Royal Caribbean has announced its first year-round European cruise season as part of a seven-ship deployment for 2028, which will also see Freedom of the Seas return to Southampton for a programme of cruises departing from the UK.
The expanded European schedule will cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords and the Canary Islands, with Rhapsody of the Seas leading the cruise line’s move beyond its traditional seasonal European operations.
For British passengers, the return of Freedom of the Seas to Southampton will be another significant part of the announcement, with cruises ranging from three to nine nights scheduled between May and October 2028.
All seven ships’ newly announced European itineraries are now on sale, with bookings having opened to the general public on 15th October 2026 following an early access period for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members.
The deployment will also see two Freedom Class ships operating in Europe simultaneously for the first time, alongside itineraries visiting destinations across the Greek islands, Italy, Croatia, Turkey and the Baltic region.
Rhapsody Of The Seas To Introduce Year-Round European Cruises
Rhapsody of the Seas will be at the centre of Royal Caribbean’s plans to establish a year-round European cruise programme, beginning its deployment in May 2028.
The 2,040-passenger ship will initially operate seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from Piraeus, the port serving Athens, Barcelona and Lisbon.
Between May and October, the ship will offer a selection of eastern Mediterranean cruises, including itineraries visiting Greece, Turkey and Egypt.
Some voyages will feature overnight stays in Istanbul and Alexandria, allowing passengers additional time to explore both destinations.
Other sailings will concentrate on the Greek islands, with selected itineraries including extended visits to Santorini.
These visits will also provide access to Royal Beach Club Santorini, Royal Caribbean’s first European beach club destination, which was announced in October 2025.
The ship’s deployment will also mark the return of two Mediterranean destinations to Royal Caribbean’s itineraries after more than a decade.
Heraklion, on the Greek island of Crete, and Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia in Italy, will both feature in the programme.
From November 2028, Rhapsody of the Seas will switch to longer voyages lasting between nine and 12 nights.
These cruises will expand its itinerary options to include the Canary Islands, Portugal and Morocco, as well as Cyprus, Malta and Greece.
The introduction of these later departures represents a departure from Royal Caribbean’s usual European schedule, which has historically concentrated on spring, summer and autumn sailings.
While the cruise line has announced its first year-round European season, the initial itinerary information details Rhapsody of the Seas’ deployment through Novemb
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