Royal Caribbean announced a major deployment shift this week, revealing Icon of the Seas will sail from Galveston, Texas, starting in August 2027, bringing one of the world’s largest cruise ships to the Lone Star State for the first time.
Record-Breaking Ship Coming to Texas
The announcement is part of Royal Caribbean’s bold 2027-28 season lineup featuring nine ships sailing from Texas, California, and the Northeast. Icon of the Seas, which has revolutionized family vacations since its debut, will begin its Galveston season after completing its initial Miami sailings in April 2027.
From Galveston, Icon will offer six- to eight-night Eastern and Western Caribbean getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, Mexico, where passengers can visit the new Royal Beach Club Cozumel opening in late 2026.
The ship features Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, seven pools, and more than 40 dining and drinking venues designed to deliver experiences for all ages.
Symphony Joins Icon in Galveston
Symphony of the Seas will also homeport in Texas for the first time starting April 2027, offering four- to eight-night Western Caribbean vacations to Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Passengers will have access to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, which opens in December 2025.
The ship features The Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story dry slide, plus more than 30 dining and drinking options including Jamie’s Italian, El Loco Fresh, and Boleros.
Liberty of the Seas Returns After Amplification
Beginning April 2027, the newly amplified Liberty of the Seas will offer four- to eight-night Caribbean adventures from Galveston.
Following its 2026 amplification, the ship will feature a completely reimagined pool deck with The Lime & Coconut bar, new casitas with ocean views, and an all-new Royal Escape Room.
California and Northeast Deployments
From Los Angeles, Ovation of the Seas will offer three- and four-night getaways to Ensenada and Catalina Island, while Navigator of the Seas continues seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.
From Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Oasis of the Seas will sail seven-night Bahamas vacations starting May 2027, while Odyssey of the Seas offers seven- to 12-night Caribbean itineraries beginning November 2027. Independence of the Seas will operate four- to nine-night getaways to Bermuda, Canada, New England, and the Eastern Caribbean.
Return to Baltimore
Vision of the Seas will sail from Baltimore with five- and nine-night vacations to Bimini, Bermuda, Halifax, and Saint John during summer and fall 2027.
The 2027-28 season vacations are now available to book on the Royal Caribbean website for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, with official opening to the public on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
