Royal Caribbean Is Done Taking Winters Off From Europe

Royal Caribbean is planning to sail in Europe all year round in its 2028-29 season. According to Cruise Industry News, seven ships will cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands, with voyages ranging from three to twelve nights. Members of the Crown & Anchor Society can book now, and sales open to the general public on October 15.

The summer lineup is built around familiar ports. Rhapsody of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas sail seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from cities such as Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome, while Explorer of the Seas works the Greek Isles and Croatia from Ravenna and Venice. Odyssey of the Seas is based in Rome, Freedom of the Seas sails Norwegian fjords and northern France from Southampton, and Jewel of the Seas runs Baltic trips from Copenhagen and Stockholm.

The winter piece is the real change. From November 2028, Rhapsody of the Seas shifts to nine- to twelve-night voyages that cover the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece. The ship also returns to Heraklion in Crete and Cagliari in Sardinia for the first time in more than a decade, according to the report.

For travelers, a year-round program means more choice for off-season European cruising, when crowds thin and hotel prices tend to ease. The report does not give fares, so anyone eyeing 2028 should compare prices once booking opens widely, and remember that itineraries are announced well ahead and can change.

Sources: Cruise Industry News, Cruise Industry News (cruise news index)