Royal Caribbean Expands Europe Footprint with Year-Round 2028-29…

Event summary

Royal Caribbean unveils its boldest year-round Europe season for 2028-29, deploying seven ships across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
Rhapsody of the Seas introduces year-round Europe exploration, including summer adventures in Egypt and winter getaways to the Canary Islands.
Bookings for the 2028-29 Europe season open for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members on October 15, 2026.
New itineraries include extended stays in Santorini, visits to Morocco, and returns to Heraklion and Cagliari after over a decade.
Seven ships will offer 7- to 12-night holidays with experiences tailored for all ages.

The big picture

Royal Caribbean's move to a year-round Europe season reflects a strategic pivot towards diversifying its offerings beyond traditional summer cruises. This expansion aligns with broader industry trends of cruise lines seeking to capture demand in off-peak seasons and tap into emerging markets like Morocco and the Canary Islands. The deployment of seven ships underscores the company's commitment to scaling its presence in Europe, potentially driving revenue growth and market share.

What we're watching

Market Demand: Whether Royal Caribbean can sustain high demand for European cruises amid economic uncertainties.
Competitive Positioning: How this expansion affects Royal Caribbean's competitive stance against other major cruise lines in Europe.
Operational Execution: The pace at which Royal Caribbean can integrate new destinations and maintain service quality across its expanded fleet.