ICON of the Seas Photo: Royal Caribbean PR Royal Caribbean Maps Big 2027–28 Cruise Season. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean announced that the megaship Icon of the Seas will first depart from the port city of Galveston, Texas, in August 2027, "joining Royal Caribbean's new action-packed lineup of unforgettable getaways for the 2027-28 season.", according to the company's announcement.
The record-breaking ship will depart Galveston following the season opening in Miami in April, and will offer 6-8-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel with the opening of Royal Beach Club Cozumel in late 2026.
The company noted that the Liberty of the Seas ship will also depart from this destination, starting in April 2027 for 4-8-night Caribbean cruises, including snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef, exploring Mayan ruins, and new facilities on board the ship.
Another ship departing from Galveston is Symphony of the Seas, with 4- to 8-night cruises to the Western Caribbean, including Nassau, CocoCay, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Onboard attractions include The Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story water slide, and over 30 restaurants and bars.
The company also noted that in the 2027-28 season, more cruises are also expected from California. The list includes Ovation of the Seas, which will depart from Los Angeles for short 3-4-night cruises to destinations such as Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island, California. Onboard activities include the Pesky Parrot bar, the Sound Cellar dance floor, an expanded casino, and a ride in the North Star observation balloon.
The Navigator of the Seas, also departing from Los Angeles, will offer 7-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera with activities such as FlowRider, a climbing wall, and more. Over 20 restaurants and bars on board.
Royal Caribbean will also launch cruises from the northeastern United States this season, according to its announcement. The Oasis of the Seas will depart from Cape Liberty for 7-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, and will offer more than 30 dining, drinking, and entertainment options.
Odyssey of the Seas will also depart from Cape Liberty for 7-12-night cruises with visits to Basseterre (St. Kitts & Nevis), Bridgetown (Barbados), Castries (St. Lucia), and more.
Another ship departing from Cape Liberty is Independence of the Seas, which will sail 4-9-night cruises to Bermuda, Canada, New England, and the Eastern Caribbean. Attractions include Splashaway Bay, FlowRider, restaurants, and various culinary corners. Finally, Vision of the Seas will sail from Baltimore on 5- and 9-night cruises to Bimini and the Bahamas, with stops in Halifax and Saint John.