Royal Caribbean expands its offering in Europe for the 2028-29 season with its year-round vacation program, offering more ways to explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands on seven ships.
For the first time, vacationers can explore Europe year-round aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, from summer adventures with overnight stops in Egypt to winter getaways to the Canary Islands. During the season, travelers can discover coveted destinations in Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and Northern Europe—including Royal Caribbean's return to Copenhagen and Stockholm—on seven- to twelve-night vacations with onboard experiences for all ages.
Vacationers exploring the Greek Islands can enjoy the Ultimate Santorini Day, a full-day excursion that combines visits to Oia and Fira with access to the Royal Beach Club Santorini, which boasts a stunning beach, authentic local cuisine, and much more. At the beach club, guests can browse an open-air market showcasing a rotating selection of local businesses, including products from Nomikos Estate; ouzo, tsikoudia, and aged tsikoudia from Santorini's Canava Lyngos Distillery; and wines from Santo Wines. Some extended-stay getaways offer guests even more time to enjoy the island's scenery and experiences.
Highlights of Europe 2028-29
- Rhapsody of the Seas – From Athens (Piraeus); Barcelona; and Lisbon, Portugal
Rhapsody will kick off Royal Caribbean’s year-round European season with seven- to twelve-night vacations departing from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, and Lisbon. From May to October 2028, vacationers can explore the history and culture of Turkey and Egypt on seven-night getaways with stays in Alexandria, Egypt, and Istanbul, or enjoy the sun-drenched destinations of Greece, including the Ultimate Santorini Day, island locations, and the Royal Beach Club Santorini. Beginning in November 2028, Rhapsody will offer nine- to twelve-night getaways visiting destinations in the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta, and Greece. Travelers can discover the natural saltwater pools of Tenerife and the Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria, explore the vibrant cities of Casablanca and Tangier, Morocco, or spend the night in Alexandria. The season also marks Royal Caribbean’s return to Heraklion, Greece, and Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, for the first time in more than a decade.
- Explorer of the Seas – From Ravenna (Venice)
From May to October 2028, Explorer will offer seven-night Mediterranean vacations in the Greek Islands and Croatia, each voyage including extended stays in Santorini to enjoy more time with the island’s iconic caldera views, whitewashed villages, and spectacular sunsets, along with Royal Beach Club Santorini. Select itineraries also include visits to Kotor, Montenegro, where vacationers can enjoy a hike and picnic in Lovcen National Park or stroll through Kotor’s Old Town. Onboard, signature Royal Caribbean experiences include the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and the adults-only Solarium.
- Freedom of the Seas – From Southampton, England
Adventurers on Freedom can choose from a variety of three- to nine-night vacations throughout Northern and Southern Europe from May through October 2028. Sailing along the Norwegian fjords, the cityscapes of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium, and the coastlines of Bilbao, Spain, Paris (Le Havre), and Lisbon, vacationers can discover a variety of European experiences departing from Southampton. Freedom combines European exploration with Royal Caribbean favorites, including The Perfect Storm water slides, the FlowRider surf simulator, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
- Jewel of the Seas – From Copenhagen and Stockholm
Returning to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and the Baltic, Jewel will sail from May to August 2028 on seven- to eleven-night adventures visiting incredible destinations including Helsinki; Visby, Sweden; Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland; and Klaipeda, Lithuania, with itineraries highlighting Scandinavia’s stunning coastlines and centuries of Nordic history and culture. On Jewel, vacationers can enjoy a variety of favorite experiences, including the rock-climbing wall, the adults-only Solarium, and award-winning Broadway-style entertainment.
- Liberty of the Seas – From Barcelona, Athens (Piraeus) and Rome (Civitavecchia)
From May to October 2028, Liberty will take vacationers on seven- and eight-night getaways to the Greek Islands, as well as Mediterranean adventures visiting Provence (Marseille), France; Sicily (Palermo), Italy; and Cagliari, Sardinia. Vacationers visiting Greece will enjoy longer afternoon stays in Santorini, along with the option of enjoying the Royal Beach Club Santorini or choosing from a variety of new excursions showcasing the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, visiting Fira, or enjoying the black sand beach of Perivolos. On the newly expanded Liberty, adventurers can relax on the pool deck with the tropical Lime & Coconut bar, try the Royal Escape Room, or enjoy hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki.
- Mariner of the Seas – From Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens (Piraeus) and Ravenna (Venice)
Returning to the Mediterranean, Mariner will offer seven-night vacations exploring some of the region's most sought-after destinations, including Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Porto (Leixões), Portugal; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Between shore adventures, vacationers aboard Mariner can enjoy the ship's unparalleled selection of attractions, from the FlowRider surf simulator and The Perfect Storm water slides to popular dining spots like Jamie's Italian and Izumi.
- Odyssey of the Seas – From Rome (Civitavecchia)
From April to October 2028, Odyssey will return to Rome (Civitavecchia) for seven-night Greek Island adventures, including visits to destinations such as Ephesus, Turkey, and Mykonos, Greece. Vacationers can explore the islands with extended nights in Santorini, with the option of spending the day at the Royal Beach Club Santorini as part of their Ultimate Santorini Day. On Odyssey, vacationers can make the most of their days at sea with the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the North Star observation pod, and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea.
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