Royal Caribbean and Princess outline destination and fleet plans
Royal Caribbean Group is targeting new private destinations, a major ship delivery and river cruising in 2027, while Princess Cruises is planning an expanded regional season.
Public filings indicate Royal Caribbean Group intends to expand its portfolio of private and branded destinations from three locations to eight by 2028. The company’s destination overview lists Royal Beach Club developments on Paradise Island in Nassau, Santorini in Greece, Cozumel in Mexico and Lelepa in Vanuatu.
The Lelepa destination is scheduled to open in 2027 as a stop for voyages from Australia and New Zealand. Investor documents also show plans for Perfect Day Mexico at Costa Maya in 2027, following the acquisition of port and beachfront property. The destination is intended to support Western Caribbean itineraries sailing from Texas and Florida.
Orderbook data lists a 250,800-gross-ton ship provisionally named Hero of the Seas for delivery from Meyer Turku in 2027, with a Caribbean deployment focus that summer. Separately, Royal Caribbean Group has signaled that it plans to enter river cruising in 2027 through its Celebrity River Cruises brand.
Princess Cruises, meanwhile, has outlined an enhanced Canada and New England program for 2027, including new itineraries scheduled around autumn foliage and regional cultural events. Longer term, Princess has ordered a larger new class of ships from Fincantieri, with deliveries expected to begin in the mid-2030s.