Royal Caribbean made multiple big announcements this week.
First, is the changes coming to the Royal Caribbean Group loyalty program in 2026. It’s called “Points Choice” and gives cruisers more flexibility with their loyalty points across all of Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise lines–Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Cilversea. Tony talks about it over on the La Lido Loca YouTube Channel.
Second, Royal Caribbean International announced its 2027 Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries. The cruise line will deploy six ships to the region including its third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas. She will be joined by Mariner of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.
Legend of the Seas will be returning to Europe to offer 7-night itineraries throughout the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome. Mariner of the Seas will make her Southampton debut to offer 2- to 9-night itineraries. Rhapsody of the Seas is returning to the Med to sail from Athens and offer 7-night itineraries throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Brilliance of the Seas will homeport from Ravenna to offer 7-night itineraries to the Greek Isles, Croatia and the Adriatic Coast. Explorer of the Seas will sail 7-night itineraries across Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Montenegro and the Greek Isles from Barcelona, Rome Ravenna and Athens. Finally, Odyssey of the Seas will return to Rome and sail 7-night Greek Isles itineraries.
Brilliance, Rhapsody, and Odyssey of the Seas will also visit announcement three–Royal Caribbean Group is opening Royal Beach Club Santorini in 2026. The Beach Club will be part of an Ultimate Santorini Day and will welcome cruisers from both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini – one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations – is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028, giving guests more ways to have unforgettable experiences with us,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems – from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach club culture – creating a balanced, authentic island experience.”
An Ultimate Santorini Day will include exploration of the island. Whether it’s the “white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia,” or the shops, cafes and art galleries in Fira, cruisers will enjoy not only all the island has to offer, but also the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for.
Royal Beach Club Santorini will expand the company’s exclusive destination to eight by 2028. Currently Royal Caribbean Group offers Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, and Labadee in Haiti. Still to come are Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas (2025), the Southernmost Hotel on Earth The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile (2026), Royal Beach Club Santorini (2026), Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026), Perfect Day Mexico (2027), and Royal Beach Club South Pacific in Lelepa (2028).