ultimate Santorini Day combines visits to Oia and Fira with access to the beach club, where guests can enjoy scenic coastal surroundings, local cuisine and a marketplace featuring products from Santorini businesses.

Selected itineraries will also feature extended stays in Santorini, giving travelers additional time to explore the island.

Seven Ships Across Europe's Most Popular Cruise Regions

Royal Caribbean's expanded programme will offer a diverse selection of itineraries across the continent.

Explorer of the Seas – Greek Isles and Croatia

Sailing from Ravenna (Venice) between May and October 2028, Explorer of the Seas will offer seven-night Mediterranean cruises visiting the Greek Isles and Croatia. Every itinerary includes an extended stay in Santorini, with selected sailings also visiting Kotor, Montenegro.

Freedom of the Seas – Northern and Southern Europe

Departing from Southampton, England, Freedom of the Seas will operate three- to nine-night cruises from May to October 2028. Destinations include the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Bruges, Bilbao, Lisbon and Paris via Le Havre.

Jewel of the Seas – Scandinavia and the Baltic

Marking Royal Caribbean's return to Copenhagen and Stockholm, Jewel of the Seas will operate seven- to 11-night cruises from May to August 2028. The itineraries will explore destinations including Helsinki, Visby, Gdansk and Klaipeda.

Liberty of the Seas – Mediterranean and Greek Isles

Sailing from Barcelona, Athens and Rome (Civitavecchia), Liberty of the Seas will offer seven- and eight-night Mediterranean itineraries between May and October 2028, visiting destinations including Santorini, Marseille, Palermo and Cagliari.

Mariner of the Seas – Mediterranean Discoveries

Mariner of the Seas will return to the Mediterranean with seven-night cruises departing from Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens and Ravenna (Venice). Featured destinations include Palma de Mallorca, Porto and Dubrovnik.

Odyssey of the Seas – Greek Isles

From April to October 2028, Odyssey of the Seas will sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) on seven-night Greek Isles itineraries, featuring destinations such as Mykonos and Ephesus, Turkey. Selected experiences include extended time in Santorini and the opportunity to visit Royal Beach Club Santorini.

More Opportunities for Middle East Travelers

The expanded European programme presents additional holiday options for travelers from the UAE and wider Middle East, particularly those planning European summer holidays, family cruises and longer destination-focused itineraries.

With departures from major European gateways including Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Lisbon and Southampton, travelers can combine a European city break with a cruise holiday.

The introduction of winter European itineraries also provides greater flexibility for travelers seeking Mediterranean and Canary Islands holidays outside the traditional summer season.

Bookings Now Open

Royal Caribbean's 2028–29 European sailings opened for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members on 14 October 2026, followed by general bookings on 15 October 2026.

Travelers in the Middle East can explore the new itineraries and plan their upcoming European cruise holidays through Royal Caribbean Arabia, the cruise line's regional representative.

Website: www.royalcaribbean.ae 

Email: [email protected] 

Telephone: +971 4 331 4299