Royal Caribbean is expanding its European cruise programme for 2028-29, introducing its most extensive year-round season in the region, with seven ships offering itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands.

The expanded programme will give travellers more opportunities to explore destinations in Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Egypt and Northern Europe through cruises ranging from three to 12 nights. The season will also mark the cruise line’s return to Copenhagen and Stockholm, alongside the resumption of calls at several Mediterranean destinations after more than a decade.

For the first time, Rhapsody of the Seas will operate year-round in Europe, offering summer itineraries featuring overnight stays in Egypt and Turkey before transitioning to winter cruises across the Canary Islands and other destinations.

Bookings for the 2028-29 European season are open to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members ahead of the general opening on October 15, 2026.

Rhapsody of the Seas introduces year-round European sailings

Rhapsody of the Seas will operate seven- to 12-night cruises departing from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona and Lisbon.

Between May and October 2028, the ship will offer seven-night itineraries exploring Greece, Turkey and Egypt, including overnight stays in Alexandria and Istanbul. Passengers will also be able to visit Greek islands and experience extended stays at selected destinations.

From November 2028, the ship will transition to nine- to 12-night cruises covering the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece.

Highlights include Tenerife’s natural saltwater pools, Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes and Morocco’s cities of Casablanca and Tangier. Selected itineraries will include overnight stays in Alexandria.

The programme also marks Royal Caribbean’s return to Heraklion, Greece, and Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, for the first time in more than 10 years.

On board, passengers can access the outdoor pool, climate-controlled Solarium and a range of dining venues, including Izumi and Chops Grille.

Mediterranean itineraries expand across five ships

Explorer of the Seas will operate seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Ravenna, near Venice, between May and October 2028. The itineraries will focus on the Greek Isles and Croatia, with every sailing featuring a later stay in Santorini to allow more time for sightseeing.

Selected cruises will also visit Kotor, Montenegro, where passengers can explore the historic Old Town or venture into Lovcen National Park.

Liberty of the Seas will offer seven- and eight-night itineraries from Barcelona, Athens and Rome, visiting the Greek Isles and Mediterranean destinations including Marseille, Palermo and Cagliari.

Later evening stays in Santorini will give passengers additional time to explore the island, including the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, the town of Fira and Perivolos beach. The ship’s on-board offerings include the Lime & Coconut bar, Royal Escape Room and Izumi Teppanyaki.

Odyssey of the Seas will return to Rome from April to October 2028 for seven-night Greek Isles cruises. Destinations will include Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos in Greece, with extended evenings in Santorini.

The ship’s attractions include the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule and SeaPlex indoor activity complex.

Mariner of the Seas will return to the Mediterranean with seven-night cruises departing from Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens and Ravenna. Destinations include Palma de Mallorca, Porto and Dubrovnik, while on-board activities include the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides and dining venues such as Jamie’s Italian and Izumi.

Northern Europe and the Baltic return

Freedom of the Seas will operate three- to nine-night cruises from Southampton, England, between May and October 2028, offering itineraries across Northern and Southern Europe.

Passengers will be able to explore Norway’s fjords, Copenhagen and Bruges, as well as destinations including Bilbao, Lisbon and Le Havre, the gateway to Paris.

The ship will combine European sightseeing with attractions including waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulator and glow-in-the-dark laser tag.

Jewel of the Seas will return to Copenhagen and Stockholm between May and August 2028, offering seven- to 11-night Baltic cruises.

The itineraries will feature destinations including Helsinki, Visby in Sweden, Gdansk in Poland and Klaipeda in Lithuania, highlighting Scandinavian coastlines, Nordic history and regional culture.

On board, guests can enjoy a rock-climbing wall, an adults-only Solarium and Broadway-style entertainment.

Santorini experience adds to shore excursions

A key feature of the season will be the Ultimate Santorini Day, an excursion combining visits to the island’s towns of Oia and Fira with access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.

The beach club will feature beach facilities, local cuisine and an open-air market showcasing products from regional businesses. Offerings will include produce from Nomikos Estate, spirits from Santorini distillery Canava Lyngos and wine from Santo Wines.

Selected itineraries with later evening stays will give visitors more time to experience Santorini’s scenery and attractions.

Across the seven-ship programme, Royal Caribbean is combining longer stays and varied itineraries with on-board entertainment, dining and recreational facilities, targeting travellers seeking both destination-focused experiences and resort-style cruising.

The expanded season is designed to provide greater flexibility for European holidays throughout the year, with summer Mediterranean and Baltic voyages complemented by winter itineraries to warmer destinations, including the Canary Islands. -TradeArabia News Service