Royal Caribbean announced a comprehensive 2027‑28 vacation lineup that will launch from three U.S. homeports—Galveston, Texas; San Diego, California; and Boston, Massachusetts—bringing nine ships, including the Icon of the Seas, to the domestic market. The flagship will begin sailing from Galveston in August 2027, and the company will offer 4‑ to 12‑night itineraries on all nine vessels starting in April 2027. Crown & Anchor Society members can book now, with the official opening set for November 13.
The expansion broadens Royal Caribbean’s footprint in the United States, tapping a growing domestic demand that has been a key driver of the cruise industry’s post‑pandemic rebound. By adding high‑yield itineraries from Texas, California and the Northeast, the company aims to capture a larger share of the $2 trillion global vacation market and to increase onboard spend from both new and repeat guests.
In addition to the new homeports, Royal Caribbean will open two exclusive beach‑club destinations. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas will open in December 2025, and the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico will debut in 2026. These premium onshore experiences are part of the company’s strategy to generate higher margins and strengthen customer loyalty.
Royal Caribbean’s recent financial performance underscores its capacity to fund the expansion. In Q3 2025 the company reported earnings per share of $5.75, beating the consensus estimate of $5.69, while revenue of $5.14 billion fell slightly short of the $5.17 billion forecast. The earnings beat was driven by disciplined cost management and a favorable mix of high‑margin itineraries, whereas the revenue miss reflected a modest decline in demand for longer‑duration cruises.
President and CEO Jason Liberty highlighted the company’s confidence in the expansion, noting that “the robust demand for our differentiated vacation experiences, combined with strategic investments in new ships and destinations, positions us well to achieve our Perfecta financial targets by the end of 2027.” He added that the new U.S. homeports and beach‑club openings will further deepen the company’s moat.
The move places Royal Caribbean in a stronger competitive position against rivals such as Carnival and Norwegian, who have been slower to expand their U.S. homeport presence. By offering a broader range of itineraries and premium onshore experiences, Royal Caribbean is poised to increase market share, drive higher onboard spend, and support long‑term growth in the North American cruise market.
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