Royal Caribbean puts four Icon Class ships in the Caribbean for summer 2028

Royal Caribbean has opened its summer 2028 Caribbean and Mexico program, with 11 ships sailing from Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast. Four of those ships are in the Icon Class. The company also says Symphony of the Seas will gain new experiences in 2028, although it has not yet detailed that work. The schedule runs from April through October 2028, according to the November 5 announcement.

Where the big ships will sail#

Hero of the Seas is scheduled for seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami starting in April. Legend of the Seas is set for six- and eight-night trips from Fort Lauderdale. Star of the Seas will offer seven-night cruises from Port Canaveral, while Icon of the Seas is assigned six- and eight-night Western Caribbean voyages from Galveston. That puts an Icon Class ship in Texas as well as three Florida departure markets.

These are the lengths highlighted in the line's release, rather than a guarantee that every departure has the same route. Travelers should check the exact date and port sequence before choosing a cabin.

Symphony's refresh remains a preview#

Symphony of the Seas is scheduled to sail six- and eight-night Caribbean trips from Miami after a 2028 enhancement. Royal Caribbean calls the future experience "amplified" but says the features will be revealed later. It would be premature to assume a particular restaurant, attraction or cabin change. Its currently described program includes destinations such as Curaçao and Jamaica.

The wider schedule includes Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Brilliance of the Seas from Tampa. Enchantment of the Seas is slated for seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan. The mix matters for travelers who prefer smaller ships or a departure port near home: the announcement is broader than its four largest vessels.

What to check before booking#

Royal Caribbean says Crown & Anchor members received early access on November 5, ahead of a wider opening later that day. As with any itinerary launched almost two years out, sail dates, calls and prices can change. Compare the full fare, taxes, gratuities and any paid beach-club or shore excursion costs on the specific sailing.

Perfect Day at CocoCay features prominently in the Florida departures. The announcement also mentions Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, which requires a purchased day pass. Those two experiences are different products, so a Bahamas call alone does not tell you which one is included in your day ashore.

The practical choice is the departure city and route first, then the ship. A seven-night trip from Miami, a six-night departure from Galveston and a Southern Caribbean loop from San Juan solve different travel problems. Royal's newly published schedule gives cruisers those options, while the details of Symphony's upgrade remain an open question. See the full company announcement for the individual ship descriptions.