Royal Caribbean Unveils New Short Cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas

Royal Caribbean International, the world’s leading cruise line, has announced its new collection of 3- to 6-night vacations to the Caribbean and The Bahamas for 2025-2026. The cruises will depart from six U.S. cities across Florida, California and Texas. They will feature the industry’s latest and most innovative ships and the cruise line’s award-winning private destinations.

The new short cruises are designed to offer vacationers more ways to pack big adventures into short getaways, with various sun-soaked destinations, thrilling activities, and signature experiences. Whether exploring the ancient ruins of Cozumel, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Roatan, or enjoying the nightlife of Miami, there is something for everyone on these island-hopping adventures.

The new lineup includes the debut of Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, the newest and largest Oasis Class ships, which will sail from Orlando (Port Canaveral) and Miami, Florida, respectively. These ships will offer unparalleled amenities, such as the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; the AquaTheater, an open-air amphitheatre with high-diving acrobatic shows; and Central Park, a lush green oasis with over 12,000 plants and trees.

Other ships include Quantum of the Seas, which will sail from Los Angeles, bringing the best of the West Coast to the Caribbean. Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, The Blaster, and the first head-first mat racer, Riptide. Quantum of the Seas boasts the North Star, a glass capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level, offering 360-degree views, and the SeaPlex, the largest indoor active sea space, has bumper cars, roller skating, and a trapeze school.

The lineup includes Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Jewel, Liberty and Mariner of the Seas, which will sail from Tampa, Florida; Orlando (Port Canaveral), Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Galveston, Texas. These ships offer a range of features, such as the FlowRider, a surf simulator; the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline; and the Royal Promenade, a lively boulevard with shops, bars, and entertainment.

One of the highlights of the new short cruises is the opportunity to visit Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti. These exclusive islands offer guests a variety of experiences, from adrenaline-pumping thrills to relaxing escapes.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is the ultimate destination for fun and adventure, with 14 next-level waterslides in Thrill Waterpark, including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; the largest wave pool in the Caribbean; and Splash Summit, a family-friendly area with six multi-rider slides. For those looking for a more laid-back experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay also offers the island’s first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, where guests can enjoy a tranquil beach, a swim-up bar, and private cabanas. Other attractions include Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean; Up, Up and Away, a helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet; and Chill Island, a pristine beach with crystal-clear waters and snorkelling spots.

Labadee, located along the northern coast of Haiti, is a slice of paradise with five stunning shorelines and beautiful mountain backdrops. Guests can enjoy a range of experiences, from taking in once-in-a-lifetime views on Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest overwater zipline, to kicking back on white sand beaches and enjoying a barbecue lunch. Labadee also offers guests the opportunity to explore Haiti’s rich culture and history while meeting local crafters and artisans.

In addition to the private destinations, guests can visit some of the most idyllic locales across the eastern and western Caribbean, including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; St. Johns, Antigua; and more. These destinations offer a wealth of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historic charm, as well as a variety of activities, such as hiking, kayaking, diving, shopping, and dining.