The first half of Royal Caribbean's deployment plan for a summer European cruise in 2026 is now available to book.
A week after the cruise line revealed its Alaska 2026 cruises, a new batch of sailings for Europe are out as well.
Royal Caribbean is splitting its European deployment into two segments, so expect more ships to be posted in January 2025.
UPDATE: The cruises are now available to book.
A variety of different itineraries will be offered throughout the region. You can cruise to Northern Europe, Norway, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and more!
So far five cruise ships will sail around Europe between April and October 2026, including Harmony of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.
Here's a breakdown of which ships will be deployed to Europe and where they will be sailing from:
Harmony of the Seas will arrive in Europe in May, offering cruises from Barcelona, Spain around the Western Mediterranean on 7-night voyages.
Harmony will visit destinations in France, Spain & Italy.
Liberty of the Seas will call Southampton, England home in 2026 and offer cruises of varying lengths that visit Spain, Portugal, Northern Europe, Norway and more.
There are even a couple of 2-night cruises for quick getaways. Most of Liberty's sailings will focus on Northern and Western Europe.
Of particular interest is a 9-Night Solar Eclipse sailing that will put visitors right in the path of a solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026.
Odyssey of the Seas is back in Europe again for summer 2026, based out of Civitavecchia, Italy.
The ship will visit destinations in Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
Royal Caribbean will bounce Brilliance of the Seas around Europe, homeporting her in Civitavecchia, Italy, Ravenna, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, and Athens, Greece.
There are a wide variety of itineraries to consider on Brilliance, including visits to the Greek Isles, Adriatic, French Riviera, and more.
Explorer of the Seas will homeport in Ravenna, Italy and sail primarily 7-night Greece & Adriatic cruises.
When will the rest of Europe 2026 cruises be released?
Phase two of the deployment will be coming in a few weeks.
Expect the remaining ships sailing to Europe in 2026 to be revealed the week of January 27, 2025.
Cruise fans may want more exotic itineraries and/or newer ships in Europe, so it's possible Royal Caribbean will mix things up with its remaining deployment plans.
Next deployment delayed
There's been a change in Royal Caribbean's deployment schedule for its next release.
Instead of a release next week, they will combine Summer & Yearlong Caribbean and Northeast cruises and post all of them during the week of November 18, 2024.
Don't read too much into this change. The deployment schedule usually gets altered a couple of times each year.
- Week of November 18, 2024: Summer & Yearlong Caribbean; Northeast April 2026 – April 2027
- Week of January 27, 2025: Europe Cont.
- Week of February 17, 2025: Short Caribbean & West Coast
- Week of March 31, 2025: Australia
- TBD: China & Singapore
What are the best months to take a European cruise?
In general, the best months to cruise the Mediterranean and Greek Isles are May, June, September, and October. While outside of the peak summer season, these months see more favorable weather. Plus, you'll find fewer land-based tourists at popular attractions.
You are more likely to spend time visiting cities, rather than lounging on the beach like you would if you were taking a cruise to The Bahamas or Caribbean. Walking around ports Rome, Athens, and Barcelona can be uncomfortable in July and August.
Because of the cooler climate, the summer months see lower temperatures in Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland. You'll also have the most daylight.
Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?
More about European cruises:
- 7 tips for a great Royal Caribbean Baltic cruise
- 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise
- 7 mistakes & 3 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean Norwegian fjords cruise
- I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them
- UK vs. US cruising: What are the main differences?
