Royal Caribbean’s New 2-5 Night Cruises: Perfect for Beginners

Royal Caribbean International has announced a new lineup of shorter itineraries that could provide the perfect opportunity for advisors to get their and their clients’ feet wet in the lucrative cruise market.

In a Travel Market Report Canada feature earlier this month, Travel Only advisor Doug Roffel, a self-proclaimed “passionate cruiser” says shorter cruising itineraries are a great opportunity for first-time cruise clients to test the waters before making a longer commitment.

“Shorter cruises are becoming more popular too, as a way of trying out whether cruising is for them. If somebody’s already in Florida for example, and they’ve never tried a cruise, you’re already there.  It’s a good opportunity to jump on a cruise for three or four days to test it out.”

Roffel suggested snowbirds in the southern US during winter might enjoy trying a short cruise as a mini-vacation within their trip.

He does say however to be aware that advisors to make sure they get the right ship as many itineraries use older ships, but that Royal Caribbean has been changing that.  A game-changer in this space has been Utopia of the Seas, the first of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships dedicated to short cruises. With RCI’s announcement, the cruise line now offers a lineup of two- to five-night vacations on 11 Royal Caribbean ships in 2026/27, including four Oasis-class ships.

“Royal Caribbean’s short cruises have exploded in popularity, especially among travellers looking for a quick but unforgettable getaway,” Lisa Connell, Director of Sales, Canada. “These 3- and 4-night sailings offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment, making them an ideal choice for long weekends or short escapes from the everyday routine. These cruises redefine what a short vacation can be.

With Canadians and other travellers embracing the appeal of a quick, hassle-free getaway, Royal Caribbean’s short cruises continue to set the standard for unforgettable mini-vacations.”

Bookings open today for the following itineraries:

Utopia of the Seas (Port Canaveral, year-round): Three- to four-night sailings visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, with the option to purchase a day pass to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Wonder of the Seas (Miami, year-round): Three- and four-night getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau in The Bahamas, where cruisers can purchase a day pass to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Freedom of the Seas (Miami, year-round): Four- and five-night sailings across the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Mariner of the Seas (Galveston, summer): Four- and five-night Western Caribbean sailings visits destinations like Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Rhapsody of the Seas (Tampa, summer): Four- and -five-night sailings to Mexico.

Grandeur of the Seas (Fort Lauderdale, summer): Three- and four-night cruises to destinations across The Bahamas, as well as Key West.

Liberty of the Seas (Galveston, winter): Four- and five-night Western Caribbean adventures.

Harmony of the Seas (Port Canaveral, winter): Two- , four- , five- , and seven-night sailings to the Caribbean including ports such as Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Explorer of the Seas (Port Canaveral, winter): Four-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries, along with five-night Eastern and Western options.

Vision of the Seas (Miami, winter): Three- and four-night The Bahamas and Key West cruises.

Oasis of the Seas (Fort Lauderdale, winter): Three- and four-night getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.