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 European cruises, 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 Copenhagen and Stockholm after 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 destination-focused experiences and longer cruise seasons, aiming to capture a larger share of the premium travel market. The inclusion of exclusive destinations like Royal Beach Club Santorini underscores the company's focus on differentiating its product in a competitive landscape.

What we're watching

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