Royal Caribbean’s New Caribbean Cruises Bring New Islands, New Beach Clubs — and a Return to Samaná

For Caribbean cruisers, it’s a lineup built for wanderlust. Royal Caribbean’s newly announced 2027–28 season reads like a choose-your-own-adventure through the tropics — with new private islands, a long-awaited return to the Dominican Republic, and three Florida homeports offering everything from weekend escapes to weeklong journeys.

And while 2027–28 might sound far off, that’s standard in the cruise world — where lines release itineraries years in advance to help travelers lock in early pricing and coveted cabins on high-demand ships.

The highlight: the Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class ship, sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral starting April 2027. The ship will visit Samaná — a destination the line hasn’t called on in years — where travelers can hike to waterfalls, watch humpback whales, or wander quiet beaches lined with palms.

It’s part of an expanded network of itineraries that includes stops at the line’s signature destinations: Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in Nassau, and Royal Beach Club Cozumelin Mexico. A new Perfect Day Mexico experience will debut in late 2027.

Port Canaveral Leads the Lineup

From Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will sail year-round alongside the amplified Harmony of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Utopia will focus on three- and four-night getaways to The Bahamas — weekend-length cruises that still deliver the line’s signature variety of dining, entertainment, and thrills. Harmony, refreshed in 2026, will feature new pool decks, dining venues and itineraries calling on St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Miami and Tampa Expand the Options

From Miami, Wonder of the Seas will operate short three- and four-night cruises to The Bahamas, combining Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay with new access to Paradise Island’s upcoming Royal Beach Club. From Tampa, Radiance of the Seas will take over with four- to eight-night Western Caribbean voyages to Mexico, visiting Cozumel’s future Royal Beach Club.

More Choices, More Access

For travelers, it’s a rare combination: new destinations, new ships, and more homeports — meaning fewer flights and more flexibility. With expanded access across Florida, cruisers can plan anything from a quick Bahamian break to a week of island-hopping through the Caribbean’s classic ports and emerging favorites.