Royal Caribbean International has officially announced its comprehensive vacation lineup for the 2027-28 season, a sprawling program featuring nine ships and a diverse array of itineraries departing from Texas, California, and the Northeast United States. The cruise giant has opened bookings for these highly anticipated voyages, with Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members gaining early access on November 12, 2025, followed by the general public on November 13, 2025. This extensive deployment, kicking off in April 2027 and extending through April 2028, promises 3- to 12-night adventures to a multitude of beloved destinations.
Texas: Icon of the Seas Anchors in Galveston
The most significant development in this announcement is the redeployment of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, to Galveston, Texas, starting in August 2027. This move marks a major expansion for the Texas cruise market, with Icon of the Seas set to offer six- to eight-night Eastern and Western Caribbean getaways. These voyages will prominently feature Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, alongside popular stops in Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests sailing on Icon from Galveston will experience its groundbreaking design, including the Category 6 waterpark, seven pools, and over 40 dining and drinking options. Additionally, Liberty of the Seas will offer 4- to 8-night Caribbean cruises from Galveston starting April 2027, following a 2026 amplification that will introduce new features. Symphony of the Seas will also make its Texas debut, homeporting in Galveston from April 2027 with 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean itineraries to the Bahamas and Mexico.
California and the West Coast: Riviera and Getaways
From the West Coast, Royal Caribbean is continuing its commitment with Ovation of the Seas sailing from Los Angeles. This Quantum-class ship will provide short 3- and 4-night getaways to popular destinations such as Ensenada and Catalina Island, California, highlighting onboard entertainment features like the North Star observation capsule and SeaPlex. Navigator of the Seas will complement the Los Angeles offerings with 7-night sailings along the Mexican Riviera.
Northeast: Diverse Caribbean and Coastal Explorations
The Northeast will see a robust presence with ships departing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey. Odyssey of the Seas is scheduled to offer 7- to 12-night Caribbean voyages, exploring destinations like St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, and St. Lucia starting in November 2027. Earlier in the season, Odyssey will also conduct 7-night Bahamas sailings from Cape Liberty, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. Other ships based in the Northeast include Oasis of the Seas, offering 7-night Bahamas trips from Cape Liberty, and Independence of the Seas, providing 4- to 9-night itineraries to Bermuda, Canada & New England, and the Eastern Caribbean. Further south, Vision of the Seas will sail from Baltimore, Maryland, with summer 5- and 9-night trips, transitioning to 9-night Canada & New England voyages in the fall.
Experiencing New Destinations and Onboard Thrills
Beyond the primary departure ports, the 2027-28 news from Royal Caribbean emphasizes the variety of destinations accessible. Travelers can anticipate exploring gems of the Caribbean like Aruba, Curacao, and St. Lucia, as well as newly enhanced beach club experiences. The cruise line’s commitment to innovative onboard entertainment is evident across the fleet, from the thrilling waterparks and diverse dining on Icon of the Seas to the unique attractions like robotic bartenders and indoor skydiving on Odyssey of the Seas. These itineraries are designed to offer a broad spectrum of vacation experiences, blending adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly activities.
This announcement signifies Royal Caribbean’s strategic focus on key U.S. markets, delivering its most innovative ships and extensive itinerary options for the 2027-28 season. The deployment highlights a commitment to providing unparalleled vacation experiences for a wide range of travelers.