Royal Caribbean Announces Record-Breaking 2027 European Season With Six Ships and New Santorini Beach Club

Royal Caribbean International has revealed its most ambitious European deployment yet, announcing that six ships — including an Icon-class vessel — will sail the continent in summer 2027. From sun-soaked Greek islands to the scenic fjords of Norway, guests will have more ways than ever to explore Europe, complete with brand-new destinations and first-time homeports.

A Massive Lineup for European Cruising

For summer 2027, Royal Caribbean will operate across both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, with itineraries departing from Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Ravenna, and Southampton.

Among the highlights:

• Mariner of the Seas makes her Southampton debut, offering everything from quick two-night getaways to extended 9-night adventures through Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and the Norwegian fjords.

• Brilliance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas return to the Eastern Med, each featuring calls to Royal Caribbean’s all-new Royal Beach Club Santorini.

• Odyssey of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and the Icon-class Legend of the Seas round out the lineup, covering routes from Greece to Italy and France to Croatia.

Bookings are now open to Crown & Anchor Society members, with general sales opening October 30, 2025.

Royal Beach Club Santorini: A New Era of Island Luxury

One of the most anticipated additions to Royal Caribbean’s European offering is the Royal Beach Club Santorini, a brand-new shoreside destination set to redefine the island experience.

Three ships — Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas — will include the private beach club on select itineraries, allowing guests to enjoy an exclusive retreat during their time ashore.

While details about the exact location and entry pricing remain under wraps, the Santorini club is expected to feature luxury cabanas, private lounging areas, and Mediterranean-inspired dining — much like Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, set to open in December 2025.

Guests visiting Santorini will also have the option to book the “Ultimate Santorini Day” excursion, combining sightseeing of the island’s iconic blue-domed villages with time at the private beach club.

Where Each Ship Will Be Based in Summer 2027

Legend of the Seas (Icon Class)

Royal Caribbean’s new Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, will return for her second Mediterranean season, sailing Western Med itineraries from Barcelona and Rome.
The 5,610-guest ship, which debuted in 2026, will continue to impress guests with its neighborhood-style design and next-generation entertainment.

Rhapsody of the Seas (Vision Class)

Sailing from Athens, Rhapsody of the Seas will operate 7-night voyages to Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, including the Royal Beach Club Santorini experience.
After several years away from the region, her return to the Med is expected to be a favorite among loyal cruisers.

Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class)

Making her Southampton debut, Mariner of the Seas will offer everything from quick 2-night European escapes to 9-night adventures to Seville, Porto, Denmark, and the Norwegian Fjords — a first for the popular Voyager-class ship.

Explorer of the Seas (Voyager Class)

Explorer of the Seas will operate a versatile schedule from Barcelona, Rome, Ravenna, and Athens, covering ports in Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece.
Guests can expect a mix of Western Med classics and Adriatic highlights throughout the season.

Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Class)

Based in Rome, Odyssey of the Seas will sail 7-night Greek Island adventures to Mykonos and Santorini, with select sailings including exclusive access to Royal Beach Club Santorini.

Brilliance of the Seas (Radiance Class)

Departing from Ravenna, Brilliance of the Seas will mirror Odyssey’s itineraries, exploring Greece and Croatia on 7-night voyages, complete with the Santorini beach club experience and visits to popular destinations like Dubrovnik and Corfu.

A Strong Commitment to Europe

Royal Caribbean’s 2027 deployment cements its commitment to the European cruise market — offering more ships, more departure ports, and more experiences than ever before.

“Europe continues to be one of the most dynamic regions for cruising,” said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson. “With new destinations like Royal Beach Club Santorini, we’re not just expanding our itineraries — we’re enhancing how guests experience these incredible places.”

As the cruise line continues its global expansion, the combination of next-generation ships and new shoreside experiences ensures that Royal Caribbean’s 2027 European season will be one of its most memorable yet.