Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026 to expand well beyond just cruises.
As demand continues to accelerate for a cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean is poised to match it with three big openings to choose from.
Part of why I prefer sailing with them is because of their propensity to be a market leader and bring new ideas and products to the forefront. In 2026, I think we will see the vision for how sailing with Royal Caribbean will have a major difference from other lines.
As we look to the new year, here are the three biggest openings to look forward to in 2026.
A new Icon Class cruise ship, Legend of the Seas
First sailing: July 2026
A new mega cruise ship will enter service, becoming the third in the Icon Class and offering a number of firsts for this ship class.
Legend of the Seas won't just be a copy of Icon or Star of the Seas. Details about this new ship reveal notable changes that might become instant favorites with cruisers.
The popular immersive dining experience, Royal Railway Station, will be added to the ship that makes it seem like you're riding in a classic train car and following Marco Polo's famous route from the Far East to Europe.
The five-course meal offers different cuisines from each of the regions Marco Polo travelled through.
Plus, there will be a two-story casino, making it the first Royal Caribbean ship with this feature.
If you prefer a show for entertainment, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will be the musical onboard.
The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.
More dining changes include all new food stands in Aquadome Market, plus a juice and smoothie bar that will be added.
Legend will also have a Hollywood theme and new menu coming to its supper club offering.
Of course, Legend of the Seas will include plenty of what has made Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas so successful and popular.
The ship will have an entire water park, shows in the Aquatheater and ice rinks, over 40 bars and places to eat, and of course a Chief Dog Officer too.
A second beach club will open this summer in Europe
Estimated opening: Summer 2026
Two beach clubs will open in 2026, starting with Royal Beach Club Santorini in the summer.
Located in the Greek isles, this is a different kind of beach club. The cruise line hasn't revealed everything about this new club quite yet, but it appears they've acquired an existing operation and will give it a Royal Caribbean makeover.
Essentially, this is a shore excursion limited to Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers exclusively, and it's a total beach day that holds itself to Royal Caribbean's high standard.
"Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises and combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches of this iconic Greek island with the company's signature experiences alongside the vibrant Grecian spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini experience."
Just like the beach club in The Bahamas, this one will be an all-inclusive that includes food, drink, Wi-Fi, and even a scenic ferry tour along Santorini’s coastline, plus stops in the picturesque towns of Oia and Fira.
It's too early to now exactly what the experience will entail, but those on an eastern Mediterranean cruise will have a new option for their day in Santorini.
Another beach club opens at the end of the year
Estimated opening: December 2026
Royal Caribbean will open up its third Royal Beach Club at the end of 2026 in Cozumel, Mexico.
The cruise line purchased Playa Mia and will essentially raze the property and then rebuild it back up as a completely new offering.
Just like the other beach clubs, this will be open to just Royal Caribbean cruise passengers and come with an extra cost. Passes are not yet open for sale, so we don't know pricing.
A day pass will include access to swim-up bars, pools cabanas to rent, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets. Being this is in Mexico, the food options will include plenty of Mexican favorites.
There are 5 main areas: Main pool, North Beach, The Mercato, South Village, and South Beach.
There will be a pool with a swim-up bar, along with a side that's toes in the sand that stretches over to the beach.
