Royal Caribbean’s Summer 2028 Caribbean Season Is Here: Four Icon Class Ships, Two Newly Amplified Favorites
Eleven ships from eight homeports, the newest Icon's first full summer, and CocoCay on most of them. Here's where every ship sails, what I love on each one, and how to grab the best staterooms before summer sells out.
Eleven ships from eight homeports, the newest Icon’s first full summer, and CocoCay on most of them. Here’s where every ship sails, what I love on each one, and how to grab the best staterooms before summer sells out.
By Danny, Founder & CEO, Harr Travel · Updated November 5, 2026
Summer is family season in the Caribbean, and Royal Caribbean just put its biggest guns there. Four Icon Class ships at once, two freshly Amplified Oasis Class ships, and Perfect Day CocoCay on 8 of the 11 ships. There is no better way to experience the Caribbean than on board an Icon or Oasis Class ship. They are built to amplify the guest experience and make sure you get the very most out of your Caribbean cruise: world-class entertainment, a huge variety of delicious dining and a crew that goes above and beyond to make sure every member of the family is taken care of.
Below I’ll walk you through every ship: where it sails, the features that matter, the things I personally love on board, and what sets it apart. Then we’ll cover the private destinations and the ports so you can match the ship to the vacation you have in mind.
Icon Class ships at Perfect Day CocoCay, on 8 of the 11 ships sailing the Caribbean this summer.
The Season at a Glance
- 11 ships, 8 homeports, April through November 2028: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Galveston, San Juan, Baltimore and Cape Liberty (New Jersey).
- Four Icon Class ships: Hero of the Seas (Miami), Legend of the Seas (Fort Lauderdale), Star of the Seas (Port Canaveral) and Icon of the Seas (Galveston).
- Two newly Amplified Oasis Class ships: Symphony of the Seas from Miami and Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral.
- Florida’s biggest lineup: six ships from four Florida ports. Nearly all of them call at Perfect Day CocoCay.
- No flight needed from the Northeast: Vision of the Seas from Baltimore; Oasis and Independence of the Seas from Cape Liberty.
- Island-hopping: Enchantment of the Seas sails the Southern Caribbean from San Juan every week.
- Beach days: Perfect Day CocoCay on 8 of the 11 ships, and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island day passes on Nassau calls (Harmony, Oasis and Vision’s 9-night sailings).
- Still to come: Royal’s winter 2028–29 Caribbean (7+ nights) is scheduled to open the week of February 22, 2027, and shorter Caribbean sailings open in two parts (weeks of February 15 and April 5, 2027).
The Fleet Lineup
| Ship | Homeport | Summer 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Hero of the Seas Icon Class | Miami, Florida | April – October |
| Star of the Seas Icon Class | Port Canaveral, Florida | April – October |
| Legend of the Seas Icon Class | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | April – October |
| Icon of the Seas Icon Class | Galveston, Texas | April – October |
| Symphony of the Seas Newly Amplified | Miami, Florida | April – October |
| Harmony of the Seas Newly Amplified | Port Canaveral, Florida | April – November |
| Brilliance of the Seas | Tampa, Florida | April – October |
| Enchantment of the Seas | San Juan, Puerto Rico | April – October |
| Vision of the Seas | Baltimore, Maryland | April – October |
| Independence of the Seas | Cape Liberty, New Jersey | May – October |
| Oasis of the Seas | Cape Liberty, New Jersey | April – October |
My Take
The ship I’d book first: Hero of the Seas will likely be the hero of this launch. The Ultimate Family Treehouse is generally the first to go, and everyone loves the newest and best ship! Personally, Symphony is my sleeper hit here. I have always loved the entertainment and the dining, but especially the crew on Symphony of the Seas.
The best value for families: Harmony out of Port Canaveral is an incredible value, and with its recent Amplification, you can’t go wrong.
The island-hopper pick: Enchantment from San Juan. Real island-hopping in the Southern Caribbean, which most summer itineraries skip.
If you live in the Northeast: Oasis from Cape Liberty. CocoCay with no flight, and if you’re driving to the port, it’s easy and such a wonderful experience.
My booking advice: The best pricing and availability have consistently been at launch. Reach out NOW to lock in your perfect 2028 summer vacation!
Spotlight: Hero of the Seas, the Newest Icon
Hero of the Seas is the fourth Icon Class ship. It was running ahead of schedule at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, so Royal Caribbean moved its debut up to August 1, 2027. Summer 2028 is its first full summer, sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami, and every one of them visits Perfect Day CocoCay.
What’s new on Hero. Royal Caribbean uses each Icon sister to try new ideas, and Hero gets plenty:
- Nine pools, which Royal Caribbean says is the most on any cruise ship.
- The Ultimate Family Treehouse: a three-deck suite for up to 12 guests, with a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space and two main bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony.
- A bigger adults-only Hideaway: two pools instead of one, including what Royal calls the largest swim-up bar at sea, plus an in-water DJ booth.
- A new pool in Central Park, steps from The Lime & Coconut, with in-water loungers and poolside drink service.
- Category 6 gets two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea, and Splashaway Bay adds new water features for little ones.
The Icon Class signatures come too: eight neighborhoods, 28 dining venues, Thrill Island and the Category 6 waterpark, Surfside for families with young kids, the AquaDome, Crown’s Edge and the Royal Bay Pool. Royal Caribbean hasn’t published every new restaurant and show yet, and we’ll share them as they’re announced.
Four Icons, Four Homeports: Which One Is Yours?
- Hero of the Seas (Miami): The newest Icon and its first full summer, with nine pools and the Ultimate Family Treehouse. 7 nights, CocoCay every sailing.
- Star of the Seas (Port Canaveral): The easy add-on to an Orlando park trip. 7 nights, CocoCay every sailing.
- Legend of the Seas (Fort Lauderdale): The flexible one: 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-night lengths, CocoCay every sailing. Its first Caribbean summer after summers in Europe.
- Icon of the Seas (Galveston): The drive-to Icon for Texas and the middle of the country. 6 to 8 nights in the Western Caribbean, and the 8-night sailings add CocoCay.
Royal Amplified: What’s New on Harmony and Symphony
Harmony of the Seas finished its Royal Amplified makeover in 2026, and it touched nearly every corner of the ship. It now has Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh for complimentary Mexican, and the tiki-style Pesky Parrot where the Bionic Bar used to be. Royal says its expanded casino is now the largest in the fleet, the pool deck has been redone Caribbean-style with Lime & Coconut bars, and roughly 100 new staterooms were added. The Perfect Storm slides, the zip line, the Ultimate Abyss and the AquaTheater all stayed.
Symphony of the Seas is listed as “newly Amplified” for summer 2028. Royal Caribbean says the new experiences will be revealed at a later date. Its schedule has a gap in early 2028 that lines up with a dry dock. If Harmony is any guide, expect new restaurants and bars, a refreshed pool deck and some added staterooms. We’ll update this post when Royal shares the details.
Every Ship, and What I Love About Each One
Itineraries come straight from Royal Caribbean’s deployment. The features and favorites come from my own ship tours. Where I haven’t toured a ship yet, I’ve used its sister and said so.
Hero of the Seas, rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
Icon Class · First Full Summer
Hero of the Seas
Homeport Miami, Florida · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: 7-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean, alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean. Every sailing visits Perfect Day CocoCay; every Western Caribbean sailing adds Cozumel. Royal highlights St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Cozumel.
What sets it apart: Brand new (August 2027) and the reason families should look at this summer. It has nine pools, the most of any cruise ship, plus a two-pool adults-only Hideaway and the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse. It’s the only Icon sailing from Miami.
Top Features
- Nine pools: the most on any cruise ship, according to Royal Caribbean, including the new Coconut Cove pool, plus more than 40 ways to dine and drink and all-new cooking classes
- Ultimate Family Treehouse: three decks for up to 12 guests, with a rooftop terrace, private whirlpool and a two-deck teen space
- The Hideaway: an adults-only neighborhood with two pools, what Royal calls the largest swim-up bar at sea, and an in-water DJ booth
- Category 6 waterpark: two new family raft slides, including the first funnel raft slide at sea
- Icon Class signatures: Surfside for young families, the AquaDome, Crown’s Edge and the Royal Bay Pool
Things I Love
- On its sister Legend, my favorite loungers in the Hideaway were the padded ones looking out over the back of the ship. Hero gets two Hideaway pools. ▶︎ Watch at 15:52
- The SpongeBob Musical makes its first-ever appearance at sea on Hero, in the Royal Theater. Families with kids are going to love it, and so will everyone who grew up watching SpongeBob. I’m really excited to see it myself! ▶︎ Watch at 20:33
- My waterslide tip from Legend: go right when they open or late in the evening, when the lines are shortest. ▶︎ Watch at 8:45
Best for: Families, multigenerational groups and anyone who wants the newest ship at sea.
Explore Hero of the Seas → · Watch my tour of its sister, Legend of the Seas →
Icon Class
Star of the Seas
Homeport Port Canaveral, Florida · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: 7-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean, shifting between Eastern and Western Caribbean. Every sailing visits Perfect Day CocoCay. Royal highlights Samaná (Dominican Republic), San Juan, St. Thomas and Cozumel.
What sets it apart: Port Canaveral’s Icon, an hour from the Orlando parks, so a Disney or Universal stay plus a week at sea is easy to plan. Every sailing stops at CocoCay, and it has Back to the Future: The Musical and the Lincoln Park Supper Club.
Top Features
- Category 6 — Mat racers, a drop slide and family raft slides make this complimentary water park a centerpiece for thrill seekers.
- Surfside — A family neighborhood brings together a carousel, playscape, Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay and kid-friendly dining.
- AquaDome — The enclosed venue hosts Torque, combining divers, fountains and robots while reducing weather disruptions compared with an outdoor Aqua Theater.
- Back to the Future: The Musical — Included with your fare, and backed by a live orchestra and extensive audiovisual technology.
- Royal Bay Pool — I call it the biggest pool ever built at sea, with room for laps and hot tubs on either side.
Things I Love
- Cloud 17 is one of my favorite pools on the ship. It tends to be quieter, with infinity-style views and the Lime and Coconut bar right beside it. ▶︎ Watch at 8:39
- Rye & Bean in the Overlook is my favorite place to start the morning, with great cold brews and seating wrapped around those views. ▶︎ Watch at 16:39
- Feta Mediterranean is my favorite AquaDome Market stall by far, with carved meat, bowls, gyros and falafel. ▶︎ Watch at 15:04
Best for: Families and multigenerational groups seeking water-park thrills, varied dining and big-stage entertainment.
Explore Star of the Seas → · Watch my Star of the Seas tour →
Icon Class · First Caribbean Summer
Legend of the Seas
Homeport Fort Lauderdale, Florida · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: A mix of 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean sailings. Every sailing visits Perfect Day CocoCay; every Western Caribbean sailing adds Cozumel. Royal highlights Cabo Rojo (Dominican Republic) and Aruba.
What sets it apart: The newest Icon you can sail from Fort Lauderdale, in its first Caribbean summer after debuting in Europe, and the most flexible: 5- to 9-night sailings that all stop at CocoCay. It has venues its older sisters don’t, like the Royal Railway: Legend Station dining car and the Hollywoodland Supper Club.
Top Features
- Category 6 — Six waterslides, including family raft, drop, and racer slides, bring plenty of variety to Thrill Island.
- Surfside — A self-contained neighborhood for families with younger kids, with splash areas, casual dining, a carousel, and a playscape.
- Royal Railway Legend Station — Train carriages, immersive screens, and waiters who join the show turn dinner into a journey.
- Hollywoodland Supper Club — An intimate, dress-up dining experience pairs each course with music and a cocktail, paying tribute to old-school Hollywood.
- Royal Theater — Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features a 16-piece live orchestra; America’s Got Talent Live brings participants from the show aboard.
Things I Love
- Pier 7 is my home away from home. My family loves it, and the sea day brunch pancakes are among the best I’ve had. ▶︎ Watch at 42:46
- My favorite loungers in the Hideaway are the padded ones looking out over the aft. Its suspended infinity pool is my pick for the ship’s best Instagram spot. ▶︎ Watch at 15:52
- I recommend hitting the waterslides as soon as they open or late in the evening. Those were the two times I found them less used. ▶︎ Watch at 8:45
Best for: Families seeking waterslides, dedicated kids’ spaces, big shows, and varied dining.
Explore Legend of the Seas → · Watch my Legend of the Seas tour →
Icon Class · From Texas
Icon of the Seas
Homeport Galveston, Texas · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: 6- and 7-night Western Caribbean, plus 8-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean. Every sailing visits Cozumel; the 8-night sailings visit both Cozumel and Perfect Day CocoCay. Royal also highlights Roatán, Honduras.
What sets it apart: The ship that started it all: the largest cruise ship ever built when it debuted in 2024, and the only Icon sailing from Texas this summer. It’s the drive-to Icon for Houston, Dallas and the middle of the country, and its 8-night sailings stop at both Cozumel and CocoCay.
Top Features
- Category 6 — A water park with a four-person family raft slide and an acrylic drop slide brings big thrills to sea.
- AquaDome — This forward-facing dome combines high-diving entertainment, adult and kids’ shows, and daytime lounging in one striking venue.
- Surfside — A dedicated family neighborhood brings together dining, play areas, a carousel, and water fun, especially for kids 10 and under.
- Royal Bay Pool — The largest pool ever built at sea anchors Chill Island, with sunny and shaded spaces nearby.
- Pearl — This structural centerpiece enables expansive Royal Promenade windows, connecting ocean views with moving panels, music, and a staircase to Pearl Cafe.
Things I Love
- I highly recommend Crown’s Edge. Stepping off the ship’s side and flying around it is an absolute blast. ▶︎ Watch at 30:50
- The Hideaway Bar quickly became my favorite bar on the ship: sunset views off the back, part shade and part sun, and a view of the waterslides my kids rode over and over. ▶︎ Watch at 37:30
- I love Dueling Pianos: it’s one of my favorite styles of entertainment because it’s interactive, high-energy, and fun. ▶︎ Watch at 1:27:41
Best for: Families seeking big thrills, younger-kid play spaces, varied dining, and standout entertainment.
Explore Icon of the Seas → · Watch my full Icon of the Seas walkthrough →
Newly Amplified
Symphony of the Seas
Homeport Miami, Florida · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: 6- and 8-night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean: 6-night sailings alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean, plus 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Perfect Day CocoCay on its CocoCay & Caribbean sailings. Royal highlights Curaçao and Falmouth, Jamaica (Dunn’s River Falls).
What sets it apart: Newly Amplified for summer 2028 and sailing from Miami. It’s the Oasis Class pick with 6- and 8-night lengths (including an 8-night Southern Caribbean) and the two-level Ultimate Family Suite with its own slide. Royal says the new experiences will be revealed later, and it adds Curaçao and Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls to the mix.
Top Features
- AquaTheater — High-energy entertainment pairs a stage that sinks and fills with water with divers leaping from towering platforms.
- Ultimate Abyss — Ride in a sled from the top deck down to the Boardwalk for a memorable thrill.
- Central Park and Boardwalk — Explore an open-air park with over 12,000 plants, then enjoy a Coney Island-style neighborhood with a carousel.
- Ultimate Family Suite — An in-suite slide, kids’ bunk room, balcony climbing frame, and private hot tub make the accommodations part of the adventure.
- Studio B — An ice rink hosts production shows and public skating, while the venue also offers laser tag.
Things I Love
- AquaTheater suites are my favorite rooms on the ship: you get the serenity of the ocean alongside the energy of the AquaTheater and Boardwalk. ▶︎ Watch at 0:44
- For a Central Park balcony, I always pick one closest to the living wall. I think that’s the most beautiful part of Central Park. ▶︎ Watch at 30:39
- I tried the Ultimate Family Suite’s slide myself, and it’s an incredible amount of fun—right from the upper level into the living room. ▶︎ Watch at 8:19
Best for: Families and multigenerational groups who want active days, distinctive suites, and big entertainment.
Explore Symphony of the Seas → · Watch my Symphony of the Seas tour (filmed before its Amplification) →
Newly Amplified
Harmony of the Seas
Homeport Port Canaveral, Florida · Season April – November 2028
Where it sails: Mainly 7-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean, plus 7-Night Eastern Caribbean. Perfect Day CocoCay on every sailing; every Western Caribbean sailing adds Cozumel. Royal also highlights Nassau, where you can buy a Royal Beach Club Paradise Island day pass.
What sets it apart: Freshly Amplified in 2026, it has Samba Grill, Playmakers, the Pesky Parrot tiki bar and what Royal says is the largest casino in the fleet, alongside the Oasis Class classics: Central Park, the Boardwalk and the AquaTheater. Its Nassau calls put Royal Beach Club Paradise Island within reach.
Top Features
- New from the 2026 Amplification: Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and El Loco Fresh
- Pesky Parrot: the tiki bar where the Bionic Bar used to be, plus a redone Caribbean-style pool deck with Lime & Coconut bars
- AquaTheater — High diving, tightrope walking, and acrobatics make this an entertainment highlight, with shows included in your fare.
- Ultimate Abyss — This dry slide drops all the way down to the Boardwalk.
- The Perfect Storm — Retained through the 2026 refurbishment, these water slides keep pool-deck thrills on the agenda.
- Zip line and FlowRiders — Soar over the Boardwalk or try two surf simulators; both activities are included at no additional cost.
Things I Love
- The Schooner Bar is my all-time favorite: a nautical piano bar where musicians take requests nightly. ▶︎ Watch at 26:32
- I recommend signing your zip line and FlowRider waivers on the first day so your family can enjoy repeat rides throughout the cruise. ▶︎ Watch at 7:11
Best for: Active families and multigenerational groups who want thrills, live entertainment, and varied accommodations.
Explore Harmony of the Seas → · Watch my Harmony of the Seas tour (filmed before its 2026 Amplification) →
Tampa’s Ship
Brilliance of the Seas
Homeport Tampa, Florida · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: Mostly 7-night: 7-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean, plus 6- and 7-night Western Caribbean. Every sailing visits Cozumel; half of them also visit Perfect Day CocoCay. Royal highlights Belize City and Grand Cayman (Stingray City).
What sets it apart: Tampa’s ship: the easy drive-to choice for Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s a mid-size Radiance Class ship with walls of glass, and every sailing stops in Cozumel.
Top Features
- Solarium — A retractable roof, pool, hot tub, Park Cafe, and full-service bar make this a relaxing, adults-leaning retreat.
- Starquest Lounge — Rotating bar seating, a large dance floor, and a grand piano give cocktail hour a distinctive setting.
- Dedicated movie theater — Stadium seating hosts first-run and classic films, complementing live shows in the Pacifica Theater.
- Complimentary recreation — Mini golf with aft views, basketball, shuffleboard, and a rock climbing wall offer plenty of ways to stay active.
- Aft-facing junior suites — Two loungers plus a separate table and chairs make the private veranda a welcoming spot for wake watching.
Things I Love
- This aft-facing junior suite is my favorite junior suite in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. The balcony and wake views lower my blood pressure and make me smile. ▶︎ Watch at 0:36
- Complimentary mini golf, basketball, shuffleboard, and rock climbing are one of the things I think Royal Caribbean does better than most. ▶︎ Watch at 10:38
- I recommend handling Guest Services needs mid-cruise rather than on embarkation or debarkation day, when lines are longest. Book shore excursions ahead, too; small-group and motorized tours can sell out. ▶︎ Watch at 42:46
Best for: Travelers who enjoy relaxing pool time, classic evening entertainment, and aft-facing balcony views.
Explore Brilliance of the Seas → · Watch my Brilliance of the Seas tour →
Pictured: a Vision Class ship.
New Summer Homeport: San Juan
Enchantment of the Seas
Homeport San Juan, Puerto Rico · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: 7-Night Southern Caribbean. Island-hopping: Royal names Tortola, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Dominica and Barbados, and the deployment flyer also mentions the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Croix.
What sets it apart: The island-hopper: the only Royal ship sailing from San Juan this summer, with 7-night Southern Caribbean sailings to islands like Tortola, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Dominica and Barbados. As a smaller Vision Class ship it’s more about the ports than the onboard thrills. Fly into San Juan a day early and you get Old San Juan too.
Top Features
- Smaller Vision Class size — A good match for travelers who prefer a smaller-ship setting.
- Glass-filled Centrum — A central gathering space with views between decks.
- Viking Crown Lounge — An elevated lounge with expansive windows for taking in the views.
- Solarium — A climate-controlled retreat for a warmer, more relaxed break.
Things I Love
- On its sister Rhapsody, the Solarium was my calm, shaded escape from the main pool. ▶︎ Watch at 5:39
- On its sister Rhapsody, my favorite spot for sail-away was at the back of the ship, watching the port slip away. ▶︎ Watch at 3:23
- On its sister Rhapsody, I called the theater’s stadium seating some of the best in the fleet. ▶︎ Watch at 24:50
Best for: Travelers seeking a smaller ship, expansive glass, elevated views, and a relaxed Solarium retreat.
Watch my tour of its Vision Class sister, Rhapsody of the Seas →
Pictured: sister ship Rhapsody of the Seas.
From Baltimore
Vision of the Seas
Homeport Baltimore, Maryland · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: 5-Night Bermuda Getaway, 9-Night Bermuda & Bahamas, and 11- and 12-Night Southern Caribbean. The 5-night sailings overnight in Bermuda; the 9-night sailings stop in Nassau, where you can buy a Royal Beach Club Paradise Island day pass. Bermuda highlights include Horseshoe Bay and the Crystal Caves; the Southern Caribbean sailings call at ports like Martinique and Antigua.
What sets it apart: The Mid-Atlantic’s ship: drive to Baltimore and sail. You can do a quick 5-night Bermuda getaway with an overnight, 9 nights to Bermuda and The Bahamas, or the longest sailings of the summer, 11 and 12 nights in the Southern Caribbean.
Top Features
- Solarium — A sheltered pool retreat with loungers and hot tubs for a more relaxed break.
- Viking Crown Lounge — High-up ocean views and a relaxed daytime setting make this a spot to linger.
- Rock Climbing Wall — An included outdoor activity that adds an active option to poolside days.
- Main Theater — Broadway-style productions and visiting entertainers bring variety to evenings onboard.
- Schooner Bar — Nautical styling, live piano, and song requests create a classic cruise-night gathering place.
Things I Love
- On its sister Rhapsody I loved the Solarium as a warmer, more relaxed retreat—especially useful when the weather turns cooler. ▶︎ Watch at 5:39
- On its sister Rhapsody I loved the theater’s balcony-style stadium seating; I called it some of the best in the fleet. ▶︎ Watch at 24:50
- On its sister Rhapsody I loved the aft-facing views—my favorite spot on the ship for watching us sail away from port. ▶︎ Watch at 3:23
Best for: Travelers drawn to ocean views, relaxed pool time, piano bars, and classic cruise entertainment.
Watch my tour of its Vision Class sister, Rhapsody of the Seas →
From New Jersey
Independence of the Seas
Homeport Cape Liberty, New Jersey · Season May – October 2028
Where it sails: 5-Night Bermuda and 9-Night Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean, plus some Canada & New England sailings. Every sailing visits Bermuda; the 5-night sailings overnight there. Royal also highlights Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
What sets it apart: No flight needed from New York and New Jersey. Every sailing visits Bermuda, the 9-night sailings add the Eastern Caribbean, and some sail to Canada & New England. It’s a Freedom Class ship with the FlowRider, the Perfect Storm slides and ice shows.
Top Features
- FlowRider & Perfect Storm — Complimentary surfing and Cyclone and Typhoon water slides bring active fun; participation requirements apply.
- Pool zones — Splashaway Bay caters to younger kids, two main pools anchor the action, and the Solarium welcomes adults 18 and older.
- Studio B — Ice-skating production shows and complimentary free-skate sessions give you two ways to enjoy the onboard rink.
- Royal Promenade — Complimentary Sorrento’s pizza, the Ale and Anchor pub, and shopping create a lively indoor gathering place.
- Ultra Spacious Ocean View rooms — Sleep up to six, with a door-enclosed bunk bedroom and a curtain separating the main bedroom from the living room.
Things I Love
- I recommend heading to the back of the Windjammer for better views and more open seating, especially on boarding day. ▶︎ Watch at 17:15
- The Ultra Spacious Ocean View’s separate bunk bedroom is one of my all-time favorites: a full door, rather than just a curtain, closes it off. ▶︎ Watch at 2:51
- I recommend pre-booking spa treatments or booking as soon as you’re on board, because sea-day appointments fill up fast. ▶︎ Watch at 29:50
Best for: Active families and multigenerational groups wanting water slides, ice shows, and flexible sleeping arrangements.
Explore Independence of the Seas → · Watch my Independence of the Seas tour →
From New Jersey
Oasis of the Seas
Homeport Cape Liberty, New Jersey · Season April – October 2028
Where it sails: Mostly 7-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Bahamas, plus 9-Night Perfect Day CocoCay & Caribbean. Perfect Day CocoCay, plus Nassau, where you can buy a Royal Beach Club Paradise Island day pass.
What sets it apart: The Northeast’s ticket to CocoCay: the original Oasis Class ship, sailing mostly 7-night Perfect Day CocoCay & Bahamas from Cape Liberty, with Nassau and Royal Beach Club day passes. Amplified in 2019, it has the AquaTheater, the Ultimate Abyss and Portside BBQ.
Top Features
- Central Park — An open-air retreat with over 10,000 live plants, restaurant terraces and evening jazz offers a quieter change of pace.
- AquaTheater — Included outdoor shows combine high diving, slack lines and world-class athletes; Studio B adds ice shows to the entertainment lineup.
- Pool and Sports Zone — Complimentary water slides, two FlowRiders, a zip line and the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide keep active days varied.
- Adventure Ocean — Renovated kids’ spaces offer active games, art and video games, with separate nursery care and a dedicated teen hangout.
- Boardwalk — A hand-carved wooden carousel, complimentary Boardwalk Dog House and Playmakers sports bar bring family fun and casual bites together.
Things I Love
- Solarium Bistro is my secret spot for a complimentary breakfast or lunch, with better seating and far fewer people than the Windjammer—especially on boarding day. ▶︎ Watch at 10:57
- Izumi Sushi and Hibachi is my favorite restaurant on Oasis. I love sitting at the sushi bar and chatting with the chefs—book early. ▶︎ Watch at 13:02
- The Schooner Bar is my favorite bar on board. I love grabbing a seat near the grand piano, making requests and singing along. ▶︎ Watch at 16:31
Best for: Families and multigenerational groups seeking big-ship activities, varied dining and quieter neighborhood retreats.
Explore Oasis of the Seas → · Watch my Oasis of the Seas tour →
Perfect Day CocoCay and Royal Beach Club
Perfect Day CocoCay (Royal recently dropped the “at” from the name) is Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas, and it’s on 8 of the 11 ships this summer. Most of it is included in your cruise: Oasis Lagoon, which is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Splashaway Bay, Captain Jill’s Galleon and the beaches. For a bigger day, add Thrill Waterpark, a Coco Beach Club cabana or the adults-only Hideaway Beach. The new Secret Garden bar opened in 2026.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau is Royal’s first beach club. One day pass covers the beach, pools, food and drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic pass), Wi-Fi and the ferry from the cruise pier. It’s bought separately from the cruise. This summer you can reach it on Harmony and Oasis of the Seas and on Vision of the Seas’ 9-night sailings.
Where You’ll Go
Exact ports vary by sailing. Your advisor will pull the day-by-day itinerary for any date you like.
The Bahamas
Royal’s private island, on 8 of the 11 ships.
Sail it onHero, Star, Legend, Harmony, Symphony, Oasis, plus half of Brilliance’s sailings and Icon’s 8-night sailings.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island day passes, Atlantis, and the pastel streets of downtown.
Sail it onHarmony, Oasis, and Vision’s 9-night sailings.
Western Caribbean & Mexico
Snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Reef, beach clubs, cooking classes, or the ferry to Playa del Carmen.
Sail it onIcon and Brilliance on every sailing; Western Caribbean sailings on Hero, Star, Legend and Harmony.
Mayan archaeological site tours, snorkeling with stingrays and rainforest ziplines.
Sail it onIcon from Galveston.
Belize City & Grand Cayman
The Belize Barrier Reef, and swimming with stingrays at Grand Cayman‘s Stingray City.
Sail it onBrilliance from Tampa.
Climbing Dunn’s River Falls and rafting the Martha Brae River.
Sail it onSymphony from Miami.
Eastern Caribbean
The Skyride aerial tram over Charlotte Amalie, and catamaran days off Philipsburg.
Sail it onHero and Star.
Dominican Republic & San Juan
Samaná’s mangroves and El Limón Waterfall, the beaches of Cabo Rojo, dolphins in Puerto Plata, and Old San Juan.
Sail it onStar (Samaná, San Juan), Legend (Cabo Rojo), Independence (Puerto Plata).
Southern Caribbean
Bermuda, Canada & New England
Pink sand at Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach, the Crystal Caves and Jobson’s Cove, and an overnight on the 5-night sailings so you get an evening ashore.
Sail it onVision from Baltimore; Independence from Cape Liberty, which also has some Canada & New England sailings.
My Picks by Traveler
Families with young kids
Star of the Seas is my pick! The incredible Surfside family neighborhood, Back to the Future: The Musical and, of course, Sailor, the Chief Dog Officer!
Teens & thrill-seekers
You simply can’t go wrong with Icon Class for teens. An incredible teen club and more to do than you can imagine!
Multigenerational groups & suite guests
Hero’s three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse or Symphony’s Ultimate Family Suite, with its own slide into the living room.
Couples & port lovers
Enchantment from San Juan, or Vision’s 11- and 12-night Southern Caribbean sailings from Baltimore.
Drive-to cruisers
Icon from Galveston, Brilliance from Tampa, Vision from Baltimore, or Oasis and Independence from New Jersey. Such an enjoyable way to travel!
Why I’d Book in Opening Week
- Summer sells first. July and August weeks, family suites and connecting staterooms go first. On a new Icon, that happens fast.
- Hold it while you decide. Your advisor can hold a stateroom with a deposit and keep watching for new promotions until final payment. We’ll confirm the deposit and refund terms for your fare.
- One person who knows you. We’ll match the ship and itinerary to your family and handle everything from flights to shore excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I book Royal Caribbean’s summer 2028 Caribbean cruises?
They opened on November 5, 2026. Royal’s winter 2028–29 Caribbean sailings (7+ nights) are scheduled to open the week of February 22, 2027, and shorter Caribbean sailings open in two parts in February and April 2027.
Which Icon Class ships sail the Caribbean in summer 2028?
All four: Hero of the Seas from Miami, Star of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Legend of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale and Icon of the Seas from Galveston.
Which ships visit Perfect Day CocoCay in summer 2028?
Eight of the eleven. Hero, Star, Legend and Harmony stop there on every sailing, Symphony on its CocoCay & Caribbean sailings, Oasis on most of its sailings, Brilliance on half of its sailings, and Icon on its 8-night sailings.
What’s new on Hero of the Seas?
Nine pools (the most on any cruise ship), the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse, a two-pool adults-only Hideaway with what Royal calls the largest swim-up bar at sea, and two new family raft slides in the Category 6 waterpark.
What does “Amplified” mean on Harmony and Symphony?
Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean’s multi-million-dollar makeover program. Harmony’s 2026 Amplification added Samba Grill, Playmakers, the Pesky Parrot, an expanded casino and new staterooms. Symphony debuts its new Amplified experiences in 2028, and Royal says it will reveal them at a later date.
Can I take a Royal Caribbean cruise from the Northeast in summer 2028?
Yes. Vision of the Seas sails from Baltimore (Bermuda, The Bahamas and 11–12 night Southern Caribbean), and Oasis and Independence of the Seas sail from Cape Liberty, New Jersey (CocoCay and Nassau, Bermuda, the Eastern Caribbean including Puerto Plata, and some Canada & New England).
Want a stateroom held while you decide?
Reach out to your Harr Travel advisor, or call us at 1-888-871-4233. We’ll match the ship and itinerary to how your family likes to travel and keep an eye on your booking all the way to sail day.
For more ship tours and suite walkthroughs, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Sources: Royal Caribbean summer 2028 Caribbean deployment and press release (November 5, 2026); Royal Caribbean and Travel Weekly on Hero of the Seas (March 2026); Royal Caribbean on Harmony of the Seas’ 2026 amplification; Royal Caribbean 2028–2029 opening schedule. Ship favorites are from Harr Travel’s own ship-tour videos. Harmony and Symphony were filmed before their Amplifications; Hero is described from its sister Legend, Enchantment and Vision from their sister Rhapsody. Itineraries are subject to change by Royal Caribbean International. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.
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