Royal Caribbean has offered summer cruises around Europe for years, but 2026 is set to make its biggest splash yet.
The European cruise season is about to start, and this year's offering is different in a few ways. Royal Caribbean is introducing new products and new experiences, both of which are designed to stand apart from every other vacation option. Not just cruise ships, but destinations.
Royal Caribbean doesn't compete with other cruise lines. They see themselves as peers among the broader vacation market, looking to offer a fresh alternative to Airbnb, resorts, and the busy planning mess of trying to "see Europe".
You'll see this in the Mediterranean, when their new offerings open up alongside venerable favorites.
Here's why Royal Caribbean is about to reinvent European cruises this summer.
An Icon becomes a Legend
The next biggest cruise ship in the world will launch with Legend of the Seas entering service in early July.
Icon of the Seas debuted two years ago, and it instantly set a new standard for what we expect on a cruise ship. Legend may be the third Icon Class ship, but it's hardly a copy job.
Legend of the Seas will introduce a few new features, such as a "Charlie and Chocolate Factory" musical, immersive train restaurant, and many new dining choices.
Not to mention these Icon Class ships offer the best mix of resort, beach club, and theme-park-style experiences around.
Plus, Legend enters the crowded Mediterranean market. But like a heavyweight fighter, its entrance stands out from every other option there. Royal Caribbean isn't placing Legend there haphazardly. They want to make a statement and draw a line for consumers that there's a new big deal.
Legend of the Seas will sail 7-night Western Mediterranean adventures from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
A bold beach club entry
At the same time, Royal Caribbean is opening a new entry to its portfolio that no other cruise line can match.
Beginning in April, the Ultimate Santorini Day is a full-day, curated experience that will give Royal Caribbean cruisers an exclusive new way to see this highly coveted Greek island.
The Royal Beach Club Santorini is the brand’s first ever Royal Beach Club in Europe. At the beach club, guests can take in unbeatable views and authentic, local flavors while enjoying the volcanic sand beaches and serene Mediterranean vibes.
You'll be able to take in the views in Fira, explore the iconic white and blue domes of Oia, and enjoy the beach club experience.
Unlike a private island, this beach club is more like a "super shore excursion" that leverages the very best of what Royal Caribbean offers packaged into a beach day. Offering an exclusive destination gives passengers "the easy button" to seeing an island that is otherwise known for being crowded and difficult to traverse.
I'm going on my first Mediterranean cruise
The launch of Legend of the Seas has gotten to me, because I'm going to try my first Mediterranean sailing.
A new cruise ship is always exciting, but to combine it with incredible places I've always dreamt of visiting in Italy, France, and Spain means a whole new adventure.
Ever since I took my first cruises around Northern Europe, I'm ready to tackle the most popular destinations in this region.
The beauty of exploring the Med by cruise ship is I get a sample of what each city and country has to offer. Will I love Provence or Rome more? Will I eat over 4,000 calories a day in every city? These are the exciting questions I'm already pondering.
Truly, one of the best reasons to take a cruise is how much it opens you up to exploring the world. I started off with Bahamas and Caribbean cruises, but the more you sail, the wider your appetite for bigger adventure grows.
While it will be a challenge to mix seeing a new ship with visiting ports, I think you've got to get your feet wet one way or another. Jumping right in is a good start.
Royal Caribbean has more ships sailing around Europe this summer
Of course, there are more adventures this summer in Europe that go beyond the big two entries.
Odyssey of the Seas is headed back to the Mediterranean once more. Odyssey has become a mainstay in Europe, offering a summer season there every year since her debut.
You can book 7- to 9-night cruises on Odyssey to places like Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Naples, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; and Santorini, Greece.
Another megaship offering Mediterranean cruises will be Harmony of the Seas.
Tied to her upcoming amplification, Harmony will sail 7-night adventures await on Harmony from Barcelona, Spain.
Harmony is getting new restaurants, an expanded casino,, new bars, and more.
Two more ships will sail the Med, and each expands the the cruise line's footprint in the region.
Brilliance of the Seas will offer 7–9-night vacations on Brilliance from Ravenna (Venice) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy and Athens (Piraeus), Greece.
Explorer of the Seas is sailing along the Adriatic and Mediterranean coasts.
