Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is adding an extra port to the July 4, 2026, sailing onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the itinerary will now feature an additional visit to La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

Part of a seven-night cruise to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean from Puerto Rico, the new call replaces a day at sea.

“While planning our upcoming adventure, we want to make sure you are aware of a slight change to your itinerary,” Royal Caribbean told passengers.

The company said that the visit to La Romana was added as part of its routine review of upcoming cruise itineraries.

“From time to time, updates are necessary as we finalize scheduling port arrangements and operational details,” the company added.

Royal Caribbean added that the new call will enhance guests’ experience, giving them a full day to explore an additional port.

A selection of shore excursions for the new destination will be available for guests soon, the company noted.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to setting sail with you,” Royal Caribbean added.

In addition to the newly added visit to La Romana, Rhapsody’s July 4, 2026, itinerary sails to other destinations in the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, the Vision-class ship is scheduled to visit Tortola, Philipsburg, St. John’s, Basseterre and St. Croix.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises from Puerto Rico that sail to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean International has solidified its commitment to the Chinese market by renewing its partnership with the Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis tournament.

The cruise line will continue as the Official Cruise Line Partner for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event, marking a strategic extension of its high-profile sports marketing initiative in the region.

The renewed multi-year deal sees Royal Caribbean retaining its title sponsorship of the “Royal Caribbean Masters Practice Court” at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena and maintaining its exclusive branded skybox, offering guests premium viewing and interactive experiences.

This collaboration aims to fuse the world of elite sports with the brand’s signature “Live. Love. Cruise.” vacation lifestyle.

Benjamin Bouldin, Vice President and Managing Director, Greater China at Royal Caribbean International, stated that the partnership aligns with the brand’s mission to create deep connections with consumers’ passions.

“As an international brand also rooted in Shanghai, we are honored to renew our partnership with this iconic tennis event,” Bouldin said. “We believe exceptional experiences are not just about ‘arriving,’ but about resonating deeply with what people love”.

Michael Luévano, Tournament Director of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, welcomed the continued alliance, noting Royal Caribbean’s success in integrating its vacation concept into the event last year and creating memorable fan interactions.

Three Royal Caribbean Ships in Drydock at Same Time

Three Royal Caribbean Ships in Drydock at Same Time

Three ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet are currently undergoing drydocks in Europe and Asia.

While two vessels are also getting significant updates as part of the company’s Royal Amplified refit program, a third is undergoing routine maintenance.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Ovation of the Seas was the first of the brand’s vessels to enter drydock recently.

The Quantum-class ship is currently in Singapore to undergo major refurbishment work that includes a series of enhancements and updates.

The project is highlighted by the expansion of the ship’s Casino Royale, as well as the introduction of new dining venues and features.

Other changes coming to the 2016-built vessel include the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over areas that were previously occupied by public and technical rooms.

The Ovation is scheduled to welcome guests back on April 17, 2026, kicking off a repositioning voyage to North America.

As part of the Royal Amplified program, the Harmony of the Seas is also getting updates at a shipyard in Spain.

The Oasis-class ship arrived at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz in early April for a refurbishment that will see the addition of the fleet’s largest casino.

Other changes include the addition of new specialty restaurants, as well as a refreshed solarium and pool deck.

The 227,625-ton vessel is scheduled to resume service on May 21, 2026, ahead of a spring season in the Mediterranean.

After crossing the Atlantic in March, the Odyssey of the Seas became the latest Royal Caribbean ship to enter drydock.

The 2021-built vessel is presently at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard to undergo routine maintenance.

Set to spend the summer sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, the ship welcomes guests back on April 16, 2026.

As part of the Royal Amplified program, a fourth ship, the Liberty of the Seas, is scheduled to enter drydock later this month.