Royal Caribbean Opens 2028–2029 Europe Cruises With First Year-Round Season

Royal Caribbean has announced its 2028–2029 Europe program, including the line’s first year-round European season. The seven-ship deployment covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands, with cruises ranging from 3 to 12 nights.

What is new for 2028–2029

• Rhapsody of the Seas will lead Royal Caribbean’s first year-round Europe season, sailing 7- to 12-night cruises from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona and Lisbon.
• From May through October 2028, Rhapsody itineraries include Greece, Turkey and Egypt, including select overnight stays in Alexandria and Istanbul.
• Beginning in November 2028, Rhapsody will offer 9- to 12-night cruises visiting the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece.
• The broader deployment includes Explorer, Freedom, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner and Odyssey of the Seas.

Highlights across the seven ships

Explorer of the Seas is scheduled for 7-night Mediterranean cruises from Ravenna between May and October 2028. Freedom of the Seas will sail 3- to 9-night Northern and Southern Europe cruises from Southampton. Jewel of the Seas returns to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Baltic itineraries, while Liberty and Mariner add Mediterranean choices from ports including Barcelona, Athens, Rome, Lisbon and Ravenna. Odyssey of the Seas returns to Rome for 7-night Greek Isles cruises.

Several Greek Isles itineraries include later stays in Santorini and the option to visit Royal Beach Club Santorini as part of Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Santorini Day. Travelers should check the exact sailing page before booking because ports, ship features and shore options vary by itinerary.

When bookings open

Royal Caribbean said Crown & Anchor Society members received early access and that general bookings open Thursday, October 15, 2026. Fares, cabin availability and itinerary details remain subject to the selected sailing.

Read Royal Caribbean’s official announcement.

For help comparing ships, dates and European itineraries, contact April at sapphirectravel@gmail.com.