Royal Caribbean Unveils Unprecedented Year-Round Europe Cruise Season for 2028–29
Royal Caribbean International has announced its most audacious European deployment to date, revealing a year-round cruise season for 2028–2029. This season will feature seven ships traversing the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands — a groundbreaking first for the cruise line.
At the forefront is Rhapsody of the Seas, set to become the first Royal Caribbean ship to stay in Europe throughout the winter months. From May to October 2028, the ship will conduct 7-night itineraries from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, and Lisbon, with overnight stays in Alexandria, Egypt and Istanbul, Turkey. Starting November 2028, the ship will switch to 9- to 12-night winter sailings, visiting the Canary Islands, Morocco, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece. These trips will include stops at destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Casablanca, and Tangier.
Additional program highlights include Jewel of the Seas returning to Copenhagen and Stockholm for 7- to 11-night Baltic and Scandinavian cruises. Odyssey of the Seas will offer 7-night Greek Isles sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia). Guests visiting Santorini have the opportunity to book the Ultimate Santorini Day excursion, which combines visits to Oia and Fira with access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Bookings were initially opened to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, but general sales are now available to the public.