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Royal Caribbean Europe 2028: New Ships, Itineraries and Where to Cruise

15 Oct 2026 | By Lucy Hickson In Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Europe 2028: New Ships, Itineraries and Where to Cruise 

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Planning a European cruise for 2028? Royal Caribbean is set to offer an exciting choice of Europe cruises in summer 2028, with seven ships sailing across the region and itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe and the UK. 

 

From 7-night Greek Isles cruises and Western Mediterranean escapes to longer Scandinavian adventures and sailings from Southampton, Royal Caribbean's 2028 Europe programme offers plenty of ways to explore the continent by sea. 

 

There is also an exciting winter opportunity, with Rhapsody of the Seas moving from her summer programme in Athens to a season of winter cruises visiting destinations including the Canary Islands, Greece and Portugal. 

 

Whether you're looking for a Mediterranean cruise, a Greek Islands holiday or a longer European adventure, here's what to know about Royal Caribbean's 2028 Europe cruise programme. 

 

 

 

Royal Caribbean Europe 2028 at a glance 

Royal Caribbean will have seven ships sailing in Europe during summer 2028, offering a varied selection of itineraries and departure ports.

 

The programme includes:

  • Freedom of the Seas sailing from Southampton
  • Odyssey of the Seas sailing from Rome
  • Mariner of the Seas offering open-jaw European itineraries
  • Explorer of the Seas sailing from Ravenna and Barcelona
  • Jewel of the Seas sailing from Copenhagen and Stockholm
  • Rhapsody of the Seas sailing from Athens
  • Liberty of the Seas sailing from Barcelona 

With itineraries covering destinations across Southern and Northern Europe, there are plenty of opportunities to combine a cruise with the cities, islands and coastal destinations you've been hoping to visit. 

 

Freedom of the Seas: European cruises from Southampton 

For those who prefer to cruise from the UK, Freedom of the Seas will offer a programme from Southampton during summer 2028. 

 

The programme is set to be similar to 2027, with a strong selection of European itineraries. 

 

A Southampton departure can be particularly appealing if you want to avoid flying and start your holiday closer to home. Depending on the itinerary, you can enjoy time at sea before arriving in destinations across Europe. 

 

For UK cruisers looking for Royal Caribbean cruises from Southampton in 2028, Freedom of the Seas will provide another opportunity to explore Europe without needing to fly to your embarkation port. 

 

Odyssey of the Seas: Greek Isles cruises from Rome 

If the Greek Islands are high on your travel wish list, Odyssey of the Seas will offer a consistent programme of 7-night Greek Isles cruises throughout the summer season. 

 

Departing from Rome, these itineraries provide the opportunity to combine a city break in the Italian capital with a cruise through the Mediterranean. 

 

A Greek Isles cruise is a popular way to experience several destinations in one holiday, with time to explore different islands and coastal cities without having to unpack and repack between stops. 

 

With a regular programme of 7-night sailings, Odyssey of the Seas could be an option worth considering if you're looking for a Greek Islands cruise in 2028. 

 

Mariner of the Seas: Open-jaw European itineraries 

Mariner of the Seas will offer something a little different during summer 2028, with open-jaw itineraries connecting a selection of European ports. 

 

The programme includes sailings involving Ravenna, Barcelona, Rome and Lisbon, creating opportunities to see more of Europe in one cruise holiday. 

 

Open-jaw cruises can be particularly interesting for travellers who want to experience different regions without necessarily returning to the same embarkation port. 

 

With several major European cities involved in the programme, Mariner's 2028 itineraries could appeal to cruisers looking for a more varied Mediterranean and European adventure. 

 

Explorer of the Seas: Greece and Croatia 

Explorer of the Seas will sail from Ravenna and Barcelona during summer 2028, with itineraries featuring the Greek Isles and Croatia. 

 

The programme also includes refreshed port combinations, giving returning cruisers new ways to explore the region. 

 

Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination for cruise holidays, with its Adriatic coastline offering a combination of historic cities, beautiful scenery and easy access to destinations across the region. 

 

Pair that with the Greek Isles and you have a European cruise programme that brings together two very different sides of the Mediterranean. 

 

Jewel of the Seas: Discover Northern Europe and Scandinavia 

One of the standout additions to Royal Caribbean's Europe 2028 programme is Jewel of the Seas, which will sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm. 

 

The ship will offer a new Northern Europe programme, including 10- and 11-night Scandinavian itineraries and a selection of ports across the region. 

 

Longer itineraries provide more time to explore Northern Europe, making this programme an interesting option for travellers who want to go beyond the traditional Mediterranean cruise.

 

A Scandinavian cruise can also offer a very different experience from a Mediterranean sailing, with historic cities, picturesque coastal scenery and distinctive Nordic destinations. 

 

If you're looking for a Scandinavia cruise in 2028, Jewel of the Seas is one programme to keep on your radar. 

 

Rhapsody of the Seas: Greece, Turkey and Egypt 

Rhapsody of the Seas will spend summer 2028 sailing from Athens, with itineraries showcasing the best of Greece alongside cruises visiting destinations in Egypt and Turkey. 

 

For travellers who want to explore beyond the traditional Greek Isles itinerary, these sailings offer the chance to experience a wider mix of destinations across the Eastern Mediterranean. 

 

Athens also makes an appealing starting point for a cruise, giving you the opportunity to add time in the Greek capital before or after your sailing. 

 

Liberty of the Seas: Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises 

Liberty of the Seas will begin its summer 2028 programme with 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. 

 

Later in the season, the programme will become more varied, with open-jaw itineraries covering destinations across Italy, Spain and the Greek Isles. 

 

This means there will be opportunities to experience different parts of the Mediterranean, from the major cities and coastal destinations of Spain and Italy to the islands of Greece. 

 

For anyone considering a Mediterranean cruise in 2028, Liberty of the Seas offers a varied programme to explore. 

 

Rhapsody of the Seas: A new winter cruise opportunity 

Royal Caribbean's 2028 European programme isn't just about summer. 

 

Following her summer season from Athens, Rhapsody of the Seas will move into a winter programme featuring the Canary Islands, Greece and Portugal. 

 

This opens up an exciting option for travellers looking for a European cruise outside the traditional summer season. 

 

One particularly notable itinerary is a 12-night Christmas cruise to the Canary Islands and Portugal. 

 

A Christmas cruise can be a different way to spend the festive season, combining time onboard with the chance to explore destinations such as the Canary Islands and Portugal. 

 

For those looking for winter sun in 2028, a Canary Islands cruise could be an appealing alternative to a traditional summer European holiday. 

 

 

Which Royal Caribbean Europe 2028 cruise is right for you? 

With seven ships and a wide range of itineraries, the best Royal Caribbean Europe cruise for you will depend on the type of holiday you're looking for. 

 

For a UK departure 

 

Freedom of the Seas from Southampton could be worth considering if you'd rather avoid flying to your cruise departure port. 

 

For the Greek Isles 

 

Odyssey of the Seas from Rome offers a consistent programme of 7-night Greek Isles cruises. 

 

For Scandinavia 

 

Jewel of the Seas from Copenhagen or Stockholm brings longer Northern Europe itineraries, including 10- and 11-night sailings. 

 

For Greece, Turkey and Egypt 

 

Rhapsody of the Seas from Athens offers itineraries exploring Greece alongside destinations further east. 

 

For the Western Mediterranean 

 

Liberty of the Seas from Barcelona offers 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises before moving into a wider range of European itineraries. 

 

For a more varied European adventure 

 

Mariner of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas offer different combinations of European destinations, including open-jaw itineraries and cruises visiting multiple regions. 

 

Are Royal Caribbean Europe 2028 cruises on sale? 

Royal Caribbean Europe 2028 cruises are now on sale, giving you the chance to plan your next unforgettable holiday at sea. With a fantastic choice of Mediterranean escapes, Greek Isles adventures, Northern Europe discoveries and departures from Southampton, there’s a sailing to suit every style of traveller. 

 

With a low deposit to secure your holiday and the opportunity to spread the cost, you can start planning your 2028 getaway with confidence. Why not make your cruise go further with one of our tailor-made cruise and stay holidays, combining your sailing with extra time to explore your favourite destinations on land? 

 

 

Start planning your Royal Caribbean cruise for 2028 

From the Mediterranean and Greek Isles to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, Royal Caribbean Europe 2028 will offer plenty of choice for your next cruise holiday. 

 

With seven ships sailing across the region, there are options for UK departures, shorter 7-night Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises, longer Scandinavian adventures and itineraries that combine multiple European destinations. 

 

And with Rhapsody of the Seas adding a winter programme featuring the Canary Islands and Portugal, there are also opportunities to explore Europe beyond the traditional summer season. 

 

If you're thinking about cruising in 2028, now is a good time to start deciding where you'd like to go. 

 

Explore Royal Caribbean cruises for 2028 with Cruise118 and speak to our Cruise Experts about finding the right itinerary for you. 

Published 15th October 2026, last updated 30th October 2026
By Lucy Hickson


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