During this year's President's Cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean announced the date and ship for the next annual event.
Royal Caribbean International President and C.E.O. Michael Bayley announced that the 2026 President's Cruise will be held on Icon of the Seas on the October 3, 2026, sailing.
It is a 7-night cruise that departs from Miami, Florida, and visits the Eastern Caribbean. The President's Cruise will call at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's award-winning private island in The Bahamas.
The past three cruises have been held on Oasis Class ships. The 2023 President's Cruise was on Allure of the Seas, while last year's was on Oasis of the Seas.
Finally, this year's President's Cruise was on Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet.
What is a President's Cruise?
The Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Michael Bayley, the President and C.E.O. of Royal Caribbean International.
You don't have to hold a certain status within the Crown & Anchor Society to sail. As such, anyone is eligible to attend, whether you're a first-time cruiser or a loyal Pinnacle Club member.
The President's Cruise is a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans to sail together with special events and exclusive merchandise.
Ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan performed on the 2023 President's Cruise. Similarly, the '80s band Culture Club was on last year's President's Cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas.
There are also a lot of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those on board. For example, on this year's President's Cruise, guests were surprised with a celebrity appearance by Rev. Run of Run-DMC at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Hideaway Beach.
The Red Bull Stunt Show was held right on the beach, too.
There was also a party in Nassau (celebrating the cruise line's 50+ year partnership with The Bahamas), and partnered giveaways at CocoCay from brands like Aperol Spritz, Coca-Cola, and more.
Finally, Pinnacle Club members got an exclusive tour of the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau. Once completed, the beach club will be home to the world's largest swim-up bar, multiple private beaches, and more.
"It's the most epic celebration at sea— and you’re invited! Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley for our annual tradition and get ready for an adventure like no other. A town takeover in Italy? We did it. Celebrity-studded concerts? Always! Surprise champagne attacks from Michael himself? It’s par for the course," says the Royal Caribbean website.
"Plus, exclusive shore excursions, popping parties and unforgettable events take every moment to the max. Get in on the action, join us for the next one and find out for yourself what makes the President’s Cruise so special."
2027 will be a big one because it is the 10th President's Cruise
Royal Caribbean began its popular President's Cruise in 2016. The first-ever President's Cruise took place aboard Allure of the Seas in September 2016.
The exclusive cruise was a thank-you event for loyal Crown & Anchor Society cruisers and featured tons of special events and performances, including one by Patti LaBelle.
The Grammy-award-winning artist performed songs like "Lady Marmalade," "New Attitude," "On My Own," and "You Are My Friend."
There has been a President's Cruise every year since, except in 2020 when it was canceled due to the pandemic. That sailing was also supposed to take place on Allure of the Seas in Europe.
As such, Royal Caribbean will go all out during the 10th President's Cruise in 2027.
What to expect on Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas is, well, she doesn't need much of an introduction. The Icon Class namesake entered service in January 2024 after years of anticipation.
It makes sense that the next President's Cruise will take place on an Icon Class ship, as she exemplifies the latest and greatest from the cruise line.
Onboard, you'll find everything from the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark to the Crown's Edge over-the-water attraction, an adult-only swim-up bar, the family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood, Empire Supper Club specialty restaurant, and so much more.
