Royal Caribbean International has announced a significant change to its cruise deployment strategy for the 2026-27 winter season. The cruise line will move two Radiance-class ships, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, away from Puerto Rico. Instead, both ships will be deployed from Florida. Replacing them in San Juan will be the smaller Vision-class vessels, Rhapsody of the Seas and Vision of the Seas.
This reshuffling reflects the company’s effort to streamline operations while still offering attractive itineraries for Caribbean travelers. However, the changes also carry implications for Puerto Rico’s cruise industry.
Adjustments in Ship Deployments
Initially, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas were scheduled to sail from San Juan. With the revised plan, both ships will now homeport in Florida. Radiance of the Seas will sail from Tampa, while Brilliance of the Seas will operate from Port Everglades.
Puerto Rico will instead receive Rhapsody of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. These vessels are smaller than their Radiance-class counterparts, offering fewer cabins and reduced passenger capacity. While itineraries will remain largely the same, the overall number of cruise visitors to Puerto Rico is expected to decrease.
Passenger Options Following the Changes
Royal Caribbean has outlined several options for guests impacted by the redeployment. Travelers who choose to keep their current bookings can sail on the new vessels without changes to itinerary destinations. The company will honor the original stateroom category and protect the booking price.
Guests who prefer not to sail on the smaller ships can request a full refund, including non-refundable deposits. Another option allows guests to rebook on a different sailing. Non-refundable deposit fees will be waived for rebookings, although any fare difference between the original and new cruise will apply.
This flexibility ensures that travelers can make the best choice for their plans while minimizing disruption.
Florida Gains Larger Ships
While Puerto Rico receives smaller vessels, Florida gains larger capacity ships. Radiance of the Seas will operate from Tampa, and Brilliance of the Seas will sail from Port Everglades.
This redeployment strengthens Florida’s position as a leading cruise hub. With more passengers boarding from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s cruise economy will likely benefit from increased traffic. For travelers, the change offers more sailing options directly from the U.S. mainland, making Caribbean cruises more accessible.
Impact on Puerto Rico Tourism
The shift in ship deployments raises questions about Puerto Rico’s cruise tourism outlook. Larger Radiance-class ships can accommodate more passengers, and their absence will likely reduce the total number of cruise arrivals.
Local businesses that depend on large volumes of cruise visitors may see fewer customers. Shops, restaurants, tour operators, and guides could be affected. However, the change also creates opportunities for a different kind of tourism.
With smaller ships, Puerto Rico may attract travelers who value a more intimate, less crowded experience. These guests may prefer leisurely excursions, cultural activities, and quiet sightseeing, rather than mass-market tourism.
While overall passenger numbers may dip, Puerto Rico can adapt by promoting exclusive experiences designed for smaller groups. This strategy may help balance the impact of the redeployment while still maintaining profitability in cruise tourism.
What Travelers Should Do
Guests with bookings for the 2026-27 season should review their options promptly. Royal Caribbean has provided clear guidelines for staying with the new ship, canceling, or rebooking.
Travelers should log in to their booking portal or contact Royal Caribbean directly for personalized assistance. Confirming details such as price adjustments, itinerary modifications, and stateroom availability will help avoid surprises later. Acting early ensures a smoother transition and allows travelers to secure preferred alternatives if needed.
For passengers who prioritize ship size and amenities, rebooking on Radiance or Brilliance from Florida may be an attractive choice. Those who want to keep Puerto Rico departures can remain on Rhapsody or Vision, knowing their travel investment is protected.
Broader Industry Implications
The redeployment reflects how cruise lines adjust capacity to meet market demand. Larger ships often bring higher efficiency, but smaller ships provide more flexibility. Royal Caribbean’s strategy balances both goals while ensuring guests remain satisfied.
For the cruise industry, this move highlights the importance of operational agility. Demand can vary across regions, and cruise lines must adapt quickly. For Puerto Rico, the adjustment underscores the need to diversify its tourism appeal beyond large-scale cruise arrivals.
Conclusion: A Balanced Strategy for Growth
Royal Caribbean’s redeployment strategy for the 2026-27 season reflects careful planning to balance market needs and guest expectations. By moving Radiance and Brilliance of the Seas to Florida, the company enhances its U.S. operations. By placing Rhapsody and Vision of the Seas in Puerto Rico, it continues to serve the island while adapting capacity to demand.
For travelers, the company offers flexibility—keep the booking, rebook, or cancel with a full refund. For Puerto Rico, the changes may reduce visitor numbers but open opportunities for more exclusive and tailored tourism experiences.
The decision may reshape cruise tourism patterns in the Caribbean, but it also demonstrates Royal Caribbean’s commitment to flexibility, guest satisfaction, and long-term growth.
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