AN ICON HEADS TO THE LONE STAR STATE: ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES BOLD 2027-28 VACATIONS FROM TEXAS, CALIFORNIA AND THE NORTHEAST
The vacation brand is ramping up on memory-making with adventure-filled lineups, including the world’s best family vacation, Icon of the Seas, delivering unforgettable vacations from Galveston
MIAMI, Nov. 12, 2025 – The ship that revolutionized family vacations is set to deliver the biggest adventures yet from Texas. The show-stopping Icon of the Seas will sail from Galveston for the first time starting August 2027, joining Royal Caribbean’s new action-packed lineup of unforgettable getaways for the 2027-28 season. The adventures start from Texas, California and the Northeast and visit picturesque destinations across the Caribbean and more. The highly anticipated vacations are now available to book on the Royal Caribbean website for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members ahead of the official opening on Thursday, Nov. 13.
From coast to coast, vacationers have a range of 4- to 12-night adventures on nine Royal Caribbean ships to choose from starting April 2027. Families and travelers of all ages can have their ultimate beach day at the vacation brand’s signature beach club destinations, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas opening December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel, Mexico, debuting 2026. Adding to the bucket list are all kinds of ways to explore the gems of the Caribbean like Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Castries, St. Lucia; sail along the pristine coastlines of Mexico at places such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta; and venture through scenic towns in Portland, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Boston, Massachusetts, and more.
2027-28 Texas, California & Northeast Highlights
Bold Vacations from Texas
- Icon of the Seas – From Galveston
The record-breaking Icon of the Seas will make its star-studded debut in Galveston in August 2027, after kicking off the season in Miami in April. Taking vacationers on the boldest adventures from Texas, Icon will deliver 6- to 8-night Eastern and Western Caribbean getaways to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, along with Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, where vacationers can visit Royal Beach Club Cozumel after the ultimate beach day destination opens late 2026. From thrills like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, to unmatched chill across seven pools on board and more than 40 places to dine and drink, families are in for a combination of the best of every vacation with experiences for all ages.
- Liberty of the Seas – From Galveston
Beginning April 2027, vacationers can enjoy 4- to 8-night adventures to the Caribbean on the newly amplified Liberty of the Seas. Guests can spend the day snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in Roatan, immerse themselves in ancient history at the Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, Mexico, and more. Following its 2026 amplification, Liberty will be decked out with new experiences from a completely reimagined pool deck with The Lime & Coconut for tropical cocktails to new casitas with the best ocean views and an all-new Royal Escape Room for family bonding.
- Symphony of the Seas – From Galveston
Symphony will homeport in Texas for the first time, starting April 2027, to deliver 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean vacations to Nassau, The Bahamas, where vacationers can experience the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island; as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay; Cozumel and Costa Maya. On deck, guests can experience the thrills of The Ultimate Abyss, the 10 story-tall dry slide, or choose from more than 30 fan-favorite options to dine and drink including Jamie’s Italian, El Loco Fresh or Boleros.
Sun-Soaked Adventures from California
- Ovation of the Seas – From Los Angeles
Vacationers can go all out on short 3- and 4-night getaways on the newly amplified Ovation of the Seas to bucket-list destinations like Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island, California. On board, adventurers can celebrate with friends at the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, dance the night away at the brand-new Sound Cellar or play big at the expanded Casino Royale. Adventurers can take in scenic 360-views on the all-glass North Star observation capsule or ride bumper cars at SeaPlex, the largest indoor and outdoor activity center at sea. Dining options range from a quick slice of pizza at Sorrento’s to Italian favorites at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and more.
- Navigator of the Seas – From Los Angeles
After returning from Singapore, the Voyager Class favorite will sail from Los Angeles for another year of unforgettable 7-night vacations to the Mexican Riviera, where vacationers can gaze at Land’s End while swimming in the Sea of Cortez in Cabo San Lucas, savor authentic Mexican tacos and tequila in Ensenada, explore the historic towns of Mazatlán, and venture into the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain in Puerto Vallarta. The adventures continue on board with the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall and more. Navigator also boasts more than 20 food and drink venues including Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood and El Loco Fresh.
Scenic Getaways from the Northeast
- Oasis of the Seas – From Cape Liberty
Starting May 2027, travelers can have the perfect vacation with 7-night getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, The Bahamas. Oasis offers more than 30 places to dine, drink and party, where guests can sing along to classic tunes at Spotlight Karaoke, dance into the night at Boleros or enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Coastal Kitchen.
- Odyssey of the Seas – From Cape Liberty
Odyssey of the Seas will take vacationers to sun-drenched Caribbean destinations with 7- to 12-nights vacations. Beginning November 2027, guests can explore Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, on the only active railway in the West Indies; venture to underground caves and lagoons in Bridgetown, Barbados; and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Piton Mountains and botanical gardens in Castries, St. Lucia. On board, guests can watch movies under the stars, vibe out at Music Hall or dine and drink at favorites like El Loco Fresh, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Schooner Bar and Wonderland.
- Independence of the Seas – From Cape Liberty
Vacationers have in store 4- to 9-night getaways to Bermuda, Canada, New England and the Eastern Caribbean during the 2027 spring and summer seasons. On this Freedom Class favorite, guests can explore the pristine, blue waters of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, and Willemstad or embark on outdoor adventures in Halifax; Portland; and more. On Independence, kids can max out on thrills at Splashaway Bay while guests of all ages put their surfing skills to the test on the FlowRider. Bold flavors include Fish & Ships, Izumi, Chef’s Table and Chops Grille.
- Vision of the Seas – From Baltimore
In the summer, Vision of the Seas will deliver 5- and 9-night vacations to Bimini, The Bahamas and Bermuda. In the fall, guests can explore the adventures of Halifax; Saint John, New Brunswick; and more on 9-night vacations. After a long day of adventuring, vacationers can recharge at Vitality Spa, indulge in mind-blowing Italian flavors at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen or Asian-inspired cuisine at Izumi and end the day with jaw-dropping performances of Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme or an original Royal Caribbean production of Boogie Wonderland.
Vacationers can learn more about the upcoming Caribbean, Mexico and Northeast adventures on the Royal Caribbean website.
About Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line’s top-rated exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Media can stay up to date by following
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www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit
www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN
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Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Adventurers can experience highlights like six record-breaking waterslides, an adults-only retreat, seven pools, the first neighborhood designed for young families, 40-plus ways to dine, drink and be entertained; and more.
Icon of the Seas de Royal Caribbean. Los aventureros pueden disfrutar de atracciones como seis toboganes acuáticos que rompen récords, un retiro exclusivo para adultos, siete piscinas, el primer vecindario diseñado para familias jóvenes, más de 40 opciones para comer, beber y divertirse; y mucho más.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Adventurers can experience highlights like six record-breaking waterslides, an adults-only retreat, seven pools, the first neighborhood designed for young families, 40-plus ways to dine, drink and be entertained; and more.
Icon of the Seas de Royal Caribbean. Los aventureros pueden disfrutar de atracciones como seis toboganes acuáticos que rompen récords, un retiro exclusivo para adultos, siete piscinas, el primer vecindario diseñado para familias jóvenes, más de 40 opciones para comer, beber y divertirse; y mucho más.
Designed for families with young kids, Surfside is where families can stay and play all day without compromise on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. The neighborhood features three water experiences, including the Water's Edge pool for grownups to kick back just steps away from Splashaway Bay kids aquapark, and nearby spots to grab bites and drinks for everyone, like The Lemon Post bar and the dedicated Surfside Eatery buffet.
Diseñado para familias con niños pequeños, Surfside es el lugar donde las familias pueden quedarse y divertirse todo el día sin comprometerse en el Icon of the Seas y Star of the Seas de Royal Caribbean. El vecindario cuenta con tres experiencias acuáticas, incluyendo la piscina Water's Edge para que los adultos se relajen a solo unos pasos del parque acuático infantil Splashaway Bay, y lugares cercanos para comer y beber para todos, como el bar The Lemon Post y el buffet dedicado Surfside Eatery.
On Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, adventurers are in for the ultimate thrill at the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, in Thrill Island. Six record-breaking slides reach new heights, including Storm Surge, one of two adrenaline-pumping family raft slides; Pressure Drop, the industry's first open free-fall slide; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo.
A bordo de Icon of the Seas de Royal Caribbean, los aventureros encontrarán la máxima adrenalina en el parque acuático más grande en alta mar: Category 6, ubicado en Thrill Island. Seis toboganes que rompen récords alcanzan nuevas alturas, incluyendo Storm Surge, uno de los dos toboganes familiares en balsa que suben la adrenalina; Pressure Drop, el primer tobogán abierto de caída libre de la industria; Frightening Bolt, el tobogán más alto en el mar; y Storm Chasers, el primer tobogán doble de carreras en cruceros.
Ovation of the Seas' top-deck adventures include Royal Caribbean’s signature FlowRider surf simulator and skydiving on RipCord by iFly.
Guests onboard Liberty of the Seas can enjoy a collection of waterslides called the Perfect Storm including the first-ever boomerang slide, Tidal Wave. The hair-raising slide features a steep drop that propels riders up a near vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness and into free fall.
Los huéspedes a bordo del Liberty of the Seas pueden disfrutar de una colección de toboganes acuáticos llamada el Perfect Storm, que incluye el primer tobogán boomerang, Tidal Wave. El tobogán espeluznante cuenta con una caída con gran pendiente que impulsa a los más osados por una pared casi vertical para un momento de ingravidez y en caída libre.
Royal Caribbean's amplified Oasis of the Seas features a thrilling combination of experiences. Highlights include the cruise line’s one-of-a-kind Portside BBQ restaurant and favorites, from the 10-story Ultimate Abyss to popular live music venue Music Hall and a reimagined, Caribbean pool deck.
The Caribbean-inspired pool deck on Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas takes island-hopping to the next level. Highlights include resort-style pools, The Lime & Coconut, a vibrant three-story bar; on-the-go bites at El Loco Fresh; and North Star, the glass observation capsule that offers 360-degree views from as high as 300 feet above the ocean.