Royal Caribbean Going Year-Round in Europe in 2028-29

Royal Caribbean has announced year-round cruises in Europe in 2028-29 with the Rhapsody of the Seas.

The ship will offer summer cruises with overnight stays in Egypt as well as winter getaways to the Canary Islands.

The cruise line said in a press release that the season will give guests more ways to explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands across seven ships.

Across the season, the cruise line will offer seven-to 12-night cruises visiting destinations throughout Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Spain and Northern Europe "“ including its return to Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Bookings for the European 2028-29 season are now open for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, with the official opening to follow on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Europe 2028-29 Highlights

Rhapsody of the Seas "“ From Athens (Piraeus); Barcelona; and Lisbon, Portugal

The Rhapsody will kick off the season with seven- to 12-night holidays from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona and Lisbon.

From May to October 2028, guests can explore Turkey and Egypt on seven-night getaways with overnight stays in Alexandria, Egypt and Istanbul or take in destinations of Greece, including the Ultimate Santorini Day to spots around the island and Royal Beach Club Santorini.

Starting November 2028, the Rhapsody will deliver nine- to 12-night getaways visiting destinations across the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece.

Guests can discover Tenerife's natural saltwater pools and Gran Canaria's Maspalomas Dunes, explore the cities of Casablanca and Tangier, Morocco, or experience overnight stays 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, the Explorer will deliver seven-night Mediterranean holidays to the Greek Isles and Croatia, with every holiday including later stays in Santorini.

Select sailings also feature visits to Kotor, Montenegro.

Freedom of the Seas "“ From Southampton, England

The Freedom will offer three- to nine-night holidays across Northern and Southern Europe from May to October 2028.

Across the Norwegian fjords, the cities of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium, and the coastlines of Bilbao, Spain, Paris (Le Havre), and Lisbon, guests can discover a variety of European experiences departing from Southampton.

Jewel of the Seas "“ From Copenhagen and Stockholm

Returning to Copenhagen, Stockholm and the Baltic, the Jewel will sail from May to August 2028 on seven- to 11-night sailings visiting destinations across Helsinki; Visby, Sweden; Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland, and Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Liberty of the Seas "“ From Barcelona, Athens (Piraeus), and Rome (Civitavecchia)

From May to October 2028, the Liberty will sail seven- and eight-night cruises to the Greek Isles, as well as to the Mediterranean visiting Provence (Marseille), France, Sicily (Palermo), Italy, and Cagliari, Sardinia.

Guests visiting Greece will enjoy later evening stays in Santorini, alongside the option to experience Royal Beach Club Santorini or choose from a variety of new excursions showcasing the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, visiting Fira or taking in the black sand beach of Perivolos.

Mariner of the Seas "“ From Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens (Piraeus), and Ravenna (Venice)

Returning to the Mediterranean, the Mariner will deliver seven-night holidays exploring destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Porto (Leixoes), Portugal, and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Odyssey of the Seas "“ From Rome (Civitavecchia)

From April to October 2028, the Odyssey will return to Rome (Civitavecchia) for seven-night adventures through the Greek Isles, including visits to destinations like Ephesus, Turkey, and Mykonos, Greece.

Guests can explore the islands with extended evenings in Santorini, with the option to spend the day at the Royal Beach Club Santorini, as part of their Ultimate Santorini Day.