Melo Villareal
Royal Caribbean Announces Year-Round Europe Cruises for 2028-2029
Royal Caribbean is expanding its European cruise offerings for 2028-2029 with its most extensive year-round Europe season to date. The new lineup features seven ships sailing across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands, giving travellers more opportunities to explore European destinations throughout the year.
A bird’s-eye view of Odyssey of the Seas, which delivers something for everyone from bow to stern, with 12 experiences that span adventures, from a signature VR bungee trampoline experience to glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
Announced in Singapore on October 15, 2026, the programme introduces winter itineraries to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Morocco, alongside summer sailings through Scandinavia, the Greek Isles, and other popular Mediterranean destinations.
The season will include 7- to 12-night itineraries, overnight stays in selected ports, and opportunities to explore historic cities, coastal landscapes, and cultural attractions. Royal Caribbean will also return to Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, expanding its Northern European offerings.
A major highlight is the introduction of Royal Beach Club Santorini on selected Greek Isles itineraries. The experience combines sightseeing in Santorini’s famous villages with beachside relaxation, local food, and products from regional businesses.
Bookings for the 2028-2029 European season opened to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members ahead of the general booking opening on October 15, 2026.
Royal Beach Club Santorini Adds a New Island Experience
Travellers visiting the Greek Isles can enjoy Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Santorini Day, a full-day excursion that combines visits to Oia and Fira with access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.
The experience offers a beach setting, local cuisine, and an open-air market featuring products from Santorini businesses. Featured offerings include produce from Nomikos Estate, traditional spirits from Canava Lyngos distillery, and wines from Santo Wines.
Selected itineraries will include extended evening stays, giving passengers additional time to explore Santorini’s whitewashed villages, dramatic caldera views, and celebrated sunsets.
Royal Caribbean Europe Cruises 2028-2029: Ship-by-Ship Highlights
1. Rhapsody of the Seas: Year-Round European Adventures
Departure ports: Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, and Lisbon
Rhapsody of the Seas will lead Royal Caribbean’s year-round European programme with itineraries ranging from seven to 12 nights. Its summer sailings from May to October 2028 will focus on Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, including seven-night itineraries with overnight stays in Alexandria, Egypt, and Istanbul, Turkey.
Passengers can also explore the Greek Isles and experience the Ultimate Santorini Day, combining island sightseeing with access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.
From November 2028, the ship will introduce nine- to 12-night winter itineraries covering the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece.
Highlights include Tenerife’s natural saltwater pools, Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes, and the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier. Some itineraries will also feature overnight stays in Alexandria.
The season marks Rhapsody of the Seas’ return to Heraklion, Greece, and Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, for the first time in more than a decade.
On board, passengers can enjoy the outdoor pool, the climate-controlled Solarium, live entertainment, and restaurants such as Izumi and Chops Grille.
2. Explorer of the Seas: Greek Isles and Croatia
Departure port: Ravenna, Italy, for Venice
From May to October 2028, Explorer of the Seas will operate seven-night Mediterranean cruises featuring the Greek Isles and Croatia.
Every itinerary will include a longer stay in Santorini, giving passengers more time to admire the island’s volcanic caldera, explore its whitewashed villages, and enjoy its coastal scenery. Selected sailings will also offer access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Some itineraries visit Kotor, Montenegro, where travellers can explore the historic Old Town or head to Lovcen National Park for hiking and outdoor activities.
On board, guests can enjoy the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and the adults-only Solarium.
3. Freedom of the Seas: Northern and Southern Europe
Departure port: Southampton, England
Freedom of the Seas will offer three- to nine-night European cruises from May to October 2028, giving travellers options for shorter breaks or longer holidays.
The itineraries will feature a mix of Northern and Southern European destinations, including the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bruges via Zeebrugge, Belgium; Bilbao, Spain; Paris via Le Havre, France; and Lisbon, Portugal.
These sailings combine opportunities to explore historic cities and scenic coastlines with Royal Caribbean’s signature entertainment and activities.
Between port visits, passengers can enjoy The Perfect Storm waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulator, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
4. Jewel of the Seas: Return to Copenhagen and Stockholm
Departure ports: Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden
Jewel of the Seas will return to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and the Baltic region from May to August 2028. The ship will offer seven- to 11-night cruises showcasing Scandinavian coastlines, historic port cities, and Nordic culture.
Destinations include Helsinki, Finland; Visby, Sweden; Gdansk via Gdynia, Poland; and Klaipeda, Lithuania.
The itineraries provide opportunities to explore medieval towns, discover regional heritage, and experience the character of Northern Europe’s coastal communities.
On board, passengers can enjoy the rock-climbing wall, the adults-only Solarium, and Broadway-style entertainment.
5. Liberty of the Seas: Greek Isles and Mediterranean Getaways
Departure ports: Barcelona, Spain; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
From May to October 2028, Liberty of the Seas will operate seven- and eight-night cruises to the Greek Isles and other Mediterranean destinations.
The itineraries will include stops in Provence via Marseille, France; Palermo, Sicily, Italy; and Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. Greek Isles sailings will feature extended evening stays in Santorini, allowing passengers more time to explore the island.
Travellers can choose Royal Beach Club Santorini or excursions highlighting the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, the town of Fira, and Perivolos, known for its black-sand beach.
On board, the upgraded Liberty of the Seas will offer the Lime & Coconut tropical-themed bar, the Royal Escape Room, and Japanese dining experiences at Izumi Teppanyaki.
6. Mariner of the Seas: Mediterranean Coastal Highlights
Departure ports: Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Ravenna, Italy, for Venice
Mariner of the Seas will return to the Mediterranean with seven-night cruises to destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Porto via Leixoes, Portugal; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
These itineraries offer a mix of island scenery, coastal cities, and historic landmarks. Travellers can spend their days exploring European destinations before returning to the ship for dining and entertainment.
On board, highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi.
7. Odyssey of the Seas: Greek Isles From Rome
Departure port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Odyssey of the Seas will return to Rome from April to October 2028 for seven-night cruises through the Greek Isles.
The itineraries will include destinations such as Ephesus, Turkey, and Mykonos, Greece. Selected sailings will feature extended evening stays in Santorini, giving passengers more time to explore the island and experience Royal Beach Club Santorini through the Ultimate Santorini Day excursion.
The ship also offers a range of activities for passengers who want to make the most of their time at sea. These include RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator; North Star, an observation capsule offering elevated views; and SeaPlex, an indoor activity complex.
More Ways to Experience Europe by Cruise
Royal Caribbean’s 2028-2029 programme gives travellers a wider selection of European cruise options, from summer island-hopping holidays to winter escapes across the Atlantic-facing islands and North Africa.
The expanded season also lets travellers combine major attractions with lesser-known coastal destinations. Longer port stays let passengers spend more time ashore, while the range of cruise durations makes it easier to plan holidays around different schedules.
For travellers interested in Greece, Royal Beach Club Santorini offers another way to experience the island. Meanwhile, the return to Copenhagen and Stockholm gives Northern Europe more prominence in the cruise line’s summer programme.
Travellers can explore itineraries, departure ports, and booking information through Royal Caribbean’s official cruise schedule website.
Planning a European cruise for 2028 or 2029? Compare departure ports, sailing durations, and destinations to find an itinerary that matches your travel plans, whether you prefer Mediterranean culture, Scandinavian scenery, or winter sunshine in the Canary Islands.
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