Royal Caribbean sails to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia from multiple home ports across North America

Royal Caribbean operates ships from nine home ports in the United States and one in Canada. The ports you can depart from are Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa in Florida; Galveston in Texas; New York City; Baltimore; New Orleans; Bayonne in New Jersey; and Vancouver in British Columbia. Which port you use depends on where you live and which itinerary you want — a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami visits different islands than a seven-day Alaska cruise from Seattle.

The destinations change by season. Winter and spring focus on warm-water routes: the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Summer shifts to Alaska and Europe. Fall brings transatlantic crossings and repositioning cruises. Royal Caribbean also offers year-round sailings to Bermuda, the Southern Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

Key Takeaways

  • Royal Caribbean departs from nine U.S. ports and one Canadian port, so you can often find a cruise within driving distance of home.
  • Caribbean itineraries run year-round from Florida and Texas ports, with stops at islands like Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
  • Alaska cruises operate May through September from Seattle and Vancouver, visiting Glacier Bay and Inside Passage ports.
  • Europe cruises run spring through fall from ports like Baltimore and New York, with routes to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the British Isles.
  • Repositioning cruises in spring and fall offer longer voyages at lower prices as ships move between seasonal home ports.

Caribbean routes from Florida and Texas ports

The Caribbean is Royal Caribbean's most frequent destination. Ships depart year-round from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa in Florida, and from Galveston in Texas. A typical three-day cruise from these ports visits one or two ports — often Cozumel, Mexico or Nassau in the Bahamas. A seven-day cruise visits more islands: Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Turks and Caicos are common stops.

Royal Caribbean also operates private island destinations. CocoCay in the Bahamas is a port of call on many Caribbean itineraries, and Labadee in Haiti appears on several routes. These are ports the cruise line owns or operates, so the experience is controlled by the company rather than by a local port authority.

The Eastern Caribbean route typically includes St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and Barbados. The Western Caribbean focuses on Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Southern Caribbean routes from Galveston visit Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire — islands further south with drier weather and fewer crowds than the typical Caribbean route.

Alaska cruises from Pacific Northwest ports

Alaska cruises run from May through September, when the weather is warmest and glaciers are most visible. Ships depart from Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Most Alaska itineraries are seven days and visit Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Some routes include a stop in Haines or Skagway.

Royal Caribbean operates two types of Alaska routes: Inside Passage cruises, which follow the protected waterway along the coast, and Gulf of Alaska cruises, which venture into open water and visit Glacier Bay. Inside Passage routes tend to be calmer and visit more ports. Gulf of Alaska routes offer more dramatic scenery but can be rougher.

Alaska cruises are longer and more expensive than Caribbean cruises, but they include days at sea where the ship does not stop at a port. These sea days are when you see glaciers, whales, and wildlife from the ship itself.

Europe cruises from East Coast and Canadian ports

Europe cruises operate spring through fall. Ships depart from Baltimore, New York City, and sometimes Boston. Routes include the Mediterranean (visiting Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey), Northern Europe (Scandinavia and Russia), the British Isles, and the Baltics (Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia).

Mediterranean cruises typically run seven to twelve days and visit ports like Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Istanbul. Northern Europe and Baltic cruises are longer — ten to fourteen days — because the ports are farther apart. British Isles cruises visit London, Dublin, and ports in Scotland and Wales.

Europe cruises are more expensive than Caribbean cruises because the voyage is longer and the ports are farther away. Many travelers book a transatlantic crossing to Europe in spring, spend time on land, and then book a return crossing in fall — a strategy that costs more upfront but spreads the cost across two cruises.

Mexico cruises and short getaways

Mexico cruises depart from Texas and Florida ports and visit Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. These are typically three to five days long and appeal to travelers who want a short break or are new to cruising. A three-day cruise from Galveston might visit only Cozumel and return. A five-day cruise from the same port might add Progreso or another Yucatan port.

Cozumel is the most visited Mexican port on Royal Caribbean itineraries. The port has a developed cruise terminal, nearby beaches, and straightforward access to Mayan ruins. Playa del Carmen, just south of Cozumel, is newer to cruise itineraries but is growing in popularity.

Bermuda cruises and year-round warm-water options

Bermuda cruises depart from New York City, Baltimore, and Boston and run spring through fall. A typical Bermuda cruise is five to seven days and visits King's Wharf, St. George's, or Dockyard. Bermuda is a British territory with pink sand beaches and British colonial architecture. The island is expensive to visit on land, so a cruise is often the most affordable way to see it.

Royal Caribbean also offers year-round sailings to Bermuda from Baltimore and New York. These are repositioning cruises in spring and fall, when ships move between seasonal home ports, and regular itineraries in summer. Winter Bermuda cruises are less common but do operate.

Transatlantic and repositioning cruises

Transatlantic cruises cross the Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe. These typically run in spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) and take seven to fourteen days depending on the route. A westbound transatlantic cruise departs from a European port and arrives in New York or Baltimore. An eastbound cruise does the reverse.

Transatlantic cruises are longer and more expensive than typical Caribbean or Europe cruises, but they include multiple sea days and often cost less per day than a standard itinerary. Many travelers book a transatlantic cruise one way and then fly home, rather than paying for a round-trip cruise.

Repositioning cruises are similar: they move ships between seasonal home ports (for example, from the Caribbean to Alaska in spring, or from Alaska to the Caribbean in fall). These cruises are longer than usual, visit fewer ports, and often cost less per day because the cruise line is moving the ship rather than operating a full itinerary.

Panama Canal and South America routes

Panama Canal cruises depart from Galveston, Miami, and sometimes Tampa. These are typically ten to fourteen days and transit the canal itself — a major engineering feat and a highlight of the voyage. A typical Panama Canal itinerary visits Cartagena in Colombia, the San Blas Islands, and ports on the Pacific side like Puntarenas in Costa Rica.

South America cruises are less frequent but do operate. These typically depart from Galveston or Miami and visit ports in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Some itineraries include a stop in the Galapagos Islands, though Royal Caribbean does not operate ships that dock there — passengers transfer by tender boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a Royal Caribbean cruise from a port near me?

Royal Caribbean departs from nine U.S. ports and one Canadian port. If you live on the East Coast, you have options in Florida, Texas, New York, Baltimore, or New Jersey. West Coast travelers can depart from Seattle or Vancouver. If none of these are close, you can fly to a port and board there — many travelers do this for Caribbean cruises from Florida.

What is the difference between an Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruise?

Eastern Caribbean routes visit islands closer to Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Western Caribbean routes focus on Mexico and the Cayman Islands. Eastern Caribbean cruises tend to be shorter and cheaper. Western Caribbean cruises often include a stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island.

When is the best time to book an Alaska cruise?

Alaska cruises run May through September. June and July are peak season with the warmest weather and highest prices. May and September are shoulder season with lower prices and fewer crowds, though the weather is cooler. Book three to six months in advance for the best selection of cabins and prices.

How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost?

Prices vary widely by destination, ship size, cabin type, and season. A three-day Caribbean cruise might start at $300 to $500 per person. A seven-day Caribbean cruise typically ranges from $600 to $1,500 per person. Alaska and Europe cruises are more expensive — $1,200 to $3,000 per person for a week. Prices are lowest in shoulder season and highest during school holidays.

Do Royal Caribbean ships visit any private islands?

Yes. CocoCay in the Bahamas is Royal Caribbean's private island and appears on many Caribbean itineraries. Labadee in Haiti is another private port. These islands offer beaches, water sports, and dining controlled by the cruise line. Some itineraries also include stops at Bermuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are not private but are frequent Royal Caribbean destinations.