RCI-Royal Caribbean International will hold its 2027 President’s Cruise aboard Odyssey of the Seas, with the 7-night sailing scheduled to depart from Rome on September 19th, 2027. The itinerary will visit the Greek Isles and Southern Italy, with calls at Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos and Naples.
The announcement was made by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley during this year’s President’s Cruise. The annual event brings together Royal Caribbean guests, particularly members of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program, for a sailing featuring additional events and activities.
The President’s Cruise remains open to all passengers and follows the format of a regular Royal Caribbean voyage, supplemented by special programming. Events can include meetings with senior executives, question-and-answer sessions and activities not normally offered on other sailings. This year’s program, for example, included a Q&A with Bayley, fireworks and drone shows, as well as a performance by Kool & The Gang.
The 2027 selection of Odyssey of the Seas also coincides with Royal Caribbean’s expansion of its land-based experiences in the Mediterranean. The itinerary includes Santorini, where the company recently opened Royal Beach Club Santorini, its second beach club.
The beach club is designed as an extension of the cruise experience ashore, combining access to a dedicated beach area with Greek cuisine and activities. Royal Caribbean operates the facility directly rather than through a third-party excursion provider. The company has positioned the concept as a more comprehensive shore experience in destinations that can experience high visitor volumes.
For Royal Caribbean’s most frequent passengers, the President’s Cruise provides an opportunity to meet company executives and gain insight into the cruise line’s operations and future plans, while also bringing together a large group of repeat guests. The additional programming and focus on the cruise line’s community of loyal passengers distinguish the event from a standard Royal Caribbean sailing.