Royal Caribbean is making a major change to its European cruise schedule, announcing plans to offer year-round sailings in the region for the first time as part of its 2028–2029 season.
The cruise line confirmed on October 14, 2026, that seven ships will operate across Europe, covering destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, and the Canary Islands. Among the biggest developments are winter cruises aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, the return of Freedom of the Seas to Southampton, and two Freedom Class ships operating in Europe at the same time.
The announcement also includes longer port stays, overnight visits to destinations such as Istanbul and Alexandria, and more opportunities for passengers to visit Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Royal Caribbean Will Offer Europe Cruises Year-Round for the First Time
For years, Royal Caribbean’s European cruises have largely followed a seasonal schedule, with most sailings concentrated between spring and fall. That will change in 2028, when Rhapsody of the Seas begins the cruise line’s first year-round European deployment.
The ship will start its European season in May 2028, offering cruises departing from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, and Lisbon. Between May and October, passengers can choose seven-night itineraries visiting Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.
Selected sailings will include overnight stays in Istanbul and Alexandria, giving guests considerably more time ashore than a typical cruise port visit. Some Greek island itineraries will also feature longer stops in Santorini, including the option to visit Royal Caribbean’s beach club on the island.
The biggest change comes in November 2028, when Rhapsody of the Seas will move to longer voyages lasting nine to 12 nights. These sailings will visit destinations across the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece.
Passengers will have the chance to explore places such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Casablanca, and Tangier, while selected itineraries will also feature overnight visits to Alexandria.
Royal Caribbean also confirmed that the deployment will include its first visits to Heraklion, on the Greek island of Crete, and Cagliari, in Sardinia, in more than a decade.
While the announcement confirms the year-round plans, it doesn’t provide a complete month-by-month breakdown of every sailing extending into 2029.
Freedom of the Seas Returns to Southampton in 2028
Freedom of the Seas will return to Southampton for the 2028 summer season, continuing its deployment from the British port in 2027.
Between May and October 2028, the ship will operate itineraries ranging from three to nine nights, giving passengers a choice between shorter European breaks and longer cruises.
Destinations will include the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen in Denmark, Zeebrugge in Belgium, Bilbao in Spain, Le Havre in France, and Lisbon in Portugal. Zeebrugge serves as a gateway to Bruges, while Le Havre is often used by cruise passengers planning excursions to Paris and Normandy.
Freedom of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class ships, with onboard attractions including The Perfect Storm waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulator, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
Two Freedom Class Ships Will Sail in Europe Together
For the first time, Royal Caribbean will deploy both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas to Europe at the same time.
While Freedom of the Seas will concentrate on cruises departing from Southampton, Liberty of the Seas will operate from three Mediterranean homeports: Barcelona in Spain, Piraeus (Athens) in Greece, and Civitavecchia (Rome) in Italy.
Between May and October 2028, Liberty of the Seas will offer seven- and eight-night Mediterranean cruises visiting destinations in Greece, France, and Italy. Scheduled ports include Marseille in France, Palermo in Sicily, and Cagliari in Sardinia, alongside stops in the Greek islands.
Some itineraries will also feature later departures from Santorini, allowing passengers additional time to explore the island. Guests can choose from excursions to the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, the town of Fira, and the black-sand beach at Perivolos, along with visits to Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Liberty of the Seas underwent upgrades in 2026, adding several attractions and dining options, including the Royal Escape Room, Izumi Teppanyaki, and the Lime & Coconut bar.
Four More Royal Caribbean Ships Will Explore Europe
Alongside Rhapsody of the Seas and the two Freedom Class ships, Royal Caribbean has confirmed four additional vessels for its 2028 European season, covering the Greek islands, Croatia, the Baltic region, and several other Mediterranean destinations.
Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas will sail from Ravenna, Italy, between May and October 2028, offering seven-night cruises to the Greek islands and Croatia.
Every announced sailing will include a later stay in Santorini, giving passengers more time to explore the island and the option to visit Royal Beach Club Santorini. Selected voyages will also stop in Kotor, Montenegro, where passengers can explore the historic Old Town or visit nearby Lovćen National Park.
Mariner of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas will operate seven-night Mediterranean cruises from four departure ports: Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens (Piraeus), and Ravenna.
Its itineraries will include destinations such as Palma de Mallorca in Spain, Porto in Portugal, and Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Jewel of the Seas
Passengers interested in Northern Europe will have another option aboard Jewel of the Seas, which will sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm between May and August 2028, offering cruises lasting seven to 11 nights.
Its itineraries will visit destinations including Helsinki in Finland, Visby in Sweden, Gdynia in Poland, and Klaipeda in Lithuania.
The deployment will mark Royal Caribbean’s return to Copenhagen and Stockholm, with Jewel of the Seas providing the main Baltic-focused itineraries within the seven-ship announcement.
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas will be the largest ship included in Royal Caribbean’s newly announced European lineup.
The Quantum Ultra Class vessel will operate seven-night cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia) between April and October 2028, making it one of the earliest ships to begin the European season.
Its itineraries will focus on the Greek islands, with visits to Mykonos, Santorini, and Ephesus in Turkey, which cruise passengers typically visit from the port of Kusadasi. Selected Santorini visits will include extended evening stays and the option to experience Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Onboard, passengers will find attractions including the North Star observation capsule, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, and SeaPlex indoor activity venue.
Royal Caribbean’s Santorini Beach Club Will Feature in the Itineraries
Santorini is another major focus of the 2028 European schedule, with several ships offering longer visits and access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Santorini Day excursion combines visits to the island’s popular towns of Oia and Fira with time at the beach club. The experience gives guests the chance to see some of Santorini’s best-known sights before spending time at the beach.
Royal Beach Club Santorini also features an open-air market with products from local businesses, including produce from Nomikos Estate, wine from Santo Wines, and traditional Greek spirits from Canava Lyngos.
The cruise line has confirmed that passengers aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas will have opportunities to visit the destination on selected itineraries. Some sailings will also remain in Santorini until later in the evening.
Related reading: Royal Caribbean Is Bringing the “Ultimate Santorini Day” to Life With a Brand-New Beach Club
Some of Royal Caribbean’s Biggest Ships Are Missing From the Announcement
Although Royal Caribbean has confirmed seven ships for Europe in 2028, some of its largest vessels are noticeably absent from the announcement.
None of the ships listed belong to the Oasis Class, which includes some of the cruise line’s biggest and most popular vessels. Royal Caribbean has regularly sent Oasis Class ships to Europe in previous years, making their absence from this initial lineup worth noting.
Legend of the Seas is also missing from the announcement. The Icon Class ship began its first European season in 2026 and is scheduled to return to the region in 2027, but Royal Caribbean has not confirmed a European deployment for the vessel in 2028 as part of this release.
That doesn’t necessarily mean these ships won’t sail in Europe during 2028. The cruise line could announce additional ships or itineraries later, although no further deployments were confirmed in the October 14 announcement.
Royal Caribbean’s 2028–2029 Europe Cruises Are Now on Sale
Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s newly announced European cruises opened to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members ahead of the public release on October 15, 2026.
All seven ships’ announced itineraries are now available to book through Royal Caribbean’s website or a travel advisor.
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