Royal Caribbean Reassigns Four Ships, Keeps 2026–2027 Itineraries Intact

Royal Caribbean has unveiled another deployment adjustment for the winter 2026–2027 cruise season, reassigning ships and homeports for four vessels while keeping all itineraries intact. This strategic move impacts Radiance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas, allowing the cruise line to optimize its fleet while minimizing disruption for travelers.

Ship and Homeport Changes for Winter 2026-2027

The swap involves ship-for-ship reassignments, ensuring itineraries, ports of call, and departure dates remain unchanged. The adjusted homeport assignments are as follows:

• Radiance of the Seas: Relocating to Tampa, Florida, replacing Rhapsody of the Seas.
• Rhapsody of the Seas: Moving to San Juan, Puerto Rico, taking over Radiance of the Seas' former routes.
• Brilliance of the Seas: Relocating to Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), replacing Vision of the Seas.
• Vision of the Seas: Repositioning to San Juan, Puerto Rico, taking Brilliance of the Seas' itineraries.

These changes mirror Royal Caribbean’s earlier deployment strategy announced for Grandeur of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, which begins in May 2026. As with the current adjustments, no itineraries were altered, providing consistency for guests.

Impact on Guest Experience

Although the itineraries remain unchanged, the onboard experience may vary depending on the vessel assigned to the route. Differences in ship size, age, amenities, layouts, dining options, and entertainment may influence travelers’ overall experience.

For example, passengers originally booked on Radiance of the Seas, a larger and newer vessel, will now sail aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, an older and smaller ship. Such swaps could impact dining venue choices, stateroom configurations, or entertainment options. Royal Caribbean sought to reassure travelers in an email sent directly to impacted guests, stating, "The good news is, your sailing and itinerary will remain intact, just on a different ship."

Strategic Reasons Behind the Changes

The adjustments are part of Royal Caribbean’s broader fleet management strategy, aimed at aligning ship capabilities with market demand and port infrastructure compatibility. By swapping ships between homeports, Royal Caribbean seeks to optimize operational efficiency and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction without disrupting planned itineraries.

The cruise line’s proactive approach also grants travelers ample time to review their alternatives or adjust their plans, as these changes will not take effect for another three years. Guests who prefer specific vessels have the option to rebook or explore alternate sailings.

Notification and Guest Options

Royal Caribbean has committed to a clear and thorough communication process regarding these updates. All affected passengers have been contacted directly or via their travel advisors with detailed information about their adjusted bookings. The cruise line encourages guests to monitor emails and their cruise planner for any additional updates.

For travelers looking to explore alternatives, Royal Caribbean has clarified that fares, itinerary schedules, and ports of call remain as booked, although stateroom numbers may be adjusted due to the different layouts of the swapped ships.

Context: Fleet Adjustments and Operational Goals

This announcement follows an earlier deployment adjustment involving Grandeur of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, scheduled to begin in May 2026. In that case, itineraries also remained consistent, and only the vessels were reassigned.

Royal Caribbean’s emphasis on advanced notice highlights their focus on passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency. Fleet realignments are common in the cruise industry, helping companies optimize resources while matching ships to ports and itineraries that best suit their capacities and audience preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Royal Caribbean swapping ships for winter 2026–2027?

The cruise line is aligning ship capabilities with market demands and port infrastructure, ensuring optimal fleet performance without altering existing schedules.

Which ships and homeports are changing?

Radiance of the Seas will now sail from Tampa, Florida, replacing Rhapsody of the Seas. Meanwhile, Rhapsody of the Seas will head to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Brilliance of the Seas will move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, replacing Vision of the Seas, which will shift to San Juan as well.

Will there be changes to itineraries, destinations, or ports of call?

No, there are no modifications to the established itineraries. Departure dates, destinations, and ports will remain as originally booked.

How will passengers be notified about these changes?

Royal Caribbean will contact all affected guests and travel agents by email, providing updated booking confirmations and relevant details.

Will my onboard experience be different?

The onboard experience may differ as the swapped ships vary in size, age, and amenities. For example, Rhapsody of the Seas, which will replace Radiance of the Seas, is a smaller and older vessel, offering a slightly different range of dining venues and entertainment options.

For those impacted, Royal Caribbean has emphasized that travelers will still enjoy the same itineraries they originally booked, although the ship providing the journey may offer different onboard experiences and features.