Royal Caribbean is giving travelers more ways to explore Europe in 2028 and 2029, including something new for the cruise line: year-round European sailings aboard Rhapsody of the Seas.
The cruise line has announced its expanded 2028-2029 European lineup, featuring seven ships sailing to destinations across the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. The new itineraries include overnight stays in Egypt, extended visits to Santorini and the return of Royal Caribbean cruises to Copenhagen and Stockholm.
The expanded season also gives guests more opportunities to visit Royal Beach Club Santorini, one of the cruise line’s newest destination experiences.
Royal Caribbean Introduces Year-Round Europe Cruises
One of the biggest announcements is that Rhapsody of the Seas will offer European cruises throughout the year, including the winter months.
Beginning in May 2028, the ship will sail from Athens, Barcelona and Lisbon on itineraries ranging from seven to 12 nights. Summer sailings will focus on destinations throughout Greece, Turkey and Egypt, including select overnight stays in Alexandria and Istanbul.
Starting in November 2028, Rhapsody of the Seas will shift to longer nine- to 12-night itineraries featuring the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece.
These winter cruises will give guests the opportunity to explore destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Casablanca and Tangier, along with additional overnight visits to Alexandria.
The season will also mark Royal Caribbean’s return to Heraklion, Greece, and Cagliari, Sardinia, for the first time in more than a decade.
For travelers who prefer visiting Europe outside the busy summer season, the addition of winter itineraries opens up some interesting options.
Royal Beach Club Santorini Will Be a Major Part of the 2028 Season
Another highlight of the announcement is the expanded availability of Royal Beach Club Santorini.
Guests visiting the Greek island will be able to book the Ultimate Santorini Day, a full-day excursion combining time in the popular villages of Oia and Fira with a visit to Royal Caribbean’s beach club.
The experience will include access to the beach, local food and an open-air market featuring products from Santorini businesses.
Among the local partners highlighted are Nomikos Estate, Canava Lyngos distillery and Santo Wines, offering everything from locally grown produce to traditional spirits and wine.
Several Royal Caribbean ships will also offer later evening stays in Santorini, giving guests additional time to explore the island and enjoy its famous sunset views.
Seven Royal Caribbean Ships Will Sail Europe in 2028
Royal Caribbean’s expanded lineup includes seven ships offering a variety of European itineraries, from shorter getaways to longer cruises visiting multiple countries.
Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas will lead the new year-round program, sailing from Athens, Barcelona and Lisbon. Its itineraries will include Greece, Turkey and Egypt during the warmer months, followed by winter sailings to the Canary Islands, Morocco and other Mediterranean destinations.
Explorer of the Seas
From May through October 2028, Explorer of the Seas will offer seven-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Ravenna, near Venice.
The itineraries will focus on the Greek Isles and Croatia, with every sailing featuring an extended visit to Santorini. Select cruises will also visit Kotor, Montenegro, where guests can explore the historic Old Town or nearby Lovćen National Park.
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas will sail from Southampton, England, between May and October 2028, offering three- to nine-night cruises.
Destinations will include the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Bruges, Bilbao, Lisbon and Le Havre, the gateway to Paris.
These itineraries provide a mix of Northern and Southern European destinations, along with several shorter options for travelers who don’t want to commit to a full week at sea.
Jewel of the Seas
Royal Caribbean will return to Copenhagen and Stockholm with Jewel of the Seas, offering seven- to 11-night cruises from May through August 2028.
The ship will visit destinations throughout Scandinavia and the Baltic region, including Helsinki, Visby, Gdansk and Klaipeda.
Liberty of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas will offer seven- and eight-night cruises from Barcelona, Athens and Rome between May and October 2028.
Itineraries will include the Greek Isles and Mediterranean destinations such as Marseille, Palermo and Cagliari.
Guests visiting Santorini will have the option to experience Royal Beach Club Santorini or explore other parts of the island, including the ancient settlement of Akrotiri and the black sand beach at Perivolos.
Mariner of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas will return to the Mediterranean with seven-night itineraries departing from Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens and Ravenna.
Ports of call will include Palma de Mallorca, Porto and Dubrovnik, giving guests a combination of Spanish, Portuguese, Greek and Croatian destinations.
Odyssey of the Seas
From April through October 2028, Odyssey of the Seas will sail seven-night Greek Isles itineraries from Rome.
The ship will visit destinations including Mykonos and Ephesus, Turkey, along with extended evening stays in Santorini.
Guests will also have access to some of Royal Caribbean’s signature onboard attractions, including the North Star observation capsule, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator and SeaPlex indoor activity complex.
Royal Caribbean Expands Its European Vacation Options
With seven ships sailing across Europe, Royal Caribbean’s 2028-2029 lineup offers a wider range of destinations and travel dates than its traditional summer-focused European seasons.
The biggest change is the introduction of year-round sailings aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, allowing guests to visit destinations such as the Canary Islands and Morocco during the winter.
The expanded lineup also puts more emphasis on longer port visits, particularly in Santorini, and includes several overnight stays that give travelers additional time to explore destinations beyond a typical cruise stop.
Bookings for the 2028-2029 European season opened to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members on October 14, 2026, with general bookings opening October 15.
For additional itinerary details and reservations, visit Royal Caribbean’s official website.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.
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